Outrigger announced in July that it had agreed to buy the 255-key resort located in the prestigious Laguna Phuket destination resort, which is widely recognized as one of Asia's finest destination resorts. Mr Berger, the current General Manager, will oversee the completion of major renovations of the beachfront property, which is scheduled to reopen its doors on 1 April, 2013. Mr. Berger, a German national and lifetime hotelier, has been with the resort as General Manager since 2007 and has been responsible for the property's operations, financial performance and sales and marketing. He was also Executive Assistant Manager at the hotel from 2002 to 2004 before taking senior managerial roles at the Sukhothai Bangkok and the Al Bustan Rotan Hotel in Dubai.
"Outrigger has exciting plans for our new beachfront property in Laguna Phuket," said Mr. Edmonstone. "Chris's extensive operational experience will be a major asset to Outrigger as we create a modern beach holiday experience that delivers the essence of a great Phuket holiday."
The Outrigger Phuket Beach Resort will be the second Outrigger property in Laguna Phuket, joining the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, which it has managed since August 2009.
When it reopens, the new Outrigger Phuket Beach Resort will include a spa, tennis courts, meeting and conference rooms, extensive water features and slides, a resort pool, a fully equipped gym, and a kids' club.
The resort, which is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, Patong Beach, and Phuket town, will be the only property in the Laguna Phuket destination resort to have a dedicated club lounge for travellers looking for additional personal service and privacy.
Outrigger, which has over 45 hotels and properties open or under development across Asia-Pacific, is known for its expertise in operating family-friendly warm weather beach resorts that deliver a sense of place and reflect local culture and hospitality.