Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is renowned for bringing story collecting travellers closer to the colourful local traditions, intriguing heritage and breathtaking topography of some of the world's most exotic destinations.  Now, through a glossy travel lifestyle coffee table book, aptly named "Journeys with Anantara", readers can sit back, relax and turn the pages to have their senses stimulated by a combination of inspired photography and thought provoking writing.

Written by Joe Cummings, with photography by Alberto Cassio and Luca Tettoni, Journeys with Anantara illustrates the distinctive elements of each coveted Anantara locale.  From lush jungles to endless desert dunes, urban metropolises and paradise palm fringed shores, each page teases with scenes of visual intrigue.  Created to open the mind's eye to new perspectives and exciting challenges of untold adventure, ideals of world travel are captured in vivid snapshots.  As such the beautifully designed book leaves readers dreaming of living out their escapist fantasies.

From a brand that is revered for its personal touch, the individual talents and interests of the book's author and photographers are evident throughout.  Writer Joe Cummings was born to a travelling military family and an interest in Buddhism drew him to Thailand.  As one of Lonely Planet's first authors, Joe created the seminal Lonely Planet Thailand as well as several other Lonely Planet guides. Besides contributing to magazines and newspapers around the globe, he has written illustrated reference books on the topics of culture, art and lifestyle.

The book's two photographers also offer suitably riveting backgrounds.  Luca Tettoni was born in northern Italy and has worked as a professional photographer in Asia for over 30 years. Specialising in all aspects of Asian culture, including fine arts, design, furniture, textiles, home wares, architecture, spas, landscaping and cuisine, he has contributed to over 120 illustrated reference books.  Alberto Cassio was also born in Italy, and in pursuing his yearning for the more exotic he eventually settled in Thailand, where he produced in-flight magazines for Pakistani and Indian airlines.  Alberto has also provided photos for several fashionable Thai magazines and in 1978 he founded Photobank, Thailand's first photo library, which now boasts the world's largest collection of Thai images.  Specialising in hotel and resort photography, he has shot virtually every five star hotel in Thailand over the last 25 years.  This trio of cultured professionals are a perfect fit for the unique hallmarks of the Anantara brand.

For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means 'without end', symbolising this sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that lies at the core of every Anantara experience.

The global reach of this all-encompassing philosophy is evident in Anantara's magnanimous expansion.  The luxury boutique collection of hotels, resorts and spas is the creation of William E. Heinecke, CEO and Founder of Minor International - one of Asia Pacific's largest leisure and hospitality companies.  Rooted in the beautiful country of Thailand, Anantara was born in the royal seaside town of Hua Hin in 2001, and 12 years later discerning travellers are spoilt for choice.  Discover Thailand's exotic diversity of beach, urban and elephant jungle retreats.

China's ancient culture, rare nature and astonishing landscapes covers verdant rice paddies, famous tea mountains, the last free roaming Asian elephants in China, and one of Asia's hottest new beach destinations.  Vietnam's vibrant coastal life is matched by colonial treasures, Cham heritage, dramatic sand dunes and bustling fishing villages.  On beautiful Bali Anantara guests are blessed with sensational surf and sunsets.   The brand's collection of romantic Maldivian hideaways includes an exclusive underwater restaurant and wine cellar.  While the mystique of the Middle East spans Abu Dhabi's desert island wildlife, a city retreat edging a mangrove waterway and an oasis in the world's largest desert, accompanied by a prestigious location on Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah.

At Anantara each day comes with an invitation to discover a new passion.  From indigenous cooking classes and spa rituals that celebrate local wellness traditions, to riding camels and elephants in their natural habitats, sailing and diving in a tropical paradise, to culinary journeys that showcase rich local flavours, aromas and textures.   Whether travellers come to get away from it all or to delve into something new, there is only one word to describe the experience that awaits: Anantara.

William E. Heinecke, owner and creator of the Anantara brand, enthuses, "Since the greatest journeys are felt, not told, Journeys with Anantara brings to life the spirited essence of fascinating adventure cushioned by indulgence.  The brand's coffee table book provides addictive reading and imagery to whisk readers away from their everyday world, into a globetrotting odyssey that beckons unique discovery in ways that only Anantara offers."