Asia-Pacific I No.1 - July 2013
Discover Real Spirits
Of Japan
Greece’s Hidden Treat
Ultimate Lifestyle
On Island
The Best Of Phuket & Samui
Living In
The ZEN Zone
Hot Stuff Designed For Living People, Places, Spaces, Design January 2014
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Contents
360 Design Ideas 14 Ultimate Lifestyle On Island
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W Retreat Koh Samui is an ideal example of the design destination and stylish living showcase in the Southern part of Thailand.
20 Timeless Modern Lifestyle Sri Panwa is a crème de la crème of the accommodation capable of incorporating the luxury living with the nature and tropical panorama.
26 Step To Heaven Experience the super luxury Pool Villa concept that has become highly anticipated in Thailand created to ensure individual comforts and homey feeling.
32 Upscale Contemporary
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The newly built Pullman Phuket Arcadia opens as Accor’s first upscale, lifestyle resort in Phuket, Thailand to cater the needs of today’s modern travelers.
36 The Real Club Of All-Inclusion Club Med Phuket’s all-inclusive concept has been created to sport a homely oasis of relaxation and also to ensure a total sense of worry-free comfort and joy.A Memorable
44 Flavor Of Modern Japanese Design Shangri-La Tokyo is wonderfully an aesthetic gallery of spectacular chandeliers and something about Chinese inspiration and art forms
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56 The Best Of Greece’s Hidden Treat Discover the glimpse of Greece living in style, the world of happiness and serenity at the hidden area of Prachuab Khirikhan province.
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Contents
Life In Style 68 New Double Standard General Manager, Mr. Chris Ehmann, will bring his strong understanding of global hospitality industry to help uplift the innovative aspect of hospitality in Thailand by DoubleTree.
72 Business Model Of A Model
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The tomorrow name of modeling agency in Thailand that finds the perfect match between art and business through using the experience and knowledge about fashion and beauty of the founder Farung “Kwang� Yuthithum, former Miss Thailand Universe 2007.
76 Discover True Japan Follow the real Japanese trail for the authentic experience of traditional life and the charming scenes of real Japan.
84 Reside In Style Peninsula Tokyo is a timeless destination worth a rediscovering for a new realm of elegant comfort in Tokyo, where modern touch meets living tradition.
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Asia-Pacific
Advisory Board: Samroey Suwanpratheep
From The Publisher
The New Investment
On Passion
Editorial Editor: Rangsan Srirat Writers: Andre Torpey, Cherry Lane, Sheehan B Saroj Palakawong Na Ayuthaya Editorial Assistants: Tony Size, Martin P. Contributing Writers: John Ham, Machinda, Masaki H., Vasin Sri., Laurence Civil Photo Journalists: Niphon R., Un Photo, Surasak K., Kavin E. Art Director: Thanakrit Prawat
The property industry is fluctuated while people don’t only look for the location and convenience for a day-to-day basic of living, but they are also growingly in search of the residential project that can sport conceptual design and style, the quality of value for money, idea in construction, and management and it should exude the homey feeling to all customers or residents. There are so many amazing projects springing up in the region, and many continue to raise the bar in terms of quality, design and lifestyle. The Residence magazine has been initiated from such changing lifestyle of people to present the great rank of practical design ideas for living intelligently with the aim to be the top choice of modern and rich market in Thailand, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. To my opinion, doing the magazine is more than just a search of the promising return on investment, but it’s about the inspiration and the investment on passion in design and life in style that we could share together for the interest of readers. We have ventured in property and real estate industry and traveled to witness so many modern luxury design destinations, And when I have a bite on something, I can’t get it out of my blood. The design idea for living becomes our pure DNA that we want to share with people in the up market who prefer to indulge their lives in design and conceptual destination to reflect their taste and style. We will serve you monthly with the ideas in style, trends in design, outstanding upscale properties, visionary projects, and the matter of taste in decoration and practical home finishing. The key concept is to make the bold in guiding you to living intelligently, traveling intelligently, dining, eating, drinking intelligently, and luxuriating intelligently on the modern design at exotic destinations, including tracking the latest investment and trends around Thailand and Asia. Design property is still the largest asset class in property investment and we’ve seen the rapid development of high-end properties in Thailand and Asia; we will let you know the large selection of designed properties, which may make you fancy. We are extremely confident that our hot stuff in business leisure, modern luxury and stylish and smart living contents, people, places, spaces, and design can sensually represent the taste of interest of sophisticated readers in the up-market and business travelers who require to make their time in Thailand and Asia more gratifying. Enjoy living intelligently in your style
Mr. Rangsan Srirat Editor
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Designer: Thanathat Ch. Advertising Enquiries Group Marketing & Advertising Director: Bubpa Kantawongse Media Consultants Manager: Narinrat Nantawattanasirikul Publishing Managing Director: Ketmanee Siribangsawatdi Managing Editor: Rangsan Srirat Business Development: Maneerat Saetang 360 BIZ THAI CO., LTD. The Trendy Office Building 10/97, 6th Floor, Sukhumvit 13 Klongtoey-Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel +66 (0) 2625 2616 Fax +66 (0) 2625 2611 Residence magazine is the registered publications of 360 BIZ THAI CO., LTD. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher can take no responsibility for omissions or errors. All information correct at the time of printing. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are not accepted and will not be returned. All rights reserved. Copyright @ 2013 by 360 BIZ THAI CO., LTD
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July 2013
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360
Design Focus:
The New Start of Investment on Passion Property in Thailand and Asia-Pacific is still the largest asset class in property investment. The property industry is fluctuated while people in the up market don’t only look for coveted location and convenience for a day-to-day basic of living, but they are also growingly in search of residential project capable of sporting the conceptual design and style, the quality of value for money, enhancing idea in interior and construction, including the capability to deliver the preferable homey and unique comfort to all residents and visitors. Here is the action in design featuring great rank of design destination, properties, residences, new residential projects and condos with refreshing design & style ambiance, design hotels resorts all over Thailand and Asia waiting for your visit to realize the essence of practical and design ideas for your living intelligently. Hopefully that all our design and stylish ideas for living will no less inspire your imagination to adopt to your own sense of creativity so as to recreate or redefine a new livable and refreshing ambience at your own residence, living place, and space.
360 Design Ideas
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The Icon For Ultimate Lifestyle On Island
Here, you will enjoy a restful sleep in the unique style with each sensory detail carefully refined to maximize pleasurable experience.
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The property industry is fluctuated while people in the up market or end-user with high spending power don’t only look for location and convenience for a day-to-day basic of living, but they are also growingly in search of residential project that sports conceptual design and style, the quality of value for money, enhancing idea in interior and construction, including the capability to deliver the preferable homey and unique comfort to all residents. W Retreat Koh Samui is a point in case and the ideal example of the design destination and stylish living showcase in the Southern part of Thailand.
It provides the ultimate in insider access, offering a unique mix of cutting-edge design and passions around fashion, music and entertainment. To complement the high-end luxury experience synonymous with the W name, there is an impressive variety of leisure outlets and restaurants, bars and lounges to sit back and relax. W Hotels offers a holistic lifestyle experience that is integrated into the brand’s sensibility through contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous entertainment experiences, stylish retail concepts, signature spas and inspiring residences. W Hotels is a contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand and the industry innovator with 44 hotels and retreats, including 16 W-branded residences, in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world. This is an ideal setting that features the complete element of romance and rejuvenation. Each room and villa is lavishly created to answer all honeymooners and family, and 16
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is fully equipped with everything for general discerning travelers to feel like home until the modern-day executive traveler to meet the pleasure of all business concern such as two LCD TV, Blu-ray audio & video player, stereo system, internet connection, in-room dining service and crisp and clean bathroom that are blended to make your holiday a memorable experience.
The unique design of WOOBA® provides guest with 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding hillside. The Kitchen Table is delightfully unpretentious and fosters a convivial atmosphere. The design is unique with the help of rich woods and natural stone complimented by crisp lighting, clean lines and soothing tropical colors. SIP is the Retreat’s destination sunset bar with a stylish,
easygoing open-air setting and spectacular water views. The ambience is relaxed and sophisticated with low-back resin chairs; beautiful rich tropical hardwoods offset by oversized lamps and lit stools. The general ambience throughout the retreat provides you with an escape from the rigors of the day. In term of the design, sometime, you might get the feeling that they chose quirky with the unexpected pieces of 18
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decorations to ensure the interior will not be completely predictable as discerning travelers might have commonly experienced in other luxury sensual hotels resorts across Asia. Here, you will enjoy a restful sleep in the unique style with each sensory detail carefully refined to maximize pleasurable experience. Additionally, W is a few modern-inspired retreats on island that realizes that the trends in urban lifestyle development and property
industry has been diversified and developed from the producer-led market to locationoriented approach in previous decades before transforming itself into design-led theme in doing market. Actually, it has been established to response to the idea while the worry-free ambience and warm hospitality service are a reflection of the Far East added to help exude the homey feeling to all discerning travelers and business-alike guests, making it unique in Koh Samui.
The Essence Of Timeless Modern
Lifestyle
Sri Panwa is a crème de la crème of the accommodation capable of incorporating the luxury living with the nature and tropical panorama.
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Ideally located on the headland in the southern tip of Phuket Island, Sri Panwa is a right cozy choice if you are seeking for a pool villa accommodation with a homely feeling by the sea overlooking one of the best scenic sunset. The new residential phase and development are on the pipeline to achieve sophisticated taste of lifestyle and also to redefine itself as a leading tropical contemporary style. The unique touch of the infinity edge pool featured in all residential and villa units, the complete of spacious beach pool, and full set of tropical leisure facilities are combined to make Sri Panwa a good pool villa destination in Phuket.
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Sri Panwa, a member of Small & Luxury Hotel brands of the world, highlights blissful choice of accommodation in one-to-fivebedroom pool villas and distinctive three to five-bedroom residential villas for the achievement of the ultimate indulgence of the individual, small group of friend, and large families. They are totally themed and similarly finished with the warm earth tone and named each villa with the name of sea fish and creatures to enhance a good connection between luxury comfort and the natural surrounding. All villas echo an unmatched sense of privacy and well-equipped with almost everything you need for a long honeymoon and vacation. They are spacious and provide guest with large free space for hosting a small barbecue party. Two-bedroom villa of the new development phase provided me with a breathtaking vista of islands and on the horizon. It is lavishly appointed with tropical modernity concept furnishing with the detailed craftsmanship as the subtle Asian influence and contemporary architecture on exterior are harmoniously blended to help emphasize the statement of the tropical contemporary context.
