7 minute read
Gentle Giant Glamping: Interview with Anantara
Imagine roaming the jungle amongst gentle giants – and you’ll find yourself at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp. Its Jungle Bubble Experience offers a chance to spend an unforgettable night observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, in complete luxury. International Glamping Business’ Editor Annie Hilton spoke with Arnaud Béril, General Manager, to find out more about this bucket list-worthy resort.
Can you give us an overview of Golden Triangle Camp, and Anantara’s driving philosophy? How long have you been in business?
The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is a luxurious sanctuary nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. This unique location, known as the Golden Triangle, offers breathtaking landscapes and an unparalleled connection to nature. Our resort combines world-class accommodations with immersive experiences, such as witnessing th daily lives of our rescued elephants in their natural habitat and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Anantara’s driving philosophy centers around authentic luxury and a deep connection to the local environment and culture. We strive to create meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional luxury, allowing our guests to engage with the destination in a profound way. The resort has been in operation since 2003, consistently delivering exceptional experiences and making a positive impact on the local community and environment.
Introduce us to your team – any key members that stand out?
Our team, whom I like to call the “Mekong Explorers,” is composed of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing outstanding service and creating memorable experiences for our guests. Key members include Dr. Nissa, our Head Veterinarian, who ensures the well-being of our elephants and oversees their care. Khun Maprang, our Elephant Camp Manager, plays a vital role in managing the camp and ensuring the welfare of our elephants. Khun Tuk, our Front Office Manager, is highly knowledgeable about the region and local area, tailoring the best adventures and experiences for our guests. These insiders are true specialists in their fields and their expertise and dedication are integral to the exceptional service we provide.
Being located in a jungle presents unique challenges, but there is nothing we cannot overcome.
What accommodation and experiences do you offer at the Camp?
We offer a range of luxurious accommodations, including spacious suites and unique Jungle Bubbles, where guests can spend a night under the stars while observing our elephants in their natural habitat. Our Jungle Bubble Experience is a highlight, providing an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and our majestic elephants. Our experiences are designed to immerse guests in the beauty and culture of the Golden Triangle. Highlights include “Canopy” – a tree top dining experience – a table perched 50 meters above the grassland offering majestic views of three countries and the Mekong River.
In addition, our resort is renowned for its wellness offerings. We provide a range of specific wellness treatments, including traditional practices like Yam Khang and Pao Yao, along with other indigenous treatments. These treatments are designed to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation, reflecting our commitment to holistic well-being.
We also offer guided trekking and cycling tours in the local areas around the resort, allowing guests to meet locals and connect with their way of life, our very own cooking class program “Spice Spoons” and more. These offerings collectively ensure that our resort is a haven for unique and enriching experiences suitable for all guests.
Could you share any memorable or unique guest experiences?
One particularly unforgettable moment was when I first experienced “Canopy,” our Tree Top Dining pod. Perched 50 meters above the grassland, it offers breathtaking views of three countries, the Mekong River, and its rich wildlife. Witnessing this majestic panorama from such a unique perspective was truly inspiring.
Another unique experience involved guests observing elephants lying down to sleep, a rare sight since elephants typically do not lie down for extended periods. These moments are a testament to the special experiences our guests can have at our resort.
What does it look like behind the scenes hosting weddings and retreats at the Camp?
Hosting weddings and retreats at the Camp involves meticulous planning and coordination to ensure every detail is perfect. Our dedicated events team works closely with guests to understand their vision and create bespoke experiences. A standout feature of our wedding offerings is hosting events at our Jungle Bubble Lodge, nestled deep in the jungle amidst elephants. Where else can you find such a unique setting for your wedding?
What challenges have you faced –and how did you overcome them?
Being located in a jungle presents unique challenges, but there is nothing we cannot overcome. Sometimes our elephants can be naughty and like to wander around at night, and we find them in unexpected locations!
True sustainability goes beyond just media appearances; it involves embracing your team and local communities.
How do you market and publicize the Camp – and who is your ideal or typical guest?
We highlight the camp through digital marketing, social media, partnerships with travel influencers, and collaborations with luxury travel agencies.
Our property offers a ‘once in a lifetime experience,’ ideal for honeymooners, families, and individuals alike. We enjoy collaborating with reputable luxury advisors and agencies who share our values, as well as partnering with adventurous social media specialists. Our ideal guests are discerning travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences, appreciating luxury, comfort, and holding a deep respect for nature and wildlife.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our property is home to ‘Suan Sai Jai,’ our very own organic garden with a hen house, bee hives, hydroponic plants, and a mushroom house, providing fresh ingredients for our meals.
Since the beginning of the year, we have harvested 80 honeycombs, proudly incorporating this honey into our breakfast offerings and various culinary experiences.
We collaborate with local artists, showcasing their art on our premises and organizing events, including kitchen and bar takeovers with local talents. Additionally, our solar panels supply 30% of our electricity needs, and a biogas digester converts organic waste into gas for our team members canteen and fertilizer for the garden.
These practices underscore our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact and positively contributing to the local community.
Tell us more about the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.
The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) was established in 2006 to improve the welfare of captive elephants throughout Thailand. The foundation rescues elephants from harsh conditions and provides them with a safe and natural environment at our camp. GTAEF also focuses on education and community outreach, working to promote the ethical treatment of elephants and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to a sustainable future for elephants and their caretakers, known as the Mahouts.
What are your plans and goals for the future of Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort?
Our upcoming plans include the introduction of the Mekong Outpost (Q4 2024), a luxury tent perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque Mekong Valley. The spacious and exclusive tent will feature private pools, dining decks, Jim Thompson fabrics, and its own butler service, along with exclusive benefits to enjoy the property in the most exclusive way. Additionally, we are set to unveil the Mekong Explorer Suites and Mekong Explorer Pool Suites later this year, expanding our luxury offerings and enhancing the experience for our discerning travelers.
And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to other operators, what would it be?
If I could offer one piece of advice to other operators, it would be this: True sustainability goes beyond just media appearances; it involves embracing your team and local communities.
Stay true to your core values and continuously strive to create meaningful and authentic experiences for your guests. Invest in your team, as their passion and dedication are crucial to delivering exceptional service. Embrace sustainability and make it an integral part of your operations.
