Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

2 0 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I S et foot inside a Layan Residence by Anantara, and time ceases to exist. In a world where the word ‘luxury’ has become synonymous with ‘expensive’, this latest arrival to Phuket’s shores redefines our understanding of the term entirely. With privacy at its core, and a sense of belonging embedded in its DNA, hours spent here pass by without a second thought. Elevated high up on an undulating hillside nestled amongst lush rainforest and tropical canopies, the Layan Residences seamlessly hunker down into their environment. Overlooking the sandy shores of Layan Bay, sprawling views of the Andaman Sea stretch out in a yawning expanse of splendour. The shiny, white hulls of superyachts bespeckle the horizon, and the magical glow of sunrise is matched only by the iridescent hues of sunset, and the inviting glass-like reflection of your own, private 21m infinity pool. In 2001, the Anantara brand opened its doors in the royal seaside retreat of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand. Catering to the demand of discerning guests who fell in love with its contemporary luxuries and sense of indigenous discovery, the Anantara collection continued to grow. Today, the collection boasts over 40 luxury hotels and residences in city, island and desert settings across Asia, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Africa and Europe. The Layan Residences by Anantara are the first of their kind to arrive in Phuket. Fifteen uniquely designed two-storey pool residences – each with 24-hour live-in butler service and a sea view – sit just a stone’s throw from the existing Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, with full access to the hotel’s premium restaurants and amenities. This includes year- round management and ‘a la carte’ services, all of which is accessible via a residents-only private road. A 24-hour on-call butler and buggy service are also available through the resort. Thailand’shiddengem Not just setting the bar but taking it to new heights, the Layan Residences by Anantara are Phuket’s answer to heaven. b y J u l i a Z a l t z m a n