Sri Panwa, 88 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit, Phuket, Tel 076-371-000 www.sripanwa.com
Leisure amenities for all personal enjoyment include swimming pool, al fresco Jacuzzi, the distinguished design of glass-enclosed bedroom and living room, outdoor soaking and rain shower, trendy and first-rate iPod, audio and video and sounding and entertainment system, full set kitchen with stove and cooking equipment, pantry and standard refrigeration, microwave, and washing machine. What also makes it so unique is that all units spectacularly afford guests and all residents with the vista view of the turquoise or azure water, serene Andaman Sea as well as the unobstructed stunning sunset and morning sun. 24
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The Memorable Step To
Heaven Pool Villa concept has become highly anticipated in Thailand, the provided modern convenience and the blissful set of luxurious facilities and amenities featured in the villa help to ensure individual comforts and homey feeling, suitable for both short and long-term accommodation.
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All pool villa resorts actually guarantee your personal modern lifestyle, but the difference seems to be the matter of location, distinctive layout, interior design, and architecture that are eclectically incorporated to create enduring aesthetic appeal, romance, and serenity amidst the beauty of the natural surrounding. The all-pool-villa Banyan Tree Samui is a case in point where discerning travelers can accomplish a hedonistic theme of living at a remote beachfront resort, not to mention to its modern convenience that can bring guests a homey comfort. The focus on modern contemporary design and traditional Thai-style architecture are combined as a strong statement in aesthetic standard to create a unique sanctuary for the sense. All Pool Villas are dominated by tropical and modern contemporary style and are similarly designed with the warm neutral color
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Banyan Tree Samui, 99/9 Moo 4, Maret, Samui Island, Surat thani, Thailand, Tel +66 (0) 7791 5333 www.banyantree.com
scheme, suitable for guest to indulge in the lap of luxury from the entrance to living room, bedroom, and the personal space at bathroom that are connected together. Each villa is ideally built using concept of high-ceiling associated with the large glass fracases to simply enhance the sense of spaciousness and make the living area, main bedroom, and bathroom more airy and also to make the most of the view. Looking from outside, it’s quite resemble to a well-designed Thai pavilion, ranging in size 30
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between 130 sqm for Garden Pool Villa to 316 sqm for the Sanctuary Pool Villa, suitable for two families. It’s generally elevated structures with steep roofs where indoor living spaces flow into the outdoors while the common practice of making alcove roof is a principle connection to being Thai style. The interesting architectural features include rotated square columns which are inspired by an old temple design while the use of coconut palms and coconut shells as materials help to evoke and maintain the sense of local and old Samui. The earth tone shades and local artwork are mixed to further accentuate the feeling of topicality and give the villa a subtle Thai flavor as well.
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The Advent Of Redefined Upscale
Contemporary The newly built Pullman Phuket Arcadia opens as Accor’s first upscale, lifestyle resort in Phuket, Thailand to cater the needs of today’s modern travellers.
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The 277-room resort features a sophisticated design that blends the highest international standards with local beauty. The resort’s architecture and landscaping will leave guests with a lasting impression, with cascading waterfalls and uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea from all angles. Guests looking for a unique dining experience will enjoy Elements, an all-day dining restaurant which serves fusion delicacies and the fine traditions of Thai and Western cuisine. The resort’s Italian restaurant, Vero, offers a unique culinary journey through various provinces of Italy and captures the Italian traditions of good wine, good food and good conversations. The Deli is a treasure trove for the senses indulgent chocolate treats, fresh baked croissants, and delicious pastries. Azur Bar is the main pool bar overlooking Naithon Beach and the beauty surrounding this secluded area. Its sun deck provides the perfect backdrop for lazy mojitos by the pool. The Float Bar is the centre of family pleasure during the daytime, serving kids’ favorite snacks and beverages. This area has been created with families in mind. True to the Pullman brand’s Co-Meeting promise of Commitment, Connectivity, Comfort, and Cohesion, the meeting spaces and facilities at Pullman Phuket Arcadia are impeccable. The 389 square metre Arcadia Ballroom has an 8 metre-high ceiling that creates a sense of opulence and grandeur. The facilities have been designed to keep meetings, breaks, and accommodation rooms all centrally positioned in the heart of the resort. The five state-of-the-art meeting rooms and six outdoor function spaces with fantastic ocean views can accommodate small to large groups from 10 up to 600 guests. www.pullmanphuketarcadia.com 34
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SECONDARY SCHOOL THROUGH OUT THE YEAR…. PREParing for University
At Bangkok Prep, students in the Secondary School progress through the Key Stages studying the IGSCE in Years 10 and 11 before advancing to the A Levels Programme in Years 12 and 13. Subjects available for study include: Maths, Business Studies, English, Psychology, Accounting, Geography, Mandarin, Design Technology, Physics, History, French, Physical Education, Chemistry, Drama, Thai, Information Technology, Biology, Art & Design and Music With dedicated access to our experienced University & Careers Counselors and Mentoring Programme, Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School PREPares students for a smooth transition to prestigious universities around the world. Science
Music
Art/ Design & Technology: Year 11: Underwater Pager and Point of Sale
Drama Production: West Side Story
Year 7: Aboriginal
at the studio
Sports& Competition: FOBISSEA& TISAC
Graduating Class of 2013 Bangkok Prep is proud of our talented and shining graduating students (Class of 2013) who have been offered places at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY, USA, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, USA, Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly), USA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA, USA (full scholarship), Boston University, MA, USA, University of Exeter, UK, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, Mahidol University, College of Music, Thailand and more…
BANGKOK PREP – PREParing for Life...PREParing for University Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep) is a leading private international school in the heart of Bangkok, internationally accredited by the Council of International Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Office of National Education Standards and Quality Assessment.
Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep) Sukkhumvit 53 www.bkkprep.ac.th 02-260-7890 Adjacent to Thonglor BTS Skytrain
The Real Club Of All-Inclusion
Club Med Phuket’s all-inclusive concept has been created to sport a homely oasis of relaxation and also to ensure a total sense of worry-free comfort and joy.
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Idyllically situated at the tranquil bay of Kata, Club Med Phuket is a holiday destination to soak in the calm and serenity of the unspoiled nature. Even if Club Med is one of the worldrecognized leaders in the upscale resort establishment with personalized service, but it’s never distanced itself from the essence of the local art and tradition. It exudes an intriguing blend of the unique touch of Thainess through Thai decorations incorporating with teakwood finishing and silk works so as to deliver a harmonious aesthetic and sense of local culture. 38
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The resort features 297 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites build in the long house style, covering 25 hectares. They are all beautifully finished and comfortably equipped with modern amenities while the completion of marble dĂŠcor at all suites helps bring the gracious presence to the interior. The Superior room is located in two-storey bungalows and all rooms provide garden view. Muted tones, polished hardwood floors give the room a subtle Thai flavor, including the light brown color that reflects the nature and harmonizes with the beautiful lust tropical garden outside. Suite is fully equipped with everything for general discerning travelers to feel like home and for the modern-day executive traveler to meet the pleasure of all business concern. Guest staying at any suite can take advantage of the well-designed terrace with tropical
garden view to help maximize your enjoyment and relaxation outdoor. One of the resort’s key concepts to become a successful vacation is the launch of all-inclusive holidays; they offer a wide range of natural sights and activities and are equipped with a large number of leisure things to do such as swimming pools, bars, restaurants, and discotheques. The all-inclusive holidays allow guests the freedom to enjoy the wide variety of services and activities, covering accommodation, meals and beverages, entertainment and most activities, and all are available at the all-inclusive or single price, making it value for money. Club Med realizes that the leisure time of all discerning travelers is precious, so all schedules at the resort are flexible, you can wake up late and enjoy a leisurely late lunch; everything is actually set to make you feel totally relaxed like staying at your own residence.
SINCE 1898 AFORGED STORY INTO ART
Euro Creations Gallery at Thonglor Tel: 0-2712-9555 marketing@eurocreations.co.th www.eurocreations.co.th
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A Hallmark Of Business Leisure
Hilton is a brand well-recognized by discerning world travelers as a conceptual accommodation with the innovative hospitality service. The contemporary architecture blending with the beautiful panorama and distinctive hues of skyscrapers buildings help transport visitors to the ultimate urban lifestyle.
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Located in the heart of the city center of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, Hilton Tokyo is definitely suitable for all business adventure. It boasts market leading contemporary guestrooms, spectacular bars and restaurants and one of the finest health clubs in the city. It boasts 815 well-designed guest rooms housed in the 38-story S-shaped building. The accommodation starts from 8th floor until 38th floor as the highlight is the Executive Floor that lies on the top seven floors (32nd-38th floor), which claims upgraded facilities and superior service. All guest rooms exude a contemporary design and elegance, well-versatile and yet modern and chic in style as the use of light beige carpet, stainless silver wall and brown rosewood headboard, and light brown color help maximize the Japanese sense. Executive Room is elegant, airy, bright, and spacious and bathed with warm tone while the use of Japanese lacquer and decorated wood details and the famous traditional Shoji screen window overlooking the spectacular urban view of Shinjuku.
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The room is finished with unique Japanese features and fully equipped with all business pleasures like the large 32-inch flat screen TV, DVD player, working desk with comfortable chair and high-speed internet access, and other necessary amenities.
Hilton Tokyo, 6-2, Nishi-Shinjuku 6-chome, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan, Tel +81 (0) 3-3344-5111 Email: Tokyo@hilton.com
It’s your dream... we just provide the room service
EXPLORE.
DREAM.
DISCOVER.
Revel in the 5 star service boutique hotel with its playful “Hautel Couture” style introducing open-minded guests to a new perspective of travel with a promise to be cool, sophisticated and stimulating. Nestled in the heart of Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s pulse for fashion, business, entertainment, nightlife, international hospitals and shopping centres, within a short walking distance to the Asoke BTS Sky Train and MRT Metro station.
