Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort opens in Oman

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Invites Travellers to Experience New Heights of Luxury 

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas opens the doors to the highest five-star resort in the Middle East with the launch of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. Perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon, the imaginative luxury resort beckons the intrepid traveller for immersions in a rich local culture and indulgent adventures into the otherworldly mountainscape of northern Oman.

Long inaccessible, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Arabic for ‘The Green Mountain’, is a towering massif on the Sultanate of Oman’s vast Saiq Plateau. The arrival experience takes guests on an adventurous drive – two hours from Muscat International Airport or four and a half hours from Dubai – past date plantations, historic forts and dry riverbeds known locally as wadis. The resort echoes the fortified architecture of the region, ensconcing guests in modern ramparts inspired by the commanding mountain citadels and re-imagined with sophisticated contemporary interiors.

A total of 115 luxury guest rooms and villas overlook either the dramatic canyon or tranquil gardens. The resort’s 82 Premier and Deluxe Canyon View Rooms boast a spacious bedroom, amongst the largest in the country, and a spa-like bathroom complete with a rain shower and separate bath alongside a balcony. Meanwhile, the 33 One- or Two-Bedroom Villas grant guests an intimate escape, each with personal villa host services and a private infinity pool overlooking the cliffs or hidden in an exotic garden. 

Culinary desires are well catered for at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort with a collection of six restaurants and lounges. Al Maisan, meaning ‘The Rising Star’, allows guests to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world with live cooking stations from breakfast through to dinner, whilst Al Qalaa, translating to ‘The Fort’, showcases inventive Omani cuisine. With panoramic views stretching across the canyon, Bella Vista serves Roman-inspired cuisine while those looking for something lighter can enjoy the courtyard café, Al Baha. For a leisurely evening, guests ascend to the rooftop shisha lounge Al Shourfa or savour tapas in a Moroccan-inspired setting at Al Burj.

The ultimate gastronomic experience, Anantara’s ‘Dining by Design’ gives guests the chance to dine on a spectacular cliff-edge platform known as Diana’s Point, named after Diana, Princess of Wales, who visited the exact spot in November 1986.

Another of Anantara’s signature concepts is the ‘Spice Spoons’ cooking school experience. Guests accompany a chef to the local souq to source fresh ingredients and return to the resort for an interactive culinary class, creating exotic dishes from Omani and Thai cuisine.

Cradled by soaring mountains and graced with pleasant temperatures throughout the year, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort invites guests to venture through the valleys on foot, haggle over scarves and perfumes in the souqs, rise early to practice mountaintop sun salutations or gaze at the awe-inspiring sky on the fort star-gazing platform. For those ready for a rush of adrenaline, a ‘via ferrata’ climbing route, right on the resort’s doorstep, allows guests to hang from the cliff as they scale its side. The nearby terrain is ideal for explorers who can discover the labyrinth of narrow roads via mountain bike, wonder at the marvels of the canyon during a hike, abseil from a sheer cliff or try their hand at the ancient sport of archery, whilst culture aficionados will appreciate the richness of nearby heritage sites.

Renowned for opening the door to authentic experiences in each destination, Anantara’s ‘gurus’ are a quintessential part of guests’ journeys. Expert ‘Mountain Gurus’ from nearby villages share their unsurpassed knowledge of the area and provide inside access as guests explore the surrounding landscape and its ways of life. Impressive facilities at the resort itself include a cliff-edge infinity swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, fully-equipped gym with a rotating Freedom Climber wall, and an indoor-outdoor kids’ and teens’ club. The Anantara Spa harnesses the essence of Arabia with ancient hammam rituals as well as signature spa treatments using indigenous ingredients and traditions from the region. For those who wish to take advantage of the drama and beauty to stage a one-of-a-kind event, extensive meeting and banqueting facilities can host weddings, conferences, celebrations and team building activities.

For more information or to make a reservation, go to http://jabal-akhdar.anantara.com/.

Anantara Hoi An Resort Offers Full Moon Lantern Festival Experience

Known for its quiet back streets and beautifully preserved Ancient Town, Hoi An, on Vietnam’s central coast line, also lights up in colour once a month when locals and curious travellers join together to celebrate the lantern festival. The monthly institution in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An bursts to light on the 14th day of every lunar month when the moon is brightest.

As a complement to Hoi An’s monthly lunar lantern festival, Anantara Hoi An Resort is celebrating the town’s luminous appeal with a Full Moon Lantern Festival package.

Situated a short walk from the old town, Anantara Hoi An is offering guests the chance to sample a truly unique and authentic experience with a one-hour cruise down the Thu Bon River in a lantern-decorated sampan through the town. Guests will be given the opportunity to light a candle in a paper lantern and make a wish as they set it afloat down the river, and later make lanterns of their own to take home.

During the festival guests can watch the multi-coloured lanterns snake through the canals and alleyways of the ancient town. Hoi An’s streets come to life as locals switch off their lights and leave the town to bask in the glow of the candlelight, providing a glimpse of what life may have been like when Hoi An was a booming and affluent port town some 400 years ago.

The event sees Hoi An’s streets throng with Vietnamese - including those from outlying communes - and travellers keen to soak up the lively atmosphere. Traditional music and games come into play, with bands performing on bamboo flutes, drums and fiddles and Chinese chess and Vietnamese bingo matches unfolding by candlelight.

Area temples and pagodas fill with worshippers while troupes of dragon dancers roam the streets to bestow good luck on revellers. On the sidewalks festival-goers huddle together on mini stools, indulging in delectable local delicacies such as cao lầu (Vietnamese pancakes), banh vac (white rose dumplings), cơm gà (Hoi An chicken rice) and banh mi (French-inspired sandwiches).

Adding to the mystical atmosphere, clouds of incense emanate from homes and businesses. The town's residents also adorn their family altars with flowers, fruit and other offerings. They burn fake money for good fortune.

The festivities are clustered around iconic spots including the Cau An Hoi Bridge, Japanese Covered Bridge and Fujian Assembly Hall, and play out along the riverbanks where the views take in a watery world of floating lanterns.

Anantara Hoi An’s two-night Full Moon Lantern Festival package also includes buffet breakfasts for two people by the storied Thu Bon, accommodation in a room or suite, airport transfers, and food and beverage credit that can be enjoyed at the resort’s aptly named Lanterns Restaurant, .

