Anantara Resorts is to open at least six new resorts and spas, predominantly in South-East Asia, over the next two years, as part of plans to expand to at least 40 resorts in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe over the next decade.

A number of key sites have been identified by the group in Sri Lanka, Bali, Vietnam and Dubai, as well as Khao Lak and Phuket in Thailand.

Key to each development will be the creation of a destination experience, with each resort’s design being inspired by local architecture and be sensitive to the indigenous culture.

William E. Heinecke, chair and chief executive of Anantara’s parent company, Minor International, said: “Anantara Resorts is focused on developing in key markets which enable our guests to feed their passion for exploration and experience.

“The new locations will extend the synergies and cross-marketing opportunities of our existing destinations.”

There are currently Anantara Resorts in the coastal town of Hua Hin, on Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand and in the Golden Triangle, in northern Thailand. Most recently, the Anantara Resort Maldives opened in August 2006.

In February this year, MSpa International – Minor International’s operator of the Mandara and Anantara brands – opened a new training facility in Thailand in order to support its ongoing expansion plans.