Bangkok--23 Jun--Anantara Resorts
Set in the idyllic archipelago of the Maldives, the newest Anantara resort could not have a more fitting name. Taken from a Sanskrit word that means 'borderless waters', Anantara Resort Maldives is surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, offering an endless horizon of aquatic allure.
The resort is a luxurious five-star boutique hideaway on the South Male Atoll and is conveniently located only 30 kms from the Maldivian capital of Male. Welcoming it first guests on 1 August 2006, the Anantara Resort is spread across five acres of tropical terrain on Dhigufinolhu (island).
Maldivian architect Mohamed Shafeeg together with Thailand-based interior design company Abacus headed by John Lightbody have created the resort’s distinctive environment as a creative complement to the company’s existing properties in Thailand.
The resort comprises 68 deluxe beachfront villas, two deluxe beachfront pool villas, 38 deluxe over-water suites and two deluxe over-water pool suites all set around a natural, private lagoon. The villas range from 120sq metres and 165 sq metres in size.
Each deluxe beachfront villa is elegantly furnished in soft beige tones with accents of colours from turquoise to cobalt blue that mirror the vibrancy of the surrounding natural environment; from the pristine sand to the invitingly warm waters of the sea just footsteps away from every villa.
King size beds are positioned to take advantage of the mesmerising ocean view from floor-to-ceiling, timber-framed glass doors and distinctive decorative furnishings include a four-poster, canopied daybed and John Underwood ceiling fans.
The villas also feature garden courtyards with both a rain shower and the signature Anantara ‘made for two’ terrazzo bathtubs.
Built on stilts within a private lagoon, the Anantara’s overwater suites are fitted in warmer accents of orange and red to complement the cooler, natural colours of the sea. Ranging from 150sq metres to 182sq metres in size, the suites feature custom-made cabinets finished in recycled teak, with distinctive red lacquer doors and uniquely designed fish-motif handles.
As in the villas, the focal point of every suite is its king-sized bed featuring a sensually draped netting canopy and specially positioned to take in the magnificent ocean view. Eye-catching artwork - reproductions of historic Maldivian black and white prints – pays tribute to the country’s history and heritage.
Within the spacious bathrooms, gleaming infinity bathtubs are invitingly positioned to look out to the mesmerising ocean waters through expansive windows. The suites also feature a spacious timbered deck with inviting sun loungers, a dining area and an outdoor shower.
All villas and suites feature a full range of home theatre and entertainment options including LCD satellite television and high-speed internet access.
The resort’s public areas showcases primarily recycled or plantation teak furniture with specially woven fabrics with sheen of silk that pays homage to the style of the highly popular Jim Thompson fabrics.
Driftwood from swamps of the Thai region of Chiang Mai, carefully selected for their distinctive gnarled and weathered shapes, is eye-catching sculptures throughout the resort.
Anantara offers guests world-class culinary options with a range to tempt even the most discerning of palates.
At Terrazzo guests can enjoy Italian bistro specialities for dinner, accompanied by a choice of wines on offer within the restaurant’s boutique well-stocked transparent wine cellar. Seating 30 patrons on the antique teak tables, hefty high back rattan dining chairs. Sit intimately with sweeping view across the inner turquoise lagoon with French quarter door, open out a small quaint terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Greet the Maldivian morning sunrise at Fushi Caf? seating 120 patrons centrally positioned on white sandy beach adjacent to the Anantara marine. Guests can enjoy a relaxed all day dining at own choice, including lavish breakfast buffets, Asian influenced light a la carte snack menus throughout the day. Themed Maldivian beach dinner buffets with entertainment from traditional Bodhu Beru band is offered weekly.
Fuddan Fusion Grill seating 65 dinners and 40 for indoor & outdoor sofas, presents a sizzling dining experience with the freshest of locally caught seafood and the choicest cuts of meat creatively prepared in a traditional Maldivian ‘dhumashi’ (smokehouse), a trellis made from the heart of the palm leaf generally placed over coals of coconut husk and cooked in a ‘fuddan’ (grill). Facing South East across the inner Digufinolhu reef, Fuddan – fusion grill combines contemporary dining with fusion cuisine.
Baan Huraa, the first authentic Thai cuisine in Maldives. “Thai house on small coral reef” - The over water restaurant on stilts at the edge of the inner Lagoon and outer reef with breath taking views across the Indian Ocean. The resort’s signature restaurant with international awarded Thai chefs and services offer a unique dining experience that has been canvassed to compliment the authentic flavours of Thai traditions ranging from the North - Lanna, North Eastern – Isaan, Central to the humid and rain soaked South region ‘Pak Tai”.
Baan Huraa seats 28 patrons inside and 20 patrons on its external timber decking, is open for lunch and dinner and features 10. Floor-to-ceiling columns in distinctive bronze cladding are adorned by statues of swan-like creatures from Thai folklore. In the centre of the restaurant, four expansive daybeds form an intimate lounge surrounding an area of see thru flooring, a window to the aquatic world below. This romantic venue is set in the middle of the lagoon and accessible only by ‘dhoni’ (the traditional boat of the Maldives).
For pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap, guests can relax in Aqua; the resort’s stylish bar offering cocktails ingeniously prepared by master mixologists with an extensive menu of new and old worlds of wines.
Anantara island life can be as restful or as invigorating as you choose. The resort offers a range of daily excursions and activities including diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, island picnics and explorations of Male. One unique offering is the Anantara Cooking School. Here the resort’s culinary team will share some tricks of the trade and demonstrate how to create some tempting Thai, Indian and Italian delicacies.
Other recreational facilities include a fully equipped Gymnasium, outdoor tennis courts, an infinity-edge freshwater swimming pool and the highly-acclaimed Anantara Spa.
In a tranquil beach setting the Spa features nine treatment suites each with specially constructed glass floors to enable guests to view the vibrant marine life beneath the azure waters. In addition to an Ayervedic room and one for Indian mud therapy, the Spa offers an indulgent menu of treatments and therapies using only the finest and freshest of natural elixirs and oils.
“Anantara offers stylish holiday experiences that invoke a sense of tranquility and privacy within natural landscapes,” observed Anantara Vice-President and General Manager, Christopher Stafford.
“Our resort in the Maldives is a fitting complement to our Thailand properties as it offers guests a distinctive setting, world-class facilities and a culturally and environmentally uplifting experience.”
Great care has been taken to ensure minimum impact to the region’s fragile environment. The protection of the reefs and surrounding eco-system is paramount. A minimal amount of flora has been removed and the focus has been on relocating structures rather than the destruction of any trees. To ensure maximum privacy and tranquillity for guests, all operational facilities will be located on a separate island.
For more information, visit www.anantara.com .
For enquiries and reservations, please telephone + 66 (0) 2877 5803, fax + 66 (0) 2877 7497 or email [email protected]
Editors’ Note:
Inspired by local architecture and sensitive to the indigenous culture, Anantara Resorts are also located in the Thai seaside town of Hua Hin (220kms south of Bangkok), on Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand and in the Golden Triangle in the country’s north.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Nopparat (Klang) P’Kulsiri – Group Marketing Communications Director
Tel: + 66 (0) 2 476 0022 Mobile: + 66 (0) 1867 5747
Email: [email protected]
Additional images are available upon request.
Jaruwon Meesap
Assistant Public Relations Manager
Anantara Resorts:
Hua Hin-Golden Triangle-Koh Samui-Maldives
BangkokOffice:
257 Charoennakorn Road
Bangkok10600Thailand.
Tel: + 66 2877 5803 extension 16
Fax: + 66 2877 7497
Email: [email protected]
Websites: www.anantara.com
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