Recognised as one of Asia’s top 25 resorts by Condé Nast Traveller, Anantara Hoi An is a boutique riverside property positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences, the resort’s architecture pays homage to the melting-pot history of the former port city that emerged as a powerful trade link between Europe, China, India and Japan in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Prices for the Anantara Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival package start from 4,460,000++ VND (USD 200++) including breakfast. For further information, including the ‘Stay Date Calendar’, visit http://hoi-an.anantara.com/Full-Moon-Lantern-Festival/

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anantara; Twitter and Instagram: @anantara_hotels


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Anantara Kalutara Resort. Now open in Sri Lanka

Along Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, between the Indian Ocean and Kalu Ganga River, Anantara Kalutara Resort is welcoming its very first guests to a unique tropical shoreline hideaway. 

Discover elegance inspired by the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. Refresh at two pools to suit your mood. Find peace in a yoga pavilion or healing Ayurvedic therapies. Stir your senses with exotic island flavours or savour refined Italian dining. Explore historic Kalutara and Colombo’s buzz, wild river life and picturesque tea plantations, colonial mansions and sacred treasures.

Read more or make a booking

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Celebrates 15 Years with Fresh New Look

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, is introducing a brand refresh to redefine its luxury positioning within today's demanding travel and hospitality environments. With the philosophy 'Life is a Journey', the brand evolution goes hand in hand with Anantara's global growth strategy. 

Anantara celebrates the journey of life and puts the sense of anticipation and excitement back into the world of luxury travel and hospitality. Since the first property opened its doors in the Thai seaside town of Hua Hin in 2001, Anantara has grown into a collection of 34 luxury hotels and resorts in city, island and desert settings, across ten countries. From Asia and the Indian Ocean to the Middle East and Africa, Anantara has evolved into an award-winning brand that offers outstanding guest experiences in distinctive and iconic settings.

In an insightful understanding of market trends and traveller expectations, the development of the Anantara brand marks the start of a dynamic new journey, both in terms of a strategic international footprint and enhancements to the guest experience.

'Life is a Journey' reflects a contemporary interpretation of Anantara's unique philosophy and core values of natural luxury, in parallel with the brand's expansion plans. Setting an exciting stage for savvy travellers, the evolution embodies authentic luxury with a guest-centric focus. The evolution also incorporates a fresh new look and feel and a strong social and digital focus that encompasses a new website and mobile strategy giving travellers added value, reinforcing the brand's premium positioning within the luxury segment, whilst creating a platform for future growth.

“Anantara was born in response to discerning travellers seeking luxury with a sense of indigenous discovery. By infusing authentic cultural experiences and interactive journeys guided by gurus, Anantara satisfies guest desires to connect deeply and personally with their travel destinations,” explains Anantara founder and CEO and Chairman of Minor International, William E. Heinecke. “Fifteen years later, the way in which people travel and experience the world has changed, and Anantara's brand refresh has taken shape to meet the expectations, inspire the passions and delight the tastes of new explorers in city and resort destinations.”

To reflect the brand evolution Anantara has created a new logo, keeping the iconic water jar which symbolises Thai hospitality and generous spirit, and two Thai cushions representing ultimate comfort. The newly refined golden colour palette conveys Anantara's elegance, luxury and shining modern energy.

To complement the refresh an innovative new brand website has been launched, featuring built in class-leading CMS technology and other advanced features such as personalisation that will increase visitor interaction with the site.  Anantara is also taking mobile technology to the next level delivering consistent experiences across all devices and enabling potential customers to enjoy a streamlined browsing experience across multiple languages on any screen size using responsive technology. A new Anantara blog will also be launched giving international expertise and insider knowledge on the indigenous elements.

“Advancing from Anantara's many successes to date, the brand refresh is a significant milestone paving the way for an exciting new era,” said CEO Minor Hotel Group, Dillip Rajakarier. “In an insightful understanding of market trends and traveller expectations, the development of the Anantara brand marks the start of the dynamic new journey, both in terms of strategic international footprint and enhancements to the guest experience.”  

Bringing travellers closer to the details of destinations and the local fabric, be it the escape of a pristine white-sand beach or the heart of bustling city neighbourhood. Anantara creates journeys of inspiring, surprising moments and enjoyment – elevating all senses and connecting with the environment and culture of each one of its locations.

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Anantara Golden Triangle Champions Natural Elephant Interaction with New 'Walking with Giants' Experience

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is renowned for its highly acclaimed onsite Elephant Camp, which offers guests an inspirational range of fun, interactive and educational experiences with its friendly herd of rescued gentle giants. In a natural extension of these ethical elephant activities, a new two hour Walking with Giants experience has been introduced offering a more personal and enriching encounter.

Walking with Giants has been devised as an optimum way of getting to know the elephants better and develop a deeper emotional connection. Much more than simply a walk, it enables guests to experience the natural joy of the elephants' daily free roaming time, and also to gain enlightening insights from scientifically qualified experts about how these intelligent creatures think and behave.

Guests who sign up for Walking with Giants join the elephants on their daily stroll, accompanied by their mahout caregivers and either the Camp's resident vet or biologist. After walking from the Elephant Camp out to the grasslands or forest, depending on the season, the antics of either river bath time or playtime in the mud illustrates just how cheeky these graceful animals can be. Guests can help to prepare snacks for the elephants, as well as activities for their behavioural enrichment. Meandering back to the camp, the scientific expert explains about elephant biology and behaviour, and also reveals fascinating facts and insights about the past, present and hopeful future for all of Thailand's elephants.

John Roberts, Anantara's Director of Elephants and Conservation Efforts, enthuses, “One of the most inspiring and heartwarming aspects of the camp is when we can give the elephants freedom to roam in their native jungle habitat, and creating this new activity provides guests with a prime opportunity to experience the pure joy of simply being with elephants as they socialise and behave completely naturally. It is also a fantastic experience for enthusiasts who are interested in learning about these majestic mammals from a scientific perspective.”

Under the guidance and expertise of John Roberts, guests can rest assured that all activities are ethical at the award winning Elephant Camp of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. Set up in 2003 as a traditional mahout village, the Elephant Camp works alongside Anantara's Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. To date over 40 elephants have been rescued from Thailand's city streets, of which 20 now live in the jungle environment of Anantara's Elephant Camp, along with their entire mahout family, who receive English lessons, education for their children, and 100% of the profits from the sale of garments from a traditional silk worm business.

