An almost unforeseen journey, punctuated by a succession of synchronicities. The Layan Life wellness concept unveiled at the sumptuous Anantara Layan Phuket in late 2024 piqued the curiosity of Ambre, our marketing expert and travel designer. She chose to follow her intuition, to give in to the irresistible call of escape, and to meet this new partner whose concept was shaped by ancestral wisdom and the latest scientific and technological innovations. After all, isn’t the best way to recommend a destination is to experience it for yourself, and meet the people behind it? That’s how Ambre flew to the land of smiles. Destination Phuket, the multi-facetedisland-province, for a wellness break on Thailand’s largest island. You often refer to our “We tested it for you” section (thank you for your renewed trust), which guides you in your choice of destination, to start your journey with our photos and first impressions. I had totry out Layan Life to bring to life your desire for rejuvenation and discovery, with its abundance of nature, vibrant colors, fine sandy beaches and enlightened wellness philosophy.
Anantara Layan Phuket: your island wellness sanctuary
On my arrival at Phuket airport, I was seized by theenergy of the island: its exotic perfumes, new music eclipsing the hustle and bustle of the indefatigable and elusive Bangkok. My eyes immediately met those of my dedicated Anantara hostess, she gave me a warm Thai smile and escorted me to my car. I let the softness envelop me and the clouds dissipate.
On the way, I let my eyes wander over the surrounding landscapes: Sino-Portuguese architecture, the charm of traditional houses contrasting with ambitious, galloping real estate projects. Little by little, nature reclaimed its rights, much to my delight: exuberant vegetation, flowers in a thousand colors, I was ecstatic under the enthusiastic and proud gaze of my driver-guide. He introduced me to the island’s treasures , giving even more meaning and depth to the fascinating picture before my eyes.
Along the roadside, merchants and passers-by strolled and chatted, with the Andaman Sea as a backdrop. Watching these scenes of life, I felt privileged and had the deep intuition that I was about to live a powerful and transforming experience. I blinked to take a mental picture of this “here and now” moment, so I could relive it and soak up the feeling of gratitude.
As we passed Banana Beach, my driver told me we were almost there.
I couldn’t wait to discover Anantara Layan Phuket. A superb setting from Thailand’s prestigious luxury hotel group, acclaimed for its exceptional properties, recently highlighted in The White Lotus series (Anantara Mai Khao Phuket in particular).
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be transported into a soothing bubble of softness and serenity. Your entrance key: a bracelet of Frangipani flowers will be tied to your wrist. A discreet, evocative trail, a subtle olfactory caress.
After getting to know my privileged contacts on site: the General Manager, and khun Tar the Sales Manager, I proceeded to check-in, sipping a fragrant refreshment accompanied bywellness snacks as tasty as delicacies, lulled by the sounds of nature and birdsong. The reception will be your first point of contact with Anantara’s signature design. Sleek yet true toThai DNA, and above all open to the outside, a fusion of inside and outside, with natural materials sublimated.
Refined design with island beauty
Let the buggy take you to the privacy of your suite or residence. This is the preferred means of locomotion, both fun and practical, as Anantara Layan Phuket is quite spread out. A wide range of services andfacilities are available (Layan Active Zone, Layan Spa, lobby, beach house, restaurants, kids zone, etc.), but Anantara Layan remains a resolutely authentic setting with a real soul. When you want to move around, simply call reception and your buggy will escort you to the area of your choice (one of the five restaurants, the wellness center, the beach, the Active Zone, etc.). Customer service is attentive and caring, to ensure that your on-site experience is seamless , rejuvenating and flawless.
I was lucky enough to stay in a Pool Suite. This type of room is an ode to refinement: a bedroom area facing a sunny terrace, which extends into a private azure pool reflected in the coconut palms. The palms envelop you and structure the space of your exotic paradise , as if you were in the middle of nature, with the Andaman Sea as your horizon.
