Absolute Thai Magazine Issue 37 by Absolute Thail Magazine

Nicole Scherzinger My music is the driving engine

feature

monkey business At Flight of the Gibbon

travel

rome The Eternal City

off the beaten track

postcards From Thailand

LEADING AGENT

FOLLOWING A SELL OUT FIRST PHASE WE ARE PROUD

YOUR FIR EVERY STUNNING OCEAN VIEWS, FULL FURNISHED IN AN OUTSTANDING PENINSULA SETTING ON

INTRODUCING TWIN SANDS MUCH ANTICIPATED SECOND PHASE Following a much anticipated opening and sell a first phase, International estate agent Jones Lang LaSalle and award-winning resort developer the Absolute World Group have joined forces to bring you the opportunity to own a stunning apartment in the second phase of this spectacular resort on the celebrated island of Phuket. Nestled between two white sand beaches and set within a breathtaking peninsula, boasting remarkable views, the newly opened Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa, on Phuket’s west coast, is the ultimate resort getaway. Offering a range of fully furnished studio, 1 and 2 bedroom resort apartments with access to the full range of services and facilities of the resort plus exceptional yields fixed at 6% per annum, the resort provides the perfect lifestyle investment into Thailand, one of the world’s most attractive holiday markets. Prices starting from THB 2.5 million. EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE RESORT LIFESTYLE INVESTMENT BY BOOKING A PRIVATE RESORT VIEWING OR 3 NIGHT STAY FOR $199. PLEASE CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE DEDICATED JONES LANG LASALLE TEAM: TEL: +66 (0) 76 346 282 EMAIL: JLLABSOLUTE@AP.JLL.COM

TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF TWIN SANDS PHASE TWO

ST VIEW, DAY CONTEMPORARY APARTMENTS AND FIVE-STAR SERVICE THE SPECTACULAR WEST COAST OF PHUKET, THAILAND

EXPERIENCE BEFORE YOU BUY 3 NIGHTS IN THE RESORTS 1ST PHASE FOR $199

elcome to the winter issue of Absolute Thai. This is by far the best time to be in Thailand. The holidays are here, and the temperature and humidity are bearable if not downright pleasant. If you cannot find a party on a beach, on a high-rise party deck or deep in the jungle then you just aren’t looking hard enough. This is the time of year that work slows down and celebrations speed up as the New Year is ushered in. Be sure and check out the What’s On section to see where some big New Year’s parties are going on. Also, we have revamped our layout to give a more modern and cleaner look to our pages. Our already high quality articles, features and photographs have gotten a dramatic face lift. Along with our stories on celebrities, travel, Thai hotels and resorts, we now offer a section on the best books, gadgets and apps to keep you busy while travelling. If you have any suggestions for article ideas or recommendations for our magazine be sure and drop me a line, my email address is below. Have a safe, exciting and wonderful time in Thailand. Happy Holidays! CREDITS CHAIRMAN: Bryan Lunt Bryan.Lunt@AbsoluteThai.com MANAGING DIRECTOR: Mike Hall MikeHall@Absoluteworld.net EDITOR: James Chanodom Editor@AbsoluteThai.com FEATURE EDITOR: Tim Knight TimKnight@AbsoluteThai.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jason Hull Advertising@AbsoluteThai.com PUBLISHER: San, Sea and Sand Co. Ltd. PRINTING: Phongwarin Phongwarin@inet.co.th

TIM KNIGHT EDITOR

Advertising Sales GENERAL MANAGER: Callum Mckay Callum@AbsoluteThai.com Mobile: +(66) 083 596 7537 Loran Wanigasooriya: Media Consultant Loran@AbsoluteThai.com Mobile: +(66) 086 267 8235 Vinda Kallayanamitr: Media Consultant Vinda@truemail.co.th Mobile +66 (0)86 355 6218 Paul Eastland: Media Consultant Paul@AbsoluteThai.com Mobile +66 (0)80 826 2315

Absolute Thai is published by San, Sea and Sand Co. Ltd. Registration Number 8837354810366. Registered address 42/11 Taveewong Road, Kathu, Patong, Phuket Tel: 076 342 147. Printed by Phongwarin LTD., Samutprakarn. All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission of the copyright holder. While every care has been taken in the production of this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for an errors, loss or omissions that may occur.

contents

72 Khan Thongduang MODEL AND PHOTOGRAPHER

rome

THE ETERNAL CITY

10 What’s On 26 Reprogenetics Specialist 76 Absolute News

20 Nicole Scherzinger MY MUSIC IS THE DRIVING ENGINE

30 THE MANY FACES OF

koh pha-ngan

kisso

NEW TASTE OF MODERN JAPANESE

Gadgets

ERANDA SPA The Ultimate Luxury Spa Experience

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Postcards from Thailand

FLIGHT OF THE GIBBON Monkey Business

CELLAR 11 Wine & Bistro

80 TOP BOOKS & APPS

ABSOLUTE THAI

What’s On

what’s on

UPCOMING EVENTS IN THAILAND

Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Fair

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, private sector,and people of Ayutthaya, have organized the fair to celebrate the “World Heritage City”every year. The fair featured the activities included the Buddha’s relic to the merit making ceremony called Thaksinanupathan, Light and sound show and the reproduced atmosphere of the Ayutthaya, Shows & Performances on Main Stage of cultural shows, local music, concerts, singing contests, beauty contests, and a lot more activities, OTOP Products Fair & Local Goods Fair and a wide variety of delicious Thai dishes and local dishes are also offered at the festival. 13 December 2013 - 22 December 2013 Contact Details: TAT Call Center 1672

Thailand’s New Year Countdown Celebrations The biggest and most famous countdown festival in Bangkok happens at Central World. The participants can experience spectacular light and sound shows and live on-stage performances by popular local artists in front of Central World Square. Also, they can enjoy the beer garden, lucky draws and countdown with other countries around the world on large-screen projections. Contact Details: TAT Call Center 1672 TAT Bangkok Office Tel. +66 2250 5500 Venue:

Central World, Ratchaprasong Road, Bangkok

Colorful Phuket Countdown

The Phuket Countdown event will display mini-concerts from many famous artists and impressive dance contests. On December 31, a countdown for the last rays of sunshine will be celebrated at Phromthep Cape, where a New Year’s countdown clock will be set and then celebrate at night by watching the fabulous fireworks show at Chai Field. Contact Details: TAT Call Center 1672 TAT Bangkok Office Tel. +66 2250 5500 Venue: Muang District, Phuket Province

Makha Bucha February 14, 2014 The first of 3 Buddhist Lunar Holidays in the year, Makha Bucha celebrates 2 important events: firstly, 7 months after the Buddha began his teachings, the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 monks from many locations to meet and be ordained by the Buddha. Secondly, 45 years later, the Buddha’s sermon just before he died. Both events occurred on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month. In Buddhist Pali language, the 3rd lunar month means ‘Makha’, and ‘Bucha’, means to honour. Makha Bucha Day is therefore celebrated to honour the Buddha and his teachings. At any and every temple in the country the local people gather in the early evening to ‘wien tien’ (walk round the Temple’s main chapel 3 times with a candle, lotus flower and incense sticks), a beautiful sight to see. Contact Details: TAT Bangkok Office Tel. +66 2235 9127

PTT Jet Ski King’s Cup World Cup Championship

PTT Jet Ski King’s Cup World Cup tournament has been receiving great interests from a variety of people including both international and domestic racing teams. The annual Jet Ski King’s Cup is considered one of the most important competitions on the professional jet-ski calendar. It is an International standard tournament, Important classified as a World Cup Grand Prix event that satisfies by worldwide racers with spectacular and thrilling races. Additionally, the world – top professional racers over 30 countries come to win the title which can also bring the International media and sport lovers to travel in Thailand. It is crucial for the growth and expansion of this sport industry and Thai racers can improve their skill by joining this world class tournament. 26 January 2013 - 2 February 2013 Contact Details: TAT Pattaya office TAT Pattaya office Tel. +66 3842 7667, +66 3842 8750

Important Event dates and program details may be subject to change. Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand’s official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

ABSOLUTE THAI

What’s On

China Town Chinese New Year Festival Chinese New Year Festival on Yaowarat road is the most important event for Thai – Chinese people in Bangkok. Here, there are the huge Chinese community, which the visitors will experience the shopping center with variety of goods and the delicious real Chinese food. Also, during the festival, there are many Thai and Chinese cultural performances together with the big celebration from Chinese people who all wear the red clothes. Moreover, the local Chinese food and goods are prepared for the visitors along the road. Contact Details: TAT Bangkok Office Tel. +66 2235 9127 In 2014, the Chinese New Year (30th of January for the Chinese New Year’s Eve, and the 31st of January for the Chinese New Year’s day itself).

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony Thailand is all set for the famous Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony. This annual event invites couples from Thailand and all across the world to stage a special wedding ceremony off Pak Meng Beach in the Trang district in Southern Thailand. No matter, if the to be bride and groom are not divers; there are ample opportunity for them as well. Though the bridal couples from all over the globe flock to stage their underwater wedding, the proceedings keep loyal to the traditional Thai wedding culture. The bridal couples get to wear the traditional hand-woven Thai wedding costumes and are escorted to their honeymoon suites by older, happily married couples. This ritual signifies the passing on of the sense of being together to the newly weds. Event Name: Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony Start Date: Thursday, 13 February 2014 End Date: Saturday, 15 February 2014

Feature

eranda spa THE ULTIMATE LUXURY SPA EXPERIENCE words: Kate Walsh

he original â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spa with a View,â&#x20AC;? Eranda Herbal Spa on Koh Samui is one of the most famous holistic spas on the island. It provides visitors with high quality services that work to heal and soothe the mind, body and soul, and all of this can be enjoyed in a haven of tropical tranquillity. Eranda Spa is set in a beautiful location that epitomises an exotic spa experience. From its elevated position, it offers views over the stunning waters of the Gulf of Thailand making it easy for visitors to relax and unwind. The only sounds that can be heard is the gentle trickling of water, the whisper of the swaying palms above and the soft sound of Thai music playing in the background. getting back to nature Eranda Spa offers a true luxury spa experience in the north of Chaweng on the paradise island of Koh Samui. Fertile tropical gardens provide the perfect setting for the spa with lush green plants blooming in every direction. The immaculately kept gardens span 7,000sqm and the winding pathways made from stone, pagodas with thatched roofs and flowing waterfalls provide an organic serenity that is unique to Eranda. The architecture that runs through the spa is made from natural materials that add to the purity and the serenity of the local landscape. All of this is topped off with highly attentive staff who are as polite as they are knowledgeable, helping to give every guest the ultimate luxury spa experience. indulge in luxury Eranda ensures that all of their guests are served with a refreshing tamarind and ginger juice and greeted with a warm smile. Staff will then go through the various massages and treatments that are on offer and they are on hand to provide information on the different oils, scrubs and creams

that are used. Once guests have chosen their desired treatment, they will be shown to a private shower room where they can prepare. Once showered and changed, guests will be introduced to their personal masseuse before being guided to their exclusive sala to begin their relaxing spa experience. Being pampered is the number one priority at Eranda and the soothing atmosphere provides an air of opulence and tranquillity that ensures the spa is one of the best on the island. treatment rooms & salas There is a whole host of treatments and services available at Eranda Spa that cater to a range of needs. Luxury salas are dotted around the lush gardens and all of them provide guests will a level of privacy that offers the perfect balance of being at one with the natural surroundings, while not being on view to other guests. The Steam Room is laced with the smell of fresh herbs and is on hand to give guests the ultimate cleansing experience, while a dip in the invigorating Waterfall Plunge Pool is the perfect way to cool down. A sheer sense of relaxation washes over guests as they relax in the pool and this chilled feeling is intensified when the treatment session begins.

