Anantara Hotels & Resorts Launches the Grand Tour of Europe

November 5, 2025 — Anantara Hotels & Resorts presents the Anantara Grand Tour of Europe: an invitation to explore its properties through a journey crafted like a storyline, embracing some of its unmissable hotels. The choose-your-own-adventure-style itinerary is designed to evoke a wide range of emotions as travelers move through diverse architectures, climes, and atmospheres—from the poise of the North to the warmth of the Mediterranean, all the way to Rome. The Anantara Grand Tour of Europe distills the brand’s philosophy into a lifestyle inspired by the true spirit of La Dolce Vita. Founded in Thailand in 2001, Anantara has always interpreted hospitality as a genuine connection with the places it inhabits, placing guests at the center of each stay through unconventional itineraries, off-the-beaten-path activities, and authentic encounters with local culture, traditions, and communities. In this vision, luxury is not ostentatious, but soft and unforced, made up of details that make one feel at home in a new place.

The proposed itinerary can be customized with additional or alternative destinations and reordered as desired. One of the ways to experience the Grand Tour is to begin in Northern Europe, with cozy knits packed at the top of the suitcase and gradually replaced by lighter fabrics as guests travel southward, ultimately reaching Italy. Rather than following a conventional tourist route, it offers a way of experiencing each destination through the hotels that interpret them and the events that enliven the cities that host them.

The first stop is Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, where light floods generously through the Wintergarden’s lofty, conservatory-style ceiling dating back to 1880, sliding across lush foliage and the iconic checkered floor. In this dignified hall, slow mornings with tea under the luminous dome quickly pick up pace, as guests step out to experience the city in delightfully unexpected ways. For many, the highlight is a private visit to a historic diamond-cutting and polishing house, revealing the secret world of craftsmanship and centuries-old culture of perfection. Next, a photographic walk with Arden, a renowned photographer and storyteller who knows the city like a story in motion, uncovers hidden corners, palaces mirrored in the canals, and those subtle details that make an image unforgettable. The result is not just a photoshoot, but a portrait of oneself within the city. Finally, with “Behind the Velvet Rope,” guests get to enjoy privileged access to the Art Deco gem Tuschinski Theatre for a private screening, complete with transfers and dedicated service—a cinematic moment that transforms Amsterdam into a scene all its own.

Leaving the bright light of Amsterdam behind, a quick flight transports urban explorers to the transparent geometries of Dublin’s Docklands, where the reflective façade of Anantara The Marker Dublin mirrors the perpetual dialogue between harbor and sky. With striking architectural features and contemporary, sophisticated rooms that nod to the high-tech world while framing breathtaking city views, the hotel is a true urban jewel.

The rooftop is a highlight, hosting gentle morning yoga and elegant cocktails in the soft light of late afternoon. Here too, experiences play a central role. Spice Spoons, one of the signature experiences of Anantara, presents a masterclass in the art of Irish cuisine: from baking the famous brown soda bread, to visiting a leading smokehouse to learn how salmon gets its distinctive flavor, to escaping into the heart of Irish equestrian culture with a private tour of Kildangan Stud, where the grace of thoroughbred horses is sure to steal the heart.

A short flight east, and the scene shifts once more, while the pleasure of travel and discovery remains undiminished. After the modernity of Dublin’s Docklands, Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel offers a striking contrast: pale marbles, richly colored velvets, whorls of grand staircases, and the New York Café, serving as a salon of European memory. Budapest is a city best explored through its culture of water: thermal baths, steam rooms, and serenity. Yet the stay can also take on a much livelier character—perhaps with an aerobatic flight alongside Péter Besenyei, the legendary Hungarian pilot and aviation pioneer, renowned for founding the Red Bull Air Race. Soaring over the Hungarian countryside with him is an unforgettable experience, enhanced by a gourmet picnic featuring local delicacies and wines personally selected by Péter, a passionate connoisseur. For those seeking more tranquil experiences, there is the opportunity to learn Matyó embroidery, delving into the local folk art under the guidance of women from the village of Tard, renowned for adorning traditional Hungarian costumes with their craftsmanship.

On approach to the French Riviera the light softens, the body relaxes, and the eyes seek the sea—before walking through the doors of the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, a Grand Dame overlooking the Baie des Anges. Nearby, on the sandy Plage de Passable in Villefranche-sur-Mer, world freediving champion Arthur Guérin-Boëri introduces guests to a very different side of the Côte d’Azur. After a guided breathwork session incorporating breathing techniques central to the practice of freediving, and accompanied by a certified instructor, participants immerse themselves in the silent underwater world. It’s an intense way to explore the seabed and push personal limits, complemented by discovery journeys by helicopter, yacht, or luxury car, traveling along the coast as the breeze scented with citrus and cliffside blooms caress your hair.

