ISSUE 6 VOLUME 05, JUNE 2017
H OT MAGAZINE Luxury Living & Exclusive Lifestyle
Vachini Krairiksh Venvell, celebrity model with men of Mister National Universe HOT MAGAZINE
MISTER NATIONAL UNIVERSE IN THAILAND
A CONVERSATION WITH NATALIE GLEBOVA COMPLIMENTARY COPY
MJETS, BESPOKE AVIATION
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Edited and published by HOT Hua Hin Co. Ltd. Managing & Creative Editor Tanya Siri Vijitsomphong tanya@hothuahin.com Graphic Design & Layout WebbOn Media Production info@webbon.se Photographer Sunya Yamaka facebook.com/sunya.yamaka Contact Information: +66 (0)94 960 4959 (Thai) +66 (0)84 387 5699 (English) info@hothuahin.com Contact us to find out how to get the most for your advertising baht sales@hothuahin.com Although all materials are published in good faith and based on information solicited to us at the time of publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions that may occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced in full or in part without the previous written consent of HOT Hua Hin Co. Ltd. All materials copyright. All rights are reserved.
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Dear Reader Welcome to Issue 6, Volume 5 of HOT Magazine. Natalia Vladimirovna Glebova was born in Tupase Russia, a sea port situated on the northeast shore of the Black Sea. At the age of 13 she and her parents emigrated to Canada to start a new life. In 2002, for the very first time, Natalie watched the Miss Universe Pageant on television and from that day forward her life was never the same again. This month we are delighted to bring you our interview with former Miss Universe and Bangkok resident, Natalie Glebova, that’s on page 32. Last month we brought you the story of the very first Anantara Resort which is located in Hua Hin. The Anantara brand was built from the ground up by its legendary founder William E. “Bill” Heinecke. Bill is the founder of Minor International, also known as MINT. His Minor Group own 154 hotels in 24 countries. Bill is also into retail in a big way owning 1,000’s of stores around the globe. A business unit of his that doesn’t get a lot of attention however is his MJETS. With decades of experience in the aviation and private jet sector, MJETS boasts the largest fleet of private jets in the Kingdom. From their Cessna Citation X, currently the fastest civilian aircraft in the world to their ultra-luxurious Gulfstream V, the gold standard of business jets and the preferred private aircraft of the most famous movies stars and CEO’s, MJETS fleet can take you anywhere in the world you wish to go, luxuriously. Forget your boarding pass and turn to page 49 to see how glorious flying “private” can be. From June 6th to 13th, HOT Hua Hin Company Limited, the publishers of this magazine, produced the Mister National Universe Competition with host cities being Hua Hin and Bangkok. Fourteen men, each representing their own country flew into Thailand to compete for the title, further cultural understandings and to promote tourism within the Kingdom. The highly anticipated sold out final night was held in the Ballroom at the five star Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit and was seen via livestream by an audience of 300,000. Turn to page 56 for your front row seat to the entire eight-day event. Those are just a few of the stories you’ll find inside this month’s issue of HOT Magazine. As always, thank you for picking us up and we hope you enjoy the read.
www.hotmagazine.website
Tanya Siri Vijitsomphong Editor, HOT Magazine
Contents 12
17
28
22
32
Hot Around Hua Hin
17 Negroni Week Arrives in Thailand 19
True Arena News
22
Let's Dine, Freebird Bangkok
28
Spa InterContinental Hua Hin
32
A conversation with Natalie Glebova
39
Care to HIFU?
42
Let’s Stay, Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55
49
MJETS, Bespoke Aviation
56
Mister National Universe
64 Out and About with the Men of Mister National Universe 72
HOME of the Month
74
Mali Prestige
42
56
74
Where pageantry and luxury meet
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MALE MODELS Men from Mister National Universe 2017 FEMALE MODEL Vachini Krairiksh Venvell PHOTOGRAPHER Sunya Yamaka PHOTO ASSISTANT Numaon Suppachat K. VACHINI'S CLOTHES BY
LOCATION Chuchai Buri
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HOT AROUND HUA HIN
TOP HUA HIN HOTELS DONATE 400 HELMUT’S AND SPREAD MOTORBIKE SAFETY MESSAGE Shocking figures show that less than 7% of Thai children wear helmets when riding on motorbikes with their parents. This means that every day, all across the country, more than 93% of Thai children are risking their lives just by traveling to and from school. In order to address this alarming statistic, 10 of Hua Hin’s top hotels joined forces on May 22nd, 2017, to organize the "Helmet Extravaganza" 2nd year - a CSR event aimed at saving the lives of young people in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Hotels taking part in the initiative included the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Sheraton Hua
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Hin Resort & Spa, Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort, Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villa Hua Hin, Putahracsa Hua Hin, So Sofitel Hua Hin and Amari Hua Hin. In its 2nd year, the event’s purpose was to generate awareness among the Hua Hin locals to start wearing helmets and went further by donating more than 400 helmets to the Hua Hin’s student and schools within Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan Province. “It is a worrying fact of life in Thailand – and across many Asian countries – that many children do not wear helmets when traveling on motorcycles with their parents,” Goetz Bauer, General Manager of the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa.
“There are many reasons for this, but often it is simply that the children do not have helmets to wear.” “By donating more than 400 helmets to local students we could be potentially saving the lives of 400 local children. This is a truly incredible thought, and can I think of no more worthwhile activity to be part of.” The Helmet Extravaganza was attended by an estimated 500 people, including the schoolchildren, representatives of the 10 hotels and members of the media.
HOT AROUND HUA HIN
HUA HIN BUSINESS NETWORK HOSTS MAY EVENT AT PRIME STEAKHOUSE On the 31st of May, Hua Hin Business Network hosted a special charity evening for 60 of its most loyal Hua Hin Business Network members as a “Thank you� gesture and as a way to raise money for charity. The evening was held at Prime Steakhouse Restaurant featuring their famous Prime Steakhouse steaks and starters. Half of the proceeds from the evening were donated jointly, by Hua Hin Business Network and owner of Prime Steakhouse Anders Hagstedt, to the HHBN Winter project. The HHBN Winter Project benefits people living in poor areas of Thailand by sending a truck filled with food, clothes and other necessities ahead of the cool season to give to charities supporting people in need. Hua Hin Business Network hosts monthly events to connect business minded people together. For more information on Hua Hin Business Network please go to www.h-h-b-n. com.
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HOT AROUND HUA HIN
DINE ALONG THE BEACH What do you get when you mix a bunch of Hua Hin 5 star hotel General Manager’s, some good food and (more than likely) alcohol? You get some pretty creative ideas as to how to increase business in Hua Hin’s traditional low season. The GM’s of the Hua Hin Marriott, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental, Centara Grand and the Hilton’s most recent brainstorm was a winner as they came up an exciting and innovative new beachfront dining experience. Basically, a pub crawl on steroids with an injection of some of the finest dishes their Executive Chefs could dream up. Guests make their way along the beach, from resort to resort, with each 16
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acclaimed hotel creating one course of a sumptuous five-course meal. The result is a unique, four-hour dining journey on the soft sands, allowing guests to sample the cuisine of all five leading luxury resorts. Every course will be prepared by expert chefs and perfectly paired with fine wines. The journey starts at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin with an exquisite starter of fresh Hua Hin scallops and smoked snapper, following which guests will make their way to InterContinental Hua Hin Resort for the second starter of spinach cannelloni with braised cinnamon lamb loin. The Hua Hin Marriott Resort serves up the first main course, a fillet of sea bass with crispy bacon and truffle potato mousseline, before a short stroll
to Centara Grand for the second main dish, a slow-cooked beef short rib with German spätzle pasta. The five-course feast then concludes at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa with a delightful dessert of tap sakae coconut parfait and raspberries. Between courses, guests will have ample time to stroll along the beach with the soft white sand between their toes, enjoying the magical evening ambience. The “Dine Along the Beach” event will take place every first Thursday of the month until September 2017 @ THB 2499 net per person (Including wine and beverages). To reserve your place at this incredible culinary event, please email huahin.regency@hyatt.comor telephone 032-521-234.
