Lookeast Magazine September 2013 by Lookeast Magazine

LIFESTYLE

HOTELS

DINING NIGHTLIFE SHOPPING EVENTS PERSONALITIES ART CULTURE SPAS

EST. 1971

SEPTEMBER ISSN 0857-1139

TRAVEL

SEPTEMBER 2013

september 2 0 1 3 V O L . 4 2 N O . 9

Janet McNab Stephen Morahan Tash Tobias 4 Real Island Escapes Baan Krut: Hidden Gem Rap Bua Festival Executive Lounge Roundup World Gourmet Festival Conrad Koh Samui Sukantara Chiang Mai Millennium Hilton Bangkok Snapper Bar School

Best for Bangkokians M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra Governor, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration www.lookeastmagazine.com

thb100

What's Inside

Conrad Koh Samui

travel 18 Rab Bua //

At the end of the rainy season, Thailand honored the lotus flower at the wild “Rab Bua” (Lotus Receiving Festival) celebrated in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan

LIFESTYLE

20 4 Real Island Escapes //

60 Beach Calling //

24 Business to Please:

62 Taking Discomfort Away //

Get away from it all and experience some real island life in some of Thailand’s best island paradises: Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Mu Koh Surin, and Ang Thong Marine Park

An Executive Lounge Roundup //

The main rule is: “Forget the rules, it is your holiday and so do it your way – in your own style The “Siam Therapeutic Wisdom” of Oasis Spa is designed to release deep-seated tension and pain and restore the body’s natural energy and equilibrium

Just a sampling of Thailand’s many smart, sophisticated, well-mannered, and technologically astute executive club lounges and why we love them

Gem // 30 Hidden A trip to the hidden paradise of Baan Krut

brings back memories of the Thailand of old

44 More Than Just Pool Villa Luxury //

Conrad Koh Samui has all the ingredients for a perfect beach holiday

48 Fulfill Your Life,

Get Back to Nature //

regulars

A mighty cascade flows through Sukantara: beautiful to the eye, and a perfect soundtrack for sunbathing or morning meditation.

PERSONALITIES

wine & dine 66 Celebration of Great Cuisine, Wine //

Bangkok welcomes chefs, winemakers, and food experts from around the globe at Four Seasons Bangkok’s World Gourmet Festival

a Difference // 52 Making Janet McNab, area general manager for South Thailand of Starwood, feels very blessed for being chosen to take on her new role and very keen to make a difference; although she doesn’t expect things to happen overnight

to Re-energize // 68 Plans New Millennium Hilton Bangkok director of

F&B bares great plans for the 5-star riverside hotel

54 Enjoying Chiangrai //

Chiangrai is rising up to its tourism fortunes, and Le Meridien Chiangrai’s new GM wants to get the word out

56 Gender is Not an Issue //

New GM of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park says first thing is to bring the team together and really find a way to bring the hotel to the next level

Lookeast | table of contents

COVER: ‘What guides me in my decisions is the best interest of the people; my reward is the happiness my policies bring to the majority of Bangkokians’ – M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Kiwi Experience // 70 Authentic Snapper offers a delicious glimpse into what New Zealand has in store for foodies

Playing Bartenders //

Looking for your favorite cocktail in Bangkok? DIY – with Joseph Boroski of Bar School

6 8 14 16 32 34 64 72 78 80 84

Editor´s Note Calendar Film: Reel Life Beach Reads/Travel Gear Travel Deals Travel news Spa Offers Dining Specials Bar Specials Directory My Favorite Place

WORLD-CLASS LUXURY

100 BRANDS MORE THAN 500 FASHION SHOPS WITH OVER

From the Editor

www.LOOKEASTonline.com | September 2013

PUBLISHER: sid sehgal

sid@thesehgalgroup.com

t is September, a month widely celebrated in songs and poetry around the world. While this ninth month of the Gregorian calendar, is often a month full of unexpected rainpours, overcast skies, and grey mornings in Thailand, it is also a month with a festive face and a happy mood. Of boat races, candle festivals, and Buddhist meritmaking activities that spice up the joy of living in the kingdom, and give things their proper equilibrium. In the travel and tourism industry, it signals the near-end of the low-season, when the sunrise of hope begins to appear among stakeholders who are understandably anticipating the coming certainty of a re-energized business climate, better yields, and improved conditions. There is much to look forward to, indeed. Reflecting the general mood around us, Lookeast Magazine takes the opportunity this month to share with you Thailand’s characteristically optimistic essence. The variety and value of tourist attractions, the breadth and diversity of lifestyles to enjoy, the range of experiences to absorb, explore, and eventually learn something from. This can be gleaned from our choice of travel features this month, from the Rap Bua Lotus Throwing Festival (page 18) to our Mini Guide (Hidden Gem, page 30) – an attempt on our part to delve into places off the radar of the mainstream traveler. Even the "4 Real Island Escapes" story (page 20) takes us to some of the lesser known getaways usually overshadowed by their bigger cousins in popularity but maybe not in what they have offer. We even essayed an "Exexutive Lounges Roundup, page 24), not in the traditional ranking’em up listing, but to showcase them as they appeal to travelers. Elsewhere, we have gathered a cornucopia of stories and features that you should find interesting and informative such as the interviews in our Personality section (from the current Bangkok Gov., M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, to Starwood’s new area GM in South Thailand, Janet McNab; to the new Le Meridien Chiangrai GM, Stephen Morahan; and to the new female boss at Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park, Tash Tobias). Our magazine continues to grow (we’re now technically the in-flight magazine of Jet Asia Airways), -- in terms of distribution, stature, network, and otherwise – and we hope to continue to be everything you have come to expect. As they say, the more things change the more they remain the same, but we are relentless in our efforts to be ahead of the pack: a magazine comprehensively informative, often persuasive, deliberately entertaining, and always interesting to read. May you enjoy this issue of Lookeast Magazine. Please feel free to send us your feedback and suggestions, as we’d like to be even more of great service to our readers. Happy reading to all -- and safe travels every one.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: percy roxas

percy@lookeastmagazine.com

SOCIAL EDITOR: earth saisawang FASHION EDITOR: KORNKANOK YONGSAKUL art director: apichart boontid SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: JARMMAREE JANJATURONRASAMEE ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: acharin suthisawad acharin@thesehgalgroup.com

Executive Assistant to ceo: Panitkan Apiratanapimonchai panitkan@thesehgalgroup.com

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ankita@thesehgalgroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS: Dave Stamboulis Paul CYpert george saharat somapa Atthasith Khupratakul Laurence Civil TAWN CHATCHAVALVONG INTERN: EMMI LAINE

DIRECTOR: gaurav sehgal GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: asha narula sehgal PRESIDENT: ravi sehgal CHAIRMAN: dato satish sehgal

Percy Roxas Editor-in-Chief

is published monthly by: Advertising & Media Consultants Co., Ltd. Richmond Office Building 18th Floor 75/65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand. T. (662) 204.2449 F. (662) 204.2984 email. info@lookeastmagazine.com web. www.lookeastonline.com

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Lookeast | from the editor

Views and opinions expressed in the articles herein by individual writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editorial staff and management of either the Lookeast Magazine or the Advertising & Media Consultants Co., Ltd.

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what’s on in september 26 Justin Bieber in Bangkok “Baby.” “One Time.” “Never Say Never.” “As Long As You Love Me.” Love poems to all the believers from the one and only, young and sparkling superstar in his first Bangkok concert. The 19-year-old musical miracle will make a oneday stop in the City of Angels, and start his Asian leg of “Believe Tour 2013.” One reason it took Bieber this long to reach Krung Thep is that the teenage tenor has been busy, too. By January’s debut of Believe Acoustic, Bieber has become the first-ever artist to earn five No. 1 albums before his 19th birthday. Together he has sold over 15 million records worldwide -- the same as if almost all the inhabitants of Bangkok bought his album, twice. So what is the message of the young multimillionaire to his fans? “My message is you can do anything if you just put your mind to it. I grew up below the poverty line; I didn’t have as much as other people did. I think it made me stronger as a person it built my character. Now I have a 4.0 grade point average, and I want to go to college and just become a better person.” For all, young and old who believe in him, the tickets are priced at Bt2,500-Bt6,500 at all ThaiTicketMajor outlets or www.thaiticketmajor.com Where: IMPACT, Challenger Hall 3, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Road, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-262-3838

National Events & Festivals

September Moon Festival/MidAutumn Festival

The Chinese “Mid-Autumn Festival” is celebrated every year usually in September or early October. This time marks the end of harvesting season, and implies cordial worship to the lunar deities. Thus the festival bears three-closely knit, fundamental meanings to the Chinese culture: gathering, thanksgiving, and praying. In Bangkok, as in various other Chinatown locations around the globe, the festival is mostly apparent in its tremendously sweet and eccentrically flavored mooncakes. The festival is not just interesting

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for the mooncakes, though. There are also other activities such as mooncake cooking demonstrations, musical performances, and exhibitions in Chinatown. The visitors can watch dragon dances performed by locals, burn incense in Chinese temples, light up some lanterns, or simply adore the moon. Most major Bangkok hotels are marking the event with special promotions and mooncake festivals. Where: Chinatown, Bangkok

September Adidas Run

The “Adidas King Of The Road Thailand 2013 (KOYR)” is an international running competition held in a unique environment: at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The race route is alongside the runway, giving runners some stunning views of the lights illuminating the runway and terminal, against the morning sunrise. The historic running championship will be

held across Southeast Asia -- in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The overall distance of the KOTR across the five countries is 84km (the equivalent of 2 marathons). Where: Suvarnabhumi Airport // More information: www. adidaskingoftheroad.com

7-8 Phichit Traditional Long Boat Races Held on the Nan River in the North, “Phichit Long Boat Races” are among the oldest competitions in Thailand. This year, 40 long-rowing boats compete in various categories; 41-55 paddlers, 31-40 paddlers and boats with less than 30 paddlers. The two-day competition is accompanied by a colorful fair and cultural shows. Vendors sell local food, such as the local specialty Khao Mao Thot (fried shredded rice) and fruit; guavas, pomelos, tamarinds, and others. Where: Nan River, in front of Wat Tha Luang Temple, Phichit // Contact: 056-611-378

21-29 Thailand Open 2013

The annual tennis tournament will see Andy Murray, US Open champion and World #2 for the fourth time, wishing to repeat the success he had in winning the event in 2011. Fighting for the crown and a US$631,500 prize will be Tomas Berdych, World #6, and defending Thailand Open champion Richard Gasquet, World #9, among others. Tickets are sold through ThaiTicketMajor outlets, starting at just Bt300. Where: IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani,

99 Popular Rd., Bangkok // Contact: 02-262-3838

13-Oct 14 Bangkok’s 15th International Festival of Dance & Music

A program of great magnitude featuring over 20 performances spread over five weeks with more than a thousand artists on the stage each year. The festival is entering its 15th year, and will feature opera and ballet, as well as classical, jazz, rock, pop music and dance. Some of the shows of this year are: Chick Corea, The 10 Tenors with Orchestra, Inaki Urlezaga Ballet Concierto, and Les Contes d´Hoffmann by Helikon Opera. Where: Thailand Cultural Center, Ratchadapisek Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok (MRT: TCC) // Contact: 02-2470028 or www.bangkokfestivals. com/venue#

Arts & Culture 1-15 The Labyrinth of My Mind

Kamol Tamseewan, an emerging Thai artist explores the intricate nature of the human mind through this solo exhibition. He conveys his emotions, thoughts, and physical and spiritual experiences through a unique brush technique, fragmented lines, and his semi-abstract style. The unfinished lines highlight the fragility of the whole, as the mind breaks into joy, happiness, regret, and anger. The conclusions are subjective and relativist. The inner observations are inseparably intermitted with the constantly changing, increasingly complex surrounding. Where: Koi Art Gallery Bangkok, 43/12 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Sawadee Rd, Bangkok // Contact: 02-6623218

