Onyx News

Thailand-based hotel management company ONYX Hospitality Group offers two innovative and unique spa brands as part of its strategic growth plans. With each brand catering to very distinct market segments; Breeze Spa is the ‘fun’, mid tier offering whilst Maai Spa will offer exclusive, luxury spa experiences for a discerning, spa-savvy clientele.

Stemming from a comprehensive review of the existing spa offering and with due consideration given to ONYX’s strategic growth plans, a conclusion was reached that two brands were needed.

ONYX’s Corporate Director of Spa, Kirsty MacCormick explained: “We felt that we needed a new and original mid-range brand to replace the existing spa concept in the Amari properties. However, we did not feel that this type of brand offering would suit luxury properties.”

Breeze
Conceptualised from the premise that happiness is a key foundation for wellness, Breeze Spas will appeal to a wide-reaching demographic, encompassing the seasoned spa aficionado to the wellness newcomer. The spa brand presents a simple yet innovative Mood Therapy Treatment concept. Designed to be a complete sensory experience, each treatment is aligned with a carefully chosen traditional body therapy or massage technique as its centerpiece, enhanced by specific aromatherapy oils, herbal teas, musical selections and even colours to provide a package that delivers the mood each guest is looking to bring to their life.

“Breeze is the affordable spa option which will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face,” promises Kirsty. “When you visit Breeze, you will see a different side of spa, and rediscover how fun it is to feel good!”

In addition to a range of customised treatments and products under the Breeze label, the spas will also feature offerings by leading Thai natural skincare brand, Panpuri and the award-winning Italian spa products brand, Comfort Zone.

“The treatments are both smart and fun. We focus on boosting energy and allow you to just enjoy the experience. Breeze communication will be humorous but innocent; a refreshing alternative to the typically subdued spa experience,” Kirsty added.

The first Breeze Spa will open its doors at Amari Hua Hin in June 2012. Plans are also underway to refurbish the existing spas in all Amari properties to fully encapsulate the vibrant Breeze design.

Maai
This is an exciting luxury wellness brand borne from the tradition of  authentic Thai healing combined with modern day science, all encased within the elegance of Thai silk. Offering a combination of private suite based treatments, unique Thai herbal programmes and advanced skincare science, Maai Spas offer results-driven beauty treatments and technology delivered through personalised programmes, amidst a backdrop of contemporary luxury.

"We felt that creating a luxury spa brand around Thai traditions was very important, given that we are a Thai company," said Kirsty. “It is also interesting to note that despite the global popularity of Thai massages, most authentic spa wellness treatments have been based on Chinese medicine and on Ayurvedic healing.”

Maai Spa’s authentic treatments draw from the 2,500-year history of indigenous Thai healing with influences from Indian, Chinese and Tibetan healing practices. The traditional therapies will be combined with modern scientific wellness. 

“Maai will take a very new-era approach to achieving results through beauty treatments and technology,” explained Kirsty. “There will also be a luxury manicure and pedicure bar, along with personalised spa and beauty treatments which emphasise the importance of diet, exercise and relaxation.”

In an interesting parallel, the origin of Thai silk follows a similar path across Asia as the country’s ancient healing techniques. Thus, Maai (which means silk in Thai) blends the attributes and traditions of this sumptuous, handcrafted fabric to create luxurious, elegant spa surroundings.

These two distinctive spa brands will enable ONYX to enhance the facilities within its own portfolio of managed properties whilst also offering management services for these spas to be set up in third party hotels, standalone luxury residential or mixed used developments and even airport lounges.

About ONYX:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:
MEDIA CONTACT

Korawee Sapmanee -  Manager, Communications

ONYX Hospitality Group                         T  +66 (0) 2255 3767, +66 (0) 2255 4588
847 Petchburi Road                                F  +66 (0) 2255 3718
Bangkok 10400                                       E  send an enquiry
Thailand                                                   W www.onyx-hospitality.com

ONYX ANNOUNCES TAKEOVER TO DEBUT ITS OZO BRAND IN HONG KONG

ONYX Hospitality Group, is pleased to announce its official commencement of the management of the Wesley, located next to Admiralty in Wanchai district of Hong Kong, on 1 February 2012.

Appointed by Methodist Centre Limited, ONYX will close the property to undertake an extensive refurbishment programme before relaunching it as OZO Wesley Hong Kong in the last quarter of 2012.