There is a whole host of treatments and services available at Eranda Spa that cater to a range of needs. Luxury salas are dotted around the lush gardens and all of them provide guests will a level of privacy that offers the perfect balance of being at one with the natural surroundings, while not being on view to other guests.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Feature

The tropical setting is home to a total of eight treatment rooms, six of which have their own private steam rooms and Jacuzzis that are ideal for anyone who wants to indulge in the exclusivity that the spa offers. The high ceilings provide a cool space to enjoy the treatments in, and the stunning intricacy of the décor helps to create a luxurious and relaxing ambience that ensures guests feel pampered from start to finish.

at a time of the day that suits them. An extensive range of stimulating body scrubs and invigorating wraps are on offer and therapists at Eranda Spa have all been professionally trained to provide each guest with an unforgettable service. Whether you want to exfoliate dead skin, enjoy the healing properties found in different essential oils or have a rejuvenating facial; Eranda Spa has a treatment to suit everyone.

services & treatments

Some of the most popular massages at the spa include:

The choice of spa services and treatments at Eranda are truly special, with an exceptional selection to choose from including traditional Thai, Swedish and oil massage. The spa is open from 09:00-21:00 to ensure that guests can enjoy their treatment

§ Thai massage § Foot reflexology § Hot stone therapy § Sport Kyo Dai massage § Head, neck, back and shoulders massage

The Eranda Signature Massage is often a popular choice as is the Luk Pra Kob hot massage, while those preferring to indulge in a wrap or scrub might want to check out the Moroccan Red Clay & Roselle treatment. The Sunburn Soothing Wrap is ideal for anyone who needs to calm their skin after spending too much time under the powerful rays of the hot Samui sunshine. Also available is the Green Tea Wrap that works to even skin tone and the Pandan Wrap that boasts anti-ageing properties. For guests looking for a facial, Eranda also offers a great selection of pampering treatments that will leave skin feeling fresh and revitalised. The unusual Pure Gold Facial Treatment offers guests the chance to enjoy

the beautifying properties of 99.9% karat gold, that works to reduce the appearance of pesky fine lines and wrinkles. The Magic of Herbs facial massage helps to smooth away deal skin cells and works hard to give skin a natural glow, while the Ino Sensi Facial Treatment is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

All of the treatments available at Eranda Spa last for different amounts of time with some lasting 30 minutes and others up to two hours. After enjoying their therapeutic session, guests are free to relax in the beautiful location while enjoying a refreshing cup of tea and tasty biscuit.

more information

a reputation like no other The spa and staff are renowned for providing a quality service through the use of superior products. Since its establishment in 2002, the reputation of Eranda Spa has grown immensely and the spa is famous for its luxurious services and tranquil setting that sets it apart from other spas on the island. The team of therapists have an exceptional eye for detail when it comes to ensuring that their guests are content with their experience. All of the staff have been professionally trained in the art of massage at the highly acclaimed Buddhist temple in Bangkok â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wat Po, and this is evident in the techniques that are used. The spa boasts a resident massage teacher who is on hand at all times to make sure that the staff are highly skilled in the

For reservations: 077 300 323, 077 300 321, 077 300 324 Mobile: 081-8946702 Fax: 077 300 320 www.erandaspa.com info@erandaspa.com

art of massage. The spa offers the ultimate pampering experience with its outstanding services, high quality products, private salas, tropical setting and broad selection of treatments provided by friendly and courteous professionals. Visitors can savour the pure sense of well-being that is easy to enjoy at Eranda Spa and everything is provided at a calming pace helping everyone to relax and enjoy their pampering experience. Every guest is treated as a valued and special person and Erandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership to the esteemed Samui Spa Association helps the spa to cement its place as one of the most luxurious spas on the idyllic island of Koh Samui.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Celebrity

Nicole Scherzinger MY MUSIC IS THE DRIVING ENGINE

words: Tim Knight

inger Nicole Scherzinger was born in Hawaii in 1978. She first made a name for herself as a contestant on the WB reality series Popstars, which propelled the young singer to lead vocals for the all-girls band Eden’s Crush. In 2003, she stepped as the front-woman for the group the Pussycat Dolls. Since leaving the band in 2009, Scherzinger has enjoyed continued success, in the recording studio and as a judge on The X Factor. early years Nicole Scherzinger was born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 29, 1978. Scherzinger, whose parents separated when she was an infant, moved with her mother, Rosemary, and her stepfather,

George Scherzinger, to Louisville, Kentucky, when she was 6 years old. She would spend the rest of her childhood there. commercial success But eager to jump-start her career, Scherzinger left college early after getting an opportunity to sing back-up for the rock group Days of the New. More recognition came in 2001, when, as a contestant on the WB television series Popstars, she won the role of lead singer for soon-to-be created all-girl band Eden’s Crush. To the surprise of some, the group cracked the Billboard charts with their first single, Get Over Yourself. However, the song proved to be the extent of the group’s success, and Eden’s Crush soon disbanded.

Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Celebrity

n 2003, Scherzinger stepped in as the lead singer for the recently recast group the Pussycat Dolls. With their new front-woman, the Dolls soon climbed the charts: The group’s first record, PCD, released in 2005, featured hits like Don’t Cha, Stickwitu and Buttons. The album achieved double-platinum status in the United States and sold more than 9 million copies worldwide. Outside of the group, Scherzinger raised her own profile by performing with a range of other recording artists, including P. Diddy (Sean “Puffy” Combs), Timbaland and 50 Cent. In 2008, the Pussycat Dolls released a second album, Doll Domination, which featured hits like When I Grow Up and I Hate This Part. While the record failed to match its predecessor’s success, it still sold more than 5 million copies. solo career Not long after the release of the band’s second studio album, rumors began to circulate of in-fighting. Those rumors turned out to be true: In 2009, Scherzinger left the Pussycat Dolls. Her career, however, hardly skipped a beat. Her recording of the song, Jai Ho, for the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire went No. 1 in 17 countries.

Image : Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Scherzinger also jumped back onto the small screen in 2010, performing as a contestant and eventual series winner on the ABC program Dancing with the Stars. She later took to the stage and starred in the Neal Patrick Harris production of Rent at the Hollywood Bowl.

Image : Dooley Productions / Shutterstock.com

In 2011, Scherzinger was named as a permanent replacement for Cheryl Cole as a judge on the American version of The X Factor, along with fellow panelists Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid.

Celebrity

’m the luckiest person to get a front-row ticket to the ‘Simon and Paula show,’ gushed Scherzinger after being named to the series. The singer, who released Killer Love (her first solo studio album), that same year, added, “My music is the driving engine, and The X Factor is where I can give back to the contestants-pay it forward, since I got my start on reality shows. I’m ready to take it all on.”

to benefit a donation to the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake in 2010. Along with the Pussycat Dolls, Scherzinger raised money for a charity fundraiser to assist breast cancer research in Australia with all proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in 2008.

Besides her career in music, Scherzinger has also contributed to various charities. For natural disasters, Scherzinger has helped various relief efforts. She was to appear on the single We Are the World 25 for Haiti

She has also performed for many music events that donated to charities such as performing alongside Lea Michele for a performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in Los Angeles.

In February 2012, Scherzinger attended the third annual Women in Music event which benefited the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Early in the evening a check for $30,000 was presented to VH1 Save The Music on behalf.

Besides her career in music, Scherzinger has also contributed to various charities.

cherzinger has said that she occasionally visits associations for adults with special needs. Scherzinger says she enjoys her charitable endeavors so much, the work has ceased to be selfless and become a mere pursuit of her own pleasure, “I don’t know if it’s selfish because I get so much fulfillment out of it, but it excites me to be with special-needs kids and families. My aunt has Down’s syndrome so it’s very close to my heart,” says Scherzinger. Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

In June 2013, Scherzinger showed support for the Special Olympics at a tea party for British athletes. Scherzinger will also be featured on the 2013 edition A Very Special Christmas with all proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics set to be released on October 15, 2013. Additionally, Scherzinger plans for a “Special Needs Charity Camp”. Inspired by her aunt who suffers from Down syndrome, she hopes to give disabled kids a special place to sing and learn to play instruments.

