Anantara Launches 365 Days of Good Deeds Campaign

For over ten years, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has been committed to creating luxury travel experiences that also benefit the environment and local communities. All of Anantara's 17 properties across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Maldives and Middle East immerse themselves in local initiatives that give back to the community and environment, thereby enhancing the social and environmental surroundings of each Anantara destination. Makes for a feel good holiday, to be sure!

This year Anantara has brought all these good deeds together and is launching the '365 Days of Good Deeds' sustainability programme. At least one good deed will take place for every day of 2012, and guests are invited to combine their five star journey of colourful heritage, local traditions and natural wonders, with the opportunity to participate in a range of good deeds that help the  communities both socially and environmentally in each locale.

In the heart of Thailand's northern jungle and hill tribe country at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, the onsite Anantara Elephant Camp is a traditional mahout (caregiver) and elephant village which is completely self supportive.  Help to feed, bath and do mahout (caregiver) training programmes with the 30 rescued elephants of the Anantara Elephant Camp at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, in the heart of Thailand's northern jungle and hill tribe country.

Or combine a stay at Anantara Phuket Villas together with the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation where you can reintroduce endangered baby turtles to their natural environment on the Mai Khao beach. 

To Seminyak in Bali, and Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa encourages guests to participate in local, national and international sustainability and cultural events.  The resort takes part in Environment Day, Earth Hour and Earth Day in addition to numerous other programmes such as the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup, which has developed over the past 25 years to become the world's largest volunteer efforts for ocean health.

In the world famous paradise of the Maldives, Anantara Kihavah Villas has set up an Eye Camp on Kudarikilu Island in conjunction with professional opticians, offering their local island neighbours complimentary eye checks.  In addition, Anantara Kihavah runs an ongoing coral adoption programme, in which guests are invited to plant coral to help regenerate the Maldives' fragile ecosystem. A resident Marine Biologist is on staff at both Anantara Kihavah and Anantara Dhigu to share information on the importance of preserving the fragile Atolls.

Further afield in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the famous Liwa Desert and Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara are the perfect retreats to discover reintegration programmes of the indigenous endangered species such as the Oryx and sand gazelles in their natural habitat. Guests can also participate in mangrove planting to help contribute to the overall health of the coastal area by providing food, shelter and environmental protection for marine organisms and nest dwellers.

It's these kinds of unique experiences that provide Anantara guests with a memorable holiday experience, and they also leave knowing that they have given back to the environment and local community - 365 days a year. 

For more information on Anantara's 365 Days of Good Deeds phone + 66 (0)2 365 7500.

Luxurious tranquility at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa

At the newly opened Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, Anantara's ancient Sanskrit meaning, "without end", is captured by the flow of timeless Chao Phraya River life. It's all about a chic retreat here, right in the heart of bustling Bangkok yet worlds away in peace and quiet! 

Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa lies hidden away in 11 acres of exotic landscaped grounds, right on the banks of Bangkok's mighty river.  And with such a close proximity to the capital's greatest cosmopolitan and cultural attractions, a stay here is assured the very finest mix of memorable experiences.  

Choose from 407 rooms, including 97 suites, which reflect exquisite Thai culture in abstract style inside, and scenic river or lush garden views from private balconies - we're choosing the palatial penthouse of the Suan Luang Suite as the ultimate urban sanctuary for couples wanting a super luxe honeymoon or romantic escape!

Lazy days can be spent at the generous outdoor pool, exchanging a cool dip for the heated Jacuzzi and cocktails at the swim up bar, all the while surrounded by swaying palms, blooming nature and Chao Phraya River glimpses.  For something a little different, you might like to sign up for a Thai cooking class, which begins with a local market trip to pick up the freshest ingredients, and ends by savouring the flavourful creations.  Experience sensual relaxation at Spa, where rituals can be shared side by side in a spacious double suite with a large bathtub, and a private garden courtyard features a rain shower and traditional sala for a little bit of total bliss!

The resort has not less then ten restaurants and bars to dish up culinary diversity, including Trader Vic's, where unique flavours are cooked in Bangkok's only wood-fired Chinese oven, or the Japanese steakhouse Benihana which delivers lively "eatertainment" through theatrical Teppanyaki style.  Savour the Italian way of life in Brio's Tuscan villa setting, or an international buffet and BBQ at Riverside Terrace accompanied by Thai dance performances overlooking the river.  Take in the daily pleasure of sunset cocktails served up on the pier at Longtail Bar, or - highly recommended - step aboard a beautifully restored antique rice barge to dine on delectable Thai cuisine and glide past the city's famous cultural sites with a Manohra Dining Cruise.  For the ultimate in secluded intimacy, Dining by Design invites guests to collaborate with a personal chef and choose an idyllic location, such as a candlelit meal along the river or a picnic under the shade of a banyan tree.

Call upon the resort's experienced concierge to plan tours of compelling attractions short drive from the resort, and use the expertise of this "Streetwise Guru" to find out about unforgettable local experiences ... you can even ask him to be a personal companion for a private back street tour and gain a local's perspective.  Travel in ways that help disover the real Bangkok, taking a thrilling tuk tuk ride through the city's vibrant streets, or boarding a longtail boat to meander the fascinating maze of canals. Uncover the capital's secret highlights by visiting one of Bangkok's oldest markets Talard Plu, the morning market Talard Bangrak to pick up herb and spice souvenirs, or China Town's vast bazaar network of market stalls, street-side cafés, and probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city.  Share the Thai people's love of street food for every sense as spicy aromas and masterful cooking displays tempt passersby to street-side tables.  Avoid navigating the city's overwhelming choice and head straight for vendors which have been given a knowledgeable seal of approval by the hotel's Streetwise Guru, meaning that Anantara guests can dine on the very best back street cuisine. 

