Bangkok-based Dusit International has signed a management contract for a new hotel, the Dusit Thani Samara Beach resort, in a mixed-use development in Sousse, Tunisia, as part of its plans for expansion.

The 307-bedroom five-star Dusit Thani Samara Beach resort will be the result of the complete reconstruction of an existing property, scheduled to open in mid-2018. The new hotel will feature a private beach area, a number of food and beverage outlets – including Dusit’s branded Benjarong Thai restaurant and an additional 18th floor panoramic bistro – as well as a signature Dusit Devarana Spa.

The spa measures 1,600sq m (17,222sq ft) and will feature the largest pool and solarium in Sousse, spanning a total of 2,600sq m (27,986sq ft), according to HotelierMiddleEast.com.

‘Devarana’ comes from Thai sanskrit, meaning ‘garden in heaven’ – dating back to ancient Thai literature written by Phraya Lithai, whose garden description inspired the spa’s philosophy.

“We feel it is an excellent time to enter this new market, as prospects are exciting and political stability is back in place here in Tunisia,” said Dusit International managing director and CEO Chanin Donavanik. “We expect the market to recover sharply and we are very pleased to work with local hospitality pioneers, Société de Tourisme Samara, to bring a Dusit Thani resort to beautiful Sousse.”

The hotel is part of a mixed-use development that will comprise a 26,000sq m (279,862sq ft) shopping mall and an additional 350 residential apartments.

Dusit International is seeking to expand its portfolio of brands, including Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess and Dusit Residence serviced apartments.

Dusit is extending its services into Africa where it currently has one operating hotel in Egypt – the Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, with another Kenyan property to open later this quarter – the dusitD2 Nairobi. Three more properties are being negotiated along with one in Tangiers, Morocco.

Dusit has over 20 properties under development and has also signed a contract to manage a 400-bedroom property in Tianjin, northern China. The dusitD2 Tianjin – which is set to open later this year – adjoins a luxury hot springs complex and 10,000sq m (107,639sq ft) convention centre.