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artist won the Best Award in Industrial Ceramics Design at the “16th National Ceramics Exhibition of Thailand” this year. Where: Studio Miu Art Thailand, 283/39 Soi Thonglor 13 (Sukhumvit 55), Bangkok // Contact: 02-712-7878

1-15 Eiji Sumi: Under Construction

“Under Construction” is a mixedmedia exhibition comprised of paintings, multimedia projections, and installations influenced by New York-based artist Eiji Sumi´s obsession with construction sites. Sumi experiments with lighting installations and mixedmedia artworks, which interact with his paintings, and liberate them from the confines of their frames. Swedish sound designer Niklas Möller, also NY-based, has collaborated with Sumi especially for this exhibition, and created a soundtrack for Sumi´s works. Where: WTF Gallery, #7, Sukhumvit 51 (BTS: Thonglor) // Contact: 02-662-6246

6 Daniel Kandi

Danish trance producer Daniel Kandi is on a hectic tour, and squeezes one night in Bangkok in between Ibiza and Manila. Armin Van Buuren, the famous Dutch trance DJ who has selected his songs such as “Sagittarius” into Universal Religion Chapter 5 (2011) has repeatedly praised Kandi’s tracks. Trance Music Lovers (TLT) organizes the uplifting event, where some prominent Thai DJs Jonnie B and Hype Viper line up before Kandi. Tickets: Bt550 (including one drink). Where: LED, RCA Block C, Rama 9 Rd., Bangkok // Contact: 087-715-9290 or 089170-7903

Until Oct 11 My Journey with Monsters

Kamonchanok Panuwed´s ceramic creations are designed to motivate the viewers to stick to their ambitions, and achieve their personal goals. The ceramic

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13 ICP 2013: Nutcracker on Ice United Kingdom

While The Nutcracker is definitely one of Tchaikovsky´s most famous compositions, it is also one of the world’s most beloved ballets. What would be better than to see it performed by 26 Olympic, World, European and National Championship skaters, with more than 250 competition medals in their sleeves? The Imperial Ice Stars, a theatrical ice skating company brings the brilliance to Bangkok, and stirs the viewers with songs, dances, acrobatics, fire and magic. Ticket price: Bt700-Bt3,000. Where: Thailand Cultural Centre, 14 Thiamruammitr Road, Huay Khwang, Bangkok // Contact: 02-247-0028

13-29 Vavoon 2013

M theater presents “Vavoon 2013,” a play that is adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name by Vachara Vaewuthinand. Through this contemporary piece, the author tells a story of the recent times when the he was studying at the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Show only at 2 p.m. on Sat-Sun. Where: M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., Bangkok // Contact: 08-02600771/6

14 Blackhead: White Line

Veteran of Thai alternative rock music, Blackhead performs all major hits from their 20 years in the music scene in a onenight-only show in Bangkok. Newer hits, such as “Suay Jing (Perfectly Beautiful)” from the latest album “White Line” will also be in the list. Anon Saisaengchan, best known as Pu Blackhead said: “We have

paid careful attention on every detail of the show, including new stage techniques, to make sure it is indeed what our fans, old and new, have been expecting for so long.” Supporting artists are Hugo, Mild, and DJ Run. Tickets: Bt1,600-Bt2,000. Where: Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80 (Lad Phrao), Bangkok // Contact: 02-539-3881

27-29 The Mousetrap

The longest running play in history, with over 25,000 performances in the West End in London since 1952, it is only now that “The Mousetrap” makes its debut in Bangkok. Behind the theatrical production is Eleven Live, a fresh name in Bangkok theatre scene, but perhaps familiar to some for their recent play Phantom of the Opera. They breathe life into the grand old piece of theatre history, and from their perspective, interpret this legendary play set in the 1950s guesthouse and its curious visitors in England. It is a murder mystery, and characteristically to Christie´s style, leaves room

for the viewers to deduct the murderer before the ghastly truth comes out in the end. Tickets Bt2,000-Bt4,000. Where: Aksra Theatre King Power, King Power Complex 8/1 Rangnam Road, Phya Thai, Bangkok (BTS: Victory Monument) // Contact: Thaiticketmajor outlets and Aksra Theatre King Power at 02205-8888

Until March 2014 Bangkok Asean Art & Culture Festival (BAAF)

“Let's OPEN & SHARE together for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.” That is the motto of BAAF this year. The cultural festival has reached its second stage at the start of September, and ASEAN Art and Culture workshops will take place in BACC until the end of October. With major organizers behind the event, such as Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, BACC, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited and True Corporation, this festival will serve as a platform for ASEAN art and cultural dialogue, and offer networking opportunities and resources for sustained development in the region. For participants, this means seminars, talks, workshops, exhibitions, showcases and activities. Where: Bangkok Art & Culture Center (BACC), 999/9 Rama 1, Bangkok (BTS: National Stadium) // Contact: 02 214 6638/519

Sept 14 Transcending Five Fears with Bhikkhuni Santussika

Bhikkhuni Santussika, a U.S.-born Buddhist nun will be leading a spiritual talk about Transcending Five Fears, in keeping with Buddha´s teachings in the Aṅguttara Nikāya. The questions she asks are: “Have you ever been afraid of losing your livelihood? Or disrepute?” If you yarn for the answers, join the free session at Indus Indian Restaurant, on Saturday Sept 14, at 9:30a.m. Silent meditation, Q&A, and food offering to the ordained Sangha follows the reception. After lunch the guests are welcome to see Bhikkhuni Santussika off to Dhamma oasis of Mae Chee Sansanee called Sathira Dhammasatarn in Minburi, about one hour´s drive from Bangkok. The event is free, except if peckish for nutrition to the body too, which Indus´ brunch menu should nourish. There is no need to book in advance. Where: Indus Restaurant, 71, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong Toei (BTS: Phrom Phong) // Contact: 02-258-4900, 02-661-5279

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Trade Fairs & Shows 4-7 Thailand International Logistics Fair 2013 (TILOG 2013)

Asean's biggest and most comprehensive logistics trade fair, TILOG has a slogan: “One Stop Shopping.” Accordingly, tens of thousands of domestic and international business owners participate, and offer or seek the most innovative logistics solutions and technology in the region. These solutions are not only the traditional logistics products and services from Thailand and beyond, but also the latest innovation logistics software and IT professionals, as well as the beneficial knowledge available to be gathered from the 10 exciting logistics seminars. Where: BITEC 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) at 02-507-8386/9

4-7 Food & Hotel Thailand 2013 (FHT)

Food & Hotel Thailand (FHT) is a major international food and

hospitality trade show, gathering 271 participants from 27 countries. Baristas, bartenders, restaurateurs, spa specialists, hotel chief engineers, and others; these are some of the participating highly skilled professionals. The 21st show will present premium food and hospitality products and services, international industry events, conference and networking opportunities under one roof. Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd (BES) at 02-6151255/111

6-10 52nd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF)

The bi-annual Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair is a superb opportunity to see the latest international collections, find couture designers and producers, and shop duty-free. Moreover, the venue comes alive with multimedia presentations, dazzling fashion shows, and design awards. The fair has also reached

29 The Beatles 50th Anniversary Charity Concert

In September, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok will host “The Beatles 50th Anniversary” Charity Concert for UNICEF at BarSu as part of its initiative for “UNICEF Fund Raising Events 2013.” The concert will feature music from The Betters, a local Beatles tribute band, who are generously donating their time and talents for the benefit of the UNICEF appeal. With an outstanding reputation for recreating the original look and sound of the world’s most popular band, The Betters will delight the audience with an unforgettable set of the Fab Four’s most popular numbers. The band has been performing The Beatles hits since 1999 and has played at prestigious venues across Thailand as well as in Vietnam and Brunei. They have also been interviewed by Reuters and appeared on CNN and BBC World. At the special concert, there'll also be music during the intermission performed by female vocalist and guitarist, Aika. The “The Beatles 50th Anniversary” Charity Concert for UNICEF will be held at BarSu from 5-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 29. Tickets are just Bt1,500 net including two standard drinks and delicious finger food. For more information, contact: 02-649-8368, email dining.sgs@luxurycollection.com

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international fame and prestige. Over 1,500 exhibitors from over 35 countries such as UK, Italy, Russia, USA, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Israel participated in the last BGJF, together mounting into numbers of 35,000 international delegates and visitors. Where: IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Road, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-630-1390 or e-mail: info@bangkokgemsfair.com

11-13 Food Ingredients Asia

Fi Asia is a lucrative gateway for many local and international food producers to promote their company and products to the 11,000+ visitors, professional in the global food industry. The fair is especially relevant now as the market is aspiring. ASEAN region is fast becoming a major player in the future of food industry with high quality ingredients and a growing consumer market, of more than 560 million potential customers. Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1),

Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: UBM Asia (Thailand) Co Ltd at 02-642-6911/8

11- 13 ASEAN Ceramics 2013

The event highlights the business opportunities posed by the fast moving economies in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand; and wider key markets such as Japan and South Korea. The international exhibition showcases machinery, technology and materials in production of white-ware, heavy clay and advanced ceramics. Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: Asian Exhibitions Services Ltd. at 02-207-2412

27- Oct 06 HomeWorks Expo 2013

Shopping for electric and home products couldn’t be easier. HomeWorks Expo, one fair under one roof is open for all house renovators or anybody looking for practical and up-to-date technology for their everyday chores. Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: CRC Power Retail Co., Ltd. at 02-101-7916

OTHERS 24-29 DJ Boot Camp at W Retreat Koh Samui

W Retreat Koh Samui is hosting in September a week-long DJ boot camp and a final party for the winners of the 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab, the third edition of one of the world’s best DJ search. The 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab will be held Sept. 24-29. Some the world’s best DJs will be designing training sessions, including W Hotels' global music director Michaelangelo L’Acqua, DJ White Shadow (whose instrumental works including Lady Gaga’s latest album,) James Lavelle, and Andy Caldwell. They will also be spinning at Koh Samui’s biggestever, “W Music Happening” on Sept. 27, from 9 pm. until late at WOOBAR®. The event is open to the public. Entry fee is Bt500.. Where: W Retreat Koh Samui // Contact: 077-915-999 or email to bf.wkohsamui@whotels.com

cafe

in theatres now

bar/loun

reel life

MOVIES TO WATCH SHOWING IN September

boutique

where to

The Bling Ring Storyline: A group of teenagers form a “Bling Ring” and track celebrities’ whereabouts to rob their homes while they are out. Some of the fameobsessed burglars´ victims include Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Megan Fox, and Orlando Bloom. The satirical comedy is written, produced and directed by Sofia Coppola, and based on actual events, regarding the Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch, which reportedly stole about $3 million in cash and belongings from over 50 homes in California in 2008 and 2009. Director: Sofia Coppola Cast: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson

Elysium

contact/

Storyline: The sci-fi action film is based on an awful scenario, set in the year 2159, where the wealthy live on Elysium, a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on the ruined Earth. In the darkest times of despair, there however is one man, who takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds. He is Max DeCosta (Matt Damon), a 36-year-old factory worker who has to make it from Los Angeles to Elysium in five days in order to cure his cancer virus caught from an industrial accident. He kidnaps a rich businessman, and with his identity is set on his way to Elysium, where great dangers await. Director: Neill Blomkamp Cast: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley

travel/de

Jobs

Sadako Storyline: Sadako is actually Sadako 3D 2, a sequel for the horrors of Japanese Ring movies (2002). Even after several years, the cursed videoclip continues to take its toll on poor watchers. In this one, the spotlight is on Akane, a high school teacher who hears a rumor from her students that there is actual footage on the Internet of someone’s suicide. The footage is said to drive anyone who sees it to also commit suicide. Akane does not believe the rumor at first, but when one of her female students dies after viewing the footage, she and her boyfriend Takanori are fatefully drawn into the horror that has been created by the man who appears in the suicide footage, Kashiwada. Kashiwada’s intention is to create chaos in the world by bringing back Sadako and the power of her curse. Now Akane has to fight against Sadako and Kashiwada to save the lives of herself and Takanori -- or is it too late? Director: Tsutomu Hanabusa Cast: Satomi Ishihara, Kôji Seto, Tsutomu Takahashi

