Spotlight on Thailand
Explore the Unfamiliar with Anantara
Phuket Resort & Spa is located on Phuket's northwest coast between beaches and the forests of Sirinath National Park.
The resort is located on Mai Khao, Phuket's longest beach and just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. I was fortunate to experience the property for 3 nights just recently and it definitely has the "Wow" factor. The resort is two years old and comprises of 83 luxury pool villas and the beach is private, so no hawkers. There is one 2 bedroom villa and 12 with twin beds, and the remainder are king beds.
The resort is set within beautiful gardens of coconut palms, jasmine, orchids and birds of paradise and a meandering lagoon with timber walkways which are lit by tea lights at night.
Each villa features a large bedroom, dressing room, indoor and outdoor bathroom. Bottled water is provided in your villa and by the pool.
Your private pool is enhanced with a deep terrazzo tub, hardwood decking and an open air living sala with a large day bed, deck chairs and a mini bar. The villas feature also iPod and iPod docking station, LCD TV and DVD player with surround sound.
There is also an Espresso machine and a jar of home baked cookies, filled on demand! Everything is thought of, from beach bag and thongs in two sizes, to sunscreen and mosquito repellent if needed. For the artistically minded, there is also a sketch pad and pencils. On arrival there is a carafe of juice on ice and a large fruit platter, again replenished daily.
The resort has WIFI and Internet access.
Should you wish to venture from your villa, there is an infinity swimming pool with swim up bar and also a "shallow pool" with day beds, so if you get hot whilst reading (and the resort does have a library) or sipping on your favourite beverage, you can dangle your feet in the water! The beach is beautiful with clear water and perfect temperature.
For the active, there are 3 tennis courts, gymnasium and windsurfing, sailing and kayaking. Yoga classes are conducted on the lawn and you can arrange private lessons. There is also a kids club, The Turtle Club.
Day trips can be arranged to the beautiful islands, made famous by the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. To go kayaking around these islands and into the caves is a great experience. The kayaks accommodate two, plus your guide who does all the hard work!
An hour from the resort is Siam Safari - an elephant conservation camp for rescued elephants. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with these beautiful animals.For the golfers, golf at Blue Canyon is close by also.
The resort has excellent culinary experiences. La Sala is the all-day dining - with indoor and outdoor seating. Set on the lagoon, a perfect way to start the day. The menu for lunch and dinner features Thai and Western menus.
The Tree House - named for the spiral staircase ascending to the bar which winds around an old Banyan tree. During the daytime, gourmet coffee and tea is served and at night tapas and cocktails. Sea, Fire, Salt is the signature restaurant, specialising is seafood. Infinity Bar - for cocktails and light meals all day. The Tasting Room is more than a wine cellar. Indulge in the Chef's individually designed menus including speciality cheese with the perfect choice of wine.
Food and beverage is a very important part of the resort. The General Manager is a trained chef and has worked with Tetsuya. Of course, all meals can be set up in your villa or on the beach, lawn - nothing is too hard for the accommodating staff at Anantara!
Cooking classes are also available and are great fun.
Movies are also shown on the lawn which are viewed from lounges or oversized bean bags the choice is yours!