A deep dive into Layan Life by Anantara, Phuket’s new sanctuary for healing, movement, and mindful restoration.
There’s a quiet revolution unfolding on the pristine shores of northwest Phuket. With its lush hillsides, secluded beachfront, and enveloping calm, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort has long been a sanctuary for those in search of refined tropical repose. But with the recent opening of Layan Life by Anantara, the resort takes its place on the global wellness map—introducing a pioneering new centre that merges the wisdom of ancient Thai healing with the precision of modern medical science.
This newly unveiled wellness hub, which opened its doors in late 2024, marks a bold evolution in the way we approach self-care. Spread across a sprawling 19,000-square-foot, biophilic-designed space, Layan Life is enveloped by tropical flora and framed by the lull of the Andaman Sea. It’s not just a destination; it’s a curated journey—a “Whole of Life” approach to wellbeing crafted by doctors, traditional Thai medicine practitioners, and holistic health experts.
Each guest is invited to embark on a retreat tailored to their individual needs, whether it’s for stress relief, fitness, anti-ageing, or women’s health. For me, it was an eye-opening foray into a world of next-generation diagnostics, therapeutic rituals, and soul-soothing practices—an experience that began even before I set foot in Thailand.
A Journey That Begins With Intention
Ahead of my arrival, I had a consultation call with Tiah, the in-house nutritionist. Her thoughtful questions and warm energy set the tone for the days to come—this wasn’t going to be your typical wellness holiday. Everything would be personalised, down to the finest detail.
Upon arrival, I was taken on a tour of the Layan Life facilities, which feel more like an ultra-modern sanctuary than a clinic. The architecture strikes a calming balance between minimalism and nature—treatment rooms overlook vibrant greenery and glistening water, immediately grounding you in your surroundings.
Innovation Meets Insight
The first item on my itinerary was the Moti Physio Scan, a futuristic 3D posture and mobility assessment that I now consider one of the most insightful wellness tools I’ve ever experienced. In a matter of minutes, the scan revealed precise data about irregularities in my body alignment—things I had long suspected but never confirmed. It was almost eerie how accurate it was, showing me just how tight my right shoulder had become.
We followed that up with a targeted pain management session. My physiotherapist, relentless yet empathetic, zeroed in on the muscle tension with deep tissue work that left me wincing—but also left me sleeping better than I had in weeks. The work was intense, yes, but the release was undeniable.
Then came an hour of assisted stretching—a simple yet powerful reminder of how much we overlook this basic form of body maintenance. My limbs felt relaxed, my breath deeper, and my mind calmer. It was a beautifully restorative end to the first day.
Rituals Rooted in Thai Tradition
Day two ushered in a completely different rhythm. I ventured into the world of Traditional Thai Medicine, beginning with an energy diagnosis based on my birth history and constitutional elements. Turns out, I’m a fiery and airy sort—a combination that explained more about my temperament and health patterns than I expected.
The Royal Style Therapeutic Massage that followed was as majestic as it sounds. Originally designed for Thai royalty, this deeply intentional therapy uses warm herbal compresses and acupressure along meridian lines to release blockages and reduce inflammation. My therapist’s hands worked intuitively, the scent of herbs wrapping around me like a veil.
Afterwards, a Thai herbal bath ritual—with gentle exfoliation and aromatic infusions—eased me into a near-meditative state. It’s one thing to enjoy a bath, and another entirely to feel as though centuries of healing wisdom are soaking into your pores.
Movement, Medicine, and Modern Biohacking
After a light yet flavourful lunch from the centre’s clean-eating menu—where every dish is prepared with nutrient density and gut health in mind—I was back on more familiar ground with reformer Pilates. As a regular practitioner, I relished the challenge, especially when I was coaxed onto the Cadillac for the first time. While my upper body strength may have protested, the session was invigorating and fun.
From there, we pivoted into more clinical territory. A quick medical consult paved the way for an IV vitamin therapy session. I selected the “Beauty Boost and Skin Rejuvenation” cocktail—because, honestly, who could resist that promise? Administered by medical staff with a precision that felt reassuring, it was one of the most relaxing drips I’ve had.
Then came the cryotherapy chamber—this time a full-body version, unlike anything I’d done before. As the temperature plunged to -110°C and a thick fog temporarily blinded me, I had to calm my mind and centre myself. Once the fog lifted, I felt an extraordinary rush of clarity and energy, like every cell in my body had been recharged.
Finally, the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment, housed in what looked like a sleek submarine, delivered pure oxygen under higher-than-atmospheric pressure. I didn’t expect to fall asleep, but I did—deeply. The quality of rest was unlike anything I’d experienced in a normal setting, and I emerged feeling oddly euphoric.
More Than Just a Retreat
What sets Layan Life apart is not only its seamless blend of traditional and contemporary healing, but the clarity it brings. This was more than just a weekend escape—it was an immersion into knowledge about my own body and mind that I hadn’t accessed before. The Moti Physio Scan alone offered insights that I continue to reflect on. Combined with the individualised care from the therapists, doctors, and trainers, it made this experience feel like a turning point in how I understand wellness. Whether you choose a curated programme such as Beauty for Life, Mindfulness for Life, or Active for Life, or prefer to build your own itinerary from their extensive menu, the team ensures your experience is both luxurious and transformative.
If you find yourself in Phuket, make space for this. Layan Life is more than a spa or a retreat—it’s a new benchmark in holistic wellness. A place where healing begins with understanding, and where ancient knowledge meets modern precision in the most beautiful setting imaginable.
Discover more here.
