A new hospitality brand is set to shake things up in Southeast Asia.

Kaia, the brainchild of outdoor hospitality specialist Cloud Collective and hospitality investment and development firm Bound and Beyond—which owns the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok by the Chao Phraya river as well as Capella Bangkok—comprises a collection of outdoor luxury resorts with a focus on tented suites, conscientious luxury, and connection with nature, local communities, and social engagement.

With its first property due to debut at the end of 2025—and more to be announced later this year—Koh Phangan island in Thailand is the stage on which Kaia’s novel concept will unfold. Located just 30 minutes from Koh Samui by speedboat, Koh Phangan’s northeastern coast is surrounded by a protected national forest, promising peaceful seclusion, deep immersion in verdant, natural landscapes, and serene beaches, with direct access from the resort.

Kaia Koh Phangan will leverage Cloud Collective’s expertise in design-driven, minimal-footprint hospitality development to offer tented accommodations rooted in mindful elegance, barefoot luxury, and respect for the environment. Acclaimed interior designer Vichada “Dao” Sitakalin—also the co-founder of high-end furniture company Quattro Design—brings her unique vision to the resort, where local craftsmanship is a primary focus. Natural, sustainably sourced materials and open-air design are positioned as construction tentpoles, breaking down the divide between indoor and outdoor living. Kaia will also eliminate single-use plastic from its resort, and lean on filtered water systems and biodegradable packaging to aid its sustainable mission.

All 31 abodes—spanning 77 to 248 square metres in size, boasting views over the Gulf of Thailand—will showcase traditional woven textiles, upcycled teak floorboards, and rugs made from recycled plastic. Guests can expect outdoor decks with bathtubs, draped four-poster beds, teak-panelled showers, and pantries filled with artisanal products and local delicacies. Among its accommodations, Kaia Koh Phangan will also have four two-bedroom tented villas, each with their own private pool.

On the property, a dynamic clubhouse, outdoor infinity pool, and beach-club venue will serve as the social hubs of the resort. Activities such as open-fire beachside feasts, sunset celebrations, and chef-led foraging excursions through the surrounding forests make up part of the experience programme. Kaia will also create opportunities for guests to engage in adventures led by the local community, like nighttime squid safaris, pottery-making with ceramicists, live-band music performances, and more. Wellness goes beyond massages and spa treatments to include nature walks, yoga sessions, guided meditation, and the more unusual ice-bathing session on a longtail boat.

As part of Kaia’s mission to uplift authentic culture, local experiences, and the surrounding communities, the culinary programme at the resort will champion sustainability, seasonality, and available produce sourced from nearby farms and fisheries, with an emphasis on cuisine prepared over an open flame. Kaia will also lean into a closed-loop food system to grow ingredients and compost food on-site as much as possible, gather produce and honey from its own organic farm and beehives, and partner with ethical, low-impact fishers and farmers to provide a positive impact.

With inclusivity and the local jao baan hospitality philosophy in mind, human connection, tradition, community, and culture are prominent aspects of the Kaia ethos.

“With Kaia, we are redefining luxury by seamlessly blending immersive outdoor hospitality with a deep reverence for nature and local culture,” says Beverly Chen, co-founder of Kaia and co-founder and COO of Cloud Collective. “Each resort is thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful connections—between guests, the land, and the community—while upholding the highest standards of sustainability.

“As demand for transformative travel experiences continues to grow, Kaia represents a bold step forward in luxury hospitality—one that harmonises refined elegance with environmental and social responsibility,” Kamonwan Wipulakorn, managing director of Bound and Beyond and co-founder of Kaia, affirms.

“As travellers seek more meaningful experiences, we are creating a hospitality model that is deeply rooted in local traditions, craftsmanship, and community. At Bound and Beyond, we believe that true luxury is not just about indulgence—it’s about honouring the spirit of a place and the people who shape it,” Wipulakorn adds. “Through Kaia, we are crafting resorts where guests can immerse themselves in the richness of local heritage while embracing a lighter, more conscious way of travelling.”

“At Cloud Collective, we are committed to pioneering hospitality concepts that not only set new industry benchmarks but also create lasting value for our guests and the destinations we serve. Kaia embodies this vision, offering a sanctuary where luxury, sustainability, and cultural authenticity converge,” Chen explains.

All images courtesy of Kaia.