D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y 2 0 13
JESSIE J
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY
FREE D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y 2 0 13
Travel
CAPE TOWN IN STYLE
Impiana Samui AN ISLAND IDYLL
Phuket’s Coolest Resort and Beach Lounge Room Rates from Baht 3,000+++
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Contents 8 W H AT ’ S O N Upcoming Events in Thailand
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H E A LT H & W E L L- B E I N G Healthful foods
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O V E R F E AT U R E C Jessie J
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I M P I A N A R E S O R T CH AW E N G N O I An island idyll
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G L O R I O U S B R I TA I N London 2012
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T R AV E L Cape Town
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V I E W TO A THRI LL Helicopter ride with helithai
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T H E P L AY H O U S E T H E AT E R C A B A R E T Entertainment like you’ve never before seen
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T H AT ’ S N O T A H O R S E Chonburi Races
IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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W ELCO M E TO A BS O LU T E T H A I L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y 2 013
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year to be in Thailand. Christmas, New Years, Chinese New Years and party after party to go along with each one. Even though Thailand is over 96% Buddhist, they still have embraced the spirit of the holiday and decorate and celebrate like it is one of their own. Don’t be surprised to get a gift from a Thai! As well, the humidity and temperatures drop, and, combined with the nationwide festivities, it is truly a magical time in the Kingdom. If you’re lucky enough to make it up to one of the mountains in the north, you might actually see frost! So while you’re relaxing under a warming sun, take time to enjoy this special holiday issue of Absolute Thai. A revealing article on the stunning Jessie J is very interesting and comes with some amazing pictures. The articles about Cape Town, helicoptering around Thailand, eating healthy and the hilarious and fun buffalo racing is sure to keep you entertained. Also, try to check out the new magical cabaret show in Bangkok.
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From all of us at Absolute Thai, “Merry Christmas and have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.”
TIM KNIGHT EDITOR
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
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.
ABSOLUTE THAI WHAT’S ON
What’s On
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THAILAND DECEMBER - JANUARY 2013
IMAGE: CHARLIE EDWARD / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
H.M. THE KING’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Date: 5 December 2012 - 16 December 2012 Venue: Nationwide
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Highlight: Ratchadamnoen Road is closed to traffic on 5 December to enable people to walk and admire the beauty of the displays of portraits of H.M. the King and colourful illuminations. Most of all, this event provides the opportunity to witness the love and respect that the Thai people have towards their beloved King.
onsidered one of the most important days of the Thai people, December 5 is H.M. the King’s Birthday and the day is also regarded as the nation’s Father’s Day. Buildings and homes throughout the country are adorned with portraits of H.M. the King and flags, and the streets are decorated with fairy lights, predominantly around Ratchadamnoen Road and the Grand Palace. An alms-giving ceremony in the morning is followed by a festival of music and cultural performances at Sanam Luang. In the evening, the whole nation joins in the Candle Lighting Ceremony and witnesses a spectacular fireworks display.
Contact information: TAT Call Centre: 1672 ww.tourismthailand.org
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.
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RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK
IMAGE: PALO_OK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Date: 7 December 2012 - 16 December 2012
PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA Date: 5 December 2012 - 6 December 2012
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his event takes you back to the times of World War II through the River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war. This bridge was the part of the ‘Death Railway’ that spanned the River Kwai connecting Thailand and Myanmar, costing thousands of lives of prisoners and local laborers supervised by Japanese troops. Organized to commemorate those who died while building the bridge, this event features a remembrance ceremony held at the Ailed War Cemetery, light and sound presentations, cultural performances, and historical displays and exhibitions.
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n international boating regatta to win the royal trophy of H.M. the King.
Highlight: The event is held during the first week of December, so on 5 December (the King’s Birthday) the crews gather in front of the Boathouse Resort on Kata Beach in acandle-lighting ceremony to celebrate the event.
Contact information: TAT Kanchanaburi: +66 3451 1200, +66 3451 2500
Contact information: www.kingscup.com +66 7621 1036
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ABSOLUTE THAI WHAT’S ON
PHUKET ELECTRONIC MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL 2012 Date: 30 December 2012 - 31 December 2012
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ollowing the trend of electronic music festivals around the world, the Creative Electronic Music and Dance Festival began last year in Pattaya by the Department of Intellectual Properties, Ministry Of Commerce. With this year’s Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival on Karon beach in conjunction with Karon beach New Year’s Countdown, it is another exciting event to attend to celebrate New Year 2012.
modernize the electronic music industry in Thailand. Winners of the IP DJ hunt contest will win 20,000 baht, 10,000 baht and 5,000 baht for the top 3 winners with prizes from Pioneer DJ. The 2 day festival will showcase an exciting line-up of more than 30 DJs from both Thailand and international. Top Thai DJs are J Monton and Dom Parkorn Lam, Mark Brain, Slick and Domination, winner of the Best Video DJ of the World contest in Dubai 2011. This is also the first time that more than 10 top clubs in Phuket will participate in the festival.
This is an effort by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to rebuild tourists’ confidence and image of Thai tourism through music. This event is strongly supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in its massive online network.
The Creative IP DJ Hunt will take place on Karon Beach starting at 1500 hours on the 30th of December with the award and opening ceremony at around 2200 hours. Join the New Year 2013 Countdown ceremony on Karon Beach starting at 2330 hours.
The Goal of the Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival 2012 and Creative IP DJ Hunt 2012 Southern Region is to promote electronic music in Thailand, encourage talented young Thai electronic artists, and
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IMAGE: CHARLIE EDWARD / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
IMAGE: TOPTEN22PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Date: 23 January 2012 Venue: Chinatown on Yaowarat Road, Bangkok
NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN Date: 31 December 2012 - 1 January 2013
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hinese New Year is widely celebrated in Chinatown on Yaowarat Road, one of the most famous roads in Bangkok and often referred to as the Golden Road and the Land of the Siamese Dragon. Visitors experience the strong connection between Thai and Chinese communities through the magnificent cultural performances that show the deep roots of Chinese culture in Thailand. This special occasion is opened by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn every year. There are several shrines located in this area, and it is believed that making merit at them during Chinese New Year brings good luck.
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reeting the New Year in Thailand is always full of fun activities, including concerts, stage performances, firework displays, and a mass countdown to welcome in the New Year in a traditional Thai way by visiting a temple. The Thais believe that paying homage to the Buddha image ensures a good start to a New Year and favourable prospects of happiness and good luck. Highlight: Bangkok is one of the liveliest cities in Thailand to celebrate the New Year. The countdown event takes place in every corner of Bangkok, but the major event venue is the Ratchaprasong Intersection in the main shopping and business district. A variety of stage performances by leading Thai artists followed by a magnificent fireworks display and the joyful sound of the countdown make a good start to the New Year.
Highlight: Street performances such as dragon parades and lion dances, take place along Yaowarat Road, along with a wide range of delicious Chinese cuisine on sale on both sides of the street. Wearing a Chinese costume to participate in this event is recommended.
Contact information: TAT Call Centre: 1672 Tel. +66 2250 5500
Contact information: TAT Call Centre: 1672
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ABSOLUTE THAI HEALTHFUL FOODS INSTEAD OF A FAD DIET
HEALTHFUL FOODS INSTEAD OF A FAD DIET WORDS: Steve Field
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The closer a food is to its natural state, the better it is for you. Fresh fruits and berries will satisfy a craving for sweets. Whole green, orange, and yellow vegetables have lots of vitamins and minerals. Steam them or eat them raw to retain the nutritional value. Don’t add too much gravy, cheese, or sauces that are high in calories and fats.
ad diets will lead to successful weight loss if you follow them exactly as they are designed. That doesn’t mean every food that fits into that particular diet is good for you, but it does mean you have to change your eating patterns to fit that diet’s rules. Rather than worry about following a fad diet, think about your health and your lifestyle instead. Choose foods that are good for you and eat them in the right amounts.
At least half of your pasta, cereals or baked goods should be made from whole grains. Avoid sugary snacks like cookies and pastries.
FRESH FRUITS AND BERRIES WILL SATISFY A
Shop for lean meats, poultry, and fish. The omega-3 fatty acids in ocean fish are often missing in the diet, so serve seafood two or three times per week.
CRAVING FOR SWEETS. WHOLE GREEN, ORANGE, AND YELLOW VEGETABLES HAVE LOTS OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS.
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Stick to water, milk and 100-percent fruit and vegetable juices as your main beverages and limit sugary soft
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drinks. If you get tired of plain water, add a slice of lemon or lime to add a touch of flavor. For kids, try some fruit juice jazzed up with carbonated water. Processed lunch meats, hot dogs, bacon, and sausages have a lot of saturated fat you don’t want in your body. If you love these meats, you may be able to find lower-fat versions at health food stores. Once you learn which foods are good for you, you need to look at your eating habits. If the foods you eat are not healthy, you might want to work within your habits and current lifestyle conditions, since they are usually tough to change.