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Most recently, Scherzinger has been active with Comic Relief, which aims to “bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of poor and disadvantaged people, which we believe requires investing in work that addresses people’s immediate needs as well as tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice”. Scherzinger has also contributed to human trafficking charities such as the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking where, in May 2013, she participated in the “From Slavery to Freedom” event to raise money.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Review

gender selection & guaranteed pregnancy plan INTRODUCING REPROGENETICS SPECIALIST DR. SUCHADA MONGKOLCHAIPAK

gender Selection

reimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) with IVF for Gender Selection is the most reliable method for gender selection, approaching 100% accuracy. By IVF, embryos are created from the couple’s eggs and sperm. On the third day after fertilization, when embryos have reached 6 to 8 cells, one of the cells is removed from the embryo to be analysed for its chromosomal makeup (The removal of the cell at

this stage does not negatively affect the embryo’s growth competency.) This chromosomal analysis allows us to determine whether the embryo is male or female. Then, only the embryos of the desired gender are transferred to the uterus. If you decide to use PGD for gender selection with Dr. Suchada, her choice of PGD is one that screens for all chromosome abnormalities (aneuploidies) at the same time. By analysing all the chromosomes with array CGH, you may have

a significantly higher chance of conceiving and carrying the pregnancy to term than by analysing only the sex chromosomes (chromosomes X and Y) and/or fewer than 12 chromosomes. Guarantee Plan: We give you three chances of having a baby It is in Dr. Suchada’s experience that after three cycles of IVF over 84% of her patients brings home a baby. In our Guarantee Plan, we give you three chances of having a baby and also

more information DR. SUCHADA MONGKOLCHAIPAK Dr. Suchada Mongkolchaipak underwent medical training in Chiang Mai, Thailand where she graduated from Chiang Mai University. She then completed her medical specialty in the field of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine. She has been specialising in reproductive medicine since 2001. She also has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Embryology and Andrology from Jones Institute, Eastern Virginia Medical School in the United States. The Jones Institute is widely acknowledged as an international leader in clinical and scientific research in ART, and has trained many prominent physicians and scientists. Dr. Suchada’s clinical expertise includes treatment of infertility, IVF, embryology, reproductive and genetic science. www.suchada-ivf.com E: suchada.ivf@gmail.com T: +66958765559 (International), 0958765559 (local)

give you a good idea on how the total cost of the treatment will be. If not successful within a year of achieving clinical pregnancy, a 50% refund will be made. Dr. Suchada is the only IVF doctor in the region confident enough in her clinical outcome to provide an assurance to her patients – a free IVF cycle and 50% of the cost of the program. *Candidates have to have healthy eggs reserved.

ABSOLUTE THAI

В нашем ресторане предлагается меню на русском языке.

Located on one of the most beautiful paradise shores in the world, is Chaweng Noi’s idyllic resort. An unspoiled beach-front setting, overlooking lush tropical gardens, endless turquoise lagoon, and luminous white sands, it pampers you with the ideal ambience of tranquility and romance. And not to forget, we offer you the very best location to suit all tastes. Whether you want to get away from it all and relax or shop till you drop!

Воплощение вашей мечты в реальность в отеле Impiana Resort на пляже Чавенг Ной острова Самуи. Идиллический курорт расположен в одном из самых красивых райских уголков мира - на пляже Чавенг Ной. Нетронутое побережье с видом на тропические сады, бесконечные бирюзовые лагуны и белоснежный песок балует идеальной атмосферой спокойствия и романтики. И не забывайте, мы предлагаем вам лучшее место, подходящее на любой вкус. Независимо от того, что вы хотите: убежать от городской суеты и расслабиться или наслаждаться походами по магазинам до упаду! www.impiana.com.my 91/2-3 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Thailand Tel: 66 (0) 77 448 994 Fax: 66 (0) 77 448 999 Email: info.kohsamui@impiana.com 



Island Retreat

the many faces of KOH PHA-NGAN words: Nick Wilson

rom the boat, depending on the weather, Koh Pha-ngan colours can range from a tantalizing dark green ablaze in sunshine to a mysterious-looking charcoal gray with valleys and mountains blurring under sudden rain. One thing’s for sure: it has a lure to it: it looks like it’s going to be worth exploring – a tropical island with sandy bays, jungle and who knows what more. Hardly surprising that three decades ago, travellers made a beeline for it. It’s a major tourist destination though one that lacks an airport. The only way to land there is by boat, though it’s separated by just a few kilometres of almost always calm water from either the mainland or its sister island, Koh Samui. But for many tourists, that lack of an airport is a psychological hurdle. Think about it: if your holiday is only a week long, and you have to take a boat, isn’t there just the slightest sense of disappointment at having to do so? Especially if that boat trip comes after a 15 hour flight. However, the fact there’s no airport has stopped the island from getting too developed too fast. Koh Pha-ngan remains a bit stuck in time. Or let’s just say that time doesn’t seem to move so quickly there. People say it’s like Koh Samui used to be 20 years ago. There isn’t the traffic, the coast isn’t virtually encircled by

buildings and life goes on at a simpler pace. Buzzy, it ain’t. A convenient way to arrive is by Lomprayah hovercraft, and it’s both speedy and civilized. A bit like being on a bus, you sit and look out of the window until the island port of Thong Sala comes into view. Once on the island, transport awaits to take you to your hotel. Maybe you’ll go in a taxi, or maybe take another boat, if the roads aren’t too good. By far the slowest and perhaps most picturesque way to arrive is to take the daily slow boat from Samui’s north coast – it leaves from Maenam beach, where you have to literally wade out into the sea and climb aboard using a ladder. The boat sets off and after stopping in Haad Rin it hops from bay to bay up the island’s east coast. This is definitely how travel was decades back – and it’s remained that way, with this slowest of boats remains abidingly popular. People look out from the deck at the slow succession of bays, watching out for the one where they’ll be staying. Arriving this way may not be grand, but it’s certainly laid-back and very enjoyable. Though Koh Pha-ngan is quite small, it has more variety than Koh Samui has, thanks to it having many small bays and coves. Wherever there’s a beach, you’ll usually find a small selection of hut-style accommodation, run by

Island Retreat

original Koh Pha-ngan families. Life is relaxed, indolent – there’s no sense of the island being under an international hotelier’s microscope, with each square centimetre of land scrutinized to see if it’s being appropriately used. Unlike in some larger destinations, it’s still possible to find whole swathes of sea-shore that are barely developed, with jungle coming right down to the sands. The only occupants seem to be buffaloes, contentedly munching on the greenery. Koh Pha-ngan’s always been associated with young people thanks to the Full Moon Party. It’s the island’s most famous asset after its sheer natural beauty and has helped put the island on the map. A worldfamous festival attracting humongous numbers of people, the party’s kept on going for an astonishing 25 years.

It all started with a birthday party held at Paradise Bungalows in Haad Rin and the same party has simply continued for a quarter of a century, just getting gradually bigger. It can now pull in some 15,000 party-goers per full moon. If you find yourself at full moon on the island, be prepared for the party to assume pride of place with half the tourist population turning up to dance and have fun. Despite the youthful cachet of The Full Moon Party the truth is that the island’s attractiveness is enough to draw people of any age. Children love it. So do seniors. And as time goes by, the amenities have improved all round, bringing new levels of comfort. Roads are still patchy in place and you still can’t get everywhere, unless you’re prepared to take a boat. But the island government has been

One thing’s for sure: it has a lure to it: it looks like it’s going to be worth exploring – a tropical island with sandy bays, jungle and who knows what more. Hardly surprising that three decades ago, travellers made a beeline for it.

international food and you can find just about everything from a salami ciabatta sandwich to a full-scale Japanese dinner. The pancake cart still comes round, and is still every bit as popular – but there’s more on offer. You can stay a year or two and not grow bored with the food, as many expats have found to their delight. Koh Pha-ngan has a lot going for it. The beaches and backdrops are romantic and their beauty attracts

steadily concreting the jungle tracks making ever more territory accessible by car. This in turn has affected property prices, with more land deals being done. After all, not many people are interested in buying land that requires a sturdy jeep and nerves of steel to reach out-of-the-way spots. As the white-knuckle drives become ever fewer, the island is naturally opening itself up and with plenty of natural beauty from lush jungle to picturesque waterfalls and plunge pools, more people are coming out to visit. It’s been a gradual process. For years the island seemed to simply cater for backpackers, who appreciated the natural surroundings and the sheer unhurried pace of life. And to a great extent, that way of life continues. It’s still possible to get a room for 300 Baht; a simple hut, on stilts to protect it from the rain, with a shower tacked on, and a small verandah to sit out on of an evening. It’s a formula that’s

worked for decades – and still does. No need to change it, therefore. Progress seems to be gathering pace, however. There’s an increasing drift to modernize, to add luxe, to offer more variety and while some resort owners are revamping the old huts or adding swimming pools to their properties, brand new investors are making their guests’ holidays a sophisticated experience by building lavish accommodation that include spas, plunge pools, and elegant bars. You’ll now find a dozen top-notch resorts offering all that you’d expect to find in the very classiest of destinations.

everyone from the single traveller to families with small children. With its mixed clientele of affluent and not so affluent, young and old, and everything in-between, the island manages to cater for very varied tastes. Over the years it’s gradually and quietly diversified. Yet the original draw of the island’s sheer simplicity can still easily be found – for the moment. Whether you’re going to book into a hut or a 5-star resort, you’ll find diversity on Koh Pha-ngan, and a holiday that you will probably want to repeat. Much like the Full Moon Party, some things are good enough to prolong indefinitely.

It’s the same with food. The earliest travellers out here found that the only western food they could find were banana pancakes, now there are dozens of restaurants specializing in

ABSOLUTE THAI

THE NEW ABSOLUTE THAI APP Download Today Owners of the iPad can now download the Absolute Thai Magazine iPad application FREE to read and enjoy at your leisure.

Absolute Thai iPad app is a user-friendly interactive magazine which contains extra content not found in our printed magazine, so now there are even more stunning photos, articles and even videos!

introduCinG Wheat Grass shots

Vitalize your days, excite your Nights an extensive seleCtion oF international dishes, deCadent CoCktails and nutritional juiCes & sMoothies to enjoy poolside or to Go

to book your table please call +66 (0) 81 979 6262, email reservations@climaxrestaurant.com or for details on how to find us, our latest menus and happenings please visit our our new website climaxrestaurant.com

Fresh Garden salad

raspberry Martini

ChiCken Cordon bleu

climax Bar & restaurant: absolute bangla suites, 68/1 soi bangla, patong beach, kathu, phuket 83150 tel: +66 (0) 763 43 612

Climax on bangla

@Climaxrest

@Climaxrestaurant

Travel

rome THE ETERNAL CITY words: Peter Houlsen

s historic cities go, which are themselves virtual living museums, Rome must surely rank among the best. But the first time visitor could easily be overwhelmed with the sheer number of ancient ruins, museums and fine

buildings there are to visit here. So it might be wise to remember the phrase: ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, and bear in mind the more modern saying – that only a few of the many splendours of Italy’s capital can be enjoyed during a city break.

