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Welcome to diver’s paradise

Away Koh Kood by Astudo Hotel and Resort Management is located on the west coast of Koh Kood at Klong Chao Beach. The island often referred to as “The Maldives of Thailand” boasts stunning natural scenery and postcard beaches.

Are you ready for a new adventure and not afraid to get wet? Let us take you to a new dimension, the world of colorful fish and beautiful corals. Experience the true feel of the island life. Away from home, home at Away.

Away Koh Kood welcome to diver’s paradise with spectacular 3 packages “DISCOVER SCUBA PACKAGE” - offers 2 nights with full board, Discover SCUBA diving course. Price starts at Baht 7,000 net per person. “DEEP BLUE SEA PACKAGE” - offers 6 nights with daily breakfast and 6 dinners, free use of snorkeling equipment, kayak and mountain bike throughout stay, choice of 4 day PADI Open Water Diver course or 2 days PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and certificate of PADI Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver. Price starts at Baht 24,000 net per person. And “UNDERWATER SCUBA PACKAGE” - offers 10 nights with daily breakfasts and 7 dinners, free use of snorkeling equipment, kayak and mountain bike throughout stay, a 4 day PADI Open Water Dive course, a PADI Open Water Diver certificate, 20% discount on additional dives. Price starts at Baht 28,000 net per person. All packages include roundtrip speedboat transfers.

This offer is applicable on accommodation of your choice for a minimum of two persons and will be available from 1 Nov’ 08 till 31 May’ 09. packages are not applicable during 20 Dec’ 08 - 06 Jan’ 09 and 11 - 17 Apr’ 09. Rates are inclusive of 10% service charge and government tax.

For more information please contact +66 2696 8239 or reservations.kohkood@awayresorts.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Supinya Santatiloggul (Ms.)
Assistant PR & Events Manager
Email: pr@awayresorts.com, supinya@astudo.com
Phone: +66 2696 8239

For more information, visit www.astudo.com, www.awayresorts.com

Experience 3 marvelous Packages at Away Resort Koh Kood

Indulge yourself for a weekend in tropical atmospheres away from the pursuit of life. Experience the beauty of pearly white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Feel the tranquility of the world going by whilst watching a stunning sunset – Weekend Away Package offers 2 nights with full board, choice of one activity; firefly trip, waterfall trip, Thai Massage or Foot Massage and roundtrip speedboat transfers. Start at Baht 4,500 net.

If you want to get away and enter a world of sublime beauty, take a walk on the powder-white sand beaches and a plunge in the aquamarine sea. Feel the spirit of nature and awake as a reborn person. This is how life was meant to be, welcome to paradise with Get Away Package offers 4 nights with full board, one choice of spa massage; Thai Massage or Foot Massage, one choice of activity; firefly trip or waterfall trip, free use of snorkeling equipment, kayak and mountain bike throughout stay, and roundtrip speedboat transfers. Start at Baht 8,800 net.

Last but not least, ever wondered what the essence serenity looks like? Step into the amazing paradise of Away Resort and let your fantasies become reality. Discover the sense of an almost deserted island. Sit back and watch the moonlight glitters on the endless ocean. Longstay Package offers 7 nights in your private bungalow discovering the meaning of tranquility with 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, free use of snorkeling equipment, kayak, mountain bike throughout stay and roundtrip speedboat transfers. Start at Baht 10,100 net.

Escape your fast paced life and create a perfect balance with these marvelous 3 packages from now till October 31, 2008.

For more information please contact +66 2696 8239 or reservations.kohkood@awayresorts.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Email: pr@astudo.com
Phone: +66 2696 8239

For more information, visit www.astudo.com, www.awayresorts.com

Away Resorts unveiled in Mae-Rim, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand – September 2008 - Astudo Hotel & Resort Management’s portfolio has been expanding rapidly across Thailand over the last few years. After successfully launching several resort properties under its X2 Resorts, Away Resorts and Le Bayburi brands, Astudo has the honor to proudly present their latest development Away Mae-Rim - Chiang Mai, scheduled to open in November 2008.

Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping River, which is a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River.

In recent years Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.

The resort, set on 25 Rai (40,000 square meters), is ideally located in the tranquil Mae-Rim valley. This superb property provides the finest relaxation, a spa and excellent food and beverages. Understated rooms in huge sub-tropical surroundings offer lovely views over the surrounding mountains and a sense of calmness. A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate or to explore the well known Mae-Rim Valley.