The Pool Suite acts as an invitation to contemplation, so all that’s left is to choose your preferred chill zone: between a daybed in the shade of the palm trees, a cocoon bath in which to bask, or the firm but cosy comfort of your generously-sized bed. This type of room has nothing but assets: spacious, it combines subtle touches of color, design and local craftsmanship. The bathroom is decorated in a traditional style, with a mineral-inspired bench in the shower and a bathtub marking the transition to the bedroom area. Your senses are awakened by Diptyque, the famous perfume house.
A generous fruit basket sits on the table, diffusing a deliciously sweet fragrance. Alongside the composition, a fresh coconut already prepared, soft passion fruit-flavored pastries and a small booklet presenting the virtues of each citrus fruit, berry and exotic sweet. A superb handcrafted basket also awaited the basketry admirer in me, with its precious know-how and perfect volume, in which to slip the essentials for your wellness break.
As a travel designer, review stays are pretty intense. Between interviews, production of photo and video content, and irrepressible FOMO (fear of missing out). I was struck by the natural empathy of the teams: they put together a rich program of consultations, treatments and activities so that I could discover the many facets of the Layan Life wellness philosophy, but they also made sure that I could soak up the surroundings before I went to the wellness center and got to the heart of the matter.
I took a deep breath, feeling grounded and aligned. I enjoyed the caress of the sun on my skin, watched the palm leaves dance in the breeze and became aware of the beauty all around me. This is a first example of the relevance of Layan Life’swellness approach: encouraging you to slow down so you canwelcome and feel the transformation at work, while reconnecting to your needs and aspirations in the heart of this sumptuous sanctuary.
A welcoming and inclusive slow-luxury setting
Khun Tar then escorted me (still in a buggy) on a tour of the resort, its facilities and residences, offering a wide range of accommodation options to suit your every need.
Thehigh standards of Anantara’s signature service, the diversity of activities on offer (nautical and aquatic, sports, educational, gastronomic, fun…), and the plurality of spaces, position Anantara Layan Phuket as an inclusive destination, offering a personalized experience adapted to a variety of audiences: couples, families, solo travellers, groups.
Anantara Layan Phuket is more than an expression of slow luxury, combining a culture of excellence and refined aesthetics, it instills a profound sense ofharmony. This will be your first wellness experience in this jewel box.
Harmony is distilled on several levels: in the wellness philosophy itself, in the design of the spaces, and most novel of all: in the possibility for everyone to move at their own pace. Anantara Layan gives its customers the space to be, to realize themselves, whether you’re a wellness enthusiast or a novice, whether you come accompanied or not, tocombine consciousness and leisure, according to your sensibility.
A harmonious reconnection, mirroring the surrounding nature
The Layan Life wellness center appears at the bend in the road. This is the showpiece of the wellness philosophy that shapes Anantara Layan Phuket. A real highlight of my visit, it stands in stark contrast to the other sections of the resort.
Layan Life is a world in its own right, with a surface area of1,767m² that positions it as a leading wellness center, and a serene design that inspires a reassuring sense of calm. Facing the building, a temple with offerings invites deference and calm. This two-storey pavilion, floating above a lactescent pond, opens onto and merges with its plant surroundings. The flamboyant bougainvillea that used to line the path through the spaces have given way to delicate water lilies, cultivating a sense of calm and serenity for body and soul.
Layan Life aims to reinvent the wellness experience. The pavilion’s design is based on the principles of biophilia, with neutral hues celebrating the beauty of plants and naturalness. Open spaces are bathed in light. This minimalist aesthetic, with itsserene purity, encourages a harmonious (re)connection with nature and a soothing visual reset. The room dedicated to IV drips (intravenous therapies) is also a privileged vantage point for observing the local wildlife. Before sunset, you can watch the choreographed ritual of pond fish feeding on the water’s surface. The harmony so characteristic of the Layan Life wellness philosophy is born of this duality between cutting-edge medical expertise and a deep connection to the natural environment.
A transformational wellness journey
Layan Life’s approach to wellness is unique, singular and respectful. Humility is an essential component, despite the teams’ extensive knowledge and formidable sensitivity. The Layan Life philosophy draws on the wisdom and knowledge of ancestral medicines as well asscientific innovation. Without seeking to oppose, legitimize or privilege one influence over another.
