ICONIC Experiences

Upon arriving at Chiang Rai Airport, we were treated to a scenic one-hour drive to the resort, with return transfers by luxury limousine included as part of the Discovery Experience package. Alternatively, guests can opt for the VIP Regal Elephant Arrival, where they are collected from the airport and embark on a traditional longtail boat journey along the Mekong River, followed by an elephant trek through jungle paths leading to the hotel lobby. This unique arrival experience sets the tone for the magical stay that awaits.

The resort itself is perched on a hilltop, designed in royal Thai Lanna style. The 63 rooms and suites offer a spacious and comfortable retreat, with stunning views of the misty hills of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos from the private balconies. The interiors beautifully showcase Thai culture, featuring silks, textiles, and teakwood furniture, while also providing modern amenities such as terrazzo bathtubs for a relaxing soak with a view.

During our stay, we had the privilege of participating in various activities offered by the resort. One of the highlights was the “Walking with Giants” experience at the Elephant Camp. We joined the elephants on their free-roaming stroll, accompanied by mahouts (elephant caretakers) and the resident vet or biologist. We also had the opportunity to witness the elephants’ shower time, a splashing and joyful affair.

Another memorable activity was the luxury pampering at Anantara Spa. With a choice of indulgent treatments, including scrubs, wraps, massages, facials, and more, we were able to tailor our spa experience to our preferences and unwind in the tranquil surroundings.

For those interested in culinary experiences, the resort’s Spice Spoons Thai cooking school offered an immersive and interactive opportunity to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine. From a market tour and temple offering to a step-by-step cooking class with a master chef, we delved into the unique flavors and techniques of Thai cooking. Exploring the surrounding area was also a delight. We embarked on a bike ride around the city, visiting temples and farms, immersing ourselves in the local culture and taking in the picturesque landscapes. Additionally, the resort’s proximity to attractions like tea plantations, hill tribe villages, palaces, flower gardens, and the famous White Temple provided ample opportunities for further exploration.

The exceptional hospitality provided by the resort’s staff added another layer of charm to our experience. Their warmth and attentiveness made us feel welcome and well taken care of throughout our stay. From the gourmet all-day dining options to the stunning facilities and activities available, every aspect of the resort contributed to a truly unforgettable experience.

Our time at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort was nothing short of magical. The combination of Etihad Airways’ business class, the resort’s beautiful location, spacious and comfortable rooms, exceptional hospitality, and the diverse range of activities made it an adventure to remember. Whether it was walking with elephants, indulging in delicious northern Thai cuisine, exploring the local area, or simply relaxing in the stunning surroundings, every moment was filled with joy and wonder. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort truly offers a unique and unforgettable escape into the heart of the Golden Triangle.

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One of the highlights was the “Walking with Giants” experience at the Elephant Camp

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The interiors beautifully showcase Thai culture, featuring silks, textiles, and teakwood furniture

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Thai jungle meets Tuscan countryside in the resort’s signature Italian Chiang Rai restaurant

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The entrance to the lobby is nothing short of majestic

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Flying with Etihad Airways was a luxurious experience in itself. The comfortable seating, attentive service, and delectable food provided an excellent start to our trip. The airline’s business class ensured that we arrived in Thailand feeling refreshed and ready for our stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.

Since March 2023, Etihad Airways has boosted its flights to Bangkok, Thailand by doubling its frequency. The airline now flies twice a day on the Abu Dhabi – Bangkok route, providing a total of 14 weekly nonstop services to Bangkok Airport (BKK).

Etihad Airways recently announced a partnership with Armani/Casa, a new collaboration to deliver an unparalleled premium travel experience, setting an elevated new benchmark for the aviation industry.

Launched onboard in December 2022, the partnership creates a unique vision for Etihad’s premium offering, exclusively designed with celebrated designer Giorgio Armani.

The Etihad and Armani/Casa collaboration introduces ‘The Constellation Collection’, inspired by the stars. Offering an ‘Elevated Style’ experience for Etihad’s guests, the range is embellished with a unique geometric pattern that subtly adorns the collection.

The collection includes a new dining service featuring ceramics, glassware, cutlery and serving ware, as well as premium textiles for a completely luxurious inflight experience. anantara.com

The airline also recently revealed the new interior for its Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will join the fleet in the third quarter of this year, adding to the 39 Dreamliners Etihad already operates.

The Business cabin features Etihad’s unique, stylish interior, with a customized version of the Elements seat manufactured by Collins. Etihad is the first airline in the world to introduce the Elements seat on the Boeing 787.

The new seats will provide guests with a comfortable and spacious environment with added privacy provided by a suite door. The height of the suite has been further increased from the A350’s debut model, offering even greater privacy for guests.

Each of the 32 Business seats has direct aisle access with the cabin designed in a 1-2-1 configuration offering comfort, convenience and privacy whether travelling individually or with companions. The seats recline to a fully lie-flat-bed 78” in length and feature a 17.3” 4K TV screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, multiple charging ports and wireless charging, as well as plenty of storage.

HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL LONDON, UK

Ideally situated where St. James’, Mayfair and Soho converge, this luxury hotel on Regent Street has an unparalleled setting. For over 150 years, the Café Royal has welcomed those who make a difference, from Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill to Princess Diana and David Bowie. The only place in London to convene, converse, and celebrate.

One of the leading design hotels in London, Café Royal has been both sympathetically restored and lovingly modernized. In an attempt to retain the grand, historic public rooms of the 1860s and 1920s - of which the Café Royal was famed forthese Grade II listed spaces have been painstakingly restored with careful attention to detail and the utmost respect. Meanwhile, our serene rooms and suites have been curated in a modern, sophisticated manner, characterized by refined simplicity and contemporary features. Calm, assured and distinctive, each room and suite represents the Café Royal’s glory, both past and present.

The rich history of this legendary destination in London is reflected in its guestrooms and suites. Each room and suite features thoughtful, exquisite details to make your stay more comfortable and exceptional, combining the latest technology with remarkable comfort for a luxury hotel experience like no other.

The hotel’s legendary Regent Street address has long been the capital’s hub for fine food, wine and conversation. Oscar Wilde chose the Café Royal – and its unmatched wine selection – for his salon, while Winston Churchill favored the hotel’s steaks, stilton and Champagne. Even those who differed on most things, came together here to enjoy an atmosphere and range of gourmet pleasures found nowhere else. The story continues today, as Albert Adrià and Alex Dilling add to the culinary excitement. This, it seems, is a tradition everyone can agree upon.

Before earth, water, fire and air, the legends say, there was Akasha, the source of all creation.

At Hotel Café Royal, you’re invited to return to that source – Akasha Holistic Wellbeing. The hotel’s exclusive wellness club, spacious facilities for exercise and massages are just the beginning. From nutrition to meditation, yoga to Watsu, you can enjoy expert treatments, therapies and personal training offered at no other London hotel. The only place to start – or even end – the perfect day.

For more than a century Café Royal has played host to some of the most spectacular, historic events. And the best part of being the venue to host these events? Creating new ones to surpass them. From annual meetings to private auctions, celebrations to intimate private dining, the hotel offers an unsurpassed range of venue options, and each one tells a story. To make your own story, call the hotel’s events team in good time –reservations go fast.

hotelcaferoyal.com