Discover the secrets of how Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr and The Matrix star Carrie-Ann Moss stay fit and toned with a retreat that brings a team of internationally renowned life coaches together in an undiscovered corner of Thailand.

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, south of Krabi, has collected leading experts in the fields of Pilates, yoga, dance movement, osteopathy and ayurveda to create a series of retreats as part of its unique Wellness 360 programme.

Running from 11th May to 8th June 2009, the one-week retreats are aimed at anyone who wishes to taste a new experience, rediscover, create, de-stress, rejuvenate or simply relax.

Guests will be able to improve their health and inner harmony with daily Pilates sessions led by Sally Anderson who has worked with numerous celebrity and political clients in her native Australia. Meditation and yoga will be led by Charlotte Dodson, who was praised by Miranda Kerr for her nurturing and grounded teaching techniques. Also on hand will be Paea Leach, the internationally acclaimed contemporary dancer and teacher. Each of these masters may also be booked for additional one-on-one sessions.

During each retreat, guests will benefit from consultations with leading osteopath Dr Geraldine van Boxmeer, Anantara Ayurveda expert Kavitha Hulmani and Resident Naturopath Dr Gopal. Between and after the daily sessions with the experts, pampering will be provided by therapists from the acclaimed Anantara Spa. Although guests may choose to take part in a weight-loss programme, food will not be restricted and regular healthy but delicious meals will be served to optimise energy levels. There will also be a cookery class led by award-winning resident chef Kelly Brennan who will guide guests through the principles of preparing wellness cuisine at home.

Outside scheduled retreat activity times, guests may choose to unwind in the laid-back luxury of the main resort and the private beach club at Koh Kradan Island or to embark on snorkelling trips, kayak adventures or head off on bicycle safaris. Set on the secluded Changlang Beach, about one hour’s drive from Krabi International Airport, Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa is located in Trang, a province that retains its authentic Thai charm. The area’s long stretches of sand, virgin tropical rainforest, incredible caves and beautiful waterfalls all combine to make this one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. The resort has 138 deluxe rooms and suites, set within the vibrant lushness of Bill Bensley-designed gardens and a natural forest of casuarinas trees leading down to the sea.

Prices for a one-week retreat start at THB 127,000 per person (approximately US$3500). Retreats shorter or longer than one week are also available. For full details on the programme, contact +66 (0) 7520 5888, email Sikao@anantara.com or consult Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa‘s website with Finest SPA.

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art” – La Rochefoucauld

At Shanti Ananda Maurice, they believe that the creation of balanced food contributing to physical well being is one of the most important things that they can offer to their guests.

The cuisine on offer reflects traditional styles of cooking in a contemporary manner, blending ancient Ayurvedic concepts, yogic arts and macrobiotic foods together with modern day Spa oriented nutrition. This menu features healthier and lighter preparations created from local, European and Japanese ingredients.

The cooking technique, using water, milk, broth, citrus juices, wine, different versatile oils, varieties of cereals, grains, lentils and natural sweeteners, achieves a fine balance between flavours and rejuvenating nourishment. Our saucing style with vegetable based juice vinaigrette, light emulsified stocks, puree, delicate broths, herb infused meat and fish extracts will allow you to experience good food without feeling the guilt of over indulging.

It is important to eat a balanced meal which not only stimulates the senses but continues to satisfy afterwards with the benefits of eating “right”. We at Shanti Ananda, believe that “good eating is a commitment to a healthy life style.”

Da Maurizio with its minimalist decor, unmatched ocean views, personalised service and its warm, intimate atmosphere adds to the experience that will take the food connoisseur down a forgotten culinary path that is less travelled and leave one committed, forever after, to eating the “Ananda” way!

***A new Ayurvedic Menu at Da Maurizio***
- Slow cooked lamb cannon with capers caponata and rosemary reduction

Recipe by : Ananda culinarians
Serving Size : 4

Ingredients
400 gms L amb Chop, lean
4 cloves Garlic – sliced 1/2” thick
1 sprig Rosemary
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
Salt and pepper
Capers Caponata
4 gms Tomato – blanched, peeled, deseeded
and diced
6 pcs Black Olive – chopped
6 pcs Green Olive
2 tbsp Onion – diced
2 cloves Garlic – sliced 1/3” thick
3 tbsp Capers
2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Mustard
1 tbsp Parsley – chopped
Salt and pepper

Rosemary Reduction
1 cup Stock – browned and drained
1 cup Red Wine
1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
2 sprigs Rosemary

Preparation Method

Debone lean lamb chop, prick two three time, insert sliced garlic and rosemary sprig. Season with dijon mustard, salt and pepper and leave for two to three hours. Sear the lamb cannon on very hot pan. Remove and wrap each lamb cannon in a silver foil and let it cook on hot pan with it’s own steam for 6-7 minutes.