“We are very excited to rebrand the Wesley as the inaugural property under ONYX’s dynamic new select service brand, OZO,” said Kenneth Sorensen, General Manager, OZO Wesley & Vice President, Operations, ONYX North Asia.

“Given the superb location of the property, the positioning of the OZO brand as “select service offering a five star sleeping experience”, the fresh new OZO facilities and the services we will be unveiling, OZO Wesley will be an appealing alternative to the current accommodation offerings in the area around Admiralty and Pacific Place.

The 251-room property, offering a mix of rooms and suites, is strategically located at No. 22 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, a prime business and commercial area on Hong Kong Island and it is just five minutes’ walk from Admiralty MTR station.

Facilities within OZO Wesley will include a Chinese restaurant, a breakfast lounge with adjacent meeting space, a fitness room, and a Grab & Go. At the heart of the property, will be a central multi-functional hub of activity catering to tech-savvy guests.

OZO guestrooms will showcase facilities traditionally featured in more luxurious levels of accommodation including plush carpeting, fully sound-proofed walls and doors, the latest in-room technology and a bed guaranteeing a great sleep experience. A selection of music and amenities for ultimate relaxation will further ensure that every guestroom becomes a personal sanctuary.

Photo Caption
(from left to right)
Rev. Tin Yau Yuen, Conference Secretary, The Methodist Church, Hong Kong   
Mr. Kenneth Sorensen, General Manager, OZO Wesley Hong Kong & Vice President Operations, ONYX North Asia
Rev. Prof. Lung Kwong Lo, President, The Methodist Church, Hong Kong   
Ms. Elaine Young, Executive Director, ONYX Hospitality Group

Editor’s Notes:
About OZO
OZO is ONYX Hospitality Group’s select service brand providing guests with practical yet stylish accommodation where simplicity combined with quality is the key. OZO properties feature lively atmospheres in its public areas that contrast strongly with the haven of comfort and tranquility that the guestrooms embody.

About ONYX:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:

Korawee Sapmanee -  Manager, Communications

ONYX Hospitality Group                         T  +66 (0) 2255 3767, +66 (0) 2255 4588
847 Petchburi Road                                F  +66 (0) 2255 3718
Bangkok 10400                                       E  send an enquiry
Thailand                                                   W www.onyx-hospitality.com

  CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF ORIENTAL RESIDENCE BANGKOK

Opening its doors on 23 January 2012, Oriental Residence Bangkok sets new standards for luxury residences offering contemporary interiors, bespoke amenities and exceptional, personalised services. The property is managed by ONYX Hospitality Group, whose management portfolio includes the hotel group Amari, amongst other brands.

Oriental Residence Bangkok is located on Wireless Road, a well-known, uniquely landscaped central area of the Thai capital. Set within an iconic 32 storey building, the property comprises 46 private ownership units and 145 serviced residence ranging from 41 Executive Deluxe, 70 One-Bedroom Suites, 30 Two-Bedrooms Suites and 4 Three-Bedroom Suites.

A sense of understated elegance permeates the stylishly appointed residences, ranging from executive deluxe and one-bedroom through three bedroom residences, each showcasing distinctive residential décor, artistically directed by Chanintr Living, Thailand’s leading retailer of luxury home furnishings. Ranging from 45sqm to 188sqm in size, the residences feature polished hardwood floors, stylish imported furnishings and fixtures with expansive vistas of the city.

“We are very excited to be able to fully showcase our property for the first time”, said Patrick Schaub, General Manager. “Oriental Residence Bangkok aims to become one of the leading properties in the city and our exemplary standards of personalised service will enhance Thailand’s world renowned reputation for warm hospitality.”

To mark its opening, Oriental Residence Bangkok is offering an exciting selection of special promotions featured on www.oriental-residence.com.

Dining options at Oriental Residence Bangkok include Café Claire – an all-day dining restaurant that provides boutique dining experience and offering gourmet comfort food made with premium ingredients, and Mandopop, an innovative Chinese dining venue showcasing modern presentations of traditional Cantonese, Sichuan, and Hakka dishes. The signature restaurant combines authentic Chinese cuisine against a stylish modern-day Chinese pop culture setting.