Negroni Week Arrives In Thailand
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n 2013, Imbibe Magazine launched Negroni Week, a celebration of one of the world’s great cocktails and an effort to raise money for charitable causes. Now in its fifth year, Imbibe has teamed up with Campari to present Negroni Week 2017. From June 5th to the 11th, bars around the world took part. In 2013 when Negroni Week first launched there were around 100 participating bars. 2016 saw Negroni Week expand significantly with over 60 countries signing up, including the USA,
Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore. Last year Negroni week in Thailand saw 51 bars participating and this year it was bigger than ever. Independent Wine & Spirit (Thailand) Company Limited and Bangkok’s Vogue Lounge kicked off the Negroni Week festivities in Thailand with a Negroni Week Launch Party on June 5th. Proceeds from the event were donated to the renowned Chaipattana Foundation. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej granted an initiative for the establishment of the “Chaipattana Foundation,” of which he acted as the Honorary President. He also appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to be the Executive Chairperson. Due to regulatory requirements and budget constraints faced by government agencies, His Majesty envisaged a foundation that would serve to provide prompt, timely and necessary responses to problems affecting the Thai people through various development projects. Official Negroni Recipe
From Left : 1. Carla Porter 2. Wit Gan 3. Katreeya English 4. Thomas Deledalle – General Manager of Vogue Lounge 5. S.T. Gan – Managing Director of Independent Wine & Spirit (Thailand) 6. M.R. Sudhipanee Yukol 7. Vachini Krairiksh Venvell
Now a globally consumed contemporary classic cocktail, the prestigious IBA Official Drink List states Campari as one of the main ingredients.
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TRUE ARENA NEWS
RUNNING YOUR FIRST 5K A 5K is 3.1 miles; you got this! Don’t be scared by the distance, as this is the perfect run for beginners. If you’re ready for your first 5K, follow the tips below. Running your first 5K is an awesome way to get yourself motivated towards realizing your fitness dreams. Besides being a fun and exciting way to begin a new exercise program, it is also an amazing opportunity to run with friends while making new ones. Numerous psychological studies have shown that human beings love being together; with that in mind, know that it’s much easier to get out and run when you have a group to accompany you. Many newcomers to running become discouraged by the difficulty associated with the activity because they start too fast and push too hard. Their bodies push back and they end up resenting running. I’m not just intent on getting you to race day, rather I want to instill a love for running. Below are some tips for completing your first 5k that can be applied when you are capable of extending the distance. 1. Buy the right shoes – If you can find a store where you live that offers specialized services for runners, pick
a store that has customized shoes, gait pattern assessment, and even video recording analysis to track your form, this will yield the best results. Otherwise, make sure the shoes are specifically for running (not court shoes) and are of the right size. 2. Sleep - By resting enough, 7-8 hours per night, your body can keep up with your new training schedule, and above all else – help to prevent injuries. Make sure that you rest and eat properly the day before your race as well as directly after. 3. Training - Give yourself at least eight weeks to train for your first 5K race. Remember that while running from ground zero, you must focus on easing into the process. Be sure to set up a training schedule that you can be honest with yourself about sticking too.
SAMPLE TRAINING PLAN: •
3-4 times a week for the next 2 weeks
•
Try to run continuously for 20 min. If you can’t, run 7 min., walk 3 min. to complete 20 min. or run 1 min., walk 1 min. for 20 min.
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Gradually increase intensity and distance every week
•
By the 6th week, you should be able to run 5km with ease
032 909 633
info@truearenahuahin.com Facebook: truearenahuahin
4. Recovery – Ensure you consume enough fluids before the race and during and after training sessions to give your body nutrients it requires for repair. Coconut water is a good source of electrolytes (during/after training) while post training meals require adequate consumption of protein and carbohydrates. 5. Last but not least, don’t forget to warmup and cool down! A five-minute warmup walk or jog and a gradual cool down (complete with stretching) is extremely important to your overall health and continued progress.
MINDSET Before you begin your training, galvanize WHY you want this. That will be your go-to in times of withering motivation. At the end of the day, running a 5K doesn’t have to be complicated. Set yourself up for early success and then let the running take care of itself!
George Grecia Director of Sports Development
www.truearenahuahin.com Instagram: truearenahuahin Twiter: @truearenahuahin
Bus service between Suvarnabhumi airport and Hua Hin Also direct bus service between Hua Hin and Pattaya
06:00 12:00 18:00
07:30 13:30
09:00 15:00
10:30 16:30
Night Market Hua Hin Soi ��
Hua Hin Soi ��
Hua Hin Train Station Marketplace
Direct Between Hua Hin and Pattaya 11:00 from both sides
New Bus Station
Hua Hin Soi �
Hua Hin Soi ��
Petchkasem Road.
From : Hua Hin - Suvarnabhumi Airport
Mercedes-Benz Show Room Post Office Konceptfurniture
Hua Hin Airport
Hua Hin Soi �
Phra Poklao Road.
From : Suvarnabhumi Airport - Hua Hin 07:30 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 15:00 16:30 18:00 19:30
Go to Chaam
Tunnel
Klai Kangwon Palace Hua Hin Soi ��
Clock Tower
TOTALLY PAM PERED
L et’s Dine,
HOT MAGAZINE RECOMMEND
v
Freebird Bangkok
T
here are conceptual restaurants in Bangkok that strike you in awe the moment you enter their premises. Some represent a country, some a specific culture. Others embody a much more abstract concept such as, say; freedom. But there’s only one that combines these three to make of it a hub of culinary ideology, stringing poetry into each one of its dishes and presenting to the guest a full
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understanding of what it represents. This month, HOT Magazine has the pleasure to explore a nation, a tradition and an ideology, all of which emanate from the beauty of a cosy restaurant, tucked away in an unsuspecting corner of Sukhumvit 47. Freebird was created out of a conceptual framework in awe of Australia, a land that has long embodied the respect of liberty, the love for animals
and the passion for food. Located in an old remodelled Thai house, the combination of rustic architecture with classic touches of wooden and metal structures give this contemporary restaurant-aviary a blissful setting. An outdoor garden of lush green and an interior of modernistic pop-art murals provide the ultimate setting. We were first treated to a delectable aged wine, an Austrian variant of the
“
A free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wing in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky.
”
Maya Angelou
Merlot along with a rosé of delightful aromas made of thick-skinned grapes. Beautiful finishes and a commanding herbal aroma accompanied the former, whilst a fragrant touch of balanced sweetness defined the sparkling wine. With it came the Freebird house dips, a combination that would set the standard for dishes to come. Look out of the home-made hummus, arguably the most striking of the three with a citrusy delight
complementing the crunchy ciabatta. A sustainable Indian ocean tuna ceviche followed suit. Thoughtful a choice as they come, it was served in a subtle sesame dressing, filling the mouth with flavour before the avocado balanced the notes of sweetness and spice from the pineapple and the chilli. A fresh starter. This was coupled with one of the house’s signature dishes: the slow-
cooked hen egg which lay hidden beneath a portion of toasted multigrain, combined with mushrooms and sided by two pieces of rice crackers with Australian brie. A beautiful fusion of tastes combining the fresh creaminess from the brie and the mushrooms’ subtle notes combined with the egg. A true coalescence of flavours.
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A pasta was to follow suit in the form of spaghettini. Retaining more local flavours, the crab’s combination with the salted fish along with the character of the pecorino cheese made for a fresh and defined essence, balanced by the characteristic taste of the ikura, which provided the gentle finish. The dish of most preference was without a doubt the hake. A block of impeccably prepared salted hake combined with a zesty touch of lime in a delicious miso butter sauce made of this dish an unparalleled delight. Garnished with cauliflower in three different styles, it melted to the touch of the palate. An evident freshness and delightful aroma were highlighted through a citrusy touch and accompanied by the defining taste of the cauliflower. Definitely a dish we talked about days after being treated to it. The last of the main dishes was another signature mark of the house: the citrus brined half chicken with a touch of Thai identity. Sided with the iconic nam jim sauce, this slowly and delicately prepared portion of chicken was a delight to the palate. Delectably tasty and incomparably tender, it combined to perfection with the nam jim to give it the most scrumptious of tastes. To top it all off came a beautifully prepared cheesecake, wearing a crimsonred berry sauce and sporting two large strawberry flavoured caramelised sugar plaques, it lay on a cream cheese base and gathered the most characteristic essences of each to provide a complete dessert experience. A truly telling way to end a masterclass meal. Chef Pongcharn Russell
Boasting consummate quantities of identity in each dish, each adorned with a vivid concept of the restaurant’s ideology, Freebird gifts the guest with much more than a mere dining experience. It combines the significance of Australia’s identity with the richness of Thailand’s charm and projects an essence of liberty in every one of its delectable dishes. A true free bird that leaps and dares to claim the sky. Freebird Bangkok 28 Sukhumvit Soi 47 Bangkok +66 2 662 4936
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MINERALS
F U S I O N T E C H N O LO GY
Spa InterContinental Hua Hin
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hailand has often been referred to as a place of extremes, and I experienced those extremes this week as I stepped through the doors of the Intercontinental Spa. I left the noise and chaos of the traffic, the oppressive heat, and the unique smells of Thailand behind me, and was immediately transported to tranquil, indulgent Thailand. The spa is tastefully decorated with intricate wood paneling covering the walls, and the more alluring aroma of lemongrass filled the space. The noise from the traffic outside disappeared and was replaced by gentle, soothing music.