Dream Hotel Bangkok 10 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok 10110 I T. 66 (0) 2254 8500 I info@dreambkk.com I www.dreambkk.com I
facebook.com/dreambkk
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The True Flavor Of Modern Japanese
Design
The incorporation between elegant interior design, modern technology, the melody of traditional Japanese with Chinese twisted, and the tasteful original paintings and sculptures enhance a truly luxury comfort and transport visitors to experience the flavor of modern Japanese design in the heart of Tokyo.
Situated on the highest floors of the 37-storey Marunouchi Trust Tower Main building with only a few step to Tokyo Station, Shangri-La Tokyo boasts 202 spacious and gorgeously designed guestrooms located on the higher floors between 31st and 37th floor. They are divided into Superior, Deluxe, Premier, Horizon Deluxe, Horizon Premier, Executive Suite, Shangri-La Suite, and the Presidential Suite. The overall ambience of the hotel is charmingly bathed with prestigious red and subtle dark, golden light and tone from the lobby area, elevators, Ballrooms, corridor, and restaurants, to all guestrooms. Horizon Deluxe Room is a harmonious combination between Japanese tradition, nature beauty, dark wood paneling and solid light brown wood, and the modern concept of light 44
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Shangri-La Tokyo, Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8283 Japan, Tel +81 (0) 3-6739-7888 www.shangri-la.com
flooding through its interior. It is exclusively equipped with innovative lighting system, delicate carpet floor, intelligent switch board, slumber bed, and the technology know-how in the bathroom and toilet with exclusive ShangriLa toiletries. After touring the hotel, Shangri-La Tokyo is wonderfully as if an aesthetic gallery of spectacular chandeliers and something about Chinese inspiration and art forms, actually. There are more than 50 chandeliers adoring in the hotel and about 20 homemade chandeliers uniquely designed for the hotel. Most of them are intricately carved with Czech crystal pieces in the shape of ginkgo leaves, which is a symbol of Tokyo, while many Chinese-infused painting, sculpture, and embroiders, can be found throughout the hotel. All the grandeur and splendid chandeliers have inner meaning and concept in design. They are not only for inspiring the atmosphere to become more cozy, stunning, and elegant, but also for bringing good luck, harmony, strength and also for totally helping add 46
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the charming momentum. At the entrance is inspired by the natural beauty of gingko biloba leaf as the 10-metre long chandelier at the Grand Staircase communicates about a cascading wall of sparkling raindrops from the clouds and the suspended chandelier in the lobby lounge is made of 890 pieces of glass gingko leaves and stringed by highly polished stainless steel rods to create an unspeakably graceful and glorious feeling.
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A Sensual
Lifestyle In Design Grand Hyatt Tokyo is a dynamic lifestyle destination hotel, ideal for dining, entertaining, and relaxing. The uniquely designed guestrooms and suites finished with the best-selected natural woods and mahogany wood and fabrics help to create the sensual residential ambience.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo is part of the largest urban re-development project in Japan, costing about US$4 billion located amidst the commercial and entertainment hub, business and recreation. The hotel is within 90 minutes by airport limousine bus from Narita International Airport and is also accessible by Narita Express and subway lines. You can take JR Yokosuka-Sobu line from the airport to Tokyo Station and then use Metro Hibiya line to get to Roppongi Station, the hotel is only a short walk from the subway station. Grand Hyatt Tokyo is a dynamic lifestyle destination hotel, ideal for dining, entertaining, and relaxing. A total of 389 uniquely designed guestrooms and suites feature a best-selected natural woods and mahogany wood and fabrics to create the sensual residential ambience. What steal the scene seems to be the culinary side, Grand Hyatt Tokyo encompasses the superb range of interJuly 2013
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Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Japan. Tel+ 81 3 4333 8123 www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.com
national eateries from Italian, French, Western, Chinese and Japanese, variety of facilities, and other exclusively recreation necessities. Their ten unique restaurants and bars are finished with the focus on design, quality, and service, not to mention to the culinary delight to finish your favorite dishes with dynamism and authenticity in mind and quality ingredients. To ensure an impressive and memorable traveling experience, Grand Hyatt Tokyo provides high-quality services and products in order to exceed guests’ expectations. The hotel continuously offers various product and service options, innovative and unique experience to its clientele in respond to the diverse needs with the objective to differentiate itself from other luxury hotels and to be the leader in the hospitality market. Employee satisfaction is crucial to becoming “preferred employer in the market, and providing the training necessary for each employee to live the company’s mission, vision and brand and deliver a warm sincere service. Indeed, offering high-quality service to the hotel’s guests and training employees is the key during this very competitive time in the market. 50
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Tradition Meets Modern Hilton Nagoya is an epicenter of what it calls modern design and style and traditional touch and feel co-exists to help deliver pleasant and comfortable experience while the software in the unpretentious hospitality service is added to sensually achieve a sought-after sense of homeaway-home moment for all visitors to Nagoya.
Idyllically situated at the central part of Hirokoji dori, the main street of Nagoya and the walking distance between Nagoya Station and Sakae Subway Station, Hilton Nagoya is a well balance set of the luxurious comfort for relax, the dynamism and vibrancy for the pleasure for your sense, and the brilliantly multi-functioned banquet and meeting space with modern amenities, which they are considered as the key element to suit every taste and meet all the needs of the discerning leisure travelers and business alike. 52
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Hilton Nagoya, 3-3, Sakae 1-chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Japan 460-0008, E-mail: mail.nagoya@hilton.com
It features well-appointed 450 rooms and suites and full range of modern amenities housed in the 28-story tower. They are aesthetically finished through the mix of the modern comfort, the Western styling and the traditional perfect touch of Japanese subtle in order to create an absolute sense of spaciousness and tranquility. Particularly, the 24th to 27th floor are exquisitely designed for Executive Floor to provide an express check-in service as guest relation with personalized service will be prepared to assist all resident guests. 54
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The Deluxe Room is designated in the upper floors between 20th to 23rd floor. They exude a contemporary design and elegance, well-versatile and yet modern and chic in style. Deluxe Room is tastefully decorated with shoji and fusuma or the Japanese sliding window screens to help enhance the sense of Japanese. The use of light beige carpet, and brown rosewood headboard, and light brown color help maximize the Japanese sense and the modern feel.
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The Best Of Greece’s Hidden Treat The world of happiness and serenity at the hidden area of Prachuab Khirikhan province
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Seascape is the stand alone private house peacefully situated on the roughly one rai of land. The house was aesthetically done with the mix of the astonishing Greece style in interior and exterior, it perfectly captures a wide range of variations on the classic blue and white-dominated palette to evoke the memories of seaside lifestyle amidst the pleasant and calm surrounding. According to the owner, the private retreat was established to make it bigger in size and more spacious than the original idea plan. It’s
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finished with double walling construction, which is considered to be “above grade�, or in other words, a premium wall design. Many homeowners and builders choose the double-wall design because of its exceptional energy performance. Homes with this feature will result in the excellent air/vapor barrier support and noise reduction. Actually, the way the wall materials are layered creates a more consistent and reliable air/vapor barrier and the additional materials and wall thickness prevent less noise from traveling through the walls.
The house’s private living area is situated on the third floor with one built-in bathroom and balcony overlooking the breathtaking view of the sea. Generally, the atmosphere is not so luxurious, but it focuses on the simplicity in design. What should steal the scene seems to be the considerably spacious bedroom and bathroom, suitable for those wishing to indulge yourself showering and cleaning in the bathroom. The second and third floor is finished with the outdoor living area for relaxing in style while the view of the sea will enhance the feeling of romance and a sensual moment during sunset. Personally, I would say that the house is totally the reflection of the personality of the owner. I really like this seaside house very much and I do believe that other people who love staying by the sea surrounding with tranquil ambience will feel the same like me while the owner of the house is quite friendly and approachable and they can share with you any lifestyle topic, particularly about design and music. Let’s discover this hidden icon of Greece style in Thailand, I dare say that this place is superb in design and style and it’s actually the real house for the artist in mind. Originally, the owner said, the main propose of building the 3-storey house was to be the guesthouse for interested tourists and also for the owner to come to empty the holiday break, so it gives me a sense that the owner might be a lonely kind of person, but sometime he doesn’t want to stay alone. And when there is a guest or visitor or tourist coming to share the space of life in the house, it’d be a great time that they would be able to share and exchange the idea. Anyway, we have to take the good with the bad and following operating as the guesthouse for a while, the owner said he feel the lack of the sense of privacy, so he decided to dissolve the idea to do guesthouse. 60
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January 2014
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Life In Style:
Bringing Your Ideas To Life People have different ideas when it comes to style and they have vastly differing perceptions of art and design for living. Just only one word or a sentence from a person can at least inspire you the new idea and can probably further develop the images of living or the designed framework in your heart. We sit down to talk with selected modern people at heart about living life in design and life in style towards the success and happiness.
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LIFE IN STYLE by Rangsan Srirat
Sarinya Tiyaphorn, Deputy Managing Director
We had a lively chat with a lively young business woman Khun Sarinya “Kaew” Tiyaphorn, Deputy Managing Director, Pimalai Resort & Spa, before she managed to catch her next flight to Miami, United States, for her personal engagement. Khun Sarinya has been busy in taking her family hospitality business to the next level but she is able to break her time off from her business-cum-pleasure trip doing road show in Europe, North and South Asia, and sometime in China and Japan. She said that traveling and staying different hotels resorts can make her realize new vision toward how to internationalize Pimalai to the world class small-luxury resort while traveling abroad can bring her new solution to develop the business. “Whenever I travel to any destination, I will normally observe and try to understand what the key selling point of each destination is to make a place so unique and outstanding. I will fine out which marketing approaches they are manipulating to attract the target group, including method and how to present the products and services. The general idea in design and the interesting set of decorative items and accessories used to enhance the livable ambience are also significant aside from the protocol in service and management, which they are what I’ve ever learnt and absorbed from my traveling experience to many different places,” says Sarinya. “I still remember I had the chance to visit “Mykonos” four years ago and stayed at “Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, which is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand (SLH). It made me more understand about the effective management in human resource as the salary and operating cost for hotel staff are considerably high. A hotel staff
The New Journey
To Become Smart Luxury Brand There are many different aspects of life to learn as lots of untold stories at the world outside your original country are waiting for you to explore to broaden your horizon and perspective. Travel might be generally considered a leisure break to empty someone’s downtime, but for sophisticated business traveler, traveling to different destinations, new environment, and to meet new people who live in different cultures and environment might help you come up with a new vision and probably inspire a new idea and new solution in business that you’ve never realized before. 66
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has to do all-round responsibilities for a small hotel as I was surprised to see the driver who just picked me from the airport and then when we arrived at the hotel, he was busy preparing buffet and doing other services and daily operation while some staff was responsible for taking guest to the check-in and serving as the concierge in the same time.” “So, then, it came to me having to reconsider myself and the way of management of my Pimalai resort, especially the human resource management, and then I saw if the current system used at Pimalai is appropriate for further development as we are a member of SLH, where discerning honeymooners and travelers expect to come to enjoy the bespoken and unpretentious service. After I was back to my home town, I immediately reviewed the organization chart of the resort and reorganized the training system, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and the proficiency in working of the staff. I considered it’s beneficial for my resort in the long run as the new measure that I applied based on my experience at Mykonos will help reduce the impact from the rising minimum wages level.” “Based on my travel experience and stayed at so many standard hotels resorts worldwide, what I’ve definitely learned very much from the hotels resorts outside Thailand is the stern and stringent rule and the lack of flexibility in service. At Pimalia Resort & Spa, relax and comfort are top priority and we are flexible for late check out or early check in and we also have well-equipped rooms temporarily spared for guests to stay for awhile during tight or high occupancy in high tourism season. The central goal is to help guests achieve impressive traveling experience and also to create the homey relax and the ultimate comforts from the moment a guest arrives at the airport until the last day. So, I consider that hospitality service and flexibility are important while caring or paying attention to the details is the key element to create endless impression.” “But the travel destination or activity that truly reflects the quality of being myself is the sailing boat as I’d to go out to enjoy sailing with my father to many nearly small islands from Pimalai Resort & Spa, Krabi. It gives me a bit more sense of sea adventure, actually, and it’s also a worry-free moment when I don’t need to do make-up and hair dressing.” Thailand has been a mounting number of pool villa resorts in recent years due to the increasing demand as business travelers in the up-market
like to luxuriate in pool villa for the ultimate indulgence and individual comfort. So, the competition in the concept of pool villa is relatively become intensive and it’s a challenge for Khun Sarinya to have to make a new dynamism to maintain a leadership in the pool villa market. She’s optimistic that Pimalai Resort & Spa has clear character and personality, it has well-presented Thai hospitality service amidst the natural ambience and the service mind of Thai staff, making it’s easier for a guest to decide whether to stay in short and long term with the resort. Pimalai Resort & Spa still emphasizes on the character and concept of Thai resort, the unpretentious Thai hospitality service, sensual Thai ambience, decoration and other all elements of Thai touch so as to stress the quality of Thainess, not to mention to its quality of Thai delicacies and seafood. Khun Sarinya considers that whenever any tourists go to any tourism destination, they will naturally have the sense that they want to get in touch with the local tradition and way of life, art, and culture or enjoy as the local people do in order to totally achieve a memorable traveling experience at a destination. “The natural-inspired Pimalai Resort & Spa has established to reinforce the level of luxury hotels and services within the market, which has become the number one destination and portfolio within the Asia Pacific region. Our product brand and concept are strong and the unsurpassable hospitality service is well recognized in the up market, but we need to strengthen the brand and concept and make it more interesting after the resort has been running as a coastal luxury destination of Andaman for nearly 12 years,” she said. “Our uniqueness is the pure love for the nature and location that’s been behind the inspiration to begin the resort. Pimalai Resort & Spa was established with the love and intention to create a hideaway for the sense that can go in harmony with the surrounding nature amidst the pristine tropical environment. The Thai-inspired Pimalai Resort & Spa has committed many social responsibility and natural caring programs to improve the quality of environment and destinations by encouraging responsible environmental, social and economical practices at the resort and within local communities. That’s what we wish to emphasize about the love and care for the nature as the fundament behind the establishment of the resort. We also want to make the brand and concept more oriented to the quality of being smart casual and yet luxury and relax experience. Anyway, we still maintain the acclaimed tailor-made and beyond expectation service, which is one of our strong points ever admired regularly by visitors.” “Other pool villa resorts might highlight the location and convenience as their unique selling preposition to gain the market while some resorts focus on using modern technology and innovative design in interior and facilities to serve differing tastes of interest, including finishing with Baliness-inspired features. As for Pimalai Resort & Spa, it’s the combination of all Thai and nature-inspired elements; we are like the smart and modern people at heart living in simplicity and luxury in style and never forget about being yourself and the root of Thainess inside a person,” said Sarinya. July 2013
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Living Under
New Double Standard
by Rangsan Srirat
“Thailand culture, the land of smiles, where friendly and service minded culture exists, our CARE culture is a perfect compliment. We look forward to adding our CARE culture to the Bangkok market.”
Thailand has seen the smorgasbord of international hotel chains, including the growing presence of mix-used residential development in Bangkok that have been established through design-led approach in construction and design in favor of people in the modern day lifestyle who prefer to involve or indulge themselves in design-inspired ambience and conceptual destinations. DoubleTree by Hilton at Sukhumvit, Bangkok is a testimonial of lifestyle hotel by design that made the first foothold in Bangkok and it’s the Hilton Worldwide’s 100th property in Asia-Pacific to attract business travelers and discerning people who are becoming more brand-conscious and wish to sleepover at a well-designed environment and with the international standard of service by Hilton brand. We had a brief discuss about the new pace of development of the Hilton brand in Thailand and the new idea for living intelligently at the first DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit, Bangkok with cluster General Manager, Mr. Chris Ehmann, who will bring his strong understanding of global hospitality industry to help uplift the innovative aspect of hospitality in Thailand by DoubleTree. 68
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What’s behind the decision to explore the growth opportunity of Hilton brand in Thailand? What do you want to emphasize and communicate with the market in Thailand? Chris – Hilton Worldwide is celebrating 30 years here in Thailand. We have already been a long time in the market with now six operating properties and two more due to open, the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok later this year and the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, our luxury brand in 2015. We see Thailand as a key destination in Asia for many of our customers as we continue to extend our footprint. What is your overview about the growth prospect of hospitality industry as we have seen the increasing number of international hotel chains? Do you also see Thailand as the gate to the success in Asia? Chris – Thailand has always been a popular destination for both the business and leisure traveler. So far this year for the first quarter there has been strong growth in the number of arrivals on 2012 which was already considered strong at the time. The forecast looks strong at this stage. What is the outstanding personality and characters of DoubleTree and the Hilton itself? What is the overall concept of both properties? Chris – The DoubleTree by Hilton has some great attributes as a brand. One unique point is the CARE culture of our team (Creating a rewarding Experience). This full service hotel has an art deco design style with rich stories embedded within. This backed up with the HHonors loyalty program, the only card that allows customers to “double dip” collecting air
Worldwide we are constantly striving to provide state of the art training and learning systems for our team members to further develop themselves. We have joined with world renowned hotel schools such as the Hague to develop over 2000 eLearning programs available to all team members. For the community we are looking still researching a local partner where out team members can engaging in supporting.
miles points as well as HHonor points for every stay provides customers with great value adds. Do you think what should be the unique character of Hilton brand that make it excels from other hotels resorts? Chris – The Hilton Worldwide brand has over 93 years of heritage and experience. With that we have developed strong international sales force and distribution channels supporting each hotel. This combined with the award winning HHonors loyalty program with over 34 Million members who can chose from close to 4000 destiations around the globe give our customers a fantastic array of options.
What’s should be your most challenge in doing market for the first DoubleTree in Thailand? Chris – Thailand culture, the land of smiles, where friendly and service minded culture exists, our CARE culture is a perfect compliment. We look forward to adding our CARE culture to the Bangkok market. We continue to grow the Hilton Worldwide portfolio to provide customers more choice. The next opening for us would be the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok later this year followed by the first Waldorf Astoria in Bangkok scheduled for 2015.
Can you explain more about “DoubleTree by Hilton CARE”? Chris – CARE stands for “Creating a Rewarding Experience”. This is the spirit behind everything we do. This is not only directed to our guests but also to our team members and community we serve. As Hilton
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The Prestigious & Aesthetic
DNA Comes To Life by Laurence Civil
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The world’s first Rolls-Royce Boutique Showroom in a luxury mall opened at the end of May 2013 at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon. Laurence Civil went there to meet Chatvithai Tantraporn, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok, to discover his marketing strategy for this prestigious car brand in Bangkok.
Rolls-Royce Motors Cars are each individually commissioned to each individual customers preference while respecting the brand’s essential DNA. The boutique was specially designed to aid customers in that creative process. At this intimate two-car boutique potential customers are invited to mix and match woods, leather or to select from a palette of 44,000 different colours of paint for the coachwork. Within the Bespoke lounge, leather, wood and part samples allow customers to touch, feel and visualise their artistic desires when commissioning their own Rolls-Royce motor car. In addition the Rolls-Royce configurator is available for customers to create their own design on screen at the touch of a button, instantly bringing the creative process to life. “We opened this second intimate boutique showroom with the aim of bringing it closer to our potential customers,” says Chatvithai. “Bangkok follows the luxury brand trends, Siam Paragon is the perfect location being home to all those luxury brands. There is a niche Thai segment who like and are willing to spend money on luxury brands when they are presented in the environment in which they feel comfortable. That is here at Siam Paragaon.” “We also are showcasing a number of the Rolls-Royce Lifestyle Collection of accessories not previously seen in Thailand,” he says.”The
Rolls-Royce neck scarf made with 100% Italian silk with a white Spirit of Ecstasy colour. This exquisite pieces is exclusively available in wild flower, the colour of the Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection cars. Additional items include the Rolls-Royce silk tie, featuring an image of Eleanor Thornton on the reserve who it is thought the Spirit of Ecstasy was originally modelled on; and Spirit of Ecstasy cufflinks, made from sterling silver modelled on the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy.” “We are not just here to sell but to service and repair our customers motor cars,” he adds, “All of our technicians and mechanics have undergone gone complete training a the Rolls-Royce Motor Car School in Malaysia. Should a Ghost be involved in an accident in Thailand the bodywork and re-spray can be done here. It would only be if a Phantom were to be involved in a serious accident that would necessitate shipping the car back to Goodwood,” he adds. “A lot people stand in front of showroom to take photos of the car in the same way they would a piece of art in a museum,” he says. “We have even found a lipstick kiss mark on the glass walls, a statement of love for the qualities the Rolls-Royce Motor Car represents. The brand is a statement of perfection at the pinnacle of auto excellence. Ownership of one of these cars is a symbol of achievement.
At the recent Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Dealers conference in Hong Kong, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok won the Young Emerging Dealership of the year 2012 in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the brand. On receiving the award Chatvithai revealed that the prestigious accolade is testament of the brand’s commitment to being prestigious position. With one of the largest showrooms in South East Asia, Rolls-Royce’s operations are designed to provide quality service to their customers when they commission a Rolls-Royce motor car. Their authorized workshop, which is fully supported by the Rolls-Royce Manufacturing Plant in Goodwood, England, is also equipped with the latest technology to service customers. “Mark Court is the only man who hand paints the 6 metre long coach line on each Rolls-Royce Motor Car. As an indication of how important social media is to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, when the company’s facebook page achieved 1 Million likes he hand painted the facebook like symbol breaking the coach line on one car to celebrate the achievement. Once he had to fly to Dubai to paint the coach line on the car of a Prince who collected his car initially without one.” “The latest version of the Ghost first appeared at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a prototype model 200ex. It officially launched as a production car at the Frankfurt Motor Show later that year. It came into the market to specifically attract a new younger market. The Ghost is like a business suit while the Phantom is tuxedo. The Art Deco model was a highlight and is one of only 35 models in the world which was designed to be driven in Thailand.” “The Rolls-Royce Art Deco with it opaque crystal Spirit of Ecstasy was the only nonpreordered motor car we have shipped to Thailand,” he says. “One of unique collection of 35 motor cars worldwide with its engine specifically tuned to be driven. The undisclosed owner made his buying decision in less than 45 seconds, the normal timeline can take up to two months.” “An investor in the Rolls-Royce Motor Car Experience has high expectation. The driving sensation starts with a growl followed by near silence even at speed that sound quality is such that there is no need to raise the voice. We will be launching the Rolls-Royce Wraith in Thailand in later this year,” he concludes. “Launched at the Geneva Motor Show this year, The Wraith revives a name first used in 1938, has the boldest design, most dramatic performance and the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever. This motor car embraces the very finest things in life, elegance, beauty, refinement and luxury” July 2013
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by Rangsan Srirat / Photography Vasin Srivarathabul
A Model
In Business of a Model
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We might have heard that art and business are the two straight lines that seem never come across when the business is about looking for the return on investment while art is about emotionally finding your way to achieve the passion. Not always so anymore, in the modern market it’s essential that we have to bring those two straight lines together so as to stand out from others and gain the success in the market, particularly in the beauty and fashion industry. A1 MODELS is the tomorrow name of modeling agency in Thailand that finds the perfect match between art and business through using the experience and knowledge about fashion and beauty of the founder Farung “Kwang” Yuthithum, former Miss Thailand Universe 2007, together with her intuition and business model to become the country’s number one modeling agency.
Shortly referred to as Kwang Farung, she took her time off from the tight schedule in the beauty, fashion, and the showbiz industry to discuss with us the inspiration behind the investment on modeling agency business and her model in business to chase her passion and dream and the next success in life amidst the fast-growing beauty and fashion scene. She makes us realize that A1 MODELS is not only just the modeling agency business as its name suggests, but it’s also the phenomenal investment on passion translated from her modeling experience, aiming to uplift the standard of fashion, acting, and commercial models as well as helping up and coming generations fulfill their dream on runway and become sustainably successful model at the international arena. “A1 MODELS is a full-service modeling agency; we offer basic training and course for those wishing to grow in modeling and fashion industry. We were found by highly experienced team of fashion enthusiasts and fashionista, including me, and we have expansive connection with other people involved in the scope of the beauty and fashion. Other modeling agencies might focus on commercial modeling, models for advertising, or even fashion, but for A1 MODELS, we’ve strived to become the country’s number one modeling agency and the first modeling agency to make the first foothold in foreign country to screen and select the best oversea models for doing both fashion and commercial modeling.” “I accept that we are still new in the fashion industry in term of the name, but me, my team, director, models agents and scouts, and other partners are highly experienced in the industry. As I said that A1 MODELS wishes to become the number one of the country, I think the most challenging thing to be there is how we can get the brilliant portfolio of accredited models from
abroad to serve the need of the customers and response to the beauty and fashion market in Thailand. We are confident in our expansive network of people in Thailand and the existing connection with other modeling agencies in foreign nations. And another challenge is our ability to entrust them that we can definitely supply or generate more high-profile modeling jobs for a model.” She revealed that she decided to buckle down to run the modeling agency business because she actually has the direct experience in the industry since before she was crowned as Miss Thailand Universe 2007 as she is currently a model too. It’s simply said that her experience in the industry has been uplifted by the nature, making her familiar with the trend and style and gradually understand about the demand and supply and the highly needed type or category of models to serve in the fast-growing beauty and fashion industry in Thailand. Kwang said that she’s experienced in modeling and fashion industry since she was young and had the chance to join a famous runway in Hong Kong to represent many fashion brands and then gone through number of high-profile fashion events in Asia until she felt that modeling is part of her life and personal stylish taste of interest. She is also the personality trainer at Tiara School of Style and Personality to help improve personality and behavior of the up and coming generations whose dream of growing in the showbiz and fashion industry “To me, the definition of good personality refers to having self-confidence and I think self-confidence is important. I’ve been normally picked as part of the judge panel for many beauty pageants or even the committee for screening the beauty contestant. I observe that anyone that comes with self-confidence will
stand out from others. The good personality for me also refers to the social etiquette and the way we behave, talk, and dress in the particular occasion. That’s the key element to achieve the unique and outstanding personality and character.” A1 MODELS is one of the biggest and most successful modeling agencies in Bangkok, its professional team of model agents and scouts have contributed significantly to maintain its pace as a top agency. A1 MODELS development division is also highly respected for the ability to build top models. They have a number of exclusive professional models and their faces appear in the most reputed magazines in the fashion world such as Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Madame Figaro, Marie Claire etc. You can see them in TV commercials, advertisings on billboards and catalogues, and at leading magazines’ front cover as it’s a pride for any model for being able to appear on the front cover of magazine. A1 MODELS’ success is built on their long-term partnerships with the best international agencies, its excellent service and portfolio of professional models. Meanwhile, the “Interplay Production” is a unit established to support each other to create jobs for its models and TV commercials work in the future. It plans to expand scope of fashion, bringing more models, in order to guarantee benefit or income for models. “To become successful, I would like to suggest that you have to understand what you are going to do. I have experience and understand the beauty and fashion and involved in the industry for long time before I was crowned as Miss Thailand Universe in 2007. I understand the beauty and fashion industry very well and able to get through the work process between modeling agency and the model. And it’s necessary that we have to find models that can work well with us or a modeling agency to meet the need of the customers and sometime I find that some models feel uncomfortable to join or work with some customers or modeling agency.” “At A1 MODELS, we will take good care of our models like a family member as we are highly responsible for bring the best out of all models and supporting them to grow in the fashion industry through our ongoing approach, active style of staff, and being spontaneous to secure the quality job for our models July 2013
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The Traveler: Going Where Ideas Take Shape People love to indulge or spend their lifestyle traveling, living, eating and drinking, and staying in well-designed ambience and destination. We will let you know the latest update derived from design destinations where the idea takes shape in Thailand and Asia-Pacific, which may make you fancy and enhance new idea in living. You are moving towards living intelligently, traveling intelligently, dining, eating, drinking intelligently, and luxuriating intelligently on the modern design and exotic destinations both in Thailand and Asia-Pacific.
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TRAVELER Story & Photos by Rangsan Srirat
THE MEMORIAL Gateways To Real
JAPAN
As a great fan of Japan, I’ve had the passion to visit Japan to learn and absorb about the Japanese way of life, modern technology, art and culture, I’ve traveled to Japan for six times and it’s much enough for me to realize what is “Zen” in Japan that’s helped develop the country to become the one and the only developed nation in Asia both in term of hardware or modern technology and software, which is human resource. 76
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Also, I have the chance to witness four different seasons in Japan and I’ve like to say that Japan is worth for traveling for all year round as each season has its own color, theme, scenic beauty and charm even if the winter season is quite lonely for just sometime especially if you go solo traveling alone in Japan. We spent a week traveling, shopping, eating, and drinking in Tokyo before moving to meet our Japanese friends in Nagoya for a few days and then managed to experience the core of Japanese culture and the real spirit of Japan at Inuyama, Gifu, Hida Takayama, Shirakawa, Shinhotaka Ropeway, Matsumoto, Nagano, Nakatsugawa, and Magome Juku before saying goodbye to Japan. Nagoya is the largest city in the Chubu region of Japan. It is the third-largest incorporated city and the fourth most populous urban area in Japan after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. Even if Nagoya has been generally known among new comers
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and discerning and business-alike travelers as one of the largest industrial areas in Japan, but in a wider side of tourism aspect, the city is actually the springboard to other important attractions and interesting travel destinations, and the home to true sense and spirit of Japan 78
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such as Gifu, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine, Shinhotaka Ropeway, Hida-Takayama, Nakatsugawa, Magome, Nagano, and sightseeing spots in Aichi and Mie prefecture such as Toyota, Toba, and Ise. The most convenient way to access Nagoya city from the airport is to take the airport rail-link Meitetsu to Nagoya Station as it’s much cheaper taking a train (¥850) than a taxi. And of course, traveling around by train can definitely enhance a real touch of Japan since the moment you enter to this land of Samurai. If you come from Tokyo, we recommend you take Shinkansen Tokaido line with Nozomi train and it takes about one hour and fifty minutes to the Nagoya station. Here, you can enjoy traveling, dining, and shopping at the underground malls in comfort without
worrying about the temperature or seasonal change, including the rank of top-class global brands and cutting-edge fashion trends and lifestyle at Sakae. Don’t forget to look around Osu Kannon Temple at Osu Shopping Arcade, which is dubbed as the Akihabara of Nagoya, as there will be the Osu Cosplay parade during the first weekend of each month around Benshoji Temple and the World Cosplay Summit will be held each year at the historical arcade. As for the cuisine side in Nagoya, if you are passionate about noodle and deep-fried chicken wing, this is the culinary heaven for you and all Japanese food critics. Even if Nagoya’s side-street eateries are not as numerous as Tokyo’s, but Nagoya has its own personality of dining and noodle dishes are very unique. You should try “Kishimen”, the wide and flat noodle served in a pungent fish-flavored soy broth and spare your room for experiencing Tebasaki, the deep-fried chicken wings coated with salty-sweet sauce and spices, which Japanese people like to have it with beer. Traveling in Nagoya will not be complete without paying a visit to feel the sense and spirit of Japanese at Nagoya Castle, a restore Japanese castle, which was burnt down and destructed during the Pacific War in 1945 and was finished restructuring in 1959. Visiting Nagoya Castle actually reminded you about the national identity and the unique personality of Japan that Japanese people have shared the endeavor to preserve their own art and culture. And they can successfully maintain a well balance between the tangibly modern touch in technology, design, and living tradition. One-day ticket for all subway lines (¥740) will help you a lot to easily achieve your well-planned day trip in Nagoya.
My Japanese friend suggested me to visit Inuyama, literally meaning “dog mountain” (Inu is dog and yama is mountain), but it’s not at all related to the dog. Inuyama is a city in Aichi Prefecture, not far from Nagoya. It is most famous for its small but beautiful Inuyama Castle, which is one of Japan’s oldest wooden castles in its original state, having survived the turmoils of wars and disasters over the years. The top floor of the castle provides tourists with the picturesque Kiso River that runs along the northern border of the city, where cormorant fishing takes places at from June through mid October every year. We then moved to Gifu prefecture in the next day and stayed for one night in Takayama at Associa Takayama Resort, the southwest of Takayama City. Gifu is an important area in the central Japan that has long played as the transition between east and west and modern and tradition. It’s widely known as the home to Shirakawa-go Village, one of the must-visited UNESCO World’s heritage sites, and Takayama, where you can totally enjoy the charm of Japan in the past and traditional architecture that have still been preserved. Shirakawa-go can be reached by both JR Hida Express from Nagoya station to Takayama and then take the Express bus from Takayama station to Shirakawa-go. The highlight is the
distinctive style of farmhouses created through steeply pitched gabled thatched roofs as the whole structure and huge oak woods used for Wada house are mainly finished by tightly binding with thick straw ropes. For more details, visit www.shirakawa-go.gr.jp Hida Takayama, a traditional and well-preserved old town, is a microcosm of the sense and spirit of Japan. Here you will see the traditional architecture and design, old village and walking street at old private house area at the central merchant district. The authentic rickshaw ride, traditional houses, row of long-established shophouses is charmingly the character of the city that will make you reminiscent of Edo and Kyoto period and the flavor of the yesteryears Japan. Before leaving this traditional city, we recommend you take time off and shop for “Sake” at Funasaka Sake Brewery as the traditional Japanese sake brewery was discovered here. Hida Takayama is much easier to access than Shirakawa-go, you can take the Tokkyu Hida (Hida Express) from Nagoya to Takayama station. From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi Train, Bt10,070 JPY for non-reserved seat) from Tokyo to Nagoya and transfer to the JR Hida
limited express train to Takayama. For more travel info, visit www. hida.jp or www.jnto.co.jp The highlight of the second date after leaving Nagoya is the much-awaited first-time visit to the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, which is one of Japan’s most unique ropeways to see the world above the clouds with the height of 2,156m above sea level. Known as “The leader of the Northern Alps, it has one of the largest elevation gains in the country as it climbs over 1000 meters up the side of the Hotake Mountain Range, which includes Oku-Hotakedake, Japan’s third highest peak. But its most distinguishing feature is its double decker gondola cars, the first of their kind in Japan, which offer excellent views of the Okuhida Region. You can get the Shinhotaka Ropeway via JR Takayama Station, a 93-minute trip on a Nohi Bus bound for Shinhotaka Onsen. Roundtrip tickets are 2,800 yen for adult and 1,400 for children (one way tickets also available) For more info, contact Tel: +81 (0) 578 89 2252 or visit www.okuhi.jp/Rop/ FRTop.html Special Thanks: Thai Airways International Plc (THAI), Japan Tourism Board & Gifu Prefectural Government, Yumi Takahashi, Misaki Ieda, Sam Rashkovich, Toru Karamatsu, Aichi Pref. Govt., Mitsunari Shiroki, Shirakawa Village Office, Atsushi Murai, City of Takayama, Nakamura Atsushi & Sumida Kiyomi, Hida City, Toru “Teddy” Yamaishi, Matsumoto, Nagano, FujiGen Guitar Factory, Miho Hayashi, Nakatsugawa City, Hiroyuki Honda, Masaki Hane, and huge thanks to all Japanese friends and people in Japan.
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The dream of staying in Japanese Ryokan came true when I got back from Shinhotaka Ropeway and checked in at Hotakaso Sanganoyu, the hot spring resort in Okuhida area (www.okuhida-sanganoyu.jp). Actually, the Ryokan immensely provided me with the eye-opening experience of authentic Japanese hospitality and style, impressive room service, especially the fully set dinner and breakfast. In the next morning, we were picked by Japanese friend from Nagano, which he will guide us to visit FujiGen Guitar Factory, the home to the Ibanez Prestige guitar, one of the world’s best musical gears for rock and metal world of music. Nagano is an inland prefecture situated in the central part of Honshu that spreads across the Central Highland, also known as the roof of Japan; it is situated between Nagoya and Tokyo with easy access by JR Azusa Limited Express from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo or Shinano Limited Express on JR Chuo Line from Nagoya Station. As people already and widely realize that Japan is absolutely the pioneer in nearly everything and able to create their own brand, products, and service, the country is where you can come to see cutting-edge technology, convenience, quality of life, line up of quality and fresh seafood, sushi and sashimi, the best service in train system, the stringent way of lifestyle, wasabi and authentic Japanese foods, etc, but there is one thing that only a few people know is that Japan is also the heaven for musical instruments, especially electric
guitar, which is artistically created by Japanese craftsmanship. That’s the reason why I had the endeavor to include the visiting of FujiGen Guitar Factory in Nagano in the trip as the Japanese-made guitars and other musical instruments are part of the bold expression about modern tradition of making the guitar and the communication of spirit of Japan through the Japanese sound of music. So, if you are musician or love of music, wherever you are in Japan, just look for all “Made-InJapan” products only. We moved back to Gifu prefecture again by taking Shinano limited express on Chuo line from Matsumoto Station in Nagano to Nakatsugawa Station with the expectation to visit the post town to update the scene of historical tracks of Nakasendo and Magome Juku during Edo era, not to mention to the chance to experience the Japanese Minshuku at the last night in Japan (www.kiso-tajimaya. com). It’s the budget Japanese guest house or lodge, typically featuring tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where I wore yukata and talk and dance with the owner. Magome Juku is the traditional town teemed with Ryokan, the town is on a slope uphill featuring a number of traditional craft shops, tea-houses and sweet stalls, a waterwheel, and a museum. It’s very picturesque walking though Magome-juku as it will transport you back to the Edo period, some 300 years ago. The area is
known internationally as a place that retains the particular atmosphere of old Japanese posting stations. Visitors can hike a portion of the Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago. This scenic trail is especially popular among overseas visitors who seek an authentic experience of traditional life and the charming scenes of Sakura or other colorful flowers in spring and summer, autumn foliage, and snowy picture in winter.
Thai Airways International (THAI) THAI provides a number of convenient flights from Bangkok to Tokyo & Nagoya. (Outbound: Bangkok-Tokyo) *TG 676 dep: Bangkok-07.35 arr: Tokyo-15.45 (Airbus A380) TG 640 dep: Bangkok-22.10 arr: Tokyo-06.20 TG 642 dep: Bangkok-23.50 arr: Tokyo-08.10 Bangkok to Nagoya TG644 dep: 00.05 Bangkok arr: 07.30 Nagoya TG646 dep: 08.15 Bangkok arr: 15.40 Nagoya www.thaiairways.com
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one camera a thousand looks Love sharing your style? The Sony NEX-3N captures stunning self-portraits thanks to its 180° flip screen and Soft Skin Effect. With Auto Object Framing that helps compose beautiful shots, the world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera* comes with a large DSLR-sized APS HD CMOS sensor and built-in flash.
July 2013
*Among interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C sensor and built-in flash on February 2013.