IF YOU CAN’T HOLD YOUR RESOLVE TO ORDER JUST A SALAD, THEN COMPROMISE. PICK OUT AN APPETIZER THAT YOU LOVE, COMBINE IT WITH A SALAD OR A CUP OF SOUP, AND SKIP THE LARGER ENTREES. If you’re an emotional eater, keep the junk food like potato chips, tortilla chips, ice cream, and candy out of the house. Keep healthy snacks like fruits, crunchy vegetables with dips, or nuts handy. If you absolutely feel the need for a treat, then purchase a small piece of high quality chocolate or your favorite treat and enjoy it, just don’t buy any to bring home. The same tips are helpful for those who enjoy snacking while watching television at home. If you don’t want to give up nibbling while watching your shows, keep low-calorie foods close by, because it is very easy to eat too much when you are entranced by your favorite drama, football game or cooking show. Eat crisp raw vegetables with your dip instead of greasy chips. NUTRITIOUS FOODS WHEN EATING OUT It can be difficult to maintain your health if you dine in restaurants frequently, especially fast food restaurant that serve huge greasy burgers and gobs of French fries. If you can’t hold your resolve to order just a salad, then compromise. Pick out an appetizer that you love, combine it with a salad or a cup of soup, and skip the larger entrees. You can also share a meal or take half of it home. You could die for dessert? Order as small a size as possible, or maybe just one scoop of ice cream, rather than a larger, heavier dessert. Try a dish of mixed berries topped with nuts and a small bit of whipped
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ABSOLUTE THAI HEALTHFUL FOODS INSTEAD OF A FAD DIET
cream. Be careful with the after-dinner drinks as well. Maybe just have one glass of wine with your meal instead. If you eat a lot of fast food, you have found out how difficult it is to feel good and stay healthy. Some places have added salads and some better choices, but it really isn’t a good way to eat. Keep fast food dining to a minimum, don’t go with the super sizes and choose places that offer more fresh ingredients. NUTRITIOUS FOODS AT HOME If you hate to cook, all that fresh produce you bought may just rot in your refrigerator. You might prefer to purchase prepared foods from markets that specialize in healthier whole foods, or even hire a personal chef to prepare meals that only need to be heated and served. If you have a tighter budget, perhaps you can set aside some time on weekends to prepare meals and freeze them to be reheated later that week.
OUR STOMACHS REALLY AREN’T THAT BIG. WITHOUT STRETCHING, THE STOMACH WILL HOLD ABOUT TWO CUPS OF FOOD.
DON’T SKIP MEALS If you skip breakfast, you may find that you lose energy by midmorning. Rather than skipping breakfast completely, split it in half. Eat a small breakfast early, such as an egg, small serving of oatmeal, or a slice of whole grain bread. Have a small snack on hand such as raisins and 10 or 12 almonds to eat at midmorning. This split breakfast is a much better solution than reaching for coffee and candy bars to perk yourself up. CONTROL PORTION SIZE Our stomachs really aren’t that big. Without stretching, the stomach will hold about two cups of food, but because the stomach will stretch, it can hold considerably more food than we need at any given meal. When you eat at home, serve your meals on individual plates rather than family style at the table. You will be less likely to reach for seconds that way. At restaurants, ask for take away containers and take half of your meal home to heat up tomorrow. Avoid buffets, unless you are very disciplined. It is way too tempting to load up three or four plates plus dessert.
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CURB YOUR CRAVINGS FOR SWEETS WITH FRUITS AND STAY AWAY FROM SUGARY SNACKS AND PASTRIES. THESE TREATS HAVE LOTS OF CALORIES AND CAN BE LOADED WITH UNHEALTHY FATS.
TAME YOUR SWEET TOOTH Curb your cravings for sweets with fruits and stay away from sugary snacks and pastries. These treats have lots of calories and can be loaded with unhealthy fats. If the fruits and berries aren’t sweet enough for you, add just a bit of Splenda, stevia or even a tiny sprinkling of sugar. Avoid sugary sodas and try iced herbal teas or ice water with Splenda, and a slice of lemon or lime. THINGS YOU WON’T GIVE UP Do you feel like you can’t live without your chocolate? If there are foods you won’t give up, enjoy them in smaller amounts. Buy one tiny high quality piece of candy and enjoy it, but don’t buy a bag full of snacks to take with you. Limit other treats or favorite foods that aren’t healthy, maybe let yourself eat them one time per month, or search for healthier versions at natural foods markets. ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY If you can’t transform your unhealthy diet overnight, don’t despair. Most people can’t. Start implementing some of these ideas, even just one at a time. Every change you make will be one step in the right direction.
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LEadiNg agENT
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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!
ABSOLUTE THAI COVER FEATURE
Jessie J WORDS: Tim Knight
IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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essie J was born Jessica Ellen Cornish in Chadwell Heath, London, daughter of Stephen Cornish and Rose Cornish (née Archer). She was educated at Mayfield High School in the London Borough of Redbridge. She attended Colin’s Performing Arts School and as an 11-year old-was cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End production of Whistle Down the Wind. Jessie has two sisters, who are five and seven years older than she is, who were both head girls at school. Unlike her academic sisters, Cornish has stated she was “never really that good at anything”. She said, “At school they were like ‘oh, you’re a Cornish girl’ and they kind of expected me to be the same as my sisters. Give me something to draw or an outfit to pick for someone, or hair, make-up, acting, write a song, I’m fine with it, but anything to do with sums – it was never my thing.” She also said she never based her intelligence on her exam results. She also said she was always good at singing and it was her “thing”. At the age of 16 she began studying at the BRIT School and at 17 she joined a girl group named Soul Deep. She graduated in the class of 2006 along with singers Adele and Leona Lewis. At 18, she suffered a stroke as a result of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, that she was diagnosed with at age 11. IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
FOR JESSIE, HER LAVA/UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC DEBUT ALBUM, WHO YOU ARE, SHOWCASES THE SKILLS OF A GIFTED LYRICIST WHILE HIGHLIGHTING AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY. Jessie J is not just a great pop artist or a great R&B artist, or even a great hip-hop artist. The British born, Essex bred vocalist is malleable enough to encompass several genres, while displaying vocals reminiscent of Motown era greats. Although she may not be able to play the piano, Jessie is armed with the chops to blow people away, and the song writing skills to pen a worldwide hit. After one listen, it is clear the extraordinary Jessie J stands alone. For Jessie, her Lava/Universal Republic debut album, WHO YOU ARE, showcases the skills of a gifted lyricist while highlighting an unforgettable journey. While Jessie’s road to success hasn’t always been easy, she’s quick to emphasize the normalcy of her childhood. Growing up the youngest of three children, Jessie’s mother was a nursery school teacher and her father a social worker. “My family is very creative, but no one in my family sings. I was the only one who put my life to a melody.”
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IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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For Jessie, melody has been the driving force behind her successful career as a singer/songwriter. At 17, Jessie wrote her first song Big White Room. The song was inspired by real life events — specifically the time she was hospitalized at 11 years old while sharing a room with a younger boy who sadly lost his life. “I knew I wanted to write a song about that experience,” she divulges. The song has followed Jessie J throughout her career, and it remains a YouTube and crowd favorite when she performs it live. Her YouTube rendition has been viewed nearly 300,000 times and has garnered over 50 covers organically without radio airplay.“ Big White Room is my comfort blanket, and I’m so happy that people can personalize the meaning of the song,” states Jessie.
AT 17, JESSIE WROTE HER FIRST SONG BIG WHITE ROOM. THE SONG WAS INSPIRED BY REAL LIFE EVENTS.
Around the same time, Jessie J was signed to a short-lived independent label deal. She toured with various highprofile artists including Macy Gray, Sugarbabes, Girls Aloud, Chris Brown, Jools Holland, Cyndi Lauper and Taio Cruz. While showcasing her diva-infused voice and infectious songs, she had the freedom to explore her sound and a chance to teach herself how to adapt to diverse audiences. “I never had a band. It was me, my CD, my heels and a huge stage to fill. I loved that I had no one and nothing to hide behind.” The label eventually went bankrupt and closed its doors. Still armed with a SONY ATV publishing deal, Jessie continued to hone her writing skills. It wasn’t long before Jessie had opportunities thrown at her by the dozen. One of her songs, Sexy Silk, was selected by NIVEA for a worldwide campaign. “I remember seeing the ad at the cinema and wanting to tell everyone, ‘That’s me! That’s me!’” In the last few years, Jessie has penned songs for the likes of Chris Brown and Lisa Lois the Holland X Factor winner. Her life also inspired the melody of a major hit record, Party in the USA, sung and performed by Miley Cyrus. “When Dr. Luke texted me saying my song was #1 on iTunes, I thought it was a joke!” she laughs. Now, Jessie’s signed worldwide to Universal Music Group. In the US, she inked a deal with Lava/Universal
IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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DISCOVER NATURE DISCOVER YOURSELF...
Peace, Serenity, Solitude. These are the words that come to mind for Pimalai. Add to that luxury, elegance, natural surroundings and genuine friendly service. Be it for a honeymoon, a wedding ceremony, a diving experience, a break from it all or even for a business meeting in Krabi or in Thailand then Pimalai, nestled in a lush tropical forest, is the Andaman luxury destination to set your sights on. This exclusive beach resort combines all the right ingredients - subtle five star comforts, natural beauty, environmental friendliness and lots of space. Located well distant from crowded beaches and other boutique resorts on Koh Lanta and close to Lanta Marine National Park, the only sound is that of the waves sliding in and out and slowly breaking onto the sandy beach. Built within the rainforest as it meets the silver ocean strand, you would hardly know Pimalai was there. This boutique beach resort occupies 100 acres of tropical vegetation with direct access to a 900 meters stretch of pristine sandy beach and offers 121accommodation units - all very elegantly appointed. From Krabi mainland, it takes about 1 hour by the resort boat to reach Koh Lanta and Pimalai but it is worth bearing this “hardship” in order to find such a unique lost boutique paradise in tourist Thailand... Visit once and you will return again and again... PIMALAI RESORT & SPA
99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150, Thailand Tel: 66-2-320-5500 Fax: 66-2-320-5503 E-Mail: reservation@pimalai.com www.pimalai.com
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IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
THE TITLE TRACK AND 1ST SINGLE, WHO YOU ARE IS ABOUT A POINT IN JESSIE’S CAREER WHERE THE SINGER’S ASPIRATIONS WERE HANGING ON A THREAD.
Republic Records and Island Records in the UK. “I feel like my album is an example of what exists in the world of music right now. It’s like my album is an iPod. It’s like when you go clubbing these days, you don’t have a pop room and a separate R&B room, they’re all together. People just appreciate great music.” The title track and 1st single, Who You Are is about a point in Jessie’s career where the singer’s aspirations were hanging on a thread. “The most important thing in life is to be happy, but everything had become too ‘business’ and sterile. I really thought I was going to quit—not music, but the music industry. It wasn’t easy,” Jessie states. “I was really down, but when I’m down, I write a song about it.” Not all of Jessie J’s songs are built around hardship. Much like Jessie herself, a lot of songs on WHO YOU ARE, are of the fun, upbeat variety she displayed in previous songs such as, Party in the USA. Other songs that have had immense reactions on YouTube include Rainbow, IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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IMAGE: CHRISTIAN BERTRAND / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Stand Up and Whose Laughing Now all written about personal times in her life. Mix a bit of Rihanna with Gwen Stefani, add the charisma of Pink, and you will start to get an idea of what kind of girl Jessie J is. As much as she can be a voice for the hard times, those soulful, Aretha Franklin-esque vocals can also soundtrack the best of times too. Take the Dr. Luke (Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus) produced song Price Tag an upbeat, energetic dance number that highlights Jessie’s booming voice and can still stand out amidst glossy production.
Jessie J calls her fans “heartbeats”, after her Heartbeat Tour. Of her fans, she has said, “They’re amazing, and they’re the only reason I’m here at the VMAs and people know who I am,” she told me. “They support me and buy my albums and singles, and they stand outside hotels, and they come to shows, and they get tattoos of my lyrics and they cut their hair like me. You have to love your fans. That’s why I call them my Heartbeats, because without them I wouldn’t be here.”
There’s also the live staple, Mamma Knows Best, which showcases her hair-raising range and is an extremely funky ode to her loving parents. “My mom and dad always know best. I hate to admit that sometimes, but the song says it all. I base my confidence on purity and I want to be a role model. I want people to know that I am an unedited version of myself. I plan to expose the good and the bad to show that life is about being WHO YOU ARE.”
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OF HER FANS, SHE HAS SAID, “THEY’RE AMAZING, AND THEY’RE THE ONLY REASON I’M HERE AT THE VMAS AND PEOPLE KNOW WHO I AM.”
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ABSOLUTE THAI IMPIANA RESORT CHAWENG NOI
IMPIANA RESORT CHAWENG NOI An island idyll W O R D S : P e t e r Wa r i n g
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he Impiana is the creation of Impiana Hotels & Resorts Management (IHRM), a Malaysian-owned company; they are a leading light in Asean’s luxury hotels, resorts and spas. On Samui they’ve put together this beautiful hub of luxury making it a great venue for a beach holiday in the tropics. Just staying here you’ll find is a wonderful antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life.
The setting is a fairly undeveloped area where jungly hills go down to white sand beaches, with the island’s ring road meandering up through the hills and leading you to Lamai and then the more deserted part of Samui, the south. If you go north from the Impiana along the same road, you’ll go past Chaweng and then sweep up round to the north of the island, and its coast, a series of bays, also popular with holidaymakers.
The Impiana is just a few kilometers away from Samui’s busy main town, and is situated right at the southern end of the impressive bay of Chaweng, the island’s favorite beach. The resort’s location guarantees that it has the best of both worlds: easy access to all the restaurants, bars and nightlife, while being entirely private; the Impiana is quiet and just the kind of place where you feel very quickly at home.
Everything on Koh Samui is within reach, whether it’s the malls, just up the road, or the four international hospitals, also a very short drive away is the airport, which is only 10 km to the north. And though you might be tempted just to stay put at the Impiana, the island is really well-worth exploring and, it’s easy to do so in a hired car or motorbike.
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The Impiana offers several different types of room, fully dovetailing the beachside setting with all the best of holiday-style accommodation. The resort has just finished refurbishing its Standard rooms, adding further beauty to them. Guests love the comforts of these rooms, from the luxury European bed linen to the beautifully-appointed bathrooms – everything possible has been thought of. Each room comes with a balcony – just step through the sliding glass doors and you’ll be able to relax outside and enjoy the tropical ambience. The sea is just a minute’s walk away. As we’ve pointed out already, the resort is close to Chaweng; there you’ll find an array of restaurants from the very simple to the very cosmopolitan. There’s all kinds of cuisine, not just Thai, but Indian, Japanese, French and Italian, too. However, the Impiana’s own restaurants are also equally tempting when it comes to excellent food; the resort takes its diners and their wishes very seriously; wonderful tasting and well-presented food is one of the crucial points here.
JUST STEP THROUGH THE SLIDING GLASS DOORS AND YOU’LL BE ABLE TO RELAX OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THE TROPICAL AMBIENCE. THE SEA IS JUST A MINUTE’S WALK AWAY. They brought in top-notch chef Thomas Garrett to fashion their menus. He’s someone totally dedicated to cooking and started as soon as he was able to make a tempting meal – at the age of 13. Following catering college, he worked at the prestigious Lanesborough London Hotel, before upping sticks and heading for Asia. It looks like he’s done an excellent job as executive chef; the cuisine is always tasty and full of creative nuances. It’s definitely not dull, and depending on what you feel like, you can enjoy healthy dishes or really go for hedonism with some excellent desserts that will make you covet the recipes for yourself. Guests start the day with breakfast at the Sabai Beach Restaurant; it involves a delicious buffet, along with various cooking stations – meaning that the chefs will prepare eggs for you any way you’d like them. Lunch can be as hearty as you want, or fairly low-calorie – you may not feel like eating so much when the sun’s out, or you may just want to hone your appetite so you can tuck in later on at the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Tamarind Bar & Lounge.
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ABSOLUTE THAI IMPIANA RESORT CHAWENG NOI
TREATMENTS ARE BASED ON A MEDLEY OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN TECHNIQUES. THEY HAIL FROM BALI, THAILAND AND MALAYSIA AND ARE EACH VERY OLD.
Swasana Spa has acomprehensive range of body massages, body treatments, facials, bath treatments, hand and feet treatments and other spa packages that caters to the needs of each individual. Needless to say you don’t have to be a guest at the resort to come here and indulge yourself. The ever-helpful staff will give you great advice on what’s suitable for you if you’ve never been to a spa before.
While good food is to be had at all times of the day, a resort like this also has a menu of a very different kind. One where it’s not food that you consume but sheer pampering: the menu at Impiana’s Swasana Spa concentrates on leaving you feeling blissed out after a session. The spa has done well for itself, with very professional masseuses who know just what they’re doing when it comes to making you feel relaxed and enabling you to drop your cares.
The spa is currently offering some great promotions this season. Try their Winter Spice treatment – 165 minutes of enjoyment, starting with an herbal body exfoliation, then a Spice Me Up body massage and a hydrating facial treatment. Or if celebrating has left you a tad jaded, you may feel inclined to opt for the After Party – 150 minutes of refreshment, stimulation and revitalization. New Year, New You is a romantic feast of the senses, a 2-hour package ending with a sumptuous massage. And a spectacularly good idea: if you can’t think of a present for a loved one, you can buy them a spa voucher; they are sure to be very appreciative.
Swasana Spa is niched away, and if you didn’t know it was there, you might easily miss it. It’s entirely private with rooms that give you the feel that you’re somewhere beautifully away from the world. All noise, all distraction seems to have been banned from here and once you step inside you begin a journey into some serious relaxation. Treatments are based on a medley of Southeast Asian techniques. They hail from Bali, Thailand and Malaysia and are each very old. Here at Swasana, they have been combined to great effect, enabling you to go deep into the massage experience.
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With the location, food and service all top-notch, it’s not surprising that the Impiana is a popular venue for weddings and vow renewals. Idyllic ceremonies take place right on the beach with a backdrop of pure tropical seas, followed by a banquet-style reception afterwards. The resort handles weddings as professionally as it does everything else; naturally it has its own wedding planning service. The Impiana is a wonderful place to spend a holiday; the amenities are extremely well-thought out and they setting is idyllic. The sea is generally turquoise here with plenty of calm days; ideal for sun tanning and lapping up the relaxed atmosphere of the island. When you’re at the Impiana, you’ll quickly feel you never want to leave – it’s such a restful experience. The staff will make you feel at home, even if you’re thousands of miles away from where you normally live. Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi, Koh Samui 91/2-3 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand Tel: 66 77 448 994 www.impiana.com
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ABSOLUTE THAI GB - GLORIOUS BRITAIN 2012
IMAGE: LONDON, 2012
GB - GLORIOUS BRITAIN 2012 W O R D S : L a u re n c e C i v i l
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he combined effect of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympics, the G in GB changed from “Great” to “Glorious”.
Party at the Palace. The concert was attended partially by Her Majesty who arrived alone at 9 pm; Prince Phillip had been taken to the hospital with a bladder infection earlier in the day. The rest of the British Royal Family, led by Prince Charles, attended the concert in full.
The year’s glorious celebration kicked off with the Diamond Jubilee Concert that was held on the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday of June 4th outside Buckingham Palace on The Mall in London. It was organised by BBC Events with help from Gary Barlow. The Diamond Jubilee Concert followed two concerts held at the palace for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee a decade earlier – the classical Prom at the Palace and the pop themed
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Performances included a one off collaboration between Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber, who co-wrote Sing, the anthem of the Diamond Jubilee performed by a multinational choir from the Commonwealth, drawing inspiration from the music and people of the Commonwealth.
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On the afternoon of the concert, 10,000 balloted members of the public attended the Jubilee Picnic in the palace garden. They were served a hamper, donated by Waitrose, with a menu created by Heston Blumenthal and Royal Chef Mark Flanagan of the most iconic dishes of the last 60 years of The Queen’s reign. These included a Diamond Jubilee Chicken; a modern twist on Coronation Chicken. Tender British chicken breast is bound with a creamy mayonnaise which has been infused with aromatic Indian spices and fragrant coriander. Juicy sultanas add sweetness, and the dish is garnished with peppery nigella seeds Heston’s Lapsang Souchong tea-smoked salmon was served with crème fraiche, lemon and fresh chives. The Sandringham Strawberry Crumble Crunch included strawberry compote made from organic estate grown strawberries. The richly scented Florence strawberries were harvested and frozen last year in preparation for the Jubilee Picnic. Fiona Cairns has created two delicious cakes; Lemon & Caraway Madeira Cake and a IMAGE: LONDON, 2012
THE MOST TALKED ABOUT SEQUENCE OF DANNY BOYLE’S STUNNING OLYMPIC OPENING CEREMONY WAS THE PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE WHERE THE QUEEN RECEIVES THE 007 STAR DANIEL CRAIG WITH THE WORDS, “GOOD EVENING, MR BOND”.
Chocolate Indulgence Cake which was decorated with a chocolate crown and sprinkled with one of Heston’s favourite finishing touches, popping candy. Waitrose had also created picnics suitable for vegetarians and for those avoiding gluten and dairy. Ever sensitive of the glorious British weather bringing rain, each hamper was a plastic poncho that could double as a picnic rug. The most talked about sequence of Danny Boyle’s stunning Olympic Opening Ceremony was the pre-recorded segment at Buckingham Palace where the Queen receives the 007 star Daniel Craig with the words, “Good evening, Mr Bond”. They then leave and walk toward a helicopter, corgis in tow, and at one point Craig gives a nuanced glance in Her Majesty’s direction. It was the Queen’s first film role, but it was revealed yesterday that she needed only one take. “She’s a good actor,” said Mr Boyle. “She’s very sharp. You didn’t have to tell her anything twice. Not only that,” he added, but she also “got along with James Bond very well”. As stunt doubles for The Queen and Mr Bond descended through the night sky,
IMAGE: LONDON, 2012
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ABSOLUTE THAI GB - GLORIOUS BRITAIN 2012
Princes William and Harry were screaming “Go Granny”. It’s been a terrific night, a glorious ceremony, the best film that Danny Boyle ever made that darted from Bond to Bean, Shakespeare to smokestack. The Isle of Wonders made Brits proud to be British. David Beckham brought the Olympic flame up the Thames by speed boat. He handed it over to Sir Steve Redgrave who jogged it into the Olympic Stadium. The theme of London 2012 was to “Inspire a generation”. It was only fitting that the cauldron is not lit by a lone Olympian from the past, but by seven teenagers whose days of glory are surely yet to come. The torches ignite the copper petals; the petals in turn ignite the cauldron. It is a masterstroke, a dazzling end to a night of wonders and a glorious salute to the democratic spirit of Olympics; enshrining these games as a collective endeavour and a celebration of emerging talent.
IMAGE: LONDON, 2012
TAKING A LINE FROM THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, IN 2012, LONDON WAS INDEED ‘HAPPY AND GLORIOUS’.
When Sebastian Coe takes to the podium to welcome the world to London, “I have never been so proud to be British and to be a part of the Olympic movement,” he says. “The Olympics,” he adds, is here to “celebrate what is best about mankind”.
IMAGE: LONDON, 2012
The Games of the XXX Olympiad, the Summer Olympic Games of 2012, are the third time London had been an Olympic City, the previous years where 1908 and 1948. Three generations of British Monarchs opened the games. At these Olympics three generations of the current British Royal Family were involved, Her Majesty opened them, her daughter Princess Anne negotiated for them, and Zara Phillips, the Queen’s granddaughter, rode in them and won team silver in the Three Day event. The team of 8,000 volunteer visitor guides changed the London experience. I had just arrived in the capital and had a lunch appointment on Brewer Street. I knew it was somewhere behind Piccadilly.
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IMAGE: THE LANESBOROUGH’ HOTEL
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IMAGE: LONDON, 2012
I asked a gentleman sweeping the road for directions; he leant into his cart and pulled out a map of his beat to show me exactly where I needed to go. My glorious stay in London 2012 was at The Lanesborough, originally St George’s Hospital. Reputed to be the most expensive hotel in London, it is unlike any other; more like staying in one of the finest London mansions with a discreetly attentive 24 hours a day butler service. When I checked in they had prepared personalised name cards that were handed to me with the room key discreetly tucked inside. I was told that in winter, when the trees are bare, there is a view from my suite into Buckingham Palace garden, bespoke neighbors. Horse racing is Her Majesty’s passion. Carlton House was not to give her first Derby win in her Diamond Jubilee year. That was won by Camelot who went on the 2,000 Guineas but failed in his bid to be the first horse since Nijinsky to win the Triple Crown; coming second to Enecke ridden by Mickael Barzalona for Godolphin. Her Diamond Jubilee year was rounded off with a happy racing moment; surrounded by her grandchildren, she punched the air with pleasure watching Frankel, who is trained by Sir Henry Cecil, owned by Prince Khalid Abdulla win The Champion Stakes at Ascot, his fourteenth win out of 14 starts. The greatest racehorse alive, the equestrian Usain Bolt is worth £100 million. Taking a line from the National Anthem, in 2012, London was indeed ‘Happy and Glorious’.
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Situated on a magnificent private beach in the sleepy fishing village of Phala, Ban Chang, Approximate 2.5 hours from Bangkok and only a 30 minute, drive to Pattaya. We offer luxurious accomodation all with magnificent views over the Gulf of Thailand.You have the choice of a totally relaxing holiday, or being in close proximity to many attractions and numerous world class golf courses, as active as you want.
RoYAl PhAlA Cliff BeACh ReSoRT 241-242 Moo 6 PhAlA Rd, BAn ChAnG. RAYonG ThAilAnd Tel: +66 (38) 630 341-4
ABSOLUTE THAI CAPE TOWN IN STYLE
CAPE TOWN IN STYLE WORDS: Peter Holthusen
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cenically, South Africa could be half a dozen different countries rolled into one. First-time visitors to the Western Cape, for instance, might be surprised and perhaps disappointed when they arrive, for here there are no free-roaming wild animals, no heat-hazed bushveld stretching to far horizons, no safari camps, nothing that speaks of the classic Africa.
Hotel and Spa, which is now almost as familiar a part of Cape Town’s scene as the mountains which surround it, and the ideal escape for gently restoring harmony and tranquillity to your body, mind and soul. Small wonder, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa was voted one of the ‘Best Places in the World to Stay’ in the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List for 2011, and named in Travel & Leisure Magazine’s ‘Best Family Hotels and Cruises’ list in Africa and the Middle East.
Instead, they’ll see a green and gentle countryside of pastures and vineyards and orchards heavy with fruit, historic homesteads renowned for their elegance, and towns and cities that have matured gracefully over the centuries. Cape Town is the country’s oldest city, site of its parliament and capital of the Western Cape, one of South Africa’s richest provinces. It huddles in the natural amphitheatre formed by Table Mountain, the flanking buttresses of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head and the sapphire blue crescent of Table Bay.
My wife Rosemary and I had just arrived in Cape Town on the equally luxurious Rovos Rail, having spent the last 14 days travelling through the African veld from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania on ‘The Pride of Africa’ train, and it seemed fitting we should continue our sojourn with indulgence with a stay at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. From the very start, the secret of The Twelve Apostles’ success has been their understanding of what their guests expect: luxurious comfort, excellent food and drink and the most attentive, yet unobtrusive service. Enter a world of marbled floors, brightly coloured walls and lanterns by the dozen. Liveried doormen at reception dressed like Napoleonic generals.
Situated at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with Table Mountain and the imposing Twelve Apostles Mountain range as its backdrop, is the luxurious Twelve Apostles
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA WAS VOTED ONE OF THE ‘BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO STAY”.
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Each of the hotel’s 70 stylish and distinctive guest rooms and suites has been individually designed to combine ocean and mountain, with breathtaking views in every direction, whilst maintaining the refined level of opulence for which the Red Carnation Hotel collection are famous. The rooms are light, airy and peaceful with an eclectic mix of contemporary African style, classic European comfort and effortless, up-to-the-minute technology. At the heart of any good hotel lies a great bar, and The Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles is one of the greatest of them all. Thanks largely to the efforts of their internationally acclaimed Sommelier, Greg Mutambe. The Spa at The Twelve Apostles which was re-launched in 2011, is the perfect sanctuary to energize and revitalize your body. With its magnificent white crystal grotto interior, the Spa offers a variety of unique signature treatments, including a Rasul Chamber, Hydrotherapy Capsule bath, two secluded mountain gazebos, Tranquillity Lounge and a complimentary snack buffet with Health Menu on order.
AT THE HEART OF ANY GOOD HOTEL LIES A GREAT BAR, AND THE LEOPARD BAR AT THE TWELVE APOSTLES IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF THEM ALL.
Additional hotel facilities include a 16-seater cinema, two heated outdoor swimming pools, Helipad, complimentary scheduled transfers to Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront, children’s amenities, in-house doctor on 24-hour call, business centre, gift shop, cooking classes and wine tasting, mountain picnics and a variety of walking trails. Situated on a private quay, nestled between the historic working harbour of Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront and the serenity of an international yacht marina, a hotel has been created that is not only a tribute to the world-famous Table Bay, but also sets its own standards in exceptional service, cuisine and luxury. The new owners, Meikles Limited, are building on the Cape Grace legacy, and I was not surprised to learn that, in 2011, readers of Condé Nast Traveller gave the hotel 98.57 percent for service and staff, the highest awarded to any hotel in the world.
