Thailand-based hospitality group, Dusit International, has announced its expansion into India with the opening of five hotels and resorts by 2013.

The plan pilots the company's first-ever Dusit Devarana, the most luxurious of the brands in the Dusit International portfolio, as well as the first dusitD2 hotel outside Thailand. The first hotel, the 78-room Dusit Devarana New Delhi, is expected to open in May 2010. Set in a 30,000sq m (322,917sq ft) enclave and inspired by local Indian architecture, it was designed by award-winning Thai architect Mathar Bunnag. The hotel will feature oversize accommodation, spa-like bathrooms, manicured gardens and ficus labyrinths, a central reflection pond, a ceremonial square and a Devarana Spa.

It will be followed by the dusitD2 New Delhi, and then the Dusit Devarana Jaipur, the Dusit Devarana Rishikesh and a project in Goa. Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President, Dusit International, said: "We have entered into a joint venture agreement with Bird Hospitality Services to bring the collection of Dusit International property brands to India. Under the agreement, we have established Dusit Bird Hotel Private Limited, which will be administered by our first Regional Vice President India, Mr. Harsh Varma, who will be the bridge to helping Dusit expand and develop its brand in India."

Elsewhere, 2010 is expected to see the opening of new Dusit International properties in Cairo, Abu Dhabi and Koh Samui, Thailand.