Crowne Plaza continues to extend its brand presence in South East Asia with the opening of the Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. The opening marks the brand’s first resort-hotel in the region – and the brand’s second opening this year after Crowne Plaza Semarang in January. The resort is also the brand’s second property in Thailand after the recently launched Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. Sined in February 2012, this new, secluded resort is located just a stone’s throw from shopping district Phuket Town and a short drive to Patong, and is set in Makham Bay – offering views of the offshore twin islands Tapao Yai and Tapao Noi. Inspired from the local rich Sino-Portuguese heritage, the resort has marbled floors, rich woods and flowing water throughout the public areas and guest rooms, offset by contemporary art, light and space. Boasting two beachfront pools serviced by specialty bars and restaurants and a semi-private third beachfront pool for those who stay in the resort’s exclusive loft pool suites, Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort offers an intimate guest experience. The resort suites feature bay window baths and all 224 guestrooms have a separate bath and private, furnished balconies. Free Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the resort ensures guests are connected 24/7. A tour desk operable through regular business hours offers guests customised tours in Phuket or nearby action-packed islands which offer a realm of recreational activities including evening beach campfires, and kayaking trips. To top off the rich cultural experience, the resort’s local chefs are masters of traditional Royal Thai cuisine and offer cooking classes for guests. The resort’s signature Thann spa is available for relaxation, while the 24-hour gym, supervised kids club, resort centre, café and lobby bar elevated over Makham Bay complete the fine beach resort experience. Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort’s meeting and event facilities combine state-of-the-art technology with a variety of venue options including a bay-front ballroom and spacious terrace, two boardrooms and outdoor spaces. To celebrate the opening, Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is offering guests an opening special of US$96+ per night (or THB2,999+) inclusive of complimentary breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi access.