Rixos Water World Phuket to open in 2028 with major events space

Rixos, the luxury all-inclusive brand rooted in Turkish hospitality, is coming to Thailand for the first time. Ennismore, the lifestyle hospitality company in which Accor holds a majority stake, has signed Rixos Water World Phuket with Central Group Capital, the fund management arm of the Thai conglomerate Central Group. The resort sits on the quiet shoreline of Mai Khao in Phuket’s Thalang District and will offer more than 600 rooms and villas.

The property, which Ennismore already manages, will undergo an extensive renovation before relaunching under the Rixos name in early 2028. For UK businesses, the detail that stands out is not the waterpark but the meeting space: the resort will include one of the largest banqueting and MICE facilities in Phuket, aimed at large-scale events, conferences and business travellers.

Rixos Water World Phuket as a conference venue

Phuket is better known as a holiday island than a corporate destination, so a resort of this size gives event planners a fresh option for incentive trips, sales conferences and regional meetings that need hundreds of beds under one roof. With over 600 guestrooms and villas, five food and beverage venues and an integrated waterpark, the resort is expected to become one of the island’s largest hospitality destinations.

The all-inclusive format has a practical upside for corporate travel budgets. Dining, drinks, activities and entertainment are all covered in the Rixos rate, which can make per-head costs for group trips easier to forecast and cut down on the individual expense claims that follow a typical conference.

Food follows the brand’s “world of choice” approach, spanning all-day dining, a la carte speciality restaurants and beachfront venues, with Thai, Asian, Italian and Latin American influences, plus poolside snacks, bars and lounges. Delegates wanting to keep up a training routine will find the Exclusive Sports Club, with a fully equipped indoor gym, a studio for group classes, an outdoor jungle gym near the beach and several sports courts. There is also a spa inspired by Rixos’ Turkish heritage, while a Kids Club and a Teens Club may appeal to those extending a work trip into a family break.

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When will Rixos open in Thailand?

Rixos Water World Phuket is due to open in early 2028, once the renovation is complete. Mai Khao lies within easy reach of Patong Beach, Bang Tao Beach and the streets of Old Phuket Town. Getting there from the UK has become simpler too, following the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Phuket. Anyone planning travel should check the FCDO’s latest Thailand entry requirements before booking.

François Baudin, Chief Business Officer for Rixos and the ALL Inclusive Collection, said: “Bringing Rixos to Thailand marks an exciting moment for the brand as we continue expanding our luxury all-inclusive offering across Asia. With Rixos Water World Phuket and Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam opening later this year, we’re introducing a new audience to our immersive, experience-led approach that defines Rixos. From standout restaurants and bars to curated entertainment, sports and wellness programmes, and one of the industry’s most comprehensive kids and teens concepts, Rixos is designed around moments that bring people together. We’re excited to bring that energy to Thailand and the wider region.”

Soravit Chairoj, Managing Partner and Co-Head of Central Group Capital, said: “We believe Phuket remains one of Asia’s most compelling long-term tourism and hospitality markets. Rixos Water World Phuket will introduce a differentiated all-inclusive concept to Thailand and broaden the island’s appeal to families and international travellers seeking experience-led resorts.”

Ennismore’s all-inclusive resort growth

The Phuket deal adds to a network of more than 70 all-inclusive resorts open and in development across Ennismore’s brands, representing over 30,000 rooms worldwide. Recent openings include SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, Rixos Murjana, Rixos Tersane Istanbul, Rixos Obhur Jeddah, SLS Playa Mujeres and Hyde Bodrum. The pipeline includes six Rixos all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking the brand’s arrival in the Americas, alongside Rixos Magawish Bay Views Egypt and Rixos Dubai Islands Hotel and Residences.

The new all-inclusive resort in Phuket will also join the ALL Inclusive Collection, Ennismore’s digital platform for resorts from its Rixos brand, SO/, Hyde, SLS and Swissotel.