Here are some insanely romantic ways to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day
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 Layan͛s sprawling resort. Perhaps this is the first step of I do? Celebrate with the finest bubbles, scented flowers and perhaps a diamond.
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.
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.Don͛t forget to take an elfie!
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 energised. A small collection of couples͛ 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.
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. 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 the chefs.
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.
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.
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 the 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 Layan͛s beach and pool areas from the rooftop vantage point.
Get down on bended knee – Book a one to one session with a proposal guru at Anantara to begin crafting your perfect proposal. The 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? You can do it all.
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.
Where: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.
