Anantara Resort Phuket, Thailand, Opening October 2008

Imagine a place where visitors can watch baby turtles hatch on the beach, meet sea gypsies to learn about their culture or laze on a pristine stretch of sand that is a world away from the everyday. Wake up to a brand new Phuket where Anantara is launching a new resort and spa later this year. Situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach and just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa will present a world of unspoilt beauty and unexpected surprises.

Situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach, just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport and a short drive from the bustling beaches of the South, Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa will present a world of unspoilt beauty and unexpected surprises.

Anantara’s collection of 83 villas – each with their own private pool – is framed by magnificent Bill Bensley-designed gardens with enchanting paths meandering down to the sea. Reminiscent of a southern Thai village, each villa boasts a spacious living area, colourful silks, prized Thai furniture, and a beautiful bathroom featuring an Anantara signature outdoor ‘made for two’ terrazzo tub that seamlessly blends with the private pool.

Away from the resort, Anantara will give guests the opportunity to explore the vibrancy of southern Thailand and see Phuket through new eyes with a wide range of cultural experiences. Stepping out on to the soft sand beach overlooking the dazzling blue waters of the Andaman Sea, guests can sit and watch the fishing boats bringing home the day’s haul. In the restaurant, diners can relish fine cuisine from Thailand and around the world and then next morning take a cookery class to learn how it is made.

A diving expedition to the Similan Island reveals the cacophony of colours and shapes beneath the water with world-famous coral reefs. Phang Nga Bay offers stunning views of limestone cliffs that float above the calm waters of uninhabited bays and unspoiled sand – ideal for a castaway picnic.

At the end of the day, adjourn to one of the stylish, high concept dining areas. The beach restaurant features terraced seating and an ultra-chic ambiance. The signature restaurant boasts state-of-the-art lighting and contemporary indoor and al fresco dining. For Thai and European tapas, the bar is the place to be. Let our resident Wine Guru help you select the perfect vintage from the Private Wine Cellar – heaven on earth for the wine connoisseur.

Discovery, adventure, culture, luxury – this is what defines the unique experience that is Anantara. But it isn’t just about discovering the place. At Anantara, guests can discover something about themselves too.

The acclaimed spa at Anantara Phuket is the perfect sanctuary for a journey to inner harmony. Through age-old massage techniques, aromatic elixirs made with indigenous ingredients and in an environment of complete serenity, our therapists can guide clients to a genuine sense of physical and spiritual renewal.

If guests want to leave the luxury of their own private pool, they can head to the lifestyle swimming pool which features a series of water terraces of differing depths, stylish fountain effects and in-built loungers. Nearby, guests can relax in the chill out areas featuring oversized day beds, divine cocktails created by the resident ‘Mixologist’, and the latest lounge mood music. For those who want to be more active, three tennis courts fitted with night-playing technology and a fully-equipped fitness centre and health club are also available.

For more information on Anantara Phuket and other Anantara Resorts & Spas visit www.anantara.com.

Editors Note:
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’, symbolising the sharing of water and heartfelt hospitality is at the core of the Anantara experience.

Anantara resorts and spas are currently located in the seaside town of Hua Hin and on Koh Samui, both in the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Golden Triangle in the country’s north. In the world-renowned destination of the Maldives, the neighbouring Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli are a 30 minute boat ride from the capital Male. The newest member of the Anantara family, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, opened in 2008 in the most fashionable district of Bali – the Island of the Gods. October 2008 will see the launch of Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach and just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. www.anantara.com

Anantara is a member of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel groups. GHA partner hotels are renowned for reflecting and respecting local traditions and culture through their products and services. www.globalhotelalliance.com