Capers Caponata – Mix together all ingredients and check the seasoning.

Rosemary Reduction – Reduce stock with red wine and rosemary. Pass through muslin cloth. Add red wine vinegar and check seasoning. Transfer the lamb cannon on a plate and rest for 3-4 minute. Slice and serve with Capers Caponata and
Rosemary Reduction.

- Vanilla soy milk bavarian cream, papaya caviar and orange mango smoothi e with organic fructose

Recipe by : Ananda culinarians
Serving Size : 12

Ingredients
250 ml Soy Milk
50 gms Muscovade
1 pc Vanilla Stick
3 pcs E gg Yolk
3 gms Gelatine – 3 Gelatine Sheet
250 gms Whipped Cream – non dairy

Papaya Caviar
250 gms Papaya – puree
2 ½ gms Agar
2 ½ gms Algin

Orange mango smoothie
200 gms Mango Juice – thick
1 cup Orange Juice
3 scoops Mango Sorbet
20 gms Fructose

Preparation Method
Boil soy milk and vanilla stick. Dilute gelatine sheet. Whip egg yolk and muscovade sugar. Pour in vanilla and soy mixture. Add in gelatine. Fold in whipped cream. Fill the mixture in 12 small moulds and set in a chiller. Mix together papaya puree, agar-agar and algin. Transfer the mixture into a strainer. Press mixture through strainer into a bowl filled with ice water. Once chilled, the papaya mixture will shape into pellets like caviar. Rest for 10 mins, drain water and preserve the
papaya caviar. Mix together all ingredients to make orange and mango smoothie. Arrange the mousse in a plate with papaya caviar and serve with smoothies.

Forr more information visit Shanti Ananda Maurice with Finest SPA

Introducing Anantara Spa Phuket, where soothing treatments and modern amenities combine with ancient cultures and healing wisdom to create a luxuriously unique spa experience.

Anantara Spa Phuket is defined by the beauty and symbolism of the lotus flower. Considered in cultures around the world as the embodiment of purity, the lotus is also one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism which is widely practised in Thailand and represents enlightenment, rebirth and self-regeneration.

With its roots in the earth, its growth sustained by water, its leaves nourished by air, and its blooms made radiant by the fire of the sun, the lotus is the perfection of the fourfold order of the natural world. The emergence of a new flower from its earth-bound origins is an act of transcendence in which a higher world is reached beyond the physical self. It is with this symbolism in mind that Anantara Spa Phuket has combined age-old relaxation and restoration techniques with aromatic oils that allow guest to rediscover the inner and outer beauty that so often becomes clouded by life’s daily struggles.

The unique range of treatments is an homage to the mystical influences of the lotus: the white lotus for cleansing and de-stressing, the red lotus for the romance of couple’s treatments and the majestic double rose lotus to represent the stunning spa rituals.

The Anantara Spa Phuket is set over 1,000 square metres and has five treatment suites, some with sumptuous bathtubs for bathing rituals, a suite dedicated to the ancient Indian therapies of ayurveda and a yoga sala. The team of highly trained and nurturing receptionists and therapists are dedicated to creating unforgettable guest experiences that are as personalised as possible. Pampering products resplendent with intoxicating fragrances and genuinely proven properties combine with unparalleled service to promote inner calm, balance and harmony.

The Signature Massage is a perfect blend of East and West that allows guests to experience the benefits of traditional Oriental medicine in the realms of comfort and relaxation. The therapist uses a unique blend of oils and purpose-designed massage to concentrate on the body’s meridian liens to stimulate blood circulation, provide deep relaxation of the muscles and clear any blockages of energy or “Prana”.

Three and five-day spa journeys offer guests the opportunity to totally immerse themselves into a quest for healthy living, spiritual vitality and sheer beauty, both inside and out. Special treatments for two including massages, facials and body treatments can be enjoyed by couples, friends or mothers and daughters in one of the double therapy suites.

The Anantara Spa Phuket has been created as a haven of peace, calm and serenity where guests can leave behind the stresses and strains of everyday life and begin to synchronise the subtle energies of their being.

Our unique combination of rich local ingredients using herbs and plants, blended to achieve delicate flavours, luxurious aromas and powerful sensations will take guests on the path to ultimate self-regeneration. Whether it’s a brightening facial to enhance the natural glow of the skin or a yoga and meditation session to harmonise the body’s subtle energies, a visit to Anantara Spa Phuket will leave guests rejuvenated and revitalised.

For more information visit “Anantara Phuket” with Finest SPA