REGIONAL Escapes A WORLD OF RELAXATION

Anantara was conceived in 2001 with the opening of the first luxury property in Thailand in historic Hua Hin. Now the Anantara portfolio spans the globe from Cambodia to Zambia and Mozambique to the Maldives and thankfully now, Doha. The philosophy behind Anantara believes that ‘Life is a Journey’ and this journey should be filled with opportunities to seek the exceptional and encounter new experiences and broaden your horizons. The intention is that the resort connects you with the indigenous whilst encapsulating guests in unprecedented luxury. With this in mind I eagerly boarded the Ferry to embark on my daycation to Banana Island.

The welcome was generous and played to the rhythm of the beating drums and smiles and laughter of the resort staff. The island setting is serene and discretely charming. It exudes a sense of relaxation and tranquillity with the architecture showcasing that it is the embodiment of all you would expect to find on a tropical island. Tiki style thatched lodges, a series of terraces and a restaurant set out to sea on a timber pontoon. Thatched roofs and exposed timber beams further add to the illusion of south pacific grandeur.

The Anantara Spa combines the vibrant scents and sights of both a Turkish Hammam and also a traditional Thai Spa. The Hammam area is tiled in vibrant azure blue and white mosaic tiles with filigree fretwork framing the glazed ceiling which allows light to flood in. The treatment rooms are simply decorated and have the benefit of subdued lighting or the ability to employ the floor-to-ceiling windows in order to make the most of the sea views.

Banana Island is the epitome of uniqueness. This became apparent as soon as I ventured into the Balance Wellness by Anantara area. The lobby is the epitome of south pacific splendour with mahogany panelling, a vaulted ceiling and a water feature with climbing vines. The ten minute fish pedicure was both fascinating and effective. My feet felt revitalised and incredibly smooth. Not something I have ever been offered in other resorts around the world and I was thankful for this innovative induction as I completed a consultation form with my therapist. Signature treatments throughout the entire resort include a Moroccan Bath Ceremony and Biotec Antiageing treatments. The Couples Suites and the Ice well are other highlights. However, the Water Walkway area resembling a meandering creek winding its way through the vast vaulted pool area is a treat for the senses in every way. Following my flirtation of the fishy kind I was escorted to a flotation tank within which surrounds you in Epsom salts and water designed to relieve sleep problems and relax stiff muscles. The feeling was both relaxing and invigorating and prepared me perfectly for the Ayurvedic Treatment. An expertly delivered Indian head massage combined with aromatherapy oil, the scent was selected after a detailed consultation with my therapist, drizzled directly onto my forehead. The combined experience left me feeling centred and revived.

After working up an appetite strolling through the beautiful landscaped grounds, taking in the panoramic views of the Gulf I visited Riva, for fine Italian cuisine. All this relaxation had me ravenous. The restaurant is reminiscent of a trattoria with fresh produce on display and is designed to bring the outside inside with floor-to-ceiling glazed, shuttered doors opening onto the terrace area. Italians staples such as pizza, pasta and risotto should not be overlooked however, the stand out dishes such as Branzino, Pan Seared Sea Bass with buttered broccoli puree and tomato confit or Tiger Prawns with Crispy Fennel and juicy Seared Salmon with caponata and pine nuts are showstopping. The word for end or finale in Italian, ‘Fine’, perfectly sums up the array of sweet treats on offer. The chocolate fondant was perfectly decadent and perfectly balanced. Relaxing on the pristine sands of the private beach area afforded me the time to reflect upon my daycation on Banana Island. This is pure escapism blended with the very best of luxury and uniqueness where you can be assured that you have looked after that important number one … you.

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