The Play Deck on the 4th floor of Oriental Residence Bangkok offers an elegantly inviting open area for exclusive relaxation and recreation. Facilities include a Fitness Room with state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment, a 20 metre swimming pool and a multi-purpose Play Room along with the Deck Bar.

Three meeting rooms ranging from 16 – 145 sqm with a capacity to accommodate up to 100 participants are located on the third floor with most boasting natural daylight, featuring the latest technology and business services.

Every aspect of Oriental Residence Bangkok speaks to style: a landmark location, unrivalled views over expansive gardens and modernist interiors with nostalgic homage to turn of the century Thailand in its finer details. Residents will enjoy convenient access to the heart of Bangkok’s bustling central business district with a selection of prime shopping centres and the efficient Bangkok Transit System (BTS Skytrain) close by.

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About ONYX:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and Ozo - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Korawee Sapmanee -  Manager, Communications

ONYX Hospitality Group                         T  +66 (0) 2255 3767, +66 (0) 2255 4588
847 Petchburi Road                                F  +66 (0) 2255 3718
Bangkok 10400                                       E  send an enquiry
Thailand                                                   W www.onyx-hospitality.com

ONYX TO LAUNCH AMARI IN INDIA, WITH A DEBUT IN THE PUNJAB CITY, LUDHIANA

ONYX Hospitality Group, a Thailand based hotel management company, has been appointed by Apna Punjab Resorts  Ltd to operate a  127-suite hotel in Ludhiana, the business capital of the Punjab, under its cornerstone mid to upscale Amari brand. The hotel, expected to open in the second half of 2012, will be known as Amari Ludhiana.

“This project will mark the entry of the Amari brand into India and, it is therefore a very significant milestone for us,” noted Peter Henley, President and Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group.

“Ludhiana is a thriving city and we look forward to working with Apna Punjab Resorts Ltd to make Amari Ludhiana the city’s leading hotel both in terms of its accommodation as well as its extensive catering facilities.”

Agyapaul Singh, owner of Apna Punjab Resorts Ltd commented: “We have long known of Amari and its enviable reputation for service, food and spa facilities in Thailand. We are truly delighted to have this instrumental role in creating the first Amari property in India.”

“Ludhiana is a vibrant and growing destination, with a strong demand for weddings and banquets amongst both the local and non-resident communities. As a brand new development and the first upscale all-suite hotel in the Punjab, Amari Ludhiana aims to be the leading venue to fully cater to the needs of these grand occasions,” Mr Singh added.

Located on Canal Road, a major bypass road in the city, the hotel will feature 127 spacious guestrooms with a courtyard lobby, reception and lounge located within a grand atrium space of approximately 1400 square metres. In terms of area, Amari Ludhiana will be the largest hotel in the Punjab.

The property will also offer significant banquet facilities and be able to accommodate events for up to 2,000 people as well as parking for 250 cars inside the complex Amari Ludhiana will also feature a tea lounge and Kitty rooms, to cater to the area’s key niche market, society ladies’ lunches and social gatherings. Other facilities will include a large multi-cuisine all day dining restaurant, a spa, gymnasium and retail spaces.

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About ONYX:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and Ozo - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Korawee Sapmanee -  Manager, Communications

ONYX Hospitality Group                         T  +66 (0) 2255 3767, +66 (0) 2255 4588
847 Petchburi Road                               F  +66 (0) 2255 3718
Bangkok 10400                                     E  send an enquiry
Thailand                                                W www.onyx-hospitality.com

Shama, ONYX Hospitality Group’s luxury serviced apartment provider, has secured management contracts for two new developments in China in the cities of Hangzhou and Shanghai, thereby strengthening the brand’s position as a leading provider of luxurious serviced apartments in Asia.

The first project, Shama HEDA Hangzhou is scheduled to open late 2013 in Hangzhou, the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province in Eastern China.

Located within the Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Area (HEDA), the city’s national-grade development zone, the residential project will comprise 101 luxuriously appointed one and two bedroom units. An ideal choice for business travellers, it features a fully equipped business centre, a state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool. Other facilities include a children’s play area and tenants lounge. 

Set to open in early 2014, Shama Luxe Bundside East Shanghai will be the brand’s fifth project in the city. Conveniently located on Tung Shan Street in the Pudong district, the 168–stylishly furnished serviced apartments will feature a range of studios, one to four bedroom apartments and a 300 square-metre Presidential Suite. Each residence features a fully equipped kitchen with cooking stove, a dedicated work area and separate living and dining areas. The property also offers an onsite health club, saunas, rooftop garden and residents lounge.