Experience Bangkok's colourful contrasts and an indulgent waterfront lifestyle, with Anantara as your host. Sounds extremely inviting to us! 

For resort enquiries and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2476 0022 or email  bangkokriverside@anantara.com. For more information, visit the Anantara website.

Chic sophistication at Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa

Situated right on the sunset coast, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa takes luxury to a whole new level with an upscale and elegant retreat on this much sought after stretch of shore. The resort gets some of the most breathtaking sunset views, making it a favourite choice for couples who know the art of the afternoon cocktail! Needless to say, we simply had to check it out.

Anantara never forsakes any of life's greatest pleasures, and having stayed with them many times before in other parts of the world, we were expecting big things. And boy, did we find it! Their Seminyak resort features a distinctive contemporary design approach that is blended with the best of Balinese and Indonesian culture, and the ambience is one of indulgence and relaxation. Expansive balconies are du jour in all of the suites, which is just as well as you're going to be rewarded with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean! The resort & spa features the finest of facilities and services, and each room is stylishly outfitted and features Anantara's signature Jacuzzi terrazzo bath tubs that are big enough for two. 

It's also home to one of Bali's most exclusive penthouse - the exquisite 420 square metre private retreat is nothing short of spectacular! Oversized 2.5 metre beds in the two bedroom suites, 520 thread count linens, en-suite bathrooms fitted with rain showers, the signature tubs, a private library, 120 square metre outdoor lounge with barbecue facilities and hydro tub ... and not to mention that incredible view! Guests of the penthouse can enjoy a daily "Sunset Experience" including cocktails and canapes. It's all pretty special. Need we go on? 

Anantara Seminyak, naturally, has a beautiful spa experience, offering guests the chance to escape in to a wellness journey by trying the Balinese massage or soothing body treatments that aim to foster a sense of balance and serenity. Bliss out together with Anantara Retreat - 150 minutes of pure body and mind pampering including head to toe body scrub and the relaxing Anantara Signature massage using luxurious Vanilla Magic oil. Finished off with an aromatic floral bath together or some foot reflexology, and an optional glass of champagne. Divine!

The resort's SOS Supper Club has become well known as a premier spot to enjoy the sunset views accompanied by a great grill, seafood, tapas and cocktails (of course!). With huge day beds to recline on, and chilled out beats coming from the rotation of high class DJs, it's fine dining and trendy clubbing at it's finest. We highly recommend getting here before sunset to grab yourself a prize position on a lounge, and defy you not to linger long in to the evening!

Images courtesy Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa

Discover the river life of Bangkok in luxurious style

We love Bangkok. It's an exciting city, a full sensory experience of amazing cultural sights and exotic smells (thanks to the pretty darn awesome street food!), versus the commotion of a modern day metropolis. But once you're done with the temple tours and shopped til you drop, you may just be in the mood for something truly special. 

We can highly recommend taking to the waters of the mighty Chao Phraya River to discover a whole new way of life - this is where the real lifeblood of Bangkok and its surrounding areas really comes alive. One of the best days we ever had was when my partner and I boarded a luxury private boat and headed along the river to the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya. We spent the day dining on sumptuous feasts prepared by our personal chef, sipping cocktails and watching the river life unfold before arriving at our destination for an incredible tour of the Thailand of old. 

Anantara Hotels are the latest hotel group to offer this kind of experience, with their Anantara Cruises giving guests the unique chance to see for themselves how Thailand’s waterways are the country’s lifelines, and why Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is one of the most famous and significant.  Locals living on its banks maintain an authentic lifestyle, creating vivid snapshots of a bygone age in between glittering temples like the Temple of Dawn, landmarks of regal heritage such as the Grand Palace and Royal Barges Boathouse, as well as striking bridges and monumental buildings which reflect the capital’s dynamic evolution over the past 20 years.   

A couple of one hundred year old rice barges 'Anantara Song’ and ‘Anantara Dream’ have been painstakingly rebuilt from teak and restored to their present splendour to cushion the appeal of a real Thai adventure.  Guests will make themselves at home on the river for overnight excursions that blend quintessential old world charm, modern comforts and truly personalised service, choosing between vessels and itineraries designed with discerning traveller needs in mind. Or, for a more in depth journey in to the ancient wonders of this beautiful land, you can hire the boats for a two night, three day Ayutthaya Adventure, Ayutthaya Thousand Golden Temples Tour or Ang Thong Mystic River Tour, or reserve these fine cruisers for private charter. 

Anantara Song

Two-night/three-day package:

Double occupancy: Baht 69,000 net per cabin

Private Charter: Baht 230,000 net (1-8 passengers)

Inlcudes all meals and non alcoholic beverages onboard, deluxe turndown gifts, tour programmes with an English speaking guide and admission charges, as well as private roundtrip limousine transfers. 

Anantara Dream

Available for private charter only at a cost of Baht 200,000 net (for 1–4 passengers). The package price includes two nights’ accommodation onboard, private round-trip limousine transfers, welcome champagne, deluxe turndown gifts, private cooking class, all meals and non alcoholic beverages onboard, full ground tours programs with an English speaking guide and admissions charges at designated places.

For enquiries and bookings, call +66 (0) 2477 0770, email bangkokcruises@anantara.com or visit their website.