The White Lotus effect proves a big hit for hotel group

'The White Lotus effect' is in full bloom for the three Anantara properties that star in the hit TV series. 

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas have all experienced a surge in online interest and bookings, the Minor Hotels group reports. 

The Netflix show’s third season, which is set in Thailand and premiered on February 16, has driven a substantial uptick in interest in the three resorts, where much of the series was filmed. 

Traffic to the resorts’ websites has risen 104% year-over-year for the month of February, with the three properties also reporting a 41% rise in direct online bookings made in the same period.

Notable spikes in booking conversion were recorded on February 17 and February 24 - corresponding with the airing of the show’s first two episodes. 

Week-over-week data also shows a 100% increase in search traffic on the Anantara internet booking engine for the three properties compared to those same weeks last year.

"We’re thrilled to see travellers around the world inspired by the stunning settings in The White Lotus," said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. 

"We own and operate more than 30 hotels, resorts and residences in Thailand, and we expect this will not only boost interest in Thailand globally, but also enhance its positioning as an international luxury leisure and wellness destination."

Minor Hotels is also the owner of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, another of the principal filming locations for The White Lotus season 3.

The trend highlights the power of television and film to shape real-world travel decisions. 

Anantara is offering a Lotus Awakening Escape package which includes experiences at the three Anantara resorts featured on The White Lotus and unique lotus-inspired activities that reveal the true heart of Thailand.

For more information on Anantara Lawana, Anantara Bophut, and Anantara Mai Khao, or to book an unforgettable stay, visit www.anantara.com.

Image: Lily ponds at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

Stone the crows! Cannabis treatments are all the rage

Regular readers will recall Anantara Chiang Mai’s resort restaurant launching what it said was "a healthy and nutrition-rich cannabis-infused menu".

Now that same innovative hotel group is promoting a range of healthy spa treatments featuring cannabis products. 

As Thailand is preparing to reopen its borders to international guests, Anantara Spa has unveiled a Thai first addition to its signature treatment menu with the launch of cannabis-infused spa treatments. Coinciding with the decriminalisation of certain elements of the cannabis plant, Anantara Spa is harnessing the restorative and anti-inflammatory compounds contained in cannabis and bringing the traditional healing properties of cannabis into modern wellness practices. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and pain reducing properties, the medicinal purposes of cannabis have been brought back to the forefront of alternative therapies.  Cannabis has been utilised across central Asia for centuries.  Among the offerings are: The perfect antidote to long haul flights, the Restful Slumber Journey including a cannabis-infused aromatherapy massage, cannabis salt-infused foot bath and a relaxing cup of CBD-infused tea. After a day of sightseeing or adventures, the Cannabis Stress-Release Journey unfurls tense muscles knots using a cannabis herbal compress ball, or Luk Pra kob, which has been known in Thailand for centuries. For top-to-bottom pampering, the Head to Toe Calming Journey combines a scalp massage with foot reflexology to melt away tension.  The treatments are available at Anantara Spas across Thailand including the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Anantara Chiang Mai Hotel and Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort (above). For more information see https://www.anantara.com/en/spa-and-wellness