In the Chinese calendar, January 23^rd marks the end of the Year of the Rabbit, and the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. It’s the start of the 15 days of celebration for Southeast Asia’s most fêted holiday – the Chinese New Year. It’s a time to welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity and to eliminate any negative “chi” from the past year. It also predicts what the next year will have in store for us. For this year, the return of the Dragon characterizes 2012 to be a year of excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration, and intensity. It is said that people respond to the spirit of the Dragon with “energy, vitality, and unbridled enthusiasm, often throwing all caution to the wind,” according to Chinese legend, so this should be a very interesting year!

The New Year is traditionally rung in with a fabulous feast – and you can join in at several Anantara properties! Anantara Bangkok Riverside, Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, Anantara Phuket Villas, and Anantara Si Kao are all celebrating in their own distinctive way:

Anantara Bangkok Riverside – Welcome in the Chinese New Year of the Dragon with a vibrant cultural occasion overlooking the majestic River of Kings at the Riverside Terrace! Feast on an endless buffet of the finest cuisine from all over the world, enhanced by a thematic dim sum counter and other mouthwatering Chinese delicacies. Watch a calligraphy expert write beautiful Chinese greetings and enjoy an impressive lion dance show. Then open traditional Chinese red envelopes filled with indulgent Anantara surprises, such as a complimentary meal or discount vouchers to be used for amazing experiences.

Anantara Bangkok Sathorn – Invite friends and family to the stylish 100˚East restaurant to ring in the Chinese New  Year! Share a delicious Chinese and International buffet prepared by a team of highly trained chefs both from Thailand and abroad. Featuring items from the most delectable Asian fare to freshly stone-baked pizza, there is sure to be something for everyone on the menu.

Anantara Phuket Villas – Savour a grand BBQ buffet of Chinese, Thai, and international cuisine, as Chinese lanterns sway overhead in the soft sea breeze on the Beach Lawn. Open traditional red envelopes to find wonderful gifts of discovery. Watch a colorful lion dance performance, a spectacular fire show, and auspicious Chinese crackers welcome in the Year of the Dragon.

Anantara Si Kao – Ring in the Chinese New Year at Leelawadee, Anantara Si Kao’s signature outdoor restaurant. Experience laid back Andaman luxury and Anantara Si Kao’s international buffet on the terrace, decorated with fantasy lighting and red envolopes hanging from mandarin trees. Then retire to your room or suite to find a mandarin orange and red envelope containing an indulgent surprise.

In the summer heat, what’s better than hitting the open waters for a high-speed adventure or a relaxing day cruise accompanied by a cool cocktail? Don’t be left high and dry. Instead, take part in a few fabulous boating adventures from some of our favorite getaways!

Wauwinet Lady at The Wauwinet, Nantucket
Ahoy, matey: For an unexpected and stylish ride to and from Nantucket Town, guests can board this launch from The Wauwinet’s 254-foot dock. Twice a day during lunch and dinner hours, the 26-passenger water taxi crosses Nantucket Bay and docks at the White Elephant in town, allowing guests staying at either hotels the opportunity to taste the other’s restaurant (award-winning TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet and Brant Point Grill at White Elephant).   Board right around sunset for a particularly memorable ride and receive a cocktail en route!

Venetian taxi at La Réserve Genève, Geneva
Ahoy, matey: This chic Venetian motoscafo offers complimentary transfers to and from Geneva’s City Center during the summer months. Businessmen crossing the lake get a taste of vacation, while those on vacation can get a bit of sun and take in the scenery while cruising across the water.

Catcher, Ocean Whisperer and Freebird at Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
Ahoy, matey: Guests can rent Whisperer, the 82-foot yacht, for a private journey to explore deserted islands, hidden reefs and secret lagoons, soar behind the full-rigged parasail boat, Freebird, or snag some dinner on Catcher, the resort’s big game fishing boat. Let the experienced instructors take you out on traditional Maldivian dhonis to scuba dive or snorkel and hang with the crustaceans and sponges that call the coral reef home.

The Minor Affair at Anantara Phuket Villas, Thailand
Ahoy, matey: Cruise between Sia Kao and Phuket, or wherever the waters take you on this Anantara Phuket’s Sunseeker Manhattan 60, a luxurious motoryacht ready to take you to the horizon and beyond. The Minor Affair is the Maserati of yachts, so grab seven ladies and gents to join you, and don’t worry about a designated driver.

White Water Rafting at Shakti Ladakh’s Shayok River Journey, North India
Ahoy, matey: These rafts are too cool for names. Visit India’s north and raft down the Shayok and Upper Indus Rivers along the traditional Silk Route through the Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges. Along the way, stop for picnic lunches in scenic valleys and take in the natural beauty of India’s Himalayas, deserts, and plateaus.  

