Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the force behind Thailand’s boutique hotel revolution, shares her journey, innovations, and predictions for the future of luxury travel on the Where2FromHere podcast with Renae
In an engaging episode of the Where2FromHere podcast, host Renae Leith-Manos sits down with Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the pioneering force behind Akaryn Hospitality Management Services (AHMS) and the Pure Blue Foundation.
Anchalika, often hailed as the guru of boutique hotels in Thailand, shares her journey of revolutionising the luxury hospitality landscape there.
As the founder and Managing Director of AHMS, Anchalika is renowned for transforming her family’s beachside property into a collection of luxury retreats that have set the standard for boutique hotels in Southeast Asia.
Her impressive portfolio includes iconic properties such as AKARYN Samui Resort & Spa, akyra Chura Samui, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga, Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi, and the newly launched Akyra Manor Chiang Mai. Her latest venture, AKARYN Koh Krabeay Retreat & Spa, in collaboration with legendary designer Kenzo, promises an unmatched luxury experience.
Anchalika’s impact extends beyond hospitality. As the first female and Asian Chair of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), she represents over 570 independent luxury properties worldwide. Her leadership and vision have earned her a place on Forbes Asia’s list of ‘50 Heroes of Philanthropy,’ a testament to her dedication to ethical business practices and social responsibility. Through the Pure Blue Foundation, she has spearheaded initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics across all her hotels, addressing critical environmental challenges in Southeast Asia.
In this captivating conversation, Anchalika delves into her fascinating life story, spanning the globe from the United States to Europe, before returning to her roots in Thailand. She discusses her passion for travel, which ignited her interest in hospitality, and shares the philosophy behind her brands, including the concept of “Barefoot Luxury.” Anchalika’s approach to creating hotels that harmonize with their natural surroundings while offering world-class wellness and anti-aging programs is a highlight of the discussion.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving luxury travel market, the importance of attention to detail, and Anchalika’s predictions for the next big trends in global hospitality. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of luxury travel and the innovative minds shaping it.
