Latest news with #Anantara
CNA
2 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
Why Bangkok-born hospitality group Anantara could be Asia's most interesting hotel brand
When the third season of The White Lotus, HBO's cult-favourite dramedy about the darkly entangled lives (and deaths) of guests and staff at an ultra-luxury resort, premiered earlier this year, viewers across Asia, including Singapore, took notice. Sure, much of the initial buzz revolved around Kpop megastar Lalisa Manobal aka Lisa of Blackpink making her acting debut. But let's be honest, we travel junkies were just as excited to recognise the sun-drenched backdrop of iconic Thai tropical escape Koh Samui, popular among long-weekend warriors and barefoot luxury aficionados alike. Spotting familiar sights like the Big Buddha Temple Wat Phra Yai or playing 'Guess the Resort' during each hotel set became something of a jetsetter's pastime. As expected, many scenes were filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. No surprise there, given that the first two seasons were also set at Four Seasons properties in Hawaii and Sicily. But in a plot twist worthy of show creator Mike White, a lesser known but very strategic player in luxury hospitality quietly stole the show. Enter Anantara. The Bangkok-born luxury hotel brand, part of the ever-expanding Minor Hotels portfolio, might just be the breakout star of the season. Three of its properties — Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas — were featured prominently in the series as part of the fictional White Lotus Thailand hotel. (Fun fact: Minor Hotels also owns the Four Seasons Koh Samui.) The timing could not have been better for William 'Bill' Heinecke, the 75-year-old American-born, naturalised Thai billionaire founder behind Minor Hotels. With luxury travel in Asia booming globally, Heinecke shows no sign of slowing down. He stepped down as chief executive officer of Minor International five years ago but continues to be deeply involved in the company's hotel expansion strategy with a strong focus on growth and post-pandemic recovery. He started his company even before he turned 18 (hence its name Minor) dabbling in advertising and cleaning services before finding his passion in hospitality. Today, Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries with brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks and Tivoli. In 2018 he bought over the Madrid-owned NH Hotel group of premium and luxury hotels, tripling the group's portfolio and solidifying its European footprint. This acquisition, while visionary, also meant that when the pandemic hit just two years later, there was much more at stake. The group racked up losses of over US$1 billion (S$1.29 billion) in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. But he held firm and now that travel is in full swing once again, the company's increased presence has led to even more brand name recognition around the world. At the same time, he has also always believed in playing to his strengths, reinforcing the group's presence in Asia, which already includes properties across various hospitality brands in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Maldives and the Middle East. The group plans to add 200 more hotels by the end of 2026, of which about 100 will be in Asia. 'We are already pretty well covered in Asia, with the exception of places like Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan,' he said. 'So, it is obviously a major focus for us to try to get some of those other areas that we are not yet in.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel (@anantarajaipur) In fact, Minor Hotels recently debuted in India with Anantara in Jaipur and aims to have 50 properties in the next 10 years. The company is also growing in China where it plans to open two more hotels to add to its current five. A new Anantara is also opening in Kota Kinabalu this December and the group is inching closer to that elusive goal: A hotel in Japan. 'We are working very hard on it, and it is high on our priorities. I hope by this time next year, we will at least have something announced,' he shared. A hotel is under construction in Singapore too. 'It will be an Avani located close to Chinatown and will be a bit more lifestyle-focused, which will suit the market well. There will be a rooftop dining venue, and it promises to be a fun destination,' he said. One of the global trends driving growth is the rising demand for meaningful, immersive experiences. 'Anantara has become an experiential brand. After COVID-19, we are seeing so many people who want to experience different cultures in foreign lands and we are honoured that they have chosen Anantara,' he said. For instance, at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, guests get to sleep under the stars in transparent bubble lodges and participate in encounters with rescued elephants. The Anantara Ubud Bali Resort offers a traditional Balinese ritual called Melukat that can be performed at a 1,000-year-old temple while guests may go snorkelling with manta rays at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. 'These are all very special to me, because each experience has been created to bring alive the culture of the various countries we are in,' said Heinecke. This is all part of what Heinecke calls 'soft power'. He said: 'Everybody has adopted what South Korea pioneered and are finding storytelling and experiences a great way to hook travellers on a destination.' The lifelong entrepreneur credits his longevity to passion and play — fun is as much a business strategy as it is a personal credo. His pursuits include dining, collecting vintage and supercars and flying planes and helicopters. These have ultimately led to varied business ventures such as MJets, an aircraft charter company and Minor Beverages, the food and beverage arm of the company that owns Thai-based The Pizza Company as well as global franchises like Benihana teppanyaki, Swensens and Sizzler. His love for cool wheels and frequent participation in car rallies also inspired him to spearhead the Anantara Concorso Roma, the revival of a 100-year-old car parade that used to take place in Rome. It was initially slated to happen in April this year but had to be postponed to 2026 because of Pope Francis' death. Acknowledging some disappointment, he said: 'The outpouring of grief for the Pope was just so much that it did not seem appropriate to do anything except postpone the concorso.' But true to his never-say-die spirit, he added, 'You cannot worry about the things you cannot control so I only look forward with enthusiasm and optimism for the event next year.' Ever the maverick, he does not shy away from left-field investments that raise eyebrows at the boardroom table. Case in point: His decision to bring Pop Mart, the wildly popular Chinese toy brand, to Thailand in 2023. He was fascinated by the concept of blind box toys but at that point, the brand had yet to explode in popularity. 