Anantara Hotels & Resorts is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a collection of immersive experiences connecting luxury travellers with wildlife, conservation, cultural heritage and local communities.
Available at selected properties throughout 2026, the anniversary programme includes exclusive journeys across Thailand, Zambia, Oman and other destinations within Anantara’s international portfolio.
The Minor Hotels luxury brand began in Thailand in 2001. It has since expanded to more than 50 hotels and resorts across 24 countries, while maintaining a hospitality philosophy centred on cultural discovery and meaningful destination connections.
Its anniversary experiences move beyond conventional sightseeing. Each programme uses the surrounding landscape, ecology and community knowledge to help guests understand the destination more deeply.
Golden Triangle experience supports elephant awareness
At Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in northern Thailand, the Jungle Luxe experience introduces guests to rescued elephants living within the resort’s forest environment.
The elephant camp cares for 20 rescued animals in partnership with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. Its work combines animal welfare, education, conservation and support for elephant caretakers and their families.
Guests begin the anniversary experience by creating a natural cake for the elephants. They select elephant-friendly flavours and decorations before presenting the finished treat to the animals.
The experience later moves into the forest canopy. Visitors dine inside a treetop cocoon positioned 52 metres above the surrounding landscape, with expansive views across the Golden Triangle.
Travellers can deepen their understanding through Walking with Giants, which follows elephants and their caretakers along forest paths. The Elephant Guardian programme introduces the traditional knowledge and responsibilities associated with mahouts.
Guests seeking a longer wilderness experience can stay in the resort’s elevated Mekong Explorer Tent on a secluded jungle hillside.
Koh Samui connects visitors with marine conservation
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is highlighting the relationship between island communities and coastal ecosystems through its Lawana Reef Legacy experience.
Created with the Laem Son Community Fishermen’s Group, the private journey begins at sunrise when the sea is quieter and marine habitats can be explored with minimal disturbance.
Guests travel by kayak towards the reefs and mangroves surrounding Ko Mat Lang. Guided conservation activities introduce them to the importance of habitat restoration and responsible marine tourism.
After returning to shore, participants enjoy a locally sourced breakfast before visiting a community workshop. The meeting provides insight into fishing traditions and conservation work led by residents.
A portion of every booking supports the fishermen’s group and its continuing coastal protection initiatives.
The programme demonstrates how luxury tourism can contribute to environmental projects while creating meaningful contact between travellers and host communities.
Phang Nga Bay offers early access to nature
At Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, guests can discover Phang Nga Bay before its busiest daytime period.
The anniversary journey departs before sunrise aboard a private longtail boat bound for Hong Island. Travellers arrive as the morning light reveals the bay’s limestone formations, lagoons and emerald water.
A private beach breakfast features ingredients sourced from Koh Yao Yai. Guests can then choose from activities such as hiking to panoramic viewpoints, exploring hidden lagoons or sailing among nearby islands.
The early schedule creates a quieter experience while helping visitors appreciate the natural character of one of Thailand’s best-known coastal attractions.
Zambia safari continues after sunset
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River presents Wild Elegance at Kafue, an anniversary experience shaped around the changing atmosphere of Kafue National Park.
A private safari begins during golden hour under the guidance of the camp’s Senior Head Ranger. As daylight fades, guests observe the landscape’s transition and search for wildlife becoming active after sunset.
The drive pauses in a secluded location for a carefully arranged cheese and wine pairing inspired by the surroundings and season.
After darkness arrives, the experience continues with stargazing and stories connected with navigation, folklore and African constellations.
The camp also supports conservation through its anniversary programme, with selected packages including a contribution for every guest.
Oman journey reveals mountain traditions
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is celebrating Oman’s mountain culture through the Oman Odyssey experience.
Travellers explore Al Jabal Al Akhdar with an Omani storyteller who explains the region’s history, customs and relationship with its dramatic terrain.
At the summit, guests enjoy an Omani picnic presented with low seating, woven textiles and lanterns. Regional dishes are served with traditional drinks such as karak and seasonal juices.
The experience also introduces local clothing traditions before concluding with a mountain-inspired chocolate created for the anniversary.
Meaningful experiences shape future luxury travel
Anantara’s anniversary collection reflects a wider change in premium hospitality. Luxury is increasingly measured by access to authentic places, knowledgeable local hosts and experiences that respect their environments.
By combining elephant welfare, marine conservation, safari storytelling and Omani heritage, Anantara is positioning destination identity at the centre of the guest journey.
The programme demonstrates how luxury travel can support cultural understanding and conservation while creating memorable stays. After 25 years, Anantara’s future remains closely connected to the landscapes, communities and stories surrounding each property.
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