The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation also cooperates with the Thai government and other organisations in bigger picture projects. It has helped to fund research and clinics using elephants in therapy sessions for children living with autism. It equipped the first elephant hospital in Krabi, southern Thailand, with an ATV, and has also donated to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, among other things, a purpose built elephant ambulance and a gantry to help lame elephants stand. The foundation also built the world's only facility to scientifically research elephant intelligence and behaviour and runs the world's only programme to teach scientific Positive Reinforcement training methods to traditional mahouts.

Along with its parent company, Minor International, the foundation is working with international partners and the Cambodian Government to fund the protection of an 18,000 hectare elephant corridor of standing forest in the Cardamom Mountains and funding wild elephant preservation projects in Kui Buri, Thap Lan & Khao Yai National Parks in Thailand.

Walking with Giants, along with the Mahout Experience and Elephant Learning Experience, is offered as part of the resort's luxurious all-inclusive Discovery Package, while a range of additional elephant activities (Elephant Yoga, Sunset Elephant Trek, Dining by Design at the Baby Elephant Camp and Elephant Picnic) are available at an extra charge.

For more information about Walking with Giants and the other ethical elephant experiences available at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, visitwww.anantara.com

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Minor Hotel Group Multiple Expansion Announcements

Big start to 2015 including Europe, South America and North Africa

Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort (due to open late 2015)

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), an owner, investor and operator with a portfolio of 133 hotels and resorts and almost 17,000 keys in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has kicked off 2015 by adding four new countries to its portfolio including two new continents, plus six camps in Africa and a new flagship Anantara hotel in Thailand.

2015 NEWS TO DATE
In January Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara welcomed its first guests. Located 20 minutes by luxury ferry off the coast of the Qatari capital, the 141-room resort features the first over water villas in Qatar and an extensive selection of facilities including a spa and dedicated wellness centre, ten pin bowling, cinema, surf pool and nine hole golf putting course. This was followed in February by the opening of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa. Located on Mahé’s west coast, the 124-room resort blends a contemporary vibe with its European heritage style and offers accommodation, leisure activities and dining options for every age of traveller.

In March MHG added Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel to the brand’s portfolio. Located in prestigious Rajadamri in the city’s Siam district, the hotel is Anantara’s flagship in its home market of Thailand. The 354-room property is 100% owned by MHG and was reflagged from Four Seasons Bangkok. MHG has confirmed an investment of USD 20 million to enhance the hotel over the coming months.

Also in January MHG announced the strategic acquisition of six Tivoli hotels in Portugal and Brazil, and the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts brand for Brazil. The milestone EUR 168 million investment represents MHG’s entry into the hospitality sector in two new continents and establishes Portugal and Brazil as MHG’s two strategically-chosen countries for future expansion into Europe and South America.

The Brazil acquisition comprises of two properties – a hotel in Sao Paulo and a resort in the heart of an ecological reserve on the coast close to Salvador in Bahia. The investment also represents MHG making strategic asset acquisitions of four Tivoli properties in Portugal – one in the country’s capital of Lisbon and three in the Algarve, one of Europe’s premier tourism destinations. Tivoli is a member of Global Hotel Alliance which three of MHG’s existing brands – Anantara, AVANI and PER AQUUM – also belong to.

Most recently, MHG has added six camps in Kenya to its African portfolio, the result of two of East Africa’s most prestigious property portfolios merging, following the acquisition of Cheli & Peacock Group of Companies by the Elewana Collection. The acquisition sees the six Cheli & Peacock properties, namely, Elsa’s Kopje, Elephant Pepper Camp, Joy’s Camp, Tortilis Camp, Kitich Camp and Lewa Safari Camp, merge under the banner of the Elewana Collection to form a comprehensive circuit of 14 properties spanning the highlights of Northern Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar.

Four Seasons Bangkok to become flagship Anantara

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), operator of 120 hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa, has announced that it is set to reflag one of its owned properties, the Four Seasons Bangkok, to its luxury Anantara brand.Located in prestigious Rajadamri in central Bangkok’s Siam district, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa will join the brand’s Thailand portfolio on 1 March 2015. Minor Hotel Group will make a significant investment to enhance the hotel.

Strategically located in the heart of central Bangkok, opposite the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, the hotel is within close proximity to the main business, nightlife and shopping districts, Lumphini Park, and many of the city’s key cultural attractions, providing the ideal base for the business or leisure traveller.

Facilities at the 354-key hotel, which has become a preferred destination for luxury travellers, include seven restaurants and bars, a spa, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool. For business guests, extensive meeting and event rooms offer flexibility for large and small events, with the ballroom seating 400 for a dinner dance and 550 in theatre style.

The General Manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa will be Ms Titiya Chooto, who is currently General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and before that was Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, hence bringing considerable experience and knowledge of the property with her to the new role.

For William Heinecke, CEO and Chairman of Minor International, the rebrand of this prestigious hotel is the culmination of a life-long dream to operate a flagship property in the heart of the Thai capital. Anantara was founded by Mr. Heinecke and was launched in 2001 as part of a long term strategy for MHG to develop its own brand offering discerning travellers unique experiences of indigenous luxury in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Since the brand’s launch it has now grown to a portfolio of over 30 highly acclaimed properties in eight countries, with a strong future pipeline of over ten hotels and resorts.

Built in 1978, the property launched as a Peninsula hotel prior to being sold to Regent Hotels in 1982. Four Seasons assumed management of the hotel following its acquisition of Regent Hotels in 1992. The Regent Bangkok was owned by Rajdamri Plc, which Minor Hotel Group acquired 100% of in 2001. The hotel was then rebranded as Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok in 2003. Over the past 22 years, the property has become an integral part of the community, hosting a Cancer Care Charity Fun Run every year and most recently the 15th Annual World Gourmet Festival, both in association with the Thai Red Cross in support of local causes.

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Minor Hotel Group and Four Seasons will continue to work together for years to come to provide a premier luxury hotel experience in Thailand to discerning travellers at three award-winning resorts; Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, and Four Seasons Resort Tented Camp Golden Triangle.

William E. Heinecke commented, “Owning this prestigious hotel in the heart of Bangkok and working with the fantastic team during its time as Four Seasons Bangkok has been an amazing journey. I am looking forward to continuing the journey in the next stage of this property’s life as Anantara Siam”.

Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Executive Officer of Minor Hotel Group, added, “Minor Hotel Group is excited to make the announcement of the transition of this prestigious property in central Bangkok to our core luxury Anantara brand. The property will make a superb addition to the brand’s portfolio. We also look forward to continuing the journey with the team of Associates who have ensured the success of the hotel over the last 22 years and who will be an integral part of Anantara Siam Bangkok moving forward”.

