When it comes to travel, few experiences rival that magical feeling you get when staying at a place that is deeply connected and reflects its destination's history and culture through architecture and design. Part of what’s important to us is sharing the unique communities our hotels and resorts are located in, as well as ensuring we honour and highlight the authenticity that the culture of each place brings. Blending luxury with a profound sense of place, we offer our guests not just a stay, but an unforgettable journey through time.
Here’s a look at some of Anantara’s hotels and resorts around the world, each with its own rich historical stories and cultural significance.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Enchantment of the medieval Capuchin monastery
Perched high on a cliffside surrounded by lemon groves with breathtaking views of Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast, the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel offers a unique glimpse into the past. The hotel’s history dates back to 1212 and was once a monastery, home to Capuchin friars in the 1500s. The property carefully preserves much of its original architecture with the actual cloister and the Baroque church’s marble altar and Majolica floor still intact. As you wander through the 800-year-old building and its rooms and suites, with their lime-washed walls and tile flooring, you'll feel immersed in the bygone era and the enchantment of medieval Italy.
Beyond this, the hotel was also the chosen spot for many legendary travellers on their Grand Tour of Europe, including the likes of Victor Hugo and Elizabeth Taylor, adding even more fascination to the history of it all.
Bali, Indonesia
The legacy of Balinese spirituality and culture
On the other side of the world and on another equally beautiful cliff, this time at Uluwatu, Bali, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort stands as a modern sanctuary deeply intertwined with the island’s spiritual and cultural roots. Situated near the famous Uluwatu Temple, which dates back to the 11th century and is considered one of Bali's six key sea temples, the temple plays a crucial role in the island’s spiritual balance by protecting it from evil sea spirits. The temple also offers a glimpse into Balinese culture with its Kecak Dance performance every evening at sunset.
Upholding the local culture and heritage, the resort is designed with Balinese aesthetics in mind. Teak wood, traditionally used in Bali, is featured throughout the resort in the floors, furnishings, and decorative accents. Blending seamlessly into the lush landscapes, the resort’s use of natural materials reinforces the feeling of being one with nature.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
The allure of royal heritage and local charm
Koh Phangan might be known for its party scenes, especially the famous Full Moon Party, but its pristine white sand beaches and lush jungles also have captivated many people from all places. This includes many kings of the Thai Chakri Dynasty, notably King Chulalongkorn, or Rama V, during his lifetime in the 19th century Siam, who was so captivated by the island so much that he left his royal seal engraved on a rock near the island’s Than Sadet waterfall.
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas embodies the island’s heritage through its architecture and design. The resort embraces "fisherman village" style as one of its design themes. Fishing, along with coconut farming, remains the two main ways for island’s inhabitants to make a living, reflecting their deep connection to the land and sea. This design theme incorporates using local materials such as bamboo, rattan, sago palm, and slate, blending authentic Thai decor with tropical elegance, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the island’s serenity and local sea village charm while discovering just why it remains a favourite of Thai royals.
Quirimbas Islands, Mozambique
Indian trade routes and maritime influence in the Quirimbas
In the Mozambique Channel, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resortoffers a retreat that is rich in maritime history. The Mozambique Channel once played a vital role in the Indian Ocean trade routes, was frequented by Arab traders from the 10th century and became even more important with the Portuguese explorers and African merchants.
This history is also reflected by the cuisine offered at the resort, with spices and aromas of Mozambique, forming a rich blend of indigenous, Arab and Portuguese influences.
At the private island of Bazaruto, guests can explore the taste of the island life and the history that shapes its waters and land while enjoying the isolated and untouched natural beauty. The resort serves as a portal to the past, reflecting the thriving historical pathway that linked Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and East Africa.
Beyond this, the hotel was also the chosen spot for many legendary travellers on their Grand Tour of Europe, including the likes of Victor Hugo and Elizabeth Taylor, adding even more fascination to the history of it all. 
