Inside Anantara Siam Bangkok: Where Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

By: Reta Lee

As I open the car door of my chauffeured BMW, the doorman swiftly greets me, “be careful of your step,” and tells me he will look after my carry-on bag. The concierge team then leads me to the lounge, with her grand stairs and the hand-painted mural by artist Ajarn Paiboon Suwannakudt grabbing my attention instantly.

Truly, stepping into the Anantara Siam Bangkok, a One MICHELIN Key holder, feels like entering a living tribute to Thai elegance, where every graceful wai from the staff carries the quiet warmth and refined hospitality for which the Kingdom of Siam has long been celebrated.

After the usual check-in process which was seamless, I was led to my Anantara Suite on the fifth floor, walking past ground staff that smiled and greeted me as I did the same. 

Originally opened in 1983 and designed by acclaimed architect George Wimberley, Anantara Siam Bangkok has earned its reputation as one of Asia’s most treasured addresses, a place where hand-painted murals, tranquil garden courtyards, and storied hospitality have defined the art of Thai luxury. The hotel had undergone a comprehensive US$50million in upgrade works, including the gym, wellness centre rooms and all 335 guestrooms, suites and villas. 

Most importantly, guests have the opportunity to stay at the all-new Anantara Garden Pool Suites which act as a personal sanctuary and the one-of-a-kind addition to the hotel,  the Jim Thompson Suite, a refined suite inspired by a Thai summer home.

The Anantara Suite

The Anantara Suite, which measures 1,345sqft and features a plush king bed, living area and a gorgeous his and her vanity area with a terrazzo tub and a rain shower, is a traveller’s dream come true. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a grand view of a private golf course or the open space of Pathum Wan district, whichever suite you chose.

True to its Thai heritage, the suite shines with its polished teak floors, panelled walls and craft motifs including curated artworks. A welcome note awaits me with a thoughtful basket of local fruits and pastries. 

Truly, a good night's rest depends on how well a hotel's pillows and bedding live up to expectations. And I’m glad to report that I achieved deep sleep in the past two nights in the suite. The pillows are filled with just the right amount of down, while the bedding offers enough firmness to ease you into a deep, restful sleep.

The bathroom amenities were a winner in my eyes as well. Clean, white bottles are filled with light, floral and fruity scents that don’t smell like ‘old money’ as some brands do. The bathtub comes with a caddy set, including bath salts for those long soaks and a placement for your smartphone so you can catch up on your Apple TV series.

Dining at Anantara Siam Bangkok

As sundown draws near, I walk down to the lobby to watch two Thai dancers open the night with a traditional Southern Thai dance, a ritual that kicks off every 6pm every day. 

Heading to the restaurants, you’ll walk into a lush, open-air courtyard, where you will begin to feel like you’re no longer in a city but in a mini tropical paradise. A little pond is the centerpiece, where two ducks, Anan and Tara live (the cutest!, and are cared for by the hotel’s staff members. A gazebo faces AQUA, one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars where you might find some of the most delicious crafted cocktails in town and Spice Market, helmed by Chef Punn (Akkawin Pitrachart) and his team.

On the opposite end, you’ll find all-day delights at Mocha & Muffins, from freshly baked pastries and exquisite cakes to expertly crafted coffee and artisanal tipples.

Spice Market

At Spice Market, I couldn't wait to indulge in local delicacies, thoughtfully prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients. One of the most memorable dishes is the Yum Som O-Hoy Shell, an appetiser that titillates your taste buds with a medley of pomelo bits, seared Hokkaido scallop and topped with coconut flakes in betel leaves.

For the main dishes, the Kor Moo Yang comes highly recommended; it’s a Kurobuta pork neck served over charcoal with a side of red chilli relish. Interestingly, the meat is ethnically sourced from a farm in Chiang Mai.

Another main dish I keep thinking of since my dinner that day, is the Panang Gai Yang, a red curry dish served with chicken thigh, eggplant and bitter beans. There’s enough sauce to go around and to soak up your plate of rice. 

It’s also difficult to say no to dessert after what I can say is a spectacular meal but I opt for a coconut ice cream which seals the night nicely.

AQUA Bar

Of course, the night is still young, and at AQUA bar, where head mixologist Ryan Dela Vega has shaken and stirred his way onto Asia's 50 Best Bars list, the recognition is truly deserved.

Our drinks, the Golden Lotus which is a blend of Macallan 12-year whisky, riceberry and longan syrup; and Dew Drop Whisper, a light, crisp, floral drink made with Roku gin, elderflower liqueur and fresh lime juice, are just the right yummy nightcap to end the night.

Parichart Court

Breakfast at Parichart Court is a lavish spread, with live cooking stations, and a wide range of Thai and International cuisines served from 6.30am to 10.30am every day. A light porridge or chicken noodle soup warms my belly comfortably, and a plate of four different kinds of mangoes thrill me nonetheless.

Biscotti

Continuing the journey of eating well, lunch at Biscotti, an Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Giuseppe Bonura is on the schedule. The burrata topped with heirloom tomatoes, basil and pesto sauce is a nice appetiser, followed by Mussels and Clams in Guazzetto with white sauce.

