Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa Review

View from our suite at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa

 
Are you planning a trip to Bangkok and looking to find an oasis away from the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the city? Then the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is the ideal place for you.

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, as soon as you enter the resort you instantly forget you are in the heart of one of the largest and biggest cities in the world.

With 408 rooms at the Anantara, we stayed in the Riverfront Suite for three nights in mid June. This had a spacious living area, separate dining room and a wide balcony that had some of the most enchanting views of the river. I loved sitting out on the balcony taking in the stunning views of the beautiful resort gardens and using up endless opportunities to watch the sunset over the banks of the Grand Chao Phraya River. 

 

Our bedroom had a very comfortable king size bed with large windows revealing the beautiful views of the river. The largge ensuite bathroom was equally impressive, with dual vanity basins including both a rain shower and large bath tub. One of the best features of the room was with a free smart phone device that could be used both in the hotel room and also sightseeing around Bangkok too. I couldn’t believe that guests were allowed to make unlimited local and international calls and use the internet all for free! This was just one of many great services Anantara provides guests when they choose to stay at the resort.
  

 

Guests are really spoiled for choice for food and drinks with 10 restaurants and bars on the resort. I didn't get a chance to visit them all but a few of my favourites were Trader's Vic that serves delicious Mai Tai Sunday Brunch's in a relaxed atmosphere where guests can dine in the private tropical garden or the Polynesian inspired dining room with live music. Another favourite is Benihana, a japanese restaurant, where talented chefs create sumptuous Teppanyaki dishes with theatrical cooking displays for customers. On our first night we ate at the stunning Riverside Terrace, a restaurant overlooking the riverbank. We were treated to a delicious thai buffet and watched classical Thai dancers perform on a flame lit stage against the backdrop of the Chao Phraya River.
 

The Anantara offers guests the ideal combination of luxury and tranquillity. The resort is the perfect base to explore the 11 acres of beautiful gardens or if like me, you prefer to relax in the spa and experience the best in thai massage, scrubs and rice rituals! After a long flight from London, on our first day at the resort we had a couples treatment and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The resort also provides a complimentary private shuttle boat into the bustling heart of Bangkok. The boats leave every half-hour so you can leave the sanctuary of the resort and be in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping or nightlife very easily. I loved travelling by riverboat, it's a great benefit that the resort offers to its guests. We went to Asiatique a night market on the other side of the river which has numerous restaurants and lots of shops and boutiques. 


We also used the river boat to travel into the city and had cocktails at 200m-high roof top Sky Bar at LeBua, an amazing experience that is worth visiting so I would highly recommend!

The Anantara feels like a hideaway from the city itself and is the ideal way to experience Bangkok. You are only a shuttle boat ride away from the bustling heart of Bangkok so close enough to feel the energy of the city around you but still located in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the resort.  The resort is beautiful, by day you can explore the 11 acres of gardens and by night the open-air corridors are lit by torches in the evening. I would encourage guests to take time to explore the natural beauty of the resort and stroll the grounds to see the beautiful flowers and tropical trees.

The hotel is certainly 5 star and the prices are to match but staying at Anantara is worth it and you certainly won’t be disappointed.  The service from staff is fantastic, absolutely faultless. From the moment we arrived we were welcomed by friendly staff and all throughout our stay, the staff really went above and beyond to make our experience in Bangkok a memorable one.

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel to stay in Bangkok chilled enough to relax by the pool but close enough to the city, then this is the one for you. I certainly look forward to visiting Bangkok again and staying at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa!