I often mention Bill Heinecke in these letters to you. He is the most remarkable man in hospitality here in the east. You will be reading more but suffice it to say, starting with nothing but energy at the age of 18, he is now the Chairman and CEO of Minor International (he started it when he was a minor) that owns, operates, or controls all the Four Seasons in Thailand, the Anantara hotels that range throughout southeast asia, several Marriott hotels and resorts, a couple of spa chains, all the Burger Kings, Swenson ice cream parlors (do they still call them parlors?), The Pizza Company, and on and on and on and on.

Bill is an inspiration to everyone in the industry and my students at Bangkok University International study his annual reports and make inspections of his properties. Bill has a lot to teach everyone (including how to race a Ferrari and fly a jet!). His teams’ latest accomplishments include the following:

Travel + Leisure USA recently announced results of its “World’s Best” Awards: Anantara Dhigu, Maldives, and Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand (also see previous story), ranked 6th and 8th respectively in Asia. Globally, Anantara Maldives and Anantara Golden Triangle continue to make their mark coming 37th and 53rd out of 100 in the worldwide listing.

Continuing the trend, Anantara Dhigu out did its competitors in ISLANDS magazine! Coveted as one of the magazines "Top 10 Best Island Beaches,” the resort was the only resort in the Maldives to make the top 10 and was also chosen for the front cover of the September/October 2009 issue.

True to the Anantara brand, Anantara Hua Hin made its mark as one of the best ‘Spas in an Overseas Hotel’ in the annual Condé Nast Traveller 2009 Reader Awards. Readers also commented that Anantara Hua Hin offers the best accommodation for an overseas spa.

Anantara Phuket, which opened in October 2008, also made the top 20 ‘Overseas Leisure Hotels in Asia and the Indian Subcontinent,’ a category where readers were asked to vote on their favorite hotel according to geographical location.

Desert Islands pool at night

Less than a year after opening, both Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa have topped the charts in Elite Traveler’s annual “101 Top Hotel Suites of the World 2009” list. Established in 2001, Elite Traveler is “the travel and lifestyle magazine of the rich and famous.”

As the only property in Abu Dhabi to make the elite list, Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara’s exclusive Royal Villa was chosen for being the ultimate in privacy. Showcasing the best of Arabian decor, contemporary design, and modern convenience, each of the two Royal Villas come equipped with the best standards of luxury services including a 24/7 butler. These airy abodes feature two bedrooms, living and lounge space, kitchenette, dining area, private splash pools, and boast direct access to the beach.

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa was awarded for its secluded Private Villa, hailed as a “private haven” by Elite Traveler. The luxurious suite is formed from four traditional Thai villas set on customary stilts, joined by a wooden deck. The retreat is set on private grounds adjacent to the Chao Mai National Park forest beach, overlooking a five mile stretch of unspoiled beachfront.

By the way, 30,000 “Red Shirt” pro self-exiled, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin supporters rallied on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the coup that removed him. All was peaceful, as is Thailand. Our new government is democratic, respects the right of law, and understands that tourism is essential to the country.

There will be no more closing of airports. When that happened, nearly every package tour and many FIT travelers diverted to Bali. Now Bali is overrun while the beaches of Thailand are pristine and relatively empty. On top of it all, there are more bargains to be had shopping in Amazing Thailand than ever before!

The smart travelers are rediscovering why Thailand has always been the favorite tropical destination in the world. Friends of mine who manage resorts and hotels tell me their occupancy is 100% some days and will come in at 80% for this month! Like the economies of the world, Thailand is bouncing back better than ever. Come experience all that this lovely place has to offer and be cosseted by the most caring people in the world.

All the best,
Uncle Ted

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