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DINing room
Nadaman The Best
Fresh Bite
We are fortunate to be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining well in Tokyo. The city is host to a truly staggering number of restaurants offering a mĂŠlange of flavours from all corners of the world. And as discerning diners we have come to expect high standards in terms of healthy ingredients and meticulous preparation and presentation. Ask foodies to 82
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choose one cuisine that exemplifies these attributes and chances are high many will pick Japanese cuisine when in Japan. Aficionados of Japanese fare looking for a change from dĂŠcor featuring artificial bamboo and waitresses in Kimono will like Nadaman. This is where you discover a new Japanese dining concept. Situated on the 29th Floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo, Nadaman is a well-known restaurant group that has served fine Kaiseki cuisine to royalty, world leaders and discerning dinners in Japan since the 1830. The restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine prepared by a group of seasoned Japanese chefs in a refined interior that blends minimalism and the Japanese artistic influence. Nadaman features a teppanyaki area, a sushi counter, private rooms, and a main dining area. Here patrons enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine
in a modern ambience with panoramic views of western and eastern Tokyo. Nadaman Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo,100-8283, Japan. www.nadaman.co.jp/english/shangrila/index.htm
Roku Roku Edo Style The Core Of
Grand Hyatt Tokyo is home to 10 unique restaurants and bars that focus on design, quality and service. Three of the outlets are Japanese eateries. Roku Roku restaurant serves Edo-mae-style sushi and sashimi using premium quality seafood selected each morning from local markets across Japan. The contemporary design, inspired by Japanese aesthetics, provides an open, light-filled restaurant with a sushi counter, tables and a private dining room. A wide selection of Japanese sakes from boutique distilleries, hand-picked by the sake sommelier, is also offered. Shunbou features market fresh ingredients grown and specially prepared for Japanese cuisine. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in the Kappo style in the “Aji-ishi� Japanese granite stone main dining room, or indulge in seasonal Kaiseki menus in the Ryotei-style private rooms. Keyakizaka is an innovative teppanyaki restaurant that features an array of market fresh seasonal meats, seafood, poultry and vegetables. Ingredients are prepared teppanyaki-style, incorporating international flavours and aspects from around the world. Displays of produce can be seen throughout the restaurant, allowing guests to choose and order anything they like for skilled chefs to prepare. Grand Hyatt Tokyo 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Japan www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.jp July 2013
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REST in style by Rangsan Srirat
A Timeless Memory Of
Japanese Luxury
Comfort 84
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The Peninsula Tokyo 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, 100-0006, Japan Tel +81 (0) 3-6270-2888 www.peninsula.com
The challenge in hospitality business especially in the big and reputable chain name in hotel is how to unpretentiously create a worry-free personalized service as many giant luxury hotels have already realized it as a main sensual element to help visitors achieve a memorable stay. The Peninsula Tokyo wishes to go further as its existing protocol of hospitality service is the indisputable asset to sport an impressive melody of living, dining, sleeping, and a pleasant stay. As an Asia-based player, the best is to express your own identity incorporating with the ability to enhance Eastern culture and make a balance into Western style. That’s an out-of-box genre of The Peninsula Tokyo to break the barrier of hospitality service and make a new era of luxury living comfort for the city hotel in East Asia.
Peninsula Tokyo is also a timeless destination worth a rediscovering for a new realm of elegant comfort in Tokyo, where modern touch meets living tradition. Located in Tokyo’s fashionable lifestyle and luxury shopping destination with a view of Imperial Palace and Chiyoda Park, The Peninsula Tokyo is a testament of pioneer in luxury design with modern and sensual interior while the high-quality, high-touch through the modern technology, and seamless hospitality service has been retained as the cornerstone of the philosophy of the hotel brand since The Peninsula opened its door in Tokyo since September 2007. It is uniquely decorated under the Modern Zen concept that concentrates on using straight lines, which means stability and prosperity as the lattice work and motif can be found throughout the hotel. It features 314 spacious guestrooms, including 47 suites, five exceptional dining venues, a modern lounge bar, two ballroom, six elegant function rooms, a Japanese ceremony room, and other recreational facilities. All guestrooms are lavishly appointed and offer guests with the breathtaking view of the Imperial Palace Gardens and the shopping capital of Ginza. They are among the most advanced technology in Tokyo, featuring intelligent lighting and temperature and humidity switch board and innovative toilet, and the controller of curtain. It’s regarded as the modern context that reflects Japanese culture and season. The overall concept in design of The Peninsula Tokyo is to intertwine rich earth tone color, woods, Japanese lacquer, marble, and stone with design and functionality to blissfully create a luxurious living environment. To fulfill the definition of “International in design, but Japanese by inspiration,” the lattice, spectacular bamboo sculpture, the carpet with the design of pine needles, the Japanese style of cushions and benches, ceramic wall and other Japanese art forms, symbol of strength and harmony has been eclectically blended to address the rich Japanese culture and belief.
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UPDATE
8 Years
In Design
Blu Inc Media celebrated yet another successful gala dinner, the 8th Anniversary for LP – Luxury Properties on Friday, May 31st, 2013 at the newly opened Wine Gallery Shanghai Residence. The gala, LP – 8 Years in Design, celebrated eight years of LP presenting the best in architecture, design, interiors and property in Asia and abroad since its first issue launched in 2004. At the Gala Dinner, LP – Luxury Properties partnered with Habitat for Humanity China to raise donations for the organization’s housing efforts in Shanghai. “We see Habitat for Humanity as an ideal partner to celebrate the eight-year anniversary of LP – Luxury Properties.
Eastin Easy Jomtien Pattaya
To Open In 2015
Absolute Hotel Services Group is delighted to announce the signing of the Eastin Easy Jomtien Pattaya hotel which will be the second managed hotel by Absolute Hotel Services Group in Pattaya, slated to open by late 2015. The hotel will be located at Jomtien Road, Pattaya with approximately 180 rooms comprising of superior and deluxe room types. There will be one specially designed restaurant and bar, a fully equipped gym and a large outdoor swimming pool. For meetings and events, there are four meeting rooms with total space of 800 sqm. “As Pattaya and Jomtien enjoy strong demand growth we are confident that the destination and this specific location can absorb additional supply easily especially in the mid-tier segment. We are working closely with the project team to ensure we develop a unique product which more than satisfies the needs of our target customers which in combination with the Eastin Easy brand and service standards will become an easy choice for those visiting the destination.” said Jonathan Wigley, CEO of Absolute Hotel Services Group. For more info, visit www.absolutehotelservices.com
The Charm Of
Siam
Hua Chang Heritage Hotel recently unveiled “Miss Siam” restaurant to reflect the country’s essence of culinary delight featuring Thai recipes and the traditional art of cooking that have been passed down through the generations by the executive Chef Pairos Prapairak. Set amidst the charming ambience that hark back to old day of Siam, the former name of Thailand, during Rattanakosin ear, the Miss Siam’s menu is based on the fundamentals of Thai cuisine delightfully finished by the combination of beneficial ingredients and natural herbs. Open daily from 10.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. For a relaxing drink before or after dinner, the hotel’s pool bar serves beer, wine and spirits daily from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. For more info, contact +66 (0) 2217-0777 ext 7421.
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DoubleTree
By Hilton Debuts In Bangkok Hilton Worldwide recently celebrated a key milestone in Asia Pacific with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, its 100th property in the region. It also has more than 170 hotels with more than 50,000 rooms in its pipeline and expects to triple its current portfolio in the next five years. In the first quarter of 2013, Hilton Worldwide announced a key signing of the first internationallybranded hotel in Yangon, Myanmar. The 300-room Hilton Yangon is scheduled to open in 2014. It also announced the introduction of its luxury brand Conrad Hotels & Resorts in the Philippines with the signing of the 350-room Conrad Manila, scheduled to open in 2015. Other key milestones for the company in the Asia Pacific region this year include commemorating its 50th anniversary of operations in Japan as well as its 25th anniversary of operations in China.
Centara’s New Tempting Deal
The Centara Seaview Resort & Spa Managed is offering the tempting rate of Bt1,600 per night for a Deluxe room that can comfortably accommodate a family of four, and Bt4,960 for a Deluxe Pool Villa with its own private pool. Located on the oceanfront at Nang Thong Beach, the resort features blissful choice of accommodation options ranging from comfortable garden view rooms to relaxing pool villas. All room types are extra-large and the options of interconnecting rooms and family residences make this an ideal retreat for couples, families, or groups of friends travelling together. The resort is very family friendly with all room types capable of accommodating up to three adults or two adults and two children with ease. For more info, please contact +66 (0) 2101 1234. July 2013
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Regent’s Wellness
Package
Regent Phuket Cape Panwa is offering “Wellness Package” for guests to indulge themselves in truly relaxing getaways at their Suite or Pool Villa with inclusive wellness options. The package features a wide range of massages and treatments, harmonizing Chinese and Thai traditional therapies. The selection of treatments includes the 90-minute signature Regent Wave Massage, where skilled therapists melt away pressure with soothing wave motions, and the 120-minute Traditional Thai Massage. Also included amongst the complimentary services is a choice of 25-minute Warm Bamboo Rolling, a 40-minute Chinese Abdominal Massage or a 120-minute Traditional Thai Herbal Compress. Pool Villa is available at Bt14,430 per night and Suite is priced at Bt10,300. For more info, contact +66 7620 0800 or visit www.regenthotels.com/Phuket
The New
Promising Journey
Of Zinc Zinc & InVision Hospitality, a cutting-edge hospitality management company, is planning to expand into the mid-tier hotel market, aiming to reinforce the existing successful midscale hotel brand ‘GLOW by Zinc’ and also to introduce upscale brands ‘Zinc City’ and ‘Zinc Journey’ into their expanding portfolio. Zinc & InVision Hospitality currently manages 11 hotels and resorts in four countries, with signed contracts in place to open an additional 16 properties. This will take the company to 26 hotels and resorts in 10 countries by 2015. Property locations in Thailand are GLOW
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Trinity Silom, GLOW Pratunam, GLOW Elixir Koh Yao Yai and GLOW Sukhumvit 16 (opening Q1 2014). GLOW Chitwan, Nepal will open Q3 2014. The chic ‘Zinc City’ brand, which will offer a stylish urban appeal with contemporary and distinctive property designs, will be introduced in the East African countries of Rwanda and Uganda, both opening in 2014. The joint venture is part of a multi-property agreement that will launch the upscale ‘Zinc City’ and continue to expand ‘GLOW by Zinc’ in the fast developing MEA region. For more info, visit www.zinchospitality.com
Hyatt Regency Unveils New President
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin unveils the newly refurbished Presidential Villa, one of Hua Hin’s most luxurious beachfront pool villas, which have been upgraded to re-define the new beachfront lifestyle and provide a fresh look and feel, with warm Thai touches to enhance the resort’s indulgent experience with the personalized butler service. Newly added features to the Villa include a new wooden floor entrance and an extended terrace outside the living room, suitable for a social gathering with comfortable seating overlooking the garden and ocean. The Presidential Villa comprises a master bedroom with two queen-size beds, with a discreet private entrance, direct access to a private pool, private garden and beach. Additionally, there is a spacious living room with a full set kitchenette, study room and dining table for eight persons, all set in a private compound area and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. For reservations, contact +66 (0) 3252 1234.
