Singapore's IndoChine Group Brands Villa Santi Hotel and Re

High profile Singaporean entrepreneur Michael Ma's IndoChine Group has taken a controlling interest in Villa Santi as reported in the local press. The 80 key mixed use hotel and residential development is being renamed IndoChine Resort and Villas, with completion set within 2009. The group is well known in Singapore and operates a number of high end outlets in the region and Europe. An Indochine restaurant is currently in the works with ocean views over Patong bay.
The original developer Bart Duykers is said to be retained as a minority shareholder and has recently been concentrating on the nearly upscale Djinna Santi development together with a wine dealership. Villa Santi received widespread attention when it became embroiled in a controversy when it came under scrutiny by Government officials and construction halted at one point. Since that time construction has resumed and the site is moving well towards completion.
Kalim, with its proximity to Patong is experiencing a boom with the Langham Place Miora Resort and Spa announced recently and the Wyndham chains affiliation with Pantipa resort.