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ABSOLUTE THAI CAPE TOWN IN STYLE
READERS OF CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER GAVE THE HOTEL 98.57 PERCENT FOR SERVICE AND STAFF, THE HIGHEST AWARDED TO ANY HOTEL IN THE WORLD.
With a genuine passion to champion distinctive standards in service, Cape Grace is dedicated to surpassing expectations and making your stay, whether business or pleasure, the most memorable ever. The preferred choice for international travellers, the hotel is centrally located, with quick and easy access to Cape Town International Airport, city centre and popular tourist attractions. The Cape Grace goes beyond 5 stars, with stunning views of either Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront or yacht marina from each of the hotel’s 120 guest rooms and suites. The luxurious accommodation is classically understated, and very elegant. All have separate bathrooms and dressing rooms, and every mod con that you would expect in a hotel of this stature. Their new look juxtaposes modern with period, rare with commonplace, and a sense of spontaneity with the handcrafted, personal care they’re known for.
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THE LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION IS CLASSICALLY UNDERSTATED, AND VERY ELEGANT.
After spending the morning by the pool we decided to slip the bonds of the hotel for a while and make our way to the bustling city centre, where you will find Mumbo Jumbo, our favourite cafe and bar, which is rapidly bringing Cape Town’s night owls back to historic Greenmarket Square.
that have shaped this region since being settled in 1652, with dishes such as lentil and butternut bobotie, smoked snoek, and cumin-crusted ostrich among the mains. The evening ends with a sparkling dessert wine and a cheese trolley groaning beneath the weight of 40 different varieties!
Mumbo Jumbo is a place where memories are created and love is shared, for many first-time visitors soon become regulars, thanks largely to the mouth- watering cuisine and exceptionally friendly hosts, South African born, Clive Davies and his long-term partner Sabrina.
After all that eating, you’ll be pleased to know that the hotel has a splendid Spa and Fitness Studio, as well as a heated outdoor swimming pool. And, as reflected in the simple philosophy of the original owners, it is not only the doorman, but the sommelier, the waiters and the cleaners who made us feel thoroughly at home.
The ‘Mother City’s’ beautiful mountain is in glorious afternoon light as we return to the hotel for a sundowner at the Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar, where connoisseurs and social butterflies gather in equal measure to enjoy a slice of Cape Town’s social life. The whisky collection, housed in an underground cellar, includes over 450 varieties found nowhere else in the world. Outside, we sit on the wharf and enjoy the view of the marina and the million-dollar pleasure boats that roll gently at their moorings.
On this note, I crave your indulgence to share my passion for Cape Town and hope this evocatively written introduction will encourage you to pack your bags and experience for yourself the ‘Mother City’s’ finest hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. FURTHER INFORMATION Cape Town Tourism www.capetown.travel
Later, we dine at Cape Grace’s renowned Signal Restaurant, which offers creative Cape cuisine that’s fresh and inventive and changes seasonally. Led by Executive Chef, Malika van Reenen, the menu draws on influences from the many nationalities and customs
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The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa www.12apostleshotel.com Cape Grace www.capegrace.com
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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! 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
ABSOLUTE THAI VIEW TO A THRILL
VIEW TO A THRILL An exhilarating helicopter ride with HeliThai will leave you with a lasting impression of the panoramic wonders of Phuket. WORDS: Bobbie Lee
W
hen you want to enjoy the scenic beauty of an island like Phuket, there’s really no better way than from above. Imagine soaring from 500 to 1,500 feet up in the air and enjoying a stunning aerial view of the island’s lush greenery, cerulean waters and sandy beaches. While the idyllic island is already memorable on land, the much-lauded beauty of Phuket becomes truly unforgettable from an aerial perspective. Since 2005, HeliThai has been offering visitors this unique way to enjoy the island’s picturesque qualities from the air-conditioned comfort and safety of
quality helicopters that it has access to. Guaranteed window seats mean no obstruction while you experience coasting the blue skies and soaking in the brilliance of Phuket. For added excitement, you can request for the doors-off option which will truly give you a bird’s eye view of the scenery and the opportunity to take quality photographs.
IMAGINE SOARING FROM 500 TO 1,500
For up to 3 passengers per journey on the Robinson R 44 Raven II, you can opt for a quick 10 to 12-minute joy
PICTURE PERFECT HeliThai’s array of interesting services range from aerial reconnaissance to charter flights, flight-seeing tours, aerial photography, filming and even sky-high wedding proposals.
FEET UP IN THE AIR AND ENJOYING A STUNNING AERIAL VIEW OF THE ISLAND’S LUSH GREENERY, CERULEAN WATERS AND SANDY BEACHES.
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ride (THB 3,500 per person) which takes you up and above the bay so you get to appreciate the aerial view of the area. For those who want to enjoy the beaches of Phuket from above, Magical Bays of Phuket offers you views of Karon, Kata, Nai Harn and other stretches of sandy beaches and resorts over a 25 to 30-minute journey (THB 7,900 per person). You will also get to marvel at the magnificence of the Big Buddha which stands at 45 metres in height and 400 metres above sea level. The Phang Nga Bay Flight Seeing ride (45 to 50 minutes, THB 12,500) takes you over a pretty kaleidoscope of fishing boats, shrimp farms and mangroves before delving into the captivating scenery of Phang Nga Bay with its towering sea cliffs and emerald waters. You will also get a peek at the fishing village nestled in the middle of this beautiful landscape and the famous James Bond island.
CRUISING AT 180 TO 200KM/H AND TRAVELING AT A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 240KM/H, THESE HELICOPTER JOURNEYS WILL GIVE YOU ENOUGH TIME TO ENJOY THE SCENERY WHILE ENSURING A HEALTHY DOSE OF THRILL.
If you choose to catch the wonders of Koh Phi Phi (45 to 50 minutes, THB 12,500), you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of sandy stretches of beach, golf courses, lush jungles, natural small islands and the Big Buddha as you are taken on an exciting ride towards the island. The tour flights leave from either Sea Pearl Villa in Patong or Boat Lagoon Marina, and a minimum of three hours notice is needed for a booking. Arrangements can also be made if you want to catch the sunset while on the ride. At no extra charge, the helicopters can take off for the flight seeing tours before sunset and return just around sunset. Cruising at 180 to 200km/h and traveling at a maximum speed of 240km/h, these helicopter journeys will give you enough time to enjoy the scenery while ensuring a healthy dose of thrill. Most importantly, the amazing aerial views of Phuket will leave you with lasting memories of the beautiful island.
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ABSOLUTE THAI VIEW TO A THRILL
THE EXTRA SPECIAL Romance is literally in the air when HeliThai caters to special requests such as wedding proposals. The message “Marry Me” is written in the sand at Nai Yang beach and the helicopter that takes the couple up for a regular sight-seeing tour would fly over the words just before landing. This romantic gesture would cost just THB 3,000 on top of the cost of the tour ride. Other special arrangements can also be made. Most recently, an Australian gentleman who wanted to propose to his girlfriend requested for a sunset flight. When the couple boarded the flight, music that he had provided was played in the headsets for the journey and the helicopter landed at the Sri Panwa hotel where he had organised a romantic dinner. As soon as they landed, he proposed and this wonderful surprise was of course, met with an ecstatic response.
THE MESSAGE “MARRY ME” IS WRITTEN IN THE SAND AT NAI YANG BEACH AND THE HELICOPTER THAT TAKES THE COUPLE UP FOR A REGULAR SIGHT-SEEING TOUR WOULD FLY OVER THE WORDS JUST BEFORE LANDING. Flights have also been chartered to ferry passengers to neighbouring islands. A helicopter was recently booked by four young party-goers to take them to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party. It waited the night for them and returned with a slightly more dehydrated group the next day. This little expedition cost the party around USD$6,000. Customised flight arrangements can be made with HeliThai to your preference. The company is willing to accede to requests within their abilities and as long as safety isn’t compromised. A minimum of three hours notice is needed for a booking and the company can cater to flight requests anywhere within their range limit before refueling. Clients will have to depart from where the helicopter is located. However, they can request for a re-positioning of the aircraft to another location, at an additional cost. Landing fees would apply at THB 3,000 per landing. Daily rental can also be organised, with a minimum of two hours, whether or not the helicopter is eventually used.
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On top of offering scenic journeys and aerial thrills, HeliThai is also involved in providing services for the filmmaking business. The company’s helicopters have been used for aerial filming for a variety of international movies and major Hollywood productions such as Bourne Legacy, The Hangover - Part 2, Temptation Island, Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer, and Home. Equipped with quality equipment and reliable contacts, the company provides consultancy for aerial filming in the Phuket Province and Southeast Asia. It also handles all the Thai license and permit arrangements for mega yachts that have private helicopters on board.
HELITHAI IS ALSO INVOLVED IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE FILMMAKING BUSINESS. pilot with over a thousand hours of flying. On hand to assist and supervise the HeliThai operations if required is a former Eurocopter Chief Pilot Instructor with over 10,000 flight hours. Safety is emphasised and the company complies strictly to the safety requirements with ICAO and Department of Civil Aviation in Thailand. Professional maintenance of the helicopters are carried out from the manufacturers’ maintenance teams and daily maintenance checks are also implemented by a trained team.
SAFETY FIRST Flying can be unnerving for some, but, with HeliThai, you’re assured as all the safety measures have been covered. The company is the only VIP helicopter charter service in Thailand to have access to a fleet of reliable and quality helicopters such as the brand new single engine EC130B4 (which takes up to 6 passengers) from Eurocopter and the Robinson R 44 Raven II. Eurocopter is the sister company to Airbus who owns the largest market share of 52% of helicopters in the commercial sector.
