Rixos to open first all-inclusive resort in Thailand
Mai Khao property will feature extensive dining, entertainment, sports and family facilities
DUBAI – Rixos is set to make its debut in Thailand with the planned opening of Rixos Water World Phuket in Mai Khao, Phuket, in early 2028.
Ennismore, together with Central Group Capital, the fund management arm of Central Group, has announced the signing of the new resort, which will introduce the Rixos luxury all-inclusive concept to the Thai market. The property is currently managed by Ennismore and will undergo extensive renovation before launching under the Rixos brand.
The resort will join Rixos’ expanding international network as the brand continues to strengthen its presence across Asia. The Phuket project will also complement the upcoming Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam, which is scheduled to open later this year, adding another destination to the brand’s growing regional portfolio.
Phuket debut
The move into Thailand marks a significant step in Rixos’ wider Asian expansion, with Phuket selected for its established position as an international leisure destination. The island attracts travellers with its coastline, cultural attractions, dining scene and entertainment offerings, providing a setting for the brand’s experience-led all-inclusive model.
Rixos Water World Phuket will be located along the shores of Mai Khao in Phuket’s Thalang District. The resort will be within reach of several of the island’s established attractions and destinations, including Patong Beach, Bang Tao Beach and the streets of Old Phuket Town.
The property will draw on Rixos’ Turkish hospitality heritage while combining luxury, entertainment and family-focused experiences. Its concept is centred on an all-inclusive stay that brings accommodation, dining, activities and entertainment together within one resort.
With more than 600 guestrooms and villas, the property is expected to become one of Phuket’s largest hospitality destinations. It will also feature five food and beverage venues and an integrated waterpark designed to serve as one of the resort’s major attractions.
The development has been planned to work with its tropical surroundings, with shared spaces designed for relaxation, recreation and socialising. The resort will cater to both individual travellers and families, with a range of facilities intended to accommodate different ages and interests.
The waterpark will form a central part of the resort experience, with attractions and activities aimed at guests of different age groups. Alongside the water-based facilities, the resort will offer swimming pools, beachside leisure and organised sports programmes.
Wellness will also form part of the programme, with guests able to take part in wellness activities and other leisure experiences during their stay. The resort’s entertainment calendar is expected to include live performances, music and shows, reflecting Rixos’ focus on entertainment as part of its all-inclusive offering.
Dining and entertainment
The resort is also planned to feature one of Phuket’s largest banqueting and MICE facilities, positioning it to host large-scale events, conferences and business gatherings in addition to leisure stays.
Its food and beverage offering will follow Rixos’ “world of choice” approach, with several dining formats planned across the property. Guests will have access to all-day dining, à la carte speciality restaurants and beachfront venues, alongside a selection of bars and lounges.
The culinary concepts will draw on international and regional influences, including Thai, Asian, Italian and Latin American cuisines. Poolside snacks and casual dining options will complement the main restaurants, giving guests a range of choices throughout the day.
The all-inclusive concept will cover dining and drinks as part of the wider resort experience, alongside activities and entertainment. This forms part of Rixos’ broader “All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive” approach, which seeks to combine luxury accommodation with a wide range of on-site experiences.
Family facilities will be another major component of the Phuket resort. The globally established Rixos Kids Club will provide spaces and activities focused on creativity, discovery and play, while a dedicated Teens Club will offer a social setting for older children.
Guests looking to maintain an active routine will have access to the resort’s Exclusive Sports Club. Facilities will include an indoor gym, a multifunctional area for group classes, an outdoor jungle gym near the beach and several sports courts.
Adults will have access to a spa inspired by Rixos’ Turkish heritage, alongside dining and social venues. Beach and water activities will provide additional ways to experience Phuket’s coastline, while the resort’s accommodation and public areas will feature premium amenities and views towards the surrounding beaches and tropical landscape.
The project is being positioned around a combination of resort-based experiences and access to Phuket’s wider attractions, allowing guests to spend their stay within the property while also exploring the island.
François Baudin, Chief Business Officer for Rixos and the ALL Inclusive Collection, said the Thailand launch would expand the brand’s luxury all-inclusive offering across Asia.
He said the Phuket and Vietnam projects would introduce more travellers to Rixos’ experience-led approach, highlighting its restaurants and bars, entertainment, sports and wellness programmes, as well as its kids and teens facilities.
Soravit Chairoj, Managing Partner and Co-Head of Central Group Capital, said Phuket remained a compelling long-term tourism and hospitality market in Asia. He said Rixos Water World Phuket would introduce a differentiated all-inclusive concept to Thailand and broaden the island’s appeal to families and international travellers seeking experience-led resorts.
Global expansion
The Phuket announcement comes as Ennismore continues to expand its all-inclusive hospitality portfolio. The company now has more than 70 all-inclusive resorts open and in development, representing more than 30,000 rooms worldwide.
Its recent openings include SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, Rixos Murjana, Rixos Tersane Istanbul, Rixos Obhur Jeddah, SLS Playa Mujeres and Hyde Bodrum.
The group is also preparing for further expansion, including six new all-inclusive resorts in Mexico that will mark the Rixos brand’s debut in the Americas. Other projects in the pipeline include Rixos Magawish Bay Views Egypt and Rixos Dubai Islands.
Rixos Water World Phuket will form part of Ennismore’s ALL Inclusive Collection, a digital platform bringing together all-inclusive resorts from brands including Rixos, SO/, Hyde, SLS and Swissôtel.
The collection is designed around a luxury-focused interpretation of the all-inclusive model, combining resort design, dining, entertainment and destination experiences. Under the platform, guests’ stays incorporate services and experiences such as dining and drinks, activities and entertainment.
The Phuket property will therefore add Thailand to the collection’s expanding list of destinations as Ennismore develops its all-inclusive portfolio across established leisure markets and new regions.
The resort is scheduled to open in early 2028 following its extensive renovation, giving Rixos its first operating presence in Thailand and adding a major waterpark-led hospitality project to Phuket’s Mai Khao area.