Sunset cruise at Cocoa Island, Maldives
Ahoy, matey: Embark on an unforgettable cruise around the Maldives as the setting sun reflects rays of orange and pink off the crystal clear water. Cocoa Island’s sunset cruise is the perfect opportunity to explore the open waters via speedboat and even make a few friends along the way – be on the look-out for dolphins playfully racing alongside the boat and flying fish skirting along the water’s surface.

Anantara Song and Dream – Anantara Cruises, Thailand
Ahoy, matey: Float along the Chao Phraya River aboard luxuriously renovated, hundred-year-old teak rice barges Anantara Song and Anantara Dream. The overnight excursions blend quintessential old-world charm and modern comforts, and the wonders of Bangkok that line the river will transport you back in time to the old Kingdom of Siam. Travelers can choose between set itineraries or privately charter the Anantara Dream.

Pristine beaches, friendly natives, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful weather make Bali and Thailand two of the happiest places on earth, according to author Paul Theroux. On his quest for happiness, Theroux picked both of these locales as the most joy-filled spots in the world. And we’d have to agree!

Bali is known for its enticing beaches, but Theroux urges travelers to find traditional crafts and ceremonies sure to pique cultural curiosity. At Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, guests can find their own personal Nirvana by enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at the chic Sunset on Six rooftop bar and lounge while watching a burning sun set below the Indian Ocean, or by exploring the rolling hills and local jungle by elephant or Harley-Davidson. If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to finding your bliss, COMO Shambhala Estate is a sanctuary for health and wellness where guests’ individual needs are met with a custom-tailored program of nutrition, exercise, therapies, and activities.

You’ll be all smiles in “The Land of Smiles.” With nine properties in Thailand, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas ensures that wherever you are in this beautiful country, you’ll have the chance to experience Thailand’s wonders for yourself. At Anantara Golden Triangle, the on-site elephant camp offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with these gentle giants while learning from experienced mahouts (elephant trainers) how to ride them. Explore the incredible coral reefs of the Similan Islands—some of the most renowned and best preserved in the world—on a dive excursion during your stay at Anantara Phuket. Or witness the excitement of Thailand’s bustling capital where the Metropolitan Bangkok offers guests both easy access to the hubbub of the city and a chic place to retreat.

Chefs from six of Phuket’s top resorts will battle it out in a Top Chef meets Iron Chef showdown on March 25.  The result will be a six-course dinner showcasing culinary talents of all the top toques, with one chef preparing each of the courses. For added pressure, the chef must also choose the wine pairing.

Participating chefs are Justin Maiklem and Jimmy Karl of Anantara Phuket, Paresa Resort’s James Stanton, Thomas Smith of Sheraton Grande Laguna, Amanpuri’s Stefano Artosin, Silvano Amolini of Dusit Thani Laguna, and David Hamilton of Banyan Tree Phuket. The dinner will be held along the beach at Paresa Resort and tickets are $130. All the proceeds will go to The Good Shepherd Sisters to assist underprivileged women and girls in both Phuket and around Thailand. We’ll eat a second helping to that!

Anantara Phuket Villas was sad to say goodbye to Real Madrid’s all time top goal scorer, Raúl González Blanco, and his family, after their recent visit.  A three-time winner of the UEFA Champions League, Raúl has long been the competition’s striker (he left Real Madrid in 2010 to join German Club Schalke 04 after having scored 323 goals in 741 appearances for the team).

The villas have become a celebrity haven since opening in 2008. Past all-stars also include, Kevin Spacey, Kate Moss, and Naomi Campbell.

As we’ve reported, the infamous DJ Charles Schillings will be spinning at Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa this Saturday evening. But what we didn’t tell you was that his show will coincide with the first North Phuket Culinary Arts Festival.

The culinary celebration will kick-off this weekend, running Friday evening through Sunday and will feature a table over 980 feet long running between SALA Phuket Resort & Spa  and  Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa.  Be sure to check out the BBQ Party at Anantara Phuket while grooving to DJ Schillings as he lays down hot tracks.

If you need yet another reason to celebrate Phuket this weekend, don’t forget the long-standing King’s Cup Regatta, kicks off Saturday as well! First started in 1987 to celebrate His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 60th birthday, the Regatta is now an annual tradition with 106 ships entered to race this year.