With assurance of the company’s experience and stringent standards, you can be sure that your HeliThai journey will be comfortable, safe and always fun. Boat Lagoon Marina www.helithaiandassociates.com
Highly experienced captains with over 20 to 30 years of experience and with up to 5,000 to 7,500 flight hours manage the fleet. In fact, the company’s brand new Robinson R 44 is flown by a fully qualified German
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ABSOLUTE THAI JLL JOIN FORCES WITH ABSOLUTE WORLD GROUP
JONES LANG LASALLE JOINS FORCES WITH ABSOLUTE WORLD GROUP ON ABSOLUTE TWIN SANDS PHASE 2 AND 3 Interview with Mrs Suphin Mechuchep, Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle Thailand WORDS: Tim Knight
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This is an exciting announcement in the market. How does Jones Lang LaSalle view it? It is a good match of two trusted and forward thinking global brands. The Absolute World Group is a leading and multi award winning boutique resort developer and pioneer in vacation ownership real estate products, while Jones Lang LaSalle has a strong global brand and is the largest international property services firm in
ones Lang LaSalle, world leaders in real estate services, has joined forces with the Absolute World Group to manage and sell Absolute Twin Sands Phase 2 and 3, following the successful sell out of Phase 1. Tim Knight had an opportunity to interview Mrs Suphin Mechuchep, Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle, for her comments on the exciting alliance with the Absolute World Group.
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Pricing is also very competitive for this type of luxurious, fully managed development. The project offers a range of great accommodation options where investors can take full advantage of owning quality beach real estate at sensible prices. Are there any special offers available for early bird buyers? There are some excellent offers for all investor types, with 49% foreign ownership quota still available. The Absolute World Group will offer a 6% rental guarantee over 3 years to buyers that wish to enter the rental scheme. The Absolute World Group have achieved great success in this area through their Resorts & Hotels brand and successful Destination Club and I understand they secured over 70,000 room nights last year in Phuket. There are also some fabulous furniture packages available to buyers that want to take up this option. You sound very confident in this project K Suphin? We are extremely confident in this project due to its many strong points as I have mentioned. We are also confident in the developer. The Absolute World Group has a very strong market profile and track record. Opening its doors this Summer, Phase one of Absolute Twin Sands is just about to hand over units to its owners and is a prime example. The project sold out in record time.
Thailand. We believe this alliance will truly help boost buyer confidence in Absolute Twin Sands Phase 2 and 3, ensuring the success of the project.
Would you like to give our readers a quick overview of your operations? Jones Lang LaSalle has been in Thailand since 1990 and today is the largest international property services firm in the Kingdom. We have three corporate offices in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, over 1,100 staff and more than 5 million square meters of property managed.
What would you say makes Absolute Twin Sands phases 2 and 3 an interesting development for potential buyers? There are a many good things about Absolute Twin Sands that spring to my mind. One is the location. The project is built on a peninsula, just a few minutes walk to two beautiful beaches in Phuket’s main resort town of Patong. It is rare to find other developments that can boast this. The project is located on the southern part of Patong Bay, away from the bustling crowds on the main beach, leaving the owners to relax on secluded golden sand with friends and family.
We opened our office in Phuket in late 2007. We now have a portfolio of 19 luxury residential estates managed and have become the largest international property management service provider on the island. These include a number of high-profile developments such as Malaiwana Villas, The Villas at Cape Yamu, Absolute Bangla Suites, Absolute Nakalay Beach and most recently Absolute Twin Sands.
Another strong point is the combination of vibrant and modern design with consciously developed aspects such as energy efficient lighting, green replanting and water filtration and as much locally sourced materials as would allow, capturing the best elements of resort living whilst being sustainably focused.
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After 4 years in Phuket, we decided to launch the residential project sales business in Phuket earlier this year. We are very pleased to have Absolute Twin Sands Phase 2 and 3 in our portfolio of Lead agency assignments and we are confident the project will be received well.
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ABSOLUTE THAI THE PLAYHOUSE THEATER CABARET
THE PLAYHOUSE THEATER CABARET Entertainment like you’ve never before seen. WORDS: Tim Knight
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David: Firstly, thank you Absolute Thai for your interest in our product. We are delighted to be in Bangkok. I personally have a long history of being involved with theater and productions for fashion, music, and media. We originally started developing a small cabaret show in Pattaya. We then moved it to Phuket, then to Chiang Mai and now in Bangkok. From every one of those experiences we have learned and tested different market sectors. The reason why we have brought The Playhouse to Bangkok is because of the rapid growth of hotel room
n late October, I was fortunate enough to get invited to a pre-screening of Playhouse Theater’s new cabaret show held at the Asia Hotel in Bangkok. It was an amazing show; combining music, dance, comedy, action, romance and theater all into one. Afterwards, I spoke with David Paul Shrubsole, the Managing Director and Ramón Vizmanos, the show’s choreographer. Absolute: Can you please give a detailed history of how this cabaret show came about here in Bangkok? Has your company done other shows in other areas?
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occupancies; thus there will be an increased demand for evening entertainment. A: What is the experience of the management, choreographer and the dancers? Also, if you want to point out specific people feel free. D: The experience of our company is quite strong. Ramón Vizmanos, who is our choreographer, is extensively trained and has experience with a variety of international productions in all aspects of the performing arts. He has a great influence on the choice of performers. It’s very important that we choose performers for their merits and capabilities. We are very much about developing talent so that we give the entire ensemble equal opportunities. As much as you may see a star shine one night, we are really trying to develop everybody so they can have those positions. A: How was the idea for the flow of the show created? Ramón: It was made to be very smooth and really understandable to the audience. We have a storyteller, called ‘the magic man’ who guides the audience until the end. A: Was it difficult to find talent? Are they all Thai? R: Actually, it was difficult. Some of our dancers joined without much experience, but just with a strong interest to learn. That makes it easy to spend more time to develop them. Yes, they are all Thai.
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ABSOLUTE THAI THE PLAYHOUSE THEATER CABARET
A: Who designs the props and costumes? D: The props and the costumes are all designed internally. Many of the young Thai nationals who we have working with us have worked with us for nearly 17 years. Primarily props are designed by me, and are then handed over to the backstage crew for their input. It very much is a team effort. We are very much aware of being environmentally friendly by using recycled fabrics and materials. What might be a famous costume one season could end up as a new piece in the next season. A: Who is your target audience? Is it family friendly? D: Yes we are family friendly, and that is our point of difference. We don’t promote ourselves as a true ladyboy show or a razzmatazz with lots of skin and flesh. That is primarily because we are trying to develop something that is international and can be used in all market sectors. Our target market group is anyone who enjoys entertainment. Now in Thailand, the performing arts sector is a recognized profession and students at a university can choose to study it. A: How many hours per day do the dancers practice? R: Normally we rehearse for four hours a day, every day. When I need to train them more I will extend by an hour or more. It depends if there are any adjustments. A: How often does the show change (i.e. new theme)? R: At least every three months we put something new into the show. But the whole show concept doesn’t change. A: What is the policy with drinks? D: Included with every ticket is one free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. Drinks can then be ordered during the show. A: Are there discounts for group bookings? D: We offer some promotions for group bookings such as birthdays. Please call the ticket office for more information. A: Is there assigned seating or open seating? D: Seats can be reserved at the ticket office or on our website.
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A: How should people book?
D: Tickets can be reserved through the ticket office, on our website or through any agencies we work with. A: When are show times? D: We host two shows every night of the week. Show times are 20:15 and then at 21:45.
A: Do you find the cast to be excited and dedicated to be in the show?
A: What was the most challenging thing about putting all of this together?
R: Yes. They are young and motivated to learn with The Playhouse.
D: I don’t necessarily find any of it challenging. I find it exciting and stimulating. The biggest challenge we are faced with is to convince audiences as to where we sit in the market place, that we are different and not like other cabaret shows in Thailand. These have become cliché, and that doesn’t mean that they are not exceptional at what they do.
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We are very much The Playhouse with our core values that are very much theater based. All the other shows in Thailand should not be compared. I think we all offer mething uniquely different, and that is the appeal for the consumers travelling to Thailand.
Contact information Ticket office: 02-215-0571 Email: info@playhousethailand.com Website: www.playhousethailand.com
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pheromones
now available Phuket, Samui, Pattaya facebook.com/yxaiio
on pheromones or everything you always wanted to know about sex (but were afraid to ask) pheromones (from the ancient greek: pherein ‘to carry, bear, convey’ and hormon ‘impel, stimulate’) are natural substances which act as a form of biochemical communication between the members of certain species. other species are not able to communicate in this way. the well-known sex pheromones are accompanied by trail pheromones and alarm pheromones as well as others. the first pheromone to be scientifically detected was bombykol in the silkworm bombyx mori in 1959. peter karlson, martin lüscher and adolf butenandt coined the term pheromone. in the same year karlson and lüscher defined pheromones as: ‘substances emitted by an individual which elicit specific responses in an individual belonging to the same species.’ in the case of pheromones, the chemical communication between organisms is based on the same principles as the technical transmission of a signal. a transmitter (e.g. the gland of a female insect) sends the signal in the form of a chemical substance. this is then carried by a medium such as water or air. the substance arrives at the recipient, e.g. is detected by the pheromone receptors in the antenna of male insect, and then triggers a behavioural response. sometimes the biosynthesis of the pheromone cannot take place until the preliminary biochemical stages have been absorbed in the form of certain alkaloids from food plants. in this case the sex pheromone also signals the incidence of food sources. until now, pheromonic substances have only been thoroughly investigated and understood in various insect species, such as butterflies, bark beetles, bees, ants, flies and cockroaches. hence men and women, for example, emit androstenone. produced during the conversion of the sex hormone testosterone, this substance passes through the perspiratory glands to the surface of the body. experimental trials have shown that in moderate doses androstenone slightly enhances the male and female assessment of attractiveness. equally, men feel more aroused when they absorb certain female sex pheromones. the findings of such studies, however, are controversial and cannot be clearly proven. yxaiio.thailand@yxaiio.com
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To enjoy a piece of the Classic Orient, Khaolak Laguna Resort is your personal paradise by the Andaman Sea.
