Layan Life By Anantara Offers A Forward-Thinking ‘Medi-Wellness’ Concept In A Luxury Hotel Setting
Luxury resorts typically delve into ancient traditions and cultural heritage when it comes to wellness, but Layan Life’s concept demonstrates how modern medicine can contribute too.
12 March 2025
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Photo Credit: Layan Life By Anantara
Photo Credit: Layan Life By Anantara
When it comes to rejuvenating and relaxing holidays, Thailand is often top of the list, in particular for its Asian neighbours (and now, fans of the TV show The White Lotus). But wellness travellers have begun to look for something more than just a typical massage. Today, holistic wellness, and in particular longevity and ageing well have become big buzzwords that people are keen to get on board with. In an article last year on Channel News Asia, Professor Brian Kennedy, director of the Centre of Healthy Longevity at the National University Health System, said, “With the world population at 8 million, the market [for longevity] is infinite. It’s probably the best way to improve quality of life and make a fortune at the same time.”
“Medi-wellness” On The Rise
Lately, more spas have added medical elements to their offerings. For example, The Four Seasons Singapore partners with Chi Longevity for genetic testing, while RakXa Bangkok teams up with VitalLife to decode biomarkers and optimise health.
Layan Life is part of Anantara Hotels & Resorts, which in turn is part of Minor Hotels’ diverse portfolio of hospitality offerings. With Layan Life, the brand is embracing future-thinking wellness, combining traditional Thai medicine elements with medical offerings. “Minor has always invested in wellness, it has been an important part of our strategy for years,” says Sasithorn Charmorchad, Layan Life’s Wellness Manager. “We’ve been waiting for the right opportunity for Anantara to break into the medical-wellness arena for a while no, and Layan seemed like the perfect place to begin this journey for the brand. The wellness industry is growing exponentially, particularly in travel, and Minor intends to be at the forefront.”
Layan Life is ensconced within the existing Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and boasts cutting-edge medical technology alongside Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) and its herbal dispensary. Complementing these offerings is a health food-focused restaurant run by wellness chef Filippo Tawil and extensive facilities for physical activities ranging from tennis courts, a Muay Thai ring, climbing wall and archery. Of course, there are also water sports while cultural activities such as temple tours and ocean excursions ensure a well-rounded selection of offerings.
Photo Credit: Layan Life By Anantara
The “medi-wellness” experience is something Anantara is pioneering, with plans to expand it to other resorts in the future. Says Frederic Varnier, Vice President of Operations for Minor Hotels Southern Thailand, “Phuket is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s premier destinations for medical wellness, and the launch of Layan Life by Anantara 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.”
Photo Credit: Layan Life By Anantara
The science of living longer
A retreat at Layan Life can look very different from one guest to another. Says Charmorchad “One of our main unique characteristics is our Joy of Choice brand DNA. Guests come here on different journeys, at different life stages. Some might be on a strict wellness regime, and others want a more relaxed journey – at Layan Life, they can choose – which in turn is wellness in itself.”
Interestingly, she also notes that there has been a shift in guests focusing more on physical health and incorporating the mental, emotional/ spiritual aspects of this. “The most popular treatment currently at Layan Life is pain management, as they can see and feel the results straight away. They leave with a great change physically within their bodies.” Physiotherapy, which is designed to reduce pain and inflammation in the body, is very popular. “[It] helps with finding the root cause and looking at any muscle imbalances and postural alignment. These enable guests to take practical tools back home with them,” says Charmorchad.
Backing up the offerings is advanced medical technology, including epigenetic testing and 3D body scans, as well as facilities such as rooms for physiotherapy, IV procedures, an ice pod, a hyperbaric chamber and hydrocolonic therapies. Says Charmorchad, “[Medical] consultations to understand health are also increasingly popular. The results prompt further investigation and understanding, which is a global trend right now.”
Photo Credit: Layan Life By Anantara
Thai Traditional Medicine In Focus
Anantara has long been rooted in Thai wellness traditions, and with Layan Life, the practice of Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) is elevated to new heights. TTM is based on the idea that the body is made up of four elements or dhatus. They are din (earth), nam (water), low (wind) and fai (fire). The interplay of these four elements results in different physical conditions and temperaments. When out of sync, health and well-being suffer, though they can be restored through herbs and treatments.
At Layan Life, TTM is practised as part of the Life Method, the wellbeing centre’s philosophy which integrates four main pillars of wellness – longevity medicine, traditional Thai medicine, complementary medicine and lifestyle medicine. As Charmorchad, who has a background in TTM herself, explains, “Our TTM offerings look at the body as a whole, and each element within the body. We treat the root cause of the problem with highly advanced technology with the added benefit of being nestled in a beautiful and luxurious resort setting, which helps guests on their wellness journey.”
Here is also where the medi-wellness element is blended seamlessly into a spa-like setting. “Ancient healing medicine and herbal remedies (TTM) are prescribed by the doctor and personalized based on the guest’s constitution,” says Charmorchad. “We have adapted all treatments to the modern guest and their needs, blending TTM with other holistic practices such as energy healing and medical treatments – and of course with the added essential element of wellness cuisine, which is derived by expert chefs.”
Called the “Food for life” concept, Layan Life’s dining offerings are overseen by chef Filippo Tawil and focus on fresh whole foods that are free from gluten, dairy and processed sugars and feature a balance of high-quality macronutrients. Also on the menu are traditional and popular dishes but with a healthy twist.
Photo Credit: Layan Life By Anantara
Forward Looking
Layan Life opened in October 2024 and seems to have tapped into the current climate for wellness holidays. “Guests have given wonderful positive feedback, appreciating the authenticity and uniqueness of our medical wellness facility,” says Charmorchad. She is also keen to see how the medi-wellness trend develops, noting that Phuket has already emerged as a longevity hub, with a surge in retreats and wellness centres opening on the island.
As such, Charmorchad acknowledges that the market is ever-evolving and that the brand already has new developments in the pipeline. “Our fingers are always on the pulse of what our customers need, where their interests lie and where the industry is heading. We have just launched our TTM-led detox and sleep programmes, and our energy healer recently came on board, which has proven to be exceptionally popular. The medical section at Layan Life has also been expanding with highly advanced medical treatments focusing on longevity.” From the sounds of it, medi-wellness is here to stay.
Author: Karen Fong
Karen Fong is a Singapore-based writer and editor who has previously spent time in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Canada. She writes parenting, lifestyle and travel content and has worked with publications including The Singapore Women’s Weekly, DestinAsian, Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia and Prestige Hong Kong.