Who wants to pay for a to-go coffee every morning on vacation? When you’re only alternative is the less-than-appealing packets of instant coffee and powder creamers, what’s a traveler to do? A recent article from USA Today observed that hotels are offering a more sophisticated approach to our society’s caffeine addiction with in-room amenities that really make the cut. Stay at an Anantara Hotels, Resorts, & Spas properties in Bali, Thailand, the Maldives, or the UAE, and get the cream of the crop; all 12 have Nespresso machines in each room. Let the buzz begin!

If recent Fashion Weeks spanning the globe have you wanting to experience the designs and after-show parties firsthand, book a trip to Anantara Phuket Villas this December to stay (and party) like a rockstar. Or, at least an insider. The resort will host the second annual Silk Rhythms Music and Fashion Show on December 4 – and we’re extending the invitation to make sure your name is on the list.

Guests will preview Jim Thompson’s summer silk collection while munching on the regions Coastal BBQ and sipping cocktails created by international mixologists especially for the event. Local food from market stalls will be on the resort’s lawn to highlight the regions distinct culinary offerings.

Fashion show staple, DJ Charles Schillings, will provide the playlist. His eclectic and melodic house beats with Rock, Electro-Funk, Soul, Groove, and Jazz elements have also been featured for Karl Lagerfeld and Céline since 2006 as well as at events for Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, and Armani.

Tickets start from $39 per person for the Sunset Session, including the Music and Fashion Show and one drink; the Sunset Session and the Coastal BBQ dinner is $88 per person and includes free-flowing wine.  The evening promises to be the total package – rich silks, fabulous local food, innovative cocktails, and world-class tunes.

The party’s ready, will you be?

Photo from: http://phuket-guru.blogspot.com/

Thailand will play host to the first annual Phuket Property Dot Com Pro Am Invitation on November 5 and offers a great incentive for golfers to travel to Anantara Phuket Villas – just 10 minutes from the course!

The tournament will be held at Blue Canyon Country Club, which boasts 720 acres of pristine, rolling hills and greens, including two award-winning 18-hole golf courses. Blue Canyon Country Club was voted Best Golf Course in Asia by FinanceAsia in 2003, 2006, 2008, and 2009, and is the only three-time host of the Johnnie Walker Classic (in 1994, 1998, 2007).

Confirmed Asian Tour players include five-time winner Simon Yates who is also in the Top 10 career money winners list; five-time winner and longest hitter on the Asian Tour Scott Hend; ten-time winner Gerry Norquist (Asian Tour); three-time winner Terry Pilkadaris ; Jason Knutzon who is currently in the top 10 money list for this year, and Anthony Kang who is in the Top 10 career money winners list. 

Interested amateur golfers may contact Mr. Graham Haslam at graham@phukethasbeengoodtous.org to sign-up. All proceeds will go to Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, which helps educate children in Thailand.

A good cause that promises a very good time. 

Ananatara resident spa guru and unofficial Ramadan expert, Liz Smailes, shared her advice with us on incorporating the relevant messages behind the holy celebration into daily life.

The focus of this month is all about detoxification of your body and habits—and through her travels around the Gulf Peninsula, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Philippines and Thailand Liz has developed wonderful detox plans and recipes.  Detox has never looked so good! First, she advises fasters to get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night during the program, avoid prolonged exposure in the sun, have a sensible breakfast before the fast/sunrise, and drink fresh detox juices and lots of water throughout the day. Being mindful of these tips will help jumpstart your new, healthier routine!

Once you’ve finished your cleanse, don’t just jump back into your old daily routine. Liz’s post-detox menu looks like this, and is similar to what Muslims will eat after Ramadan:

• First Day: Add a raw salad in the mid-day meal along with soups.
• Second Day: Add backed or boiled potato, rice (without any seasoning and heavy sauces) along with soups
• Third Day: Add steamed vegetables along with soups
• Thereafter: Start back with your normal diet, but maintain your favorite fresh juices as part of your daily intake.

Follow Liz’s advice and you’re guaranteed to have a much cleaner body on the inside. And with a visit to one of Anantara’s fabulous spas, it will be very easy for the new you to be reflected on the out.

 Liz also shared some of her favorite, and most effective, juice recipes that both new and seasoned fasters enjoy.

 Start with a pre-sunrise drink made from:

• 2 springs of parsley
• Small handful of wheatgrass
• 4-6 carrots
• 2 celery sticks
• 1 apple
• ½ beet

Finish the day with her sunset concoction:

• 1 Green Apple
• 2 cucumbers
• 2 Celery stalks
• ½ deseeded Indian bitter gourd

For any smokers looking to finally kick the habit, Liz also shared her detox juice to help you stop craving the nicotine:

• 1 Apple
• 300 grams Pumpkin
• 1 handful of lettuce
• Sprouts of alfalfa