In fact it would take a miracle to get around all of the visitor attractions that the guidebooks insist are the “must-sees”, but as the ‘Eternal City’ is also the location of the Vatican City, a landlocked sovereign city-state, ruled by the Bishop of Rome, The Pope – believed by millions to be God’s representative on earth, and who has his official residence here – perhaps that isn’t too much to ask. But for mere mortals wanting a flavour of Rome – and its famous cuisine – the trick is to choose just a few places to explore, pick a reputable hotel near the area you are most interested in, grab a good map and, if possible, start walking. The best way to see the city is to walk. The sights of London or Paris might be mapped out by a few select subway stops. But in Rome, where you can usually count on good weather and

unreliable transportation, you’re best off doing as much as possible on foot. On the street is also where you’ll unearth those unexpected finds. The warm aroma of a bakery. The exquisite handmade Italian leather of a local craftsman. The tucked-away piazza that seems stuck in a time warp in the 16th century, with grandma hanging the clothes out the window and playful children chasing each other across the cobblestones. Even if it doesn’t ever really change, Rome always has the power to surprise.

nuances of this ancient city, which remind me that after many years of visiting here my time in Rome has been but a blink in the city’s eye. They say the best museum in Rome is the city itself. That may be so, but the Galleria Borghese is still a gem worth seeing. Its collections are housed in a magnificent 17th century villa and offer a compact course in the Italian aesthetic. In just 20 rooms, you are exposed to a plethora of antiquities, the Renaissance and the beginnings of baroque art. Visits to the Galleria in the northeast corner of the sprawling Villa Borghese park are by reservation, which allows you the pleasure of seeing the Bernini sculptures from every angle without being overwhelmed by crowds.

They say the best museum in Rome is the city itself.

Your stay in this vibrant city is all about your state of mind. Making every hour count means letting the timeless grandeur and beauty of the place seep into your blood. So, keep your eyes open for the little things that aren’t on any list, the nooks and

Travel

nce you have a taste of Caravaggio, the late Renaissance master whose work is featured at the Galleria Borghese, you can’t leave Rome without seeing what many say is his most powerful work. However, you’ll have to go to church to do it.

Matthew and the Angel’ and ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew’ - which round out the triptych, are also on permanent display here. Seeing such a renowned work of art in a church you might otherwise have easily overlooked is proof that Rome really is a living museum.

For those with a passion for the Renaissance, ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’, a masterpiece by Caravaggio, depicting the moment at which Jesus Christ inspires Matthew to follow him, hangs in the imposing Contarelli Chapel of the San Luigi dei Francesi church, a reminder that 400-year-old art was provocatively modern when it was first conceived. Two other Caravaggio works - ‘Saint

Like other basilicas, entry is free (come in the morning, since the church closes at lunchtime); you’ll have to drop a few coins to light up the paintings in the darkened interior and see how Caravaggio infused his own light into the baroque melodrama. It’s hard to get away from art in Italy. Here’s one last solely art- related suggestion, and one that quickly

brings us up to the 20th century. The Giorgio de Chirico HouseMuseum is a chance to get a guided look at some of the signature works of the master of classically fuelled surrealism and to get a peek into his sunny attic studio. The pristinely preserved two-level apartment, where de Chirico lived for more than 30 years until his death in 1978, also lets you glimpse how the city’s aristocracy have lived for centuries. If you look out of de Chirico’s living room window across Piazza di Spagna, you will see the famous Via Condotti, which stacks most of the best-known Italian designers into a 100 metre stretch of property.

For my money, though,I would go to the other side of town for a less wellknown, but no less elegant shopping experience on Via del Governo Vecchio, where you can buy everything from fur to bathing suits.

The best way to soak up the city – and to find some of the quainter (and more affordable) shops – is to zig-zag from ‘vicolo’ to ‘vicolo’ (alley), piazza to piazza. For a good two-hour stroll, start at the bustling Piazza Navona,

neighbourhood, where laundry swings overhead and flowers burst from window boxes; your stroll can continue, and the enchantment (and shops) will keep coming. The city is relatively easy to navigate although crowds, especially at some of the most popular sites, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon can mean that a wait to enter in inevitable. The big four for me were The Vatican, the Colosseum, The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. If this is your first visit then a good day’s sightseeing can be spent at The Vatican and St. Peter’s. Since the Lateran Treaty was signed between the Holy See and Mussolini in 1929, the Pope has had full sovereignty over the Vatican City which has its own army, postal service and train station. The Pope also has his own bodyguard, the (Swiss Guard) who wear brightly coloured, medieval uniforms.

then head south through Campo dei Fiori, where you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, cafés and daily food and flower markets, to the beguiling Piazza Farnese, with its pair of fountains and Renaissance palace.

The Apostolic Palace, the residence of the Popes since their return from Avignon in 1377 is an imposing property, and since then nearly every Pope has left his mark by enlarging or embellishing the buildings. Today, it is the most extensive palace in the world, with nearly Your stay in this 1,000 rooms and chapels.

vibrant city is all about your state of mind. Making every hour count means letting the timeless grandeur and beauty of the place seep into your blood.

From there, continue toward Ponte Sisto. The ‘ponte’ (bridge) offers a great perspective on the beauty of Rome, with the Gianicolo hill rising to the west and St. Peter’s Basilica to the north. Cross the Tiber to arrive in the utterly charming Trastevere

The Vatican Museums contains some of the world’s greatest art treasures. The principal rooms include of course, the Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel), with paintings by Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio as well as an entire ceiling of renowned frescoes by Michelangelo. On the altar wall is perhaps his most famous painting ‘The Last Judgement’ to which he devoted seven years of his life.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Travel

After the Colloseum take a stroll to the Spanish Steps which climb a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at their base and Trinita dei Monti church at the top. It’s the widest staircase in Europe (comprising 135 steps) and at most times of the day is completely covered by tourists just sitting there enjoying an ice cream. The Trevi Fountain is spectacular. Located in the Trevi district of the city

t. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano) inside the Vatican is possibly the world’s best known church – the seat of Roman Catholicism, visited by pilgrims and art lovers from near and far. It stands on the site of the Circus of Nero where many early Christians were martyred and where St. Peter is said to be buried.

When visiting St. Peter’s it is important to remember to dress appropriately. Men and women wearing shorts will not be admitted and neither will women in short skirts. When the Pope is in Rome on Wednesdays and Sundays, St. Peter’s is usually closed for Papal Audiences. 40

Don’t try and overdo things and cover the Roman Forum, Palatine and Colosseum on the same day as The Vatican. I’d suggest you do the holy city in a morning then you can spend a more leisurely afternoon seeing some of the smaller attractions nearby. The Colosseum is an amazing site and I first beheld it on the way from the airport to my hotel, the legendary Hassler Roma, at the top of the Spanish Steps. It was started by the Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and stands alongside the Arch of Constantine. Fifty thousand strong audiences would thrill to the sight of heavily armed gladiators hacking each other to pieces or gasp as they slaughtered wild animals for sport.

and standing some 26.3 metres (86 feet) high and 49.15 metres (161.3 feet) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. If you can get close enough you are supposed to throw a coin into the fountain, which then ensures a return visit to Rome. One of my favourite landmarks in Rome is the Piazza del Popolo, the “People’s Square”. For centuries this was the first view of Rome for people arriving from the north, through the main gateway – Porta Flaminia – in the city walls, the remains of which can still be seen today. A wide, pedestrian-friendly piazza, it’s surprising to think this was once the site for public executions until the mid-19th century, but then the Eternal City is full of surprises!

Reward yourself...Unwind

www.serenityphuket.com 14 Moo 5 Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel: +66 (0)76 371 900 Fax: +66 (0)76 613 831 Email: rsvn@serenityphuket.com

“

Phuket’s Coolest Resort and Beach Lounge

Feature

monkey business AT FLIGHT OF THE GIBBON words: Paul Eastland

or an unforgettable experience from the hectic pace of Bangkok or Pattaya, why not spend an extraordinary at the award winning Flight of the Gibbon Rainforest Adventure and the renowned Khao Kheow open zoo. Situated in Chonburi province between Bangkok and Pattaya this is an adventure that will give you unparalleled memories of your trip to the Land Of Smiles. You will be picked up at your designated hotel in one of the executive vans and transported to Gibbon headquarters at Khao Kheow, where you will be met by a representative who will accompany you up the start point of your adventure, this includes a leisurely drive up the winding mountain road, through dense jungle foliage. Safety is the prime concern here. On arrival you will be given a detailed safety talk where the world class international team will demonstrate the correct procedures and familiarize you with the stringent safety codes all of this combined with the state of the art safety equipment has achieved the aim of making this the safest zipline experience in the world. You may be thinking there’s no way I can manage this, I had the same reservations myself because of a slight fear of heights, but believe me after my first ‘flight’ all fears were soon extinguished and I had an exhilarating time which I will never forget. It doesn’t matter what age you are this adventure is for everyone. Starting off we made to the first platform (of which there are 24, and 3 Kilometres of zipline), by way off a short trek through the rainforest, all the time being shown the diverse fauna that this area is renowned for by our 2 appointed, well informed “Sky Rangers”. “We’ve arrived”, no turning back now as we climb the ladder to the starting

point, (one you’re on the first platform your feet don’t touch the ground until you finish the course). Buckled up, ready to go I gently slip over the edge and then I’m actually flying, what a thrill, you can feel the sense of freedom the indigenous occupants of the canopy enjoy.

