Koh Phangan: Licence to Luxury
dimapolet.t.meIntroduction and Context
Koh Phangan, long famed for its backpacker vibe and the raucous Full Moon Parties on Haad Rin, is undergoing a notable shift towards upscale development. Over the past 3–5 years, a new wave of developers and investors – both local and international – have targeted this tropical island for premium resorts, luxury villa estates, and branded residences. This transformation has been accelerated by the rise of digital nomads and remote workers discovering Phangan’s charm during the pandemic era, bringing an influx of “young and educated expats with higher purchasing power” and spurring new businesses and real estate projects. Land prices have surged 2-4x since 2022 on the most desirable west coast locations, yet remain lower than nearby Samui or Phuket – enticing developers to launch high-end projects. The absence of an airport and the island’s eco-protection regulations have historically kept mass development in check, but recent years show a “property boom” as Koh Phangan transitions from a party backpacker haven to a destination for boutique luxury and wellness tourism. This dossier provides an intelligence-style profile of the key developers leading this trend, the flagship upscale projects reshaping the island, the geography of luxury hotspots, and the associated risks and grey areas.
Key Developers and Their Profiles
Bay Villas (Phangan Island Property) – Developer Profile: An early pioneer of luxury real estate on Koh Phangan, Bay Villas (also known as Bay Residence) is a foreign-led development firm that has been active for over a decade. Spearheaded by expat investors (such as founder Oliver Way ), the company delivered “the first luxury residential hospitality development” on Phangan with its Bay Villas and Bay Apartments projects. These seaview villa estates in Haad Salad were designed by Chapman Taylor architects and carefully master-planned to blend with the tropical hillside. Bay Villas Co. established a reputation for high-quality, sunset-view properties and an integrated rental management operation (catering to the upscale holiday market). Its portfolio includes Bay Villas Haad Salad (completed ~2018) and the newer The Cove at Haad Thong Lang – a boutique project of five luxury oceanfront villas launched in 2019. Bay Villas’ legal entity (Phangan Island Property) also handles sales and rentals, positioning itself as a full-service luxury real estate firm on the island. Connections: The company collaborates with international architects (Chapman Taylor) and markets heavily to overseas buyers. With a decade of experience and multiple awards, Bay Villas set the stage for Phangan’s high-end villa trend.
Pahili Development – Developer Profile: Pahili is a luxury villa developer with Swiss management, behind one of Koh Phangan’s largest upscale residential projects. Branding itself as “the largest inclusive luxury development & management” on the island, Pahili offers a turn-key approach: they “will build & manage your ultimate dream villa”with a five-star hospitality service. The team has 15+ years experience managing luxury villas in Southern Thailand (including a sister project on Koh Tao). Legally, it operates as Pahili Co. Ltd, presumably a Thai company with foreign (Swiss) principals. Pahili’s flagship on Phangan is a multi-phase estate in the island’s north (details in next section) featuring dozens of villas and on-site amenities (spa, restaurant, reception). The developer emphasizes high standards (imported Swiss appliances, infinity pools, custom furnishings) and offers full rental management to buyers. Pahili’s network includes its Koh Tao resort (high ratings on Booking/Agoda) and presumably links to wellness tourism operators. With a goal of over 40 villas, Pahili is creating a master-planned luxury community, making it a key player in Phangan’s upscale shift. Connections: likely foreign investors (Swiss) partnering with local landowners; they highlight sustainable design and have navigated local approvals for a large hillside project overlooking Chaloklum Bay.
Venera Group – Developer Profile: A newcomer making a big splash, Venera Group is a Russian-led development venture behind the ambitious Venera Village project. Marketing themselves as the “first developer on Koh Phangan”from Russia (as proclaimed on their social media) and promising 80+ luxury villas in their pipeline, Venera is indicative of rising Eastern European investment in Phangan’s real estate. The corporate setup includes entities like Villa Venera Village 12 Co., Ltd, and the group is led by entrepreneurs targeting international investors with claims of up to 17% ROIon rental yields. Their profile shows a full-service approach (design, construction, and property management) geared toward overseas buyers seeking “paradise” homes. Venera Group’s principal project (detailed below) integrates a resort component and numerous high-end villas, suggesting significant capital commitment through 2027. Connections: The group operates bilingually (Russian/English) and has a strong online marketing presence. While relatively new, they have quickly become a key developer by sheer project scale. Their push into Phangan aligns with the island’s popularity among Russian expats and digital nomads, and also parallels Russian-led projects in other Thai locales. Close attention is paid to legal structures (likely leveraging Thai nominee companies for land) and community integration (e.g., plans for on-site amenities open to residents and guests). Venera Group’s emergence underscores the internationalization of Phangan’s property scene.
Boho Villas Co., Ltd. – Developer Profile: Boho Villas is a boutique real estate developer focusing on design-forward, “tropical bohemian” villas. Founded by a team of foreign investors (reportedly French-Moroccan and Thai partners), Boho Villas launched an 8-unit residential project in the Hin Kong area that won industry accolades. In 2022, Boho Villas – Hin Kong earned the award for “Best Residential Development (Koh Phangan)” at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, spotlighting its quality. The company’s profile is characterized by creative architecture (arched windows, natural textures) and affordable luxury – their two-bedroom pool villas were priced around THB 4–6 million during pre-sale. Legally, Boho Villas Co. is registered in Thailand, enabling foreign-directed development on leased land (the project offers leasehold ownership with a 30-year term, typical for foreign buyers ). The firm’s portfolio is currently the single Hin Kong “Boho Village” project (sold out by 2023 ), but the brand’s strong reception may lead to future phases or new sites. Connections: Boho’s team includes international architects and a marketing strategy appealing to younger lifestyle buyers (the “your summer house in paradise” pitch). They have active social media outreach and align with the island’s yoga/boho culture, differentiating them from purely high-end luxury developers. Despite small scale, Boho Villas has become a key name by showing that Phangan’s upscale market includes stylish boutique developments, not only big resorts.
Satori Group – Developer Profile: Satori Group is a development firm behind one of the most exclusive villa projects on Phangan’s west coast. With an ethos of “luxurious living and island-inspired design”, Satori’s team (likely a mix of international and Thai stakeholders) chose Haad Yao for a high-end beachfront estate. While details on the company’s principals are scant, the Satori brand suggests a focus on wellness and zen aesthetics (the name “Satori” meaning enlightenment in Japanese). The group’s flagship project (see next section) is notable as the first ultra-luxury development on Haad Yao Beach, indicating Satori coordinated closely with local authorities to secure one of Phangan’s most prized beachfront plots. The developer provides full-service offerings, including rental management by Satori itself, positioning the company as both builder and hospitality operator. Profile highlights: use of high-end architects, emphasis on privacy (only 11 villas, each with extensive frontage), and pricing targeting UHNW (ultra-high-net-worth) buyers (THB 67–87M per villa). Connections: Satori Group likely involves foreign luxury realtors and possibly regional investors from Hong Kong or Singapore given the scale. Their project aligns with the island’s trend of attracting “trophy asset” seekers – wealthy individuals who might typically buy on Samui or Phuket. By successfully marketing Phangan’s Haad Yao as “one of Asia’s most sought-after beaches”, Satori has put itself among the key upscale developers on the island.
Yigal Yonah Heli / Global Top Group (Vannee) – Developer Profile: A notable individual investor driving upscale development is Mr. Yigal Yonah Heli, an Israeli property magnate who has expanded into Koh Phangan. Mr. Heli is the CEO of Global Top Group (a major Pattaya-based real estate developer), known for projects like City Garden and Paradise Ocean View. In Phangan, he is the owner and developer of the newly opened Vannee Golden Sands Resort, a luxury beachfront hotel. According to the resort’s official site, Mr. Heli has a “remarkable track record” with “numerous prestigious awards” in property development, bringing significant expertise and capital to the island. Legal/portfolio: Vannee Golden Sands is likely held under a local Thai company controlled by Heli (the owner’s name is given in Thai as ยีกัล โยนาห์ เฮลิ ). The resort opened around 2023 and has quickly gained recognition (e.g., Agoda Customer Review Award 2024 as mentioned on social media). Connections: Heli’s involvement connects Koh Phangan to the broader Thai real estate network – Global Top Group’s influence and resources. He also brings an international client base (Israel and Europe) to Phangan. His profile highlights philanthropic engagement with local communities, suggesting an interest in being a long-term stakeholder. Yigal Heli’s venture signals that established developers from other regions now see Phangan as ripe for investment beyond villas – extending into high-end hotels.
Local Boutique Developers & Others: In addition to the above, a few local Thai developers and hospitality groups have contributed to upscale projects recently. Varivana Resort Koh Phangan Co., Ltd., led by owner Hongnapa Lawanangkul, developed the Varivana loft-style resort (before partnering with Centara). While not a multi-project developer, Hongnapa’s success with Varivana (a design-award-winning boutique hotel ) showcases how local investors are embracing contemporary luxury concepts. Another player is the Pavilions Hotels & Resorts via its new Explorar brand – not a developer per se, but they refurbished and relaunched a high-end resort (Explorar Koh Phangan) on Haad Rin Nai in 2021. This indicates existing properties being upgraded to upscale standards under international management. Moreover, Thai hotel chains like Centara have entered Phangan through management agreements (rather than building from scratch) – for example, Centara now manages Varivana as its first Phangan property. These collaborations blur the line between developer and operator, but they underscore confidence in Phangan’s luxury market. Overall, the cast of developers ranges from small design-focused firms to large foreign corporations, all contributing to an increasingly premium real estate landscape on the island.
New Upscale Projects (2019–2024)
Below is an overview of key upscale/luxury projects built, under construction, or officially announced on Koh Phangan in the last 3–5 years. Each project is characterized by high-end design, premium pricing, and a target clientele seeking luxury living or vacationing on the island. (Budget bungalows and hostels are excluded – focus is on boutique villas, branded resorts, and upscale complexes.)
Boho Villas (Hin Kong) – 8-villa Bohemian Residence. Location: Hin Kong (west coast near Srithanu), an area known for sunsets and a boho expat community. Developer: Boho Villas Co., Ltd (profiled above). Design/Architecture:Tropical modern with bohemian flair – white domed structures with arched windows, natural bamboo fences, and thatched details that blend with a coconut grove setting. Each villa is 2 bedrooms, ~239 sqm built area, featuring a private 8×3 m pool and outdoor sala. Interiors emphasize open-plan living, high ceilings, and organic textures (rattan, wood, woven baskets) for a laid-back yet chic ambiance. Status: Launched in 2021, completed by 2022 – all 8 units sold out. Pricing: THB 4.7M–5.7M per villa during pre-sale, on a renewable leasehold (yearly land lease ~45k THB). This relatively accessible price was part of the appeal, though villas are fully furnished and rent-ready. Target Market:Younger expat families, digital nomads, and investors looking for rental income. The on-site amenities (spa, gym, rooftop café) and professional management make it attractive as a “summer house” or holiday rental investment. Boho Villas’ success (and award win ) signals demand for smaller-scale luxury living in Phangan’s hip west coast enclave.
Satori Haad Yao Beach (Beachfront Villas) – Ultra-Luxury Villa Estate. Location: Haad Yao Beach (northwest coast). Developer: Satori Group (profiled). Project Overview: Billed as “the first luxury beachfront residence in Haad Yao”, this project comprises 11 exclusive villas on 10,376 sqm of prime beachfront land. Design: Contemporary tropical architecture emphasizing open vistas and indoor-outdoor flow. There are 6 Beachfront Villas (single-story, each with 20 m of private beach frontage and two swimming pools) and 5 Beach Access Villas (two-story on slightly elevated plots, with panoramic sea/sunset views). All villas are 3–5 bedrooms, featuring high-end finishes and furnishings, and each includes at least one private infinity pool. The aesthetic is sleek and modern, with flat roofs, expansive glass walls, and natural wood and stone materials – designed to “capture the essence of refined relaxation” in a secluded bay setting. Amenities: A gated community with 5-star facilities – on-site reception concierge, fitness center, spa, landscaped gardens, and 24/7 security. Full professional rental management is offered by the developer, positioning the villas as investment properties with hospitality-level service. Status: In pre-construction phase. Pre-sales began 2023, with construction scheduled to start end of 2024 and completion by 2026. EIA and permits have been obtained. Pricing: Ultra-premium – starting ~THB 67 million (for 3-bed) up to ~THB 87 million for 5-bed beachfront units. This equates to roughly USD 2–2.5 million, a record range for Phangan. Target Market: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals, luxury second-home buyers, and hotel asset investors. Given the pricing and limited units, the target is a niche group seeking privacy and prestige – possibly foreign buyers who want a custom villa with the option to rent it out as a millionaire’s holiday home. The project also taps into workation trends, as Haad Yao’s beauty and these villas’ comfort could attract executives on extended stays. Satori Haad Yao is set to redefine luxury on Phangan by matching the standards of top-tier resort villas in Phuket or Bali, but with the unique charm of a relatively undeveloped beach.
