Bangkok--Nov 22--Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
Anantara Resorts & Spas will open its new resort on the island of Samui on November 15th, a boutique-sized resort of just 108 rooms and suites, all of which look out over the azure-waters and white sands of Bophut Bay towards the island of Koh Phangan.
The resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, is set on 11 acres of beachfront land next to the laid-back haven of Fisherman’s Village on the north coast of Samui, less than 10-minutes’ drive from the airport.
As with the resort’s sister properties in Hua Hin and the Golden Triangle, master landscape architect Bill Bensley has created the drama for the Anantara’s gardens, Spa and Italian restaurant, all of which he describes as being hip and minimalist in keeping with Bophut’s distinctive chill-out ambience.
Elsewhere, Bangkok-based interiors guru, Pia Wanglee of P Interior & Associates, has been at work, using vernacular southern Thai architecture and motifs in her design palette: geometric gingerbread fretwork, batik fabrics, warm red and ochre shades, dove cages, wind bells and open spaces which allow the sea breezes to circulate.
At the Anantara Spa, moreish health and beauty treatments are delivered in private suite pavilions set in their own walled courtyard. The three treatment suites, each encased in glass with a mirrored back wall, are designed to accentuate the feeling of floating, the lighting and funky butterfly-style roofs adding additional emphasis. Each suite comes complete with its own alfresco shower and terrazzo bath tub, all made for two. There is also a separate beauty salon and herbal steam room in the spa.
Scrumptious signature treatments will include Ayurvedic massage therapies; skin enhancing treatments such as the Asian Glow skin polisher or the Ultimate Spa Detox, which uses clay sea salt scrub to smooth and polish the skin; for sunburn, a fabulous sun soother which uses aloe vera and a soothing compress of mint and black tea leaves; and intensive mud steam baths.
When it comes to sex-appeal, the resort’s Full Moon Italian restaurant has it in spades. Designed by Bensley, the restaurant is cantilevered over the edge of the swimming pool giving diners the sensation of hovering between the deep blue sea and Bensley’s dramatic torch?re-lit waterway, which runs the length of the gardens.
The restaurant’s three interlocking terraces, start with the pool bar on the lowest level and then two floors of dining, all of which are connected by a void space in which a huge full moon globe hangs suspended. Polished concrete beams with copper edgings, teak and copper-trimmed furniture, custom-made ceramic tableware and a menu of contemporary Italian cuisine finish off a restaurant, which is as minimalist and hip as anything else on the island.
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Anantara Resort & Spa Koh Samui
Two other restaurants and bars are also likely to attract both Anantara guests and local residents. The Eclipse Bar’s cocktail list is set to rival those of Bangkok, with a trained mixologist preparing the drinks from the freshest ingredients. Next door, the High Tide Restaurant features Anantara Tableside Thai cooking with each original dish served in miniature woks, the scents and aromas carefully blended by Chef Amnat.
Rooms and suites are housed in a low-rise horseshoe-shaped building, so that all look onto the resort’s central garden and beach. Each room comes with the Anantara’s signature ‘made for two’ terrazzo bath tub, which can be opened up onto the bedroom via sliding fluted glass doors; a spacious balcony with inbuilt sofa; ceiling fan and the prerequisite air-conditioning. As a quirky additional touch, all guests have their own in-room pets: a trio of brightly-coloured Siamese fighting fish.
Twenty-four double-bay suites offer the luxury of additional space and can easily sleep two adults and two children. For the ultimate in Anantara luxury, four Anantara Royal Suites adjacent to the resort’s sea-frontage, have spectacular views over the bay while the two Anantara Royal Pool Suites also have their own private terrace and plunge pool.
Recognising that many guests want to stay connected on their holidays, the resort has installed wireless high-speed internet access in its library, lobby, restaurants and suites. All rooms also have data ports at their desks.
Other facilities include a 30-metre infinity-edge Bensley-designed swimming pool overlooking the beach, tennis courts, a fitness centre, 130-capacity ballroom for meetings or weddings, a children’s club, Thai cooking classes and an array of water sports.
Advance bookings can be made at www.anantara.com via the resort’s real-time reservations system, which allows both agents and independent travellers to see immediately whether their choice of room and dates is available. Telephone bookings can also be made to 66 (0) 2477 0795 or by email to nfosamui@anantara.com.
Room rates start from US$128++ for a Deluxe Ocean room to US$380++ for an Anantara Suite or US$500++ for an Anantara Royal Pool Suite. Rates are valid from November to 31 March 2005. Bookings of 7-nights or more include complimentary breakfast.
Press Contact
For English: For Thai
Diana Moxon Wanida Khunthipmark
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66 (0) 2 877 7495 (direct line) or 66 (0) 2 476 0022 Ext. 1708 (office)
66 (0) 1 904 7344 (cell) 66 (0) 7 276 5520 (cell) End.