The resort offers a combination of 50 rooms, comprising of:
- 2 Duplex Villas of 60 sqm.
- 1 Villa of 45 sqm.
- 13 Mini Suites of 45 sqm.
- 21 Pool Villas of 35 sqm.
- 5 Clubhouse Rooms of 30 sqm.
- 8 Budget Rooms of 20 sqm.

The standard room facilities offer individually controlled air conditioning, a mini bar, a personal safe and hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, DVD & CD player and satellite TV. The facilities of the resort include a restaurant offering a wide variety of Seafood, Thai and International cuisine, a spa, a swimming pool, a bar, a lounge and library.

Away resorts are the epitome of peaceful hideaways. All resorts offer guests every opportunity to truly slow down and enjoy their holiday but at the same time provide an interesting and unique array of activities and tours to provide a perfect balance for your holiday. A key hallmark of Away Resorts is their relaxed casual atmosphere, blended with high levels of individual service.

About Astudo Hotel & Resort Management
Astudo Hotel & Resort Management (www.astudo.com) is an international hotel management group based in Thailand. It manages 3 brands, with several properties in a growing portfolio and a fourth brand soon to be released.

X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Thailand’s first designer hotel chain, first launched in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan - December 2007 and followed by Samui, Suratthani - June 2008. Future X2 resorts anticipated to open in mid 2010 are X2 Koh Tan and X2 Koh Kood.

Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Tropical Polynesian favour resorts, first launched in Koh Kood, Trat – October 2007 and followed by Chumphon in September 2008, Mae-Rim, Chiang Mai, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui in late 2009.

Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com), Luxury private residences, first launched in Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan – July 2007 and followed by Koh Samui, Suratthani – scheduled to open in mid 2009.

For more information about Astudo’s hotel management service, please contact Klaus R. Rauter, Group General Manager at klaus@astudo.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239 Ext. 119
E-mail: pr@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.astudo.com, www.awayresorts.com

Away Resorts To Manage Chumphon Resort

Chumphon, Thailand – September 2008 - Astudo Hotel & Resort Management, manager of X2 Resorts, Away Resorts and Le Bayburi, is proudly announcing the opening of Away (Tusita) Chumphon, scheduled in September 2008.

Being the first southern province to be reached from every other part of the country, Chumphon is regarded as a gateway through which southbound visitors will have to pass before continuing on their routes to the western or eastern coasts. Chumphon is not only renowned for its abundant seafood, but also known as a province of succulent fruits with various marvelous attractions like beaches, islands, forests and caves.

Chumphon covers a total area of 6,009 square kilometers with a long coast stretching for 222 kilometers and 47 islands. Its boundary reaches Prachuap Khiri Khan in the North, the Gulf of Thailand in the East, Suratthani in the South and Ranong and Myanmar in the West. Geographically, its landscape is alternate plains and mountains. Coconut, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, banana, and pineapple are some varieties of fruits densely grown on eastern plains.

The resort, (previously known as Tusita Resort), covering a total area of 25 Rai (40,000 square meters), is located on a beautiful unspoiled beach, Had Arunothai. Dozens of stunning limestone islands rising out of the sea are in full view. Nearby is Paknam Tako, an estuary where guests can observe the lifestyle of the local fishermen and watch the fishing boats bringing home the day’s haul close to sunset. Koh Tao, the premier diving area in the Gulf of Thailand is directly to the east with Arunothai providing the closest access point on the mainland and is closer to Koh Tao than the usual point of departure Koh Samui.

The 22 accommodations in the resort comprise of:
- 1 Residence Villa of 150 sqm,
- 2 Beach Suites of 80 sqm,
- 1 Beach Pool Villa of 90 sqm,
- 2 Beach Rooms of 60 sqm,
- 16 Garden Villas of 80 sqm.

The facilities of the resort include a restaurant serving Seafood, Thai and International cuisine, a spa with two treatment rooms and two outdoor massage “Salas”, a swimming pool, a bar, a lounge/library, a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (wireless Internet access system) without entering the password throughout the resort.

Away resorts are the epitome of peaceful hideaways. All resorts offer guests every opportunity to truly slow down and enjoy their holiday but at the same time provide an interesting and unique array of activities and tours to provide a perfect balance for your holiday. A key hallmark of Away Resorts is their relaxed casual atmosphere, blended with high levels of individual service.

