Larger-than-life adventures
Veer off the beaten track. Safari through Arabian wilderness, sail in the wake of whales, island hop to hidden Thai beaches. Ignite the spirit of discovery.
Mornings in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago promise adventure on the high seas. Pushing out through azure shallows, whale-watching trips set sail for the path of humpbacks migrating to warmer waters. Spot dolphins weaving beneath the bow and watch for plumes of seaspray that signal whales ahead.
In Thailand, adventures beyond the horizon sometimes happen by longtail boat. Disembark from Anantara Bophut Samui or Anantara Lawana Samui and sail the Five Islands – Ko Si Koh Ha – in search of emerald coves. Or head inwards for a jungle adventure, uncovering the vine-entwined temples of Lamai’s secret Buddha garden. Or go on a cultural adventure in the Andaman Sea with a squid-fishing trip from Anantara Layan Phuket.
Anantara adventures also unfurl on land. In Sri Lanka’s national parks, safari through Udawalawe and Yala to spot elephants, leopards and exotic creatures, not far from Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle. Meanwhile, at Anantara Kalutara, adventurous activities take a vertical turn. Climb a 10-metre rock wall, abseil or zipline across the Kalu Ganga River from the resort’s new Glider Adventure Tower. Or if it’s beach you want, Sri Lanka’s got that too, with the perfect climate for year-round swimming and surfing.
On the topic of surfing in the tropics, Anantara offers lessons both in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Niyama Private Islands Maldives in Dhaalu Atoll serves up surf spots for every skill level, while beneath the waves you’ve got swimming, snorkelling and diving. At Anantara in the Maldives, you can also test your balance and coordination with a thrilling hydo-flight above the lagoon atop a Flyboard.
If it’s desert thrills you’d rather, look to the Middle East. On Sir Bani Yas Island, wildlife safaris cruise past Arabian oryx, giraffe and cheetah across golden savannahs. Dune ride on an Arabian stallion or trek to archeological digs before returning to a private abode at Al Yamm Villa Resort. Or head to Banana Island Resort in Doha for an array of water-based fun. Learn to dive in a dedicated SCUBA pool, go wake-boarding, fishing or stand-up paddle-boarding around the island.
For sky-high adventures, a canyon climb awaits in the jagged mountains of Oman. Take a leap of faith from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort as you descend the country's highest via ferrata on a rock-climbing expedition, or take off on a hike through the western Hajar Mountains for a look at high-altitude village life.
For khareef adventures in Oman, visit before the end of September to experience lushness in the Arabian Peninsula. Fogs irrigate the deserts, turning them to verdant fields. Waterfalls plunge from cliffs, mountains take on a green sheen and Wadi Darbat fills to the brim. Explore the change in terrain from Al Baleed Resort Salalah, with trips to Ayn Athoum waterfall and the blowholes of mist-shrouded Al Mughsail Beach.