Layan Life wellness thrives on this balance of strengths. Humility is also expressed in the practitioner-curist relationship: your choices will be listened to, your preferences considered. Doctors and therapists are experts , but they don’t impose themselves in a position of knowledge. Health plans are personalized, wellness packages enriched with tailor-made suggestions, embracing not only your objectives but also your specific characteristics and identity. I found this vision strikingly accurate.
Layan Life combines advanced assessments and diagnostics, tailor-made nutritional recommendations and fitness – a cross-disciplinary vision of well-being.
The relevance of this approach lies in the interconnected management of your needs. Layan Life wellness is liberating andempowering. It strengthens self-awareness and encourages you to reconnect with your deepest aspirations. This vision gives meaning and strength to the transformation you’re aiming for.
The multidimensional Life method
The four pillars of Layan Life’s wellness philosophy are longevity medicine, traditional Thai medicine (TTM), complementary medicine and lifestyle. My stay in Thailand was my most important introduction to the fundamentals of traditional Thai medicine.
The philosophy of the Life method is based on the principles of TTM: Din (earth), Nam (water), Lom (wind) and Fai (fire) live within us. Imbalances that may arise and alter the harmony between these parameters affect our health. According to the Layan Life philosophy, our lives can be seen in terms of the seasons, each of which is unique, and the choices we make today are already shaping the chapters to come. Layan Life proposes to accompany us on this personal journey towards optimal health and holistic, sustainable well-being at every age.
The healing pillars inspiring the Life Method are plural and complementary: advanced diagnostics, cutting-edge treatments (revitalization and ageing well) combined with ancestral Thai traditions of herbal medicine, massage and spiritual healing to align and live in harmony. As well as holistic complementary therapies and lifestyle practices for optimal health and living.
Herbal medicine, massage, nutrition and movement are the key levers for restoring our health. Traditional Thai medicine encompasses your lifestyle, your emotions and your environment.
Layan Life: achieving supreme balance
After a tour of the various areas of the Layan Life building and an informative chat with Khun Sasithorn, the wellness manager, my itinerary for the days ahead was revealed.
I was lucky enough to discover some of the most emblematic treatments of the Life method.
Starting with theinitial wellness interview, followed by the Vitalité traditional Thai medicine consultation. Prior to my stay, I had completed a comprehensive questionnaire. It covers your health objectives, the context of your treatment, your medical history and questions about your diet and lifestyle. Not to mention more specific sections on the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Focus on digestion, gynecology, immunity, endocrinology and dermatology. The teams acquire a detailed knowledge of your condition before your arrival, and the questionnaire is used as a medium for exchange.
I found the initial consultation with Layan Life fascinating, particularly the MTT aspect, and as the questions went on I felt connections emerging. My interlocutor identified the element that characterized me. From my verbatims, she put words to certain imbalances and formulated initial suggestions for treatments and rituals. The support offered by Layan Life is unique, combining herbal concoctions, therapeutic treatments and, in my case, nutritional recommendations.
I was free to express my misgivings about certain treatment recommendations, and the Layan Life teams listened attentively, making suggestions and adapting their recommendations. I’m referring, for example, tohyperbaric oxygen therapy. This cabin delivers 100% pure oxygen at a higher pressure than ambient air. This enables the lungs to absorb more oxygen and increase its concentration in the body. The benefits of this therapy are manifold: revitalization, boosted brain function, strengthened immune system, regeneration of the tired organism. Provided you’re not apprehensive about being immobilized in the chamber for the duration of the session.
Following this consultation, I received my first Thai massage. The therapist placed a preparation of traditional herbs under the massage table to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. She literally put her finger on the pain points that impede the proper circulation of energy and lead to poor posture. My persistent contracture at the joint between my shoulder and my back put up some serious resistance, but the therapist’s determination enabled me to regain my mobility. The pain was, at times, almost unbearable, and reflected, I suppose, the struggles at work between body and mind to get back to the target equilibrium.
Surprisingly, at the end of the pressure and manipulation sessions, the relaxation of the body was always accompanied by a deep sense of calm, which put me in a quasi-meditative state and proved the effectiveness of the approach. At the end of the massage, I returned to a relaxation room to hydrate and chat with the teams present.
Back in my room, I got ready for dinner. Anantara has several restaurants, each with a specific identity, immersing you in a unique and memorable experience. I chose Age, the restaurant closest to my room.
I opted for a delicious lentil dahl and savored a dessert of absolute refinement, a declension of coconut with an exquisite interplay of textures face to face with an (almost) sparkling full moon.
Your wellness day: go with the flow
The following morning, I began my day with a stretching session, guided by personal trainer Billy, to gently awaken the body and muscles, and continue the work begun the day before with traditional Thai massage. Fluid communication between the teams is a testament to their seriousness and nurtures cross-disciplinary care. From the customer’s point of view, it brings a great deal of confidence and serenity: you don’t need to tell us what’s going on from one consultation to the next, you can just let yourself be carried away.
I met and interviewed some of Layan Life’s charismatic figures: in particular, anti-aging doctor Dr. Sataporn W., and wellness manager Sasithorn.
We mentioned IV drips, intravenous infusion therapies that are customized to your needs and administered under the supervision of doctors and nurses. These vitamin-enriched infusions deliver essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream: vitamins, minerals and amino acids for targeted action:
- detox
- immune system boost
- revitalization
- support for lasting weight loss
- radiance, beauty and skin rejuvenation
- jet lag recovery
- stimulation of brain functions
- NAD+ for healthy body functions
- overall well-being
I’d also like to draw your attention to Pao Ya therapy, which is a wellness experience in itself. This emblematic treatment aims to detoxify and act on digestion. I was also told about it atAnantara Riverside Bangkok.
This herbalist therapy uses the power of fire-heated herbs to promote healthy digestion, reduce water retention and relieve deep muscle tension. The experience begins with the application of a specially infused herbal oil to the abdominal area, followed by the placement of fire-heated herbs on the abdomen to relax the bowel and harmonize the Lom (wind element).
You can watch my full interview with Khun Sasithorn and Khun Tiah in our video interview:
At the end of my consultations and interview slots, a highly sensorial and soothing wellness immersion awaited me. Among the treatments on offer at Layan Life was traditional Thai herbal hydrotherapy. This is a detoxifying bath ritual designed to relieve chronic tension, stimulate lymphatic drainage and revive skin radiance. This bath also uses the principles of chromotherapy, or the effect of different colors on the body and mind.
Most of the treatments recommended to me were aimed at channeling the wind element (Lom according to Thai tradition).
Then came the most memorable moment of my entire stay in Thailand. An Energy healing orchestrated by an Indian healer. This treatment is based on several techniques: cranio sacral massage, auriculotherapy, acupressure, the use of traditional oils and plants. And certainly a little magic. During the ritual, I felt strong emotions followed by a sensation of alignment and deep relaxation. It was as if all the stress accumulated over the last few months had vanished. This sensation of new, life-saving lightness left me speechless; I’ve never been inhabited by such unshakeable , persistent serenity. Like a deafening silence. The healer asked me to keep the little dots on my ears until the end of the day, and to remove them before sunset.
In the afternoon, this feeling of tranquility didn’t leave me, nor was it matched by a nonchalant languor; on the contrary, I was energized, focused and grounded.
Posture and alignment of body and mind
Another facet of Layan Life’s expertise concerns posture and mobility. I was very impressed by physiotherapist Pacanut Intafong (khun Pat). After a thorough diagnostic phase using the 3D Moti Physio device, khun Pat highlighted musculoskeletal imbalances leading to over-solicitation of certain muscles, causing persistent tension in the back and neck. Khun Pat’s expertise lies in her analytical mind, keen sense of observation and passion. Her certifications in rehabilitation techniques enable her to develop a personalized care plan to correct posture and improve overall musculoskeletal health.