There are many different thrills on the course, apart from ziplining you experience abseiling, climbing the spiral stair case and crossing perilously high rope bridges, even a tandem zipline called the Honeymoon line where you and your loved one can zip along together Whilst doing this adventure always be on the lookout for the incredible wildlife you may be lucky enough to spot including, deer, bear, monkey and if you are very lucky, (as I was) the majestic hornbill. Leaving the best platform till last you find yourself 50 meters up in the canopy and in front of you is the longest zip 300 meters, the views are incredible, jungle as far as the eye can see, that’s is after 3 hours flying through the canopies all that’s left is a 40 meter abseil down to terrafirma. What an experience, something I’ll never forget. With the adrenalin still pumping it’s time to remove all your safety equipment and take a well earned drink at the ranger station, before being driven back down the mountain to Gibbon Headquarters, and the first class restaurant which overlooks a tranquil lake, whilst serving a variety of impressive Thai and Western dishes, just right for the appetite you would have surely built up on your amazing experience at Flight of the Gibbon.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Feature

go gibbon In addition to the Flight of the Gibbon Zip-line tour, you can also experience, “Ultimate Jungle Gym” where you can zip, fly, crawl and swing your way through an amazing jungle playground. It’s 100% guaranteed fun for everyone in your family or group. There are19 action packed stations for all skill levels, pick the ones that fit your physical limits, endurance and sense of comfort. Of course the kids will love it… but every adult will find that “inner 6 year old” ready to burst out and experience natures real amusement park with joyous fun like Suspended Bridges, Spider Nets, Tarzan Jumps, Flying Fox. Flying Swings and much more… It’s an out-door play and adventure in one of the most stunningly beautiful places in the world.. Embrace the wild and immerse yourself in a day of pure fun. You may want to take the ultimate jungle experience, if so the Gibbon Safari is a must. Here you have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of natures most amazing creatures on the planet. day 1 After your transportation from your chosen hotel, you will embark on the first stage of your trip Fight of the Gibbon, lunch is served on your return at our restaurant. After lunch you will enjoy Khao Kheow Journey to the Jungle, an educational conservation- based experience, here is where you get to meet the many rare species on the planet. After watching the Tiger and Monkey shows you are then provided with your very own golf cart so that you can explore this magnificent Open Safari on your own. After dark it’s time for Night Safari, this is a great way to discover the many nocturnal wild animals.

Overnight accommodation is included at the Es-Ta-Te Camping Resort, which is set inside Khao Kheow Open Safari. Here you will be shown to your allocated Safari style tent , that are cutting edge when it comes to style and comfort, which you would expect at any 4 star Resort anywhere. This is no ordinary camping experience1 Es-Ta-Te’s tents all feature air-conditioning, refrigerator, and exquisite vintage style furniture. This is a real rainforest resort. day 2 After a great nights sleep you will be taken back to the restaurant for a delicious Thai- style breakfast, after which you will take a short stroll down to the lake where you will be able to jump on the exhilarating Tarzan Swing. Here you will be whooping with excitement as you leap from the platform and swing your way across the lake onto the cargo net on the other side, unlike the Flight of the Gibbon ziplines these have 5 parallel cables so that you friends or loved ones can “fly” side by side, it also features a suspended lanyard that causes a pendulum- like swing so that you can do your best Tarzan impressions on the way. Next it’s off on a short Elephant Trek before you come to the last adventure of your Gibbon Safari the Go Gibbon! Experience, after making your way around this amazing treetop obstacle course, it’s time to say goodbye and it’s back to the VIP minibus for a comfortable ride back to civilization. Any man, woman or child between the ages of 5 and 95 can “fly” it’s simple, safe and no experience is necessary, safety is the highest priority. Sky Rangers accompany every group and anticipate every need while sharing their vast knowledge of local lore, flora, fauna and geology.

more information Far Out Adventure Co, LTD Khao Kheow Open Zoo 235 Moo 7, T, Bang Phra A, Sriracha, Chonburi 20110 Thailand. www.treetopasia.com

ABSOLUTE THAI

14 20 FO R EW N

OWNING A PIECE OF PARADISE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER STARTING FROM 1.54M THB

TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE VIEWING PLEASE CONTACT SHOM GANGULY, SALES DIRECTOR TEL: +66 (0) 89 980 7758

EXPERIENCE ULTIMATE LUXURY OF OWNING A DESIGNER PRIVATE RESIDENCE CLUB RETREAT ON THE STUNNING ISLAND OF KOH SAMUI, THAILAND. FIVE-STAR CONCIERGE SERVICE, WELL-BEING SPA, PRIVATE TRANSFERS, COURTESY POWERBOAT, THE LATEST GOLF EQUIPMENT, PRIVATE DINING, ALL AS STANDARD. THE PRICE… INCREDIBLY DOWN TO EARTH.

The Beach Samui is a multi award winning and consciously developed five star boutique resort nestled on one of Asia’s most idyllic beaches in the tiny fishing village of Thong Krut, southern Koh Samui, Thailand. Designed by the world renowned Yoo team, brought to you by the Absolute World Group and now proudly part of the prestigious Design Hotels worldwide collective. A limited number of The Beach Samui’s one and two bedroom suites are available to own, ahead of the much anticipated resort opening later this year.

Follow The Beach Samui story as it unfolds…

THEBEACHSAMUI.COM

Developed by

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY LIFESTYLE CAN NOW BE YOURS

ABSOLUTE PRIVATE YACHT CHARTER CHARTER RATES INCLUDE: • U se of snorkelling equipment, BBQ, fishing gear, etc, where applicable • G ourmet lunch, snacks, wine (1/2 bottle per adult), beer (6 per adult) soft drinks, water, tea, coffee • Professional Thai crew • National & Marine Park fees • Transportation to and from Marina • U se of boat between 9.00 am Day 1 to 5.00 pm on last day • Maximum number of guests – 8

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU ABOARD T: +66 (0) 813 700 103 E: sail@absolutefractionals.com SPECIAL RATES FOR MEMBERS OF ABSOLUTE WORLD

Off the beaten track

postcards FROM THAILAND words: Nick Wilson

e got married two years ago. Our dream was to see the world at its best before we settle down. We didn’t make any plans before setting off. The only thing we knew was that we wanted to travel. So we did. Amy used to study Thai in SOAS in the University of London. We thought - why wouldn’t we use these language skills to explore an amazing Thailand. So the first step off the beaten track was in Prachuap Khiri Khan. We arrived late in the evening on a train. The town was peaceful and quiet. We’ve started a room hunting by popping in every place we thought was worth our attention.

We found a beautiful guest house built in old spanish style. The communal bathroom was located on the balcony at the top of the house, so you could enjoy the look of a life in town while you’re brushing your

teeth or taking a shower. Staying there costed us peanuts – like everything else in Prachuap. One day a great noise woke us up pretty early in the morning. Kids from the local schools were rehearsing for the parade. Elementary school girls wore their fancy dresses and strong make up while boys had their uniforms on. They were marching through the town, proudly carring and playing all types of instruments. The sounds of music spread all over the place with a rhytmic drum beat: dum dabado dum dum tss! It was really cute. There was also a “Monkey Queen“(that’s how we named her) living in the town. She used to feed these little cheeky creatures encouraging them to steal! Local monkeys got so sly that they would take a chance of grabbing your noisy plastic bag out of your hand and have a snack you just got yourself. You couldn’t even try to fight!

Off the beaten track

e climbed up to the temple to enjoy the great view of the beach and the town. Happy to get away from monkeys we tried to enjoy our ice cold water. Unfortunately our joy didn’t last for long. Once they’ve spotted us the bottle was gone. It stayed untwisted, so we were satisfied that the monkey wouldn’t have a clue how to deal with it. How wrong we were! The cheeky animal untwisted the lid with its teeth, used both hands and one leg to hold the bottle and drank the water in front of us! How mean! On the way back the Monkey Queen was surrounded by the youngsters that waited for a piece of fruit she was selling to the tourists. We got a strange feeling, that if we resist to buy it she will let the monkeys chase us all the way down. But luckily she didn’t.

At the far end of town there is a fishermans village. It’s also a beginning of a hard but nice walking track in the jungle. Luckily we’ve changed flip flops to proper shoes because the track turned out to be fishermans path to the edge of the rocky peninsula. We got so confused! It wasn’t a loop track, but literally a dead end – but worth seeing. Lazy waves were bouncing up and down up to the horizon, and the sun decided to give up and call it a day. We had to hurry up to climb back. It was too far to walk from the village to the town because we were so tired. We stopped a motorcycle and asked the guy if he could give us a lift. It’s a funny experience to sit in the “cargocycle” and enjoy the night breeze from the ocean. Why would we choose to stay in top rated towns, which would only make our wallet thinner and leave us with the “hangover” feeling. Places like Prachuap Khiri Khan taught us that with a little dose of creativity and a big amount of a will to explore the world, you can make your own paths. We chose to stay out the beaten track until the end of our 20 months journey. Not only in Thailand. How to do it? Find a town. Get there. Feel it. Let it inspire you.

Why would we choose to stay in top rated towns, which would only make our wallet thinner and leave us with the “hangover” feeling.

ABSOLUTE THAI

“You’ll Love What BBX Can Do For Your Business” U U

Guaranteed New Customers

U U

More Cash In Your Business

Business Networking & Trade Shows

U U

More Loyal & Repeat Customers

Customers That Actively Seek Out Your Business To Buy From

U U

Personal Account Manager

Interest FREE Line of Credit Of Up To 1 Million Baht FREE Local, National, International Advertising

BBX Provides An Edge Over Your Competitors

And Much, Much More...

To Find Out How BBX Can Help Your Business Email: info@bbxthailand.com Tel: 02 107 0134 Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai www.bbxthailand.com

Australia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand

Review

Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21 words: Paul Eastland

f all the high end hotels in Bangkok none can boast of a more stunning location than the awe inspiring Grande Centre Point Hotel, Terminal 21. The hotel is located in one of the best areas of Sukhumvit road, which is perfect for all business, entertainment and leisure destinations. The hotel is actually adjacent to the Asoke Skytrain station and Sukhumvit subway interchange station, which has a direct link to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Also linked to the hotel by direct access is the stunning 9 floor Terminal 21 shopping mall. This mall is unique as it brings an airport style layout, and local market place shopping experiences and cultures from all corners of the globe, here you can imagine just what that atmosphere in Brazil or Italy really feels like, (Arrival gate London reminded me of my strolls down the Kings Road, many years ago). Terminal 21

Mall is divided into three main zones comprising of brand name fashion outlets, food courts from around the world and an entertainment area including multiscreen cinema complex. hotel Grande Centre Point Hotel, Terminal 21 is part of the Centre Point Group, so unlike most of the high end hotels it is completely Thai owned operation, giving you the peace of mind that you can be assured of the legendary Thai style, with all the grace and attentiveness you would usually expect for royalty. On arrival take advantage of complimentary local fruit drinks or tea/coffee which are available for you in the lobby area. Here you can relax and marvel at the opulent styled architecture and décor, which makes this a feast for the eyes, whilst your check in formalities are completed.

