To say that Anantara Layan Phuket harbours stellar spa and fitness facilities feels like a gross misrepresentation of what this resort stands for—or what it is currently in possession of. If we are to look at things in the most simplistic sense, breaking down the multitude of facets that make up Layan Life by Anantara is perhaps the best way to go about it. Established a mere year ago, this wellness sanctuary is a whole institution in itself. Located in a towering bungalow structure on the resort grounds, it is an entirely separate entity from the hotel’s luxury spa which offers more conventional offerings in the vein of coconut oil massages and manicures. Instead, Layan Life by Anantara positions itself as a medispa, providing a bevy of tailored solutions for a variety of ailments.
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Case in point: unlike other resorts, I am asked to hop on a Teams call for an online consultation prior to my arrival. My therapist is a warm and empathetic presence, carefully taking notes all while expressing sympathy at my frazzled state of mind. No stone is left unturned—what is my stress level on a given day? Are there any foods that I’d like to avoid? Do I have a full rundown of my current roster of vitamins and supplements? I answer as truthfully as possible, and am soon able to pin down my goals for the retreat: to re-centre, realign and emerge with my physical and mental health in a better state than before. I receive a personalised itinerary soon after comprising activities and treatments to help me achieve just that.
Health is wealth
After a short two-hour flight and a five minute buggy ride, I find myself at Layan Life by Anantara. The space alone is a marvel; a sprawling, light-filled establishment which deftly melds cutting-edge technology with traditional Thai elements. Turn a corner, and you’ll find a herbal dispensary positioned a few feet away from a cryotherapy chamber. A Dyson hairdryer rests against a jug of infused water which comprises ingredients typically used in Thai cooking and medicine. I spy healing crystals and sound bowls in one room, and an A.I. set-up in the next that assesses your muscular imbalances.
I don’t get to gawk for too long. Right off the get-go, I have a consultation with Dr. Sataporn Wangthitikul. As a longevity doctor with years of experience in emergency care as well as aesthetics, he is able to provide a comprehensive list of ways in which I can improve my current lifestyle. Beyond consuming more nuts, grains and seeds as well as incorporating strength training in my regime, he recommends I kick things off with the Moti Dynamic Postural Analysis. It utilises A.I. to help me discover—in a matter of minutes, might I add—what are the areas of my body that require more muscle mass, toning and the like. This is then accompanied by a Pain Management Therapy to help resolve any mobility- and tension-related issues, alongside an one-on-one stretching session designed to aid with muscle recovery and encourage flexibility.
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It is entirely possible that my treatments for the day are in direct response to coming off a cramped airplane seat; a fact of which I am highly grateful for. And while the nifty gizmos and gadgets are impressive, it is the skill and knowledge of my physiotherapist and stretching instructor that leaves a searing impression. I am struck with their seemingly infinite amount of patience when it comes to dealing with my ailments, from a stubborn knot to a particularly stiff hamstring. Layan Life by Anantara gets it right in this regard: because they tap in on specialists from various fields, there is an understanding that you’re in good hands—of which is further felt during the sessions itself.
Heal thyself
On the note of standout practitioners and procedures, a humongous boon for Layan Life by Anantara is their ironclad grasp over traditional Thai medicine (TTM). The extensiveness of their offerings is mind-boggling, with everything from postpartum recovery to detoxification serving as available options. In my case, however, and according to TTM specialist, Dr Kornpathu Lipikorn, the Sweet Herbal Thai Acupressure is a perfect fix for my tech neck and office syndrome.
As she tells me, the belief is that the body is made of four elements: earth, water, wind and fire. Each person comprises a different percentage of said element, and it is through the meshing as well as interaction between said elements that manifests as a variety of physical conditions. Dr. Lipkorn informs me that I have wind and fire in excess. “Particularly in the heart and head,” she says gently. “It’s very noisy up here. You think too much.”
Her solution is simple in execution, but deeply effective in quietening my ever-churning brain—a massage with a warm compress encompassing aromatherapy herbs, of which is applied to specific pressure points to relieve tension as well as excess wind, and bring forth a restorative sleep. An energy healing class with holistic practitioner, Kedar Joshi, comes after to clear energy blockages and temper emotional fluctuations.
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Ultimately, it is my opinion that this is Layan Life by Anantara’s strongest suit: its interconnectedness, where treatments flow from one to the other to ensure a fully transformative experience. In the other procedures that follow during my journey—an immunity-boosting IV drip, hyperbaric oxygen pod, abdominal massage as well as custom health food menu—I can see clearly how Anantara intends to help me reach my goal. Whether the efforts of their labour will continue to bear fruit in Singapore’s busy cityscape remains to be seen, but it’s safe to say that—at least for a four-day duration—I was a changed person.
