The Anantara Experience was born in 2001, with the launch of the first Anantara Resort in Thailand's historic seaside resort enclave of Hua Hin. We sought to bring our guests closer to the heart of the rich culture and history of Thailand by surrounding them in the atmosphere of a traditional Thai village. We highlighted the experience with interactive immersions in the culture of the destination, through cooking courses, fruit carving demonstrations, a weekly floating market and even instruction in the traditional martial art of Muay Thai.