The butlers did it - at Anantara Maldives resorts and Naladhu Maldives

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To meet the constantly evolving needs of discerning guests from across the globe, Anantara's Maldives resorts and Naladhu Maldives recently put their team of Villa Hosts and House Masters through their paces with an intensive training course delivered by British-born Steven Ferry, Chairman of The International Institute of Modern Butlers. Anantara and Naladhu are already recognised for offering exemplary service, demonstrated through recent awards including the World Travel Awards and multiple TripAdvisor Awards for Excellence.

Villas Hosts and House Masters, otherwise known as butlers, are responsible for ensuring the needs of their guests are met from the moment they step off the plane to the second they return home – and sometimes beyond. Services include packing and unpacking guests' luggage, creating unforgettable dining experiences such as gourmet picnics on the beach or breakfast in bed, personalised bath rituals or once in a lifetime experiences such as marriage proposals and reunions, helping guests surprise and delight their loved ones.

“It comes down to the art of being invisible and yet delivering everything,” says Steven Ferry, who personally trained Forest Whitaker for his role in the widely-acclaimed movie, The Butler. From the White House in Washington D.C. to the white sands of the Maldives, the training for Anantara's Villa Hosts and House Masters went far beyond covering the basics of the traditional 'British butler' service, instead focusing on ways to enhance the naturally warm and hospitable nature of Maldivian people and the barefoot luxury experience which are both unique to the destination.

Steven continues: “I believe the true test of an intelligent modern butler is not how much he knows how to do, but how he behaves when he doesn't know. One of the toughest aspects of the job is trying to second-guess the guest.”

As well as offering a personal concierge-type service, anticipating guests' needs is a major part of the role: “We are ahead of our guests' needs. We like to be there before they ask, so the knowledge we have gained from Steven Ferry's training is something we apply every day to offer a better service,” remarks Bibin, an Indian House Master at Naladhu Maldives.

Steven Ferry's butler training involves learning the art of creativity and anticipation and ways to deliver intuitive service, with soft skills such as character and body language reading, etiquette and how to be 'emotionally in tune' with guests - very important when dealing with travellers from a wide variety of nationalities and cultures. The training also covers ways to demonstrate two of the most important characteristics of any good butler - loyalty and discretion – and practical skills such as techniques for walking silently across wooden floors, ways to enhance the wake-up service for guests and the intricacies of handling cigars including humidity control.

“For destinations like the Maldives, which offer exceptionally high standards of service and luxury, butlers are not just a status symbol but also key to delivering memorable experiences and an emotional connection with particular resorts and brands. One of the most enlightening aspects I learnt from Steven was that in the corporate world you strive for recognition; in the world of a butler, your goal is invisibility,” says Torsten Richter, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Anantara Veli Resort & Spa and Naladhu

Maldives in South Male Atoll. “When things are going very, very smoothly and the guest doesn't notice the butler, then they're successful.”

To help measure the impact of the butler training on service delivery, a number of internal and external measurement tools are used by Anantara. The Quality Assurance team carries out bi-annual assessments to measure the effect of the emotional connection that associates are trained to establish with guests, including mapping the emotional impact of service delivery at every touch point throughout a guest's journey and how this correlates with their overall satisfaction. The results highlight the importance of emotional connection as a key factor in exceeding guest expectations and help to develop benchmarks for best practice.

To experience the warm, personalised service offered by the Villa Hosts and House Masters at Anantara's Maldives resorts and Naladhu Maldives, please go to anantara.com and naladhu.com to make a reservation.

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Social Media Award for Anantara

Anantara Hotels Resorts and Spas Scoops 2014 Hotel Social Media Award

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, through showcasing inspirational content, innovative new applications and highly effective campaigns, has won the “Best Brand Facebook Page” for www.facebook.com/anantara in the Social Hotel Awards 2014 by HOTELS magazine.



Now in its second year the Social Hotel Awards 2014 were judged by a panel of HOTELS editors and social media experts and attracted more than 250 entries from hotels and resorts from every continent. Anantara's brand Facebook page won over the judges with a number of creative initiatives such as new applications that offered a streamlined reservation process straight from the page and a new hotel concierge service that offered a real time source of holiday information.

The addition of a hotel booking engine was added so that guests do not have to leave the page while making a resort reservation. The added function secured over USD $20,000 in direct bookings within the first month of installation. A Travel Concierge application was also added to the page which answers guest queries about any of Anantara's properties worldwide. The application proved especially beneficial to travellers visiting Thailand in early 2014 who wished to enquire about the country's political situation before they booked their holidays.

“Facebook has become an integral part of our overall business; it allows us as a brand to communicate with our guests unlike any other way that we have communicated before,” said Mark Thomson, Director of Public Relations and Communications for Minor Hotel Group, owners of Anantara. “The touch points that we've added to our Facebook page have now made the social medium experience a seamless 24 hours a day, seven days a week 'one stop shop' that provides guests with quality interaction and information that further builds a deeper relationship with our online community.”

Anantara has built a solid fan base by constantly engaging fans with interesting, informative and inspirational content from all of Anantara's thirty-one properties worldwide. The personal, fun and aspirational approach to communicating the brand's unique destinations and experiences has made Anantara's Facebook page one of the biggest referrers for people to the main website www.anantara.com.

In 2013 a total of 34,750 fans that visited Anantara's Facebook page or its apps went directly to anantara.com, and of those fans visiting the page, almost 80% were new visitors to the website. While as a direct result of the enhanced functionality and attractive features, the Anantara Facebook page is now consistently in the top five referrals to the brand's main website, and in February 2014 both Facebook and Facebook mobile were in the top five referrers for the first time.

For the complete list of 2014 HOTELS Award winners visit www.hotelsmag.com and to become a fan of Anantara Hotels Resorts and Spas go to www.facebook.com/anantara and 'like' the page.

Hendrick’s Gin donates to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation

Hendrick’s Gin is pleased to contribute to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation by way of funds collected at the 2014 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, at which Hendrick’s Gin hosted its own ‘Hendrick’s Unusual Emporium’ refreshment booth and Hendrick’s cocktail bar.

Funds raised from sales of Hendrick’s Gin were pledged to the Foundation, raising a total of 72,750 Baht in charitable proceeds that will go to support important initiatives of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.

