Volkert Geertsen, Cluster General Manager, Jitti Sukee, Cluster Hotel Manager, and Fernando Roman, Cluster Executive Chef, to lead the 24-key Sala Bang Pa-In, 60km north of Bangkok…
Sala Boutique, the collection of stylish and intimate hotels and resorts by Sala Hospitality Group, has unveiled an exciting line-up of highly-skilled hospitality professionals to head-up sala bang pa-in, the latest addition to its portfolio in Thailand.
Volkert Geertsen, Cluster General Manager, Jitti Sukee, Cluster Hotel Manager, and Fernando Roman, Cluster Executive Chef, have been confirmed as key members of the executive team to lead this exceptional new 24-key hotel, which is scheduled to start welcoming guests in March 2021.
A Dutch citizen and respected international hotelier, Volkert Geertsen will oversee sala bang pa-in as Cluster General Manager of Sala Boutique, alongside his current responsibilities for Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok, sala lanna Chiang Mai, Sala Ayutthaya and Sala Khaoyai. With over 20 years of experience, 15 of which have been in Thailand and Southeast Asia, he is perfectly positioned to steer this important project.
A Thai national and seasoned industry professional who specialises in F&B, Jitti Sukee is currently Hotel Manager at Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok, the popular riverside hotel in the historical heart of Thailand’s capital city.
As Cluster Hotel Manager, he will now combine these responsibilities with the new hotel, bringing over two decades of expertise to the role.
A South African national with a lifetime of gastronomic skill and knowhow, Fernando Roman is the Cluster Executive Chef for Sala Boutique. His talent and creativity have elevated the collection’s four hotels to be among the most desired dining destinations in their markets, and he will now work his magic at Sala Bang Pa-In, developing original culinary concepts and mouth-watering menus.
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Volkert, Khun Sitti and Chef Fernando to these new and expanded roles, as we gear up for the launch of our latest Sala Boutique hotel. All three gentlemen are well known and respected by our entire team, and they have proven their ability to create outstanding guest experiences. The existing Sala Boutique hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Khao Lak have become very popular with international guests and local residents alike; with its unique setting and exceptional amenities, supported by such an impressive management team, I am confident that Sala Bang-In will be similarly successful,” said Jon Ashenden, Vice President Hotel Operations, Sala Hospitality Group.
Nestled on an island in the Chao Phraya River, 60km north of Bangkok and just moments from the Summer Palace, Sala Bang Pa-In will feature 24 river-facing rooms and pool villas, a waterfront restaurant and other exceptional amenities that reflect the region’s romantic heritage.
Like every Sala Boutique property, it will display a contemporary style that infuses the genuine warmth of Thai hospitality with a focus on authentic art, design and culinary creativity. And of course, guests can rest assured that every hotel has been awarded the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certificate from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
About Sala Hospitality Group
Sala Hospitality Group (salahospitality.com) is a homegrown Thai hospitality company that owns and operates eight luxurious and intimate properties under two brands: Sala Resorts and Spas and Sala Boutique.
Sala Hospitality Group is also the majority shareholder of the Six Senses Resort on Koh Samui. Since its first property opened in 2004, the Group has been recognised with numerous high-profile awards and accolades, including the Condé Nast Hot List, DestinAsian Luxe List Award, World Luxury Spa Award, Thailand Boutique Awards, and Thailand’s Best Restaurants.
Sala Resorts and Spas. Featuring glorious white sandy beaches, luxurious pool villas and suites, rejuvenating Sala Spas, romantic beachfront bars and restaurants, Sala Resorts and Spas offer experiences that are wonderfully personal and private.
The company’s first resort, Sala Samui Choengmon Beach Resort, opened in 2004, followed by Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort in 2007. The Group’s newest property, Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, opened in January 2018 and was expanded in 2019 with the launch of its elegant new Garden Wing.
Sala Boutique. With a focus on striking design and stylish accommodation, Sala Boutique hotels are situated in picturesque locations, many of which are filled with historical significance.
The Group’s first boutique property, Sala Khaoyai, opened in 2009, followed in 2013 by sala lanna Chiang Mai, nestled on the Ping River. Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok also launched in 2013, located on the Chao Phraya River with views of Wat Arun.
The year after, Sala Ayutthaya opened on the banks of the river in Thailand’s ancient capital city, within walking distance of UNESCO-listed historical ruins. The latest Sala Boutique hotel, Sala Bang Pa-In, will open in 2021 on the Chao Phraya River, just minutes away from the Summer Palace.
For more information about Sala Boutique, please visit salahospitality.com/sala-boutique.
