Culture lies, waiting to be uncovered, in the fabric of a place. With every new dawn, another opportunity to discover awaits you. Each village has a tale to tell. Each city its own rhythm. Each nation a rich tapestry of culture to explore. Anantara offers you a foundation from which you can delve into authentic local experiences and the history and culture of every destination we call home.

The Allure of Lanna – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Nestled amid lush mountains in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a vibrant historical hotspot. The ancient city walls, glowing orange in the early sunset, hold the energy of a city drenched in culture. In its bustling heart, the vestiges of the Lanna Kingdom prevail. Age-old temples and night bazaars teem with life, their enticing smells and colourful wares beckoning to the inquisitive traveller.

History meets modernity in Chiang Mai. Turn for a moment from centuries-old architecture to find yourself in the midst of contemporary cafés, quirky boutiques and independent galleries. And if your feet feel the urge to take you further afield, the surrounding mountains offer a landscape rich with dense and expansive forest, native wildlife and guided treks to the ethnic Akha, Lisu, Karen, Lahu and Palong hill tribe villages.

Where to stay: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort offers a tranquil respite on the banks of the Ping river. Nourish yourself with authentic Thai cuisine or indulge in an invigorating Thai massage. Meanwhile, right outside its doors, you will find a dynamic neighbourhood and the rest of the city only a tuk tuk ride away.

Living History – Rome, Italy

Otherwise known as ‘The Eternal City’, Rome has a history which spans 28 centuries. The stones which rest amidst its hills have seen the rise and fall of empires, eras and entire ways of life. Today, the modern flow of the city weaves around millenia-old baths and temples.

Walk through the ages as you amble through the Circus Maximus, take a turn around the Villa Borghese or simply soak in the view from the Orange Gardens on Aventine Hill. With an exclusive tour of closed off areas of the Vatican Museums, you can unravel the history of over three millennia. Your private guide, a trained art historian, will lead you on a journey of discovery to find the hidden meanings behind some of the world’s most iconic Renaissance artworks.

Where to stay: A cultural gem all of itself, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel is located within easy walking distance of the city’s most iconic sights, such as the Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps. Immerse yourself in the rich culture surrounding the Piazza della Repubblica, then return for sunset drinks on the rooftop and luxurious relaxation in the beautifully appointed rooms.

A Maritime Tradition – Maldives

The smallest country in Asia is rich in a diverse seafaring culture. Myriad influences have merged to craft the Maldivian way of life over the centuries. A nation surrounded by the infinite blue of crystal waters, the Maldives has a deep connection to the ocean. Since the first settlers arrived in rudimentary boats thousands of years ago, the maritime tradition has prevailed.

Fresh seafood is central to the local culinary culture, where Indian, Persian and African influences fuel a spicy and flavourful palate. Local fishermen sail at dawn and return as the sun falls below the horizon with a catch of tuna, barracuda and rainbow runners. The islands provide much of what their inhabitants need, with craftsmanship based upon the availability of local materials. In artisan shops you will find lacquered bowls and vases with floral motifs and ‘kunaa’ mats woven from palm leaves and other local fibres.

Where to stay: Immerse in boundless luxury and the Maldives’ maritime traditions at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. After a delightful lunch of freshly prepared seafood, the ocean calls. For some, the many surf, snorkelling and diving opportunities beckon. While for others, an afternoon of basking on white sands followed by a blissfully romantic sunset cruise will offer just what they desire.

Cultural Island Immersions – Mauritius

Mauritius’ unique geographical location has facilitated the evolution of vibrant natural and cultural wonders ripe for discovery. Experience the effortless blending of societies which have found expression in the hybrid Creole architecture and multilingual society of this idyllic island.

The beaches on the south-eastern coast of this cultural wonderland invite you to walk barefoot in time to traditional Mauritian Sega music. The Monday market in Mahebourg kicks off early in a swirl of colour, with a cornucopia of African, Indian and European aromas wafting from the stalls. Untouched, and off the beaten track, this sleepy colonial city is the ideal starting point for an authentic adventure.

Where to stay: Just steps from the stunningly beautiful Le Chaland Beach, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas charms with peaceful tropical gardens, delightful dining, and transformative treatments at Anantara Spa.
  

Culture by the Falls – Zambia

Livingstone may seem small in comparison to the natural wonder of the Victoria Falls, which thunder to its south. But this bountiful city is awash with culture and history. Delve into its captivating past at the Livingstone Museum. Immerse yourself in galleries dedicated to archaeology, art and natural history, or explore a collection of the Scottish explorer David Livingstone’s belongings and descriptions of his routes. In the Mukuni Park Curio Market nearby, tribal drums and hand-woven ponchos bedeck colourful stalls as vendors vie for your attention in this authentic local environment.

If you would like to delve further into the locale’s past, a visit to Mukuni, the largest village in the area prior to Livingstone’s foundation, is not to be missed. Here you may connect with the traditions of the Leya people, new and old.

Where to stay: Retreat to The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara and relax to the sound of the thundering falls, whose waters reverberate only a five-minute walk away. Unwind with a massage experience by the Zambezi River or invigorate with a river safari adventure. Anantara is a luxurious base for recuperation and rejuvenation alike.

Journey Through the Sands of Time – United Arab Emirates

Amid shimmering Arabian dunes, traditions that have survived millenia are waiting to be unearthed from beneath the sands. There you will find the nomadic Bedouin, whose tales and histories are as numerous as the grains of sand on which they walk. The red sands of Rub’ Al Khali – the Empty Quarter – set a magical scene for camel trekking, falconry and archery. And at night, the starry skies provide a window to the past with moonlit walks over ancient pathways, Bedouin-style dining and age-old stories by the campfire.

Travel forward in time and visit Abu Dhabi, the modern cultural heartland of the United Arab Emirates, where glittering skyscrapers and elaborate mosques adorn the skyline. In the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, the architectural masterpiece of the Louvre Abu Dhabi contains defining artworks from both the East and the West.

Where to stay: If the open sky and endless horizons call, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is the perfect launch point for excursions into the world’s most expansive desert. For a more cosmopolitan experience, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel lies between a jungle of skyscrapers and Mangrove National Park, offering access to both nature and the city of Abu Dhabi.