'I don't think our board was very excited about the prospects at the time,' he said with a laugh. But he knew he was on to something because of the devoted collectors he met. By the time Blackpink's Lisa popularised the brand's Labubu bag charm, setting off an international craze for Pop Mart's products, his stores in Thailand were well positioned to take advantage of the frenzy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LISA (@lalalalisa_m) Next, he is off to check out the Anantara property in Ubud — and knowing him, he is already dreaming up his next unexpected move.
Vogue
8 hours ago
- Health
- Vogue
Layan Life by Anantara
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? Let's be honest, we could all use a reset from time to time, and Layan Life might just be one of the best places to do it. Tucked away within Anantara Layan Phuket Resort's lush paradise, not only do you get the chance to explore Thailand's largest island, but this medi-spa takes hotel wellness offerings to new heights. With a menu of more than 50 offerings (I counted) that covers everything from ancient Thai practices to modern-day medical treatments, it's where you'd come for multiday curated retreats, or even if you don't exactly know what it is that you need—that's the beauty of having access to a diverse staff of specialized practitioners. Photo: Courtesy of Layan Life by Anantara What's the vibe? As your chauffeured golf cart makes its way down palm-fringed paths and a steep, winding road, a glass-walled building suspended above a lily pond emerges. The beige interiors are unremarkable, but perhaps that's the point, creating a space that calms the mind and cedes attention to the surrounding greenery, on full display thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. The ground level is largely dedicated to movement, with a sizable 24-hour fitness center stocked with what seems like every piece of Technogym equipment in existence along with two studios, one of which is dedicated to reformer Pilates. At the end of the hall you'll find the heated vitality pool, a cold plunge, and an experience shower, along with the changing rooms, each with a Himalayan salt sauna and steam room. Above is the heart of Layan Life, where the majority of the treatments take place. At some hours, it'll seem like you're the only one in the facility, but at least one of the 19 rooms is likely occupied at any given moment. Many of the spaces are designed for specific purposes, like for cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, colonic hydrotherapy, and IV vitamin drips. Even the massage beds have been appropriately selected, with wider tables in the traditional Thai medicine (TTM) rooms. It's organized. Clinical, even. But it adds to the overall sense of professionalism and commitment to wellness at Layan Life. Photo: Courtesy of Layan Life by Anantara The history? While Anantara Layan Phuket Resort opened in 2014, Layan Life didn't launch until this past October. Staying true to Anantara's Thai roots, TTM plays a significant role at the facility and is complemented by cutting-edge technology. Drawing from traditional beliefs that food is a form of medicine, the resort also offers a dedicated menu with dishes free of gluten, dairy, and processed sugars. Photo: Courtesy of Layan Life by Anantara What should you try? The simple and honest answer is that it all comes down to your personal goals. Remember, this isn't your ordinary spa (although the resort has one of those too). But if I have to pinpoint something from Layan Life's encyclopedic menu, I'm heading straight to the TTM section. Upon arrival, the team ushered me straight into one of Layan Life's many rooms for nuad rajasamnak, a massage that was once reserved for Thai royalty. The practice involves targeted acupressure to what are known as Sen in TTM—energy lines from which life force flows, with 10 major paths believed to govern well-being—paired with warm herbal compresses to ease muscle tension and inflammation. A total dream after more than 30 hours of travel. A close second was the Sweet Herbal Dreams treatment, where an herbal poultice was gently applied to my body, delivering on the promise of a deep and restorative sleep, as confirmed by my Fitbit's built-in sleep tracker the next day. For those who experience frequent aches, I'd also recommend a 3D body scan so that a physiotherapist can better understand your problem areas and follow it up with a targeted treatment to help relieve pain or optimize mobility. Photo: Courtesy of Layan Life by Anantara How environmentally friendly is it? The elimination of single-use plastic is a growing norm, thankfully, but it's still worth noting when a hotel commits to it. What else do we need to know? The resort offers a daily schedule of six complimentary activities that range from fitness classes to cultural introductions. For those who enjoy exercising by way of sports, hit the tennis court with a private lesson or opt for some time in the ring with a Muay Thai coach. Who can go? Anyone on Phuket is welcome—just make sure to book in advance. Booking details for Layan Life by Anantara Address: Anantara Layan Phuket, 168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket Read more from Vogue's Global Spa Guide.
Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion: insights from Amir Golbarg
Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa operations are accelerating. Amir Golbarg, SVP, outlines the group's sustainability strategies, master brand approach, and hyper-growth plans across hospitality markets. Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion is reshaping hospitality landscapes. At Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operations for Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels, shared insights into the group's remarkable journey, sustainability commitments, and growth strategies. Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion has been a deliberate and highly strategic endeavor, grounded in sustainability, innovation, and the group's Thai heritage. Founded in 1967 by William Heinecke, Minor Hotels started with humble roots in Thailand and has since evolved into a major international player. Its Middle East journey began in 2012 with the unique project on Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, where Minor launched three distinct resorts blending wildlife conservation and luxury hospitality. As Golbarg explained, 'Today we operate 54 properties across the Middle East and Africa, with many more in the pipeline — all designed to reflect local cultures while upholding Minor's global standards.' Sustainability as core DNA Golbarg emphasized that sustainability is not just a marketing buzzword but a fundamental part of Minor Hotels' operations. 'Our Anantara brand, launched in 2001, was built on the idea of indigenous sustainable luxury,' he said. From sourcing local materials in Jaipur to protecting black rhinos in Zimbabwe, Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion integrates environmental and social responsibility. With targets certified under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), participation in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and a focus on reducing landfill waste, Minor's operations prioritize local sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. Master brand strategy for seamless customer experience A major milestone in Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion is the rollout of its 'master brand' strategy. As Golbarg explained, consolidating eight distinct brands (including Anantara, Avani, and NH) under the Minor Hotels umbrella enhances customer experience by unifying booking systems, loyalty programs, and digital platforms. 'This shift allows guests to seamlessly access offerings across all brands, using one loyalty system and benefiting from hyper-personalized service,' Golbarg noted. Technology and hyper-growth vision Addressing the role of artificial intelligence, Golbarg stressed its value for backend efficiencies, data analysis, and customer insights, but not as a front-of-house replacement. 'We believe hospitality is ultimately about human connection,' he said. Looking ahead, Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion aims for hyper-growth, with ambitious plans to double the regional footprint within three years. This includes innovations in wellness, longevity hubs, and enhanced F&B concepts, ensuring the group stays ahead of evolving consumer demands. Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion offers a compelling case study of how heritage, sustainability, brand consolidation, and technology can drive growth in dynamic markets. As Golbarg concluded, 'We have the ingredients and the recipe — now it's time to run for it.'
