THE TREASURE OF TRANG
A hidden secret, Anantara Si Kao welcomes guests with the warmth of family.
The final minutes of the drive leading up to Anantara Si Kao are peaceful. There are no other developments in this protected part of Had Chao Mai National Park, located just 40 minutes from Trang Airport and not much further from Krabi. This solitude bestows the resort with a
relaxing first impression upon arriving at the entrance.
Spread out along the Andaman coast and surrounded by the tranquil Changlang Beach, most of the 140 rooms and suites are enveloped by lush Bill Bensleydesigned gardens, with views of the sea.
Each Anantara is devoted to the conservation of a particular creature – in the case of the Si Kao property it is the gentle dugong. The surrounding waters are the only place left in Thailand to find these shy creatures in the wild. As such resort conservationist Mark Isenstadt devotes much of his time to educating guests and locals on how to protect them — fewer than 200 are found here. Those on the Libong Island Dugong Spotting Tour are usually fortunate enough to spy one or two.
When dusk falls, chef Mohan Nalamveetil’s creations at Acqua satiate with a delectable Western twist on famous local dishes and ingredients. His tom yam risotto is a must try with the spicy-sour flavour coming through in toothsome bites. The meal is best washed down with its signature cocktail — a rum-based lemongrass and ginger caipirinha.
If you prefer a spot away from the busy dining area, opt for Anantara’s Dining by Design.
You can ask to have a table for two (or more) set up at a spot near the beach for a soundtrack of waves and sea breezes, although some may prefer the fresh herb garden just a
Most of the 140 rooms and suites are enveloped by lush Bill Bensley- designed gardens, with views of the sea.
stone’s throw from the reception. Wake up early enough and you may catch chef Mohan in fervent discussion with the local fishermen on their day’s prize hauls. As the day breaks, the sunlight glistens off the sandbanks at low tide (which doubles up as an occasional set for Bollywood movies). At breakfast, the chef ’s favourite is a combination of sweet buns paired with black coffee for a balance of bitter and sweet. Home beckons at the end of every trip of course, but the inviting nature of Anantara Si Kao and the exceptional hospitality of its staff create a home of itself in this oft-overlooked corner of Thailand. A sentiment probably shared by even the dugongs of Thailand. sikao.anantara.com ≠