KHAOLAK LAGUNA RESORT Khaolak Beach, Phang Nga, THAILAND Tel: + 6676 427888 Fax: + 6676 485203 Email: info.khaolaklaguna@yahoo.com www.khaolaklaguna.com
ABSOLUTE THAI THAT’S NOT A HORSE
THAT’S NOT A HORSE WORDS By: Dan White
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t’s amazing what raw eggs and beer can do to a man. What is more amazing is what they can do to a normally slow four legged beast that weighs as much as a truck whilst displaying a contrary nature.
the gaze of hundreds of onlookers. This event has been happening for 136 years. By the beginning of the last century the races were well established. In 1912, King Rama V himself was a witness to the spectacle. It first started as a trade fair where farmers gathered to buy and sell buffaloes which were, and are, almost a form of currency in rural Thailand. Buffaloes are a status symbol even though their traditional role on the farm has been superseded by the tractor. Many of the buffaloes taking part in the race never do farm work at all being trained and cherished for this event alone. The farmers raise them to be as lean and sleek as a buffalo can be.
Once a year in the small port town of Chonburi, beasts that normally amble are inspired to hurtle as they race each other in a bonanza of rustic traditional prowess. Greyhounds, thorough bred horses and even camels look like they are born to run. Buffaloes do not, but run they do. Whether it’s the raw eggs and alcohol that have been fed to them, the crack of the whip or a simple desire for it all to be over they pick up frightening speed over a 300 metre track under a burning hot sun under
Events start early in the morning as pick-up trucks pull up to the ground disgorging reluctant seeming buffalo who are then led by their noses in single file into waiting pens. Before the serious business starts there is a parade of lavishly decorated carts drawn by equally lavishly decorated buffaloes preceded by a gaggle of elaborately dressed beauty queens smiling coquettishly as they pass, shimmering in gold and feathers. This being Thailand, ‘sanuk’ (fun) is the order of the day and following the
GREYHOUNDS, THOROUGH BRED HORSES AND EVEN CAMELS LOOK LIKE THEY ARE BORN TO RUN. BUFFALOES DO NOT, BUT RUN THEY DO.
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procession is a brass band and streams of small children in fancy dress. As the buffalo count rises so does the smell of ordure, and it is fast becoming imperative to watch your step if you want to keep your shoes clean. In the tents outside the spectator stands, buffaloes take part in a beauty contest. With spectacularly long horns and tired eyes they are dressed in shiny blankets, tinsel and bunting. It is hard to tell the criteria by which the winner is chosen; buffalo beauty being an art only for enthusiastic connoisseurs. As the heat builds up the racing buffaloes are lined up in the sun beside huge metal tubs full of water. Farmers splash them constantly keeping them in shape for the big event. It is amazing in some ways that the races ever get underway as forcing these huge beasts into the starting gates against their will is no mean feat. They buck and squirm as the scruffy race officials dance around them coaxing them into place. Often they break loose and make a run for it charging up the track solo and riderless to be corralled at the other end and returned to duty whether they like it or not.
MUD FLYING EVERYWHERE THEY CHARGE AT FULL TILT UP THE TRACK THE JOCKEYS PERCHING PRECARIOUSLY ON THEIR REAR HAUNCHES HANGING ON FOR DEAR LIFE WHILST BELTING THEM WITH STICKS.
Out of this chaos the riders get the nod and they are off out of the gates. Seeing a buffalo leap is an awesome, if unlikely, site, but at their first stride that’s just what they do. Mud flying everywhere they charge at full tilt up the track the jockeys perching precariously on their rear haunches hanging on for dear life whilst belting them with sticks. Some don’t hang on hard enough, tumbling into the dirt and buffalo waste. They do not come up smelling of roses although they are smiling in friendly embarrassment at having tumbled so publically. As one or other beast tares over the line the jockey dramatically leaps off its back running alongside it as it slows to a halt to be doused with water by the farmers waiting by the metal water drums. The races are short and intense after a seeming age spent getting the contestants into place. The signal is given with no warning and the race is over in seconds. Over the loudspeaker a laughing woman commentator gently mocks those who take a tumble.
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ABSOLUTE THAI THAT’S NOT A HORSE
IT IS AN EVENT ABOUT CULTURE, TRADITION, AND THAT VERY THAI SPECIAL INGREDIENT THAT IS ALL ABOUT FUN.
Buffaloes are expensive in Thailand. They certainly cost more than motorbikes and so since these buffaloes don’t do any work they are quite a major investment in prestige. The prize money of 5,000 baht to the winner seems small given the amount of time, work and trouble the owners put in. The truth, though, is that it is not about money. It is an event about culture, tradition, and that very Thai special ingredient that is all about fun. It is also an event that is very confusing to outsiders. One minute buffaloes are charging in all directions, the next it is all over and a farmer in a red arsenal strip is marching up the track with his thumbs in the air, apparently celebrating victory.
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THE PRIZE MONEY OF 5,000 BAHT TO THE WINNER SEEMS SMALL GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF TIME, WORK AND TROUBLE THE OWNERS PUT IN.
The event at an end, the farmers load their charges back on to the trucks, ladies in useful scarves hose down the buffalo waste that now carpets the whole area and police direct the traffic to the various corners of Thailand from where it first arrived. Within half an hour the place is deserted; although still less than fragrant. Driving back through the countryside, the road is lined with fields, water buffalo bathing languidly in ponds and ditches looking unconcerned as the sun beats down. Little do they know that with a small taste of beer and raw eggs and the crack of a whip they too could take a shot at being a champion.
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ABSOLUTE THAI REPLAY CONDOMINIUM
ISLAND LIFE AT ITS BEST Replay Condominium W O R D S : D i m i t r i Wa r i n g
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oh Samui enjoys, both literally and metaphorically, a place in the sun. The climate, apart from a month that usually coincides with November, sees constant fair weather. The island is also blessed by beautiful beaches and a mysteriously untouched hinterland of mysterious jungle and rainforest. Its rim, meanwhile, is famed for its beach time hedonism and, with a whole array of restaurants and resorts catering to a wide range of holidaymakers. It’s not surprising that some visitors never want to leave and make it their dream to buy or rent a property and stay on.
The island, so far, has seen little in the way of condominiums, but they make sense for buyers from abroad. The paperwork is easy if you’re a foreigner, but more important still, they represent a relatively inexpensive way to get a foothold on the island. In Bangrak, Replay Condominium is proving an attractive proposition for those wanting to live and reside on Koh Samui. Located right next to a quiet beach between Bangrak and Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, Replay makes life on Koh Samui very easy. The project has plenty of top-notch amenities. You’ll find a tennis court, a swimming pool (probably the largest one on the island) curving through the center of the development, street basketball, and a well-equipped gym. If you’re not feeling sportive, there’s also an international-style restaurant and shops. Most importantly, Replay offers a variety of apartments, all of which are designed with ease of living in mind. On top of it all, it’s right next to the beach – not all condominiums are so conveniently situated.
REPLAY CONDOMINIUM IS PROVING AN ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION FOR THOSE WANTING TO LIVE AND RESIDE ON KOH SAMUI.
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TWO LARGE MALLS ARE SOME 15 MINUTES’ DRIVE AWAY, AS ARE NO LESS THAN FOUR INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALS.
Replay turns out to be close to most amenities on the island. It’s about a 12 minute drive along quietish roads to the airport, and just a bit further to Chaweng, where all the restaurants and night life is to be found. Two large malls are some 15 minutes’ drive away, as are no less than four international hospitals. Most properties in the Tropics take care to provide a sense of spaciousness where you can sit on your terrace with all the doors and windows open. The flip side to this is the sense of disquiet that can come with the thought of how easy it is for intruders and opportunists to gain easy access to your home. Often the only deterrent is a guard who makes the rounds and patchy surveillance cameras. Though Koh Samui is generally a safe place to live, residents at Replay can rest assured that they’ll be living in security and can have true peace of mind. The condominium has a single entrance with a 24-hour guard duty operating. However, unlike most residences, the perimeter has also been thought of: a fence rings the entire property and each and every part of the internal perimeter is under CCTV surveillance. This ensures that there are no surprise visitors. In addition, certain areas inside Replay are also covered. These areas are communal, and the owners ensure that privacy is guaranteed. It’s great to know that while you are gone, you don’t need to have nagging thoughts that all may not be well.
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ABSOLUTE THAI REPLAY CONDOMINIUM
Some clients are buying into the project not so that they can live on Koh Samui but more as an investment. Despite its ups and downs over the years, Thailand proves to be a stable place to live and more and more people are interested in coming here for longer periods of time. A huge number of Russians have chosen to live on the island, for example, and there are a greater number of people seeking accommodation beyond the traditional villa type. Replay offers a range of accommodation from studios through to apartments large enough for a family. Prices are very reasonable while the accommodation offers more than average benefits and amenities.