After this initial assessment with khun Pat, we moved on to the next solution-oriented step: a Pain Management session. This treatment uses a technological device as well as targeted manual massage, traction and stretching to relieve pain and restore mobility. Khun Pat also recommended a program of exercises and movements to be practiced as often as possible to prolong the benefits of our session once back home.
The wellness itinerary had been carefully thought out, as following this module dedicated to physiotherapy, I met up with personal trainer Billy for ahyper-stretching session. I was rather dubious about this proposal, having already started the day with a stretching session. As soon as I arrived in the coaching room, cosy towels were laid out comfortably on the floor. Here again, the Layan Life approach proved its coherence: this guided stretching session, perfectly pain-free, encourages muscle recovery and mobility. These areassisted, choreographed stretches during which your personal trainer mobilizes your limbs one by one, taking into account your abilities and accompanying your progress. At the end of the session, you’ll feel physically aligned, lighter and even taller.
Wellness retreats: guides to your holistic transformation
I see my feedback article as an opportunity toprovide answers to some recurring questions raised by our customers. In particular, about the wellness packages we offer. I’d like to point out that programs are available in formats ranging from 3 to 10 days. Conceived as retreats, they meet a variety of challenges to help you achieve your health goals.
Layan Life is the wellness destination for regaining balance, reconnecting with yourself, coping with exhaustion, reducing and managing anxiety, regulating your hormones, taking care of your nervous system, achieving your optimal weight in a sustainable way, reconnecting with vitality, improving your physical condition, not to mention anti-aging and longevity expertise.
Our expert teams anticipate your needs and put together the most appropriate retreat from the wide range of treatments on offer.
In addition to treatments and full board, each package includes daily group classes, wellness conferences to enhance your knowledge on the subjects that matter to you, and preferential rates on accommodation.
I’d be delighted to support you in your reflections. The packages that have structured the Life method to date are as follows:
- Traditional Thai medicine: a wellness immersion that combines the healing protocols of ancestral medicines with the contributions of modern science.
- Shape for Life: the program for regaining more than just an optimal weight, confidence in your body and a healthy , peaceful relationship with food.
- Beauty for Life: the anti-aging package to reverse the effects of time and reconcile inner and outer beauty
- Active for Life: a proactive approach to regaining strength and vitality
- Mindfulness for Life: between resilience, resistance to stress and reconnection with oneself to reconnect with inner peace
- Change for Life: an awakening retreat to guide you through the rites of passage in your life
Your package will be personalized following your initial consultation.
Layan Life: the temple of well-being
To support and accompany your holistic transformation, Anantara Layan Phuket draws on a variety of treatments as well as state-of-the-art facilities to meet your needs, introducing you to passions to adopt in your new daily life.
The two-storey pavilion includes, on the lower level: the soothing Layan Life reception area, a huge gym with state-of-the-art equipment (with free access and personal trainer), a beautiful yoga and meditation studio with natural light, a second studio with reformers, hydrotherapy areas, vitality pools, a hammam in the purest Thai tradition, a Himalayan salt dry sauna and experiential showers.
The second floor houses medical and holistic facilities, including consultation rooms, beauty treatment rooms, cryotherapy rooms, colon hydrotherapy rooms and a hyperbaric chamber.
And let’s not forget the herbalist’s shop, the epitome of refinement and the soul of Layan Life, where I was lucky enough to interview khun Sasithorn and khun Tiah. This is the space where plants and herbs are carefully classified and preparations delicately crafted.
The indoor pool is ideal for aquatic workouts. You can extend your wellness immersion with a visit to the Active Zone: featuring tennis courts, a Muay Thai ring and outdoor exercise areas. To complement your program, you can take part in Layan’s signature activities, regularly updated by the teams, to relax, reconnect, excel and immerse yourself in the unique destination that is Phuket. Excursions and activities include: hiking, crossfit, Thai boxing, body balance, rock climbing, archery, thai sword dance…
An exquisite, mindful culinary exploration
The Layan Life approach, embodied by Filippo Tawil, Wellness Chef Consultant, is a wellness experience in its own right. The Layan Life hallmarks of refinement of taste,elegance of presentation and the exquisite balance that defines the Layan Life philosophy are evident.