Peter Henley, ONYX’s President and Chief Executive Officer commented: ”We firmly believe that Shama offers an unmatched level of style and luxury combined with warm, personalised service, thereby differentiating it strongly from other serviced apartment providers. These two new developments in Shanghai and Hangzhou will be destinations in their own right and strengthen Shama’s positioning as a market leader in Greater China whilst propelling our growth in the Asian region.”

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About Shama

Shama is ONYX’s luxury serviced apartment provider that epitomises comfort, style and luxury. Shama was established in 2001. The brand operates two tiers of serviced apartments, consisting of Shama and a premiere tier called Shama Luxe. It currently operates 12 properties in prime commercial and residential districts in gateway cities including Bangkok, Dalian, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Visit www.shama.com

ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has appointed Mr. Simon Dell as General Manager of its newest resort, Amari Hua Hin, set to open in March 2012. 

Located in the popular Thai seaside town of Hua Hin, the property is part of an exciting 7.5-acre mixed use development project which includes privately owned condominiums, and will be the 13thAmari property in Thailand for this leading domestic hotel brand.

In his new role, Mr. Dell will be overseeing all aspects of the pre-opening period of the hotel, and will take overall responsibility for the smooth running of the hotel after it opens. His primary focus will be to ensure that this new development is able to fully deliver in terms of customer expectation, occupancy rate and revenue generation. 

Fluent in 3 languages and able to speak 3 more, Mr. Dell, a British national who grew up in Switzerland and graduated in Business and Hospitality Administration from Johnson & Wales University, USA. He also holds a diploma in Hotel Administration from the Institute Hotelier-César Ritz in Switzerland. Before joining Amari, he accumulated a wealth of experience in international hospitality management in Hong Kong, Russia, Germany, Israel, UK and Switzerland.

Mr. Dell has been with Amari since 2008 having begun his career with the group as Executive Assistant Manager at Amari Orchid Pattaya, before being appointed General Manager of Amari Vogue Krabi, a property he joined in August 2009.

Simon Dell and his team will manage the 223-room resort, which offers a range of room types, from Superior and Deluxe rooms to expansive Suites and Family suites. Catering to both leisure and business guests, Amari Hua Hin will also offer state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities and a range of exciting dining experiences, a Beach Club, a Kids’ club, and  the vibrant Breeze Spa.

Amari Hua Hin is ideally situated next to a popular stretch of beach called Khao Takiab, just off Phetchakasem Road and just few minutes away from the popular Cicada market. The resort is poised to become one of the town’s leading destinations under the direction of its new General Manager.

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Amari. The Colours and Rhythms of Modern Asian Hospitality

About Amari
Amari is the centrepiece of the ONYX portfolio of hotel brands reflecting modern Asian hospitality, a down to earth vibe and embodying Asian flair.

ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers.

ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:

ONYX Hospitality Group recently announced the appointment of Stefan Wolf as Vice President, Revenue Management to oversee global revenue strategies for the group.

Wolf is a German native graduate in hotel management. He started his hotel career in operations at a leading hotel in Korea before joining Marriott International in 1996 in reservations and revenue management at the Marriott Hotel in Hamburg. He then continued for more than 15 years in key revenue management positions for several leading hotel groups including InterContinental Hotels Group, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and the Jumeirah Group.

Prior to joining ONYX, Wolf set up the revenue management infrastructure for Rocco Forte Hotels as their Group Director of Revenue Management & Distribution.

At ONYX, Wolf will use his expertise to build a revenue management culture and to ensure the success of revenue management for ONYX and the properties under the group’s portfolio of brands; Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO.

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About ONYX:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com. 

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:

Commencing on 1 October 2011, Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group will assume the management of a 105-room hotel on Hainan island, China’s leading leisure destination. Owned by leading local developer, Sanya Daxing Group, the existing landmark property will continue to operate as an upscale boutique offering whilst it undergoes a phase of re-branding before debuting as the Amari Sanya Bay on 1 March 2012.

The centrepiece of the ONYX portfolio of brands, Amari properties reflect modern Asian hospitality, embodying Asian flair, modern perspective and a down-to-earth vibe.

