Situated on a hill overlooking the Mekong and Ruak rivers near the triple border between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort sits on a 160-acre estate covered in ancient jungle: home to a herd of forest elephants that roam freely within its borders.
In early 2019, the resort added two Jungle Bubbles to its offerings: a pair of transparent cocoons on a wooden platform overlooking an elephant feeding post, from which overnight guests could experience the noble beasts in their natural habitat.
The lodges have proved so popular, the resort has added a two-bedroom Jungle Bubble Lodge, so families and friends can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience together. Two transparent bedroom bubbles are connected via a joint living area that leads out onto an 80-square-metre deck with dining areas and a plunge pool.
As well as being able to fall asleep under the stars and listen to the noise of the forest at night close hand, Bubble Lodge guests have a couple of optional experiences to choose from. Early risers can accompany the elephants on their morning walk through the misty jungle to the banks of the Ruak for a river bath; active visitors can enjoy a private yoga session on their deck while the elephants look on; and social guests might like to invite the resort’s resident elephant expert to join them on the deck for sundowners and learn more about the plight of many Thai elephants.
In partnership with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort set up the elephant sanctuary in 2003 to help some of Thailand’s neglected (formerly captive) elephants, which wander rural villages looking for food. The estate is now home to more than 20 elephants and their mahout carers.