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I took a deep breath‌ I was starting to relax already. The staff at the Intercontinental Spa must be commended on their attention to detail. As soon as I was seated in the reception area, I was brought a refreshing cold towel, a herbal drink, and a light snack. The manager knelt beside me as she noted my requirements for their Signature Oriental Massage: Was there an area that required more attention during the massage? What level of pressure would I like? Did I have any medical conditions they should be informed of? After changing into cushioned
slippers, I followed my masseuse and padded my way down the corridor to my massage room for my pampering to begin. The temperature of the room was set to my comfort level, and the lighting was subdued. I was left to change into a soft robe and one of those very interesting pairs of disposable underpants! To begin my massage, my feet were washed and exfoliated in a bowl of smooth pebbles. I was ushered to the massage table where I could gaze through the hole onto a bowl of flowers. The cushioned table, the aroma, and the gentle music, were already lulling me
into a blissful state. My masseuse, Khun Goy, began kneading away at my back and shoulders, She checked if she was using the right amount of pressure. Forming words was too much effort in my relaxed state, I could only manage to make a few humming sounds to communicate my approval. She honed in on those knots in my back and gently worked them into submission. With long, smooth strokes she soothed my feet and legs. It is hard to describe much about the actual massage as I was just so relaxed my brain was in neutral! As with all massages, 90 minutes
seem to pass in an instant. Although my massage room had its own private shower, Khun Goy suggested that I not shower, but rather to leave the oil on my skin to let it soak in and continue to hydrate it over the next couple of hours. Reluctantly, I had to leave my tranquil Thailand room. I changed back into my clothes, slid into the slippers, and padded back out to the reception area where a hot ginger tea and a snack was waiting. It would have been wonderful just to sit there for the rest of the afternoon, but I was ready. The tension in my back was gone, I smelt great, and I looked serene, so with a ‘Khup Khun
Mar Kar’, I opened the doors and went back out to the noise and traffic chaos, and simply floated through the rest of the day. InterContinental Hua Hin Resort 33/33, Petchkasem Road Hua Hin +66 32 616 999
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l
cal
o us n w!
ENG +66 (0) 91 871 0128 TH +66 (0) 86 332 7756 spropertyservices@hotmail.com
D Refurbs
D Electrics
D Car Ports
D Tiling
D Garden
D New Builds
D Kitchens
D Stainless Steel Gates
D Pool Cleaning
D Bathrooms
D Carpentry
D Patios & Sandwash
D Plumbing
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D Monthly Maintenance
NEW PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT! Two of the largest names in the Hua Hin property market have joined forces.
Hua Hin Property & Hot Property Hua Hin are very pleased to announce their new partnership. We believe this collaboration will further strengthen our brands and we will continue to provide the best possible service to our clients.
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Luxury Living & Exclusive Lifestyle
6,000 COPIES EVERY MONTH! Why Advertise with HOT Magazine ? That’s like asking “Why Succeed?” Contact us today at info@hothuahin.com HOT Magazine is now printing 6,000 copies monthly with 5,000 copies distributed in Hua Hin & 1,000 copies distributed to high income areas of Bangkok.
A Conversation with former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova
N
atalia Vladimirovna Glebova was born in Tupase Russia, a sea port situated on the northeast shore of the Black Sea. Here, she studied classical piano and graduated from a professional musical school at the age of 12. She also won various regional rhythmic gymnastics championships. At the age of 13 she and her family moved to Ontario Canada. Growing up, Glebova worked as a model and attended Ryerson University in Toronto where she received her Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management and Marketing. She also worked as a motivational speaker for grade school and high school students. In 2002, for the first time, she watched the Miss Universe Contest on television and afterwards her life was never the same. In 2004, Glebova attempted to win the Miss Universe Canada pageant where she placed as 3rd runner-up. Glebova competed again in January 2005, and won the title. Glebova competed in the Miss Universe 2005 pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2005, where she became the fourth Canadian in ten years to make the initial cut of semi-finalists. She competed in the evening gown and swimsuit competitions, advancing to the top five where she competed in the final interview round. Throughout the contest, Glebova gave the traditional Thai greeting known as a "Wai" on every appearance which helped her win over Thai audiences and judges. At the conclusion of the pageant, Glebova was crowned Miss Universe 2005 As Miss Universe, Natalie traveled extensively and immersed herself in a campaign to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS. She attended the G8 Summit in New York City on August 11, 2005, which reflected on ending poverty in underdeveloped regions and ending gang activity and drug cartels in Colombia. In 2007, after her year as Miss Universe ended, she published her first book, “Healthy Happy Beautiful� and it turned out to be a major best seller. Natalie is married to Dean Kelly and in April of 2016, Natalie gave birth to their daughter Maya. HOT Magazine had the distinct pleasure of catching up with Natalie as she and her family were holidaying in Portugal. HM: Natalie, you were born in Tuapse, Russia where you lived until you immigrated to Canada at the age of 13 with your parents. What memories do you have of those early years and during that formative period were there any specific people or events that set you on the path to where you are today? NG: My memories from childhood are happy ones - living in a small town on the coast of the Black Sea, going to the beach in the summer, and spending a lot of time with my grandparents at their house. My parents always wanted a better future for us, and to see me grow up in a more secure country (at the time we were leaving, the communist regime just ended so there was a lot of uncertainty). They packed a few bags, sold everything else and came to Canada where we started a brand new life. My parents really inspire me to this day, with their perseverance, vision, and fearlessness to do everything they can for their daughter. It was not easy the first few years as immigrants in a new country, but they came through the tough part with flying colors and gave me everything I needed - secure life, education, and happy life.