William Grant & Sons’ Regional Portfolio Ambassador, Zachary Connor de Git, joined Bangkok’s top 5 mixologists to create special Hendrick’s-themed cocktails for the Elephant Polo tournament; Hendrick’s Unusual Emporium encouraged guests to take a walk into a Victorian themed venue, while contributing to an exceptional charitable cause on the way! The tournament enabled participating event partners to contribute to the Foundation, with Italasia, Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar, Junker and Bar, Perfume Bar, Ku De Ta and Sugar Ray all pledging donations.

Tim Boda, Director of Culinary Excellence & Events, received the donation from Max Benedetti, Managing Director, Italasia Trading Co. Ltd., the distributor of WGS products in Thailand, along with Zachary and his team of mixologists at a special ceremony hosted at Anantara Riverside.

The opening day of the 2014 King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament marked the start of a month-long charity donation period in which participating retailers of Hendrick’s Gin will also donate some of profits from Hendrick’s Gin sales to GTAF Asian Elephants (www.helpingelephants.org).

William Grant & Sons’ Regional Portfolio Ambassador, Zachary Connor de Git (4^th from left); Thiemjan Skulpanich (3^rd  from left), Marketing ManagerThailand; Max Benedetti (4th from right), Managing Director, Italasia Trading Co. Ltd. together with Bangkok’s top 5 mixologists who served Hendrick’s Gin cocktails at the 2014 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournamentjointly present a donation on behalf of William Grant & Sons and Hendrick’s Gin to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation at Anantara Riverside. The donation is received by Tim Boda, Director of Culinary Excellence & Events. 

Anantara's second resort in Mozambique

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa Reveals One of the World's Pristine Treasures

Idyllically located on a tiny private island in the jewel-like Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa offers a paradise escape that is naturally exclusive. Just one kilometre long and 300 metres wide, the 12-villa resort combines sophisticated simplicity with unrivalled hospitality.

Medjumbe Island is reached by a 45 minute scenic light aircraft transfer from Pemba International Airport on the mainland, which is accessible from Mozambique's capital Maputo or by international flights from Johannesburg or Dar es Salaam.

Currently being considered for World Heritage Site status, the Quirimbas Archipelago is undoubtedly Mozambique's best-kept secret – a 250 kilometre string of tropical islands that are both marine wonderland and historical melting pot. Environmentally pristine, the archipelago's 32 islands are surrounded by dazzling coral reefs and a wealth of untouched marine life. Within its waters, the 1,500 square kilometre Quirimbas National Park provides sanctuary for sea turtles, dolphins and whales, as well as tropical and game fish.

A boutique collection of 12 thatched Beach Pool Villas line a postcard perfect beach and reveal panoramic Indian Ocean views. With direct beach access, a private pool and hammock, the charmingly furnished interiors blend comfortable luxury with Anantara's signature modern amenities to offer the ultimate tropical island retreat.

Guest areas are stylish and understated, designed to provide the privacy that guests are seeking - whether lazing around the pool, sipping cocktails in the tropical bar area, or relaxing in the informal Bahari Lounge Bar whilst enjoying the mesmerising views.

At a resort that feels miles away from the rest of the world, chefs dish up the kind of culinary diversity that promises to entice and satisfy. From local specialties to refined western classics, the Jahazi Restaurant serves guests with endless highlights of delectable seafood feasts and mouthwatering indulgence.

For a truly unique dining experience, guests can indulge with Anantara's signature Dining by Design experience. Choosing from a selection of gourmet options or collaborating with a dedicated chef to craft their own menu, dinner is served at a table for two in an idyllic location – from a secluded, feet-in-the-sand set-up on the beach, to a sand spit under the stars, with a private butler tending to every need.

The Anantara Spa is a private retreat featuring a treatment suite and en-suite bathroom, where intuitive hands pamper guests with an enticing spa menu encompassing the most revered eastern and western techniques. Carefully selected therapies ensure a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating pampering experience. The Glacial Marble Massage combines the wellness properties of cooling stones with the ancient healing powers of touch to release specific points of stress. The Moya Crystal Experience comprises salt poultice exfoliation, a crystal gem massage, followed by hair and scalp therapy. The indulgent "Me Time" personalised journey, offers bespoke treatment sequences tailored precisely to the guest's goal and mood.

A paradise for romantic escapades, ocean thrills and natural treasures both above and below the water, the startling beauty of the Quirimbas Archipelago comes with a sense of extraordinary adventure.  A nature lover's paradise, most of the activities at Anantara Medjumbe Island enable guests to delight in the island's natural wonders. For those who enjoy water sports, the resort offers windsurfing, water skiing, tubing, along with both wake-and knee-boarding. A hand crafted dhow sailing boat invites guests on a sunset voyage of ocean discovery or to a remote island for a Robinson Crusoe-style picnic. Nature and bird-lovers can spend time exploring the island's unspoiled shores and watching the many Palaearctic migrants and waders that frequent the area.

In the clear, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding the island, guests will discover a marine ecosystem that is absolutely pristine. With unexplored coral reefs and an astounding diversity of marine species, the resort boasts some of the finest diving in the world. The 12 known dive sites offer a range of underwater experiences that are simply breathtaking, taking in fringing reefs, coral banks and vertical and sloping reef walls. A dazzling array of fish from Moray Eels and Stingrays to Barracuda, Kingfish and other pelagic gamefish can be seen whilst diving here, and dolphins are commonly sighted. Leatherback, Loggerhead and Green Turtles are often seen in the water, coming ashore to lay their eggs on the sandy island beaches – often right in front of the beachfront villas. Humpback Whales also frequent the island waters between July and October.

Far removed from worldly cares, where total tranquillity is assured at an adults-only hideaway, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa is perfect for romance, special celebrations, a dream honeymoon or unforgettable anniversary.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.

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Discover the Mysteries of China’s Highest Sacred Mountain at Anantara Emei Resort and Spa

Opening a window to China’s ethereal beauty and cultural mystique, Anantara Emei Resort & Spa resides at the foot of majestic Emei Mountain and is the first and only luxury international hotel in this breathtaking corner of southwest China.

Situated in the “heavenly state” of Sichuan, Anantara Emei overlooks beautiful Exiu Lake and offers 90 guest rooms, 40 pavillions and 20 villas of luxurious oriental design, a host of signature comforts, and lush garden or tranquil lake views. Guests desiring the pinnacle of indulgence can choose villas that boast a private pavilion, along with a Jacuzzi bath or swimming pool.