About Astudo Hotel & Resort Management
Astudo Hotel & Resort Management (www.astudo.com) is an international hotel management group based in Thailand. It manages 3 brands, with several properties in a growing portfolio and a fourth brand soon to be released.

X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Thailand’s first designer hotel chain, first launched in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan - December 2007 and followed by Samui, Suratthani – June 2008. Future X2 resorts anticipated to open in mid 2010 are X2 Koh Tan and X2 Koh Kood.

Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Tropical Polynesian favour resorts, first launched in Koh Kood, Trat – October 2007, Chumphon, Mae-Rim Chiang Mai in end 2008, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui in late 2009.

Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com), Luxury private residences, first launched in Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan – July 2007 and followed by Koh Samui, Suratthani – scheduled to open in mid 2009.

For more information about Astudo’s hotel management service, please contact Klaus R. Rauter, Group General Manager at klaus@astudo.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239 Ext. 119
E-mail: pr@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.astudo.com, www.awayresorts.com

Juhani Sotka Appointed as Resort Manager at Away Resort Koh Kood

Bangkok, September 2008 - Astudo Hotel & Resort Management has announced the appointment of Juhani Sotka as Resort Manager for Away Resort Koh Kood.

Juhani, a Finnish National, will supervise the entire operation of Away Resort Koh Kood, including food and beverage, rooms operations, engineering, human resources and spa to orchestrate and maintain a 4-star service and operational standards and to promote unity and teamwork amongst all areas.

Juhani graduated from the University of Upsala, Sweden with BBA and BSc and speaks 6 languages, including English, German, Swedish, Finnish, Thai and French. He has been working in management and consultant positions for several international companies in Poland, Denmark, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore as well as resort manager in boutique resorts throughout Thailand in Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui.

Away Resort on Koh Kood is the epitome of an island hideaway. The resort features spacious luxury bungalow villas, with private terraces and sea views from almost every room. The resort has the largest activity and dive centre on the island, so guests can enjoy not only the beauty and peacefulness of the resort, but also everything the island has to offer.

Astudo Hotel & Resort Management operates and manages X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com) and Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com). Away Resorts tend to be designed in a simple but comfortable manner with a distinctive tropical Polynesian theme and traditional Thai hospitality. The first Away resort opened in October 2007 in Koh Kood, followed by Away Tusita Chumphon in September 2008 and Away Suan-Sawan Mae-Rim, Chiang Mai scheduled to open in November 2008.

For media enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239 Ext. 119
E-mail: pr@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.astudo.com, www.awayresorts.com

Impression Away Resort

Astudo to Manage New Hotel In Samui – Away Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand – July 2008 - Astudo Hotel & Resort Management’s portfolio has been growing at record pace across the region during the past years. After successfully launched 4 resort properties under its X2, Away and Le Bayburi brands, Astudo has the honor to proudly represent Away Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand, scheduled to open in late 2009.

Away Koh Pha Ngan is a modern beachside resort nestled in tropical gardens that cascade down the hillside to the unspoiled beauty of Had Rinn with a superb combination of cool tropical forest and striking beachfront accommodation. The resort is also conveniently located just 5 - 10 minutes walking distance from the market and the famous full moon party, that attracts visitors from around the world, yet far enough from the resort to ensure peaceful harmony for guest.

The resort offers a combination of 70 standard rooms, 8 deluxe rooms with sea view (4 on ground floor and 4 on the second floor with bathtub on the front balcony) and one Beach Front Villa. Situated on the West coast of Had Rinn, guests will surely be delighted with the romantic sunset scenery.

The facilities of the resort include reception pavilion, El Fresco open-air restaurant located beach-front offering an astonishing view point looking back to Samui, spacious beachfront infinity-edge swimming pool with pool bar, Spa and Massage Center and complimentary use of hi-speed internet.

Koh Pha Ngan (Pha Ngan Island) is located in the Gulf of Siam as a neighboring island of Koh Samui, only 10 minutes away by speed boat. Most its land area is formed of mountains, stretched in the middle of the island from North to South with virgin forest, tropical jungle and plains. Koh Pha Ngan is unique in many ways: it has been known for unspoiled beaches, undamaged coral reefs, the primitive nature of jungles and waterfall.