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Photo: Fadil Berisha
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Photo: Fadil Berisha 34
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HM: Miss Universe, there isn’t a bigger beauty pageant on the planet than that. Had you entered other pageants and at what age did you set your sights on the big prize? NG: I hadn’t heard about The Miss Universe pageant until I was in my early 20’s and the first pageant I ever saw on TV was Miss Universe 2002 where Oxana Federova from Russia took the crown. That pageant really inspired me to give it a shot for Miss Canada. I entered online, then was invited for an interview, got accepted to the local pageant for my province, and later selected as one of the candidates for Miss Canada. I was 22 when I entered this pageant. My first try for the title got me to the top 5, and fell just short of winning. So the next year, I tried again, this time winning Miss Canada at 23 years old and getting the chance to represent my country at Miss Universe 2005 pageant held in Thailand. HM: How did you prepare for the Miss Universe Pageant and how much time in a week did you spend on it? NG: I basically lived and breathed pageant preparation. I would spend hours getting ready for it in every single aspect of the competition. I watched past contests to really know every detail of this competition and visualized myself on the stage doing each part - evening gown, swimsuit, and answer segment. I approached this task as a business or academic project - I made a detailed plan of everything I needed to do in order to place at the top - from wardrobe, to fitness, to skincare and of course interview skills - and checked items off as I completed them. I feel that this has helped me win because I visualized myself at my best and did everything possible to make that vision a reality. At the end, the Universe manifested this victory for me - or rather, I manifested it myself! HM: Your answer to the final question at the Miss Universe pageant was, “The biggest challenge in my life is to always think positively, but I always try to maintain a positive outlook on life”. That is a big challenge indeed and one that most of us struggle with daily. How do you maintain a positive attitude on a daily basis? NG: I maintain a positive attitude by focusing on good rather than bad things in life. I try to compliment more instead of criticizing. And I count my blessings daily - I look at how much I have and feel grateful rather than think of what I don’t have. When things don’t go as planned or I have a streak of bad luck, I use affirmations to stay positive. Writing sentences of positivity and gratitude on my computer or journal, or saying them out loud gets me right back to my happy self again. HM: How did it feel to wake up as Miss Universe on the very first day, did you feel like a princess, and what was that particular day like? NG: That incredible day was 12 years ago and it’s hard to believe time flew by so fast! It was a very interesting day as the pageant took place at 8am in order to be broadcast live in US at 9pm, so after winning the crown at 10am my day just got started. I was whisked away to a
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celebration and press conference held at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, then there was a whirlwind of media and sponsor visits, which all seem like a blur to me now. I honestly don’t even remember what I was feeling because I was so busy and didn’t even have time to be alone - I was constantly surrounded by press, cameras, fans, organization staff, so I couldn’t even gather my thoughts. To this day, the moment of crowning seems like a dream and it’s hard to remember exactly what I was feeling. I think it was more shock and adrenaline, followed by temporary amnesia! HM: What was the year of being Miss Universe like? What were some of your fondest memories and what important contributions as Miss Universe, traveling the world in that capacity do you feel you made? NG: I always look at my year as Miss Universe as the most interesting year of my life but also the toughest. Your life is not your own for one year. I would get my itinerary for the day or week sent to me and had to live in a designated apartment in New York City away from my friends and family. Jet setting around the world comes with this package, so does jet-lag and extreme exhaustion. However, I got to visit the most interesting places and meet the most incredible people during that year! The most fascinating person I’ve met was Archbishop Desmond Tutu when I was visiting South Africa on a goodwill mission. It was interesting to chat to him about the AIDS pandemic in his country, and I learned a lot on that trip about this issue, which was actually my social cause as Miss Universe. On that trip we visited orphanages and hospices where children and adults were dying from the disease as well as youth centers and clinics where they offer information and testing for HIV. I even took a public test myself to set an example and raise awareness for people to know their status. Throughout the year I traveled to over 20 countries, spreading awareness, raising funds, volunteering at AIDS organizations, and meeting many people affected, which gave me a deeper understanding of the stigma surrounding this illness, and I used my platform to the inform the public and educate others. HM: You are from Russia and then Canada. The 2005 Miss Universe Pageant, which you competed in, was held in Thailand and that is where you decided to make your home. How did that happen? NG: After spending a year in NYC, I decided to come back to the place where it all started for me. Throughout the year as Miss Universe I was invited to come back to Bangkok several times, to do ad campaigns and social work, and I had made some important contacts in the entertainment industry. So when it was 36
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time to decide where I would live after passing the crown on, an interesting job offer materialized for me. I was asked to be the brand ambassador for Singha who were also the main sponsor of the pageant that year. The original plan was to come to Thailand for a year to work, and see where it would go from there. I loved living in Thailand so much that after my contract was up, I decided to make it my permanent home. HM: What is your work now and what are your passions in life? NG: My husband Dean and I started a company together called Travelbook (travelbook.com) which is a travelsharing platform to discover and book experiences. We are both avid travelers and between the two of us have been to over 100 countries. We love to share experiences with others and encourage them to see more of the world as we believe traveling is the best way to grow, learn, and become a more educated person. So people can use the platform to document their travels with photos, videos and check-ins that are easily accessed and can be shared with their friends as recommendations. In a few months users will also be able to book hotels and flights directly from the platform, so it’s a kind of one-stop place for travelers to dream, plan, book and share their trips. We also have a travel YouTube channel (Travelbook Family) where we showcase amazing resorts and destinations for families. I also do freelance writing and blogging for magazines and travel websites. My passions in life are traveling, music and DJing, parenting, and health/ wellness. Since music has always been such a great passion of mine, I decided to learn how to DJ and now one of my favorite jobs is playing at beach clubs and pool parties around South East Asia. I now have a new agent - Natt Kawinrachadaprida of YSIS Entertainment, and together we are taking on new opportunities for modeling, MC, DJ, and presenter in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines. HM: You have 534,000 likes on Facebook, how important is social media to you personally and professionally? NG: Personally, I use social media to connect with my friends and fans around the world. I feel that platforms like Instagram, and now our own Travelbook is a great way to share our travel experiences and hopefully inspire others to get out of their comfort zone to travel. Professionally, it is a great way to promote our brand, and brands I’m associated with by endorsements, and that of course is part of my work.
HM: In addition to your busy business life, your other full-time job is being a mother to your daughter Maya. How has motherhood affected you as a person? NG: Motherhood has been a very unexpected and most wonderfully pleasant surprise of my life. I never planned kids for my future but left the door open to the possibility one day. However, I never could have dreamed how amazing a love between parents and children can be! I can honestly say that this has been the best experience I’ve had in my life, and my love for Maya grows more and more every day! Being a mom has made me more fulfilled and satisfied with my life. I’m much more productive and purposeful now that I’m a mother. HM: Being animal lovers ourselves, we were very pleased to see that you have worked with the Soi Dog Foundation and also work with the World Wildlife Fund to stop the trafficking of endangered species. For those of us who don’t have the public platform that you do, what can we do to help the plight of Thailand’s street dogs and rally against animal trafficking? NG: Everyone can do their part in order to help street animals in their own way - from small to very involved activities. You can sponsor a dog or cat by giving a monthly donation to Soi Dog Foundation, like I do - it’s a monthly credit card charge so you don’t even have to do anything. If you are really passionate, you can also volunteer with the foundation or find another one that helps street animals. Most importantly, you can spread the word against animal trafficking to your friends through any platform - take a stand against eating shark fin soup, buying ivory products, and taking photos with gibbons and slow
lorises. The more awareness there is out there, the more likely we will see these horrendous trades come to an end. So speak up, post links on social media, and if you see your friends engaging, gently explain to them how the behavior hurts the animals and our eco-system. HM: Finally, for young girls who have a dream that is as big as yours was, what words of advice and wisdom do you have for them? NG: My best advice to give to young women (and men) that have big dreams is - write it down, make a plan, work hard every day on it. No successful business or person has ever happened by accident - it all took vision, planning and hard work. Even if you fail the first time, pick right back up and start again, whether the it’s another goal or the same one. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t! If you can dream it, you can achieve it, and nothing is impossible if you really truly want it! I was told I would never even win Miss Canada because I was an immigrant, and I proved them wrong, and so can you, no matter what obstacles stand in your way.
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MIL POOL VILLAS
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HIFU?
H
IFU or High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound has been growing in popularity worldwide since 2012 as a non-surgical face and neck lift, tightening your skin. Common treatment areas include Brow’s and forehead, chin, neck, stomach and stretch marks. HIFU works thru the use of ultrasound energy generating low levels of heat in the targeted skin areas. The heat stimulates the cells for collagen production and skin rejuvenation. With just one treatment HIFU pushes mature skin to start working hard again. Results can be seen right after treatment however they become more pronounced over time with the increase in your collagen production. The results are smoother, firmer and brighter skin in the months after treatment. Part of what makes HIFU popular is the ease with which the treatments are done. No preparation is needed. A cold ultrasound gel is applied to the area to be treated. The HIFU hand piece is then used to deliver ultrasound energy beneath the Skin. From my experience, the feeling is like small pin pricks, with the feeling registering from barely noticeable to occasionally somewhat uncomfortable. Nothing I would personally register as painful however. Each treatment takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The beauty of HIFU is that after the treatment is over you can get right back into your day. There is no downtime required. Collagen production will kick off after only one session. Over time, as
more collagen is produced, your skin will be healthier, stronger and younger looking without any unnatural drastic changes. Possible side effects include slight redness and/or swelling post-treatment, and some people might feel some tingling. These will disappear within hours. After the two treatments I had, I did not feel any side effects. While the results will not be as dramatic as surgical facelifts, HIFU skin tightening is clinically proven to be safe, with natural and gradual rejuvenation effects.
Doctors and a skilled staff. In addition to HIFU, Kharites specializes in dermal fillers for facial contouring, botox and fine thread thread-lifts as well as a high number of anti-aging therapies. Their clients include men and women of all ages and cultures. I personally found their staff and Doctor’s to be very knowledgeable and most spoke English very well. I was very pleased with the treatment and service I received at Kharites. For more information visit their Facebook page; kharites medical aesthetic clinic.