Time Out Dubai
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
6 pop-up sales in Dubai to know about this weekend
Raise your hand if you're ready to shop. The bargains are simply too good this weekend so don't miss your chance to bag up to 80 percent off some pretty premium items. From VIP designer fashion to home grown furniture and some gorgeous beauty bits, your basket is going to be full (believe us). If you're in the mood for some quality retail therapy, here are the best pop-up sales in Dubai to check-out before it's too late. The best pop-up sales to try in Dubai Anantara Downtown Dubai If you want to bag some designer outfits for unbelievable prices, grab your wallet and leg it down to this VIP sample sale. Offering up to an impressive 80 percent off designer brands, you'll need to act fast if you want to come home with a wardrobe of your dreams. To ensure your spot, register at the link here. Free entry. Fri May 30 to Sun June 1, 10am-10pm. Anantara Downtown Dubai, (052 114 4460). Beauty Solutions One of Dubai's biggest beauty warehouse sales is back. Beauty Solutions in Warehouse 3, Dubai Investment Park 2 is offering budget-friendly deals with prices starting from Dhs1 (yes, we said Dhs1). Stock up on beauty and skincare products from brands like Living Proof, Bondi Sands, Umberto Giannini, Miller Harris, Sachajuan and many more. Free entry. Thu May 29- Sat May 31, 9am-5pm. Beauty Solutions, Dubai Investment Park 2, (04 321 1087). Curated playlist #popup ♬ domino by astro4urvibes speedup – astrooo🪐 @timeoutdubai Free entry. Curated Playlist is back in Dubai. Check out this fashion and beauty pop-up at The Plaza at One Za'abeel. Here you can shop local brands and play to win free Fenty goodies. When: Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25 and Friday May 30 to Sunday June 1 from 11am to 8pm. #dubai Curated Playlist is back in Dubai. Check out this fashion and beauty pop-up at The Plaza at One Za'abeel. Here you can shop home grown brands, offering everything from charms to fashion and cute cosmetics. There are even some free Fenty goodies in it for you if you can take on the pop-up challenge. Free entry. Fri May 30-Sun Jun 1, 11pm-8pm. One Za'abeel, Downtown Dubai, (04 666 1777). Dina's Picks The popular pop-up brand will be offering up its next selection of goodies this weekend, so get ready to start rummaging through the rails. Taking over Area 57 Events, you can enjoy brands from Over the Top to Nindae, ROOT and Your Skinic. Free entry. Thu May 29- Sat May 31, 10am-7pm. Area 57 Events, Al Quoz @ Klekktic warehouse sale The popular Klekktic warehouse sale is back this weekend, so expect to be flurrying around the showroom trying to find the best bargain. Offering up to 80 percent off some furniture pieces, samples and more your apartment is about to get a serious makeover. Free entry. Sat May 31, 11am. Klekktic, Al Quoz, (052 705 5298). Summer by EH #popup ♬ original sound – ꨄ∿♬ @timeoutdubai A cute summer shopping pop-up in Dubai Mall Empower Her is hosting its Summer by EH pop-up and is bringing a rotating line-up of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, with new names every four days. You can expect everything from trendy abayas and perfumes to skincare, jewellery, sunglasses and more. Plus, there's even a charm bar with Labubus. Available from Wednesday May 28 to Thursday June 12, just in time for pre-Eid shopping. Will you be checking it out? #dubai This is the pop-up that keeps on giving. Open until Thursday June 12, the Summer by EH pop-up is bringing a rotating line-up of fashion, beauty and lifestyle with new names every four days. Fill your basket with everything from abayas to perfumes, new sunnies and much more. Plus, there's even a charms bar where you can also pick out your very own Labubu. Until Thu Jun 12. Open daily from 10am. Dubai Mall, @empowerher_ae. Looking for things to do this weekend? How to be a big kid in Dubai — from ball pits to laser tag We're throwing it back to the good old days 69 brilliant pool day passes and deals for 2025 Have some well-earned fun in the sun 50 cool things to do in Dubai for less than Dhs50 Record-breaking attractions, cheap drinks and bargain days out
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
This Thai Resort Is Becoming A Wellness Disruptor. Here's How.