Storyline: The biographical drama is based on the life of Steve Jobs (1971-2000), the co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc. To the world he was known as a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer revolution, and his name has become almost inseparable from the Apple brand and products of iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone and iPad. But few know more about the background, early life and aspirations of this computer age genius. For the curious, this movie follows the ascension of Steve Jobs from a college dropout into one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century. Ashton Kutcher stars as Jobs, and it must be said, with remarkable lookalike features. Director: Joshua Michael Stern Cast: Ashton Kutcher, J.K. Simmons, Josh Gad

Malavita Storyline: The Manzoni family, a notorious mafia clan enters a witness protection program through which they are relocated to Normandy, France. Fitting in soon becomes challenging as old habits die hard. The French crime comedy is based on the novel Malavita (English translation Badfellas, 2010) by Tonino Benacquista. Some of the stars in the film include Robert De Niro acting the mafioso and Michelle Pfeiffer his wife. Director: Luc Besson Cast: Robert De Niro, Dianna Agron, Michelle Pfeiffer

Lookeast | in theatres now

mall/sho

Ain´t Them Bodies Saints Storyline: A notorious American outlaw escapes from prison and sets out across the Texas hills to reunite with his beloved wife and a daughter he has never met. The independent drama film debuted at 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won the Cinematography Award in the U.S. Dramatic Category, and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. Casey Affleck stars as Bob Muldoon, the outlaw who would always step up and serve a prison sentence instead of his wife, Ruth Guthrie, acted by Rooney Mara. Director: David Lowery Cast: Rooney Mara, Ben Foster, Casey Affleck

// Paragon Imax Theatre 5F-6F Siam Paragon (BTS: Siam Square) Contact: 02 515-5555 // SF World Cinema 7th Floor Central World Plaza (BTS: Chidlom) Contact: 02 268-8888 // SFX Cinema Emporium 6th Floor, Emporium (BTS: Phrom Phong) Contact: 02 268-8888 // Major Sukhumvit 1221/39 Sukhumvit 63, (BTS: Ekkamai) Contact: 02 381-4855 To find the theatre nearest you, log on to www.movieseer.com

Travel

pack & bring TRAVELGEAR We yearn for the summer again. In times of rains, the best way to anticipate the forthcoming sunny season is to get into the right mood, fix your summer look, and put your glasses on. Smile through the rain. Maybe in this way the summer will come a little bit closer. In this issue, we at Lookeast decided to give some inspiration on the sunglasses front. Ready for the brighter days! Super W Havana Black Top Could it go more edgy than this? Carl Zeiss Lenses, 100% UV/UVB protection, handmade in Italy. For those who know their style. Bt6,790 A.J. Morgan Ultra Purple Bt850 These glasses should make anyone look as cute as Hello Kitty. And they are A.J. Morgan too -the American quality sunglasses manufacturer, founded in 1981.

Deadstock Vintage Shell Gold Glitzy movie star or crazy inventor? -- You decide what to make from these nut-glasses! Bt950

Deadstock Vintage Spencer Gold Mirror Aviators but not quite -- with a softer brown tint and updated, slash and burn golden frames. Bt950

Spitfire Design Lennon 2 Gold/Black The London-based Spitfire´s ultimately retro Lennons, with 100% UVA protection. Bt1,450

BEACHREADS BOOK REVIEW

by Harold Stephens

22 WALKS IN BANGKOK Exploring the City's Historic Back Lanes and Byways By Kenneth Barrett ISBN: 978-0-8048-4242-0 Copyright © 2013 Kenneth Barrett Publisher: Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions Pages 325 Printed in Singapore Available at Asia Bookstores

Lookeast | travel

Kuboraum U2 Black Matt If you´re looking for statement classics, these thick black glasses should be your number one choice. They are designed by Kuboraum, an avant-garde sunglasses brand from Berlin, Germany and handmade in Italy. Bt10,900

Kuboraum K8 TBM 24Hrs Adorable tortoise-pattern and steady thick frames. Handmade in Italy. Bt13,900

All from Onion, a Bangkok-based online shop for international fashion brands and vintage items. For more information, visit www.onionbkk.com, or call 081-174-4108

History Comes Alive in ‘22 Walks in Bangkok’ Have you ever heard of a guidebook that reads like a novel? Well, pick up a copy of 22 Walks in Bangkok and that is what you will find. It’s true. I began reading the Walk 1, titled In search of King Taksin, and couldn’t put the book down. The probable reason is that the author, Ken Barrett, has a wonderful way of making history come alive, and turn it into a truly enjoyable reading experience. Each of the 22 walks is written in the same fashion full of discovery. After the Search for King Taksin, I read The Old Harbour and walk through the historical spot in my mind. I move onto the The Potters’ Village, Beyond the City Wall, Almost Heaven, The Shady Ladies of Sampeng Lane, Along the Dragon’s Back and The Sea of Mud. Then I explore The Hidden Island, The Jim Thompson Legend, and take a walk through The Lotus Forest. The book is not only exciting, but also educational. Ken Barrett takes you on a walk not only around the city but on a walk through history. Consequently, you´ll find marvelous things that might be hidden from the general view, or perhaps only memories of the ancient Bangkok. Visiting the sites with the book in your hand especially has a specific magic; if you try hard enough, you can feel the land under your feet connects you to the former generations inhabiting Krung Thep, “the City of Gods.” I find 22 Walks is an invaluable book to give to your guests who arrive in the city and ask, “What is there to do?” What is there to do? Hand them a book. Especially if they say they don´t usually like big cities, here’s a read to prove this humongous city can be interesting and fathomable. Trust me, after reading the book for an hour, and they will completely change their minds. 22 Walks around Bangkok truly is a revelation.

contemporary indian dining

Nawabi Raan by Chef Pratab Singh, formerly at Bukhara (ITC Maurya New Delhi)

#71 Sukhumvit Soi 26. | Tel. 02-258-4900 | www.indusbangkok.com | indus@indusbangkok.com

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Rab Bua:

The Lotus Throwing Festival TEXT and Photos by Dave Stamboulis

he lotus flower is found extensively throughout Thailand: in ponds, canals, on lakes, and especially in and around temples, as the flower is related to heavenly beings in Thai literature and accorded a special place in religion, thus making the lotus perhaps the most important flower in Thai life and worship. With this in mind, at the end of the rainy season the lotus is honored at the wild “Rab Bua” or Lotus Receiving Festival, which is celebrated in Bang Phli township in Samut Prakan, adjacent to Bangkok. While the English translation calls it the “Lotus Receiving Festival,” it is probably better known by its Thai name “yon bua,” which means the “Lotus Throwing Festival,” a far better moniker for this typically zany Thai celebration. Every year during the full-moon night of Awk Pansaa or the End of the Buddhist Rains Retreat (or Buddhist Lent) religious holiday (in which the monks return to the outer world from their temple retreats), thousands of revelers line the banks of the Samrong Canal to throw lotus flowers at a boat which carries a figure of the famous Buddha image Luang Poh To.

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Lotus flowers grow in abundance in Bang Phli, whose local market is renowned for its buds, and people come to the temple here throughout the year to buy lotuses and offer them to monks in order to make spiritual merit. During the festival, the image of Luang Poh To is carried on a boat, which leaves the Wat Bang Phli Yai and travels down the canal through Bang Phli town, bombarded all the way by thousands of people throwing flowers. Eventually, the boat returns to the temple, smothered in flowers and laden down with thousands and thousands of lotus buds. Rab Bua begins early, with pilgrims lining the canal banks as early as 4 or 5 a.m. Usually, by 6 a.m. it is close to impossible to move as there are so many people all jostling for the best position. In addition to the main boat carrying the Luang Poh To image, there are also many other boats packing the canal. Some carry colorful floats, others are traditional longtail boats being rowed by oarsmen and women in traditional Thai costumes. There are boats with beauty queens, the ubiquitous token ladyboy boat, and many boats carrying the press and VIP guests, as the festival has become very popular being situated so close to Bangkok While local people throw the flowers to pay homage to the Buddha, the locals also throw flowers at the visitors as a way of welcoming them to join in this local merit making event. While on its face the festival seems like a religious rite, at its heart it is a true sanuk fun loving Thai festival, with the masses all laughing and joking as they heave the bundles of flowers. At one point during the mass throwing, I got the sense that this was more of a flower equivalent of Songkran, with the purpose being to hit as many targets with as many flowers as possible. In the main section of the canal, just past the temple where the boats set sail, people were lined up five to six rows deep, all armed with dozens of flowers and trying to outdo one another for distance and direct hits. The Luang Poh To image was already buried in lotuses and the flower management committee on the main boat couldn’t do much more than smile and get pelted along with the Buddha figure himself. Despite the 6 a.m. start, there were also a good number of people already inebriated, and more than one poor lad actually fell into the canal while trying to bombard a media boat with his buds!

According to legend, there were once three brothers carrying Buddha images who floated down the Bangpakong River. One of them eventually reached the Chao Phraya and drifted toward the Bang Phli Temple. The locals offered him a sacred string and invited him to stay with them, and thus the history of Rab Bua was born. Perhaps if the Buddha image knew just was in store in the future years, he might have kept on drifting! It’s all in good fun though, and truly worth attending to see a combination of Thai tradition, respect, ritual, and sheer fun at its best. This year, the “Rab Bua Lotus Throwing Festival” will take place on Oct. 19. To get there, take the Bang-Na Trat Road east of Bangkok, past the Highway 9 intersection for Pathum Thani. Shortly after this, you enter Thepparak, and then comes the turnoff for Bang Phli. Head for the Wat Bang Phli Yai and city hall for parking.  september 2013 | 19

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4 Real Island Escapes

Get away from it all and experience some real island life in some of Thailand’s best island paradises: Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Mu Koh Surin, and Ang Thong Marine Park 20

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any visitors are often disappointed with the crowds and endless development that plagues places such as Phuket, Koh Samui, or Koh Chan. But they shouldn’t despair because just a stone’s throw from each of these spots lie some of Thailand’s best-preserved island beauties. The Andaman’s Mu Koh Surin and the Gulf of Thailand’s Ang Thong are both fully protected national marine parks, blessed with natural beauty, marine life, and a chance to get away from it all and experience Thailand’s real island life, and while Koh Kood and Koh Mak have recently been named by foreign publications as some of the best islands in the world, their

TEXT and Photos by Dave Stamboulis development has been at a snail’s pace compared to elsewhere and are still the perfect spot for Robin Crusoe fantasies in style. Ang Thong lies just off of the Samui coast, and yet is a world apart. Meaning “golden bowl” in Thai, Ang Thong consists of a group of forty-two islands, the majority of which are covered in steep limestone and deep jungle, and as they are designated with national park status, there is no development allowed. The islands used to be quite difficult to visit, unless one had one's own boat, but several outfitters now run trips out to them, affording one the chance to do some kayaking, hiking, and soaking up the

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natural beauty. As there are hundreds of limestone overhangs, white sand beaches, and hidden lagoons throughout the islands where big boats cannot fit, a kayak is the ideal way to explore Ang Thong. The islands are set in somewhat of an oval shape, allowing protection of the many secluded bays from the Gulf of Thailand's often fierce seas. Thus, even during the rainy season, paddling is feasible. There is a considerable amount of wildlife inhabiting Ang Thong including the Asian long tailed monkey (langur), hair nosed otters, pacific reef egrets, sea turtles, and

pythons, and the absence of development and undue noise gives visitors a decent chance of spotting the various birds, reptiles, and mammals during a visit. Koh Wua Talap, the park's largest island, has one set of very basic bungalows operated by the national park plus a camping site for those intent on living a Robinson Crusoe fantasy. There is a gorgeous white sand beach here along with an hour-long trail going to a viewpoint atop Wua Talap that gives astounding views over the entire archipelago.