Most patients need only one session. Results will appear over 2 to 3 months or even up to 6 months following treatment. Your body will continue to produce fresh collagen over one year. My doctor said I could have up to 3 treatments in a year but he didn’t recommend anymore than that. HIFU works well with anyone with mild to moderate sagging or loosening skin. Treatments can be performed on the full face and neck or specific areas as needed. Younger, beauty-conscious patients who wish to get a head start on the collagen production game also benefit from ultrasound tightening. I went to Kharites Medical Aesthetic Clinic in Bangkok for my HIFU treatments. Kharites offers non-surgical aesthetic treatment therapies and employs experienced and accredited
Kharites Medical Aesthetic Clinic 48/1 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Bangkok +662 168 4125, +66 81 719 1777 kharitesclinic@gmail.com
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The Property Consultant
Der Immobilienberater
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Fantastic Tropical Garden incl. a luxury 2-storey home with 3 bed, 4 bath, exclusive Euro kitchen, 14x5m pool, Jacuzzi, 330 sqm living on 1200 sqm plot. Hua Hin Soi 114 area. 12 Mio THB Homely Pool Villa with covered roof terrace having 111 sqm, offering exciting views, 2 bed, 2 bath, Euro kitchen, 120 sqm living on 420 sqm plot. Hua Hin Borfai Soi 6 area. 6.5 Mio THB Luxury 3-Bed/4-Bath Pool Villa, 2.5 km to Town top design, top quality, fully furnished, excellent kitchen, 5 TVs, walk-in wardrobes, Jacuzzi, large pool, living on 270 sqm on a 650 sqm plot, Hua Hin City, upper Soi 88 11.55 Mio THB
Spacious Villa in a Nature Environment 3 bed, 2 bath, wonderful garden, 9x4 m Pool, huge and modern kitchen, 160 sqm living on 600 sqm plot. Hua Hin West, ready for take-over Only 6.45 Mio THB
Another Day In Paradise 3 bed, 2 bath, private 8 x 4 pool, wonderful garden, 95 sqm living and 360 sqm land, great location, nice community, fully and nicely furnished, ready to move in. Hua Hin West, 6 km to the city 4.95 Mio THB Bargain - The “Pool Studio” for 2.2 Mio Jump from your terrace direct into the long and winding pool. Wonderful terraced house, newly renovated. Live in a “Studio” on 4.5 x 11 m, terrace 4.5 x 2.5 m, having a nice bathroom and a complete kitchen. Hua Hin West, 8 km to the city, resales Only 2.2 Mio THB
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HOT MAGAZINE RECOMMEND
v
Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55
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here are hotels well known in the world for their urban appeal, the comfort they provide amongst the big city life and the facilities they boast of to make a busy urbanite feel at home, disconnected from the hustle and the bustle of the often noisy and polluted cityscape. Adorned with the most convenient and well thought out amenities, urban hotels are meant to bring to the city dweller a sense of relief as he walks through the doors, making the guest’s space a haven of relaxation. This month, HOT Magazine reviews one
of such hotels at the heart of Bangkok’s most central business districts. Overlooking the busy and well to do quarter of Thong Lor in the country’s capital, the Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55 is one of those refuges every traveller desires as an accommodation that caters to the needs of the city dwellers. Combining a variety of styles, the décor of the hotel is of a charming mix between modern and classic architecture, varying from the rooms to the entrance hall or the spa.
Boasting almost 450 rooms of various comforts throughout the hotel, the Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55 remains constant in one aspect of its service: the provision of perfectly equipped accommodation for the occasion any guest may be looking for. All rooms are equipped with LED televisions, sofa beds, free WiFi, safety boxes, a fridge with free minibar, complimentary water, tea and coffee and grooming accessories amongst others. They also offer room, laundry, poolside, limousine and 24-doctor services.
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Five types of room grace the hotel, with the standard one being the Signature Deluxe or the Lady Deluxe. With its 40 square metre space, it is adequate for those who opt for practicality. A multi functioning bed, an ergonomic work desk and spacious bathroom with ample space, a tub and an automatic toilet seat make it ideal for the lone traveller or the busy couple. Then comes the Executive Suite, an ample, much more spacious accommodation of 70 square metres for the business traveller. Separate bedrooms and living rooms assure the guest will be able to draw a clear separation of busy work hours and relax time. Featuring not one, but two LED televisions and a stationary box for an optimum indoor work experience, the executive suite is ideal for any individual wishing to pursue his busy schedule within the luxurious amenities of the hotel. This is the suite I stayed in and I enjoyed the almost floor to ceiling wall of windows overlooking the city both in the lounge and the separate bedroom, the view was spectacular. I also found convenient the two different types of electric shades; one a vanity shade that still let light thru and the other a black out shade which made for better sleeping. The suite also featured an electronic toilet in the well 44
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sized bathroom. A Japanese invention, the electronic toilet is a convenience that once experienced makes going back to a traditional commode somewhat depressing. The Grande Corner Suite is a fantastic place to stage your leisure retreat: decorated with contemporary architecture and overlooking a skyline from the 30th floor of the hotel, the Grande Corner Suite is ideal for the golf traveller, the leisure seeker, the honeymoon couple or the visiting family. Spanning 70 square metres and possessing a fully equipped kitchenette, it is ideal for a day in or a family gathering. But if we’re really speaking of family gatherings, the Family Suite is definitely the most appropriate pick. At a staggering 110 square kilometres, it is by far the largest of the lot, with a stunning king bed and two double beds as well as two separate bathrooms. Apart from a kitchenette, it also includes a washing machine. In definitive, it’s ideal for a whole family outing. The hotel includes a large variety of leisure activities, ranging from the urban Onsen spa to the sunset pool. Indoor jacuzzis, fitness club, business lounge and conference halls give this hotel its mark of quality, where work and play can converge in the most accessible way. Feeling hungry? Why not head over to the BlueSpice Dining room for breakfast? A large array of both Asian and continental
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cuisine awaits at this matinal buffet venue, which combines western and oriental cuisine in the most curious of ways, even hosting a Night Market Buffet, to portray Bangkok’s outdoors in the indoors. If what you prefer is a lighter snack or some dinner and lunch, the BlueSpice Café is ideal for a bit of fusion taste: Thai, Japanese and Italian make up this colonially decorated venue. Open 24 hours, you will have no excuse to go hungry. In Real Estate, the three most important things to know are location, location, location and it’s not much different when choosing a hotel to stay. I normally stay in the CBD area of Sukhumvit and this was my first real foray into Thong Lor. Upon check-in, I was given a copy of the Thonglo Taste Map, a map showing the location of 98 eateries and drinkeries, all within close proximity to the hotel. Thong Lor has become the hot spot in BKK over the last few years, known for its excellent choice of upmarket and fashionable restaurants, along with plenty of trendy spots to drink the night away. As a large percentage of the Japanese expat population lives here, there are plenty of excellent izakaya, ramen, and sushi joints, and even a restaurant and shop village known as Nihonmura (Japantown). Two places I’ve been wanting to visit in the last year it turns out were just down the street from the hotel, those being Touche’ Hombre and Iron Ferries. The Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55 is one of the most ideal hotels for any traveller to enjoy their urban life once they’ve left the street, combining all of the necessary amenities to make of their stay a memorable one. Located minutes from BTS Thong Lor via their free shuttle, it’s easily accessible and readily equipped. If you’re heading to the capital for some days of hectic work or fun and are doubting about where to seek accommodation, the Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55 is the ideal place to check-in. Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55 300 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglo) Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Tel: +662 020 8000 Fax: +662 020 8088 Email: sukhumvit55@gcphotels.com
www.grandecentrepointsukhumvit55.com
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he private jet business has taken flight in spectacular fashion. Be it the laureate sportsman, the film star or the accomplished businessman, it has always been the affluent individual’s choice to opt for the experience of flight in the most personal way possible. In Thailand, MJETS is the market leader in private jet charter. Founded by American-born Thai businessman William E. “Bill” Heinecke, MJETS is an initiative which was designed to bring private air travel to the Land of Smiles,
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and has been doing so luxuriously since 1995.
and the Coffee Club which it bought several years ago.
