Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier has unveiled plans to introduce an innovative medi-wellness concept to the group's Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas brand, with ambitions to expand the concept to additional resorts in the future.

The group is preparing to launch the flagship destination – named Layan Life by Anantara – at the existing Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in Q3 later this year. Spanning 1,767sq m, the purpose-built facility will integrate modern medical technologies with 'Rajasamnak' Thai healing traditions.

Grounded in the four elements of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) – earth, water, wind, and fire – the destination will offer programmes lasting from three to ten days, focusing on weight management, stress reduction, fitness improvement and anti-aging treatments.

The protocols have been created by specialist medical doctors and Thai medicinal experts, incorporating TTM, advanced medical assessments, personalised nutrition and guided fitness regimens.

In an exclusive interview with Spa Business, Rajakarier outlined the group's strategy to expand the concept across other Anantara resorts. He said that while all outposts will prioritise medi-wellness, each destination will have a distinct offering inspired by the healing traditions and customs of their specific regions.

Additional future locations are yet to be disclosed but Rajakarier said that Thailand will serve as the initial testing ground for the new wellness concept, with the Phuket flagship setting the standard for forthcoming destinations.

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

The Phuket flagship's offering

Designed using biophilic architectural principles, Layan Life will remain connected to its tropical surroundings through neutral tones, airy spaces and the incorporation of natural light.

Split across two storeys, the facility’s lower level will include a 220sq m gym, a yoga studio, a Pilates studio, meditation rooms and a hydrotherapy area with vitality pools, saunas and a steamroom.

Meanwhile, the upper floor will house medical and holistic facilities, rooms for consultations, physiotherapy, TTM, aesthetic treatments, IV procedures and medical treatments such as an Icepod, hyperbaric chamber and hydrocolonic therapies.

There will also be a Thai herbal dispensary where personalised remedies will be prescribed.

Outside, an Active Zone will feature tennis courts, a Muay Thai ring, a climbing wall and an outdoor fitness area with water sports amenities.

Frederic Varnier, Minor’s VP of operations in Southern Thailand, said: “Phuket is rapidly emerging as one of the world's premier destinations for medi-wellness and the launch of Layan Life takes this to another level with a personalised and immersive journey that not only focuses on physical wellness but also nurtures the mind and soul.”

More about Minor HotelsGlobal hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has a portfolio of 540 hotels and resorts in 56 countries under a range of brands; Anantara, Avani, NH Hotels, nhow, Tivoli, Oaks and Elewana.

The group is aiming to add 200 more hotels by the end of 2026, including 40 new openings in Europe. Minor also has future plans to move its European brands into Asia and expand into India for the first time.