It is the last day of May, and we embraced the early arrival of summer with the temperature soaring to the peak of the year yesterday. As the Kimchi land is expecting a tougher and hotter summer this year, an escapade to somewhere surrounded by lush greeneries at the same time guarantee plenty of personal time is essential! I was researching for a hideout this summer (DUH! I can imagine my needy state for a healing session after those papers!) and came across this gorgeous penthouse that I thought of sharing here on the blog with you.
Pampering yourself during summer vacation overseas is, of course, one of the best ways to soothe your soul after a taxing year. Imagine throwing everything behind and just unplugging yourself from the world and giving a little piece of yourself somewhere your boss/client can never reach you, is beyond words can describe. However, not all of us are granted this kind of luxury every summer holiday as you might have to stand by for certain events happening in the workplace. If this is your case, this secret hideout located just 25 minutes driveway from Seoul could be one great destination this summer.
There are two penthouses in South Korea now under The Ananti. Both newly opened last year, The Ananti Penthouses are located in the suburbs of Seoul and Busan Haeundae beach. These penthouses are built under the concept of “옥상 가옥” （屋上 架屋） which means “making a roof on a roof” kind of architecture concept that allows the guest to live in harmony with nature. Sounds Zen already?
The penthouses took a lengthy 5 years to complete. Be it the construction, the interior, the sufficient natural lighting and environmental planning, were all done by the professionals in each field. One best feature was its Eco-friendly IMTEC system that uses an automated cold/hot water running system throughout the resort to adjust the indoor temperature. To simplify, there is no air conditioner and heater in the penthouse be it summer or winter.
What is a “healing” retreat if one still needs an air-conditioner in the forest?
The Korean concept of a “healing trip”, it doesn’t necessarily relate to Dali Lama or a fasting trip in the western context. “Healing” trip in a Korean context means relieving yourself in some remote area where you can do stress management activities, basically just forget about your usual chores and relax. It is usually done in the woods, and the word “healing” is a very common phrase in the Summer. With the “no air cond / heater” concept in the penthouse, the guests will be able to enjoy the abundant green shower throughout their stay for total relaxation.
Since the Ananti Penthouse Seoul is located in between Mt. Yoomyung and Mt. Jung-Mi Natural Recreation Forest, you can start off the day on their semi-outdoor running treadmill in the morning, followed by a sumptuous meal and head out for a good 2-3 hours of jungle trekking. Then reward your skin and muscles by dipping in the hot spring overlooking the forest after a good walk in the jungle. Sounds like a plan!
Directions:
The Ananti Penthouse Seoul is located in the outskirt of Seoul, at Ga-Pyung (가평). Basically taking the Olympic Dae-ro then travel all the way up the highway towards Chun-cheon for about 20 minutes (28.5 KM). After passing Seol-rak IC, travel for another 5 minutes and you’ll reach the destination.
If a Sun, Sea and Beach Vacation is your kind of summer break, The Ananti Penthouse in Haeundae would be an excellent alternative. Although located at Busan Haeundae, a popular summer destination for the Seoulites, the Ananti Penthouse Haeundae, however, secured a prime location that stresses exclusivity. Great views from the hillside penthouse right beside the beaches, infinity pools and, of course, the white and earth tone interior, all contribute to a relaxing atmosphere that beckons one to stay longer.
I was blown away by the beautiful pictures featured on their site, especially their Haeundae penthouse. The walkway on the hill overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the beach totally nailed on certainty as one of the best domestic healing trip destinations in Korea, No? ^^
Direction: (THE ANANTI PENTHOUSE HAEUNDAE)
Contact Details: The Ananti Penthouse (Click to link to their web page)