“Astudo Hotel & Resort Management has also been growing its representation and support capability in key locations,” Commented Klaus R. Rauter, Astudo Group General Manager, “We are focusing on assisting Thai hotel and resort owners who are in need of professional management and overall support. We will continue to grow our network of hotels across the region putting equal emphasis on ensuring the long-term success of the hotels, which in turn ensures better returns for our owners.”

About Astudo Hotel & Resort Management
Astudo Hotel & Resort Management (www.astudo.com) is one of the top hotel management companies in Thailand. It manages 3 brands with several properties in a growing portfolio.

X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Thailand’s first designer hotel chain, first launched in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan - December 2007 and followed by Samui, Suratthani - June 2008.

Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Tropical Polynesian favour resorts, first launched in Koh Kood, Trat – October 2007 and followed by Koh Pha Ngan, Suratthani – scheduled to open in late 2009. Future Away resorts are anticipated in the near future in Chumporn and Chiang Mai.

Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com), Luxury private residences, first launched in Pranburi, Suratthani – July 2007 and followed by Koh Samui, Suratthani – scheduled to open in mid 2009.

For more information about Astudo’s hotel management service, please contact Klaus R. Rauter, Group General Manager at klaus@astudo.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239 Ext. 119
E-mail: pr@astudo.com

For more information, visit www.astudo.com, www.awayresorts.com

Get AWAY to Koh Kood - “Maldives of Thailand”

Asking most people what their ultimate dream destination would be to really get away from the hustle and bustle, the majority will answer to escape to a beautiful, unspoiled island which hardly has been touched by mankind.

Well, dreams are there to come true, only 4 hours from Bangkok a destination like this still exists; a virtually undiscovered island with unexplored dive sites and unforgettable memories. A great place to peacefully relax and watch the world goes by in a setting that will soothe the soul and rejuvenate the spirit. Welcome to the paradise. Welcome to Koh Kood.

Away Resort is a four-star hideaway set on the idyllic location of Koh Kood, the 4th largest island in Thailand, spread across 16 rai (6.5 acres) of tropical scenery on Klong Chao Beach on the west coast of the island. The resort features spacious luxury bungalow villas, with private terraces and sea views from almost every room. The resort has the largest activity and dive centre on the island where guests can enjoy not only the beauty and peacefulness of the resort, but also everything the island exterior has to offer as well as the marine life in the tropical waters surrounding the island.

Peaceful surroundings in combination with the numerous activities and adventures the resort has to offer will certainly provide the perfect balance for a relaxing and fun holiday. There is no better place in Thailand to get away than Away Resorts.

Slow Tourism – The Concept of Away Resorts

What is slow tourism?

The underlying concept of Slow Tourism is to reduce the "volume" of experiences on a vacation, and instead focus on the "quality" of experiences. It is about slowing the pace of a holiday down so you have the opportunity to interact with the people and places you experience, instead of just trying see and do as much as possible in the amount of time available.

The opportunity to interact and "connect" with people on a deeper level is much more rewarding and memorable than just taking a million pictures of well known land marks. By slowing down you have the chance to explore beyond the normal scenes, and scratch beneath the tourist façade that plasters the world.

More and more people want to have a unique story of their vacation, and this is not possible on typical holiday itinerary. Slow tourism allows holiday goers the chance to not only have a relaxing and stress free vacation, but also one that is a deeper and more rewarding experience.

Often it is the unplanned that is more memorable then the planned. Slow Tourism allows a flexible program of travel that is more akin to exploring. This facilitates unplanned experiences, which are usually unique and also provide truer insights into the local culture.

Our time is ruled by speed, all interactions have to happen quicker and quicker, in real time: high speed internet connections, high speed trains, fast food…..but this constant rushing provokes stress, an unknown disease 50 years ago, and today in most of the Third World countries.

In this hectic panorama, the need for slowness is becoming stronger and stronger and more people choose to slow down to spend quality free time rediscovering the natural rhythm of things, listening and observing small treasures off the beaten tracks, trying to understand the spirit of places and the fragile balance with their people.

Slow Tourist philosophy and mission; as a Brand, we aim to promote this area and a different way of being a tourist. Travel slow, live the places, not consume them.

Slow is not a synonym of lazy, and that is why we offer many different options for active holidays, the best way to appreciate local food and culture and nature; various possibilities for your holidays in the mountains or seaside, away from the stress and the noise of the city, to regenerate the body and the spirit, whether you are a sporty person or simply somebody who knows how to enjoy a beautiful landscape.