Nearby is Koh Mae Ko (Mother Island), boasting a brilliant beach that anywhere else in the Kingdom would have had scores of bungalows and other buildup, but here in Ang Thong, there are only a few kayaks, some birds, and a few dusky langurs lurking in the nearby foliage. On the northeast side of Mae Ko, one can find the gem of Ang Thong, the talay nai, or inland sea, a sinkhole lagoon formed by the land collapsing into underground tunnels and cave systems. It's a steep climb up from the beach through sharp and spiny limestone crags, but the park service has built a series of ladders and walkways to help navigate through the karst, and the effort to reach the top is well rewarded. Limestone walls surround the lake, and the water is a perfect emerald green, looking almost like a glacier lake from an alpine environment. The lake remains completely untouched, as there is no fishing or swimming allowed by the park, and like the rest of Ang Thong, a great example of preserving one of Thailand's natural treasures for future generations. Across the peninsula on the Andaman coast is Koh Surin, also a protected marine park, with a slightly different twist. The Surin Islands (an archipelago of five islands with human habitation and park service facilities on two of them) are about as beautiful as it gets in Thailand, in terms of turquoise water, abundant marine life, and splendid beaches. Yet Koh Surin also features a bit of culture, as it is home to the largest population of Mokken sea gypsies in Thailand, who still live a fairly traditional life on a quiet bay on Surin Tai (South Island). The Park Service runs tours out to their village, or else one can just hire a kayak and paddle through the protected bay from the north isle. Koh Surin also has coral reefs just offshore that rise to a very shallow depth, making the underwater wonders, offered in mosst other places via diving only, accessible even by snorkeling. The national park provides inexpensive daily boat trips out to see the reefs, and rents snorkel equipment as well. There are also hiking paths on the islands, along with opportunities for wildlife spotting. Rare birds such as the Nicobar pigeon and beach thick-knee call the islands home, and Malayan flying lemurs are sometime seen. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be complaining about overrun, overdeveloped, or overtouristy on this strip of sand. september 2013 | 21

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There are only a few choices of accommodation on Surin, either camping (bringing your own tent or bed down in the decently outfitted campsites set up by the park service) or grabbing one of the few park bungalows that are usually booked by groups. Food on the island is limited to the park service restaurant, which does an admirable job given that it's the only provider. At the other extreme is Koh Kood, a large island south of Koh Chang near Cambodia. Bangkok Thais have known about Koh Kood for years, and it has been referred to as the “boutique island” due to its collection of mainly upscale resorts. While the ultra chic Soneva Kiri has set up one of Thailand’s most exclusive resorts here, there have also been a few more affordable guesthouses setting up shop, along with speed boats and catamaran ferry service making Koh Kood far more easier to reach than ever. While these conveniences have made Koh Kood more accessible, the island still remains sleepy and untrammeled (it still doesn’t

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have an ATM or fastfood outlets), with plenty of rain forest canopy and waterfalls in the interior, along with some crystal clear bays and we kid you not, some completely deserted beaches that might make you think you are in Thailand several decades ago. Koh Mak is somewhat like a cousin to Koh Kood, just slightly smaller and closer to Koh Chang and the mainland. For years, as neighboring Koh Chang grew by leaps and bounds, Koh Mak remained a well-kept secret. While that did change several years ago when its sands were named one of the “Top 10 secret beaches in the world” by the Sunday Times in the UK, Koh Mak has managed to keep its soul, and is the perfect spot for a relaxing tropical holiday, as the vibe is still lazy and carefree. The island has no taxis or tuk tuks, and the resorts still send out their own pickup trucks to meet the incoming ferry each afternoon. The beaches are long, white, and sandy, and most of the visitors here seem to be returnees who have been coming back for years. Other than the marvelous beaches to laze on, there is some good walking to be offered around the small island, and you absolutely must make the superb short kayak paddle or even faster long-tail ride out to the islet of Koh Kham, where a sandy beach and one small resort front a bay that has some of the most emerald sparkling sea to be found this side of the Maldives. Whether it is an undeveloped marine park, or a more pampering resort vacation on a less developed beach, be it in the Andaman or Gulf of Thailand, you can’t go wrong with any of these island beauties. They showcase some of the best of the Kingdom’s natural beauty, laid back hospitality, and all the components of just what a chilled out stint in the tropics should be about. 

Ang Thong Marine Park: Ang Thong is accessible by boat from Koh Samui. Camping can be booked on the island from the Ang Thong Visitor Center, 077 286025, 077 280222, or from the National Parks and Wildlife Department in Bangkok, 02 5620760, www.dnp.go.th SeaTran Discovery runs all inclusive day trips out to the islands, with several hours of kayaking, a visit to the inland sea, and a buffet lunch part of the package. SeaTran Ferry: call center: 077-246-086, www. seatranferry.com Mu Koh Surin Marine Park: Ferry service to the islands runs from the town of Khuraburi, north of Phuket and Khao Lak, and only operates between November and May, as the park shuts down all operations during the rainy season and the seas are rough. The National Park Service runs all services on Koh Surin. If you want one of the few bungalows available, it is best to book in advance. Tel: 076-472-145, 076-472-146 www. dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/ default.asp Koh Kood and Koh Mak: Both islands are reached via the mainland town of Trat, which is serviced by buses from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Eastern Bus Station (5-6 hours) or by the daily flight offered to Trat on Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair. com ). From various piers around Trat, speedboats and catamaran ferries go daily to both islands, and they can also be reached by speedboat from Koh Chang. Many of the resorts on Koh Kood run their own private boats for clients.

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best for business

12.Club Millesime - Lounge

contact/ TOP BUSINESS LOUNGES & EXECUTIVE FLOORS

Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park

Business to Please: An Executive Lounge Roundup Just a sampling of Thailand’s many smart, sophisticated, well-mannered, and technologically astute executive club lounges and why we love them

By Percy Roxas

or many hotels these days, the highlight is the executive floors. And the highlight of the executive floors is the “executive business lounge.” This is where the hotels devote much energy and efforts, as we can easily guess if we look around and see how they are built and marketed, how much amenities and mod-cons they provide, what kind of service they promise to give -- and the list goes on. And that’s simplistically speaking. The bottom line is, if you want to stay in a business hotel and want to enjoy the best it has to offer these days, then just book a room at the executive floors and you get automatic access to the club lounges and all their perks. Basically, the Club Lounge should provide ambiance, convenience, comfort, and the amenities guests need to conduct business even while traveling. The design is also important and must be integrated with the daily activities of the guests; it should be luxurious but at the same time practical. Thailand visitors are spoiled for choice in this regard because the country's hotels boast executive lounges that really compare with, and are in fact recognized, as some of the best in the world. How are the Thai hotels doing it? Harald Feurstein, general manager of Conrad Bangkok, says: “The Executive Lounge enhances Thailand’s attraction among business travelers by providing them a

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full prompt service. They are able to work and relax at the same time. The Executive Lounge is equipped with all the facilities they may need: for example, a meeting room, computer corner, and Internet access. Furthermore, the travelers are treated by efficient and well-trained staffs and that help their stay and their work smooth and easier. ” The emphasis is on “Travel for Success,” says Myla A. Caceres, director of sales and marketing of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. “It is our mission to give guests all the comfort and convenience to ensure their business needs are met while on travel. Our Executive Club Lounge has a complete workstation with numerous ports for plug-and-play, wireless Internet connection, and business center services.” They are not alone in providing these conveniences and comforts, of course. This month, we’ll take you to some Executive Lounges that we have sampled through the years – and they are getting better and better each day. An Executive Lounge is like a mini-luxury hotel within a hotel. As experts describe them they are mostly “smart, sophisticated, well mannered, and technologically astute,” -- like the high-flyers that use them. Without attempting to rank them, let us present some of Bangkok’s best executive club lounges:

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HAVEN RESORT HUAHIN

HAVEN RESORT HUAHIN An Exclusive Pier of Pleasure Experience the pleasure at our private boutique property that lay facing the open sea on Hua Hin beach. At Haven, the chic, cutting edge amenities in our rooms and the lush green, tranquil surroundings are harmoniously united. Our uniquely designed "Infinity Edge Pool", the main swimming pool at the heart of the resort, and our premium guestrooms offers privacy while allowing you to fully indulge in the charming landscape of Haven, Hua Hin. www.haven-huahin.com

www.haven-bhutan.com

1449 Chala Samut Rd., Petchaburi 76120 Thailand Tel : +66 (0) 32 653 154 - 58 Fax : +66 (0) 32 653 159 Reservation : (0) 88 227 2228 , (0) 85 440 4994 Email: rsvn@haven-huahin.com

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and exquisite French food and wine. Members can make use of an array of meeting facilities, including a boardroom, wireless Internet access, and local calls to name a few, while an all-day lounge features breakfast, snacks, refreshments, evening cocktails, and a wide selection of French, vintage and new world wines. As can be expected, Club Millésime access is extended exclusively to guests staying in the hotel’s Luxury Club Millésime Rooms and Suites.

Conrad Bangkok

Located on 29th floor of Conrad Bangkok, the Executive Lounge is arguably the biggest executive lounge (in size). And yet, it is still private and relaxing, compared to other hotel on Wireless Road. The lounge is surrounded by full-length mirror windows so if you stand near the window, you will feel like you are floating in the sky. You enjoy the same glorious, panoramic view in the meeting rooms. The decor is classic, with wooden floor, brown carpet and an overall light-colored theme. Wooden armchairs, sofa, and cushion are in purple and dark pink tones, very comfortable, and make you feel at home. As a whole, the lounge provides a luxury and elegant service experience for guest with prompt service.

Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park

Located at the 31st level of the hotel on Rama IV (near Silom area), this one is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city allowing guests to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The Executive Club Lounge has a spacious total floor area of 272.5sqm providing guests enough space for casual meetings and dining. The ambience is bright and relaxing, and the stunning glass rooftop ceiling not only allows natural light to come in but also provides uncluttered and unconfined atmosphere. The designers have ensured that the lounge possesses comprehensive perspective, and elegant from the ground up. The warm earth color scheme enhances the modern Asian style and combines well with contemporary and cozy amenities. Every area is meticulously selected for optimal functionality. One unique décor element is the Italian Walnut Veneer armchair, which offers a sense of style and awakens a penchant for luxury. As in most executive club lounges, a list of privileges awaits guests, including breakfast at the Club Lounge, express checkin and checkout services, and tempting refreshment offers such as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, afternoon tea (noon-2 p.m.) and unlimited cocktails (5-8 p.m.) “This is where one of the biggest investments went when the hotel underwent a major renovation recently,” says Caceres. “We wanted to create a place with a New Sense of Privilege. We want to give our guests the feel of exclusivity and privacy while still having access to the conveniences they need to get their work done." "And with service by our well-trained-staff, our Executive Club Lounge experience is a truly memorable one,” Caceres concludes.

Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Derived from a name that conveys a meaning of the best-ever vintage year, Millésime refers to Sofitel Sukhumvit’s extra exclusive services that attempts beyond customer expectation. “It is really more than just a lounge or a club, where guests can truly experience the pleasure of their stay and the greatest luxury and attention of all,” says a hotel executive. “It is a haven for business travelers who expect personalized and impeccable service in the exclusive atmosphere of a private club.” Located on the 31st floor, the chic Club Millésime offers state-ofthe-art business facilities, spectacular views, spacious lounge areas,

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Centara Grand at Central World

Covering the entire 51st floor of the hotel, the World Executive Club Lounge offers sweeping views of the city skyline and combines the attributes of a private retreat for members with all the facilities and support expected of a business lounge. Here, seating is artfully arranged to create discreet areas where members can meet to discuss the events of the day with colleagues without concern. The range of complimentary services offered include Executive Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and an all-day snacks, tea, coffee and refreshments service as well as late night snacks and refreshments. Complimentary evening cocktails and canapés are served daily 5:30 -7 p.m. The World Club Lounge has a dedicated butler and concierge service. Whether you’re staying at Centara Grand at CentralWorld for business or for leisure, you will feel on top of the world at this executive lounge!

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong

Renaissance Club Lounge is perched high atop the 21st floor of Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel (BTS: Chidlom). The executive lounge offers personal greeting upon arrival with welcome drink. The style is simply modern in an Asian contemporary context. Custom furniture upholstered in Thai silk and teak wood floor give the cozy mood in the business environment. Using clean lines, contrasting neutrals, and rich textures achieved a sophisticated look. Renaissance Club Lounge also gives further services, with buffet breakfast, fresh juices, snacks, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés. Guest can use two- hour per day of meeting room, and computer stations with high-speed Internet are available for guests to connect with or discover the world.

Amari Watergate Bangkok

Business guests are quick to point out the view of Bangkok’s stunning skyline at the Executive Lounge of Amari Watergate Hotel Bangkok, located on the 32nd Floor. Indeed, the Executive Lounge offers a breathtaking view of the city, a great way to start off – and end – your business day. As in other hotels, access to the lounge is exclusive to club floor guests. Practically all the privileges and benefits expected from executive floor stays are available as well, with a few twists and enhancement here and there that make their

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service unique. Buffet breakfast is served daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the lounge and complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres too. Drop by at any time of the day for complimentary fruit juices, soft drinks, tea or coffee. A selection of chilled cocktails, beers, wines and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres are available during cocktail hours, from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. As well, use of hi-speed Internet is complimentary at the lounge, (wireless internet access in your room or suite at no extra charge.) Expect to enjoy seamless private check-in upon arrival, and you cans select from a selection of pillow options when checking in, as well as complimentary late checkout until 3 p.m. on your day of departure (subject to room availability).

Sofitel So Bangkok

When Sofitel So Bangkok, dubbed as “the city’s first truly urban design hotel,” unveiled its unique executive lounge, Club Signature, last year, it was hailed as “a masterpiece of high fashion.” And why not, the lounge is dedicated to the high life inspired by legendary couturier Christian Lacroix. Club Signature, as the name implies, exemplifies Sofitel So Bangkok's trendy approach to things. It takes interior design to a new level, one that heightens guests' experience and enhances their lifestyle choices. Club Signature draws on Lacroix’s inimitable personal touch, his French elegance, theatrical flair, fantasy, and folklore. The result is a surprising ambience created out of imaginative patterns, rich textures and vibrant colors that combine to offer an interplay of images and motifs of old Siam and 19th-century France. In this stunning yet totally inviting environment of Club Signature, located in the hotel's 25th floor, guests find not only a world of fashion and style, but also a world of ease with a remarkable array of complementary facilities and courtesies, beginning with personalized check-in and a welcome mini-massage at So SPA. The access is offered only at no charge to guests who stay in So Club rooms or higher categories.

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

With its location in the heart of the tourist belt, The Grand Hyatt Erawan has always been a favorite of business travelers. It is a great mix of a business hotel (with all the conveniences a business traveler needs and a terrific function suite - The Residence) and a leisure hotel (complete with numerous food and beverage outlets, a swimming pool and spa). The hotel has a great club lounge on the 17th floor with the best food and beverage of any club lounge we have seen, with views over the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and the calm of The Royal Bangkok Sports Club. The club lounge is going to be renovated (also designed by Tony Chi) next year and will be enlarged by taking out three guestrooms next door. During this time, breakfast will be available in Tables restaurant and evening cocktails will be served in the Presidential Suite. This seems like a great chance to see a suite most people will never get to experience.

Shangri-La Bangkok

The location of the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok makes it easy for guests to go all the major tourist destinations and shopping malls without getting stuck in the horrible traffic. However, most business guests say that what made their stay their most memorable and enjoyable was the time spent at the Horizon Club Lounge. Beyond the usual Executive Lounge perks and privileges, what makes this club lounge different is a distinct brand of service. Each and every staff will make you feel like you were staying with extended family members. Every small or big request is met promptly and efficiently. With high-quality complimentary food and refreshments, morning breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktail hours to enjoy, too.

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Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok

The Club Lounge of this hotel offers an atmosphere of exclusivity and is large enough for privacy. There are small rooms for functions, and boardrooms for corporate meetings, all equipped with presentation and audio-visual equipment. The Club located on the private 24th floor offering both indoor and outdoor sections with perfect panoramic views over Bangkok’s skyline complete with exclusive club lounge benefits from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. There are many other Executive Lounges to try, ranging from the classic five-stars to the funky and boutique arty in theme, and from full comprehensive service offer to the exclusively limited in perks and privileges. With the range of hotels in Thailand today, there is surely an Executive Lounge to fit any taste and budget from ultraposh to the comfortably basic. You are free to choose!

Amari Orchid Pattaya

Located on the top floor of the brand 5-star Ocean Tower, Horizon Club of Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya offers a new level of personalized services, combined with the latest audiovisual technological innovations, in exclusive accommodation, with a picturesque view of Pattaya Bay. Horizon Club services include private check-in and check-out at the Horizon Club Lounge on 19th floor, complimentary late check-out until 6 p.m, i-Pod on request, pillow menu and a turn-down service that ensures everything is ready, before guests retire for the evening. Horizon Club evening cocktail from 5.30 to 7 p.m. ensure a pleasant atmosphere for all guests. Indeed, Horizon Club is a place of exclusivity and refined comfort as we have experienced so many times. 

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Throughout September and October, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya offers a special “Club Mirage Package” with exclusive facilities and services for the discerning travelers inducing a private club lounge access with indoor and outdoor seating. Centara serves five complimentary daily meal presentations (Continental breakfast, mid morning snacks, lunch time snack, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapés); complimentary laundry for two pieces/room/day; complimentary use of broadband Internet access for 30 minutes/room/day in the Club lounge; and concierge services. Prices are only at Bt8,945 net/room/night on weekday and Bt9,534 net/room/night on weekend. For more information and reservations, contact 02-769-1234, ext. 6675-6676 email to reservations@chr.co.th

A honeymoon retreat like no other...

aelcome to the bliss and romance of Sukantara Luxury Eco Resort and Spa.

Set on the sloping bank of a mountain stream in Maerim, Chiang Mai, this charming boutique resort is a blissful retreat that inspires romance, ignites passions, and rekindles love, In the total embrace of nature: the surrounding lush hills made more romantic by the trickling waterfall cascades and bubbling brooks through the resort, Sukantara fulfills yearnings for unforgettable, once-in-a lifetime, practically magical, experiences. Experience this unique, thoroughly sensuous natural hideaway and be among the satisfied guests from around the world who acclaim the resort as one of the “Five Best Hotels by Waterfalls” (The Independent newspaper). Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa -- a romantic retreat even for nonlovers! Always a place of bliss; always a pleasure to visit and stay in! It’s more than just fulfilling your life’s desires. It’s more than just getting back to nature!

cascade resort & spa Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa 12/12 M. 8, T. Maeram, A. Mae Rim, Chiangmai 50180, Thailand Tel +6681881 1444 Fax +66 81881 7404 www.sukantara.com e-mail:info@sukantara.com

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Hidden Gem

A trip to this hidden paradise of Baan Krut brings back memories of the Thailand of old Story and Photos by Dave Stamboulis /subbed

hile most Bangkok folks go to Hua Hin and Cha Am for their weekend beach getaways, these destinations tend to be overcrowded and not exactly the relaxing city escape a lot of weekend warriors are looking for. Enter Baan Krut, one of Siamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better-kept secrets. Baan Krut (also spelled as Baan/Ban Krut or Ban Krood) is a small fishing community located almost 40km south of Bangkok, just south of Prachuap Kiri Khan. The village sits on a 12km swathe of powdery white sand fronting a gorgeous bay in the Gulf of Thailand. Accessible by express train in less than five hours from Bangkok and probably three-and-a half by car, the beach and its handful of low-key resorts has become popular among Bangkok Thai weekenders plus a few expats in the know. But during the week it is fairly deserted. A trip to this hidden paradise brings back memories of the Thailand of old.

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WHY GO For that feeling of being in a secluded beach area without any of the tuk-tuk or jet-ski mafia, overpriced vendors, or the excess of crass-shopping plazas, DVD marts, and beachwear stalls that mar most islands these days. There are no 7-11s, massage parlors, girlie bars, or much else for that matter, other than a handful of small-scale resorts, some good places to chow down on seafood, and a chance to laze on the empty and serene beach all-day without being asked to buy a sarong or pineapple. This place is the real deal, and while nightowls and party animals might find it a bit tame, the loads of open space on the sand are sure to win over just about any beachcomber. And heck, even the local tuk-tuk drivers smile, chat amiably, and offer fairly priced rides, Bt25, from the train station to the beach.

WHAT TO SEE The prime sightseeing spot in Baan Krut is the giant Buddha statue and Disneyland castlelike temple that sits on top of the mountain at the northern end of the bay. The Buddha statue has an interesting story behind it. For eight years, a U.S.-Thai consortium tried to build two coal fired electrical power plants in Baan Krut, and the giant golden Buddha was thrown in as a fat bribe to the community! But the locals held their ground, bringing in Greenpeace to back their protests, and the power companies eventually backed off. The Buddha remained, and is now a tourist attraction, with tour groups coming up the steep road from town to pay respects and then to visit the fabulous Wat Tang Sai, which sits on top of Khao Tong Chai, dazzling golden in the late afternoon sun. Fabulous views of Baan Krut and the surrounding coastline can

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be seen from up here, and viewed from the beach the pagoda really looks more like a German fairytale castle or something out of Hollywood than a Buddhist temple. WHAT TO DO There really is not much to do other than relaxing. The beach runs for 12km and is quite empty, making for some good long distance strolls, and most of the local resorts rent out bicycles, so one can ride the length of the beach, trying to outrace the local grilled squid or ice cream vendors, who drive motorcycle sidecars with their goodies along the beach road. The hike up to Wat Tang Sai is pretty exerting, and will take you a few hours. There

is a small island north of the bay called Koh Lamra, which has some decent snorkeling and it’s usually easy enough to finagle a fishing boat for a halfday trip. There is also a morning market up near the railway station in the inland village, which is worth a wander, it tends to run until about 11 a.m. each morning. There is also another temple in the area called Wat Tham Khiri Wan, which has a cave full of golden Buddha images. EAT AND DRINK For such a sleepy place, there are actually enough places to feed you and quench your thirst along the beach, and most resorts also have eateries as well. The hands-down best

place to eat though, is Nu Pochana, the most happening and atmospheric spot along the beach road about 200m from the Y junction, serving up lots of fresh seafood and authentic Thai dishes. A lot of Westerners favor the Beach Bar and Restaurant, which serves European and Thai food along with cocktails. You can get your Italian fix at Kasama’s Pizza and Pasta and there is also a great burger joint called JJ’s next to Ban Sala Thai, a nondescript little restaurant that serves seafood on the beach plus excellent papaya salad, grilled pork, and Isan specialties. SLEEP Several upper-scale resorts have sprung up on Baan Krut over the years, but not enough to spoil the views or atmosphere. The Banito Beach Resort (Tel 032-695282, 081-866-1354, www. banitobeach.com) is a good choice, centrally located out on the beach with a range of accommodation types ranging from Bt1000 to Bt2000 depending (rates are just slightly higher on

Bangkok Baan Krut

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// how to get there: On public transport, you canhow take to go by bus the convenient Special Express #43 train, which leaves Hualamphong Station in Bangkok at 8:05 a.m., how to go by car getting into Baan Krut at 12:47 p.m.. Alternatively, buses leave the Southern Bus Station for Prachuap Kiri Khan from where there are howlocal to go by taxi departures to Baan Krut, but this takes much longer. A rental car is most practical.

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weekends). The Baan Grood Arcadia Resort boasts ahow lovely to go by boat/ferry swimming pool and spa, with prices starting around Bt1500 all in (Tel 032-695-095, 080650-9393; www.bgaresort. how to go by airplane com). Prao Thai Beach Resort offers comfortable hardwood floor bungalows from Bt800. Tel: 089-682-4484. Make sure to reserve on weekends as a lot of Bangkok Thais drive down to stay. 

september 2013 | 31

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travel deals

The hottest deals this month From Bt3,060++

Take advantage of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square’s “Hot Deal” and save 15% on the already hot unrestricted rates that start from just Bt3,060++ per night. Simply book and pay at www.novotelbkk.com; Located in the heart of Siam Square the hotel offers convenient access to the BTS Interchange station, international shopping centers, local designer markets, entertainment and a myriad of dining options. For more details call 02- 209-8888 or visit www.novotelbkk.com.

Bangkok Bt7,000 Net Pathumwan Princess Hotel has a “Family Holiday Package” for just Bt7,000 net per suite per night. Relax in the style and comfort of a 63sqm- ExecuPlus Suite with its separate living and sleeping rooms, and kids benefits perfect for holidaymakers with children in tow. Offer valid until Sept. 30. For more information, contact 02-216-3700, ext. Sales & Marketing Dept. From Bt1,500 Enjoy the ‘Explore Bangkok” special promotion at The Ascott Limited’s (Ascott) serviced residences with prices starting at Bt1,500. You will also benefit from a late checkout and complimentary services including daily housekeeping and Wi-Fi Internet access. This promotion is valid for a minimum stay of two consecutive nights from now until Sept. 30. Ascott has nine properties in Bangkok for you to choose from. They are Ascott Sathorn Citadines Sukhumvit 8, Citadines Sukhumvit 11, Citadines Sukhumvit 16, Citadines Sukhumvit 23, Somerset Lake Point, Somerset Park Suanplu Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor, and Vic3. For bookings or more information, call 02-344 2500 or 180-088-8272 (Thailand toll-free), e-mail enquiry.bangkok@the-ascott.com or visit www.the-ascott.com From Bt3,560 Centara Grand at Central

Plaza Ladprao Bangkok has a special package for its Club accommodations, with rates starting at Bt3,560 per night for a Club Deluxe Room if they stay for two nights or more, along with 15 percent off on regular a la carte treatments at Spa Cenvaree and 25 percent off on all spa packages. Guests also receive all Club benefits. The package is available until Oct. 31, and rates subject to service charge and government tax. It is available only for online booking at www. centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglb/ promotion.asp. For more information and reservations, contact 02-541-1234 or e-mail to cglb@chr.co.th

Lookeast | TRAVEL

From Bt7,880 Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

offers “River Romance,” a unique escape package available for a minimum of three consecutive nights’ stay valid until Sept. 30. With rates starting from Bt7,880 per room per night in a Deluxe Room, guests can take advantage of the “River Romance” package benefits, which includes buffet breakfast at NEXT2 Café for two, one way airport limousine transfer, one dinner aboard the Horizon Cruise for food only for a maximum of two persons per stay, complimentary late check-out until 3 p.m. and free high speed Internet access. Terms and conditions apply. For more information or reservations, contact 02-206-8788 or e-mail: reservations.slbk@ shangri-la.com.

Bt6,900 Local residents and expatriates can enjoy an enchanting stay at The Peninsula Plaza with its elegant views of the Chao Phraya River by taking advantage of “The River Escape” offer at Bt6,900 per room per night. The package, valid until Oct. 31, includes following privileges: accommodation in a Deluxe Room with glorious river views for two; complimentary international daily buffet breakfast for two; complimentary buffet dinner for two persons per stay at River Café and Terrace; or a complimentary 50-minute aromatherapy massage for two at The Peninsula Spa. For more information, contact 02-861-2388 or e-mail: reservations at peninsula.com

Club at lebua, Bangkok at: 02-624-9555 or e-mail resvn@lebua.com, www.lebua.com

From Bt1,980++ Whether you’re a

Bangkok resident desiring a change of pace or a foreign visitor to the Land of Smiles, Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom’s new “City Break” promotion is for you. The promo starts with rates at Bt1,980++ includes breakfast, Wi-FI, and parking – and apply to all room types. Offer is valid until Dec. 31 with no blackout dates. For more information and booking, call 02-206-9100; e-mail: H7172RE@accor.com

Bt9,400++ The Sukosol Bangkok introduces the “Executives Package” for a professional and pampered VIP stay from now until Dec. 31. Book the two-night package for a stay at the Club Siam DeLuxe Room at Bt9,400++ for two inclusive of Club Lounge access with daily breakfast, a signature drink at Sapphire bar, special late checkout at 3 p.m., in-room fruit basket, and more. For more information and reservations, call 02-247-0123, ext. 11031108; e-mail: reservations@sukosolshotels. com

Phuket Bt3,300 net U Sunsuri Phuket presents the

“Special Wonder Room Package” with many exclusive benefits. They offer a Superior Room at Bt3,300 net per room per night including breakfast “whenever, wherever” for two. Offer available from now until Sept. 30 only. For more information and reservations, call 076-336-400; e-mail: reserve@ usunsuriphuket.com

US$799++ Tower Club at lebua offers an

ultimate “Girl Getaway Package” with luxury benefits to ensure unforgettable getaway. The package, at only US$799++ for double occupancy is offered from now until Oct. 31. Benefit includes two nights stay at 1-bedroom Riverview Suite, Tower Club at lebua; round-trip airport transfers by BMW 7 series plus Meet and Greet service at the airport with fast track immigration; drop and pick up to Shopping District in Bangkok by BMW 7 series, once during the stay; one lebua Signature Massage (60 minutes) during the stay; Chef Tasting Menu at The Asian Alfresco Restaurant – Breeze on 51st - 52nd floor; and more not to mention exclusive use of the Tower Club Lounge. Terms and conditions apply. For reservations, call Tower

Romance to Remember Regent Phuket

Cape Panwa is offering the indulgent “Romance to Remember” package from now until Oct. 31. This enchanting honeymoon package allows couples to rediscover the passion within, while indulging in a luxurious and memorable getaway. The package includes 3-nights’ accommodation for two in a luxurious Suite or Pool Villa with a guaranteed ocean view and private balcony. This package features a 3-hour ‘Regent Indulgence’ spa treatment for two, an intimate set dinner at The Grill Lounge (for Suite guests), a seductive in-room set up comprising romantic flower bath and a complimentary

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travel/de bottle of sparkling wine paired with sweet chocolates upon arrival. The rate for the Pool Villa Package is Bt54,000+++, with the Suite Package priced at Bt41,000 +++, subject to a minimum stay of three nights. Terms and conditions apply. Reservations can be placed directly at 076-20 0-800; e-mail: reservations. phuket@regenthotels.com

www.HiltonHotelsDeals.com. For reservations and information on Conrad Koh Samui, visit www.conradkohsamui.com or send enquiries to conrad_koh_samui@conradhotels.com.

From Bt1,999++ Holiday Inn Phuket Patong Beach Central is offering a special opening rate, which starts at Bt1,999++ per night for stays from now till Oct. 31. As with all Holiday Inn Express rates in Asia, this is inclusive of free breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. For more information, visit www.holidayinnexpress.com

From Bt13,806 A Hot Deal package is available at Amari Coral Beach Phuket until Oct. 31. Package includes threenights’ accommodation in a superior room including daily breakfast for two, roundtrip airport transfers, fresh flowers and seasonal fruit basket set up in room upon arrival, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access in room, 20% discount food and beverage credit per stay, 20% discount at Breeze Spa (cannot be combined with any other promotions) and extra nights at Internet rate. Rate starts from Bt13,806 for three nights per room (exclusive of VAT and surcharge). For reservations or more information, call 076 -340106 or visit www.amari.com

room, the garden or the beach. For more information and reservations, contact salcsbr@ chr.co.th with booking code CSBRMICE01

From Bt20,250 ++ From now until Oct. 31,

Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui offers a package includes 4-nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room with breakfast for two persons, roundtrip Samui airport transfers, a 45-minute signature mood massage at Breeze Spa, Bt1,000 credit on food and beverage, Bt1,000 credit for spa treatment, and 5% discount on Internet rates for extra nights. Rates start from Bt20,250 for four nights, twin-sharing basis (exclusive of VAT and surcharge). For more information or to make a reservation, call 077-422-394

announces the latest Hilton HHonors loyalty program promotion, “The Great Getaway.” Booking a holiday just got simpler, now through Sept. 30, Hilton HHonors is encouraging travelers around the world to save up to 40% off stays in Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa when booking within the Hilton Honors portfolio. Conrad Koh Samui offers exclusive “The Great Getaway” rates with 20% off stays, starting from Bt18,560++ per night inclusive of breakfast for two in an Oceanview Pool Villa for luxurious summer stays. Reservations must be made five days in advance and before Sept. 30. Stays must be completed by Oct. 4. Full pre-payment, no change and cancellation required at the time of bookings. For full terms and conditions, visit

Bt18,999 net Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai is now offering an exclusive package featuring the best personal services for relaxation, retreat and rejuvenation amid the tranquil gardens of this unique in-town resort. “The Royal Luxury” package provides three days and two nights in a Royal Lanna Villa at Bt8,999 net from now until Oct. 31, plus a host of privileges. Terms and conditions apply. For more information and reservations, call 053-371-999 or e-mail: info@siripanna. com From Bt6,110++ U Chiang Mai has

Samui

Up to 40% Off Conrad Koh Samui

Chiang Mai

Bt59,000 Fenix Beach Resort Samui launches a series of wedding packages, with an exotic beach blessing ceremony along with tailor-made options such as a romantic beach dinner for the just-married couple. All packages include in-room honeymoon decoration, beauty and grooming treatments, a wedding cake and a candlelit beach dinner. A personal wedding coordinator is available throughout the couple´s stay at the resort, and flower girls will accompany the bride´s way through the sandy aisle. Also a photographer is at hands to document the lovely moment. For more information and reservations, contact 077-424008 or e-mail: enquiry@fenixresortsamui.com Bt1,300++ up Centara Grand Samui offers

cost-effective meetings with benefits. For only Bt1,300++ per person for a half-day event, and Bt1,500++ for a full-day meeting, with a lunch included, the island of Samui could not become more attractive for business trips. Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui is in a prime location, on Chaweng beachfront, and their events space is amongst Samui’s largest. Organizers can also select a venue for the coffee break, with a choice of the pre-function

announced a new special promotion valid until Oct. 31. The “U Love” package is designed fro those couples looking to enjoy romantic moments together in Chiang Mai. The rate starts at Bt6,110++ per night for a Superior Room and Bt7,110++ for a Deluxe Room, inclusive of benefits such as a “unique whenever, wherever breakfast,” massage for two, candlelit dinner for two, and many more. For more information and reservations, call 053-327-000. E-mail: reserve@uchiangmai. com

Bt3,000 Tamarind Village offers Thai

residents a special rate of Bt3,000 per night for two, plus a host benefits and privileges that includes daily breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers complete the perfect getaway escape Offer is valid until Oct 31. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, contact, 053 418 896-9 or e-mail: reservation@ tamarindvillage.com

From Bt5,610++ From now until Oct. 31,

U Chiang Mai offers two wonderful getaway packages with either inspiring activities or ultimate pampering exclusively for you. Embark on a journey of discovery by exploring the famous Chiang Mai culture and history with “U Discovery Package” as their knowledgeable host brings you unique experiences including participating in local community activities and guided walks. Other packages are available too. For more information and reservations, call 053-327-000 or e-mail: reserve@uchiangmai. com. Visit www.uchiangmai.com

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Hotel PR Association (Thailand) holds 1-day ‘Personality Workshop’ The Hotel Public Relations Association (Thailand), led by its president Earth Saiswang, recently organized a one-day “Image and Personality Development Workshop” at the Amari Atrium Hotel on Petchburi Road. More than 100 members of the association attended the workshop, facilitated by Pranome Thavornvej, managing director of he John Robert Powers Institute. Khun Pranome lectured on subjects such as social etiquette, corporate image development, and personality development. Personality development has been a major topic of interest for some of the most prominent thinkers in psychology. Our personalities make us unique, but how does personality develop? How exactly do we become who we are today? To answer these questions, many prominent scientists developed theories to describe various steps and stages that occur on the road of personality development. The workshop touched on some theories that focus on various aspects of personality development, including cognitive, social, and moral development.