accommodation The hotel boasts of 498 guest rooms and suites, consisting of a range of options from the 32 square meters Superior Classic to the Grand suites of 65 square meters and Executive 70 square meters. All rooms have panoramic views of the city or lake, whether you are a long or short stay guest you are guaranteed unparalleled luxury and comfort during your stay. All rooms include self controlled air-conditioning, 40” LED television with satellite and cable options, free wifi access, microwave oven, IDD line telephone and in-room safe for your valuables. All the above is included in the suite options, but with the impressive extras of full range of kitchen appliances, separate living and dining areas with an extra TV in the bedroom, along with 35 feet of wall to ceiling windows. The ensuite bathrooms are designed in stunning marble décor, with a walk-in rain type

ABSOLUTE THAI

Review

shower, all top brand toiletries are provided for your convenience. The actual toilet is one of the futuristic Japanese all automated styles, which, as you can guess, does everything for you, (a first for me, I’ll never look at a standard toilet in the same light again). Bathrooms in the suite options are the same as above with the addition of a full size bath. Rooms are available with smoking or nonsmoking options. dining Dining is centred around the 5th floor Blue Spice Restaurant. Here you can enjoy an immense variety of European and Asian dishes at the international lunch buffet in a modern Western style atmosphere. All kinds of dishes are available, which include your favourite pasta dishes which are made for you at our self-style dedicated pasta station, or choose from our Japanese selection with all your

favourites, including salmon sashimi, sushi, and maki; all served fresh every day from our highly trained staff. Also, there is an enormous array of European dishes including pizzas, salads and an impressive cold cuts station that specializes in exquisite meats and cheeses from around the world, put these together with the popular Chinese station with its grand selection of all kinds of noodles, Dim Sum and all your typically spicy Thai favourites, and you will sample a totally world class buffet experience that you will remember well after your trip has ended. This same restaurant is where you’ll start your day with the same buffet style as above, which encompasses many of the above attributes plus all the traditional breakfast fare that you would expect, including a dedicated egg station to cook them how you want, bacon, sausages, cereals and

exotic fruits will make this first and most important meal of the day unmissable. Executive travellers have their own dining place on the 9th/Facilities floor where you can enjoy much of the above in a quieter and unobtrusive atmosphere. Also here for a place to recharge and relax after or before your hectic day there is a range of snacks and drinks available for you to enjoy. facilities Now we come to Grand Centre Point Hotel, Terminal 21’s jewel in the crown: Floor F (facility floor). Unlike most hotels, Grande Centre Point, Terminal 21 has arranged all its leisure facilities on one floor. Designed in a mezzanine style that encircles the whole floor. Here you have a 25 meter infinity swimming pool with luxurious sun loungers scattered around the decking or actually in the pool, where

you can laze and relax whilst you are literally lying in the pool. For the more energetic, there are two tennis courts available or why not practice your golfing skills on our putting green which has a mini driving range attached. Also available is our fully equipped gym with every piece of modern equipment you could imagine. If you prefer jogging take a couple of laps around the area on our jogging track. After spending so much energy, take advantage of our separate male and female enclosed areas which contain Roman style bath houses consisting of an enormous Jacuzzi with separate steam and sauna rooms. An entertainment room is available for all guests, here you will experience your very own cinema and karaoke lounge, with a comprehensive library of the latest movies and

music, it’s the perfect place to relax after a hectic days sightseeing. Not forgetting the little ones who have their own little sanctuary in the children’s play area, here they can play to their hearts content with a multitude of toys and games as well as their own large screen TV for cartoons or movies. A full spa service is available from the world famous, Let’s Relax Spa, which is located on floor 6 of Terminal 21, with reduced rates for hotel guests. business facilities Here we have five fully functional different sized rooms that can be converted into two large meeting rooms: The Grand Ballroom and the Sukhumvit. Each room has all the equipment necessary to fulfil a variety of business requirements. Also, our dedicated business lobby staff are available to help all your functions

running smoothly and professionally and can also provide cocktail parties for up to 300 guests or a tempting finger buffet for up to 200. All this comes on its own floor with dedicated lobby. summary Grande Centre Point Hotel, Terminal 21 hotel has everything; its staff is dedicated and courteous. To sum it up, I asked an American couple in the lift, “What do you think of this hotel?” They replied, “It is probably the best I’ve ever stayed in.” It can’t get better than that. Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21, 88 Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Wattana), Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: +66 2 6819000

ABSOLUTE THAI

Brand new Gym on Beach road, PatonG, Phuket enjoy the fantastic views whilst you work out.

Facilities include;

• fully equiPPed fitness centre

• full air-conditioned

• muay thai BoxinG

• Bjj / mma / yoGa classes

• diet Plans and suPPlement advice • strenGth, x-fit and trx traininG • male and female sauna and steam rooms oPeninG times: 7am – 11Pm 7 days a week. daily, weekly, monthly and yearly rates availaBle.

www.facebook.com/maximum.muaythai MaxiMuM Fitness CoMbat Centre, LoMa Park, beaCh road , Patong Phuket.

www.maximumfitnessphuket.com

Review

kisso

NEW TASTE OF MODERN JAPANESE words: Laurence Civil

isso means ‘good news’ in Japanese; the perfect description of the latest edition for a restaurant of 20 years. It’s strikingly contemporary with the use of light wood sliding panels to divide the room yet balanced with the warm and cosy elements such as the row of earthenware pots rising high above the wood flooring. A calibrated

buzz resonates from the main dining area, in the vicinity of Kisso’s sushi bar and even into its private tatami room. This new concept was created by the much travelled Chef Shinsuke Yonekawa. It was while he was working on a cruise liner that he became aware of the truly unique qualities of Japanese cuisine. Working

as a Sous Chef at Hal Yamashitta, one of Tokyo’s finest contemporary restaurants, taught him exciting and new ways to express himself through his food. His own restaurant, Toki, in the Philippines, won “Best Restaurant Award” by Philippines Tatler Magazine and received a Gold Award in the USA Rice Federation Sushi. With that portfolio he was identified as the culinary talent to oversee the re-conceptualizing of Kisso, “Having previously re-conceptualised three Japanese restaurants in Japan and one in the Philippines,” says Chef Shinsuke. “Here I was given the freedom to design the kitchen and to create my seasonal menu that changes based on the availability of ingredients freshly imported from Japan. I even

selected the plates on which my food will be presented. Everything that comes from my kitchen is made from fresh raw ingredients.” His Yuzu Gin Tonic is a refreshing martini-style interpretation of the classic gin and tonic, yuzu infused dry gin, tonic water and yuzu juice. I started with his original special Carpaccio of salmon, ebi (prawns), tuna and mackerel dressed in crushed cashew nuts and flaky deep fried wonton wrappers mixed with yuzu and miso sauce. Carpaccio too often is a one dimensional dish, but not here. A bed of shredded salad raises the fish up from the plate to give height to enhance the presentation. His grilled eel and foie gras roll may look simple on the plate yet complex in its preparation. He puts a shiny glaze on the eel by reducing a mirin and homemade soy sauce by 50%

which he then brushes onto the surface of the eel before charcoal grilling. He uses a combination of tamarind, mangrove and eucalyptus woods, and each burn at a different rate making it perfect for cooking. “Charcoal grilling adds flavour,” he says. “It retains heat which allows us to cook faster to keep the meat moist.” The combination of eel and foie gras is a contemporary innovation typical of his newfound perspective to Japanese cuisine. His sushi is made with Japanese rice that has just been started to grow in Chiang Rai by a Japanese farmer. This rice has authentic taste and texture with a reduced carbon footprint. Next, a delightful Japanese Wagyu beef shabu shabu salad garnished with sesame and ponzu dressing. “I used ponzu in this dish as its sour flavour helps to refresh the palate.”

more information

Kisso Japanese Restaurant 8th Floor Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19 Tel 0-2207-800 Email kisso.bangkok@westin.com

The main course was charcoal grilled Canadian snow fish with a four mushroom, shitake, eringi, enoki and shimeji butter sauce. The fish had the perfect flaky texture and the sauce an ideal marriage with the taste of the fish. To complete the meal, one of the chefs recommended plum wine jelly with premium ginjoushu sake sorbet. A harmonious combination of modern flavours and decor for the next generation dining experience.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Review

cellar 11 WINE BAR & BISTRO words: Laurence Civil

angkok’s newest wine bar and bistro is tucked away in a sub soi off Sukhumvit 11, located behind President Solitaire Hotel. A purpose built three storey house with the all-important generous on-site parking. Their customers drive significant motors and would rather park themselves than trust valet parking. Entering the house, guests enter the enoteca, the floor to ceiling library of bottles of wine on both sides. In the centre, the heart of the house, is a communal table for twelve. Most nights you will see Ittichai “Big” Benjathanasombat, Managing Director, holding court discussing wines with guests and friends.

create a comfortable environment that wine lovers in Bangkok, residents and visitors will feel is their second home.” Behind the enoteca is the more formal, yet comfortable, dining room. There is an a la carte menu which offers mainly French and Italian cuisine as generally that is perceived as the most wine friendly food. Dishes such as pan-seared Canadian lobster with mixed salad and balsamic reduction; pan seared Hokkaido scallops with sautéed mushrooms, and warmed cannelloni filled with Korobuta pork ragout. Simple, honest quality bistro cuisine. More often, customers will order dishes that aren’t necessarily on the menu but best suites the wines they are drink; the chef is very accommodating.

32 different wines which change on a monthly basis. The selection ranges from THB 50 a sip to THB 3,500 a glass. It may be outrageous, but investing in professional wine dispensing facilities make it possible to taste wines that normally are never poured by the glass. Never forget tasting leads to selling so it is commercially justifiable, even if it is a touch indulgent. The house also has three wine thematic rooms, something unique here in Thailand. In the underground cellar, the Moet & Chandon Grand Cellar mirrors the one at their chateau in Riems, France with a single dinner table for ten. The other two are on the second floor. The Robert Mondavi Room is exclusively for their wines from Napa Valley and the Grange Room is dedicated to the premium label from Penfolds in Australia. There is a private dining room with its own kitchen and a separate cigar lounge. Their most recent addition is the leisurely Superb Sunday Brunch served from 11.30am - 2.30pm. As a pre-lunch appetiser on the buffet, an all you can eat salad selection of cold cuts, cold seafood plata, a selection of imported cheeses and pasta cooked a la minute. A four course a la carte menu with a choice of six dishes in each course for just THB 1,250++. Free flow red, white and sparkling wines are THB 500++.

more information “My friends and me like to hang out in wine bars but couldn’t find the right environment that was pouring the wines we wanted to drink,” says Ittichai. “Whether it’s for a business meeting or relaxing leisure time after work, it’s so much better to spend it with a glass of good wine in hand. We drew on our collective experiences of the different wine bars we have visited around the world. My goal was to

This is first a wine bar, second a bistro. Here, it’s all about the wine. They have an extensive list with over 1,000 selections available for customers to try and taste unusual wines from unusual places around the world. Being serious about wine, it’s essential to offer the most extensive selections by the glass with four Enomatic wine dispensing systems; each storing eight bottles offering a variety of

Cellar 11 Wine Bar & Bistro 71/1 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Tel 0-2255-5833/5 www.cellar11.com

ABSOLUTE THAI

Some Things Money Can’t Buy...

