PHUKET, THAILAND—Known as the “science of eight limbs,” Muay Thai boxing is considered this country’s national sport, and the Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa offers its guests a taste of the martial art with beginner and advanced classes that can include training one-on-one, with a group or even with a family.
Classes take place in the resorts new, state-of-the art Muay Thai boxing ring, called Layan Stadium. It is the first of its kind for Anantara, which has 30 properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates.
“We wanted an indigenous, authentic Thai experience for our guests,” said Carla Puverel, resort manager of Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa. “It is a great way to work out, and something that everyone can do. More of our guests are concerned about fitness, healthy living and the gym, and Muay Thai is another way to work out on vacation and learn a martial art. It is also an activity that families can do together for lots of bonding time.”
During their programs with expert instructors, all of whom boast extensive training and experience in the ring, guests will learn the basics of the martial art, where they will their use arms, legs, knees and shins—the aforementioned eight limbs—and demonstrate great technical skill, flexibility, strength and stamina, according to the resort. Muay Thai moves consist of jabs, hooks and swings, knee strikes, kicks and foot jabs.
“You have to be very fit to do Muay Thai, so the benefits are tremendous,” noted Puverel. “You do more cardio in Muay Thai than most gym workouts. You strengthen your arms and legs, build coordination and have lots of fun at the same time. You become more disciplined and strong, and also increase your strength and concentration.”
A range of classes and programs is offered to suit all ages and abilities. “We offer private classes to our guests, including a few multi-day package options, and we offer packages to couples and fathers and sons that want to train together,” said Puverel. “We offer classes for children and anyone that wants to try. We have two very-skilled trainers that can teach beginners and advanced Muay Thai. With our package option, it includes going to a live Muay Thai match with one of the trainers. It’s a fun experience and great to go with someone local, so everything is explained and you don’t miss out on anything.”
A five-day intensive program, which includes ringside seats at a local stadium match, is suited for those who want to learn more than just the basics. “You start each class by warming up, and each day you learn a new technique. By the end of the program, you can put all the techniques together,” Puverel explained. “The first day, you will learn the footwork of Muay Thai and how to move. The second day, you learn to box and, then, move and box at the same time. The third day, you will focus on kicking, and then kicking, boxing and moving at the same time. You will spend a few classes learning how to block and, then, how to put it all together. You will always have a few sessions in the ring with the trainers, and they push you to push yourself and not give up.”
Guests who take part in the classes receive drinking water, face towels, a certificate and a pair of Thai boxing shorts to take home as a memento of their experience. Each class lasts for one hour and can be booked up to 24 hours in advance.
—Adam Perkowsky