Equatorial Group, Thailand’s ONYX Hospitality Group sign JV for EQ Phuket

• The resort will be built on 30 rai, or about 12 acres of land. There will be 186 units of varying sizes and configurations, and further details are still being finalised.

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 18): Malaysian home-grown hospitality brand Equatorial Group and Thailand’s ONYX Hospitality Group have signed a joint-venture (JV) agreement to co-develop EQ Phuket, a resort hotel that is set to open in 2028.

Signed between Equatorial Group chief executive officer (CEO) Donald Lim and ONYX Hospitality CEO Yuthachai Charanachitta at EQ Kuala Lumpur on Monday, the agreement will oversee the development of the resort that has an estimated total investment of THB2.5 billion (RM321.42 million). The hotel will be located on Kata Beach, which according to Yuthachai, has been with ONYX for 50 years and is on elevated land with beach access.

The resort will be built on 30 rai, or about 12 acres of land. There will be 186 units of varying sizes and configurations, and further details are still being finalised.

“Equatorial has been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for over 50 years in Malaysia. We are driven by our mission to create exceptional and enduring experiences with a distinctively Asian touch, and our partnership with ONYX aligns perfectly,” said Lim.

He added that they will also be introducing Japanese concept dining at the hotel, as a way to differentiate themselves in Phuket’s competitive market.

“The joint venture with Equatorial Group marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy, highlighting our shared commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences. By combining ONYX’s tailored approach with Equatorial Group’s expertise, we are confident that EQ Phuket will set a new benchmark in luxury hospitality. Its unique location, spacious rooms and exceptional amenities will make it an irresistible destination,” said Yuthachai.

Sustainability will be a central focus in the design and construction of this new hotel, where buildings will blend in with the natural surroundings, where large existing trees will be preserved, and 50% of the land will be dedicated to greenery, the group said.

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