From Cities to Wilderness: A Season of Exploration by Anantara

As summer travel plans take shape, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, the experiential luxury brand of Minor Hotels, invites travellers to look beyond familiar itineraries and consider how each moment unfolds through its signature anniversary experiences. Spanning cities, landscapes and cultural landmarks, these experiences reveal destinations from a different perspective, whether deep in nature or within living traditions.

Familiar urban destinations are approached differently, shifting sightseeing towards slower, more considered encounters.

At Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, the city reveals itself from the quieter rhythm of the River Tiber. Here, a private boat journey replaces the pace of a typical city tour. Along the water, historic façades and hidden corners emerge gradually, affording a more contemplative perspective on Rome. The experience concludes above the skyline, with a refined aperitivo served on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Eternal City.

Beyond the grandeur of Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, Hungary’s cultural richness unfolds through the traditions of its surrounding communities. A journey to the village of Tard introduces elaborate Matyó folk-art embroidery, preserved and practised by local artisans for generations. Guests take part in the craft at a family-run workshop, followed by a visit to a local church and a homemade lunch of gulyas, accompanied by traditional songs that marked seasonal gatherings and celebrations.

Destinations known for natural beauty are experienced from new perspectives, shifting from scenic viewing to more immersive encounters.

At Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, the focus moves inland from the island’s renowned beaches, where villages, forest and farmland offer a more layered view of the island. Travelling by open-air mini jeep through rice fields and into the historic settlement of Taro, one of Bali’s oldest Hindu communities, the journey progresses gradually, led by a resident Naturalist. Encounters with wildlife of the Alas Taro Forest, including the sacred white buffalo, and a visit to the firefly conservation area 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 destination’s rhythm changes entirely. An excursion through the mangroves reveals a different ecosystem after dark, where fireflies gather in quiet bursts of light along the riverbanks. The resort's resident Naturalist leads the way as a gourmet picnic is served on board, the experience centres on stillness, allowing the surrounding environment to come into focus.

Meanwhile, at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, appreciation for 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 ride offering a sweeping perspective of the thundering falls and the surrounding gorge. Next, guests transition to the Zambezi River, where a private boat takes them to a secluded island. There, a carefully arranged setting allows the energy of the landscape to be experienced at a more intimate pace.

Cultural destinations are explored through participation and craftsmanship, presenting a deeper connection to heritage, tradition and local life.

Beyond Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel, the narratives of Rajasthan take shape in the villages where time-honoured crafts define daily life. Guests are introduced to artisans of Manpura, who hand-knot carpets, shape pottery and craft lacquer bangles, each interaction revealing practices passed down through generations. The experience unfolds through direct exchange, with walks through historic Rajput lanes and authentic Rajasthani flavours prepared by local families, grounding the region’s heritage in lived experience.

At Anantara Angkor Resort, the story of Cambodia is framed through symbolism and ritual centred around the lotus. The journey begins at Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, 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 dining experience inspired by royal tradition, with each element reflecting the plant's cultural significance.

Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort spotlights the region’s pearl-diving heritage through a visit to Suwaidi Pearl Farm. The experience traces the history of pearl cultivation and its role in shaping the emirate, giving insight into traditional techniques that continue today. Guided by experts, guests observe the process from oyster to finished piece, concluding with a fuller understanding of a craft rooted in the tides.

Anantara’s signature anniversary experiences, including those featured above, are available across the brand’s portfolio throughout 2026. Each property has designed its experience to offer guests a more deliberate way to discover the destination.

Explore the full collection at anantara.com/en/25th-anniversary-experiences

A luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, Anantara Hotels & Resorts connects guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination, creating unforgettable memories for every guest since 2001. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Visit anantara.com for more information, and connect with Anantara on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.