Minor Hotels has celebrated the official launch of its new medi-wellness concept, Life by Anantara, and opened a brand new retreat space at its Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in Thailand.

Rooted in the four elements of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) – earth, water, wind and fire – Life by Anantara was first announced in June and blends ancient Thai wisdom with advanced medical treatments, diagnostics, personalised nutrition and guided fitness for a holistic approach to wellbeing.

The retreat’s core philosophy, known as the Life Method, incorporates four key wellness pillars: Longevity Medicine, TTM, Complementary Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. Programmes range from three to 10 days, focusing on weight management, stress reduction, fitness improvement and anti-ageing.

This launch not only introduces a new wellness brand for Anantara Hotels & Resorts but also marks Minor’s second new wellness concept for 2024. In an exclusive interview with Spa Business, Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier outlined plans for expanding the concept across other Anantara resorts.

Each location will offer a unique medi-wellness experience, drawing on regional healing traditions. While additional locations have yet to be announced, Thailand will serve as the testing ground, with the Phuket flagship setting the benchmark for future destinations.

“We’ve created this new concept to cater to the modern-day guest and their evolving needs,” Rajakarier said.

"Layan Life represents a significant milestone in our commitment to wellness. With Life by Anantara, we’re redefining wellness retreats by combining cutting-edge technologies with the timeless wisdom of ancient Thai traditions in one of the world’s most beautiful settings."

Layan Life’s wellness facilities

Designed with biophilic principles, Layan Life is a 1,767sq m standalone treatment facility which has opened among Anantara Layan Phuket Resort's existing facilities.

Nestled around a serene pond and surrounded by lush greenery, the two-floor retreat’s design incorporates neutral tones, airy spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and natural light.

The lower floor features a 220sq m gym, yoga and Pilates studios, meditation rooms and a hydrotherapy area with vitality pools, saunas and steamrooms. Meanwhile, the upper level houses medical and holistic treatment facilities, including consultation rooms, physiotherapy areas, TTM and aesthetic treatment rooms and spaces for IV procedures and medical therapies like cryotherapy, hyperbaric chamber and hydrocolonic treatments.

A Thai herbal dispensary also offers personalised remedies.

Outside, the Active Zone boasts tennis courts, a Muay Thai ring, a climbing wall, archery facilities and an outdoor fitness area with ziplining, mountain biking, a beach bootcamp and water sports.

Customer journeyThe Layan Life experience begins with an in-depth wellness consultation and diagnostic check-up, including epigenetic testing and advanced physiotherapy with 3D body scans. These results are analysed by the medical team to create tailored wellness programmes using the Life Method.

The retreat offers ‘the joy of choice,’ allowing guests to take control of their healing journey by customising their treatments and programmes. Guests can choose to experience the retreat solo or with family and friends, with activities available for children while parents focus on their wellness goals.

Cultural immersions, such as craft workshops, Thai language and etiquette classes, temple tours, cooking classes, tea tastings and island excursions, further enhance the holistic retreat experience.