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 portfolio, as well as the first dusitD2 hotel outside Thailand.

The first hotel, Dusit Devarana New Delhi, is expected to open in May 2010. Set in a 322,917sq ft (30,000sq m) enclave and inspired by local Indian architecture, it was designed by Thai architect Mathar Bunnag.

The hotel will feature 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.

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