Starting as a pot washer in a Melbourne restaurant, Australian Dylan Counsel has come a long way. His vast wealth of experience in hospitality has inspired real passion for creating quality stays and as General Manager in one of the most stunning locations and resorts in the world, Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, in Southern Thailand, part of the Club Escapes collection, he talks to Anantara Vacation Club and gives guests an interesting insight into this beach paradise.
Anantara Si Kao Resort GM Reveals Club Escape Beauty
Is the resort more suited to families or guests looking to really unwind?
Both! If you want to chill out and relax then it’s a perfect location, with everything onsite, such as our Anantara Spa, wonderful restaurants and two swimming pools and yet there’s still lots to do, activity-wise for families, plus family-friendly suites and our Dugong Kids’ Club. We have separate areas for adults to totally chill-out so they can enjoy the spacious, private and totally relaxing feel of the resort and our sea view rooms are perfect for couples wanting some alone time too.
What makes AnantaraSi Kao Resort & Spa special in this part of Thailand?
Beyond out beautiful resort, Si Kao is not so tourist and has a natural, undeveloped character, ideal for on an exclusive beach holiday. You might feel a million miles away but we’re near to the airports at Trang and Krabi too.
What Top 5 experiences would you recommend to guests?
Definite highlights which I think really make a trip memorable. For me, nothing beats taking a speedboat to our private island beach club on Koh Kradan, with its white sands and reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish; indulging in some Anantara Spa treatments at our blissful retreat; getting involved with eco-projects, such as planting seagrass in a beautiful cove to help the endangered dugong; a Thai cooking class, visiting a local market, enjoying a traditional dim sum breakfast and returning to learn how to cook mouthwatering southern Thai cuisine; and our Dinner of the Legends, a really magical, indigenous experience where a local fisherman tells you the story behind the legend of Mook and Meng islands, followed by a sumptuous seafood dinner, served in a stunning beachside setting by your own personal Chef. You can watch the sunset at the Beach House first!
What is your top tip for a perfect stay?
Come prepared to relax and unwind in the resort facilities and beautiful guest rooms, with the help of Anantara Spa…or come prepared to be as active as you like. The natural setting, beautiful Andaman waters, adjoining national park and nearby Mangrove forests are exciting to explore and whether you visit as a family, couple or singleton, I’m convinced you will discover a unique part of Thailand here…I know I did!
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