Heinecke is the chairman of one of the largest hospitality and Leisure companies in Thailand, Minor International, also known as MINT. Minor operates an array of different businesses including hotels, resorts and retail trading, which include the top luxury brands in the world such as the Marriott, the Four Seasons, the Radisson and the Anantara. Additionally, it operates restaurants under various brands such as Burger King, Pizza Company, Swensen’s, Sizzler
In 2007, Mr. Krit Shah & his GP Group of companies invested in MJETS sharing ownership. MJETS operates a variety of different services both in the air and on the ground. The most prominent one is its aircraft charter. Providing both domestic and international flights across the region with a large and varied fleet, it serves the purpose for both busy businessmen and the rich and famous.
Another service of value MJETS operates is that of its air ambulance. Available around the clock every day of the year, MJETS allows those in need of bed to bed transportation to medical centres to receive the most caring of treatments. For this, the company possesses amongst its team very experienced pilots along with a team of support staff and engineers, who are able to cater to the shortest of notices due to their rapid ability to respond. MJETS also operates aircraft management services by providing the most complete advice to those who are eager to maximise the usage of their own private aircraft. MJETS provides guidance on every aspect of a private jet’s efficient usage, from maintenance to ownership costs. The company’s current fleet extends to ten aircraft. Amongst those are the most prominent of jet models, the Gulfstream G500, known as the gold standard of
private jets. The G5 is an unmatched work of aesthetic beauty, boasting a capacity for fourteen passengers and equipped with the best of luxury amenities. Shower facilities, fully reclining beds, two flight attendants, telephones and multiple television screens. The aircraft has the capability to fly from Bangkok to Paris at its 488-knot cruising speed without the need to stop. Another of the company’s impressive jets is their Cessna Citation X, one of the fastest non-military aircraft in the world. Running a pair of Rolls-Royce Allison engines, it can reach Mach 0.92 which translates to 608 knots or one mile every 6 seconds. The aircraft is an aerial bullet but still offers all the amenities found in the Gulfstream V. It fits in the mid-size private aircraft category with a comfortable 8-person cabin. Other jets in MJETS fleet include their Cessna Citation CJ3 which can fly from Bangkok to Taipei non-stop, seating six
very comfortably with deep cushioned recliners. Their Cessna Citation Bravo is a fuel efficient light jet able to perform trips like Bangkok to Chennai non-stop. The Bravo has excellent short-runway capabilities allowing you access to a large number of airports not accessible by many aircraft while accommodating up to 7 passengers comfortably. MJETS also has two Gulfstream G200’s which are classified as a super-midsize jet. It boasts a long range (Bangkok to Seoul non-stop) and the largest cabin size for its class whilst possessing an impressive cruising speed of 459 knots. Notwithstanding its impressive design, the two G200s are fully equipped with two living areas, an entertainment system, radio phones and power outlets perfect for the busy executives or simply a relaxing flight. Its fresh air system allows for passengers to arrive feeling less fatigued. It is the perfect aircraft for larger groups who want to travel longrange quickly and comfortably.
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In September of last year MJETS opened their 280 million baht private jet terminal at Don Mueang airport. It is a fully accredited facility and was voted the best FBO (fixed base operator) service in Asia. Accommodating up to 70 people, the lounge stretches 3,400 square feet and includes amenities such as conference rooms and on-site customs, immigration and security services. For their effort, MJETS also recently won the Best Luxury Aviation Brand Award, recognising the work that has gone into its establishment as Thailand’s – and Asia’s – best private airline service, the award culminated years of hard work and dedication on the part of MJET'S team. MJETS has grown to become of of Thailand's most prided companies. Operating one of the most luxurious and well established brands. Their business is on the rise and symbolic of the importance of luxury air travel in the country. If you can afford to and have not yet experienced their service, we highly recommend you do so. MJETS Don Mueang International Airport 222 Viphavadee-Rangsit Road Don Mueang, Bangkok 10210 Tel +66 (0) 2034 5678 Fax +66 (0) 2034 5677 Email info@mjets.com
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Compare the quality Villas come with furniture packages, pools, carports, landscaped gardens, sprinkler system, ceiling fans, mosquito screens, air conditioning, fitted kitchens & wardrobes. The development benefits from underground electricity, no unsightly cables and concrete poles.
Compare the facilities & services The onsite sales office will be transformed into a riverside restaurant and cafe. Large outdoor communal area which can be used to host gatherings and BBQ’s with a safe children’s play area. Daily complimentary air conditioned shuttle bus service to Hua Hin town center Pool & garden maintenance and 24-hour onsite security guard
Compare the location Secure community set in a picturesque area, alongside a natural river boasting many large old trees on Soi 88 just west of Hua Hin
Compare the prices! 3 BEDROOM POOL VILLA STARTING FROM 5.86M THB
For those looking for the luxury, convenience and security of an established developer in Hua Hin Woodlands Residence is the very best on offer. CALL: +66 (0) 85 135 9301 EMAIL: info@redmountainhuhin.com
Soi 88, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77110
www.redmountainhuahin.com
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From National to Universe Mister National Universe 2017
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rom June 6th thru 13th the Inaugural Mister National Universe Pageant took place in Thailand. Host cities for the event were Hua Hin and Bangkok. Fourteen men from around the world traveled to the Kingdom to compete for the title of Mister National Universe. Countries represented were, India, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Brazil, Cambodia, Italy, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam & Belarus. Similar in scope and style to the more well-known female pageants, contestants competed in Casual Wear, Formal Wear, Swim Wear, Talent, National Costume & Intelligence. To be able to compete in Thailand, most contestants had to win their national pageant in their home country. This international pageant for men is owned by Ms. Tanya Siri Vijitsomphong, Ms. Carima Kakhow, Ms. Thanyasa Thajindar and Mr. Zayyan Hein. The candidates and the accompanying national and international media arrived in Hua Hin on June sixth and were welcomed by Hua Hin’s Lord Mayor Khun Nopporn Vuttikuland and Vice Mayor Khun Montri at a VIP launch party on the rooftop of TRUE Arena Hua Hin. Later the men were given a tour of Hua Hin’s premier sports complex, True Arena, and then it was off to LeBar in the center of Hua Hin for the official evening welcome party. The theme for the competition was “Where Pageantry and Luxury Meet” and it certainly did as the men stayed at the luxurious InterContinental Hua Hin Resort for their first two nights in Thailand’s Royal Resort beach town. Wednesday June 7th was the official photoshoot day where the men were photographed in sport and formal wear and then headed off to Vana Nava’s Water Jungle to engage in some water fun and more picture taking, this time underwater. Early morning Thursday saw the men beachside in front of the InterContinental as they paid respect to the Monks by giving them alms as the holy men passed along the beach. Later the guys and media were at the Anantara Hua Hin Resort for lunch and a tour of the property followed by a trip to tour Hua Hin’s Police Camp. Friday morning saw the guys breakfasting at the Amari Hua Hin Resort and then they made their way to True Arena Hua Hin for a day of sport. Later that evening it was off to a Hawaiian themed Aloha Party at Electric Mango, where guests and media enjoyed a swimsuit and Resort wear fashion show with both male and female models. Saturday it all went to the dogs as the guys and entourage headed to Hua Hin’s Rescue Paws Dog Rescue center
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for a presentation on the great work they do there. Afterwards everyone took turns washing and walking some of the canines that call Rescue Paws their temporary home. Later there was a Hua Hin send-off party at EAST Rooftop Bar and Lounge and later, later at Mad Dog in Hua Hin. Sunday saw the men and accompanying media board their private coach and head to Bangkok where they went sightseeing on a river boat trip and participated in a photo shoot at Chuchai Buri. That evening there was a welcome party at the N-Siri Resort. Monday was a day of rest and for the men to mentally prepare for the big pageant the following day. The Mister National Universe Pageant was held in the Ballroom of the 5 star Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit on June 13th. Honorary Chairwoman Khun M.R. Malinee Jakhaphan was on hand as well as the Celebrity Judges who had to make the tough decisions. The judges included; K Watanyoo Mungmai, K. Bryant Olson, K. Chuchai Chailitilert, K. Varayuth Milintachinda, K. Vachini Krairiksh Venvell, K. Num Prasert, K. Akaraj Youbumrung K. Jack Fenix and others. The sold-out affair was live streamed in high definition and had an audience of over 300,000 people watching on-line. At the conclusion of the competition the votes were tallied and it was India’s Dr. Pankaj Ahlawat who won the title Mister National Universe 2017. Dr. Ahlawat has had quite an amazing 2017 so far. He recently received his medical degree and he won the Rubaru Mr. India National Universe competition. He describes himself as an ordinary guy from New Delhi with extraordinary dreams. In an interview with MisterOlogy, the world’s number one website for male pageants, prior to coming to Thailand, he said, “I believe that optimism is the key to success and leading a great life. I find happiness in every little thing that life offers. A doctor by profession, I like to help people, not just by medication but in every possible way. It makes me feel extremely happy when I make people around me happy. I like to learn and experience new things by challenging myself to new heights. I strongly believe in the quote, “every time I try something new, either I succeed or I learn a new lesson.” He was then asked his thoughts on representing India at the Mr. National Universe competition in Thailand, “I feel so proud and humbled that I have been given this wonderful opportunity to represent my nation at the inaugural edition of the Mister National Universe contest. I would like to thank the Rubaru Mr India Organization for seeing the potential in me and believing in me that I would do full justice to this title. I am 60
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determined to give my best and will surely give my best. Other than that, I am really looking forward to explore the beautiful land of Thailand with my new friends and learn about Thai culture.� The Full list of winners were: WINNER Mister National Universe 2017: Dr. Pankaj Ahlawat from India Runner Up: Nigel Van Andrew from Malaysia Runner Up: Seagame Arthit Mekarkard from Thailand Runner Up: Daniel Siu from China Runner Up: Daniel Benjamin from Brazil Best National Costume went to Nigel Van Andrew from Malaysia Best Talet Award went to Chathura Dilan from Sri Lanka Best in Swimwear Award went to Daniel Siu from China Best Physique Award went to Mickey Stotch from Russia So Cool Guy Award went to Dr. Pankaj Ahlawat from India Media Choice Award went to Thotsaphone Sitphaxay from Laos People’s Choice Award went to Dr. Pankaj Ahlawat from India Other men who competed were Kov Keonarin from Cambodia, Emanuele M. Amboy from Italy, Khon Seng from Myanmar, Renz Lesther Cerezo from the Philippines, Quach Dinh Thong from Vietnam & Dimitrii Slizevski from Belarus.