Mount Emei is a mecca for pilgrims, nature and culture buffs. Translating as “lofty”, this majestic mountain is the highest of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of legendary sanctuaries, ancient trees, pretty waterfalls, streams and springs.

Either by hiking or taking the cable car up to the summit, visitors can admire the Elephant Watching Pool which provides a hauntingly beautiful sight when the moonlight reflects the water and sky as a perfect mirror image. Visitors can also see the world’s highest golden Buddha statue, whose 48 metre height represents the 48 wishes of Amitable Buddha.

Anantara Emei Resort & Spa

Visitors to the area can also bathe in nearby hot springs and those planning an autumn trip will be entranced by the glorious spectacle of red leaves from a series of excellent vantage points. Extending the natural attractions, Exiu Lake is two kilometres away and provides a picturesque escape for walking, jogging and fishing. Just one and a half hours drive from the resort, China’s iconic giant pandas can be found living in their natural habitat in the Chengdu Plain and Chengdu itself immerses guests in a rich heritage dating back more than 2,300 years.

Days at the resort can be spent swimming and sunbathing at the tropical outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, enjoying the fitness centre, table tennis and outdoor tennis courts, or experiencing the revitalising benefits of yoga and Tai Chi classes. In addition to a children’s pool, the children’s club and games room ensure that younger guests are happily entertained with arts, crafts and games, leaving parents free to indulge in precious time alone.

Dining options include a stylish all day dining restaurant Cultivar, serving daily breakfast buffets, à la carte lunches and dinner menus that celebrate the finest Chinese and European cuisines. Lazy pool days come with the temptation of refreshments served at the swim-up bar and in cosy salas. Exquisite regional recipes from Sichuan and Guangdong are showcased at Jinyi. The lobby lounge, Xueji, is the ideal meeting place to enjoy seasonal refreshments and tempting light bites, and opens onto a terrace with a scenic view. Presenting connoisseur evenings, Yunshang Wine Cellar serves a fine selection of wines, gourmet snacks, spirits and cigars, as well as special degustation menus.

Guests seeking personalised and differentiated dining experiences can always find their needs and wants perfectly fulfilled by Anantara’s signature Dining-by-Design, no matter whether it’s a super romantic candle-light dinner by the pool or an exclusive birthday party in your own villa.

Alternatively, if you are a cooking enthusiastic, or are simply interested in bringing home a secret recipe of Sichuan flavour, Anantara’s cooking classes – ‘Spice Spoons’ – offer the ideal opportunity to explore local food markets, as well as to participate in the food preparation process with guidance from the Sichuan cuisine Sous Chef. Outside of the resort, culinary enthusiasts can savour a taste of local life at Haochi Street in downtown Emei and visit an old farmhouse where tofu is traditionally made in ancient stone pots.

Anantara Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary with signature journeys including the Emei Retreat comprising a Hydrating Pu-Erh Tea Body Scrub, a Ling Zhi Bath ritual laced with uplifting ginger, a Purifying Pu-Erh Tea Body Wrap infused with white clay and vitamin E to purify and soften skin, and culminating in an Exotic Bamboo Massage.

For those looking for fairytale weddings, the resort’s tropical gardens and lakeside spaces offer the perfect venue, or the elegantly decorated ballroom which accommodates up to 100 guests. A personal wedding coordinator will ensure every detail is flawless. Anantara’s Inspired Celebrations concept also encompasses romantic proposals, dream honeymoons and special anniversaries, for a love story that evolves precisely as each couple desires.

For more information and reservations please tel +86 0833 2212 888 or e-mail emei@anantara.com .

Anantara Announces the Arrival of an 85 Kilogram Bundle of Joy on National Thai Elephant Day

The sounds of proud trumpets, squeaks, chirps and rumbles are likely to drone out the harmonious voices of monks today during the traditional blessing of the Golden Triangle's gentle giants on National Thai Elephant Day, when a ten day old baby boy named Nong Sam is shown off to the world for the first time and will no doubt steal the limelight from the customary age old proceedings.

Born on March 3rd at the world famous Elephant Camp at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort outside Chiang Rai, the 85 kilogram baby elephant stands 84 centimetres tall at the shoulder and measures 129 centimetres from forehead to tail.  Whereas elephants normally give birth in the night, this healthy boy was born at 11.15am to forty-five year old Boon Jan, her fifth son.

He was nicknamed by his mahout (elephant carer), as is tradition, meaning "three" in Thai and alluding to his birth date on the third day of the third month.  Being a Garieng elephant, Nong Sam will choose his own formal name at the age of three in a special ceremony involving bits of paper wrapped around sugarcane.

According to John Roberts, Anantara Resorts' Director of Elephants, Nong Sam was the fourth elephant born at the Elephant Camp and the seventh baby raised there.  "The Elephant Camp was set up in 2003 to improve the plight of Thailand's elephants, and has since been diversified to include welfare projects that incorporate broader philanthropic and cultural objectives with unprecedented success.  Since 2006 the camp has operated under the auspices of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF)."

National Thai Elephant Day takes place every year on March 13th.  The aim of the day is to draw attention to the elephant which is the national animal of Thailand and plays an important part in culture, religion and tradition.

A weeklong celebration at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort kicked off with more than 60 children and novice monks from local orphanages and schools invited to the resort to learn about the importance of elephant conservation and affording them a rare opportunity to meet the elephants up close and personal. The festivities conclude with an exclusive Elephant Parade Painting Workshop and a charity brunch to benefit GTAEF, on Saturday, March 15th.

Guests can visit Nong Sam at the resort in his new elephant nursery sponsored by Citibank.  To follow Nong Sam's progress on social media please visit Anantara Resorts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/anantara or on Twitter Anantara_Hotels   John Roberts' Elephant Trails blog http://elephant-tails.anantara.com/

Anantara's King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament Packs its Trunk and Moves to Bangkok

That’s right everyone, the King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament is packing its trunk and moving to Bangkok!

Our hugely successful charity event is now entering its thirteenth year and due to the popularity of the event we are moving it from its original home of Hua Hin to the Thai capital. Many of you already know that it’s a very unique event which attracts people and teams from all over the world including New Zealand All Black rugby players, professional polo players, Thai supermodels, Miss Tiffany’s transgender performers and European royalty. Although the teams are vying for the coveted King’s Cup trophy, the ultimate aim is to raise awareness and money to better the lives of wild and domesticated elephants throughout Thailand. 