SOME CLIENTS ARE BUYING INTO THE PROJECT NOT SO THAT THEY CAN LIVE ON KOH SAMUI BUT MORE AS AN INVESTMENT. The project’s owner and managing director, Khun Chaiyapat Zongvitvorakul, completed the first in November this year; all the properties are ready to move into, with the second week of December seeing the first transfers of properties to their new owners. In the second quarter of 2013, a small shopping center, including a restaurant and art gallery will be completed. (These will also be open to non-residents.) Khun Chaiyapat wants to do more than just build a condominium; he wants the buildings, the homes themselves, the facilities as well as the surrounding areas to add to the lives of the residents and improve their sense of enjoyment and well-being. Replay isn’t therefore just an equation that matches up architecture with setting, then hopes it’ll equal a half way decent habitat; it’s about providing a home where the benefits go way beyond mere comfort and convenience; a condominium should provide delight as well and be more than the sum of its parts. Meanwhile, Khun Chaiyapat has also started up a new project in Hua Hin. With Koh Samui being quite far to the south, his aim in Hua Hin is to be nearer Bangkok. The setting is ideal for those who need to be able to get to the city or its airport quickly. The project is known as Casa Te Quiero, and construction will start next year, with planned completion in two years. He also hopes to open a 1-stop real estate for anyone wishing to buy property in Thailand. His company will act as both consultant and constructor and will handle all the processes necessary, making it a cinch to set up in the country and own a residence here. He also plans
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in 2013 to start a new project on Koh Samui, involving a beautiful stretch of land which he will develop. Meanwhile, Replay goes ahead, all according to plan. Feedback has been good, and the future for the project is looking bright. Response concerning Replay has been excellent; the project has proved very popular and already 85% of the apartments have been sold. Under Thai law, it’s legal for a foreigner to buy into a condominium project, but of course, when it comes to getting a loan, things may be complicated. If you are interested in getting a loan, it’s possible to pay 50% up front and then talk to the owner about the remainder and get a direct loan or, alternatively, approach a bank together with him. As we go to press, there remain but few opportunities to secure a freehold apartment, and if you are interested, you will need to hurry. Everything else is leasehold but Replay can arrange privately for 3 periods of 30 years to run consecutively; they will extend the lease period three times. With excellent prices and a beautiful setting, Replay is hardly a run-of-the-mill condominium. With so much thought having gone into making this a relaxed place to live, it’ll promote buyers’ wellbeing and be a home that will enable them to further enjoy living on Koh Samui.
RESPONSE CONCERNING REPLAY HAS BEEN EXCELLENT; THE PROJECT HAS PROVED VERY POPULAR AND ALREADY 85% OF THE APARTMENTS HAVE BEEN SOLD.
Chaiyapat Zongkitvorakul Managing Director
Location: Replay Condominium is located next to the beach, on the road between Bangrak and Fisherman’s Village, Bophut. Address: 32 Moo 4, Bang Rak Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand 84320 Tel: 0 77448 201, 0 77448 202 Fax: 0 7744 8200 www.replaysamui.com info@replaysamui.com facebook.com/replaysamui
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ABSOLUTE THAI NEWS
HOLIDAY INN RESORT KRABI AO NANG BEACH OPENS ITS DOORS The first Holiday Inn Resort brand in Krabi, Thailand
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oliday Inn Hotels and Resorts announces its first presence on the beautiful coastline of Krabi, Thailand with the conversion of Sala Talay Resort and Spa to Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach. The 55-guestroom resort is the most recent addition to the Holiday Inn brand and is designed to cater for travellers seeking a idyllic getaway, whether they are honeymooners desiring a romantic retreat, families seeking a trip away with the kids, or friends wishing to catch up and relive the good times.
Presently the resort features a choice of four spacious room types, ranging between 45sqm and 95sqm. The 19 Deluxe Rooms offer all the Holiday Inn standard amenities and 45sqm of free living space and balcony views, while the 21 Pool Access Rooms offer ground floor living accommodation and 45sqm of spacious comfort. The 13 65sqm Grand Deluxe Suites will ensure total privacy and relaxation, and the 2 Penthouse Suites have 95sm of space and great views over the hotel grounds. In-room features include crisp bedding with a choice of soft and firm pillows, a large walk-in rain shower, bath tubs in all rooms, free wireless internet, a spacious balcony/terrace with pool views or scenic views over Ao Nang and much more.
Uniquely, the resort is situated right alongside the stunning Ao Nang beachfront and is designed in a contemporary yet environmentally sensitive style that naturally blends itself perfectly within the area’s beautiful environment. The resort offers guests a full range of services and facilities, including an outdoor free-form swimming pool, a resort fitness centre, Kid’s Club and a well-stocked book and DVD library in the Resort Centre. Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach also offers a range of holistic Thai massages and treatments at the resort Spa. Delicious cuisine spanning the Asian continent can also be savoured at the InAsia dining venue, which enjoys panoramic views of the idyllic surrounds of Ao Nang Beach.
ABSOLUTE THAI
For more information and reservations at Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach, visit www.holidayinnresorts.com/krabi or call +66 75 810 888.
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HANSAR SAMUI HONOURED AT 2012 BOUTIQUE HOTEL AWARDS (UK) WINNER OF BEST BEACH HOTEL CATEGORY
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ansar Samui was honoured as winner of “Best Beach Hotel Category” in this year’s Boutique Hotel Awards announced at a glittering ceremony at the iconic Hempel Hotel in London on November 1st.
criteria of excellence, with a maximum score of 100, including: • Design and concept • Facilities • Service
Indra Budiman, the Hotel’s General Manager, and newly appointed CEO of Hansar Hotels Group, was delighted with the win and congratulates his team on an outstanding result for their hard work and dedication. The Awards were created to showcase the finest boutique hotels around the world and reward them with the recognition and acclaim they deserve. In the ever-homogenising world of globalised brands and international hotel chains, a truly individual experience is a rare find.
A Boutique Hotel Award winner’s service is intuitive, their environment intimate and their experience priceless. Winning a Boutique Hotel Award represents the pinnacle of achievement for boutique hotels and their staff. It celebrates an outstanding contribution to their guests and their industry more widely. Given the unique and individual nature of boutique hotels, the Boutique Hotel Awards also provide a benchmark of excellence for the discerning customer - a bright signifier of quality amongst a growing number of booking agencies who, having recognised market trends, are now specialising in luxury boutique hotels.
In recent years the market growth for boutique hotels has outstripped that of international chains, a testament to the increasing number of travellers choosing individuality over familiarity. In response to this industry need, the Boutique Hotel Awards was created and represents the first and only awards scheme exclusively dedicated to recognising unique excellence within the nuanced sector of boutique hotels.
Reservations for Hansar Samui can be made on Telephone: +66 77 245 511 Fax: +66 77 245 995 samney@hansarsamui.com www.hansarsamui.com
Nominated properties went through a rigorous assessment process by a carefully assembled expert team of hotel judges who evaluated each hotel, based on five
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• Dining and Entertainment • Location
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ABSOLUTE THAI NEWS
HILTON PATTAYA ANNOUNCES 2012 SEASONS FESTIVITIES BY THE SEA A Truly Unforgettable Occasion at Award-Winning Hotel
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A RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP: NEW YEAR’S WITH HILTON PATTAYA
ilton Pattaya today announced 2012 seasons festivities offers highlighting its perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisine and sparkling entertainment by providing a selection of packages, variety of fabulous venues where guests can relax in comfort and enjoy all the best the festive season has to offer.
Hilton Pattaya is also the best venue for New Year’s celebrations, guests can enjoy sumptuous dinner buffet at Edge, exquisite set dinner at Flare or secure the premier location at one of the hotel’s stunning private islands at Drift with unsurpassed views of the ocean. Guests can also celebrate the New Year with friends and colleagues at Horizon on level 34 with six-course special menu by executive sous chef of Horizon, Chef Shaun for the ultimate experience the next level of celebration.
With a welcoming atmosphere, superb food and wine and great entertainment, guests will be treated to a memorable event. EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY AT HILTON PATTAYA Guests can enjoy a range of Christmas delights and can buy hampers to make excellent gifts at Drift on level 16. At Edge on level 14, guests will savour cuisine from around the world with a wide selection of menu options in grand buffet style featuring views over Pattaya Bay. For an exclusive Christmas dinner during 24-25 December, guests also can celebrate in style at exquisite Flare on level 15 with four-course set dinner or indulge with friends and family members at Pattaya’s premier rooftop restaurant & bar Horizon on level 34 which offers set dinner with spectacular views over Pattaya Bay and the Gulf of Thailand.
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To welcome 2013 with joy, guests can kick-start the gorgeous year with a tempting brunch for the whole family at Edge from noon until 330pm.
To book or to make an enquiry please contact Hilton Pattaya’s dedicated festive team on +66 (0)38 253 000 or email bkkhp.pattaya.festive@hilton.com
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STAFF PARTY OF ERANDA HERBAL SPA
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he Employees of The Eranda Herbal Spa of Samui Celebrated their annual staff party at the Kan Som Seafood Restaurant at Bophut on 18th of October 2012 .The Staff and The Management alike used the occasion to commemorate the 10th Year Anniversary of Eranda Spa as well. Khun Panchana Mathon commenced the celebrations with her speech, thanking all the staff members present . There was a Soft Ambience in the air with live music playing in the Background.There was a raffle draw at the end of the party.
9/37 Moo 2, Chaweng North Road., Koh Samui 84320, Thailand www.erandaspa.com | www.erandaspa.co.th e-mail: info@erandaspa.com Tel: (66) 0 7742 2666, 0 7741 3828
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On YOur Marks, Get Set 4th & 5th MaY 2013 Phuket, thailand
Thailand’s FirsT inTernaTional TriaThlon
0 S 00 ize 0, p r 15 f s$ o u rth o w regisTer your inTeresT aT www.triathlonthailand.com