Thai tourists expected to more than double travel budgets: Visa study

Bangkok – Thai travelers are likely to increase their budgets over 52% on their next trip, from the average US$1,304 spent on their last trip up to US$2,501 on their next one, according to the latest Visa Global Travel Intentions Study. Visa’s regular barometer of travel trends said Asia Pacific would remain the Thais’ top travel destinations for the next few years. Japan emerged as the top destination, followed by Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Somboon Krobteeranon, Visa country manager, Myanmar and Thailand said: “It’s clear that Thais love to travel – whether domestically or abroad. This year’s Visa Global Travel Intentions study discovered that Thai travel behaviors are beginning to change as more go online to book their trips, and use Visa payment cards on-the-go. Visa credit or debit cards offer greater security for travelers, and peace of mind knowing that Visa is accepted worldwide and travelers don’t have to carry large amounts of cash.” Visa has also gathered information and created a profile of Thai tourists´ market behavior. Evidently Thais like to travel together. Most travel with their family or spouses, a number of

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

71% of all outbound Thai tourists. A surprisingly large percentage, 38% of Thais travel with their friends or colleagues, while the global equivalent is only 19%. Moreover, 23% of them answered that their travel group sizes can go up to six or more people, while globally only 10% chose to travel in larger groups. The strong presence of budget airlines in Asia is present in Thais´ flight purchases. Most of the flights Thais take are short haul and in the economy class (53%). With many affordable and accessible destinations nearby, the trips are often short getaways to other Asian countries, which extend over a weekend or take place on public holidays. While Thais may prefer cheaper transport, they however are willing to spend more on comfortable lodging, and choose accommodation in all starcategories from one to five.

Projects Asia to manage Tulip’s new Pattaya project Pattaya – Tulip Group Thailand has appointed Projects Asia as project managers for their luxury five star beachfront condominiun and hotel, Centara Grand Residence Pattaya. Building of Centara Grand Residence Pattaya is expected to start in October. Project Asia has been managing more than 500 projects, such as luxury

condominiums, hotels, shopping malls, and offices in Thailand for more than 23 years. In addition to them, another announced contractor for Centara Grand Residence Pattaya is Thai BAUER, affiliated to the German company BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH, who will be in charge of the piling works. With these “high profile appointments” the developer claims the new project to be “the most exclusive ever to be launched in Pattaya Thailand.

‘Biggest W Music Happening’ hit Samui this Sept

Samui – W Retreat Koh Samui is to host a week-long DJ boot camp and a final party for winners of the 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab, the third edition of one of the world’s best DJ search. The 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab is the third edition of one of the world’s best DJ searches that aims to recruit emerging music talents from around the world, where a weeklong DJ Lab boot camp and a

party will be taking place Sept. 24-29. W Retreat Koh Samui Resort & Spa, a cutting-edge design resort on Thailand’s premier holiday island, will welcome the finalists and some the world’s best DJs, who will be designing the classes and training sessions during the period, such as W Hotels Global Music Director Michaelangelo L’Acqua, DJ White Shadow whose instrumental works including Lady Gaga’s latest album, James Lavelle from A&R Records and two-time Grammy nominated Andy Caldwell. Brian Segrave, general manager of W Retreat Koh Samui said, “We are delighted to host the Burn DJ Lab 2013 event. It is particularly exciting have our DJs and mentors travel to this fantastic island location, giving Samui advance exposure to tomorrow’s innovative beats.” The DJs will be also spinning at the W Music Happening on Sept, 27 from 9 pm. until late at the iconic WOOBAR® where their exclusive mixes will be complemented by extravagant lights and sounds and innovative cocktails. The event is open for public and entry fee is Bt500 per person inclusive of creative welcome cocktail, free entry for ladies. For more information and reservations, please contact 0 (66) 77915999 or email to bf.wkohsamui@whotels.com

‘Find Your Fabulous’ campaign launched

Bangkok -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joins hands with Thai Airways International, Asia Web Direct, and more than 30 leading providers of health, beauty, and spa treatments in the country to launch a digital marketing initiative promoting the country's thriving health and wellness industry. The campaign takes aim at women in the Asia-Pacific market, including Thailand, who are looking for ways to rediscover themselves. A wide selection of exclusive deals on wellness and beauty treatments, spa packages, and hotel stays in Thailand is prepared for them, and marketed through online platforms, such as Asia Web Direct, travel website. TAT Gov. Suraphon Svetasreni said: "Fortunately for us, and for medical travelers, over 30 leading providers of wellnessrelated services including clinics, spas, and health centers signed up to offer over 150 packages of exclusive health, beauty, and

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hotel deals that allow tourists from all over the world to book online and receive special pricing." The TAT' gov adds that the 'Find Your Fabulous' campaign will strengthen the image of Thailand as the leading beauty and wellness destination in Asia. “We estimate that the promotion will generate more than Bt50 million of income for health, beauty, and wellness providers in Thailand," he said. Olivier Dombey, executive general manager of Asia, Wotif Group and Asia Web Direct, said: "Australia has really good potential for this sort of promotion, and is one tourist market that beauty clinics would benefit from focusing on,” he hints. For more information, visit www. FindYourFabulousThailand.com.

‘The Beauty of Culture’ wins TAT photo contest Bangkok – The Photo Contest #2 of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has found three talented winners. The first prize of Bt30,000 went to Phumiphat Jiarajetchai for his river boat photo titled, “The Beauty of Culture.” The second prize of Bt20,000 was awarded to Petcharee Tamawong-Benjamin for her awe-inspiring image, “Pray Time.” Dominik Bamberger won third place and Bt10,000 with his stunning temple picture, “Bangkok.” “All three images literally show Thailand in a fascinating – yet distinct – light, which will surely inspire and entice visitors to come and explore Thailand for themselves,” said the TAT in their press release. This year’s theme was “The Magic & Mystery of Amazing Thailand.”

Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Da Nang wins The Guide’s award

Vietnam – Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Da Nang Vietnam has been named as winner of The Guide Awards 2012-13, for the third consecutive year. The Guide is a lifestyle and leisure magazine published by Vietnam Economic Times, one of Vietnam’s leading business newspapers. The annual event of The Guide Awards is entering its 14th year, and celebrates the best products and services in Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality sector. The awarded hotel is managed by Centara, and set directly on Non Nuoc Beach with 42 acres of garden. “This is a huge honor for us,” says Vatthanachai Phipatthontant, general manager of the resort. “I believe that it reflects both on the beautiful setting of the resort, and on the quality of our service. The team here are thrilled,” concludes the GM.

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Banyan Tree marks 16th year

Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings and the founder of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, a worldwide chain of luxury resorts based in Asia, held the merit making ceremony on the auspicious occasion of “Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel’s 16th Anniversary” at Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel recently. He was joined by the hotel’s executives and associates.

Chatrium Hotels & Residences team up with Royal Orchid Plus

Bangkok – Chatrium Hotels & Residences (CHR) have recently entered a partnership with Royal Orchid Plus, the frequent flyer program of Thai Airways International (THAI). Members of Royal Orchid Plus will earn up to 750 miles for each qualifying stay and earn 50 miles for every Bt500 spent at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok´s dining outlets; River Barge, Pier 28 and Silver Waves Chinese Restaurant. Other participating properties in Bangkok are Chatrium Residence Sathorn Bangkok and Emporium Suites by Chatrium. Additionally, the promotion is valid in CHR´s one international hotel, Chatrium Royeal Lake Yangon. Savitri Ramyarupa, CHR managing director said: “Our brand promise of a ´Remarkable Experience´ becomes even greater with the added value of Royal Orchid Plus benefits.” To kick off the partnership, CHR offers Royal Orchid Plus members a promotion valid until Sept. 30. For two-night stay, the guests will receive their third night for free, plus a room upgrade. For more information and reservations, visit www. chatriumpointplus.com/

IMPACT to manage Grand Postal Building

Bangkok – Thailand Post has chosen IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. to manage the recently restored Grand Postal Building in Bangrak, Bangkok. For IMPACT, this is the first city center property to manage, and their investment aims to bring a wider range of events to this centre for post and telecommunication services.

Paul Kanjanapas, IMPACT MD says: “The historic building will serve as a unique venue for hosting conferences, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, events, parties and even weddings, car launches and charity events all managed by our expert team. Our investment is more than Bt100 million over the next few years. We are confident, with our expertise the venue will grow in popularity and stature.” Additionally, there are mid-size meeting rooms and IMPACT is

completing an 80-seater Manorah Thai Restaurant on the ground floor. The 1,000sqm outdoor area can be used for festivals, exhibitions, and other functions.

Centara Grand West Sands inspects progress on new rooms

Phuket – Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket inspects the final stages of additional 158 rooms (Deluxe, and Family Resident Suite categories) that will be completed and ready by the end of October. The new rooms bring the total accommodation to 432 rooms, and future expansion will eventually see a total number of 784 rooms. In photo (from left to right): Dechanont Wangthong, executive assistant manager of Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket; Derek Beck (2nd right), project director; Andreas Korf, general manager.

Miguel Jaun (center), resident manager of Dream Hotel Bangkok; Jittranuch Mingkwan (7th from left), PR and marketing manager); actress Aeh Issariya Saisanan (8th from right) who also donated her scarf for the auction’, Alan Sim (7th from right), co-president of Miss Southeast Asian Beauty Pageant 2013; and Pradit Praditnunt (6th from right,president & CEO of Pradinunt Production.

Miss Southeast Asian 2013 Contestants at Charity Party at Dream Hotel

Bangkok – Dream Hotel Bangkok recently organized a charity party to support Foundation for Rehabilitation & Development of Children and Family (FORDEC). The event was highlighted by the performances of "Miss Southeast Asian 2013" candidates. They included three fashion shows (Heritage Costume, Cocktail, and Evening Gown) featuring the representatives of Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia. FORDEC provides material assistance and opportunities for physical and intellectual growth to uplift the living conditions of children, youth, and families in need.

Novotel donates care items to ‘Art For All’

David Baldwin, general manager of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square donated over 400 towels, duvet cover sheets, slippers and other care items to Suwat Ekwattanaphan, director of the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, and a representative of Art For All, a non-profit philanthropic arts organization. These items are meant to benefit the underprivileged children who participate in Art for All camp, improving their personal hygiene and well being.

´Travelers´ Choice´ award for Bangkok

Bangkok – Bangkok Gov. M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra recently presided over the “2013 Travelers´ Choice Destinations” award presentation held at the Bangkok Art & Culture Center. TripAdvisor selected Bangkok as the top destination. The city won the No. 1 spot over 25 other top travel destination as voted by TripAdvisor website visitors. Second place went to Tokyo and the third place to Beijing.

