When next you visit Marrakech look out for The Seven Saints, seven three-story towers located on the outskirts of the city that bear the tombs of seven saliheen (righteous men) from the 12th to 16th century.
Man and beast have always had a special bond, but at the Elephant Camp at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in Chiang Saen, Thailand, the two have collided to form a unique (and melodic) pair. Mahout ‘Khun Lord’ has a special technique of handling the gentle giants through song, as he begins training elephant calves when they are between two- and three-years-old and have an uncanny ability to learn commands. Khun Lord, however, discovered that the little guys responded even better to song. While the other mahouts stared, he continued to sing his lullabies – and he thinks the melodies sunk into his elephant, Lychee, subconscious as she slept.
The results: a very well trained elephant and a bond between the pair that you have to see to believe… and maybe to fully grasp. Encore!
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!
These two got engaged on a Kenyan safari, so we’re sure the honeymoon will be equally as cool and unique. Here are our picks for the Royal Honeymoon.
CARIBBEAN
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
The private isle is the ultimate place to hide away from the cameras and unwind after all of the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding.
Royal Treatment: Rent out the COMO Shambhala Cottage for a night of Champagne, spa treatments, and candlelit dining.
Rosewood Mayakobá, Mexico
Let loose after escaping to the beautiful Mexican Riviera hotel and test tequilas recommended by the resident tequila sommelier.
Royal Treatment: With Mayasutra, newlyweds can get intimate with a Moonlight Tantric Yoga class and a couples massage instruction session followed by 30 minutes of “alone time”.
Geejam, Jamaica
No stranger to celebrities, the luxury property was originally a residential recording studio where the likes of No Doubt and Amy Winehouse laid down some tracks.
Royal Treatment: Stay at the amazing Sanwood villa designed by British architect Anthony Wade in the 60s and relax in the private pool or bask in the Jamaican sun and take in the views on the sun deck.
GoldenEye, Jamaica
Next to the man in line for the throne, James Bond might be the most enviable Brit we know, so vacationing at this Jamaican hideaway where Fleming penned all the Bond books would be quite fitting.
Royal Treatment: Stay in the Fleming Villa for a private beach and the spirit of James Bond lingering in the air and compelling the swilling of shaken-not-stirred martinis.
The Caves, Jamaica
Dodge the paparazzi at the romantic Caribbean resort where couple feeling like a dip can leap off a cliff for a private swim.
Royal Treatment: It doesn’t get much more private than a candlelit dinner for two in a hidden cave looking out on the water.
Strawberry Hill, Jamaica
Following in his parents’ footsteps, William would love to vacation at this mountain resort where, besides Charles and Diana, the guests list boasts Mick Jagger and Bob Marley.
Royal Treatment: Get away from the photographers 3,100 feet above sea level and take in the sweeping views from the Blue Mountains.
Jakes, Jamaica
Kick off those shoes and lose the fancy cap; this charming seaside resort is the perfect antidote to structured courtly life.
Royal Treatment: Enjoy a private yoga session by starlight and listen to the waves.
NANTUCKET
White Elephant, Nantucket
What’s more fitting for English newlyweds than a trip to New England? This harborside Nantucket hotel is a classic (and classy) spot for postnuptial bonding.
Royal Treatment: Only on Nantucket (at Brant Point Grill) does a Bloody Mary come equipped with lobster.
THAILAND
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa,Chiang Rai, Thailand
The luxurious Thai resort is tucked away in the beautiful Golden Triangle, away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Royal Treatment: Take a romantic ride atop an elephant – sure beats a limo!
Anantara Phuket Villas, Phuket, Thailand
After the long awaited ‘I do,’ couples can celebrate the occasion with a wide selection of live entertainment – including a seven-piece band at this Thai property.
Royal Treatment: Hidden in the mangroves, the lavish villas have a 355 ft. sq. private pool, outdoor showers, and a terrazzo tub built to accommodate two (and only two).
These romantic spots embody what a honeymoon should be – nothing but sun, water, sand, and a newlywed couple pampered and sunkissed.
Royal Treatment: Answer to only your whims on a private a romantic island getaway with Anantara Dhigu, Veli, Naladhu, and the soon-to-be, Anantara Kihavah Villas opening in early 2011. The best part about Anantara in the Maldives is that at whatever resort couples choose to stay, free transfer is available between islands to enjoy the benefits of all.
Cocoa Island, Maldives
The private island resort in the South Male Atoll is just over 1000 feet long and is surrounded by pristine, turquoise water.
Royal Treatment: Honeymooners get a complimentary sunset cruise with vino and an antipasti plate.
SOUTH ASIABhutan
Uma Paro,
No tabloid photographers here; the remote mountain lodge is a great spot from which to explore Bhutan’s monasteries and temples and get spiritually in tune before returning to palace life.
Royal Treatment: After trekking through the country by bike or raft, couples can be pampered in the COMO Shambhala Retreat.
INDONESIA
Uma Ubud, Bali The luxurious retreat set in the tangled jungle is perfect for the couple that likes an exotic locale without giving up modern comforts.
Royal Treatment: The COMO Suite allows guests to have spa treatments in private in its private treatment area.
High Seas
Crystal Cruises
Couples can sail away on a luxurious cruise to spots around the globe – no need to pick just one. Romantic “must-sees” include Rome, Mykonos, and Casablanca, to name a few.
