Enjoy laidback luxury during a stay where your every wish is the hotel’s command.
Once in a generation, an industry disruptor comes along and raises the standard. Welcome to ÀNI Thailand – a brand that has given luxury hotels an upgrade in the form of a private resort, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Founded in 2010, ÀNI’s resorts can be found in Anguilla, Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka, and are designed for a single group of guests across a set number of suites. It has also launched a pet programme, so guests can bring their furry friends.
Hollywood and Bollywood A-listers are fans of the brand, thanks to its decadence, discretion, and dedicated service. CEO, Yeshi Phuntsho, explains: “Celebrities love that they can have the place to themselves and that they don’t have to interact with other guests”.
Located approximately one hour from Phuket International Airport, the pick-up and drop-off was sophisticated and smooth. The team were literally on hand with every amenity we needed (and didn’t know we needed): air-conditioning, cold towels, umbrellas and WiFi.
ÀNI Thailand knows how to make an entrance. Located on Koh Yao Noi Island, it is in a protected area, and guests can enter by car or boat. Choose the latter, and the last few steps are in the lapping waves. Note: flip flops are provided.
Rooms and suites
ÀNI Thailand is home to eight villas and suites, and can accommodate up to 20 guests. The rooms include two Family Villas, two Ocean Villas and four Pool Suites. We checked into the Pool Suite, which spans 135 square metres. The décor boasts rustic chic features with wooden walls, high ceilings and exposed beams as well as bricks. Plus, the local flowers and golden patterns add a touch of Thai.
The room oozed romance – it’s easy to fall in love with the swoon-worthy sight, from the gorgeous greenery to the spectacular seafront, which is best viewed from sun loungers on the private terrace. Each room comes with its own lap of luxury, courtesy of the private plunge pool, free-standing bathtub with petals, and a double rainfall shower. Each night, a personalised present appeared on the king-size bed. And, the mattress was melt-into-marvellous – sweet dreams are certainly made of ÀNI Thailand.
Restaurants and bars
ÀNI Thailand is not your ordinary hotel and boasts extraordinary dining experiences. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in scenic spots, from a classy conservatory to feet-in-the-pool experiences. Breakfast includes a bite-size buffet, but main dishes can be made on demand. Even the snacks were superb – make sure you try the homemade cashew nuts.
The Thai meals were the hospitality highlight. Dishes included Chicken Curry Noodle Soup, Mango Sticky Rice, and Tom Yam Goong Shrimp, served with a side of local entertainment. Throughout our stay, we were spoilt with world-class versions of international dishes, from Chinese to Greek cuisine. Plus, the bartenders could craft any cocktail and delighted us with unexpected drinks.
Facilities
What sets ÀNI Thailand’s experiences apart is how it draws inspiration from its surroundings to offer spectacular, local yet elevated experiences. We were given snazzy shorts and joined a Muay Thai boxing class with professional athletes. We also created our own souvenirs, thanks to a batik painting class.
At the very least, you expect a hotel to meet your expectations, but ÀNI Thailand exceeded them every single day. Your wish is their command. Sure, you’ll have breakfast in a paddy field, but you’ll travel on a vintage motorcycle with a sidecar. Of course, you’ll take a boat trip to Batang Island, but you’ll stop off at smaller ones and have an island to yourself. And, one time, someone casually suggested karaoke, and the next day it was set up with golden microphones.
Even though the 22 members of staff outnumbered the eight guests, the service never felt intrusive. Instead, it felt like an extended family – when they noticed I was bruised, tiger balm appeared in my room.
ÀNI Thailand: a game-changer in travel.
GO: Visit https://aniprivateresorts.com for more information.