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Out and About with the Men of Mister National Universe
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HOME& REAL ESTATE Brought to you by
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HOME OF
THE MONTH This Beautiful home sits elegantly within the tropical paradise of the White Lotus Development, one of Hua Hin’s finest housing estates. Situated in the desirable south end of Hua Hin and nestled on the hillsides with lush trees and temples exposed majestically atop. The Home provides for great functionality with 2 wings that are separated by a grand pool and covered terraces with the wings joined by a lovely covered walk way at one end and by a ornamental fish pond with floating sala. The Gardens at White Lotus Residences are highly praised, with this residence sitting in the middle of its larger than normal plot that has beautifully landscaped gardens on all sides. You enter the home via a driveway that allows the house to be set back and an opportunity to show off the frontage of this well-designed home with stately pillars and well-proportioned roof. On entering the house from the front, you walk into the main indoor living area which has with great thought to design, been sectioned into 3 parts, living, dining and office, all with ample space for comfortable living and entertaining. There is a separate large kitchen which leads to the outdoor terrace and is connected to maids quarters which offer a living room and en-suite bedroom. The covered terraces are extra wide at 5 meters which allows for an assortment of dining tables, sun loungers and outdoor sofas with plenty of room to walk around and to open up the French doors to the living areas. On the second wing of the property are the Bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms and lovely views from the front, back and sides of the tropical grounds. Each bedroom is spacious and enjoys the same wide covered terrace in front the laze away the afternoons in the shade. The property benefits from exceptional furniture and fixtures and fitting and has been maintained impeccably year on year during the 7 yrs since it was constructed and has been lived in, every day from then until now. The Owner is reluctantly moving away from the area which forces the sale.
Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 6 Living area: 590 m2 Land area: 2,500 m2
29,950,000 THB 72
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The Development itself consists of approximately 30 executive Villas on large land plots, with elevated positions offering easy access to beaches, golf courses, True Arena, Vana Nava water park and MahaSumutra Country Club This home is also close to both on Hua Hin’s major shopping malls, Blu Port and Market Village as well as easy access to Soi 112, the large dual carriage highway from the By-pass highway making for quicker trips to and from Bangkok and the Suvarnabhumi International airport. To arrange a personal tour call 084 387 5699 or email info@hothuahin.com. To view the complete picture catalog visit www.hothuahinproperty.com, property reference number AG-B021351484.
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O
rchid Palm Homes got its start back in Hua Hin’s Real Estate boom times. In the early 2000’s all a developer had to do was buy some land, commission some basic artistic perspectives and they would sell out their project before a shovel touched the ground. Times have certainly changed since then but Orchid Palm Homes has continued on, doing what it does best, building and selling out developments one after the other. Along the way they have garnered more than their share of awards. Orchid is currently starting on their ninth development which they
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HM: Gary, Can you give us a brief History of Orchid Palm Homes from its early beginnings?
call Mali Prestige. It follows their last sold out project which they named Mali Residence. HOT Magazine caught up with Orchid Palm Home’s sales manager Gary Hills to find out why he thinks Orchid has been so successful and to find out how their latest development will differ from those past.
GH: We started as a small family construction company over 12 years ago with our first developments located in soi 102, each one just a small development with a handful of houses. With the fast paced development in Hua Hin, we felt the need to change the demographic of Building and straight road developments gave way to a need for more community based developments, where one did not just live side by side with their neighbors but where they had a more community
Photos are taken at community area on Mali Residence
feel about them. This was also a factor in the decision to open a restaurant on our 4th development, enabling the residents to have a place to socialize. Our last fully completed development close to The Banyan golf course – The Views, has 46 villas, and our development called Mali Residence, has 66 villas all sold out within 18 months and is due for completion early 2018.
HM: Since Orchid Palm Homes has been building they have garnered quite a few awards, can you tell us about them? GH:
With any type of award it
is nice to be nominated and of course it is nice to win, but we do not build houses to win awards we build houses for our customers, their families and their lifestyles. The awards of both the Thailand Property Market and the South East Asia Market of course are very humbling to win, most notably the Best Boutique Developer Thailand award in 2014. It’s good to see that the Property Market recognizes Hua Hin as a great destination to purchase a 2nd home. The accolades are great for the company and equally great for the staff from our contractors all the way up the Managing
Director. An award received is only down to hard work of the team.
HM: Over the last ten years, Orchid has sold out 8 projects in Hua Hin and doing very well on its 9th. Why do you think Orchid is so popular over other projects in Hua Hin? GH: There is a fairly obvious & simple answer for this, which is that the company was formed with an experienced builder at the helm who has been in the construction industry since he was sixteen. He knows construction & is always on site to make sure everything HOT Magazine
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is built according to the correct specifications & standards that we all expect from a high quality Western build, A true quality Build, finished to a high standard and completed on time.
HM: You are currently finishing your 8th project called Mali Residence and have already sold quite a few homes at your new 9th development Mali Prestige. What has been the biggest change in concept for these two new developments? GH: Hua Hin is becoming a younger city, with more and more families with children moving to be here with excellent international and local schools & many wonderful amenities. With the Mali developments, the customers that were coming to us were starting to include more young families with small children. We have always wanted to promote community spirit within our developments so the idea around a real family centered community area came about. A safe place for the children to play & a relaxing area where residents, be they parents or grandparents, could all gather to meet each other and get to know their neighbors. The inclusion of the barbecue area was an idea born from many visits to Australia, where some of our villa owners come from, where we saw wonderful open-air areas that people could use for having a barbecue and entertain their friends and family, plus it keeps the mess out of the house.
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Villa Orchid
HM: What is the most popular option your buyers request? GH: We have always offered several designs to our customers over the years but the smaller option of our villas, the Villa Orchid, is the most popular. It is a beautiful 3 bedroom villa with 2 bathrooms, open plan living & kitchen & 2 separate terrace areas, one for dining & one for relaxing next to the oversize pool for these particular plots. The Villa Orchid has proven to be the best livable sized Home with all of our customers &
has become a very desirable option for people that are looking for an investment with high rental potential.
HM: What is the entry price for a Mali Prestige home and what is the most expensive? Expanding on that, what will you get in the most expensive home that you won’t get in your least expensive home? GH: The starting price for a beautiful, fully furnished villa with private swimming pool & landscape garden is 7,250,000 Baht. The price
of the villa will depend entirely on what the customer wants. We can add guesthouses, barbecue areas, Jacuzzis, saunas, pretty much whatever you can think of, if you have the budget, we can build it.
