In
the dynamic climate of today’s world, traveling to remote places for relaxation
and rejuvenation has become an indulgence – if not necessity – shared by many.
It’s not an easy task, however, to find a destination that will not only
transport you away from the hectic pace of everyday life but captivate your
senses and restore your spirit. And this was the inspiration for creating
Anantara Resorts.
‘Anantara’
is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “borderless water”, and the resorts
encapsulate the excitement of discovery and exploration that comes with
entering new territory. Anantara Resorts offer an experience to guests unlike
any other, one that couples serenity with exoticism and state-of-the-art
convenience with indigenous charm. An experience that celebrates the
destination – in all its natural beauty and cultural allure.
Creating
a “destination experience” is at the core of the Anantara philosophy and one
that the brand takes seriously. Anantara strives to go beyond guest’s
expectations, not simply to meet them. The Anantara team is passionate about
constantly anticipating and assessing every component of the resort experience
in order to ensure that the guests are inspired and also – most importantly –
entirely at ease.
This
value is reflected in Anantara’s commitment to harmoniously blend with the
local environment, whether that be in the verdant mountains of the Golden
Triangle, the pristine beaches of Samui Island or the majestic seaside air of
Hua Hin. Each of the resorts in these settings has been designed by renowned
landscape expert Bill Bensley, who has the rare ability to capture the
individual soul and culture of every locale in which he works.
All
Anantara resorts offer peerless, unobtrusive service, spa pampering and a range
of adventure activities associated with the location. For example, at Anantara
Resort Golden Triangle, guests can interact with elephants that have been
rescued from the city streets and even learn how to “drive” an elephant like
the local caregivers! This experience is in the heart of Thailand’s northern
hill-tribe country; where the countries of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge.
Such an exotic encounter could not be experienced anywhere else.
One
of the Anantara family’s more recent additions is in the exquisite Maldives.
Positioned on a 5-acre plot in the South Male Atoll, Anantara Resort Maldives
is an unspoiled haven for relaxation. The resort features 68 beachfront villas,
2 deluxe beachfront pool villas, 38 deluxe over water suites and 2 deluxe over-water
pool suites all set around a natural, private lagoon.
The
resort was designed by talented Maldivian architect Mohamed Shafeeg and
interior designer John Lightbody of Abacus fame. It is a design where the
contemporary seamlessly blends with the natural surrounds. Every detail has
been meticulously thought through, from the glass viewing panel in the bathroom
to the i-Pod docking stations – stocked with songs for every mood – to the
exclusive wine cellar for two.
Essentially,
the time a guest spends at Anantara is as individual as each and every person.
Those seeking pure relaxation can indulge in an Indian mud therapy spa on
treatment tables overlooking the rich and bounteous ocean below. Or while away
the hours sun-soaking by the pool. Feeling adventurous? Let the experienced
dive team arrange a scuba diving course on the house reef or try snorkeling,
fishing and kayaking. Craving a gastronomical experience? Seduce the senses
with one of the distinguished restaurant menus or let the culinary team organize
a private island picnic especially tailored to all tastes. For true gourmands,
Anantara Maldives also features a cooking school where guests can master the
art of Thai, Indian and Italian cuisine.
With
three thriving resorts in Thailand and the latest Maldivian addition, the
Anantara family enthusiastically anticipates the debut of new resorts in Asia
and the Middle East, including Anantara Resort Bentota in Sri Lanka; Anantara
Jumeirah Lake in Dubai; a resort in the UNESCO world heritage town of Hoi An,
Vietnam; the Anantara Seminyak, Bali; and the latest Thailand additions:
Anantara Resort Khao Lak and Anantara Resort Phuket.

Anantara’s
commitment to facilitate a ‘destination experience’ means that no matter where
one is within the extensive family of resorts, guests will always be greeted by
a familiar and welcoming smile. Whether snorkeling in the azure seas of the
Maldives or trekking through the lush jungle in The Golden Triangle, one aspect
remains the same: a commitment to providing the sophisticated traveler with an
unrivalled destination experience. An experience that integrates an indigenous
feel with every conceivable modern convenience into its motif, creating a
serene, gracious and comfortable environment peppered with local flavor.
Without End
For
hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water
outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing
traveller. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means 'without
end', symbolizing this sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that lies
at the core of every Anantara experience.
From
lush jungles to pristine beaches and legendary deserts to cosmopolitan cities,
Anantara currently boasts 17 stunning properties located in Thailand, the
Maldives, Bali, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates and will see new openings
in China, Bali and Abu Dhabi in 2012.
For
more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.
About Global Hotel Alliance
Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance (“GHA”) is the world largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands, through a unique loyalty programme, GHA Discovery. GHA currently comprises of Anantara, Doyle Collection, First, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno Collection, Marco Polo, Mokara, Mirvac, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Shaza and Tivoli hotels & resorts, encompassing almost 300 upscale and luxury hotels with 65,000 rooms in 51 different countries.