Canadian World Traveller Winter 2021-22 Issue

Replay
Fall 2019
Banyan Tree Bangkok
by Michael Morcos
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
by Michael Morcos
Awarm smile greeted me and handed me my room key, having
just arrived after two long flights, the room number did
not make sense at first. I asked “52?” As in the 52nd floor,
is that the top floor?’ I laughed to myself. ‘No, there are a few
more. To memory, this is a high as I have ever stayed and the first
thing I did after entering the room was pull open the curtains and
bam! I was higher than the birds. The site was incredible; Bangkok
was wonderfully lit up for miles around, as far as the eye could
see.
It was only then that I realized, I
had a magnificent, beautifully
decorated suite. Looking closer,
I had an all-marble luxury
washroom, a large sitting area
by the window, a business desk,
a large mini-bar section and a
fine furnished bed and night
table.
In my fatigue, I just knew this two-week trip would be an amazing
experience, surely a great start!
The Banyan Tree Bangkok, as all the hotels I would visit on this tour
would prove to be destinations on their own. Served on the lobby
level in a tropical garden setting, the morning breakfast buffet was
as opulent as one can find. The whole experience was so amazing
and well done that it is hard to believe you were in a mega-city.
Enjoying handmade sushi, steamed dumplings, and freshly
squeezed tropical juices was divine and not something I was used
to but an excellent way to start the day.
The opulence continued in the Saffron Sky Garden where we had
drinks and ordered a selection of appetizers. We thought the food
was delicious and the best part of being in the outdoor roof terrace
area is that you can enjoy the
magnificent. Likewise, both the
Vertigo and Moon bar restaurant
were lively and had a great
vibe.
www.banyantree.com
If you ever have a need to run away and hide, this would be
the place to go! The Anantara Layan resort, located in the
earth-bound paradise of Phuket, is just the place to rejuvenate
and recharge the mind, body and soul. That was exactly what I
did at the spa, swimming pool, beach, gym and my decadent
gated private-pool-villa.
Here is a summary of a perfect day in the sun at Anantara!
Wake up and take a dip in
your very own private plunge
pool, head for a healthy buffet
breakfast, sit on the beach,
go to the gym, have a wonderful
tasty lite lunch, get a
soothing message, have a
drink (or two), read in your
manicured lawn and garden
villa, go for a ride to the village
to meet locals and then repeat the following day!
We did experience a few of the unique offerings at this magnificent
retreat. We spent one afternoon taking Thai cooking class
with the resident expert. We also had a fantastic two hour message
tailored to our needs by an experienced professional
masseuse Talk about a special day!
Needless to say the Anantara
Layan Phuket Resort is one
incredible place, one of the
best beach resorts (maybe the
best) I have ever stayed at
and perfect in so many ways.
The staff was genuinely
happy to serve you. The
resort’s location, on a secluded
part of the island with its
richly decorated garden fountains and private beach offered a
feeling of peace and harmony, while the beautiful villa was perfectly
relaxing.
www.anantara.com/en/layan-phuket
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!