Hawai'i-based Outrigger Enterprises Group announced a second resort project planned for Phuket, Thailand — this time a luxury beachfront hotel-condominium.

The new resort, to be called "Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort, Phuket," is expected to open in Phuket in early 2009.

Outrigger will manage the 78-unit luxury resort being built at Rawai Beach along the south coast of Phuket, just south of the town of Phuket, and near the Evason PhuketResort and the planned Four Seasons Resort.

The project's developer is Serenity Development Group, a global company specializing in residential resort developments in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

In February, Outrigger announced plans for the 400-room West Sands Outrigger Resort, Phuket that is being built on Mai Khao Beach along the northwest coast of Phuket as part of the mixed-use resort project of West Sands Resort.

Although that project was announced first, the hotel is expected to open at the end of 2009, making the Serenity project the first Outrigger-involved property to open in the Thai resort.

The Thai resorts are part of Outrigger's plan to expand the resort's presence throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Outrigger President and CEO David Carey said the company also has invested in property or management opportunities in Bali, China's Hainan Island and Australia in recent years and is looking for more places to grow.

"With two projects now under way in Thailand and another two moving forward in Bali, Outrigger is quickly building a presence in Asia," Carey said. "We are looking right now at potential hotel projects in Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi and Hua Hin in Thailand, Hainan Island in China, Okinawa and Vietnam and also have a number of other destinations targeted for future consideration."

The latest project will consist of one- and two-bedroom apartments, most with spectacular ocean and island views, several exclusive penthouses each with a rooftop terrace, sun deck and some with their own rooftop lap pool.

Darren Edmonstone, vice president of acquisitions and development for Outrigger Enterprises Group, said the luxury condo hotel will likely open with a $350 average daily rate.

Although that price tag is more than Hawai'i's average daily rate of $218, it is on par with the pricing at some of Hawai'i's higher-end resorts.

"You certainly get more bang for your buck there," Edmonstone said. "We're going to establish butler service into this property," he said. And the property's model units already have a more contemporary design.

Some beachfront duplexes and lofts boast their own private swimming pools. Some fame factor already is associated with the project in Asia since Kimi Raikkonen, the Formula One Grand Prix world champion, has purchased one of the beachfront units.

Resort amenities will include a large beachfront clubhouse with an infinity pool, a sports gym, holistic spa services and a signature restaurant and bar that touches the beachfront.

The resort also promises toys for grown-ups, including a fully-equipped speedboat, two Hobie Cat catamarans and four kayaks.