looking back on ani’s top guest experiences of 2024

First up we’re looking back with very fond memories on our unique culinary collaboration which saw two-Michelin-starred chef María Marte come to the resort for some seriously exclusive dining. Born in the Dominican Republic, María built a remarkable career, rising from dishwasher to Head Chef at El Club Allard in Spain. Guests enjoyed gastronomical delights featuring signature dishes like confit suckling pig, lobster salad, and ceviche with edible flowers. Francisco Llamas, General Manager of ÀNI Dominican Republic described how Chef Maria’s food “transcended just a meal. Masterfully crafted [dishes] by the most successful chef this sun kissed country has ever seen”.

Next we’re heading back to early November and ÀNI’s Caribbean Active Group Retreat, an exclusive collaboration with MOJO Adventures and renowned fitness trainer John Peel. Taking a more balanced approach, the retreat exchanged hardcore workouts for forging meaningful connections. Unearthing the soul of Dominican Republic’s northern coast and basking in the lap of luxury, all while having a world-class trainer by your side. Describing the retreat, Llamas proudly stated: “This collaboration reflected the personalization possibilities we can offer to our guests at ÀNI and the advantages the unique resort surroundings bring to those who wish to explore and train their body and spirit”.

Last up and probably one of our most popular guest experiences is our Caribbean rum tasting. Calling on the expert know how of a local supplier, guests were educated in the production process and history of the heritage Caribbean spirit before being invited to taste a variety of different rums from around the island. Then to top off the experience guests were treated to the resorts signature ÀNI Old Fashioned cocktail only this time exchanging whiskey for rum of course and all while enjoying an idyllic Caribbean sunset.  

Heading over to ÀNI Thailand where throughout August, guests indulged in personalised wellness treatments courtesy of Akiko Igarashi, the founder and facilitator of the Shima Healing Institute. Locally based on Koh Yao Noi, Igarashi treated guests to two different 60-minute Singing Bowl Meditations, incorporating yoga and qigong for a powerful fusion of movement, breath and sound. Being able to offer guests such an authentic cultural experience from a local expert in her field was an incredible honour and an experience our guests found profoundly moving.

Surrounded by beautiful islands as far as the eye can see, it’s no surprise that second on our list is our Island-Hopping Extravaganza. From kayaking the lush mangroves of Ao Thalane and the staggering natural beauty of Hong Island to the floating wonders of Koh Panyee, a quaint Muslim fishing village built on stilts by Javanese fishermen. Including a luxurious speedboat and staff on hand to aid in effortless enjoyment and relaxation, exploring the surrounding limestones, ÀNI style, was a magically memorable experience.

Our final look back on ÀNI Thailand is once again close to our hearts due to its precious local roots. After a spectacular Thai feast, guests throughout 2024 were treated to a traditional dance show by alumni from the local dance school. Characterised by its graceful movements, elaborate costumes and expressive hand gestures, the classical Lakhon Nai performance offered guests a first-hand look into one of the beautiful historical pastimes held so dear by the local community.

First up and embodying a holistic focus at ÀNI Anguilla was visiting yoga expert, Suzy Scholz. Hailing from neighboring Saint Martin, Scholz provided guests with a daily dose of tranquillity and mindfulness through her Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga classes. Focusing on a different chakra each day, alongside the incorporation of healing sound baths and meditation made for a profound experience in paradise. Speaking of the experience the ÀNI Anguilla team described Suzy’s visit as: “A perfect balance of relaxation and challenge, the retreat provided a sanctuary [for guests to] reconnect with [themselves].”  

Heading out of the resort on a scuba diving adventure around nearby Little Bay and Prickly Pear will forever be an unforgettable guest experience. Working alongside world class diving teams, guests were made to feel safe and comfortable while exploring vibrant reefs and hidden shipwrecks in search of some of the seas most beautiful creatures. Jazmín Rojas, General Manager of ÀNI Anguilla was delighted to hear that a guest, and certified diver, felt the excursion was an incredible experience and a particularly memorable part of his trip.

In the year that Anguilla Carnival celebrated its 50^th anniversary there was no way that the island’s biggest party wasn’t making the cut. In honor of the celebration wholesomely nicknamed ‘The Family Reunion’, ÀNI Anguilla curated a special guest program that was all about carnival vibes, including seafood feasts, thrilling boat races, live Caribbean reggae performances and of course a trip to a carnival parade! Vibrant, flamboyant and bold, the carnival spirit is running deep through our veins to this day. A member of the ÀNI Anguilla team described it as “an experience like no other that helps you feel more connected to the island’s spirit.”

Forgive us for still being ‘bowled’ over by this one, but welcoming Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya to the resort in October is firmly in our top three. Hosting lively, fun-filled guest vs. staff cricket matches plus private, 1:1 training sessions, the money can’t buy experience brought ÀNI Sri Lanka to life in a way only such an exhilarating, culturally-loved sport can. Jayasuriya’s visits were truly memorable and offered guests a whole new way of creating magical, multigenerational family memories.

From sporting stars to unforgettable private dining experiences, next up on our list is a look back at a very special visit from Colombo’s iconic seafood restaurant, Ministry of Crab. Bringing the entire culinary experience to the tables of ÀNI Sri Lanka, guests were treated to an exclusively curated menu by Head Chef Dharshan Munidasa. From succulent, exquisitely prepared mud crab to the smoothest crab live paté and kithul treacle, each dish was a delicious celebration of Sri Lanka’s abundance of seafood.  

Then last but by no means least in our ode to 2024 is our modestly named ‘lagoon boat tour’. An experience that at first glance could easily be overlooked. But mark our words, this relaxing journey aboard ÀNI’s very own personalized and staffed pontoon, floating across a bed of delicate lotus flowers, is a core memory in the making. From the families of monkeys in the trees hugging the waterside to the children of a local family selling coconuts cut fresh from the trees, guests were blown away at every turn. Oh and the departing sunset over the lagoon certainly didn’t hurt either.