To date the event has raised over US$750,000 which has gone to various organisations helping elephants and this year we are hoping to raise a lot more. The event also allows us to take 50 street elephants away from their often harsh environment and provide them with a jungle like setting, proper food, vitamins and full veterinary care which they otherwise don’t normally get.

The release can be found in this link: Anantara's King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament Packs its Trunk and Moves to Bangkok

So mark the dates in your diary – August 28^th to 31^st – and we hope to see you in Bangkok then!

Anantara unveil new resort in Arabian Wildlife Park

Anantara Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the new Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, and it’s nothing short of spectacular.

Set in the heart of Abu Dhabi's Arabian Wildlife Park, home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals, it joins Anantara’s 2 existing properties on the beautiful Sir Bani Yas Island - 100km southwest of Abu Dhabi.

Sir Bani Yas is a stunning natural island located 100 km southwest of Abu Dhabi. Established in 1971 by the late ruler and founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it is home to Arabia's largest wildlife reserve. Thanks to decades of intensive conservation work it is now home to thousands of free-roaming animals and a vast number of trees and plants.



The new resort features 30 luxury rustic villas, each surrounded by salt dome hilltops and lush grass savannah where elusive gazelles and Arabian oryx graze. There are 3 accommodation types on offer: the One Bedroom Villa, the larger One Bedroom Pool Villa with separate lounge and dining spaces, and the spacious Two Bedroom Pool Villas - ideal for families and friends travelling together.



Villa exteriors are designed to complement the natural surroundings, and interiors are filled with natural light to illuminate traditional wooden furnishings, ceiling beams and local handicrafts.

After a day of mountain biking, 4WDing or visiting the Arabian Wildlife Park, guests can sit back and relax on their veranda and admire the surrounding hilltops and lush savannah where wild gazelle and Arabian Oryx roam close by. The bay window seat and lounge furnishings provide cosy spaces to watch the savannah come to life around your villa.



Safari style guided walks and drives are available in the protected nature reserve, allowing close encounters with the rare and endangered animals that call this paradise home. Guests can also master the ancient Arabian sport of archery, kayak through lagoons and mangroves that are frequented.

For more information, visit: anantara.com

Anantara Opens Fifth Property in Abu Dhabi - Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has opened its fifth property in Abu Dhabi - Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort.

Exclusively located in the heart of the Arabian Wildlife Park, Anantara Al Sahel is a desert savannah retreat that feels spacious and secluded with a luxurious sense of natural harmony.  Elegant facilities and boutique accommodation feature traditional thatched roofing and have been thoughtfully developed for minimal environmental impact.  The resort is designed with couples in mind but is pleased to welcome families with children aged 12 years and older.   

30 luxury rustic villas are surrounded by salt dome hilltops and lush grass savannah where elusive gazelles and Arabian Oryx graze, treating guests to glimpses of the island's exotic wildlife.  There are three accommodation options: One Bedroom Villa, the larger One Bedroom Pool Villa with separate lounge and dining spaces, as well as a personal plunge pool, plus the spacious Two Bedroom Pool Villas which are ideal for families and friends travelling together. All villas feature Anantara's signature amenities and authentic indigenous touches.

Villa exteriors complement the natural surroundings and interiors are filled with natural light to illuminate traditional wooden furnishings, ceiling beams and local handicrafts.  After a day of adventure, explorers can unwind by soaking in the freestyle bronze bathtub and fall asleep in a sumptuous king size bed to the sound of desert island nightlife.  Waking up with an invigorating shower, the bay window seat and lounge furnishings provide cosy spaces to watch the savannah come to life.

Blending views of nature and wildlife from villa comfort with journeys of exciting discovery, safari style guided walks and drives in the protected nature reserve offer close encounters with the rare and endangered animals that surround the resort. Guests can also master the ancient Arabian sport of archery, kayak through lagoons and mangroves that are frequented by flamingos, and mountain bike across desert salt flats and undulating hinterlands. 

Guests arriving by seaplane can enjoy a spectacular bird's eye view of the island, whilst snorkellers can explore the exotic marine life beneath the Arabian Gulf's surface.   Equestrian enthusiasts can ride stately Arabian horses and other fine breeds at Sir Bani Yas Stables, which offers lessons in beautiful outdoor paddocks and a variety of riding packages, from treks through the Arabian Wildlife Park and along sandy shores, to watching sunrise and sunset on horseback.

Savannah Grill, the signature restaurant, offers a luxurious safari lodge venue to savour western favourites and traditional African specialties. A private Cigar Lounge offers a fine selection of international cigars for aficionados.   Guests are further spoilt for choice with the freedom to choose between any of the restaurants and bars at all three of Anantara's resorts on the island, opening up possibilities in a variety of distinctive settings.  

Catering for leisure and business guests, resort facilities include the well-equipped workout room with a media hub for iPod, USB and TV channel selection.   The swimming pool entices energising laps, sunbathing on loungers and cocktails on the deck.  The resort also features a dedicated prayer room.  

Sir Bani Yas is a stunning natural island located 100 km southwest of Abu Dhabi City. Established in 1971 by the late ruler and founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the island is home to the 4,100 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park, with stunning landscapes, over 10,000 free roaming animals and a vast number of tree and plant species.

Offering an unrivalled blend of rustic luxury, natural tranquillity and breathtaking wildlife encounters, Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort joins Anantara's two existing properties on the ruggedly beautiful Sir Bani Yas Island: Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara overlooking the glittering Arabian Gulf, and Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort on the island's eastern shore. Together they culminate in a trio of unique resorts that reveal all of the desert island's intriguing natural contrasts.

In addition to the three resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island, Anantara operates two further properties in Abu Dhabi - Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi City and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa by Anantara in the Liwa Desert.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group, commented, "We are very pleased to open our fifth Anantara in Abu Dhabi and our third on Sir Bani Yas Island, with Al Sahel being the perfect complement to Desert Islands and Al Yamm, the two existing Anantara resorts on the island. Combined with our award-winning resort in the Liwa Desert - Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara - and Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi City, we now have a unique portfolio of five leading properties in the Emirate and a wide offering for our guests."

Anantara Vacation Club Introduces A Revamped Website For Club Owners

Anantara Vacation Club (AVC), a unique shared ownership concept launched in 2010, has launched innovative new website features for club owners and visitors. 

