Anantara Villa Padierna Celebrates Its Origins with a Festival Dedicated to the Essence of Thailand

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, will be the setting for a truly special celebration on 10 September. To mark the 25th anniversary of the Anantara brand, the resort will pay tribute to the country where the brand was born with an event that will bring the essence of Thailand to the heart of the Costa del Sol.

Organised in collaboration with the Office of Commercial Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy, whose support has been key in bringing the country’s cultural, gastronomic and traditional richness to the occasion, the celebration will reinforce the authenticity of this tribute to Anantara’s origins.

Because some anniversaries not only celebrate the journey so far, but also invite us to return to our roots, this occasion will commemorate the heritage, culture and values that have accompanied Anantara since its birth 25 years ago. Deeply inspired by the cultural richness of Thailand, the event has been conceived as an immersion in the authenticity, elegance and traditions of the country where the brand was born, a destination where ancient heritage and contemporary life coexist in perfect harmony.

The programme will begin in the morning with an institutional event organised by Anantara Villa Padierna and the Spanish Kickboxing and Muaythai Federation (FEKM). At 11:00 am, the resort’s amphitheatre will host the presentation of a distinction to legendary Muay Thai champion Buakaw, in a gathering that will bring together representatives from the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy, the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), FEKM, Anantara and Minor Hotels. Between 12:00 and 1:00 pm, the amphitheatre gardens will provide the setting for a cocktail reception featuring a selection of tapas from Thai Gallery, Singha beer and a selection of drinks.

In the afternoon, the setting will be the spectacular Sala Linares, which will be transformed to host an authentic festival celebrating the essence of Thailand, designed to awaken the senses through a carefully curated programme of cultural and gastronomic experiences.

Organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion of Thailand (DITP), FEKM and the Thai Association in Andalusia, the main event will open its doors at 6:00 pm with a welcome for attendees and an exhibition area that will remain open until 10:00 pm. It will feature prominent athletes from the world of Muay Thai, as well as various organisations and brands linked to Thai culture and tourism, including the DITP, FEKM, the Thai Association in Andalusia, Urban Fighter, Hualaan, Nanthicha, Qualy, Thai Airways, Select Aviation and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The experience will continue with a journey through some of Thailand’s most representative cultural expressions. Visitors will be able to discover an exhibition of Thai art, enjoy a fashion show inspired by the country’s sophistication and identity from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, presented by Nanthicha, admire traditional dances scheduled from 7:00 to 7:15 pm, and discover one of the country’s most emblematic disciplines: Muay Thai.

The event will also include a demonstration and masterclass in this ancient martial art, led by Buakaw between 7:15 and 8:15 pm.

Gastronomy will also take centre stage, with a selection of traditional Thai food stalls offering a culinary journey through some of the country’s most representative flavours, brought to life by Chang Thai restaurant. To round off the day on 10 September, La Veranda restaurant, in collaboration with Thai Gallery, will offer a Thai gastronomic experience from 7:00 to 11:00 pm, featuring a selection of starters, three main courses and three desserts to choose from. In addition, a VIP dinner with a selection of invited guests will take place at 9:00 pm, while at 9:15 pm, two dancers from the Thai Association in Andalusia will perform a short traditional dance, adding a cultural touch to the evening.

The culinary offering will continue from 10 to 13 September at La Veranda, where diners will be able to enjoy an exclusive selection of dishes inspired by Thai cuisine, specially created for the occasion.

With this celebration, Anantara Villa Padierna not only commemorates a milestone in the brand’s history, but also reaffirms its commitment to creating authentic experiences that connect travellers with the cultures that inspire each of its destinations.

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.