Pahili Villas (Chaloklum Bay Hills) – Largest Villa Complex on Phangan. Location: Hills overlooking Chaloklum Bay and Koh Ma (north side of island). Developer: Pahili (Swiss-led, profiled). Project Overview: A multi-phase luxury villa development totaling 40+ villas, making it the island’s biggest upscale residential project. Phase 1 (2019–2021) saw several villas built (with some already occupied/rented out), and Phase 2 (now selling) adds 22 villas: 13 three-bedroom pool villas and 9 one-bedroom villas. Design: Modern tropical villas with a focus on sweeping ocean and mountain views. The three-bedroom units are spacious private pool villas perched on the hillside, each oriented to capture sunset vistas over Chaloklum Bay, while the one-bedroom villas offer cozy luxury for singles or couples with mountain panoramas. All units feature infinity pools, open-plan interiors with high ceilings, and high-spec European kitchens (e.g., Swiss-brand appliances). The architecture balances contemporary style with natural elements – living areas open to large terraces, and materials like stone and timber blend villas into the lush surroundings. Amenities: Pahili is “all inclusive” – residents have access to an on-site spa & wellness center, a restaurant, reception/lounge, and other facilities in the estate. It’s essentially a resort-style community. Additional services include housekeeping, in-villa dining, and a concierge, as the developer provides five-star management service akin to a luxury resort. Status: Ongoing – Phase 1 villas were completed by 2021 (some reportedly rented with high occupancy), Phase 2 construction is underway in 2023, with further phases planned through 2024. Sales are active; phase 2 lots are advertised as available now. Pricing: Not publicly listed (“Starting from 0 Baht” placeholder on site ), but local agents indicate approximately THB 12–18 M for 3-bed villas, THB 6–8 M for 1-bed units, depending on size and view. Ownership is freehold (Chanote title) with company structuring for foreigners, or long lease options. Target: Health and wellness lifestyle investors, expatriates seeking a residential community, and hospitality investors (Pahili villas can be rented out as part of a managed pool). The inclusion of a spa and wellness theme suggests an appeal to those into yoga retreats or holistic living – a market Phangan is famous for. However, with full facilities and management, Pahili also targets yield-seeking buyers: the concept is to “build your dream villa” and let Pahili manage it for rental income. Overall, this project capitalizes on Phangan’s tranquil north, offering a blend of private luxury and resort convenience.
Venera Village (Mae Haad Beachfront) – Integrated Luxury Resort & Residence. Location: A coastal plot near Mae Haad (northwest, by the sandbar connecting to Koh Ma island). This area is known for its beautiful reef and sunset views. Developer: Venera Group (Russian-led, profiled). Project Overview: A massive seven-phase development featuring 38 beachfront villas plus a hotel and extensive on-site infrastructure. Venera Village aims to be an exclusive gated community and a five-star resort in one. Design: Modern multi-level villas cascading along a gentle slope to the beach. The renderings show sleek villas with flat, overhanging roofs and glass façades for panoramic sea vistas. Many villas are tiered behind one another up a hillside, ensuring each gets a view. Private infinity pools, lush landscaped gardens, and floor-to-ceiling windows characterize the architecture. The style is distinctly contemporary luxury, with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living (spacious balconies, open-plan layouts). The overall master plan has villas terraced among coconut palms, preserving green space between structures. Amenities: This project stands out for its comprehensive facilities (practically forming a mini village). Amenities include: direct beach access for all villas, a beach club with “Moon” poolside bar and Mediterranean restaurant, a fine-dining restaurant (Praya by Shi Dubai restaurant), a minimart and retail boutiques, a spa (Thai massage & wellness center), fitness center, yoga and meditation hall, kids’ club and playground, an electric vehicle charging station, and even a private pier for boats. In essence, Venera Village is offering a self-contained luxury neighborhood with full services (butlers, concierge, buggy transport, etc.). Status: Under construction (groundwork started 2023). The developer has a clear timeline: Phase 1 construction in 2023 with first villa handovers by March 2025 ; subsequent phases rolling through 2025–2027. As of late 2024, show villas and much of the infrastructure are being built. Sales: Villas are for sale off-plan, marketed heavily to international buyers (multi-lingual campaigns). Lazudi lists starting prices ~THB 64.3 M, likely for a multi-bedroom beachfront unit. Configurations vary (there may be 3–5 bedroom models). The hotel component (Hotel Venera) will serve as a rental option for overflow guests and likely be managed by the developer. Target Market: High-net-worth investors from Russia, CIS, and Europe seeking either an upscale holiday home or a yield-generating asset. Venera Village’s extensive amenities also indicate an appeal to lifestyle buyers who want a resort living experience – families who might live there part-time and enjoy full services. By blending a private residence concept with resort features, the project targets those who want the best of both worlds. If completed as planned, Venera Village will elevate Koh Phangan’s profile significantly, essentially creating a new luxury enclave near Mae Haad. However, its scale also brings scrutiny on sustainability (covered later).
