Malaysian conglomerate YTL Hotels has expanded its presence in the Asian wellness resort market with the opening of a luxury property on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand.

The resort – spread across 58 acres – has 175 suites and pool villas and has been built on the site of a former coconut plantation. Owned by YTL, it will be managed by Marriott International’s luxury RItz-Carlton arm.

At the centre of the resort is the Spa Village Koh Samui, a 3,800sq m (41,800sq ft) wellness sanctuary, featuring a treatment menu based on the healing culture of the region.

Facilities include eight treatment suites – including double suites for couples – three massage pavilions, a yoga pavilion, health bar, and a lap pool with intimate cabanas.

Guests will be able to experience the Songkran Shower, the signature pre-spa ritual inspired by the annual Songkran festival involving the throwing of water, as a prelude to selected spa treatments.

Other resort facilities include a Muay Thai Gym with an indoor kickboxing ring, where guests can learn the martial art of Muay Thai with trained instructors.

YTL has also introduced a temperate “Swim Reef” within the resort – a free-swimming zone teeming with more than 50 species of fish.

It is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, and offers guests snorkelling and fish-feeding experiences.

“The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui marks another milestone of our strong partnership with Marriott International,” said Dato’ Mark Yeoh, executive director of YTL Hotels.

“With the opening of this resort, our portfolio together with Marriott International now encompasses nine properties across Asia-Pacific and Europe.”

The resort adds to YTL Hotels’ growing Thai portfolio, which currently includes The Surin Phuket resort and the Eastern & Oriental Express train, which travels from Singapore to Thailand.

YTL currently operates spa hotels and resorts in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia, France and the UK.