Wellness enthusiasts may already have had the chance to sample the desirable creations of Italian chef Filippo Tawil. He is the mastermind and culinary genius behind the Layan Life catering concept. Driven by a passion for wellness as a vehicle for lifestyle transformation, he has devised a bespoke menu combining flavor and nutritional value to accompany us on our wellness journey. He has worked at the award-winning Academia restaurant (Hotel d’Angleterre in Switzerland) and collaborated with Europe’s most exclusive medi-spa: Clinique la Prairie in Switzerland (local biodynamic ingredients).
Layan Life’s wellness menu has been designed as a collection of signature dishes combining taste desirability and organic traceability (the finest ingredients). True to Layan Life’s nutritional philosophy, each creation nourishes body and soul, for a sensory (r)awakening that contributes to your well-being.
The proposals are gluten-free and dairy-free to reduce inflammation and aid digestion. Likewise, you won’t find refined sugars or cereals. But you’ll be delighted to juggle superfoods such as quinoa, goji berries, spirulina and chia seeds. And you’ll learn to incorporateflavor-boosting, anti-inflammatory spices andingredients into your new, anything-but-monotonous routine.
Intestinal health is at the heart of Layan Life’s nutritional philosophy, with fermented foods, plant proteins and seaweed aiding digestion and contributing to your well-being. But above all, this conscious cuisine encourages us to savor every moment.
Anantara Layan Phuket boasts several restaurants: Beach House Layan (for breakfast in particular), Breeze by the pool, Zuma the contemporary Japanese restaurant with multiple distinctions, I had the opportunity to dine at Age (refined international grill cuisine) and the sumptuous Dara.
Dara Cuisine Phuket: your cosmic culinary exploration
For my last evening at Anantara Layan Phuket, I decided to dine at the sumptuous Dara restaurant. It was the concept that had fascinated me, and the perfect way to round off this exceptional stay.
Set back a little from the other facilities, in the heart of nature, not far from the Anantara cultures, Dara Cuisine Phuket invites you to an immersive, celestial, magical experience. This restaurant reinterprets traditional Thai cuisine and sets the tone with its “Sip, Savour, Stargaze” claim. I was captivated by the gestures of the talented, generous and inspired chefs at work. The open kitchens add cachet and theatricality to this showcase of absolute refinement. The ingredients are sublime, the service attentive, charming and authentic.
At the end of the meal, just before dessert, I took the stairs to thestargazing point. A moment of timeless contemplation, before coming back down to Earth to continue the journey with an Oh-Aew, a typical Phuket dessert reimagined by Dara: a cosmic culinary exploration.
Verdict: my stay at Anantara Layan Phuket was enriching, edifying even. I didn’t just discover the Layan Life wellness approach, I livedit, felt it, so intensely that months later it continues to inspire my lifestyle, guide my decisions and strengthen my intuition. The Layan Life experience is resolutely transformative, mirroring your deepest aspirations. It invites introspection. That’s why I’m highlighting below the top 3 most memorable moments for me at Anantara Layan Phuket: – contemplation of the surrounding nature: an invitation to slow down and soak up the energy of the place – the energy healing ritual and the associated sensations of fullness and wholeness – every exchange so instructive and inspiring with the wellness teams, especially Khun Sasithorn. Beyond words, I want to celebrate the energies, the moments that made this experience so powerful and authentic. An inspired and embodied wellness philosophy, guiding apprenticeships in your own wellness journey, the finest facilities. I was seduced by the personalized, comprehensive and sincere approach, truly focused on the customer’s aspirations.
Book Anantara Layan Phuket
Take advantage of our expertise in wellness stays and contact us to organize your next stay at Anantara Layan Phuket and benefit from our exclusive advantages.
Rates : Dynamic according to the season and variable according to the option chosen. Please consult us.
Call us for France: +33 1 85 73 22 14 or for Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16 to discuss your holiday plans.
