From Cities to Wilderness: A Season of Exploration by Anantara | News
As summer travel plans take shape, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, the experiential luxury brand of Minor Hotels, invites travelers to look beyond familiar itineraries and consider how each moment unfolds through its signature anniversary experiences. Covering cities, landscapes and cultural monuments, these experiences reveal destinations from a different perspective, deep within nature or within living traditions.
Cities, reinterpreted
Familiar urban destinations are approached differently, shifting sights to slower, more thoughtful encounters.
At the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, the city reveals itself from the gentler rhythm of the Tiber River. Here, a private boat tour replaces the pace of a typical city tour. Historic facades and hidden corners gradually emerge along the water, offering a more contemplative perspective on Rome. The experience ends above the skyline, with a refined aperitivo served on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Eternal City.
Beyond the grandeur of the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, Hungary’s cultural wealth unfolds through the traditions of the surrounding communities. A trip to the village of Tard introduces extensive Matyó folk art embroidery, preserved and practiced for generations by local artisans. Guests participate in the craft in a family-run workshop, followed by a visit to a local church and a home-cooked lunch of gulyas, accompanied by traditional songs that marked seasonal gatherings and celebrations.
Nature, approached differently
Destinations known for their natural beauty are experienced from new perspectives, ranging from scenic views to more immersive encounters.
At Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, the focus shifts inland from the island’s famous beaches, where villages, forests and farmlands offer a more layered view of the island. Traveling by open-air mini-jeep through rice fields and to the historic settlement of Taro, one of Bali’s oldest Hindu communities, the journey progresses gradually, led by a local naturalist. Wildlife encounters of the Alas Taro Forest, including the sacred white buffalo, and a visit to the firefly nature reserve reveal a quieter side of the island, grounded in ecology and tradition.
As night falls along the waterways near Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia, the rhythm of the destination changes completely. An excursion through the mangroves reveals a different ecosystem after dark, where fireflies gather in silent bursts of light along the riverbanks. The resort’s Naturalist leads the way as a gourmet picnic is served on board. The experience revolves around silence, which allows the surrounding environment to come into its own.
Meanwhile, at the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, appreciation of the majestic Victoria Falls takes shape as a journey rather than a single viewpoint. Guests begin their experience from the air, a 22-minute helicopter flight that provides a breathtaking perspective of the thundering waterfalls and surrounding gorge. Guests then transfer to the Zambezi River, where a private boat takes them to a remote island. There, a carefully designed setting allows you to experience the energy of the landscape at a more intimate pace.
Culture, reinvented
Cultural destinations are explored through participation and craftsmanship, creating a deeper connection with heritage, tradition and local life.
Next to the Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel, the stories of Rajasthan take shape in the villages where time-honored crafts determine daily life. Guests are introduced to Manpura artisans as they hand-knot carpets, shape pottery and make lacquer bracelets, with each interaction revealing practices passed down from generation to generation. The experience unfolds through direct exchange, with walks through historic Rajput lanes and authentic Rajasthani flavors prepared by local families, anchoring the region’s heritage in lived experiences.
At the Anantara Angkor Resort, the story of Cambodia is framed by symbolism and rituals surrounding the lotus. The journey begins at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, where the motif appears carved into stone, before continuing to a lotus farm at dusk. Here, guests harvest and weave silk from lotus stems, culminating in a multi-course dinner inspired by royal tradition, with each element reflecting the plant’s cultural significance.
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort highlights the region’s pearl diving heritage through a visit to Suwaidi Pearl Farm. The experience traces the history of pearl farming and its role in shaping the emirate, providing insight into traditional techniques still practiced today. Under the guidance of experts, guests observe the process from oyster to final product, ending with a better understanding of a craft rooted in the tides.
Anantara’s signature anniversary experiences, including those mentioned above, will be available across the brand’s portfolio throughout 2026. Each property has designed its experience to give guests a more mindful way to discover the destination.
Discover the full collection at anantara.com/en/25th-anniversary-experiences
