Luxury hospitality group Rixos Hotels has appointed WILLIAM SCHILLINGER as the openig General Manager of the 298-room Rixos Premium Khao Lak, which will be launched the soft opening in December 2008.

The Rixos Premium Khao Lak is the European-based group's first resort in the region, and a central component of the company's expansion into Asia.

As with Rixos Hotels' eight properties in Europe and one to be launched early next year in Dubai, Rixos Premium Khao Lak boasts Asia's first luxury resort, offering an exclusive "All Inclusive" concept with a range of food and beverage options included in the room rate.

Mr Schillinger said the opportunity to join such as dynamic European brand was a fantastic opportunity, and it is an honour to take the helm of Rixos Hotels' flagship property in Asia.

"The results of the hotel's refurbishment have been absolutely spectacular, and this level of luxury will certainly be a welcome addition to the Khao Lak landscape," he added.

Mr Schillinger comes to Rixos Premium Khao Lak from the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, where he served as General Manager.

Prior to his Phuket position, the Swiss native held the General Manager's post for two years at the 320-room World Trade Plaza Hotel Shijiazhuang, China, and two years at the Royal Hashemite Court in Amman Jordan as Director of the Royal Palaces.

Rixos Premium Khao Lak
The 298-room Rixos Premium Khao Lak is located on a private Andaman Sea beach, less than 90 minutes transfer from Phuket International Airport. The resort features Asia's first exclusive "All Inclusive" concept and Southeast Asia's largest lagoon swimming pool. Four restaurants serving international, Japanese, Thai and Mediterranean cuisine are complimented by two bars and a delicatessen. The resort offers recreational and water sport options, The Rixy Club for children, 15 private spa treatment villas and extensive conference facilities.