Phuket, Thailand, January 9, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / After 25 years with Banyan Tree Holdings, Ravi Chandran is busier than ever. The affable former managing director of the Laguna Phuket hadn't envisioned things turning out this way. But the rapid growth of the hotel and real estate industries after the pandemic, coupled with his excellent reputation as a businessman, means his phone is constantly ringing. So, what is he up to these days?

Has your name been appearing more frequently lately?

I've always wanted to make a positive contribution to society. That's my greatest motivation. My father, Captain Chandran MBE OBE, was passionate about social housing and dedicated his life to serving those in need. Before his death, he established the Chandran Foundation to give back and improve the lives of others. The foundation, now run by my sister Chitra, focuses on the well-being of young people in the areas of education, nutrition, and family. I've been working as a project manager for the Chandran Foundation for the past 15 months, and this time has been incredibly enriching and fulfilling.

Why did you resign after 25 years at Banyan Tree Holdings?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Banyan Tree Holdings and it was an honor to work directly with founder KP Ho. However, after 25 years and the Covid pandemic, I simply wanted to slow down and escape the day-to-day operations. I've had wonderful years with Banyan Tree and Laguna – and although the last two to three years have been challenging, I'm proud that we played a significant role in supporting the Phuket Sandbox initiative, helping to revive Thailand's tourism industry, on which so many people depend.

How were you able to relax after your role as head of Asia's leading integrated resort destination?

It was an unusual experience at first. After 25 years, I wasn't used to not working. But I tried to focus on the things I'd never had time for before. For six months, I traveled, exercised, and ate healthily. I'm lucky enough to live in Phuket, so I took long walks every morning, which helped me refocus. I thought I'd get bored, but that wasn't the case—I really enjoyed this time and had plenty to do. Most importantly, though, I got to spend time with my wife, Waticha Chandran (Chon), and my cats!

How and why did you start working again?

Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to make many good friends, and that's how I unexpectedly came across Urasaya Beachfront Residences, an eco-friendly project on Sichon Beach in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. A friend in the music industry told me he was planning to build a series of exclusive beachfront villas with pools on Sichon Beach, a stunning stretch of sand that Lonely Planet named one of Thailand's best beaches last year. Yet hardly anyone knows about it. The project is aimed at Thailand lovers looking to escape the tourist hotspots. He invited me to visit, and I was immediately captivated. Sichon has so much potential; it feels like Thailand 30 years ago – peaceful, authentic, and natural. Crucially, the development coincides with the opening of a new international terminal at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, paving the way for an exciting new era of sustainable tourism in the province.

What's it like in Phuket, where you live?

Once again, opportunities arose through friends and family. My wife knows the owners of Amora Hotels & Resorts, a family-run hotel group with six properties: three in Thailand and three in Australia. The young owner, Earp Siriphatrawan, asked for my support. We spoke, and I quickly realized that they share my values: they value their employees and invest in them, many of whom have been with the company for decades. I agreed to help them transform from a traditional hotel group into a modern hospitality company, with expansion plans in both Thailand and Australia. In February, the Amora Beach Resort Phuket will be officially opened following an investment of 500 million baht.

I have heard that you are also active in the real estate sector – specifically as a consultant for a large 73 rai wellness travel destination.

That's right. A former colleague contacted me and asked for my support. Gardens of Eden is an interesting project – a nature-inspired concept that combines wellness, luxury, and sustainability. Located on Bangtao Beach, 70% of the total area will remain green space, setting a new standard for large-scale projects on the island. It's a project that will have a positive impact on Phuket.

I'm happy with what I'm currently doing and that I can choose the projects I participate in that aim for positive change. And of course, I also enjoy spending time with my family.