The website’s new look offers enhanced functionality and intuitive navigation making it easier for guests and club owners to explore resort information and book their holiday online.

“We are delighted to unveil our new website look,” said Harold Derrah, CEO of Anantara Vacation Club.  “In this advanced digital age, our savvy Club owners and guests will appreciate the enhanced experience.  The innovative new features allow owners to easily track Club points, book vacations and learn more about all of our offerings.” 

Located at www.AnantaraClub.com, the new website offers several new features to enhance the experience of users.  Club Resort information is offered with an enhanced graphic format that is more intuitive and easier to use.  Owners can easily choose their resort from a regional map of Anantara Resort and Club properties, and then click through to the specific resort page.  Each resort page offers enhanced accommodations and amenities information along with a gallery of stunning photos that showcase the resort along with a page that highlights key local attractions and activities.

A convenient, new personalized function of the website allows Club owners to easily access their account information.  The custom owner dashboard displays the current point and membership level information, along with upcoming vacations and a secure messaging tool to communicate with the Club Service Coordinator.  Owners can also book directly from their owner page at the Club Resort of their choice.

A new interactive point chart allows Club owners to determine how best to maximize their points.  With interactive information about seasonal fluctuations, resort values and room types, Club owners can plan the perfect vacation based on their point total.  Another new interactive feature allows Club owners to write their own travel reviews online, giving other members tips and feedback about the various resorts and accommodations.

Launched in 2010, Anantara Vacation Club offers a unique ownership concept as well as stellar properties and benefits for Club Owners. Already, Anantara Vacation Club is differentiating itself from others with recognition and awards that highlight the quality of its offerings.  Anantara Vacatio Club Phuket Mai Khao, AVC’s first purpose-built Signature Club Resort, received “Best Shared Ownership Development” for the second year in a row from the South East Asia Property Awards, a highly prestigious annual industry recognition program.  In addition, Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao, Anantara Vacation Club Bophut and Anantara Vacation Club Oaks Shores have each earned the RCI Gold Crown status for 2014.  Each year, RCI Resorts, the global leader in vacation exchange, certifies resorts that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to exceptional quality and guest experience.  RCI’s coveted Gold Crown status is the highest designation a partner resort can achieve.

Anantara Opens its First Resort in Africa

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is thrilled to announce the opening of its first resort in Africa - Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa.

The resort is located thirty kilometres east of mainland Mozambique on Africa's striking east coast on the Bazaruto Archipelago, an area filled with protected national park islands. A fifteen minute flight from Vilanculos Airport, which connects to Johannesburg with a direct two hour flight, provides Anantara guests with their first glimpse of the paradise that awaits their discovery.

Designed in natural harmony with surroundings of lush vegetation and translucent ocean, the resort offers a boutique collection of 44 villas ranging from a spacious 90 to an incredible 330 square metres, with garden and shoreline panoramas.  Made from indigenous reed, soft fringed thatch and wood, the rustic appeal is balanced by understated luxury and seamlessly integrated modern amenities.  

Four poster beds are dressed with white mosquito drapes, luxury bathrooms feature sunken tubs and exotic outdoor showers, and living spaces offer comfy elegance.  Outside, certain villas allow time to relax in a hammock or in the living sala, refresh in the plunge pool, bask under the sun on the veranda and dine under the stars.  The one of a kind Anantara Pool Villa affords exclusive seclusion and unrivalled ocean views, and is the perfect sanctuary for larger groups, thanks to a private driveway and entrance, two generously sized en-suite bedrooms, spacious lounge and dining areas both inside and out, as well as a pool and Jacuzzi. 

Six unique culinary experiences ensure that guests are treated to a bevy of food choices.  Golfinho Restaurant serves breakfasts and dinners on the outdoor terrace with a pool and bay vista, or in the dining room which features original walls dating back to the early Portuguese traders. At Clube Naval, light lunches can lead into sundowner cocktails.  The Beach Deck grills succulent meats and seafood plucked fresh from the ocean, and offers the opportunity to dine beside or on the beach.  In-villa dining is also on offer, and Anantara's signature Dining by Design promises the ultimate in tailor made experiences, with a choice of dream settings and fine dining menus, as well as a private chef and butler.   For guests wishing to take a look at the local culinary scene, professional cooking classes include a guided tour of the resort's huge vegetable garden and orchard.  

The resort offers a dedicated family pool ideal for younger guests, while couples can retreat to the adults-only pool. A children's entertainment room, fitness centre, tennis, volleyball and qolf course extend the choices of leisure activities. The Anantara Spa is a serene sanctuary covering 1,300 square metres and features five treatment rooms, relaxation areas and a health bar, as well as specialist hydro facilities including a wet room, hydrotherapy pool and rhassoul chamber.  The diverse menu offers revered western treatments and ancient rituals from across Africa and Asia, as well as extended spa journeys, all performed by expert therapists.

Guests can also tour the island by 4x4 to discover other pristine bays, exotic flora and fauna, local life and a 19th century lighthouse.  Soft powdery white sands can be cantered along on horseback and riders can even take their steed into the sea for a swim.  Towering dunes offer boarding escapades, as well as a unique spot for sunset drinks.  Ornithologists can go bird watching with knowledgeable local guides to find over 180 species, including huge flocks of pelicans and flamingos which frequent the coastal lakes and tidal pools. 

Renowned as one of the world's top snorkelling, diving and fishing destinations, the Bazaruto Archipelago boasts year round warm waters, dazzling soft coral ridges and thousands of tropical fish species.  A utopic playground for water sports, guests can go windsurfing, water skiing and wake boarding. Sailing aboard a traditional dhow (sailing boat) means cruising in search of dolphins, whales, turtles and the largest population of the rare dugong on the African east coast.

Naturally secluded and exclusive, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa creates inspired proposal, wedding, honeymoon and anniversary celebrations.  Couples can tie the knot on top of a sand dune or a deserted sand bank out at sea, while cruising on a dhow in the Indian Ocean, or on the deck of an Anantara villa. Couples who opt for a beach wedding have the option to arrive at their ceremony scene on horseback. 

Corporate retreats can utilise the conference room, which offers state-of-the-art equipment and flexible seating for up to 60 guests. A distinctive range of team building activities and business partner bonding experiences can be followed by impressive dining, with the added allure of no interruptions from the outside world.

For more information on Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa please contact 
Tel: +258 293 91500 or visit our website bazaruto.anantara.com