Latest news with #Anantara
Times
16 hours ago
- Times
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky review: a grand, stylish Amsterdam stay
The scene is set inside this hotel's belle époque-era Winter Garden: an exclusive jewel box courtyard of palms and peacock colours, accented beneath a 19th-century glass roof. As for the clientele, this is where dapper chaps and well-heeled ladies breakfast late and attend evening high society balls. The lavish restaurant is surely the Dutch capital's best example of turn-of-the-century ambience and both the Winter Garden and its encompassing hotel owe much of their charm to the name above the entrance: Adolf Wilhelm Krasnapolsky, a Polish tailor who arrived in the city in 1856 and set about creating a swinging scene that's lasted until today. But that's not to say Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is old-fashioned. Yes, it's wonderfully nostalgic, but that marries with Anantara's renowned light touch to make it a classically modern affair, and its rooms and dinner jaunts are a rare and luxurious thing. As for service, it's refreshingly hands-off, unlike so much of Amsterdam's cut and thrust these days. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 8/10If you're familiar with the Anantara brand, you'll know it for its plush hotels in Thailand, the Maldives and the UAE. It's a similar deal here, as there are 402 rooms, the largest of any in the company's globe-trotting portfolio, and they are spread across 55 canal houses, all of which have been geometrically puzzled together like one giant optical illusion from the Dutch mind-bender MC Escher. The silky colour scheme in each of the rooms is soft and neutral — swan white, porcelain, chiffon and chrome. There is also modern ergonomic Dutch design and a spectrum of deluxe and premium rooms that come with oversized windows, rooftop or canal views and bathrooms of ivory marble and polished wood. For the pick of the bunch, opt for the bumper-sized Grand Premium Dam View, with bathtub basking in natural light. Score 9/10 That Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky has become the focus of chit-chat in the Amsterdam food scene is largely because of the chef Tristan de Boer, born and bred in the city. He is chef de cuisine at the one-Michelin-star White Room, a restaurant as beautiful as the Winter Garden and an ode to the history of the French brasserie. The original restaurant, De Witte Zaal, opened in 1885 and maintains its handsome look with gilded mirrors, marble pillars and striking torso sculptures. Food-wise, it unites the best French ingredients (macarons, ceps, artichokes à la barigoule) with the Dutch kitchen (smoked mackerel, north sea crab, black caviar). Whatever you do, dress up. The hotel's other two talking points are Grand Café Krasnapolsky, a Viennese-style fantasy of cakes, macarons and meringues and a bar focusing on the art of tailoring and created as a hat's tip to Krasnapolsky. Though it's short on subtlety (spot the thimble lights, sewing machine, jumbo pair of scissors, measuring tape edging the counter bar), the Tailor is still fresh and fun for a hotel bar. • Read our full guide to Amsterdam• Best boutique hotels in Amsterdam Score 8/10With so much history, this is a hotel that has a lot to say. Cue a hotel archivist who puts on mini exhibitions (free, year-round) and with snippets that you actually want to know about (Martin Luther King once gave a speech here, for instance). There is also a spa (no pool) and a fitness centre with a 360-degree climbing wall. Bicycles can be booked too. Score 9/10Over the years, Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky has become a monument for locals, with 'Meet me by Kras' becoming a common shorthand. For that reason, there's collective gratitude for its location, right on Dam Square, facing the National Royal Palace, ten minutes' walk from Amsterdam Centraal station and in the mix of the city's loveliest streets. Next door is Wynand Fockink, opened in 1679 and the oldest distillery in Amsterdam. Price B&B doubles from £264Restaurant YFamily-friendly YAccessible Y Mike MacEacheran was a guest of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky ( • Best boat hotels in Amsterdam• Best hostels in Amsterdam for a backpacking break
Listly
3 days ago
- Listly
First Time in Vietnam? Don't Miss These 5 Must-Dos - Discovering
Hoi An is a charming riverside town renowned for its well-preserved Old Town, lantern-lined streets, and rich cultural heritage. The fusion of French colonial, Chinese, and Japanese influences creates a unique architectural fabric. Whether shopping in tailor shops, sipping Vietnamese coffee, or floating lanterns on the river, Hoi An possesses an entrancing atmosphere that is one of a kind in Vietnam. For a touch of glamour during your stay, consider The Vietage by Anantara, an upscale train experience that connects Hoi An (through local Da Nang) to Quy Nhon in comfort and style.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
09-06-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Love To Meditate? Make Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort Your Next Escape
Mindfulness and holistic healing amidst a natural sanctuary, Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort offers a curated journey you didn't know you needed Cocooned in an abundance of nature, Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort evokes a feeling of home amidst the expansive tranquillity of the beach, mountains and desert. Designed for guests to reset and unwind, the resort's philosophy is centred on healing and harmony – it's a private peninsula that overlooks the vast open ocean and serves as a reminder of our oneness. Whether you're new to your wellness journey or have been conscious of it for a long time, this is a retreat that beckons reflection and connection to your inner self through a meditative approach coupled with seclusion. The over-water pool villas boast a Maldivian-chic, nature-inspired aesthetic intended to transport guests to an idyllic island haven. Gaze at the endless waters of the Arabian Gulf through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, or from your generously sized bathtub, surrounded by lush green mangroves and the sea. Serene cream and wood shades mingle in the room, inviting the outdoors in. Several intricately designed décor pieces adorn the shelves in the kitchen area, a testament to the resort's commitment to the arts and creativity. The soft golden lighting complements the colour palette, further urging a lasting sense of inner calm. Start the morning with a regional and international breakfast at Sea Breeze; from fresh pastries and pancakes to a range of colourful fruits, teas and juices, the selection ensures a variety of palates are catered to, with health at the forefront. To fully immerse in the resort's belief in relaxation, head to Anantara Spa – a natural sanctuary that delves into the world of traditional Thai healing, returning harmony to the mind, body and soul with a special focus on your mental state. The choice of natural, organic products restores one's inner glow, while the techniques of yogic stretching and Chinese-style acupressure correct the flow of energy all around the body to create a deeper state of peace. The signature massage is ideal for clearing energy blockages and enhancing overall wellbeing; a combination of Western and Eastern massage techniques, the full-body treatment blends the brand's signature oils to stimulate circulation and relax the muscles. Also of note is the 'Rebalance Ritual', which harmonises the body's seven energy centres through guided breathing and visualisation, combined with a therapeutic massage and chakra balancing. Welcome the evening with outdoor sunset yoga to further soften the mind and body. Dinner is served at Mekong, perched at the edge of the water with an al fresco terrace. The chef prepares a range of favourites from Anantara's native Thailand, Vietnam and China, with exotic flavours reinterpreted for the modern diner. End the day with a leisurely night stroll around the property, observing the fleeting flamingos and fully absorbing nature's spirit within your body – a gift you can take home. From Harper's Bazaar Arabia Interiors Summer 2025 Issue.
CNA
03-06-2025
- 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
03-06-2025
- 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.