Advance Purchase
@ S.M. Grande Residence
Anantara Bophut’s Renovation Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa on Koh Samui is now undergone a Bt170 million renovation investment between now and November 15, 2013. The majority of room types will be changed and the spaces refurbished, and the majority of resort’s facilities upgraded. Of the total 106 guest rooms, the existing six rooms and suite types will be increased to eight. The two new Deluxe room categories (Deluxe Garden View and Deluxe Sea View) will be expanded from 32 to 36 square metres and after the renovation guests will have the new option of requesting an extra bed in either Deluxe room category. The existing three suite categories will increase to five, with dimensions ranging from 44 to 80 square metres. The two new suite categories (Garden View Suite and Royal Garden View Suite) will offer significantly more space – 70 and 75 square metres respectively – and the private pool of the two luxurious Anantara Beachfront Pool Suites is being expanded from 1.8 x 2.1 metres to a more generous 3 x 8 metres. To find out more about Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa Koh Samui’s 2013 renovation plans, visit www.anantara.com
S.M. Grande Residence is now presenting a value promotion for every early bird with “Advance Purchase”. Booking at its Deluxe, One Bedroom or Two Bedroom for 14 days in advance, then you will receive special 15 per cent discount, starting at Bt2,593. Or book a room for 7 days in advance and receive 10 per cent discount, starting at Bt2,745. Idyllically situated at the heart of Sukhumvit downtown, the residence features 103 comfortable rooms, 89 with fully equipped kitchens. Whether staying for business or leisure, long or short term, as a single or with family, you are sure to enjoy the ultimate comfort and wide range of facilities. “Advance Purchase” promotion is available from now until October 31, 2013. For more info, please contact +66 (0) 2656 0818 or visit www.smgrandebangkok.com July 2013
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The New Fashionable Mode
Of Living
The First Pullman
On Island
Accor, the leading international hotel operator in Asia-Pacific and Thailand, announced the opening of the first upscale brand of resort on island, Pullman Phuket Arcadia, to cater the need of today’s modern and vibrant lifestyle. Located on the idyllic Naithon Beach, the newly-built resort showcases the brand’s new ‘lifestyle’ identity, with world-class facilities that will set the benchmark for the rest of the Pullman hotels and resorts to come. The 277-room resort features a sophisticated design blending the highest international standards with local beauty. The resort’s architecture and landscaping will leave guests with a lasting impression, with cascading waterfalls and uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea from all angles. Stay 3 consecutive nights, save up to 33.33 per cent off from Best Unrestricted Rate with daily breakfast for 2 persons, valid until October 31, 2013. For more info, please visit www.pullmanphuketarcadia.com
Mode Sathorn Hotel, the latest benchmark of fashionable lifestyle hotel at the heart of Bangkok, is enticing travelers with an appetite for new experiences to sample its distinctive charms with major soft opening savings rate. Located just short steps from Surasak Skytrain Station, the hotel’s Deluxe Mode room category offers three exquisitely creative design themes – Metropolitan Chic, Multicultural facet (Eastern & Western) and Urban Stylish – depending on what resonates with the guest, with a choice of King sized or Double Queen Sized beds. Price starts from Bt3,000 and 4,000 per room night, including lots of extra privileges. For more info, contact +66 (0) 2623 4555 or visit www.modesathorn.com
Nights In Paradise
On Earth
GLOW Elixir Koh Yao Yai Resort is offering package “3 Nights in Island Paradise” for you to unwind in the tranquility on Yao Yai Island, Phang Nga. Booking at a minimum of 3 nights, receive 20 per cent discount from website room rates. Rates start from Bt2,400 net per night for a Superior Villa inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons. The package is available from now - October 31, 2013. For more info, contact GLOW Elixir Koh Yao Yai Resort Tel. 087 808 3838 or email rsvn.kohyaoyai@glowbyzinc.com
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Tea Time @ The Eugenia Enjoy your tea time and savour a delicious selection of sweet treats amidst the bygone era of the 9th century colonial-style house of the renowned The Eugenia Hotel & Spa. All pastry selections at Zheng HE Lounge are prepared by gifted Pastry Chef Kritkhajorn Photin and his team. “Talk of the Town High Tea” features an array of homemade mini French desserts served along with a wide selection of scones, sandwiches, cheesecake, brownie, fruit tart and your choice of Ronnefeldt tea, the top premium brand tea for first class hotels. Available at Bt350 per person. For more info, contact +66 (0) 2529-9011-9 or visit www. theeugenia.com
Fenix Samui
Offers Full Moon Package Fenix Beach Resort Samui is offering “Full Moon Party Package” to tempt all young travelers and young travelers at heart wishing to explore the Full Moon party scene in Koh Pha Ngan. Included are three nights accommodation with complimentary upgrade to Superior Seaview (subject to availability). Complimentary roundtrip transfer “Hotel-Koh Phangan”, Wifi internet access, and 2-ways airport transfer. The package is available at Bt2,497 per room per night for the Full Moon Party dates on 24 July, 21 August, 19 September, 19 October, and 17 November 2013. For more info, contact +66 (0) 7742 4008 or visit www.fenixresortsamui.com
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TAKE off
Qantas Offers
Happy
Qantas is offering ‘’Happy Travelling Promotion” special airfares to Australia and New Zealand, available for sale until August 15, 2013. Business Class airfares to Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide) are for sale starting at Bt77,275 return while to New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown or Wellington) are for sale starting at Bt93,960 return. Economy Class airfares on Qantas flights to Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide) are for sale starting at Bt25,315 return, while to Perth (via Singapore on Jetstar Asia or Cathay Pacific) at Bt20,280 return. Economy Class airfares to New Zealand Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown or Wellington) are for sale starting at Bt30,110 return. The airfares are available for outbound travel from Thailand between now and November 30, 2013, and include airport taxes, service fees and other surcharges. Qantas is the leading airlines Australia-Pacific region and was also ranked one of the top ten airlines globally. It was recently awarded Best Airline Australia-Pacific in the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Customers are able to book the sale fares through their preferred Travel Agents or phone Qantas office at 02 632 6611. On products and services interested customers can visit www.qantas.com
Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines have run for the first time on the A350 XWB (MSN1) following the start-up of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), as part of the preparations for the aircraft’s maiden flight. Combined with the A350 XWB’s lightweight structure and advanced aerodynamics, these latest generation engines with their exceptionally low fuel consumption help cut fuel burn by 25 per cent. The A350 XWB is the all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The new family will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. Scheduled for entry-into-service in second half of 2014, the A350 XWB has already won 616 firm orders from 34 customers worldwide.
First
A350 XWB 94
July 2013
Emirates
Increases Southeast
THAI Improves Thai Tastes On Board
Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, announced an increase in capacity on its Bangkok and Hong Kong services. Bangkok will receive a second daily, non-stop Airbus A380 service from 27 October 2013, operating as EK372 which departs Dubai at 0940hrs and arrives in Bangkok at 1840hrs. The return flight EK373 departs Bangkok at 2040hrs and arrives in Dubai the following day at 0030hrs. “Having previously announced the increase in frequency for Bangkok-Dubai flights in March this year, the latest A380 service addition further reinforces the significance of Bangkok to Emirates’ operations in the region. Given outstandingly high demand for this route, adding the second daily A380 service will not only allow our passengers heightened flexibility but also support the country’s continuously growing tourism industry,” said Mr. Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ Area Manager for Thailand and Indochina.
Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuvan, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), held a press conference to present inflight menu improvements on Thai tastes for customer satisfaction, with the presence of Thai cuisine experts, from left to right are Miss Dalin Sanitwong na Ayutthaya, Assoc. Prof. Chumporn Pudjusanont, Ph.D., Mr. Kornpoj Asavinvijit, Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuvan, Mrs. Rapeepan Luangaramrat, Mr. Visit Limprana, Miss Parita Viriyarungsarit, and Dr. Rujapong Sukhabote. The special Thai menus will be served in every class of service from 1 July 2013 onwards. The press was conference held at THAI Catering, Suvarnabhumi. The Inflight Menu taste selection is part of the “Thai Select, Select THAI” project that uses products from the Thai Select brand in preparing Thai meals served on board.
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society
Quattro Design Flagship Store
Quattro Design organized a big party to celebrate its new flagship store on Soi Thonglor. The sensational grand opening was filled with beautiful people and enthusiasts of home decor products. With an investment of 10 million baht, they opened in a new two-storey building with 300 square metres of retail space that was packed to the rafters with beautiful and quaint furniture as well as decorative items displayed as if in an actual home.
8 Years In Design
Blu Inc Media celebrated yet another successful gala dinner, the 8th Anniversary for LP – Luxury Properties on Friday, May 31st, 2013 at the newly opened Wine Gallery Shanghai Residence. The gala, LP – 8 Years in Design, celebrated eight years of LP presenting the best in architecture, design, interiors and property in Asia and abroad since its first issue launched in 2004.
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The Launch of Greubel Forsey
Pendulum Limited, distributor of Greubel Forsey in Thailand, together with the Embassy of Switzerland, hosted an event to official introduce Greubel Forsey and the latest 2013 collection, which is much sought after by collectors the world over. HE Mrs. Christine Schraner Burgener, the Ambassador of Switzerland, graciously hosted a dinner at the Ambassador’s Residence in Bangkok. Esteemed guests were treated to specially prepared cuisine, while the evening’s entertainment was provided by renowned jazz musician Koh Mr. Saxman.
The Splash BALDESSARINI Eyewear Party
House of better vision and better look recently took place at Central World’s Eden zone during the launching party for BALDESSARINI eyewear fashion brand from Germany where attendants came with absolutely eye-catcher Baldessarini eyewear collections. The party led by Mr.Guenter Raichle, managing director of Rodenstock Asia and Rodenstock Thailand, Germany’s leading manufacturer of high-quality optical lenses and frames and distributor of Baldessarini. The party set the right mood for the launching of Baldessarini as feel like walking into the elegant eyewear store where distinguished guests came with their sense of style sunglasses.
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