Anantara is delighted to announce that two of its recently launched properties have been named on the 2024 Travel + Leisure It List. Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel in Italy and Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas in Thailand have both been selected for this year’s list, which is determined annually by discerning magazine editors.
The coveted ‘It List’ is a result of months of research on hundreds of new and renovated properties around the world. The 100 selected hotels span 37 countries across six continents, with the list honouring the hard work, dedication and creativity that goes into opening and operating a world-class hotel.
Launched in April 2023, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel is situated in a 13th-century cliffside Capuchin convent in one of Italy’s most popular getaway destinations, and has been selected as one of the “Most Luxurious New Hotels of 2023”. The restoration of the 800-year-old building carefully preserves historic features including ornate cloisters and an on-site Baroque church. The property has 52 guest rooms and suites – many of which were first built as monks’ quarters. The Suite Del Priore, named for its setting in the convent’s priory, boasts frescoes above the bed and views of the cloisters, while the Suite Dell’Eremita, the hermit’s suite, offers a sanctuary of privacy and aromatic romance in its own tranquil lemon grove.
Tucked away in a travertine-clad space overlooking the sea, the property’s Anantara Spa offers healing journeys inspired by the monastic rituals of centuries old residents. An al fresco Fitness Centre features TechnoGym equipment for ocean-breeze-cooled workouts, alongside a newly refurbished cliffside swimming pool. Dining celebrates the region with offerings curated by Italian masters. Executive Chef Claudio Lanuto introduces a convent kitchen concept at Dei Cappuccini using fresh seasonal ingredients grown in the convent garden, whilst La Locanda Della Canonica Pizzeria By Gino Sorbillo serves authentic Neapolitan pizza from a third generation pizza maestro.
Unique experiences guided by local experts include historical tours led by the last Franciscan Friar in the region, hiking the Path of the Gods and vintage car or tuk-tuk tours along the iconic coastline, stopping in Positano and Ravello. Guests can also enjoy private helicopter flights for bird’s-eye views of Positano and Sorrento’s architectural wonders or coastal cruises with sunset views over Capri.
The second Anantara hotel on the ‘It List’ is a stunning and secluded hideaway located on an untouched island in the middle of Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay – Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas was named one of the “Best New International Resorts of 2023”.
The 27-acre site occupied by Anantara Koh Yao Yai sits between a wooded hill and a turquoise bay dotted with jungle-clad limestone islets. Unfolding over a kilometre of golden beach, the exquisite
resort is the height of tranquillity, spaciousness and luxury, just a 45-minute boat ride from Phuket and 20 minutes from Krabi.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s 148 suites, villas and penthouses feature striking contemporary design, with a layer of Thai heritage adding local charm. One- and two-bedroom villas hug the shoreline and offer private butler services, complimentary bicycles and direct beach access. Generously spaced suites for families provide creatively designed bunk beds plus a terrace either with pool access or a sea view. The resort’s eight butler-attended Sea View Pool Penthouses are 366-sqm cocoons of luxury and the Wellness Lagoon Pool Villas offer seclusion amid soothing landscaping and lagoon views.
The resort offers multiple dining options serving a wide range of cuisines including the signature Beach Restaurant, Pakarang, serving contemporary Thai dishes, and omakase enthusiasts will find plenty to love at the Japanese restaurant with panoramic ocean views. Meanwhile, the swim-up Pool Bar, Family Bar and Beach Bar cater to all, from milkshakes and sundaes to sundowners.
Koh Yao Yai is still wonderfully undeveloped. Guests can choose from a range of inspirational excursions and immersive experiences, such as vintage sidecar tours to a rubber plantation, batik-making, tie-dye classes, island-hopping, mountain climbing and scuba diving. Onsite activities include stand-up yoga and paddle boarding (SUP), mountain biking, nature walks and more.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai has one of Thailand’s largest kids’ clubs and an exquisite Anantara Spa, with five treatment rooms and one of the biggest hydro pools and hammams in the country. Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas places great emphasis on environmental preservation and the nurturing of the abundant natural beauty found on the island.