Layan Life, the new wellness center at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in Thailand. At most luxury resorts, wellness is somewhere near the end of a long list of amenities, behind the signature restaurant, infinity pool, and shopping. But what if it were at the top? That's the idea behind Layan Life, a new medical wellness facility at the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. The hotel has put health at its center by combining science-backed therapies with traditional healing practices. The result is a program that's pushing the boundaries of wellness — and it could affect your next vacation. Wellness is one of the dominant tourism trends of 2025. The Global Wellness Institute projects that the wellness market is growing by 12 percent a year and will reach $8.5 trillion by 2027. And while there have always been boutique resorts with a more intense wellness focus, such as Six Senses or Miraval, it's a trend that appears to be spreading to more traditional luxury resorts in places like Southeast Asia. Layan Life's resident physiotherapist, Pacanut Intafong, works with a patient at Layan Life in Phuket, Thailand. Dee McGuinness, the group director for spa and wellness at Anantara, says the Layan Life method is about treating the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. "We gently educate our guests on a healthier approach to being-well, through nutrition and restful sleep – simple sustainable practices which ignites that inner glow." That "glow" can be elusive when you've crossed 11 time zones for vacation. It can be elusive even if you're traveling from nearby Bangkok, come to think of it. The Layan Life facility at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is a purpose-built spa and medical facility that looks like it belongs on the cover of Architectural Digest. There are welcoming spaces throughout the facility, and the treatment rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that fill them with natural light. Layan Life features everything you'd expect to find at a conventional spa, including an indoor pool, steam rooms, exercise equipment, and a yoga studio. But there are things you don't see at a normal spa, such as a hyperbaric chamber and a high-intensity laser used for physiotherapy. Why the unconventional equipment? Central to Layan Life's treatments is the Life Method, which emphasizes advanced diagnostics and treatments, bodywork and spiritual healing, holistic therapies and lifestyle practices that promote wellness. There's even a resident herbalist who prepares custom teas to enhance your health. In other words, they'll use whatever methods are available to fix you. Layan Life's resident herbalist prepares a pot of hibiscus tea for guests. A typical treatment starts with consulting Layan's resident doctor, who reviews your health history. He'll discuss your wellness goals and then decide which treatments you need. After that, you might undergo a posture analysis. Layan Life uses a Moti Dynamic Postural Analysis system that scans you while you're standing and then performs a body structure assessment. It quickly analyzes your posture, gait, and hip angles and identifies any problems. Then it emails you a list of recommended exercises to correct your posture. If the issues are more serious — such as an old injury that went untreated and is causing posture problems — Layan's resident physiotherapist can recommend a massage or laser treatment to address the problem. There are consultations with a Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) specialist. TTM analyzes your health based on ancient principles to balance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. A registered TTM practitioner might recommend herbal remedies or hands-on therapies to increase your wellness. Layan Life also has an energy healer on staff who can diagnose any imbalances in your body. Energy healing can help with pain management and processing trauma, and the facility considers it an integral part of the Life Method. A treatment room at Layan Life in Phuket, Thailand. As you go through the system, all of the specialists — from the doctor to the energy healer — are consulting with one another to ensure you get the correct treatments. They might recommend an IV drip procedure next. It's a 60-minute treatment with nutrients that give you more energy and support vital brain function. They might also send you to the cryotherapy chamber, which can help with inflammation and joint pain. Not all of the therapies are easy. For example, the cold chamber exposes you to temperatures as low as -180 degrees. Colonic hydrotherapy, billed as a "purifying treatment" that removes the toxins that have built up in the colon over time, may make some guests squeamish. And if you don't like needles, you might have some trouble with the IV drip therapy. But most of the treatments are more conventional. For example, there's a special massage for office syndrome, which counteracts back, neck and shoulder pain that results from sitting at a desk for a long time in the same position. Layan Life's physiotherapist helps release your strained muscles and teaches you effective stretches and postural improvements to relieve muscular tension. There are also classes such as Pranayama breathing, which can lower your stress levels and increase mindfulness. The facility's expert guide will run you through a series of exercises designed to harness your life force by breathing better. Integration is a major trend in the wellness industry, and Anantara is trying to position itself at the cutting edge of that movement. Just south of the new Layan Life project in Malaysia, there's the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, which has embraced a more holistic approach to wellness. At Layan Life, there's a special menu that allows you to pursue your wellness goals when you're away from the spa. Typical fare includes rustic banana bread and fruit for breakfast or a sprouts salad with edamame, baked broccoli, pumpkin or wok-seared beef with umeboshi dressing for lunch. Even dinners at Dara, its Thai fusion restaurant, feature healthy salads and vegan dishes that allow you to keep a healthy routine. Wellness is built into almost every aspect of the resort experience, including the rooms and activities. But the real question is, does it work? It may be too soon to know. But Anantara Life's unified approach to wellness could be a welcome break from luxury resorts in Southeast Asia that emphasize heavy meals and a sedentary lifestyle. And ultimately, a stay at a resort like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort could mean the difference between feeling well-rested after a vacation — or arriving back home feeling fatigued and perhaps in need of another vacation.
