The resort, which this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Anantara brand, pays tribute to the country where it was founded through an immersive experience that blends gastronomy, art, tradition, fashion and Muay Thai
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort – a member of The Leading Hotels of the World – will be the setting for a truly special celebration on 10 September. To mark the 25th anniversary of the Anantara brand, the iconic resort will pay tribute to the country where the company was founded with an event that will bring the essence of Thailand to the heart of the Costa del Sol.
Organised in collaboration with the Commercial Affairs Office of the Royal Thai Embassy – whose support has been key to bringing the country’s cultural, gastronomic and traditional riches to this significant occasion – the celebration will reinforce the authenticity of this tribute to Anantara’s origins.
Because there are anniversaries that not only celebrate the journey taken, but also invite us to return to our roots, this event will commemorate the legacy, culture and values that have accompanied Anantara since its inception twenty-five years ago. Deeply inspired by Thailand’s cultural richness, the day has been conceived as an immersion in the authenticity, elegance and traditions of the country where the brand was born – a destination where ancestral heritage and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
A journey through Thai culture, art and hospitality
The programme will begin in the morning with an official ceremony organised by Anantara Villa Padierna and the Spanish Kickboxing and Muay Thai Federation (FEKM). At 11.00 am, the resort’s amphitheatre will host the presentation of an award to the legendary Muay Thai champion Buakaw, at an event bringing together representatives from the Thai Ministry of Commerce, the Royal Thai Embassy, the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), the FEKM and Anantara-Minor Hotels. Later, between 12.00 and 13.00, the amphitheatre gardens will be the setting for a cocktail reception with tapas tasting, hosted by Thai Gallery, featuring Singha beer and a selection of drinks.
In the afternoon, the venue will be the spectacular Sala Linares, which will be transformed to host an authentic celebration of Thai culture, designed to awaken the senses through a carefully curated programme of cultural and gastronomic experiences. Organised by DITP, the FEKM Federation and the Thai Association in Andalusia, the event will open its doors at 18:00 with a welcome for attendees and an exhibition area that will remain open until 22:00. It will feature prominent athletes from the world of Muay Thai, as well as various organisations and brands linked to Thai culture and tourism, including: the Department of International Trade Promotion of Thailand (DITP), the FEKM, the Thai Association in Andalusia, Urban Fighter, Hualaan, Nanthicha, Qualy, Thai Airways, Select Aviation and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The experience will continue with a tour of some of Thailand’s most representative cultural expressions. Visitors will be able to explore an exhibition of Thai art, enjoy a fashion show inspired by the country’s sophistication and identity from 6.30 pm to 7.00 pm, presented by Nanthicha, watch traditional dances, scheduled between 7.00 pm and 7.15 pm, and discover one of the country’s most iconic disciplines: Muay Thai.
The event will also feature a demonstration and a masterclass in this ancient martial art, led by Buakaw between 7.15 pm and 8.15 pm.
A gastronomic journey to the heart of Thailand
Cuisine will also take centre stage, with a selection of traditional Thai food stalls offering a culinary journey, led by the Chang Thai restaurant, through some of the country’s most iconic flavours. To round off the day on 10 September, La Veranda restaurant, in collaboration with Thai Gallery restaurant, will be offering a Thai dining experience between 7.00 pm and 11.00 pm, comprising a selection of starters, three main courses and a choice of three desserts. In addition, at 9.00 pm, a VIP dinner will take place with a select group of guests, whilst at 9.15 pm, two dancers from the Thai Association in Andalusia will perform a short traditional dance, adding a cultural touch to the evening.
The culinary offering will continue from 10 to 13 September at La Veranda, where diners can enjoy an exclusive selection of dishes inspired by Thai cuisine, created especially for the occasion.
With this celebration, Anantara Villa Padierna is not only marking a milestone in the brand’s history, but also reaffirming its commitment to creating authentic experiences that connect travellers with the cultures that inspire each of its destinations. It is undoubtedly a tribute to the origins, legacy and values that, for the past 25 years, have continued to define the Anantara world through the art of hospitality.
About Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Anantara Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connects its guests with authentic places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Since 2001, every Anantara property has reflected the environment and culture of its destination, creating unforgettable memories for every guest. From cities to beaches, and from deserts to jungles, Anantara offers sincere, Thai-inspired hospitality across its more than 50 hotels and resorts in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Anantara Hotels & Resorts is a brand of Minor Hotels and rewards its guests through a unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, which forms part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Visit anantara.com for more information and connect with Anantara on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640 branded hotels, resorts and residences in operation and under development across 67 countries. The group creates innovative and inspiring experiences through its hotel brands, including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of experience, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and rewards its guests through a unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
