ONYX to operate a new Amari hotel in Buriram, Thailand

Buriram is well known in Thailand for two things; its rich history and football. The province boasts an abundance of temple ruins, 143 to be precise, including the most spectacular Angkor monument in Thailand. In contrast to the region's archaeological splendours, the local football team also has a strong reputation. A national treasure, Buriram United is the first ever Thai football team to reach the knockout stage of the Asian Champions League in a decade.

Commenting on the new project, President of Buriram United Football Club, Newin Chidchob said:

"Amari Buriram United is one element of a project I am investing in to ensure Buriram becomes one of the country's top 5 tourism and sports destinations able to attract both local and foreign tourists. In 2014 we will be adding an international motor circuit to the stadium complex and this, combined with the existing football stadium will push Buriram to the forefront of sports and leisure tourism in Thailand. "

ONYX President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Henley, said:

"This is a very exciting venture for ONYX. We share Buriram United by Khun Newin's vision for Buriram and we are thrilled to be opening our first Amari in this region of Thailand. As Amari's first ever themed hotel, we also look forward to introducing a fun and creative new hotel design inside and out, whilst continuing to provide the warm hospitality for which Amari is so well known. Sports tourism is a huge potential and emerging market for both domestic and international visitors to Thailand. The development of Buriram as a centre of excellence in this area is certainly welcome and the addition of a motor sports circuit to the existing i-Mobile Thunder Castle stadium will certainly put Buriram ahead of the game. "

The design concept for Amari Buriram United is a tribute to football and of course the local team, Buriram United. Guests will check into a hotel, but could easily mistake arriving at a football ground. The hotel structure has a stadium design with most rooms looking into a central area which includes a mini football field and swimming pool. The hotel is designed by I'll Design Studio, the same architects as the neighbouring i-Mobile Thunder Castle stadium. Inside the hotel, guests will enjoy 'players changing room' style bathrooms and a themed restaurant with bench style seating, replicating team style dining. Amari Buriram will feature 44 superior rooms, 14 deluxe rooms and 2 suites ranging from 34 to 114 square metres in size. The resort will also offer a bar and a gymnasium. The property is scheduled to open in Q4 2013.