Latest news with #Phuket
Vogue
a day 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.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Tourist plunges 15 metres to her death from edge of rooftop swimming pool at luxurious villa in Phuket
A tourist has died after plunging 15 metres from the edge of a rooftop swimming pool at a luxurious villa on the Thai island of Phuket. Veronika Kobzova, 28, a Ukrainian circus acrobat, had been relaxing around the pool when she walked to the edge and fell late at night. The holiday-maker 'made a misstep' and tumbled down into an alley below, according to witnesses. Friends rushed to check on her after she disappeared over the side, but she tragically could not be saved. She was pronounced dead less than an hour after her fall at 3.30am, which inflicted serious 'head and chin' injuries. Veronika was a member of a famous Ukrainian circus family. Her uncle Mykola Kobzov, head of Circus Kobzov, said: 'In a tragic accident, my niece Veronika Kobzova has passed away. 'She fell from a height of 15 metres. 'Young, beautiful, successful — and now such a terrible loss. 'Veronika, we will always remember you. I love you. Our whole family is in mourning.' Pictures appear to show the rooftop pool without any protective barriers. The pool reaches right to the edge of the building, beyond which there is a sheer drop down to a steep gully with a concrete wall. Thai police are reportedly investigating her death, but foul play is not suspected. A Thai report said: 'The blissful rooftop ambience and the allure of a poolside walk culminated in an unintended peril. 'As her friends watched, her celebration turned to calamity when she misstepped at the edge of the rooftop swimming pool, plunging from the third floor into a narrow alley below.' Veronika was comfortable with heights, with videos showing her pulling off dangerous aerial acts in her performances. The tragic tourist hailed from Nikopol, in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. She had worked in the circus from the age of 12 – and later starred in the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and the German Roncalli Circus. She also performed in Asia, most frequently China, and recently had been based in Thailand, reports said. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and immensely popular amongst tourists, often as a starting point for trips to surrounding smaller islands.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Jon Jones reveals Tom Aspinall AGREEMENT after UFC fans demand Dana White strip him of belt
JON JONES has sent UFC fans into a frenzy by revealing he has an agreement in place with Tom Aspinall. The pair, 37 and 32 respectively, have been on course for a historic heavyweight title unification bout since last November. 4 4 4 Their mammoth melee, however, has yet to come to fruition - despite the UFC 's meeting of Jones' demands to be paid "F**K YOU MONEY." MMA fans have been left on tenterhooks by Jones over the last few weeks as the former pound-for-pound king has toed and froed with the prospect of retirement. The Hall of Famer claimed last month that UFC brass are aware of his plans and insisted he's not holding Aspinall back in any way, shape or form. And during a recent seminar in Phuket in Thailand, he claimed he and Aspinall have agreed not to divulge any details of their proposed fight or the future of the division before the UFC. In a video from the seminar, a fan asked Jones: "When are you fighting Tom?" The former long-reigning light-heavyweight king replied: "I was waiting for it. "The UFC, I, and Tom we all have a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes. They're one of the biggest organisations in sports. "Right now, Tom and I have agreed to wait for the UFC to make their announcements, so I legally can't really talk about it.' JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 4 Jones' comments sent UFC fans into meltdon, with many divided over his statement. One said: Holy s**t! I told all of you." Another said: "It's happening." And another sad: "Wait for the UFC to make the announcement… of his retirement! Will not believe it till I see it, thanks." One remarked: "Cant wait for Jones to beat Aspinall's ass and end this." "Another chimed in: "Going to announce he's taking a break and vacating belt." Jones' comments came just days after a recent interview in which he admitted he's undecided about his fighting future aired. During an appearance on Deepcut with VicBlends, he said: "I don't know what life holds as far as fighting and competing. "I do feel like I'll be a lifelong martial artist whether I'm coaching others or taking exhibition matches and things like that. Tom and I have agreed to wait for the UFC to make their announcements." Jon Jones "There's a lot of great competition still in the UFC. I do view myself as more than a fighter. "Being in my position, I feel like I have a lot more options than a lot of the other fighters as far as the ability to leave and return. "And so right now I'm just focusing on love, happiness, kindness. "We're at the quarter-century mark, and this year should be a really special year." Jones hasn't set foot inside the octagon since his Madison Square Garden mauling of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November. Wigan warrior Aspinall, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines since his 60-second demolition of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Tourist, 28, plunges 50ft to her death from edge of rooftop swimming pool at luxurious villa in Phuket
