Anantara Golden Triangle in the north of Thailand has all the right elements for a peaceful weekend retreat
At the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort, a gorgeous 77-room property in a setting only Mother Nature could have perfected, time meanders to match the languid movement of the Ruak River that flows to meet the great Mekong slightly farther away. Here, at the heart of one of Thailand’s most scenic regions, nature takes centre stage, and one has all the time in the world to do as one pleases. It’s also in a remote region such as this that conventional notions of luxury travel are fast recalibrating. Instead of gravitating to the most exclusive private member bars or guest lists at the hippest clubs, a new breed of luxury traveller is beginning to seek out peace, tranquillity and fresh air.
Among the resort’s compelling attractions is its elephant camp, home to a collection of well-cared for and obedient pachyderms, all of which are said to consume up to 272kg of food daily. One may explore the countryside slightly after sunrise with a mother elephant and her 24-month-old offspring Yuki or consider an hour-long yoga session with your elephant companion. The latter is one of several activities focussing on wellness along with a healthful menu devised by executive chef Paitoon Surawongpaiboon. The chef, who spent time working and honing his skills in Italy, makes the most of the freshest local ingredients like black jasmine rice served with grilled chicken, succulent locally grown greens along with pasta prepared in the lightest of sauces – dishes served in the property’s two restaurants: Sala Mae Nam specialising in Thai cuisine and the Italian Baan Dahlia.
