Bangkok, Thailand. -- Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group is celebrating the results of a momentous year which has seen openings in new markets including Amari Galle Sri Lanka, Amari Yangshuo in Guilin, China, and Amari Johor Bahru in southern Peninsula Malaysia.

With plans for a number of milestone openings in 2018, including the Group's first hotel in Vietnam, OZO Hoi An, and the entry of the flagship Amari brand to Laos with Amari Vang Vieng, ONYX Hospitality Group has also announced its new strategic aim of having 99 hotels open across the Asia-Pacific region by 2024.

New Openings 2017
Amari reflects the warmth and energy of modern Asia, with each hotel committed to creating memorable experiences for guests by connecting them to the destination's respective cultures and traditions.

Marking the brand's entry to Malaysia, Amari Johor Bahru opened in May 2017. In the heart of the city, steps away from a number of major malls, the opening paves the way for the Group's upcoming openings in the area under its OZO and Shama brands, highlighting ONYX's commitment to development within the Malaysian market.

Amari Yangshuo
is the first Amari in China and opened its doors in late summer 2017. The hotel features 73 guestrooms and suites, combining contemporary Asian design with local influences. A beautiful blend of space, comfort and tranquillity, this property is the only internationally-branded hotel in downtown Yangshuo. The hotel is part of the vibrant Yitian West Street community of shops, restaurants and entertainment offerings, all housed in a complex of low-rise buildings featuring traditional North Guangxi-style architecture.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, Amari Galle Sri Lanka officially opened in September 2017. Surrounded by greenery on a beautiful beachfront site, the resort offers 172 modern rooms and suites, all featuring direct sea views, alongside an expansive pool deck and Amari's signature Breeze Spa. Dining options include the Bommu Rooftop bar and Ahara Gourmet Gallery, serving Asian dishes freshly prepared in a street market setting.

New Openings 2018
OZO Hoi An's opening in early 2018 marks the group's entry to Vietnam and the hotel will also become the largest OZO property to date with 364 rooms. OZO is a mid-scale hotel experience created for travellers who crave the basics done right – a great night's sleep, energising breakfasts and connectivity to the world and the local area. Located within a short distance of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site, OZO Hoi An will offer facilities including the signature all-day dining outlet EAT, Tone fitness room and pool, direct access to a pristine stretch of beach, as well as a range of retail shops and independent restaurants.

Amari will also make its debut in Laos with the opening of Amari Vang Vieng in early 2018. Known for natural beauty and authentic adventures, Vang Vieng, a riverside town in central Laos, is a favourite for travellers looking to get off the beaten track. Amari Vang Vieng, the first international hotel in the area, will feature 160 guest rooms and suites with a backdrop of limestone mountains, paddy fields and the Nam Song River. After soaking up the sights, guests can unwind in the largest free-form swimming pool in town.

Whilst international expansion is a key priority, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to reinvigorate and enhance its existing products, including a USD100 million investment in the redevelopment of Amari Pattaya. Set for completion in 2019, the site will incorporate a new OZO hotel and the new premium Amari Pattaya Ocean Suites, adjacent to the Amari Pattaya Ocean Tower which is currently being renovated.

ONYX collaboration with YOO
As an additional aspect of growth, ONYX Hospitality Group has entered an agreement with UK-based YOO Hotels & Resorts to manage and further develop YOO Collection and Yoo2 hotels across Asia.

As a result, ONYX Hospitality Group will expand the presence of the two YOO brands across key city and resort destinations in the Asia Pacific region. The first YOO Asia hotels to be developed will be in Phuket and Bali, both scheduled to open in 2019. The partnership merges the strengths and qualities of both companies, specifically YOO's design-led philosophy and ONYX's regional management expertise.

Douglas Martell, President and CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group commented: 'It's been another highlight year for ONYX Hospitality Group. We are delighted with the continued progress of our strategic expansion plan to take our hotels beyond Thailand across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus on our flagship Amari brand which now has presence in Sri Lanka, China and Malaysia. An important milestone in 2018 will be introducing our mid-scale brand OZO to Vietnam, and we are eager to see the response in the market, following its success in destinations such as Hong Kong and Koh Samui. We will also have key news to share in the months to come, as we prepare to enter the Australian market with Shama Luxe Aurora Melbourne Central, opening in 2019.'

ONYX Hospitality Group currently has a portfolio of 65 properties including projects under construction.

About ONYX

ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today's business and leisure travellers. The group reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

ONYX Hospitality Group
Communications Department
Onyx