For our mains, the hearty Tagliolini con Gambero Rosso, which is topped with Mazara red prawn tartare, homemade tagliolini and lime; and the Gnocchi ai Funghi Selvatici served with Wild mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, thyme, seal the deal.

Madison Steak Avenue

Stepping into Madison Steak Avenue feels like you’re in one of Hollywood’s old films (The Godfather?), where the charming vibrancy of Madison Avenue in New York City comes to mind. Prime cuts typical of an American steakhouse while incorporating seasonal ingredients are served here, together with a selection of signature cuts from the USA, Australia and Japan. 

Wellness At Anantara Siam Bangkok

Anantara Spa

A walk-through the award-winning Anantara Spa tells me what I already need to know. The essence of hospitality and wellbeing is the utmost priority here, for guests who want to continue to enjoy the award-winning amenities inspired by traditional Thai healing methods.

Private rooms are being converted into a lush oasis, with one couple’s room I got to view on my hotel tour, fitted with a marble tub for that luxurious floral or aromatherapy bath, spotlighted by lights that mimic the night’s stars. Romantic, indeed.

There is a special wellness journey treatment section where guests can opt for either Himalayan Thermal Treatment or Tibetan Healing Therapy. The former uses handcrafted artisan salt stones that introduce 84 minerals to the body for that added natural detoxification, followed by a facial massage using the rose quartz stone to stimulate circulation. The latter is a full-body massage using warm oil that stimulates pressure points to release tension and energy.

A couple of notes here: facials are accompanied by Paris-based Biologique Recherche, known for its concentrated and pure ingredients, as well as innovative and meticulous procedures.

The Siam Sports Club

Right beside the spa is The Siam Sports Club, with the upgraded space fully decked with Technogym fitness equipment, a Pilates studio for 1-to-1 lessons and an outdoor wellness space with a Muay Thai boxing ring, a rock-climbing wall and a functional training zone.

For someone who can’t skip leg day, I liked working out at the gym. There’s ample space to move around and the clear windows facing outside gives you sweeping views of the lush gardens. 

Another of my favourite spot in the hotel is the newly revamped locker rooms. Both the men's and women's facilities now boast state-of-the-art rain showers with integrated lighting, as well as a cold plunge pool, steam room and sauna. Combining contrast therapy after a workout really helps with muscle recovery and circulation and I’m glad the new area now provides top-notch technologies.

The interiors, decked in quartz stone, contrasted with the wood accents in the locker and shower areas. It gives you a very modern, personal oasis for your total health. This is one wellness area I’d definitely return to when I am in Bangkok.

The Pool

Days are made for lounging at The Pool, where iconic orange umbrellas pop against a backdrop of lush greenery, making it easy to forget you're in the heart of Bangkok. The staff ensures they wrap your loungers with towels and bring you iced water before checking if you’d like a Pina Colada to start. 

Every angle makes it a great Instagram shot and I’m not surprised why The Pool is such a popular spot by content creators. For a full body workout, a swim at the 25-metre outdoor lap pool might just do the trick, but instead, you can find me at one of their beautiful cabanas hidden in a corner.

Bangkok LIFE Longevity

Located just next door at St. Regis Bangkok lies Bangkok LIFE Longevity, the newest wellness destination by the Minor Group, where wellness meets cutting-edge science. My session starts with an OligoScan using the SO/Check device, a quick, non-invasive test that flashes a white light onto the skin and measures the light reflected back to analyse the body's mineral and heavy metal levels. Within minutes, I had a detailed snapshot of my health, and should levels of mercury or lead fall into the red zone, a follow-up blood test is recommended for a closer look. The idea is to make small lifestyle adjustments, then return in three months to track the progress.

Guiding me through the results is Dr Arrirat alongside longevity advisor Mod, whose warm, personalised approach made the science feel refreshingly approachable. With four doctors on hand, including aesthetic specialists, the clinic offers a well-rounded menu of treatments, from targeted wellness consultations to a revitalising IV drip programme designed to restore and recharge. Soon to come, red light therapies to a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for discerning guests.

Ending the session we were advised to try Bangkok Renewal Ritual, which features an enriching magnesium scrub paired with a full-body massage to melt away tension and prepare the body for restful, deep sleep during evening sessions. The relaxing smell of lavender truly set me up for a lullaby and I was more than ready for an early night back at the hotel.

Verdict

Beautiful spaces at every corner we turned; Anantara Siam Bangkok’s glow-up given this grande dame a fresh, contemporary sparkle without losing an ounce of her Thai soul. I returned home to Singapore wishing I had more days spent at this urban oasis. Service is impeccable wherever we go and it's such details that don't go unnoticed.

If I return again to Anantara Siam Bangkok, I’d definitely bring my girlfriend or spouse and enjoy one of its curated experiences: The Urban Sanctuary Experience, where for S$1,735 gets you two nights in a villa, private butler, meals, IV drip jet lag recovery treatment by VIVID, THB 1,500 spa credit per night towards signature spa treatments and more.