ONYX President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Henley, said: “We are delighted to be working with Sanya Daxing Group which has considerable experience in property development on Hainan island. We believe that Sanya is a vibrant place with an impressive array of commercial and leisure attractions and will develop into a major tourist destination in Asia.”

“This inaugural Amari-branded hotel in China is a significant milestone in ONYX’s strategic development,” Henley added. “With our international experience, a proven management track record, and depth of resources, we believe that Amari Sanya Bay will bring a vibrant, Thai-style level of service to Sanya, thereby differentiating it strongly from the large-scale developments elsewhere on the island allowing it to reach its full potential.”

Chairman Zhang Hai Lin of Sanya Daxing Group noted: “We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with ONYX Hospitality Group. We are also delighted that ours will be the very first hotel in China to carry the highly regarded Amari brand and are very confident that the high standards of service excellence and distinctive Thai ambience will hold strong appeal for all leisure travellers coming to Sanya.”

Located just 20 minutes from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, the 11-storey property features well-appointed rooms with balconies, all offering panoramic views of Sanya Bay. Facilities will include an elegant below-ground Chinese restaurant, a Thai restaurant with two dining salas, a clubhouse on the waterfront, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool with poolside bars.

*    * *    *

About ONYX:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:

Photo (From left to right): Thorsten Ries, Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President, ONYX Hospitality Group, Sukamal Mondal, Shama Sukhumvit General Manager, Wisan Khunwisan, Shama Sukhumvit owner,  Peter Henley, Chief Executive Officer, ONYX Hospitality Group, ML. Suravut Thongthaem, Senior Vice President- Sales, ONYX Hospitality Group.

Shama Sukhumvit recently marked its 1st year of successful operations with an anniversary event. The auspicious occasion took place at the property, where Sukamal Mondal, General Manager, welcomed esteemed members of ONYX Hospitality Group. Shama is a strong brand concentrated solely in the serviced apartment market and was acquired by ONYX Hospitality Group last year.

Located in Sukhumvit Soi 2, Shama Sukhumvit sets a new standard for serviced living in Bangkok with a wealth of mid range, long and short term lease, serviced living options. The property offers superior accommodation complete with state of the art facilities and 90, one, two and three bedroom apartments. Tenants benefit from a range of facilities at Shama Sukhumvit including the Shama Rooftop - an outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool, a well equipped children’s play area, a fitness centre, a tenant lounge and a business centre. It also offers short and long term leases (1 day – 12 months) which will appeal to both tourists to Bangkok, and long term corporate tenants.

About ONYX:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hotel brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama  and Ozo - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. The Thailand-based hotel management company also manages a portfolio of independently owned or franchised properties throughout Thailand (www.oamhotels.com). ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:

ONYX Hospitality Group recently announced the appointment of Ferdinand Trinidad to the newly created role of Vice President, Pre-Opening to oversee operations during the pre-opening phases of properties within ONYX portfolio of hotel brands.

A native of the Philippines, Ferdinand started his hospitality career at the Hyatt Regency Manila. Over the course of 20 years, Ferdinand has acquired extensive hospitality experiences in numerous operational roles with several renowned hotel groups in Asia including Shangri-La, The Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

In 2004, Ferdinand moved to Thailand to join Minor Hotel Group Ltd as Resident Manager and then Pre-Opening General Manager for Minor’s Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. He was then appointed to the corporate role of Group Director of Technical Service and later, Group Director of Hotel Openings & Operation Support. During his tenure, Ferdinand created standard technical service manuals and pre-opening and re-branding manuals for the group.

In his role at ONYX, Ferdinand will ensure a comprehensive support platform for the pre-opening stages of all properties within the group’s portfolio of brands, Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO. He will focus on ensuring the alignment of the various brand standards and each individual property’s operational needs, in addition to providing a seamless transition from management agreement confirmation to a property’s opening day.

Ferdinand’s first assignments will include two new properties under ONYX’s cornerstone Amari brand, one in the Addu atoll of the Maldives (opening in November 2011) and the other in the popular Thai seaside town of Hua Hin (opening in early 2012), as well as the first property under ONYX’s select service brand, OZO, located in the Wanchai district of Hong Kong and scheduled to open in late 2012.

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Editors’ notes:
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact: