Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Over the past four decades, Centara has grown from a single hotel in 1983, its flagship Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, to a global hospitality brand with 93 properties across Asia and the Middle East.
Photo: Centara Hotels & Resorts
Centara’s 40-year history is marked by numerous remarkable achievements. In 1986, the company acquired and renovated the historic Railway Hotel Hua Hin, now the heritage Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin which celebrated its 100-year anniversary this year. In 1990, Centara made a significant stride by becoming a publicly listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, solidifying its position in the industry. In 2007, ‘Central Hotels & Resorts’ rebranded itself as the globally recognised “Centara Hotels & Resorts,” defining its own unique identity.
Photo: Centara Hotels & Resorts
In 2009, Centara launched its first ‘Mirage’ themed resort, Thailand’s premier family-focused property, with Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. This year also saw the opening of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, marking the brand’s first foray into the overseas market, which has since grown to include properties in Sri Lanka, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and most recently, Japan.
Photo: Centara Hotels & Resorts
Centara achieved another major milestone in 2014, becoming the first and only hotel group to receive the prestigious Royal Insignia of the Sacred Garuda from His Majesty King Adulyadej Bhumibol, an esteemed recognition for the brand’s commitment to excellence.
In 2017, Centara introduced the innovative COSI hotel concept, tailored for tech-savvy travellers seeking a seamless and connected experience. Just four years later, the group launched its first venture into the luxury market with Centara Reserve. Leading the industry in story-driven hospitality, the flagship Centara Reserve Samui was named one of the top 10 best beach island resorts in Thailand at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.
Centara took its acclaimed ‘Mirage’ concept internationally in 2021, introducing its themed family resort concept in Vietnam and the UAE with Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne and Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. Ever-growing and enhancing its global presence, Centara proudly unveiled the breathtaking Centara Grand Hotel Osaka this month, its debut property in Japan, showcasing a commitment to captivating guests with exceptional experiences across the world.
Photo: Centara Hotels & Resorts
In addition to its property expansion, Centara Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to delivering world-class service through its signature warm hospitality and authentic Thai family values. Over the past 40 years the brand has solidified itself as The Place to Be for travellers and renowned guests, playing host to a myriad of illustrious celebrities and world leaders, including the Thai royal family, former US President Jimmy Carter, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, and Jackie Chan.
Centara continues to be committed to growth and success with the aim of becoming one of the world’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027. To achieve this goal, Centara Hotels & Resorts is focused on expanding its global footprint with an array of projects in the pipeline across Thailand, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. These include expanding the family themed ‘Mirage’ brand in the Maldives; the addition of three more luxury ‘Centara Reserve’ properties in Thailand and the Maldives; and much more.
Photo: Centara Hotels & Resorts
The hotel group also remains at the forefront of hospitality and sustainability, with the goals of ending single-use plastic and achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification at every property by 2025, reducing energy, waste, water, and greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2029, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Photo: Centara Hotels & Resorts
As a thank you for your enduring support, we’re rolling out a Wave of Celebrations throughout the remainder of 2023. Stay tuned for tantalizing offers, huge discounts, lucky draws, complimentary nights, special vouchers and more HERE.