Go after unparalleled signature experiences by going to where others don’t go. See what others don’t see. Embark on journeys of adventure and discovery in the world’s most captivating destinations with Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, where once-in-a-lifetime experiences form the basis of every unforgettable trip. Abscond to a private island in turquoise Maldivian waters. Uncover the history of Mauritius. Follow in the footsteps of wise men in Oman. From journeys of discovery to journeys of serenity, Anantara invites you to immerse yourself in each of its destinations with its signature experiences.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara on the Frankincense Trail with the Salalah Guru
Known as the perfume capital of Arabia, the coastal town of Salalah in southern Oman is renowned for its production of the fragrant resin frankincense or as it is known locally, luban. Embark on a heady journey through ancient Wadi Dawkah, guided by Anantara’s Salalah Guru, who enchants guests with his unrivalled knowledge of the region and its rich history dating back thousands of years along ancient trading routes.
“Salalah has been famous for Frankincense since the time of the Silk Road when camel caravans criss-crossed the desert trading this commodity,” discloses Hussain Balhalf, the Salalah Guru. “The silvery clear colour native to Salalah is recognised as the finest.” The first stop is to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Dawkah where thousands of frankincense trees make it the largest concentration of Boswellia sacra in Oman’s southern Dhofar province. Against a backdrop of spectacular scenery, the Salalah Guru teaches guests about the harvest process, where sap from these trees is collected April through July before the Khareef monsoon season begins.
Having learnt the intricacies of frankincense harvesting and its array of uses from fragrant burning to all manner of health boosting beauty products, the journey continues to a local market where the Salalah Guru guides guests through vendors and advises on souvenirs to purchase.
Private half day guided frankincense tours with the Anantara Salalah Guru start from OMR 90.
Whale Watching Experience at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is an ideal destination for marine adventurers. Equally as breath taking as the stunning ocean views offered along the 2,500km of Mozambique’s coastline are the extraordinary sights that lie just below the surface. Wildlife lovers can enjoy front row seats for the annual humpback whale migration between June and December.
The whale watching experience offers guests an opportunity to witness these majestic creatures as well as a chance to explore the turquoise Indian Ocean waters, spot dolphins and swim with sea turtles. Whale watching can be combined with dolphin watching, which is possible all year round. An excellent alternative to diving, dolphin watching gives guests the opportunity to go on an ocean safari and get up close with the creatures in their natural habitat.
A half day whale watching excursion is followed by a picnic lunch and snorkelling experience at Pansy Island, a remote sandbank at the southernmost tip of Bazaruto Island, that’s scattered with beautiful pansy shells. The picnic offers a tailored menu of salad and barbeque delights with beverages, served by a personal waiter and chef at a shady table on the beach.
Available from June – December USD 190 per person for a half day trip.
Anantara Veli Maldives Private Island Experience
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort offers guests an unrivalled private island experience, with the exclusive use of Gulhufushi Island for the day. Guests can enjoy the privacy and seclusion of an uninhabited island without compromising an array of five-star trappings and rejuvenating experiences including lavish dining.
The day begins with a sumptuous picnic breakfast with powdery white sand underfoot. The Marine Biologist is on hand to impart the secrets of the beautiful house reef before leading a guided snorkel tour to explore the surrounding coral gardens to get up close and personal with the extraordinary marine life and colourful coral.
Back on the surface, appetites are sated by a sizzling barbecue with specialities from both land and sea, prepared by a private chef. Slumber away the afternoon with a thoughtful healing massage using oils blended with exotic herbs and floral fusions to unwind the body and recharge the mind. Complete the spa experience with afternoon tea, prepared at a beach table carved out of sand.
Sip on artisan cocktails before departing into the sunset back to the resort, as the sky turns shades of crimson and gold.
Anantara Veli Maldives Private Island Experience is priced at USD 1000 for two people.
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel – Private sacred inking sessions by Bangkok’s revered bamboo tattoo master
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, the luxury urban retreat in the heart of one of the world’s most enigmatic capital cities, offers private sacred tattoo sessions by the City of Angels’ most famous Sak Yant master, Ajarn Neng Onnut. Sak Yant tattoos also referred to as bamboo tattoos, are expertly engraved into the skin entirely by hand using a traditional Khem Sak, a handcrafted metal rod designed to replicate the shape of a bamboo stick.
Traditionally the tattoos are sacred Buddhist blessings that are believed to impart magical powers for luck; protection; charisma; fortune; and other powers onto the wearer to help in their own personal journey. In recent years the practice has become increasingly popular with foreign tourists to Thailand, thanks in part to Ajarn Neng who inked Sak Yant tattoos on a host of Hollywood actors and A-listers.
A master, teacher and learned scholar in the sacred art of Sak Yant, Ajarn Neng Onnut has more than ten years of perfecting his expert craft on over 10,000 people under his Khem Sak. Anantara Siam is the only hotel in Thailand that offers this exclusive private service by the revered master.
Prices for a private Sak Yant tattoo session by Ajarn Neng Onnut at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel start from $800 USD
Meet the Streetwise Guru at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas
Nestled on the Southeast coast of the island, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is nearby to the original Mauritian capital of Mahebourg. Witness to many historic events, today Mahebourg is a bustling port town boasting stunning views across the Mahebourg lagoon against the dramatic backdrop of the famous Lion Mountain.
Experience the Mauritian way of life through the eyes of the resort’s Streetwise Guru and be transported through the rich maritime history of the island. Discover the secrets of shipwrecks, pirates’ trinkets and ancient maps salvaged from famous wrecks now housed in the National History Museum. Descend the steps of this chateau turned museum and take a short stroll to observe the pirogue boats, dotted with colourful sails that dart and race across the shallow turquoise sea as the Streetwise Guru recounts tales of the region.
On Mondays, the Mahebourg market brims with exotic spices and handmade souvenirs such as woven baskets and silks, whilst Hindu pooja offerings can be found throughout. Having stopped to sample local delicacies, foodies are delighted as the tour continues to the famed Domaine Les Délices, a local factory where a family of biscuiteers have been handmaking their unique delicacy for hundreds of years. The tour concludes with lunch at a local Mauritian restaurant, where ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen are used in dishes that serve as a narration of the history and culture of the island.
Duration :3h30 – 4h30 Adult: MUR 2,650 Child MUR 1,550 Child (under 5 years) Free A supplement of MUR 600 applies per person for lunch.
Temple Running, The World’s Most Unique Running Track with Anantara Angkor Resort
Shrouded by darkness as the predawn light begins to show through, emerge in Angkor’s jungle-clad temples without a soul in sight and discover the world’s most unique running track, starting and ending at Angkor Wat and winding through the park’s most significant historical sites. Assisting the temple running journey, a personal tuk-tuk support car will guide the way, providing ample hydration and healthy snacks to allow athletes to soak in the extraordinary surrounding beauty. Then salute sunrise over the Eighth Wonder of the World as Anantara Angkor Resort’s resident Temple Guru guides guests through a personalised journey of the ancient sites of Angkor.
The price includes temple passes, private tuk-tuk, energy drink, towels, water bottles, and a healthy breakfast basket. A fitness coach and temple guide experience is tailor-made to suit guests’ level of fitness and can also be arranged at an additional cost.
Anantara Angkor Resort’s Temple Running experience costs US$100 per person or US$150 for two people.