· Save 25% on your total bill (every day) at leading restarants · Free cocktails for yourself and invited guests at great nightspots · VIP service and other special benefits

www.PhuketPrivileges.com www.SamuiPrivileges.com

Review

impiana

AN IDYLLIC ISLAND GETAWAY words: Kate Walsh

he Impiana Resort offers guests the perfect beach holiday on the beautiful isle of Koh Samui. The resort is the epitome of opulence with its seamless blend of luxury and elegance that ensures all visitors relish their stay

here. The romantic setting of the beach combined with the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own impeccably landscaped tropical gardens ensure that the stresses of everyday life are soon left far behind. The view across the ocean is accompanied by the towering palm

trees that sway in the gentle breeze that line the shore at the front of the resort. Situated just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from all of the hustle and bustle of Chaweng, The Impiana is ideally located far enough away from the action that privacy and relaxation is simple to achieve, yet close enough for anyone looking to explore the island outside of the resort. The surrounding mountainous landscapes add to the natural beauty that encompasses The Impiana and everything is located within a short distance from local malls and beaches through to the international airport and hospitals.

staying in sheer luxury There are several different rooms to experience at the resort including romantic beachfront suites and standard rooms for those on a budget. All of the rooms offer guests the chance to experience the ultimate tropical holiday in a lavish setting, with many of the rooms providing unbeatable views over the ocean. For those who really want to get back to nature, rooms with vistas of the immaculately tended gardens are wonderful to stay in. The grounds of the resort are filled with an array of strikingly green, fertile plants and bright tropical flowers that add to the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exotic aura.

Winding pathways ensure that guests can make their way through the natural beauty of the gardens with ease and friendly staff are often found along the way with a welcoming smile to greet passersby. The tropical ambience can be enjoyed with the simple slide of a glass door and the only sounds that can be heard from the rooms are the gentle clicking of the local cicadas, the soft waves as they lap the shore and the occasional call of a native gecko. The rooms available at the resort range from Standard Rooms, Superior Cottages and Superior Rooms through to Deluxe Rooms and various lavish

Review

suites. Each of the rooms are filled with all of the amenities and facilities that one would expect from such luxury accommodation and include a fridge, LCD television, mini bar and drinking water that is provided on a daily basis for no charge. Every room has its own persona and the resort sets itself apart from its competition by ensuring that it avoids the standardized atmosphere that other large hotels propose. The individuality of the accommodation can be seen in the décor and the layout, with all of the rooms having a unique appeal to them. The European bed linen and delightfully designed bathrooms help guests to enjoy a superior level of comfort that only the top resorts on the island can achieve. helpful services provided with a smile The staff at the resort work hard to ensure that the needs of every guest are catered to by providing all of the following services complete with a warm, Thai smile:

§ Room service § Swimming pool § Tour desk § Spa § Currency exchange services § Laundry and pressing § In-room safe § Wireless internet § Housekeeping § Gift shop

to every table. Private tables can also be organized and the terrace dining is perfect for those wanting to find the perfect balance of privacy, while still enjoying the fresh air during their meal. The seemingly endless views over the ocean paired with the authentic wooden furniture and sprawling umbrellas make the Sabai Restaurant a great choice for all of the guests at the resort. A variety of cuisines can be sampled at the restaurant, as well as low fat choices and vegetarian dishes as the resort strives to cater to a variety of tastes.

The Beach Bar is a wonderful place to watch the world go by during the day or to relax in after the sun sets. Chilled The Impiana provides its beer, exotic cocktails and guests with a choice of The Impiana is ideally refreshing fruit smoothies wining and dining are all on the menu here opportunities from the located far enough and lazing around in pure Sabai Restaurant that away from the action comfort on the beach offers all day dining, makes for the ideal way that privacy and through to The Beach Bar to wrap up a wonderful where a refreshing sunset relaxation is simple day. For those looking for cocktail is the perfect to achieve, yet close a more luxurious place to way to end an equally enough for anyone relax in, The Tamarind magnificent day. Al fresco looking to explore Bar & Lounge boasts dining can be sampled comfortable sofas that at the Sabai Restaurant the island outside of once sat on they may where colorful orchids the resort. never be left! The charming add a touch of panache architecture of the lounge tropical dining at its best

area oozes sophistication and style, while the soft music playing in the background augments the warm and inviting atmosphere.

A journey into complete relaxation can be enjoyed at the spa with treatments Al fresco dining can hailing from all over be sampled at the Southeast Asia. An exotic trip to Thailand is never Sabai Restaurant complete with experiencing The twinkling lights of the where colorful a traditional Thai massage fishing boats on the and with its convenient orchids add a touch horizon can be spotted location in the heart of the of panache to from all three of the wining resort; the spa is the and dining options that every table. perfect place to unwind are all located within the and let go. All-natural beautiful resort, as soon as ingredients are used within the sun goes down. the spa and the soft sound of Thai music playing in the background exquisite spa, along with the soothing massage & swimming pool What better way to start or round up a lazy day in the hot sun than with a relaxing massage? The Swasana Spa uses professional masseuses who are on hand to provide visitors with advice and information on all of the available treatments. The spa offers the perfect way to forget about the stresses and strains of everyday life and visitors will simply leave their worries behind them as they enter the spa. Sheer pampering enables everyone to drop their cares in the Swasana Spa and the noise and distractions found elsewhere on the island seem to effortlessly disappear in the niched location of the spa. A wide range of treatments can be enjoyed from body massages, facials and foot treatments through to wraps and scrubs that will leave skin feeling invigorated and rejuvenated.

trickle of water from the water features, all work in complete harmony to create an atmosphere that inspires guests to indulge in pure relaxation. After a calming massage, the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swimming pool is on hand to waken your senses again. Anyone lookingfor an escape from the hot, tropical sun should head to the stunning swimming pool for a refreshing dip, where views over the sea can be enjoyed.

The swimming pool works in a natural harmony with its surroundings and the entire resort ensures guests from all over the world with varying budgets and tastes will enjoy their stay here. Welcome to pure paradiseâ&#x20AC;Ś

more information

IMPIANA RESORT CHAWENG NOI 91/2-3 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand. TEL: +66 (0) 7744 8994 FAX: +66 (0) 7744 8999 info.kohsamui@impiana.com

ABSOLUTE THAI

Fashion

Khan Thongduang MODEL AND PHOTOGRAPHER

y name is Khan Thongduang, and I am a model and photographer based in Bangkok, Thailand. I have over 2 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience as a model and over 3 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience as a photographer. I have been interested in and enjoyed photography since I was 10 years old when I got my first

snap shot camera and went to photography school. I learned the art of photography from the experience of shooting photos of people, objects and nature. I use my own creative ideas to produce a variety of feelings and emotions in my photographs. The expression of feelings in my work is very important to me.

My passion is in arts and photography. I like discovering interesting works and get inspired by them. I like to make an impression with the creative works of mind, by creating artistic views out of moments. I like to work with the photographers who photograph me when I am modelling and learn from them. I am always interested in finding contacts to photographers and models all over the world.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Fashion

Contact Information: Email: Khan007Photography@hotmail.com Check out some of my photography and modelling on Facebook at: Khan & Photography.

Photos by Frank Gotz Make Up Artist: A ธนัช

ธนัทฐิติกา (Tanat Tanatithikha)

ABSOLUTE THAI

Absolute News

hansar samui WINNER OF THE WORLD LUXURY AWARD FOR BEST LUXURY ISLAND RESORT IN CONTINENT OF ASIA

ansar Samui was the proud recipient of the World Luxury Award for Best Luxury Island Resort in the Continent of Asia at a glittering awards ceremony held in Phuket on 1 November. The World Luxury Hotel Awards is a recognized global organization providing luxury hotels with recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. The awards aim to encourage and raise service standards within the luxury hotel industry.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very proud to accept this prestigious recognition which is a tribute to the entire team at Hansar Samuiâ&#x20AC;?, said Indra Budiman, CEO of Hansar Hotels and Resorts.

more information

Reservations for Hansar Samui can be made on T: +66 77 245 511 F: +66 77 245 995 E: samney@hansarsamui.com W: www.hansarsamui.com

Absolute News

With a welcoming atmosphere, superb food and wine, and great entertainment, guests will be treated to a memorable event

hilton pattaya 2013 SEASONS FESTIVITIES BY THE SEA UNVEILED

Truly Unforgettable Occasion at Award-Winning Hotel PATTAYA, Thailand November 8, 2013 - Hilton Pattaya today announced 2013 Seasons Festivities by the Sea offers that highlight its perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisines and sparkling entertainment, by providing a selection of packages and a variety of fabulous venues where guests can relax in comfort and enjoy all the best the festive season has to offer. With a welcoming atmosphere, superb food and wine, and great entertainment, guests will be treated to a memorable event.

For an exclusive Christmas dinner on December 24 and 25, guests can celebrate in style at exquisite Flare on level 15, surrounded by the seduction of this quaint and warm venue. Flare will bring a little spiced, classic and specialty dishes prepared at the hands of our famous local chef. Finally, guests can indulge with friends and family members at Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect rooftop restaurant & bar, Horizon, on level 34, which offers a set dinner with spectacular views over Pattaya Bay and the Gulf of Thailand.

