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.