Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort, overlooking the Luosuo River, is an inviting heaven for those seeking a breath-taking natural sanctuary or a discovery of the ancient culture that shaped this region of Asia. Anantara Xishuangbanna’s refined luxury provide an indulgent backdrop for explorations through China’s oldest and largest botanical garden, diverse ethnic tribal villages, and hillside tea plantations that produce the world-renowned Pu’er tea.
"My child and I took a private car from Jinghong city to Wild Elephant Valley on the 28th, then checked into Anantara. Anantara, in my mind, is the pinnacle of domestic resorts, synonymous with 'wild luxury,' beautiful surroundings, and excellent service. The latter two, Anantara certainly delivered on. The lobby is grand, and when we first entered the room, it didn't feel dated at all. Lush greenery filled the view from the window – a plant lover's dream! Outside the balcony was a large garden. On the first day, I spent the entire afternoon intently watching trees and birds, spotting red-whiskered bulbuls, oriental magpie-robins, sooty-headed bulbuls, blue-throated barbets, and sunbirds. I saw various fruit-bearing trees, including coconuts and legumes. Even the large bathtub in the bathroom had a view of extensive greenery.
We attended the evening ritual and released water lanterns.
The lady at the front desk was very enthusiastic and even showed us photos she took of a large gecko.
The restaurant staff and kids' club team remembered us staying for several days. They gave us small gifts and fulfilled our request for pineapple fried rice.
The complimentary travel photoshoot was excellent, capturing some truly memorable 'life photos.'
Every staff member we encountered greeted us warmly.
The two resident musicians from Malaysia, who performed in the lobby bar in the afternoon and by the restaurant entrance in the evening, were absolutely superb and a definite highlight of our trip.
There were some drawbacks, however. The housekeeping staff throughout the resort was noticeably insufficient. We returned to our room at 1:30 PM, and it still hadn't been cleaned. This was the only time we didn't call for housekeeping, and thinking about it, it's probably a good thing we didn't, as the service speed likely wouldn't have kept up.
Perhaps it was due to the off-season before the May Day holiday, but there seemed to be fewer staff in the hotel's public areas.
The children's activities were almost identical every day and mostly concentrated in the mornings, which was a shame as we spent every morning at the botanical garden.
Lastly, the price. It's an hour from Jinghong city, in an area where local guesthouses cost around 100 RMB per person. Yet, the hotel's calendar rate was as high as 2000 RMB. Locals definitely wouldn't go; it only attracts those who come for its reputation. The restaurant food was good, with generous portions, but the prices felt like they were converted from US dollars. We ate four meals at Anantara and spent 1000 RMB. Well, no more talk, I'm off to earn more money!"