Celebrating JB’s birthday at Anantara Rasananda in Koh Phangan (Thailand)
Because of a small Covid wave hitting Koh Phangan island, all the “cool” plans to properly celebrate JB’s birthday fall through. But that’s okay, we decide to spend 1 night at the Anantara Rasananda hotel, which we really liked during our little excursion last time.
Part 1: Travel Journal
Part 2: Practical Tips
Part 1: Travel Journal
I wanted to go there by boat from Chaloklum, then be brought back to Chaloklum the next day, but that requires two round trips for the fisherman and he gives us a very high rate. What’s the point of taking the boat if the visibility isn’t great and we can’t even go snorkeling? JB and I decide to take the scooter. Since there are few roads on the island, we have to make a big detour and it’ll take 41 minutes, but that’s not a problem, we now have a powerful scooter.
Halfway there, we fill up with gas, afraid of running out as was the case last time. But this caution was unnecessary, our new scooter seems to consume less gas. The climbs and descents at a 22% gradient don’t scare it. It’s a pleasant ride as we discover lots of cool places we didn’t know before, like these two century-old trees.
In Koh Samui, going through less frequented areas would have attracted/annoyed the somewhat territorial dogs, but the dogs in Koh Phangan are extremely friendly. I think I only came across two dogs that barked at us and ran after us, including one always in the same spot – so we simply avoid crossing paths with it.
Anantara Rasananda
Anantara is the most luxurious of the 3 five-star hotels in Koh Phangan. They have several types of rooms but all rooms have a private pool. We opt for the cheapest one, 80m² on the upper floor, with garden view. The night cost us 125€ (Booking link, Agoda link) .
During our last visit, we weren’t hotel guests and just enjoyed the restaurant. We didn’t really like seeing so many children everywhere, screaming, running around in all directions. But we’re very “lucky”. Because of the restrictions, all common areas are reserved exclusively for guests. No more squatters lol, no more children, and we can quietly enjoy the 5-star facilities with 4-5 other guests. That feels good!
Upon arrival, JB discreetly lets the receptionist know it’s his birthday today. Usually, we notify hotels in advance but since it was planned last-minute, we completely forgot. Last time, in Macau, we got macarons for my birthday – and a crazy upgrade.
Here too, the garden is lush, the room is spacious. We’re on the 1st floor, but I didn’t like the possibility of seeing other guests on the ground floor and their private pool from my terrace. There’s a design flaw (or the plants haven’t grown fast enough to cover their terrace?). On the other side of the hotel, the garden is structured differently, with a small bridge and ponds styled like “little Giverny”.
But we’re very happy with our room and especially the pool.
After learning it was JB’s birthday, housekeeping came back to form a “HBD Mr JB” (happy birthday Mr. JB) on the bed with leaves and folded towels shaped like a cake. It’s so so cute!
There are two pools side by side: for adults and for adults & children. The pool near the bar has several “jacuzzi” areas that are too fun, and there are stools in the pool, allowing you to swim while enjoying the bar. I love it! Each time, we’re the only ones enjoying the pool 😀
The hotel’s bistro is really good. Since our favorite sushi (& French & Vietnamese) restaurant Beach Garden is currently closed due to restrictions too, we set our sights on the sushi here. They’re very good. Note, you need to add 17% in taxes and service to the prices shown on the menu.
The staff surprises JB with a birthday cake & candles. What a lovely touch!
We really enjoy the double loungers, the paddles and kayaks available to us.
The breakfast is delicious and so hearty that we can barely have lunch afterwards.
Even though we only stay for one night, changing our environment a bit makes us feel like we’re on vacation for several weeks. It’s super relaxing, especially since the hotel also allows us to check out at 3pm, without extra charge. On the way back, we pass by the century-old trees and JB spots a sign for a shooting club. JB will tell you more about it here
Part 2: Practical Tips
- Anantara Rasananda: 125€ for the 80m² room with private pool and breakfast included (Booking link, Agoda link)
- 3 meals for 2 people: 4300 bahts or 111€
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