HM: Some developments are popular with certain nationalities, is that true with Orchid or are you more like the U.N., with owners from all over the world? GH: I think why we have such a diverse nationality of Residents is that we work with some of the best agents in Hua Hin, and not just one agent that has a customer base from a particular nationality. We love the melting pot of residents that we have at Orchid Palm Homes. We try to make sure that everyone feels welcome & that is what we think attracts our customers to purchase and allows for a good mixture of nationalities so everyone feels at home when they buy a villa with us. HM: What would you say is Orchid’s biggest strength? Mali Prestige construction progress - June 12th 2017
GH: I would have to say that our team is our biggest strength. We are a family. A highly dedicated & experienced developer, a great Sales & Marketing team that help look after all of our technical facets as well. Our excellent after sales care team and our inhouse service team from pools, gardens, shuttle services and with our larger developments onsite supervisors. HM: Conversely, what do you see as Orchid’s biggest weakness? GH: A hard question to answer but I would say that sometimes our attention to detail and dedication to quality can mean we end up causing ourselves some additional costs during building. We always make sure that every villa is finished to the same high quality as our show villas, so if the developer says it’s not up to our standards then it get redone.
Villa Orchid Prestige
HM: Orchid Palm Homes certainly has residential building dialed in, have you ever thought about tapping the condo market with Orchid Condos or maybe even building outside of Hua Hin? GH: We have had some internal discussions around various other options for Orchid Palm Homes in the future, but no solid plans have been made as of yet. All we can say is watch this space. For more informationabout Orchid Palm Homes, visit the website www.orchidpalmhomes.com
Villa Lillawadee Prestige
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+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com
HOME & REAL ESTATE
Hua Hin West
#AG-B142
Almost New Pool Villa Built By One Of Hua Hin’s Premier Developers, Fully Furnished, Covered Terrace, Euro Kitchen Living area : 167 m2 Beds : 3 Baths : 3 Land area : 550 m2
Hua Hin North
8,000,000 THB
#AG-V510367
12 Minutes N. of Hua Hin Center, Close to golf course, Fully Furnished, Covered Terrace, Large Pool, Euro Kitchen Beds : 4 Baths : 5
Living area : 425 m2 Land area : 808 m2
Hua Hin South
Hua Hin South Koh Takiab
#AG-T313306
7 Minutes S of Hua Hin Center 1 minute walk to desirable beach Townhouse, communal Pool, Euro Kitchen Beds : 3 Baths : 3
Living area : 135 m2 Land area : 350 m2
Hua Hin West Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
8,000,000 THB
#AG-V216731 Living Area: 165 m2 Land Area: 550 m2
6,500,000 THB 5,500,000 THB
8,900,000 THB
#AG-B138
Hua Hin South
#AG-B143
10 Minutes SW of Hua Hin Center, Highly Desirable Dev., Fully Furnished, Large covered Terrace, 4X10 Pool, Euro Kitchen
Well-Built Fully Furnished L Shape Pool Villa In A Popular Small Development. Just Minutes From Town. Covered Terrace, Euro Kitchen.
Beds : 4 Baths : 3
Beds : 3 Baths : 4
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Living area : 189 m2 Land Area : 630 m2
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8,900,000 THB
Living area : 278 m2 Land area : 800 m2
View our full property catalog at
www.hothuahinproperty.com
11,500,000 THB
+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com
HOME & REAL ESTATE
Hua Hin West
#AG-B216813
Hua Hin North
#AG-B211550
10 Minutes W of Hua Hin Center, Highly Desirable Dev., Fully Furnished, Large covered Terrace, 4X12 Pool, Euro Kitchen
10 Minutes North of Hua Hin Center, Highly Desirable Golf Course Development, Large covered Terrace, Large Pool, Euro Kitchen
Beds: 4 Baths: 4
Beds: 4 Baths: 4
Living area: 340 m2 Land area: 2,400 m2
Hua Hin South
11,000,000 THB
#AG-V3000570
Living area: 340 m2 Land area: 2,400 m2
Pak Nam Pran
14,800,000 THB
#AG-V213990
10 Minutes South of Hua Hin Center, Highly Desirable Dev., Sea Views, Large covered Terrace, Large Pool, Euro Kitchen
25 Minutes S of Hua Hin Center, Highly Desirable Location, 50 Mtrs to beach, Fully Furnished, 4X10 Pool, Euro Kitchen
Beds: 5 Baths: 5
Beds: 3 Baths: 4
Living area: 700 m2 Land area: 380 m2
Hua Hin North
15,900,000 THB
#AG-V211578
10 Minutes North of Hua Hin Center, Modern Large House, Fullyy Furnished, Separate Guest Suite, Large Pool, Euro Kitchen Beds: 5 Baths: 5
Land area: 2,200 m2 Living area: 560 m2
Living area: 380 m2 Land area: 700 m2
Hua Hin South Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4
17,950,000 THB
#AG-B139 Living Area: 350 m2 Land Area: 1600 m2
7,900,000 THB 7,000,000 THB
19,000,000 THB
View our full property catalog at
www.hothuahinproperty.com
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+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com
HOME & REAL ESTATE
Hua Hin West #AG-B216832 Located approximately ten minutes West of Hua Hin is this well designed four bedroom pool villa featuring three bedrooms in the main house and a separate one bed en-suite guest house. Beds : 4 Baths : 3
Living area : 210 m2 Land area : 700 m2
9,200,000 THB
Located approximately 15 minutes North of town center is this nice four bedroom home with pool for sale in Hua Hin sitting on a large land plot in a fully completed Development. Beds : 4 Baths : 3
Living area : 195 m2 Land area : 800 m2
Hua Hin South #AG-B216820 This Bali style two bedroom pool villa is located on a Luxury Development near the town centre and beaches. The villa has been finished to a high standard.
Hua Hin South
Beds : 2 Baths : 2
Beds : 3 Baths : 4
Living area : 135 m2 Land area : 500 m2
Hua Hin South Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
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7,500,000 THB
#AG-V217514 Living Area: 175 m2 Land Area: 550 m2
6,500,000 THB 5,250,000 THB
#AG-B216818
Hua Hin West
6,900,000 THB
#AG-B212272
Located approximately ten minutes South of Hua Hin is this spacious, brand new, three bedroom pool villa with large rooms throughout. Living area : 380 m2 Land area : 1400 m2
Hua Hin West Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
View our full property catalog at
www.hothuahinproperty.com
12,875,000 THB
#AG-V313108 Living Area: 190 m2 Land Area: 562 m2
7,900,000 THB 6,200,000 THB
+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com
HOME & REAL ESTATE
Hua Hin West
#AG-V172
Rare To Market Black Mountain Golf Course Home With Amazing Views This high-end luxury home has a commanding view of the prestigious Black Mountain Golf Course and the mountains of Sam Roi Yot beyond. Built of the finest materials this dream home features four large en-suite bedrooms, 3 on the second floor, each offering outstanding views and one bedroom on the ground floor that leads out to the sundeck. Additionally, there is an office which could convert to a bedroom and an en-suite maid’s quarters. This dream home also boasts a separate TV lounge, sizeable dining room, both an indoor and outdoor kitchen, a large infinity swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. The gardens are mature and are stepped terraced with stone walls. And if that wasn’t enough, it also comes with two lifetime memberships to the best golf course in Hua Hin, Black Mountain. It is rare that one of these homes come on the market and this home in particular due to the impressive views it offers. Serious inquiries only. Beds : 6
Baths : 6
Hua Hin West
#AG-V212241
Located mere minutes from the Black Mountain Golf Course, rated one of Hua Hin’s very best, is this large 3 story pool villa in a modern design. Beds : 4 Baths : 5
50,000,000 THB
Living area : 514 m2 Land area : 1,000 m2
Living area : 500 m2 Land area : 800 m2
19,950,000 THB
Hua Hin North
#AG-V1701001
12 Minutes North of Hua Hin Center, Highly Desirable Dev., Fullyy Furnished, Large covered Terrace, Large Pool, Euro Kitchen Beds: 4 Baths: 4
Living area: 300 m2 Land area: 2,000 m2
View our full property catalog at
www.hothuahinproperty.com
19,750,000 THB
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