Belmond remains on the look-out for new opportunities in Asia after it confirmed the completion of its sale of two La Résidence hotels in the region to Thailand-based KS Hotels.
The sale of La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang in Laos and La Résidence D’Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia takes Belmond’s Asia hotel portfolio down to two – the Jimbaran Puri in Bali and Napasai in Thailand’s Koh Samui.
However, despite the scaling down, it does not appear to represent a strategic shift away from Asia for Belmond. “Belmond continues to explore opportunities to enhance our portfolio with exceptional journeys and iconic properties in Asia,” the luxury hospitality group said in a statement.
The company also runs the Eastern & Oriental Express, a luxury train which traverses Malaysia from Singapore.
Meanwhile, the properties’ new owner KS Hotels has appointed Cambodia-based firm HMD Asia, owned by Cambodian entrepreneur Sokoun Chanpreda, to manage the two properties.
La Résidence Phou Vao has already transferred across and has been operating under its new ownership and management since 1 November. La Résidence D’Angkor is currently closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in Q4 2025.
The hotels join HMD’s existing portfolio which includes four properties in Cambodia, with another set to open in Q1 2025, and one in Nepal.
“HMD Asia is delighted to be taking over management of the iconic La Résidence hotels,” Executive Director Anthony Lark said.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
“We feel a deep sense of honour and responsibility in managing these beautiful small hotels and we are excited to continue their legacy of service and attention to detail, while continuing to develop unique guest experiences in the future.”
Lark told LATTE the expansion of its portfolio with the two hotels is not indicative of a broader strategy for the company. “The opportunity came up to acquire the two hotels and as Sokhoun has always admired the La Résidence hotels he was happy to take up the opportunity,” he said.
“For now there are no major plans to change anything. It’s more ‘business as usual’- although that may change in the future.”
New owner KS Hotels was created in 2007 when KS Group diversified from its core business of assembly and distribution of Honda motorcycles and parts in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Since then, it has developed luxury hospitality assets in Thailand, Cambodia, The Maldives, Laos and Australia – among them the Park Hyatt in the Maldives, So Sofitel in Hua Hin, Thailand and JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort in Australia.