Impressive moments at hilton pattaya At Drift on level 16, guests can enjoy a range of Christmas delights and buy excellent gift hampers that showcase a selection of traditional offerings of sweets and pastries, and have a chance to savour a glass of Driftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed Mulled Wine. At Edge on level 14, guests will savour cuisine from around the world with a wide selection of menu options in grand buffet style, including carved traditional meat and poultry, fresh seafood, BBQ meats, Mediterranean and continental dishes along with an array of Christmas delights, while overlooking the bay.

more information

Bookings will be essential. For more information or reservations please dial T: +66 (0)38 253 000 E: pattaya.info@hilton.com

ABSOLUTE THAI

Absolute News

They must be a frontrunner in providing the highest quality of service plus make a noteworthy contribution to Health Tourism and the day spa industry in Thailand.

oasis spa SO PROUD TO BE WINNERS OF TWO THAILAND TOURISM AWARDS

akin Ployphicha and Toby Allen, Managing Directors of Oasis Spa (Thailand), pictured above, received TWO of the coveted Thailand Tourism Awards for Outstanding Day Spa. Although they have won this award two times in the past, they were especially elated and honored this year to receive TWO Outstanding Day Spa awards for Oasis Spa branches located in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. They attribute their success to a great management staff and the committed team members who put

into action their objective to raise industry standards for superior service, customer satisfaction, and innovative treatments. The award ceremony was a gala event held at Jubilee Hall, IMPACT Convention Center Nonthaburi. These much soughtafter awards from the Tourism Authority of Thailand were presented by its Tourism and Sports Minister, Somsak Pureesrisak. The Thailand Tourism Award is only bestowed upon a few businesses that merit recognition for being the ‘best of the best.’

Oasis Spa began in 2003 and quickly became one of the leading day spas in Thailand with 10 branches in the tourist destinations of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket. Their unique dedication to providing the “Ultimate Lanna Spa Experience” quickly became a favorite of local spa goers and visitors to Thailand from across the world.

“You did it. We did it. We’re all winners!”

Acknowledged as one of the premier spas in Thailand, Oasis Spa has set a ten-year record of excellence and innovation which has won them many awards both in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia.

Absolute News

INTRODUCING THE NEW

amari phuket

mari Coral Beach Phuket showcases ‘new look’ and ‘new name’ Phuket. 11 November 2013. Amari Coral Beach Phuket has been a favourite for holidaymakers since it opened 29 years ago. Following an 18 month enhancement period, the popular family resort is proud to introduce its new look guest rooms, public areas, spa and restaurants. The property has also changed its name to ‘Amari Phuket’. Guests visiting the property from November 2013 onwards will be able to see the new contemporary design in all areas. The changes include a fresh look for all superior and deluxe guest rooms and suites and a new

design for the lobby. The restaurants have also received a makeover; La Gritta, Amari Phuket’s fine dining Italian always boasted an impressive position overlooking Patong Bay but has been reimagined to become a chic destination restaurant sure to wow the senses. La Gritta Terrace has come to be a stylish venue for enjoying creative cocktails, premium wines, and accompanying tapas. Whilst, Rim Talay all day dining restaurant and Breeze Spa have also undergone the makeover treatment and are showcasing their new fresh design. A new guest lounge, Voyager has also been introduced offering snacks and light refreshments, wash and change area, library and selection of games to keep minds active.

special offer To be the first to experience the new look Amari Phuket, the property is offering a 3-night Hot Deal Package, starting at 16,880 THB ++. Guests can enjoy a worry-free holiday, inclusive of breakfast, airport transfers and discount on food, drinks, and spa. Available until 31 October 2014. for more information visit www.amari.com/phuket

ABSOLUTE THAI

Top Books

best books of 2013

Another Little Piece BY KATE KARYUS QUINN The spine-tingling horror of Stephen King meets an eerie mystery worthy of Sara Shepard’s

Pretty Dark Nothing BY HEATHER L REID

Pretty Little Liars series in Kate Karyus Quinn’s haunting debut. On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party.

It’s been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and whispering of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don’t make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished. A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn’t know who she is. She doesn’t know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon. Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish a bloody razor and the faces of

The End Games

other girls who disappeared. Piece by

BY T. MICHAEL MARTIN

piece, Annaliese’s fractured memories

It happened on Halloween. The world ended. And a dangerous Game brought it back to life. Seventeen-year-old Michael and his fiveyear-old brother, Patrick, have been battling monsters in The Game for weeks. In the rural mountains of West Virginia, armed with only their rifle and their love for each other, the brothers follow Instructions from the mysterious Game Master. They spend their days searching for survivors, their nights fighting endless hordes of “Bellows”-creatures that roam the dark, roaring for flesh. And at this Game, Michael and Patrick are very good. But The Game is changing. The Bellows are evolving. The Game Master is leading Michael and Patrick to other survivors who don’t play by the rules. And the brothers will never be the same. T. Michael Martin’s debut novel is a transcendent thriller filled with electrifying action, searing emotional insight, and unexpected romance.

come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape - unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.

Top Apps

top apps

Headspace

Desk Yoga

A worthwhile distraction from the day job! The videos are easy to follow, and the results felt straight away. Spend all day sitting at a desk? Desk Yoga will help to relieve the resulting aches and pains in your neck, back, shoulders, hips and wrists through yoga poses that you don’t even need to stand up to get into. The app contains 11 short videos that combine clear instructions with soothing music. They’re easy to follow (though they do stutter after a while, requiring a restart to fix), and we found the poses effective for releasing muscle tension. Just try not to take it too seriously, and don’t worry about the giggles of your colleagues. After all, laughter is the best stress-reliever – so you’re doing them a favour!

Layar

Augmented reality is the next-big thing in mobile entertainment. Although it sounds like something out of a William Gibson novel, the premise of augmented reality is fairly simple: it overlays virtual information on to real world places. Still confused? Well, you see a version of this every time you watch the football – those team badges on the pitch aren’t really there and this is just what apps like Layar do.

Layar is the best augmented reality app by a country mile. It makes use of your phone’s camera to display real-time digital information on to wherever you may be. If you want to know more about a café you are standing beside, then load up Layar and point your phone at the café – it’s that simple. In the main, you’ll get information like phone numbers, but there may even be a menu and user-generated reviews. Although Layar is just a web browser, the way it displays information in the world around you is impressive. There are a whole bunch of categories to choose from and you can even layer/Layar an alien spacecraft over your skyline. Pointless but awesome nonetheless!

In all likelihood, meditation is not what you think it is. It doesn’t need to involve sitting with your legs crossed, or humming. You don’t even have to disappear off to the Himalayas. Tell that to Andy Puddicombe, who did the latter at just 22 years old, and spent the next 10 years as a Buddhist monk in a Tibetan Monastery. Having returned to the UK, Andy is making meditation accessible to to the masses, and he’s doing it with Headspace. The app begins with a basic introduction to what meditation does and how it can help you. The key to the whole principle is having an open mind. You can then follow Headspace’s ‘Take 10 program for free – a ten day sample of some of the techniques you can use to free yourself from the stresses of life and work. The app itself is very well built, with extremely professional animations and videos from Andy himself guiding you through and helping you take the techniques on board. You will need an Internet connection to get these videos, but you can download them all at once if needed. The primary need that original Headspace users had was for the app to be accessible anytime and anywhere. If you like what you see, then you can subscribe to the full 365 day program for £4.99 a month. Either way, to see a website and app with such a commitment to detail and content is fantastic and whether Headspace’s techniques work for you or not, enormous work has gone into Headspace as a whole, and the resulting app is absolutely worth 10 minutes of your day.

ABSOLUTE THAI

Gadgets

NEW HI TECH

must buys AEG Favola

Philips Avance Taste Infusion This glorified barbecue lets you infuse your meat with lovely smoke, wine and herb flavours via the reservoirs at the back. Only the middle of the grill has the heat for proper charring, though the edges still come out very tasty. w: philips.co.uk

Google Glass The Web giant launched a tour of US cities so that commoners can check out the company’s latest wearable tech. Now that a select few individuals had the chance to gaze through Google Glass and see what the world looks like overlaid with a computer. w: google.com/glass/start/how-it-feels

Specially designed for those folk who love their coffee topped with swirls of frothed milk, the AEG Favola lets you create a traditional Italian style cappuccino thanks to the Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules. It may not be quite as elegantly designed as the Maestria Crème, yet it does have a sort of industrial look that wouldn’t look to out of place on the kitchen surface. Lavazza’s patented Click ‘n Cappuccino technology, which is included in this machine, is meant to simulate the same gesture made by an Italian barista when he is prepping the perfect coffee – pretty nifty, eh? w: lavazzamodomio.co.uk

Dyson has released the Airblade Tap In news that will be welcomed by anyone who feels walking a short distance to a hand-dryer in a washroom is a little too much work, Dyson has launched a tap that washes and dries hands all in one go. The Dyson Airblade tap combines a high-speed hand-dryer with a hot and cold tap. Users don’t even need to touch the device to operate it as infared sensors pinpoint the position of their hands and either pours water from the faucet stem or shoots two streams of unheated air out at 430mph, scraping their hands dry. Apparently the device can dry the user’s hands within 12 seconds. According to company head, Sir James Dyson, the device’s “secret” component is its motor, which, he told the BBC in an interview, had taken seven years to develop. It’s doubtful you’ll see Dyson Airblade taps appearing too widely in the near-future as the device carries the hefty price tag of £1,000 per unit. w: airblade.dyson.com

Sleepphones

Bladepad for iPhone 5 Stylish Apple accessory designed for gamers who like to play on-the-go. Includes low-latency gaming controller that slides out when needed with illuminated joysticks and buttons. Additional charging power cable allows you to charge your iPhone/iPad whilst playing so you won’t have to fear your battery’s demise. w: bladepad.com

Crafted from soft fleece, these comfy headbands incorporate integrated headphones that let you sleep soundly without pestering your partner or waking up strangled by a cable. Listen to lullabies or the sound of the ocean for that really relaxing underwater vibe with this pillow-friendly gadget. w: sleepphones.com

Princip Interactive LED Futuro Cube Like Rubik’s reinvented for Generation Y, the Futuro Cube uses 54 multi-colour LEDs and 4-channel audio for a puzzle-making experience that can involve touch, shaking or speech to create the pocket-sized fun. w: thinkgeek.com

Whistle Activity Monitor

The “Interesting” colourful Bluetooth speaker’s name combines the Japanese for “cool” and the English for “wow”, but aside from that it will stream 360 degree sound from your Bluetooth-enabled device with a decent 75db to fill your bathroom/living room or kitchen with audio.

This utility belt is in fact an on-collar device that measures your dog’s activities including walks, play and rest, giving you an idea on your canine’s day-to-day ventures. You can even check-in on your Smartphone to see what your dog is up to whilst you’re at work.

w: kakkoii-me.com

w: whistle.com

Kakkoii Wow

ABSOLUTE THAI