Aleenta Phuket in Thailand is welcoming the New Year by levelling-up each of its three core experience pillars – culinary, luxury and wellness – to create an integrated experience that weaves in principles of sustainability, longevity and R&R, and enhances its reputation as one of Thailand’s leading luxury retreats.
New Culinary Director leads gastronomic renaissance
The announcement of Chef Martin Loving as the new group Director of Culinary, F&B and Corporate Chef signifies a new lease of life for Aleenta Phuket’s gastronomic offering in 2025. Originally from Sweden, Chef Loving is a culinary storyteller who blends Nordic and French gastronomy with a love for Scandinavian and Asian cuisine, and a vision that champions community cuisine.
Under Chef Loving’s leadership THE SEASONS, which opened in February 2023 as South of Thailand’s first plant-based fine-dining restaurant, will relaunch in Spring 2025 with a Michelin-inspired approach to vegan cuisine, pushing the boundaries of the genre through a philosophy grounded in elegance, simplicity, and authenticity. Now that vegan cuisine is being embraced by a growing flexitarian audience*. Chef Loving seeks to switch the focus from it being a potential limitation to a proven added value, citing not only the health benefits but versatility of tastes, textures and applications. Embracing a zero-waste philosophy the dishes will be enhanced by his trademark storytelling element that grounds dishes in culinary innovation and local culture through pure local ingredients such as Rai Dawk Kha Phangnga Rice, Mueang Phang-Nga tofu and Sarasin Bridge Phuket grape seaweed. New items on the menu will include Cashew and Peanut Crisp Bread, Caramelized Onion Cream and Pumpkin ‘Nduja’ Wrapped in Melindjo Leaf and Thai Tea Ice Cream.
Chef Martin Loving comments: “At THE SEASONS, we celebrate the art of fine dining through a plant-based lens. Using our global culinary expertise, we will deliver an elegant and immersive experience that reimagines the potential of vegan cuisine. Every dish tells a story of nature’s abundance, local cultivation, culinary mastery, and heartfelt hospitality.”
Elevated luxury offering recognised by MICHELIN Key
As a new member of The Leading Hotels of the World and recipient of One Key from the MICHELIN Guide, guests at Aleenta Phuket can now take advantage of two new room categories that offer increased flexibility for guests. The Club at Aleenta Pool Villas were introduced in September 2024 as an upgraded experience offering access to a private lounge, enhanced amenities and butler services. Most recently, a new Two-Bedroom Signature Pool Villa has been added offering a spacious and secluded option for those travelling with family or friends. The room features a private pool, garden terrace and sundeck with sweeping sea views.
Anchalika Kijkanakorn, CEO and MD of Aleenta Resorts’ parent company AKARYN Hotel Group, comments: “Joining The Leading Hotels of the World was a strategic move to coincide with these product enhancements. We now offer guests a variety of room categories that reflect whatever level of solitude or support they require. Our Club lounge also offers a communal space for guests to interact as a nod to the changing face of today’s traveller – whether travelling alone, working nomadically or as part of a multi-generational unit. We’re delighted that this versatility has been recognised by the new MICHELIN hotel ratings in a luxury context.”
Newly reimagined spa sets the scene for retreats
The newly reimagined Aleenta Phuket sets the stage for transformative retreats. As the home of Aleenta Resorts’ flagship Ayurah Wellness Centre, it now boasts a medically-licenced spa and enhanced, comprehensive retreat program. Following a recent renovation – featuring modern amenities, serene interiors and expanded facilities – the Centre is more inviting than ever for those seeking rejuvenation and balance. Ayurah Wellness Centre offers a curated selection of personalised retreats alongside its signature Beyond the Ordinary (BTO) series, which features visiting masters from around the globe. The first BTO retreats for 2025 have been announced including Muay Thai and Reclaim your Spirit, led by a renowned Berlin-based yoga coach.
Resort Manager Khun Lak comments: “All our retreats include nutrition plans that are centred around our existing menus, delivering healthy, yet tasty options. These culminate in the exceptional dining experience at THE SEASONS.”
Commitment to responsible hospitality recognised
Following on from becoming the first hotel group in SE Asia to become single-use plastic free in 2018, Aleenta Phuket gained Gold Certification for Accommodation Sustainability from TravelLife in December and was inducted into The Leading Hotels of the World’s Sustainability Leader program. The certification which aligns with standards set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GTSC) is a rigorous assessment of operational, community, cultural and environmental impact and responsibility. You can learn more about the resort’s initiatives here.
Rooms at Aleenta Resorts start from £260 per night including breakfast. The Club at Aleenta Pool Villas start from £339 per night and the Signature Two Bedroom Pool Villa from £570 per night.
For more information about Aleenta Resorts visit www.aleenta.com