Where do you start? In the 64 elegant villas and suites, all with private plunge pools? On the beachfront infinity pool? On the resort's private yacht? Anantara Rasananda has it all, and more. Set on the island's most exclusive beach, it's a cluster of wood-framed buildings among lush tropical gardens, each one beautifully designed in contemporary Thai style with thatched roofs, carved gates, white walls and lush fabrics. They're separated by streams filled with giant koi and crossed by narrow wooden bridges. Behind it all rise mountains clad in rainforest.
The onsite facilities are outstanding. The spa has outdoor treatment rooms, a tropical steam cave and a traditional outdoor herbal bath. Yoga is offered for free on a wooden platform beneath a wall of jungle vines. There's a Thai cookery school with its own spice garden, complimentary kayaks and paddle-boards, and beach barbecues accompanied by fire shows. You can eat at the Thai bistro, the Japanese restaurant, or the swim-up poolside bar.
If, heaven forbid, you get bored with being pampered, you can hire the resort’s 37-foot ocean cruiser, rent a longtail boat to explore the local archipelago, or go elephant trekking in the jungle. For hedonists, there’s access to the renowned full-moon parties on Haad Rin beach, or the more select half-moon ones featuring world-famous DJs.
And finally, of course, you can get married here, in a Western ceremony on the beach with local rituals, organised by your own in-house wedding coordinator. Hen parties can be arranged on a deserted island, complete with cham¬pagne, canapés, manicurists and masseurs.