Naturally, since all roads lead to Rome, the final stop of Anantara’s Grand Tour of Europe can only be the Eternal City. Arriving by train to enjoy the stunning views of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian coasts, guests check into Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, overlooking Piazza della Repubblica and built over the Baths of Diocletian. From their private terrace, they take in the iconic cityscape of domes and monuments, before heading up to the SEEN by Olivier rooftop for a taste of contemporary Dolce Vita. Those lucky to be in Rome next spring are in for a treat: a chance to experience Anantara Concorso Roma from April 16-19, 2026. The inaugural classic car showcase from the brand is dedicated to the most prestigious made-in-Italy automobiles, assembled from key international private collections. As well as being a celebration of Italian automotive design, the event honors Italy’s unique ability to create beauty in every form. In this sense, the Concorso goes beyond a simple competition between cars: it is a tribute to the Italian lifestyle and to Rome itself, an extraordinary backdrop for a journey crafted through its most evocative corners and famous streets.

With the Grand Tour, there are endless possibilities for customization, from rearranging the order of stops to opting for alternative destinations more suitable to your taste. In the north, seekers of order can swap the decadent Budapest for Vienna, an imperial city where everything embodies order, measure, and proportion, offering a more austere and aristocratic interpretation of Central Europe. On this stop, guests stay at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, whose standout experience is a tailor-made visit to the historic A. E. Köchert atelier, founded in 1814 and appointed jeweler to the Imperial Court of the Habsburgs. In the hallowed halls that saw the creation of the famous Sisi Stars—the diamond stars of Empress Sissi—doors swing open for an exclusive appointment, inviting guests to explore the archives and observe master goldsmiths at work. Guests may also design or reinterpret a personal piece of jewelry, even commissioning a tiara or a unique creation inspired by the techniques and elegance of the imperial era.

In the south, those who prefer Spain’s laid-back charm to the French Riviera’s sophistication may travel instead to Marbella, staying at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Resort, an enchanting lakeside retreat in Andalusia surrounded by three championship-level golf courses. For a more contemplative seaside escape, coupled with boating experiences, blissful serenity awaits on the Amalfi Coast. At Anantara Convento di Amalfi, a former 13th-century Capuchin monastery, you are suspended between sky and sea, with tranquil cloisters and lemon-filled terraces that have witnessed centuries of monastic life and reflection.

To ensure the planning process is as seamless as possible, a concierge team is on hand to tailor the journey to guests’ preferences and interests, including tickets to major cultural and sporting events. Options range from the Cannes Film Festival (May 12–23) and the Monte-Carlo Grand Prix F1 (June 5–6) — ideal to pair with a stay in Nice — to the UEFA Champions League Final, taking place on May 30 in Budapest. Additionally, there is Showcase Ireland (January 18–20) in Dublin, an international exhibition dedicated to fashion, design, craftsmanship, interiors, and lifestyle, as well as KunstRAI (April 22–26) in Amsterdam, one of the oldest international events for modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands, featuring galleries, collectors, designers, and artworks from around the world. Finally, Vienna’s 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place May 12–16 at the Wiener Stadthalle; the Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival is scheduled for July; and Rock in Roma will fill Capannelle Racecourse with music from June 9 to July 2.

By coupling Anantara stays with immersive experiences and major events, the Anantara Grand Tour of Europe becomes an invitation to travel mindfully—following your own pace and interests. After all, a journey isn’t about how far you go, but what you carry with you afterwards.

A luxury hospitality brand for modern travelers, Anantara Hotels & Resorts connects guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination, creating unforgettable memories for every guest since 2001. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Visit anantara.com for more information, and connect with Anantara on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640* hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

*Property count includes operating properties as well as committed developments through ownership, joint ventures, signed leases and management agreements.

Anantara Concorso Roma is an international automotive event held annually, established in 2025 and dedicated to celebrating Italy’s most prestigious automotive heritage. Organized by Anantara Hotels & Resorts and presented in collaboration with UBS, the Concorso brings together an exclusive selection of the most significant historic Italian cars from private collections, featuring models that range from the pioneers of early motoring to the first supercars of the modern era. The project showcases iconic brands such as Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lancia, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Pagani, presented in dialogue with some of Rome’s most emblematic architectural and cultural landmarks. The Concorso is complemented by a series of events and experiences dedicated to the excellence of Made in Italy — from craftsmanship to design, food, lifestyle, and fashion — highlighting the deep connection between history, elegance, and Italian culture.