Anantara takes Thailand by storm

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Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa features 83 very private pool villas.

The luxury resort operator is opening two new properties and has plans for many more.

Bangkok-based Anantara Resorts is poised to open two more properties in Thailand as part of the resort and spa operator's ambitious expansion strategy.

Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa - the brand's first all pool villa property in Thailand - will open its doors this month, while Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, set on the secluded Changlang Beach south of Krabi, will open on December 1.

This will take Anantara's property count in Thailand to five, with additional resorts planned, according to Anantara group manager and Anantara Phuket general manager Peter Nilsson.

"Thailand is such a wonderful country and is so diverse and there are still many more spots to be developed," he said.

"Unfortunately, a lot of operators tend to congregate around the same area, but even in Phuket, we have a unique location with a pristine beach in the north of the island, whereas 90% of the tourism developments are in the south."

He good quality hotel operators such as Anantara that were looking to attract the top-end client were seeking to "detach themselves from the commercial aspect".

"The key for the higher end of the market is finding unique locations - that's everything today," he explained.

Anantara was eyeing more "unique locations" across the region, starting with Hoi An in Vietnam where the company will open a property next year, Nilsson revealed.

"When we develop properties we do so in clusters and we have aggressive expansion plans but we want to make sure that we don't develop too quickly. We want to maintain our brand standards," he added.

Nilsson will ensure these brand standards are adhered to when he opens the doors of the brand new Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa this month.

Situated on Mai Khao Beach, the property offers 83 villas, each with their own private pool and an outdoor ‘made for two' terrazzo tub.

The "nerve centre" of the resort is its spa, according to Nilsson, which boasts a wide range of Thai and signature treatments, while the propety's two restaurants are a key selling point.

"We have an inspired Aussie chef who has created the menus, with one restaurant offering a marriage of southern Italian cuisine - Scicilian rustic - and Thai cuisine, using seafood, while the other, our beach club, offers elements of Thai and Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by tapas," he explained.

Nilsson described the resort as "ideal for those seeking relaxation and privacy" and said prime source markets for the property would be the UK, Germany, ex-pats from Hong Kong and Singapore and emerging markets such as Scandinavia, Australia and the Middle East.

"Thailand has always been popular with ex-pats from the Middle East but I think our new property will appeal to locals (Arab Nationals) because of the privacy offered by the pool villas," he said.

Nilsson also hoped Middle East travellers would visit Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa when it opens its doors on December 1.

"This is a destination resort - it's remotely located with a wonderful beach and is close to a marine park," said Nilsson. "It's a great place for ultimate relaxation."

The property is located on the secluded Changlang Beach south of Krabi and is an existing property that Anantara has won the rights to manage.

It is currently being refurbished and when completed will feature 138 sea-view rooms and suites, with a choice of three room styles all featuring exotic Thai-inspired facilities, open bathrooms with large tubs and private terraces or balconies.

Highlights include two Anantara signature pool villas and a presidential villa comprising up to three bedrooms, set around a private pool.

Resort features include a swimming pool, separate children's pool, a fitness centre, WiFi lounge and the Anantara Spa.

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

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