Anantara Resorts and Hotels have three exquisite resorts and residences on the breathtaking island of Phuket: Layan Residences by Anantara, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. All three are located in n the north-west of the island and are veiled in romance, peace and tranquility. Together the hotels have chosen their Top Ten favourite romantic activities on the island of Phuket to make your stay the Valentine’s Holiday to remember.
One
Dining by Design
Dining by Design is a self-designed, starry-eyed dining experience. Guests are invited to choose their favourite location within either of the resorts, create a delicious menu of their favoured dishes with their own chef and be pampered and spoiled by their very own butler. Choose a peaceful lagoon setting, the beach as the sun-sets over the Andaman Sea, be cocooned by the jungle or take a seat on the terraces that overlook Anantara Layan’s sprawling resort. Perhaps this is the first step of ‘I do’? Celebrate with the finest bubbles, scented flowers and perhaps a diamond.
Two
Journey Across the Bridge of Love
The Sarasin Bridge connects Phuket with mainland Thailand and is steeped in passionate history. Once upon a time, Gew, a local college student and Dam, a bus driver fell in love over many a journey across the Sarasin Bridge. Their love was strongly disputed by their parents, and in desperation they bound themselves together and jumped off the bridge so that no one could ever separate them. When their bodies were found, they were still entwined. To this day, it is believed that lovers can make a lasting wish together whilst crossing the bridge. But… in order to make these wishes come true, you have to hold your breath from one end to the other.
Three
Walking in the Wild at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Take a morning or afternoon and head to the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. Walk with these magnificent giants and observe them as they roam throughout the sanctuary, socialise and bathe naturally in the fresh water lagoons and apply their own sun cream – lovely thick mud! Be immersed into the calm of sanctuary life amidst the beautiful jungles that border Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Don’t forget to take an ‘elfie!
Four
A day in the spa for two
Choose from an array of special treatments in Anantara Spa and feel in harmony with each other, be pampered and allow your spa therapists to nurture body, soul and mind. While away an hour or two or take a full day to feel relaxed, connected and energized. A small collection of couples’ treatment rooms are available at both hotels and residences allowing for simultaneous treatments. In the evening, allow us to draw you a romantic bath, scattered with fresh petals and leave you to enjoy the finest Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.
Five
Sublime sunsets
This is an easy one, as it happens every day. As the sun sets over the Andaman Sea, the sky lights up with vibrant oranges, purples and pinks (subject to the weather of course!). Take a romantic stroll along the beach or enjoy a leisurely bike ride around Mai Khao Lake and hand-in-hand and enjoy Mother Nature at her finest. Perhaps take a bottle of bubbles and a hand selected picnic created by our chefs.
Six
Take to the high seas
Anantara Phuket has a small collection of fully manned boats for guests to charter for the day. Go island hopping, snorkeling or diving or simply enjoy sailing through the breathtaking limestone karsts and around THE James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. Or head further afield to the famed Surin and Similan Islands which boast clear turquoise waters for an overnight mooring with an onboard chef and crew to cater to your every demand. Choose from Major Affair, the 90 foot Sunseeker super-yacht or Siam Seas, the smaller speedboat.
Seven
Walking markets in Sino-Portuguese inspired streets
Each and every Sunday evening, there is a bustling walking street market in the heart of Phuket Old Town. The market is brimming with local food, artisanal creations and set to music for guests to explore at their leisure, all set against striking Sino-Portuguese architecture. Allow your limousine to take you on this unforgettable journey. Sample exotic flavours and delicacies, meet friendly local traders, bring your camera for some retro Instagram photographs and freeze-frame your memories.
Eight
Cool-vibe dining with a candlelit atmosphere
Choose from the finest and freshest cuisine at the beach-hugging Sea.Fire.Salt at Anantara Mai Khao. This breezy inside-outside restaurant has a vast salt library that offers specially curated salt pairings with each dish and wine selection. Start with freshly shucked oysters and a glass of champagne before moving on to succulent steaks and sommelier recommended wine from our extensive cellar. International favourite Zuma, has passionately popped-up at Anantara Layan, offering elegant and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Highlights include a selection of signature dishes such as spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, sliced yellowtail with green chilli and miso marinated black cod. Sip an award winning cocktail and watch the chefs perform their magic while preparing your supper or look out onto Anantara Layan’s beach and pool areas from the rooftop vantage point.
Nine
Get down on bended knee
Book a one to one session with our ‘proposal guru’ at Anantara to begin crafting your perfect proposal. Our gurus will indulge your every whim to ensure a magical and memorable experience. Does your special someone dream of flying high in a helicopter, sailing vast oceans, romantic walks paddling in the Andaman sea or releasing turtles? Let us help you take the first step on the next part of your journey together.
Ten
Lavish accommodation
Both hotels and Layan Residences have an extreme collection of villa-style accommodation to suit all tastes. Live in lavish residences with a butler who provides round the clock service, enjoy the Jim Thompson Suite, a private dwelling at Anantara Mai Khao that is adorned with the finest silks and linens, or a jungle, lagoon or beach fronted pool villa. With so much to choose from, you might choose to stay at both hotels.
Guests can enjoy their stay at Layan Residences by Anantara https://phuket-residences.anantara.com/; Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas https://phuket.anantara.com/; and Anantara Layan Phuket Resort https://phuket.anantara.com/. The reservations teams will be able to assist you in planning your dream Valentine’s stay.
