Location
It’s hard to know where to begin with this property as it has so much to offer as an hotel but the area is almost as amazing. Located near Trang in the south of the country, the views across the Andaman sea through iconic limestone rocks are breathtaking, enhanced by some stunning sunsets.
The hotel itself has recently undergone a complete facelift, so you’ll find a high quality finish in all the rooms and everywhere else, especially the Spa.
For us the neighbouring islands are the highlight but you can also come here for a specialist treatment programs at the Spa, sail at the beach club on nearby Koh Kradan, or even take a Thai Boxing lesson, amongst many other interesting diversions.
Unique to the area are the indigenous Dugongs who live on an island close by. Just for this spectacle, it’s worth the trip.
Rooms
The average room type is 45m2 with 3 different views and then there are various suites – 2 with pool and living room, 4 with living room and 5 family 2 bedroom suites where the living room is the 2nd bedroom.
All are well equipped with a/c, SAT TV + DVD stereo, mini-bar, personal safe, hairdryer and tea and coffee making equipment. The Suites have an additional TV in the living area/ 2nd bedroom and an IPOD docking station as well as large walk in bathrooms and separate dressing areas.
All have a balcony or terrace and full or partial sea view, the west facing rooms having the pick of the view, with Koh Muk in the distance.
Add to this oversized bathtubs and an array of soaps and lotions from Anantara’s own unique range and you have rooms with great spec in which to relax and sleep.
Spa
The Spa here is one of the most beautiful we have seen and also one of the most complete in terms of treatment range, offering full Ayurvedic treatment programs as well as western stand alone massages, scrubs and other body therapies. There are 6 air conditioned rooms which all have their own showering and changing facilities plus a spa suite with a private steam room, sala and Jacuzzi. The fact that they can tailor your diet for the Ayurvedic treatment programs makes them almost unique in Asia and gives one of the rare options of indulging in this very ancient treatment plan within a luxury spa, in a 5* accommodation.
With Ayurvedic doctors on site, it seems almost a shame not to take advantage. The only downside to Ayurveda used to be the food regime but with great chefs creating sumptuous dishes for you personally on a daily basis you can eat healthy but gourmet at the same time.
Dining
Whether you’re eating according to Ayurvedic recommendations or not, an array of great dining awaits you. “Leelawadee” offers Thai and international cuisine from lunchtime onwards. “Acqua” is the signature restaurant and really high quality offering anything from New Zealand lamb, Australian beef, a lot of Italian dishes and a full Thai menu also.
“The Beach House” offers great cocktails, tables in the sand, snacks and last but not least, amazing sunsets facing directly West.
Private dining is of course available in a variety of locations in or near the resort and the lobby cafe will also offer light bites and good coffee.
Finally, for a unique experience there is the Saturday night cooking event which brings locals in to cook food for hotel guests that is really local to the area and rustled up by people who know best.
Other Activities
This is where Anantara Si Kao really comes into its own. The tree lined south facing beach is very quiet and a great place to chill or you can swing in one of the hammocks under the pine trees using their natural shade to have an afternoon snooze. For another beach experience, take the 20 minute ride to the Anantara’s own beach club on neighbouring Koh Kradan stopping at the magical Emerald Cave on Koh Muk on the way. Here you can scuba on the house reef 20 metres off shore, sail, snorkel or take a walk on this virtually uninhabited island.
Away from beach activity, take a tour to the nearby village for an authentic local breakfast of dim sum and roast pork – honest local food but absolutely sensational. Combine this with a local tour of Si Kao and a visit to Trang’s night market. Perhaps a lesson in Thai Boxing or cooking would appeal, or a kayak trip in open sea and mangroves which surround the back of the resort meaning you can circumnavigate the resort on a 3 km round trip.
A full activity calendar is published everyday, much of it free and for those wishing to leave the kids for a bit of peace and quiet, there is the Dugong Kids club for 4-12 year olds.
Final Word
Pack your day with activities on or off site or simply laze and take in that view of the Andaman Sea. Whatever you choose to do here, you can always rely on great food and service and superior room quality not found anywhere close by.
It has a unique position nearby so many of the Andaman’s best islands where scuba diving and snorkelling is unrivalled and unique sights like the Dugongs make it a nature lover’s paradise. For those closer to land, there is every type of diversion making this a resort that genuinely has something for everyone.
For more information about this hotel please download our printable PDF Fact sheet from here