Royal Treatment: Enjoy a Couples Massage in the Feng-Shui inspired Crystal Spa or cozy up in the back row of the Hollywood Movie Theater and watch a first-run movie while sipping champagne.
Ever wish for just one more day of vacation? Now take it – without paying for it – at any Anantara property worldwide. The Stay 4, Pay 3 deal is available for all bookings from now through December 19, 2010 for stays through April 30, 2011 (with one exception of Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa in the Maldives, where you’ll instead stay 8 and pay 7). The hardest part will be deciding if you would rather take an elephant ride to your massage following yoga at Anantara Golden Triangle or head to Anantara Dhigu for an accelerated ride on Mr. Cayago, the Lamborghini of water rockets, to cruise the lagoon (above, or under, water) at 13 mph.
All rates are subject to service charges and applicable government and local taxes and offer is subject to availability at each of the resorts. We wish you luck with this decision!
In remote and barely accessible regions of Thailand, Laos, Burma, and China, indigenous peoples have been living without the influence of microwavable dinners, iPods, and cell phones for millennia, instead perpetuating a simpler way of life with traditions and ancient practices rooted in their cultures for thousands of years. With the tick of the clock, these tribes are slowly disappearing and their rich oral histories and veritable life knowledge is slipping by the wayside. (more…)
Live like George (or Jane) of the Jungle… sans the dreadlocks and loin clothes with the new Jungle Yoga, Elephant & Spa Experience from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa. The day begins with an elephant ride along the landscaped surroundings and through a bamboo forest, followed by asana and pranayama practice at the al fresco yoga sala, tucked around the picturesque rice paddies.
The resort’s yoga guru will lead the class in posture and breathing techniques to encourage increased energy and circulation while working to improve the essentials, like flexibility, strength and body alignment. After the final OM at the end of class, the spa’s natural cleansing beverage (tastes like lime juice, but packs a little extra power) will be on offer.
Finally, guests will be pushing to see just how fast their elephants can move on the return trip, as back at the resort, they will be treated to 15-minute tension relief massages at the Anantara Spa. To sweeten the deal, all participants will also receive a 20% discount on all spa treatments throughout their stay. This is the best way to try something new while losing the evidence of anything old!
Elephants are captivating, clever and curious creatures. They have fascinated us for ages and have been depended upon by their human neighbors for centuries. Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas and its charity, The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation will sponsor the upcoming photography exhibit, Elephants in Between, showcasing images by photojournalist Brent Lewin which captures this dynamic relationship in Thailand. Since 2007, Brent has focused on elephants in both urban and rural settings. His photographs are the story of a struggle to preserve traditional cultural identities in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
The exhibit will be located in Bangkok at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand between September 3 and October 14, and will feature Brent’s stunning images depicting Asian elephants in Thailand.
Once a symbol of honor and dignity, elephants have been used in development efforts across Thailand, especially in the logging and tourism industries. These exploits have come to represent the inequity of the country’s economy.Brent captures the deep emotion behind this modern problem through his series of moving photographs.
Brent’s work has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, New York Times, Discovery Channel Magazine and Newsweek. His work with elephants has been awarded by Pictures of the Year International, Prix de la Photographie Paris (Px3), the International Photography Awards, American Photo and the FCCT Photojournalism Annual. He is currently involved as associate producer and videographer on a feature length documentary, Elephants Never Forget, produced by CanazWest Pictures in coproduction with the National Film Board of Canada starting later this fall, which explores the plight of the Asian elephant and the modern human-elephant relationship in Thailand and China.
The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation is headquartered at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in Chiang Saen, Thailand, which also runs an on-site elephant camp and elephant conservation center dedicated to rescuing elephants from a life on the streets of Bangkok or other major Thai cities. Use this worthy cause as an excuse to visit Thailand. First see the photographs, and then travel to Anantara to get up-close-and-personal with the subjects for yourself.
Ramadan officially started August 11th and marks the month-long period where Muhammad is believed to have composed the Quran. In honor of this holy month, Muslims around the world will focus on inner peace and cleansing from now until September 9th through daily fasts during sunlight hours and abstain from any harmful habits that introduce toxins to the body (like drinking or smoking).
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. (more…)
Looking to vacation at the most amazing places on the planet? Luckily for you, Travel + Leisure just released its annual World’s Best Awards issue. Seven AMPR properties and our favorite cruise line walked away with prized spots on the list. Here are the ones that made the cut:
#23, Top 25 Resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas
Congrats to all the winners! While reading the August issue, watch out for Andaz Fifth Ave, Cocoa Island, and Geejam who are also mentioned in the magazine.
Weighing in at 220 lbs, the baby, nicknamed Nong ‘Phil (an abbreviated way of saying “Little Curfew”), was born well past the elephants’ bedtime. ‘Phil’s formal name, Plai Pa Choke, given to him by his mahouts and owners, translates “to bring luck.” Nong ‘Phil is the third birth at Anantara Golden Triangle’s Elephant Camp.
The on-site Elephant Camp, houses 35 elephants, their mahout caregivers, and their families. The camp is overseen by the resident Director of Elephants, John Roberts (@elehelp ), whose background includes working with tigers in Nepal and for national parks in Australia and the U.S. Guests can take part in the rehabilitation efforts in a three-day mahout training course at the Elephant Camp and learn the basics of elephant care, like how to drive, feed, and bathe them.
