AKARYN Hotel Group (AHG) has earned a reputation for managing small luxury resorts in Southeast Asia, with a strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. In this exclusive interview, K. Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the Managing Director and Founder of AKARYN Hotel Group and the first female Chairperson of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), shares her insights on the group’s journey, the evolution of Aleenta Hua Hin, and the future of luxury hospitality.
Bridges: What is your vision for Aleenta Hua Hin and the broader AKARYN Hotel Group?
Kijkanakorn: At Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi, our vision has always been rooted in creating a sanctuary where luxury meets authenticity — a place where guests feel at home, yet far away from the ordinary. As the very first Aleenta property, Hua Hin holds a special place in my heart. It is where we started, with a dream of offering something intimate, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the destination.
Looking ahead, our vision across the AKARYN Hotel Group is to continue leading the way in sustainable luxury and personalized hospitality. We want to remain boutique and proudly independent, with hotels that reflect the soul of their location — not just another hotel room, but a place with heart, character, and meaningful experiences. Whether in Hua Hin, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or future destinations, our goal is to create hotels that allow our guests to live A Rewarding Life.
We want to remain boutique and proudly independent, with hotels that reflect the soul of their location — not just another hotel room, but a place with heart, character, and meaningful experiences.
K. Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Managing Director and Founder of AKARYN Hotel Group
What do you believe sets Aleenta properties apart in Thailand’s competitive luxury market?
What sets Aleenta apart is the fact that we are intimately sized but grand in experience. Our philosophy has never been about building big hotels — it’s about small, thoughtful, meaningful luxury. At Aleenta, luxury is not about excess; it’s about attention, about how we make you feel.
We are also fiercely committed to being pioneers in sustainable hospitality. Aleenta was among the first in Thailand to become single-use plastic free, to run on renewable energy, and to invest in local community projects through our Pure Blue Foundation. We believe true luxury today is not only about personal comfort, but also about the care we show for the planet and the people around us.
But above all, it’s the genuine care and connection of our team. Many of our guests come back again and again because of the warmth they feel from our people — it’s the spirit of Aleenta.
How do you define the Aleenta guest experience today?
Today, the Aleenta guest experience is about balance, authenticity, and understated luxury. It’s not about being seen; it’s about feeling good — inside and out.
Our guests come to Aleenta seeking escape and reconnection — with themselves, their loved ones, and nature. Whether through our wellness programs, curated culinary journeys, bespoke excursions, or simply the way we remember their names and preferences, we aim to make every stay feel effortlessly personal. We want our guests to leave not only rested, but renewed — to have lived well, eaten well, slept well, and felt cared for in every detail.
