PHUKET ROUNDUP Top 5 Hotels Missing In Action

We all remember Chuck Norris as the escaped POW in Missing in Action, so we'd take a moment to look back at 2009 and those much anticipated hotels on the MIA list:
1.The Yamu
This Philippe Starck and Jean Michel Gathy boutique 91 key resort which is part of the integrated Cape Yamu (now known as The Cape) resort came to a standstill just over a year ago. With construction well over 50% complete the developers are aiming to move forward at the end of Q1 next year and open in 2011.
2.Jumeirah Private Island Resort
While much confusion arose over the sale of real estate for the project with sales being non resort managed residential villas in fact the owners redid the designs and submitted the project to the Board of Investments (BoI) with over 100 keys which was approved. Set to break ground in Q3 the resort construction is yet to commence.
3.Taj Exotica
Another case of re master planning for BoI approval hence obtaining 100% foreign ownership the new plan calls for construction to start in 2010, though no firm dates have been released. With the primary owner Taj being fairly liquid despite the global slowdown, once they commence there is no doubt on the ability to complete and open.
4.Hyatt Regency Naiyang
This project has been on hold for over two years with substantial completion done before hitting the wall. Reportedly pending ownership restricting the site remains quiet.
5.Shangri-La's Phuket Resort and Spa
As the site work, piling and some model units completed work ground to a standstill just over a year ago. Residential sales shut down, and the site currently remains vacant. No updates on any plans to recommence at the moment.
As for the odds and ends the vaunted Four Season's Rawai site which was marketed for sale at midyear failed to transact, Hyatt clarified that the Park Hyatt in south Patong was canceled and West Sands canceled its planned 433 key Outrigger managed resort due to the GFC (global financial crises).