The Cove (Haad Thong Lang) – Five Luxury Sea-view Villas. Location: Haad Thong Lang, a secluded cove on the northwestern shore, just north of Chaloklum. Developer: Bay Villas (Phangan Island Property). Overview: The Cove is a boutique development of 5 ultra-luxury villas nestled in 3,000 m² of landscaped oceanfront grounds. It’s essentially an extension of Bay Villas’ earlier projects, but with even more exclusivity. Design: Chapman Taylor’s Bangkok studio crafted the concept, drawing inspiration from local nature and culture. The design theme is “minimalist and calm lifestyle”, incorporating subtle Thai elements and natural materials. Each villa is unique but all reflect a “relaxed way of life” aesthetic – expect open-plan living spaces, infinity pools overlooking the sea, and extensive use of stone, timber, and Thai craft details to connect with the environment. The layout gives every villa an unobstructed sunset view across Thong Lang Bay towards Koh Ma. Interiors are bespoke luxury, likely 3–4 bedrooms each, with interior design by Chapman Taylor focusing on understated elegance. Status: Construction began in 2019; the first villa (“5 Elements”) was completed in H1 2020, and other villas were to follow sequentially. As of 2022, at least two villas were reportedly finished and sold (one was marketed as a THB 45M listing by agents). The project experienced some slowdowns (possibly pandemic-related), but is nearing completion. Pricing: Not publicly disclosed, but estimated at THB 30–60 M per villa depending on size, making them among the priciest on Phangan at the time of launch. Target: Discerning buyers who want a one-of-a-kind luxury home on a quiet Phangan bay. The Cove’s buyers are presumably a mix of foreigners (using company structures to hold the land) and affluent Thais looking for a prestige vacation villa. With only five units, the target was always very limited – effectively “collectors” of luxury real estate. The Cove’s success has been a proof of concept that top-end architecture and big budgets can find a place on Koh Phangan.
Varivana Resort (Wok Tum) – Loft-Style Boutique Resort. Location: Wok Tum hillside (southwest Phangan, inland from the coast, offering panoramic sea and Koh Samui views). Developer: Varivana Co. (owned by Hongnapa Lawanangkul). Concept: A 39-key boutique resort with a distinctive modern loft design theme. Varivana blends nature with modernity, as hinted by its name (“Vari” = sea, “Vana” = forest). Design/Features: The resort’s architecture is contemporary – flat-roofed buildings with large glass panels and polished concrete, evoking an urban loft transplanted to a tropical hill. Its showpiece is a 28-meter rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. Varivana also boasts a chic rooftop restaurant/bar and a spa. Rooms are generously sized and feature minimalist décor with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and industrial-chic touches (exposed elements softened by wooden accents). This design won it recognition as one of “100 Best Design – Small Resorts and Hotels” by a Thai design magazine. Status:Opened January 2020. Despite the pandemic, Varivana garnered acclaim for offering a new level of sophistication on Phangan. In Sept 2024, it entered into a management agreement with Centara Hotels & Resorts (becoming part of Centara’s curated “Centara Boutique Collection”). This effectively means Centara now operates Varivana, bringing it into the international booking and loyalty networks, while the ownership remains with the original developer. Pricing: It is positioned as a 4–5 star property: room rates range from ~THB 4,000 to 8,000 per night (mid to high season) for standard rooms, up to THB 15,000 for pool suites. As a development, Varivana was a single-project investment, not a sale-to-individuals model. Target Guests: Upscale travelers, design-conscious tourists, and workationers. Centara’s CEO noted Phangan’s “rising popularity as both a leisure and workation destination” in welcoming Varivana to their portfolio. The resort caters to couples and adult travelers looking for tranquility and style away from the party zones. Its success and tie-up with a major hotel chain underscore how Phangan’s upscale segment is maturing – appealing enough to draw in big hotel brands via management deals.
