Our Story
The Vision
Katathani Collection was founded based on Mr. Sombat Atiset’s vision while operating his plywood production at the Phang Nga Timber factory. Recognizing the unique and exquisite beauty of Phuket, as well as its potential as a world-class resort destination for tourists from around the globe, he began his search for the ideal primary location. It had to be tranquil with stunning scenic views. When he discovered “Kata Noi Beach” (or “Kata Nui Beach”), he knew he had found exactly what he was looking for. The area was originally covered with coconut and rice fields, with no utilities or transportation available, but surrounded by verdant mountains and boasting an 850-meter white sand beach—perfect for a resort destination.
With the acquisition of a 4 rai land parcel in 1981, Mr. Atiset took his first step toward success in the Resort Hotel industry and officially opened chapter one of the ongoing Katathani Collection story.
The construction of Katathani Hotel began in 1983, designed and built in the Log Cabin style. The core structures of the bungalows were crafted from remaining wood from plywood production at Phang Nga Timber factory. The original incarnation consisted of 44 houses and opened in November 1984 with 30 employees.
The initial spark of vision that led Mr. Atiset to build the first 44 bungalow business expanded as he foresaw the bright future of the Phuket tourism industry. He began to seek additional area in Kata Noi Beach and over the course of 12 years, was able to acquire the bulk of the land and develop the resort accordingly. Presently, Katathani has 518 rooms, 6 swimming pools, 6 restaurants, 6 bars, and world-class facilities suitable for guests of all ages. Katathani Resort and Hotel is widely recognized as a premier Phuket luxury resort hotel and has received stellar feedback from tourists all over the world. In response, our development team is continually expanding the business to meet demand.
Today, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is firmly established as a five-star hotel player with international standards reflected in the wide range of national and international awards Katathani has received. It is a pleasure to continue to be a source of pride for the people of Phuket.
The expansion began in April 2010 with the successful launch of The Shore at Katathani—a luxury 6 Star hotel with 48 villas, offering a full-service destination for lovers and honeymooners. The Shore has proved a resounding success, raved about by guests and named among Trip Advisor’s Best Hotels in the categories of Romantic, Luxury, and Top Hotels from 2015 to the present.
To meet increasing customer demand and enhance customer satisfaction, our management team is expanding the resort and launching the new room type (Seaview Pool Villa Romance) in 2018. As a result, The Shore now boasts a total of 98 villas with additional restaurants and a variety of facilities.
Mr. Atiset also recognized the potential of the Thai tourism industry as it relates to the uniquely beautiful Andaman Sea. As such, he purchased seaside area in Khao Lak, Phangnga where The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani is located. The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani is a 4.5-star hotel which opened in 2012 with 316 hotel rooms. It is located on the prime beachfront area of Nang Thong Beach—a superb location within easy reach of Khao Lak center, restaurants, and shops.
With the aim of increasing the profile of Katathani Collection in Phang Nga and offering higher services to all customer segments, The Aqua Wing was launched in 2017 with an additional 123 rooms suited for families. The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani has become a resort for everyone by separating the resort into 3 wings to serve different needs—family, couples, tourists—and offering exceptional facilities for all. It is the hotel’s pride to have been selected by HolidayCheck as one of the most popular hotels in the world.
The Leaf on The Sands by Katathani opened in 2013 as a 3.5-star hotel with 96 rooms. The hotel offers relaxation at an affordable resort embraced by hundreds of tropical trees and plant species all located at Khao Lak center, mere steps from well-known shopping and culinary attractions. The hotel also offers a meeting hall for up to 250 guests with various configuration capacities.
The expansion of Katathani Collection continued in 2014 with the opening of The Leaf Oceanside by Katathani, a 3.5-star hotel with 124 rooms providing true relaxation in a tropical oasis surrounded by lush gardens and located just 100 meters from the beach.
The Waters Khao Lak by Katathani opened in 2015 as a 4-star hotel. Over 40% of the hotel’s area is embraced by water and more than half of the hotel rooms offer direct access to the swimming pool. The hotel was designed in a contemporary style with a total of 189 rooms and 7 swimming pools—perfect for adults with modern lifestyles who want to create a distinctive holiday experience.
The Galleri by Katathani opened in 2018 as a 4-star hotel and is an adult-friendly lifestyle resort inspired by a love of art and nature, designed for young-at-heart travelers. This modern resort highlights nature’s masterpieces with tropical scenery and a sublime vista of the Andaman Sea. The resort includes 79 rooms, half of which offer outdoor bathtubs on private balconies, as well as a spacious rooftop area complete with a gorgeous pool, restaurant, and bar, all overlooking stunning views. The Galleri: the ideal spot to chill out and relax in stylish ambiance.
In 2017, Mr. Atiset sought to extend the influence of Katathani Collection to adjust to the growth of the tourism industry in Thailand. He began to search for property in Northern Thailand and found Chiang Rai to be a most attractive investment. In September 2017, Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai was acquired by Katathani Collection, closed for renovation and rebranded as “The Riverie By Katathani,” positioning the hotel among the finest in Chiang Rai city.
The Katathani Collection constantly seeks to expand our portfolio of hotels and enhance our lifestyle market segment. We decided to merge the hotel next to The Galleri by Katathani, and these two properties will be rebranded as The Sea Galleri by Katathani, a 5-star lifestyle resort.
Today, The Sea Galleri is permanently closed for new development to elevate this property to the next level.
Expanding into the first luxury category in the Khao Lak area, The Little Shore Khao Lak – a luxury 5-star hotel – will have a soft opening in April 2024 with 101 suites, offering a full-service destination to celebrate a special occasion, honeymoon, or simply seek a tranquil retreat with your loved one. The Little Shore Khao Lak is where the harmonious blend of modern luxury, celebratory moments, lively vibes, and a romantic atmosphere creates an enchanting seaside paradise that exudes tranquility and relaxation.
Expanding into the first luxury category in the Khao Lak area, The Little Shore Khao Lak – a luxury 5-star hotel – will have a soft opening in April 2024 with 101 suites, offering a full-service destination to celebrate a special occasion, honeymoon, or simply seek a tranquil retreat with your loved one. The Little Shore Khao Lak is where the harmonious blend of modern luxury, celebratory moments, lively vibes, and a romantic atmosphere creates an enchanting seaside paradise that exudes tranquility and relaxation.