Aquella Golf & Country Club, nestled along Thailand’s breathtaking Andaman Sea coastline, is a premier luxury destination for golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. With its award-winning 18-hole championship golf course, state-of-the-art amenities, and exceptional Thai hospitality, Aquella offers a perfect blend of sport, recreation, and relaxation. The club’s luxurious amenities and exceptional service earned it the title of Best Luxury Golf Course in Thailand 2024 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. 

We sat down with Mr. Brian Gibson, General Manager at Aquella Golf & Country Club to learn more about this storied golf course and why it is revered as one of the most beautiful golf courses in South East Asia. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Aquella Golf & Country Club recently won the award for Best Luxury Golf Course in Thailand 2024. What does this recognition mean to you and your team? 

Brian Gibson: Winning the award for Best Luxury Golf Course in Thailand 2024 is an incredible honor for us. It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. To be recognized on such a prestigious platform is a testament to the level of service, quality, and experience that we strive to provide every day. For me personally, it’s an affirmation that Aquella is truly a standout destination, and it motivates us to continue setting new standards in the industry. It also underscores the support and loyalty of our members and guests, without whom none of this would be possible. 

LLA: How do you ensure that Aquella consistently delivers a world-class golfing experience to its members and visitors? 

BG: It all starts with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the club. Our championship course is meticulously maintained year-round to ensure the greens, fairways, bunkers, and landscaping are in perfect condition. We’ve also integrated advanced technologies like GPS-enabled carts to enhance the playing experience. Beyond the course, our amenities—whether it’s our gourmet dining, luxurious locker rooms, or wellness services—are designed to provide a seamless and luxurious experience. But above all, it’s our staff that makes the difference. Every member of our team is trained to deliver exceptional service, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and well cared for. We listen to feedback and constantly look for ways to improve, whether through enhancing facilities, offering innovative programs, or creating exclusive events for our members. 

LLA: Can you share more about the unique features of Aquella’s 18-hole championship course and how it stands out from other courses in Thailand? 

BG: Our 18-hole championship course is truly one-of-a-kind. The course was designed with the natural beauty of the Andaman Sea coastline in mind, creating a layout that not only challenges golfers but also showcases the stunning scenery around them. One of the most unique aspects is the seamless blend of lush tropical landscapes and ocean views, especially on the back nine, where our signature hole (11) plays towards the beach, an errant tee shot may leave you with an awkward shot from Thai Muang Beach. We’ve also incorporated strategic penalty areas, greens with elevation changes, and beautifully manicured bunkers that make each hole distinct and memorable. Additionally, the course caters to a wide range of skill levels, offering a fair yet challenging experience for both seasoned golfers and beginners. The attention to detail in course design, combined with our impeccable maintenance standards, ensures that every round played here is an exceptional one. 

LLA: Aquella offers a range of luxurious amenities, from a spa to a state-of-the-art gym. How do these complement the golfing experience at the club? 

BG: Our amenities are designed to provide a holistic experience, allowing guests to enjoy much more than just golf. After a day on the course, many of our golfers love to relax and rejuvenate at our spa, which offers a variety of treatments that focus on recovery and relaxation. For those who enjoy staying active off the course, our state-of-the-art gym provides the perfect space to keep up with their fitness routines. We also offer gourmet dining options that feature both local and international cuisine, giving our members and guests the chance to unwind and indulge after a round of golf. Together, these amenities elevate the entire experience at Aquella, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a luxurious and well-rounded day, whether they’re on or off the course. 

LLA: What can you tell us about the world-famous Thai hospitality and how does it impact the guest experience at Aquella Golf & Country Club? 

BG: Thai hospitality is truly something special, and it’s at the heart of everything we do at Aquella. It’s all about making our guests feel genuinely welcome, respected, and cared for—whether they’re here for a round of golf, a meal, or a full day of relaxation. Our team is trained not only to deliver exceptional service but also to do so with warmth and attentiveness. We go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels valued, paying close attention to their individual needs. It’s this personal touch, combined with the natural friendliness of Thai culture, that makes a huge difference. Whether it’s remembering a guest’s favorite drink, offering a cool scented towel after a game, or simply greeting them with a smile, these small gestures create a lasting impression and are a key part of what makes the experience at Aquella so memorable. 

LLA: Could you tell us about the corporate golf events hosted at Aquella and how they contribute to your offerings? 

BG: Corporate golf events are an important part of what we offer at Aquella. We host a variety of events, from large-scale corporate tournaments to more intimate team-building outings. What sets our corporate events apart is the level of customization we provide. We work closely with each company to create an experience that aligns with their objectives, whether that’s fostering camaraderie among employees, impressing clients, or simply enjoying a day of leisure in a beautiful setting. Our championship course offers the perfect backdrop for these events, and we also provide premium services, from personalized event branding to an exclusive culinary experience. These events are an excellent way for companies to combine business with pleasure, while also taking advantage of our luxurious amenities and world-class hospitality. They add significant value to our overall offerings, as they allow us to showcase the full range of what Aquella has to offer. 

LLA: Sustainability is a growing focus in luxury resorts. How does Aquella integrate environmental stewardship into its operations?  

BG: Sustainability is something we take very seriously at Aquella. We’re fortunate to be in such a beautiful natural environment, and it’s our responsibility to protect it. We’ve integrated several eco-friendly practices into our operations to minimize our environmental footprint. For example, we use advanced irrigation systems that conserve water, and we carefully manage the use of fertilizers and pesticides to protect the local ecosystem. We also actively work with the local community and environmental groups to promote conservation efforts and educate our guests on the importance of sustainability. By embedding these practices into everything we do, we aim to not only provide an exceptional experience but also ensure that Aquella remains a green and thriving destination for years to come. 

LLA: What future developments or innovations can members and guests look forward to at Aquella Golf & Country Club? 

BG: We’re always looking ahead and finding ways to elevate the experience for our members and guests. One exciting development on the horizon is the expansion of our wellness offerings. We’re planning to introduce more holistic wellness programs that integrate both fitness and relaxation, such as guided yoga sessions and specialized recovery treatments for golfers. On the golfing side, we’re continuing to enhance our course through advanced turf management techniques and new course features to keep things fresh and challenging. We’re also investing in technology, such as upgrading our GPS-enabled golf carts and enhancing our booking and membership platforms to make the entire experience more seamless for our guests. And of course, we’re expanding our event offerings, including more high-profile tournaments and corporate events, which will bring even more excitement to Aquella. There’s a lot in the pipeline, and we’re excited to share these developments with our community. Off course,  Aquella continues to lead the way with our exclusive luxury villa offering, our resorts boast a variety of 2 – 4 bedroom villas, all with private pool and multiple wellness offerings.  

Thank you, Mr. Gibson, for sharing your insights into the world-class offerings and luxurious experience at Aquella Golf & Country Club. We are excited to see how the club continues to set new standards in Thai hospitality. For more information about Aquella’s championship course, exclusive amenities, and membership options, please visit https://www.aquellagolf.com/.