Vannee Golden Sands Resort (Baan Tai/Haad Rin) – New Luxury Beachfront Hotel. Location: Baan Tai area, on the southern coast between Thong Sala and Haad Rin (precisely ~1.2 km from Ban Tai Beach, 3 km from Haad Rin). It occupies a serene beach frontage not far from where the party zone begins, giving a mix of tranquility and accessibility. Developer/Owner: Yigal Yonah Heli (Global Top Group). Description: A newly constructed resort featuring modern Thai-inspired architecture. The resort includes multiple categories of accommodation – from Superior Rooms to private Pool Villas – totaling around 50–60 keys. The design uses Thai rooflines (high-pitched, with contemporary interpretation) and emphasizes a seamless beach connection. There are palm-fringed pools, a beach club, and landscaped grounds. Interiors are described as opulent: marble floors, plush furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to sea views, aiming to deliver five-star comfort. Amenities: Ocean-view swimming pool, pool bar, signature beachfront restaurant, spa and wellness center, and a “self-development retreat center” for yoga/meditation (per the owner’s vision). It brands itself as both a luxury resort and a retreat destination. Status: Opened in late 2022. By 2024 it established itself on booking platforms (Trip.com lists it as a top 4-star hotel, rated 4.5/5 ). It has received positive guest reviews (e.g., Agoda award 2024). Pricing: Approx THB 8,000–12,000 per night for villas, THB 3,000–5,000 for rooms – placing it in the upper tier for Phangan hotels (though still slightly below Anantara Rasananda’s rates, for comparison). Target Guests: Luxury vacationers, honeymooners, and wellness tourists. The resort, with its retreat programs, also targets those seeking an exclusive yet holistic stay – bridging the gap between Phangan’s party south and its spiritual/yoga scene. Vannee’s creation by a seasoned developer from Pattaya shows a cross-pollination: bringing big-city luxury standards to a laid-back island. It also indicates growing confidence that Phangan can support standalone luxury hotels (not just villa rentals).
Explorar Koh Phangan (Haad Rin Nai) – Revamped Adults-Only Resort. Location: Haad Rin Nai (the quieter sunset beach on the west side of Haad Rin town). Developer/Operator: The property was an existing resort refurbished under partnership between owner Gordon Oldham and The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts’ new Explorar brand. Not a ground-up development, but an important upscale addition (opened late 2021). Concept: A trendy 4-star plus, adults-only resort (16+) catering to “social travelers” and digital nomads. Design: 75 contemporary rooms, suites, and villas in a modern tropical style. The design kept the low-rise bungalow layout but updated interiors with vibrant, fun decor – think splashy colors, communal hangout spaces, and tech-friendly amenities. A signature feature is “The Exchange” co-working hub with high-speed internet and even a premium coffee bar (catering to the workation crowd). Outdoor spaces include an infinity pool with swim-up bar overlooking the sea. Amenities: The Market all-day dining (focusing on local, healthy fare), a beach club vibe by the pool, and weekly social events. No kids allowed ensures a mellow, grown-up atmosphere. Status: Operational. It quickly attracted a niche of remote workers and couples avoiding the party noise but wanting to be near Haad Rin’s buzz. Pricing: THB 3,500–7,000/night depending on room/villa, which is mid-upscale for Phangan. Target: Millennials and Gen Z travelers, digital nomads, and couples. Explorar’s co-founder noted the “experience-driven, social travel ethos” of the brand, which fits Koh Phangan’s new demographic. The presence of Explorar (backed by The Pavilions group) is significant: it shows even Phangan’s party capital Haad Rin is diversifying into upscale, wellness, and remote-work-friendly accommodation. It’s a sign that developers and operators are reimagining existing properties to align with the island’s shifting image.
(Additional upscale projects not detailed above but noteworthy: Centara Mirai Phangan – a rumored large-scale resort project by Centara (unconfirmed, possibly shelved due to eco-regulations); Angsana Residence Phangan – a branded residence concept that has been discussed in real estate circles (not officially launched as of 2025). We focus on confirmed projects in this dossier.)