The Escape: Why The Anantara Layan Phuket Resort Should Be Your Next Retreat
Experience self-care redefined at the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort’s newly unveiled wellness centre where the science of rejuvenation blends with the art of relaxation
Nestled amid lush greenery on the serene shores of the Andaman Sea, the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is already established as one of Thailand’s most exclusive getaways. Not ones to rest on their laurels, the hotel’s team are watching, and listening to both their clients and hospitality trends. Case in point? Th e global wellness tourism industry is now valued at Dhs2.4 trillion annually. So what does the property do? Set new standards with its holistic approach to luxury travel.
Earlier this year, the resort unveiled Layan Life, an expansive wellness centre, which offers tailored treatments, rejuvenating classes, cutting edge body scans, and personalised wellness assessments. In addition, it has also introduced an exclusive wellness menu at its main restaurant, Breeze, which has been carefully curated to be free of gluten, dairy and processed sugars.Whether guests seek stress relief, weight management, or embark on a transformative fitness journey, Layan Life blends ancient healing practices with technology, integrating a healthy, holistic outlook within the luxury resort experience.
Our top tip? Book the sprawling Deluxe Pool Villa – complete with its own plunge pool and outdoor tub – as it stands out for those seeking the ultimate luxury pilgrimage. There are, in total, 30 suites, 46 pool villas, and 15 residences to pick from.
An initial consultation (based on your mandatory pre-arrival assessment) is followed by a series of state-of-the-art body scans and postural analyses each providing valuable insight into your body composition. Layan Life’s experts then craft a personalised itinerary for your stay. Th e resort’s skilled therapists specialise in a variety of traditional restorative manual practices, which will be recommended to you based on your wellness goals. These treatments include energy balancing, pain management, and acupressure – all targeted to relieve both physical discomfort and mental stress.
Once you’ve recovered from jet lag and refined your personalised schedule, opt for one of the daily group classes offered, from yoga and Pilates to stretching. More of a solo exerciser? Work out in the fully-kitted out gym featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of its lush surroundings. Following your workout, try cryotherapy or the hyperbaric chamber, which will leave you feeling five years younger.
When not immersed in a wellness treatment, unwind by the resort’s stunning infi nity pool with sweeping views of the private beachfront and the emerald green Andaman Sea. For those craving adventure, paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling await.
Breakfast is nothing short of a feast for the senses. A rainbow of fresh fruit beckons, while an omelette station staff ed by a chef ensures your eggs are prepared exactly how you want them. For lunch opt for the roasted pumpkin salad and hummus, followed by a light yet satisfying dry-aged grouper off of the wellness menu, before retreating to the Layan Life Centre for an afternoon of treatments.
At the heart of every wellness retreat is the goal of embracing a healthier lifestyle, but what sets the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort apart is its ability to offer both wellness and indulgence. While guests can enjoy the wellness menu for every meal, they’re also invited to savour the resort’s exceptional dining experiences at its two signature restaurants – Dara and Age.
Situated on a secluded lagoon, Dara redefines modern Thai cuisine by adding innovative, healthy twists to traditional dishes. Start your culinary journey with a spicy scallop salad and for a show-stopping entrée, try the tofu yellow curry, or Phuket lobster in fragrant green curry. After dinner, take in the magic of the night sky from the rooftop observation deck, where stargazing is elevated with the use of telescopes. Meanwhile, Age is a paradise for steak and seafood aficionados, offering everything from Josper grilled octopus to an Australian Angus tomahawk, accompanied by sauces such as black truffle sabayon.
Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, Layan Life provides a personalised approach that caters to your unique goals. With its integration of assessments, fitness, nutrition, and treatments, Anantara Layan Phuket is made for guests looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation, without sacrificing the much needed bliss that comes with a luxury holiday.
From Harpers Bazaar Arabia’s February 2025 issue