Michael Ayling takes the reins at B1.3bn Blue Tree waterpark

PHUKET: Blue Tree Phuket has announced the appointment of Michael Ayling, a veteran of Phuket’s hospitality scene, as its General Manager.

Having worked in a consulting capacity for the past 24 months, Mr Ayling now takes the reins to lead the development, beginning with its opening to the public in early 2019.

The B1.33 billion project is located on 140 rai in Cherng Talay, and will have a giant waterpark as its centrepiece.

Facilities within the 70.8-rai first phase, which opens to the public in the first quarter of 2019, include a Water and Entertainment park, a four-storey vertical Beach Club, Fitness Zone, Kid’s Club and multiple retail spaces.

The project also includes plans for a retail mall with a major supermarket as the commercial anchor as well as office spaces, nightly entertainment in an amphitheatre, a four-storey beach club, a Kid’s Club, a fitness zone and at least 17 restaurants and food outlets. and parking spaces for 500 cars.

The commercial amenities will be centred around the complex’s star attraction: Blue Tree Lagoon.

The 17,000-square-metre man-made lagoon will be flanked by artificial beaches and offers the ultimate aquatic playground for family-friendly and adrenaline-driven activities such as Slip N Fly water slides, splash zone and even cliff jumping.

Aside from utilising state-of-the-art technology to maintain water clarity, The Blue Tree Lagoon also boasts eco-friendly credentials. Powered by global innovator Crystal Lagoons’ sustainable technology, the lagoon uses up to 100 times fewer chemicals and 50 times less energy than conventional swimming pool systems.

Mr Ayling, a UK-born leisure industry professional, brings a wealth of experience to the role including 12 years at Laguna Phuket, one of the island’s best-known and most expansive resort and leisure complexes.

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