From Anantara in Phuket

I am writing this blog from Hotel Anantara in Phuket, Thailand (picture).

I reached here today morning via Bangkok. The Anantara Group is known for their luxury properties and they have five properties in Thailand. This property in Phuket houses 83 villas. I was very impressed by the amenities and facilities provided in the villa, especially the attention given to the minute details. This property has been in operation for two years now.

Further, surrounded by a lagoon and a garden, the villa had a private swimming pool, private bar overlooking the pool, sunbath beds under open sky, large hot bath tubs and open shower apart from the regular shower in the room.

In terms of room amenities, besides two fridges, one normal mini bar and another filled with world’s best champagne and wines there were i-pod charger with speakers and remote, different types of slippers, Espresso coffee machine, even a torch light, first aid kit, pillow spray mist, four types of Dead Sea bath salts, beach carry bag, special water bottles to carry water to the gym, hit spray and even all types of plugs as well as computer peripherals, extension wires and cords.

Now-a-days, mobile chargers, yoga mats, mosquito cream etc., are available in all the premium world properties but such details as the room key which a torch light and fax messages delivered in a wooden box is impressive and catches one’s fancy. The amenities also include various types of moisturisers from pre-sunbath to post sunbath creams as well.

On the flip side, the Hotel is not designed to cater to the Indian tourist. Forget Indian, even vegetarian food is not available in the menu and one has to make the chef understand to prepare your Penne Arabiata without ham. The Hotel also needs to pick up on the quality of service. The gap in the quality of service and the amenities offered is very glaring. There is definitely a need to improve housekeeping and the front office. It is also an expensive affair. The Hotel’s published tariff is at least US $1000 (tax being separate) more than that of the lowest category of room available during the off-season. I am here to attend the wedding which is just next door at the J WMarriott which has about 400 rooms and both the Hotels have a mutual arrangement to allow each other’s bagghis (golf cars) into their premises.

ess bee