A Place Where Passion – and Perspiration – Nurtures the Soil

Anyone who has visited Anantara Resort Hua Hin will recall the inspiring, exotic gardens nestled in this luxury hideaway on the palm-fringed coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. Many have also encountered a man with a broad smile, blissfully happy at work, transforming the soil into a canvas of vibrant colours. Meet Khun Desnarong Puengtang, whose passion and perspiration nurtures his artistry - in a far greater way than a tropical climate can do.

"The only thing that gives me more pleasure in life than tending to the 14 acres of lush greenery here at Anantara, is to see the enjoyment it brings to guests. The garden is a place for them to explore, to relax and to find peace. Whether they are wandering through it, looking onto it from their balconies, or relaxing next to the pools, the garden is a work of art that pays tribute to Mother Earth.

"When an opportunity came for me to join Anantara's gardening division in 2005, I jumped at the chance. For a long time I have known that the resort has one of the most beautiful gardens in Hua Hin, and to be part of the team that maintains it was so exciting. Often, guests and visitors would ask me for some inside gardening tips and, because I don't speak much English, I have to improvise by communicating with them through hand and body gestures. I love sharing my ideas with them - I just hope they understand what I mean!"

"I think I am lucky to have a passion for what I do. Gardening makes me happy, and I've known from a young age that this is what I would like to do until I retire one day. Here in Anantara's gardens I have found my own heaven. It's my Anantara..."