Minor devises new medi-wellness concept for Anantara, debuting in Phuket in Q3
– Dillip Rajakarier
Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier has unveiled plans to introduce an innovative medi-wellness concept to the group's Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas brand, with ambitions to expand the concept to additional resorts in the future.
The group is preparing to launch the flagship destination – named Layan Life by Anantara – at the existing Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in Q3 later this year. Spanning 1,767sq m, the purpose-built facility will integrate modern medical technologies with 'Rajasamnak' Thai healing traditions.
Grounded in the four elements of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) – earth, water, wind, and fire – the destination will offer programmes lasting from three to ten days, focusing on weight management, stress reduction, fitness improvement and anti-aging treatments.
The protocols have been created by specialist medical doctors and Thai medicinal experts, incorporating TTM, advanced medical assessments, personalised nutrition and guided fitness regimens.
In an exclusive interview with Spa Business, Rajakarier outlined the group's strategy to expand the concept across other Anantara resorts. He said that while all outposts will prioritise medi-wellness, each destination will have a distinct offering inspired by the healing traditions and customs of their specific regions.
Additional future locations are yet to be disclosed but Rajakarier said that Thailand will serve as the initial testing ground for the new wellness concept, with the Phuket flagship setting the standard for forthcoming destinations.
“We’ve created this new concept to cater to the modern day guest and their evolving needs,” he said.
The Phuket flagship's offering
Designed using biophilic architectural principles, Layan Life will remain connected to its tropical surroundings through neutral tones, airy spaces and the incorporation of natural light.
Split across two storeys, the facility’s lower level will include a 220sq m gym, a yoga studio, a Pilates studio, meditation rooms and a hydrotherapy area with vitality pools, saunas and a steamroom.
Meanwhile, the upper floor will house medical and holistic facilities, rooms for consultations, physiotherapy, TTM, aesthetic treatments, IV procedures and medical treatments such as an Icepod, hyperbaric chamber and hydrocolonic therapies.
There will also be a Thai herbal dispensary where personalised remedies will be prescribed.
Outside, an Active Zone will feature tennis courts, a Muay Thai ring, a climbing wall and an outdoor fitness area with water sports amenities.
Frederic Varnier, Minor’s VP of operations in Southern Thailand, said: “Phuket is rapidly emerging as one of the world's premier destinations for medi-wellness and the launch of Layan Life takes this to another level with a personalised and immersive journey that not only focuses on physical wellness but also nurtures the mind and soul.”
More about Minor HotelsGlobal hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has a portfolio of 540 hotels and resorts in 56 countries under a range of brands; Anantara, Avani, NH Hotels, nhow, Tivoli, Oaks and Elewana.
The group is aiming to add 200 more hotels by the end of 2026, including 40 new openings in Europe. Minor also has future plans to move its European brands into Asia and expand into India for the first time.
Minor Hotels Dillip Rajakarier Anantara Layan Life by Anantara
Minor Hotels to bolster Anantara portfolio in Oman with beachfront retreat and spa
Minor names Sandie Johannessen group director of spa and wellness
Minor Hotels planning second Anantara Resort in Brazil, Anantara Preá Ceará Resort
Minor Hotels and VLCC unveil medical wellness centre at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort in Thailand
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