A TOURIST has died after plunging 50ft from the edge of a rooftop swimming pool at a luxurious villa on the Thai island of Phuket. Veronika Kobzova, 28, a Ukrainian circus acrobat, had been relaxing around the pool when she walked to the edge and fell late at night. 5 5 The holidaymaker 'made a misstep' and tumbled down into an alley below, according to witnesses. Friends rushed to check on her after she disappeared over the side, but she tragically could not be saved. She was pronounced dead less than an hour after her fall at 3:30am, which inflicted serious 'head and chin' injuries. Veronika was a member of a famous Ukrainian circus family. Her uncle Mykola Kobzov, head of Circus Kobzov, said: 'In a tragic accident, my niece Veronika Kobzova has passed away. 'She fell from a height of 15 metres. 'Young, beautiful, successful — and now such a terrible loss. 'Veronika, we will always remember you. I love you. Our whole family is in mourning.' Pictures appear to show the rooftop pool without any protective barriers. The pool reaches right to the edge of the building, beyond which there is a sheer drop down to a steep gulley with a concrete wall. Thai police are reportedly investigating her death, but foul play is not suspected. A Thai report said: 'The blissful rooftop ambiance and the allure of a poolside walk culminated in an unintended peril. 'As her friends watched, her celebration turned to calamity when she misstepped at the edge of the rooftop swimming pool, plunging from the third floor into a narrow alley below.' Veronika was comfortable with heights, with videos showing her pulling off dangerous aerial acts in her performances. The tragic tourist hailed from Nikopol, in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. She had worked in the circus from the age of 12 - and later starred in the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and the German Roncalli Circus. She also performed in Asia, most frequently China, and recently had been based in Thailand, reports said. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and immensely popular amongst tourists, often as a starting point for trips to surrounding smaller islands. 5 5
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Science
- Associated Press
Otis STEM Program Propels Student Alum to an International Scholarship
Pannawish Tanthawichian was a participating high school student in the Otis Made to Move Communities™ challenge in 2022-23. Now he's leaving his home in Thailand with a scholarship to study computer science at University of Toronto in Canada, and he credits his experience with Otis for helping him get there. His pursuit of an education in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field exemplifies one of the core objectives of the Made to Move Communities program – to inspire a lifelong interest in STEM, and advance STEM and leadership skills to help build the next generation of talent. Tanthawichian's team from Kamnoetvidya Science (KVIS) Academy won the Otis Asia-Pacific region competition in the Made to Move Communities challenge with their design of a computer program that forecasts floods in Thailand. The solution was personal for him – his grandparents' home in Phuket was damaged by floods. In his application to the University of Toronto, Tanthawichian highlighted his experience with the Made to Move Communities program, describing the skills learned and developed through the program. The university accepted him and awarded him the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. Tanthawichian will attend the University of Toronto starting this fall. 'I'm really thankful for the opportunities made possible by taking part in the MTMC challenge,' Tanthawichian said. About the Made to Move Communities program Launched in 2020, the Made to Move Communities program engages young minds to explore real-world mobility challenges and develop innovative solutions with the potential to create more connected communities and improve mobility for all. This initiative brings together students, educators, and Otis colleagues as mentors with the purpose of advancing STEM and leadership skills to help build the next generation of talent, ensuring future workforce readiness, and sustaining innovation. Each year, the program focuses on a different theme that aligns with global priorities, such as sustainability, accessibility or technology. This year's theme challenged students to incorporate AI into their inclusive mobility solution. The program encourages students to think critically and creatively, applying STEM principles to address mobility-related issues. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration, participants gain valuable insights and skills that prepare them for future careers while making a positive impact on society. Each participating school receives a grant at the conclusion of the program to support ongoing STEM education in their schools. To learn more about the Made to Move Communities program, visit Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Otis Worldwide Corporation
