Amari moves into Mainland China with two properties slated to open by 2016: the Amari Huidong and the Amari Dali, a premiere for the Thailand-based hotel group

　　Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group will open two Amari resorts in China by 2016. Amari Huidong in Guangdong and Amari Dali in Yunnan will both offer resort style accommodation in key destinations in China.The new contracts represent an important step towards ONYX’s previously announced growth strategy and its goal to become one of Asia’s leading hospitality providers by 2018. In 2010, ONYX set a goal to increase its portfolio of operating properties to 51.

　　By the end of 2013 the group will have 36 operational properties with an additional 13 contracts signed for the future.

　　ONYX's President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Henley, said: “The two new signings in China further cement ONYX’s position in this crucial market. We already have a presence in the region through our Shama brand of serviced apartments and the introduction of our hotel brand Amari, will develop ONYX’s China footprint even further. Amari hotels in Thailand have been serving guests from China for many years and we are looking forward to introducing the traditions of our Thai hospitality to China.”

　　Located just east of Huizhou, Amari Huidong is within the Xun Liao Bay Resort Area, which occupies a 1.2 km stretch of coastline and the property boasts access to a 500-metre beach. A popular resort destination, Huidong is within easy reach of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, offering a welcome weekend retreat to city dwellers.

　　The resort property will feature 150 rooms, two restaurants plus a lobby and poolside bar, a function room, meeting rooms and a Breeze Spa and is scheduled to open in 2016.

　　Amari Dali, also set to launch in 2016, will feature 260 rooms. The mountainous region in Yunnan province is popular with visitors for its lush landscape and the historical importance of the ancient city of Dali. Amari Dali offers views of the renowned Erhai Lake and will also have its own lake water feature within the resort, with many guest rooms offering lakeside views.