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‘Jetsetter’ Unveiled

Jet Asia Airways announces in-flight magazine service partnership with Lookeast Magazine at TTM+

By Percy Roxas et Asia Airways recently unveiled its in-flight magazine, “JETSETTER,” at the recent “Thailand Travel Mart” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The in-flight magazine service, which started in August, follows an agreement signed between Jet Asia Airways and LOOKEAST magazine. The airline is now distributing the magazine aboard its Thailand-China routes, with a different logo (Jetsetter) and added content to reflect its partnership with Jet Asia Airways. LOOKEAST magazine, founded in 1971, is arguably the longest existing and the most widely circulated English travellifestyle magazine in Thailand. It focuses on Thailand travel and lifestyle, and has a

Lookeast | travel

readership that is getting more robust by the day, both in print and online. “With its relevant content and comprehensive information that is helpful to tourists, its wide readership and distribution, not to mention its consistent, innovative spirit, Lookeast Magazine is a perfect fit for Jet Asia Airways,” says Sid Sehgal, chief executive officer of The Sehgal Group, which publishes LOOKEAST . Jet Asia Airways, founded in December 2009, and based out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, currently operates both scheduled flights and block charters between Thailand and several cities within China. The carrier is the latest addition to airlines offering significantly cheaper travel alternatives to

passengers between the two routes. Jet Asia has two ports in Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket, and is currently the only Thai airline offering direct flights from Phuket to the secondary cities in mainland China. The carrier flies charter destinations to seven cities in the mainland; Beijing, Changsha, Chongqing, Harbin, Nanking, Shenyang and Tianjin. It now also flies to two South Korean destinations: Daegu and Pusan; and since February to Japan (Tokyo and Osaka). “We give passengers from these destinations a cheaper option,” says Jacob Saba, chief executive officer of Jet Asia Airways.“ The unveiling of “JETSETTER,” was attended by a motley group of Thai celebrities, local dignitaries, and the media. 

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tale of the tape Germany:

Growth resumes from Europe’s once-top market, but share falls Visitor Arrivals from Germany 2006-2013 Year

By Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor,

www.travel-impact- newswire.com

ermany was once Thailand’s top European country in terms of arrivals. It has now fallen to third place after Russia and the UK. This slippage is mainly due to local economic situation in Europe, changes in the market and social conditions, and competitive pressure from other destinations, especially within Europe. It is also due to the fact that arrivals from other European countries are rising more rapidly. Germany is no longer on the list of top ten source markets overall. In 2012, it became the 12th source-market with a share of 2.97% or 663,611 visitors. From January – March 2013, arrivals from Germany totalled 250,900, up 14.04% over the same period of 2012. For the entire year 2013, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is expecting 699,670 visitors from Germany, generating a projected 47.36 billion baht in tourism revenue. In spite of the fall in market share, the flow of visitors from Germany remains reasonably steady. A major reason is that Thailand remains good value for money, affordable to German consumers with a wide cross-section of budgets. Moreover, Thailand continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, and sports. Thailand also has an excellent reputation for product delivery including an extensive range of natural and cultural heritage attractions. A combination of affordability and diversity is the key to success.

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Arrivals (by residence) 507,942 537,200 531,241 556,852 596,960 603,979 663,611 250,900

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 (Jan-Mar)

Source: Immigration Bureau, Police Department.

% Change 16.35 5.76 -1.11 4.82 7.20 1.18 9.87 14.04

Tourism Receipts from German visitors 2008-2012 Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Length of Stay (Days) 16.83 15.44 15.30 17.09 18.03

Per Capita Spending Baht/Day US$/Day 3,608 108.32 3,454 100.74 3,474 109.64 3,520 115.46 3,617 116.40

Tourism Receipts Mil. Baht Mil. US$ 32,259 968 29,699 866 31,733 1,001 36,337 1,191 43,286 1,392

Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports Note: 2008: Exchange rate 1 US$ = 31.31 Baht 2009: Exchange rate 1 US$ = 34.29 Baht 2010: Exchange rate 1 US$ = 31.69 Baht 2011: Exchange rate 1 US$ = 30.49 Baht 2012: Exchange rate 1 US$ = 31.08 Baht

For many decades until the 1990s, Germany was the biggest European market for Thailand. After 2000, it was overtaken by the UK. In 2006, Thailand welcomed 507,942 visitors from Germany, up +16.35% over 2005. One trend that began to emerge was the growth of German visitors attending conventions and exhibitions in Thailand as a result of the joint ventures between Thai and German exhibition companies. This led to an increase in both the number of visitors and exhibitors at the numerous Thai trade shows. In 2007, Thailand received 537,200 visitors from Germany, up 5.76% over

2006. That year saw a noticeably strong growth in the number of German first-time travellers, convention delegates, students and especially retired people. In 2008, the impact of the global financial crisis began to be felt and German visitors arrivals totalled 531,241, declining by 1.11%. It was also because of a domestic political crisis in Thailand which saw the closure of Bangkok’s main gateway, Suvarnabhumi airport, for 10 days. By 2011, Germany had been overtaken by the growth in Russian arrivals and fallen to third place in the list of European sourcemarkets, with 603,979 visitors.

Profile

2012

% Δ

% Share

Sex Male

413,996

+ 9.94

62.39

Female

249,615

+ 9.76

37.61

11.47

Age Under 25

76,119

+ 25.58

25 - 34

183,904

+ 6.49

27.71

35 - 44

146,300

+ 5.03

22.05

45 - 54

144,473

+ 8.87

21.77

55 and over

112,815

+ 14.33

17.00

First visit

213,429

+ 14.52

32.16

Revisit

450,182

+ 7.80

67.84

Frequency of Visit

Travel Arrangement Group Tour

52,418

+ 12.76

7.90

611,193

+ 9.63

92.10

Holiday

603,572

+ 123.42

90.95

Meeting

7,496

- 92.88

1.13

422

- 99.41

0.06

Non Group Tour Purpose of Visit

Incentive Convention

1,039

- 98.82

0.16

Exhibitions

695

- 64.76

0.10

50,387

- 25.42

7.59

Others

Tourism Revenue from German visitors

In 2012, visitors from Germany stayed an average of 18.03 days, while their average daily expenditure was 3,617 baht (US$116.40) per person. This generated about 43.28 billion baht (US$1,392 million) tourism exchange revenue to the Thai economy.

3. Profile

The profile of German travellers to Thailand in 2012 shows some interesting characteristics: • 37% of German visitors were female, +9.76% to 249,615 while male visitors were up by 9.94% to 413,996. • 67% of German arrivals were repeat visitors, +7.80% to 450,182, while first-time travellers were up by 14.52% to 213,429. • 92.10% were FIT, +9.63% to 611,913, while visitors travelling by group tour were up by 12.76% to 52,418. • By age, visitors from Germany were mainly between 25-34 and 35-44, up by 6.49% and 5.03% respectively. Other fastgrowing segments were young travellers aged under 25 (up by 25.58%) while senior citizens aged over 55 were up by 14.33%. • By purpose of visit, 90% were holiday visitors, +123.42% to 603,572. • There has been significant decline in the number of German convention and conference delegates, due to economic conditions at home, and the emergence of competitive events in other parts of Asia, especially China and Indonesia.

Source: -Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports -Marketing Database Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand

4. Aviation Linkages Routes Frankfurt – Bangkok Munich – Bangkok Source: Air-Sea Guide, August 2013

Airlines & No. of flights per week TG (11) LH/TG (7) TG (7) Total

Total flights/ weeks 11 7 7 25

As of August 2013, there were 25 direct flights scheduled weekly operated by Thai Airways International and Lufthansa from the longstanding German hubs, Frankfurt and Munich. In addition, the Gulf airlines are generating significant traffic via connecting flights through Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Conclusion

• TAT surveys show that Thailand’s sea, sand and sun are appealing to German visitors. • Most popular destinations include Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Samui Island, Hua Hin, Pha Ngan Island, and Cha-am. • The growth of the Internet has increased the popularity of direct bookings. The reservation model has also changed, from bookings that were once made at least six months in advance to barely within 5-6 weeks before travel presently. Visitors also seek special offers and deals. • Germans are environmentally-conscious travellers. The more experienced travellers seek holidays with creative lifestyle ideas, innovative products, diversity, and different experiences. • Health & wellness travel is a growing trend. 

september 2013 | 41

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By Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor,

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hailand and its ASEAN neighbours can expect to get more leisure and business travellers, as well as students from Africa in the wake of a ground-breaking visit by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda between July 28 - August 2, 2013. A range of agreements covering trade, investment, tourism, culture and education cooperation were signed. Citing Thailand’s strategic geographic location at the heart of Asia, Mrs Yingluck spoke for the enormous potential of stronger linkages with the equally strategic located East African countries, all three of which are rich with natural resources such as natural gas, minerals, and fishery. In two speeches, Mrs Yingluck referred to Africa as “one of the cradles of civilization” known for its great cultural diversity and home to 11 of the world’s fastest growing economies. More than 65% of Africa’s 1,100 million citizens are under 35 years of age, indicating future growth potential amongst urban communities and the middle-class, as well as prospects for Thais to export consumer products and invest in infrastructure. Equally important is the strong shift towards democracy in Africa. Similar economic and political transformations are taking place in Asia. At a broader regional level, the time is ripe to advance cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

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Thailand Tells Africa to Look East to Asia (ASEAN) and the African Union (AU), both of which have great economic potential, and share development experiences and common goals. Pooling their strengths can benefit the world and help enhance their “voice” on the international stage. Said Mrs Yingluck, “The most important issue for this partnership will be to enhance inter-regional connectivity. Better transportation links between Africa and Asia are essential, by sea, land, and air. Indeed, the Indian Ocean links the two regions in progress and prosperity so we need to make better use of it.” Calling Thailand the “logistics hub of ASEAN,” she said that the project to build a land bridge connecting the upcoming Dawei seaport in Myanmar on the Indian Ocean to Laem Chabang seaport in Thailand to Vietnamese ports such as Da Nang on the Pacific Ocean will significantly shorten the distance and costs for distribution of African exports in Asia. “But another aspect of connectivity which is equally important is connectivity of ideas through dialogue. We should work more closely together to enhance people-to-people links, from more tourism to greater cultural and youth exchanges between the two regions.” Mrs Yingluck was accompanied by 59 representatives of the Thai private sector in six areas of business: energy/alternative energy, construction, tourism and medical tourism, textile, gems and jewellery, and

automotive. She highlighted the following measures being taken by the Thai government: First, to enhance access for African products to Thai markets, Thailand is finalizing some issues on the World Trade Organisation duty-free, quota-free market access privileges and will announce it at the next WTO meeting later this year. This initiative should help build momentum for greater trade between Asia and Africa. Second, to promote HRD and capacitybuilding for African youth, Thailand is launching new internships, and scholarships in agriculture, health and tourism in order to build new leaders for African-Asian partnerships. This will be supplemented by a new “Thai Volunteers Programme” for Africa where young Thai professionals will work with their African partners on development cooperation projects in Africa. Third, for food security and better public health, Thailand is ready to share its knowledge on sustainable agriculture and food processing. It is also ready to share experiences on Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as well as strengthen cooperation to fight malaria, HIV/AIDs and other pandemics. In order to firm-up these measures and generate new ideas on the Thai Africa Initiative, Thailand will host a Thai-African High Level Dialogue in February 2014. The leaders of Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique have been invited to attend.

Further details on Mrs Yingluck’s trip to each country: Tanzania, July 30-31: This was the first state visit by a Thai Prime Minister to Tanzania since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1980. A primary objective here was to share Thailand's expertise in energy, mining, natural tourism management, and wildlife conservation. She also visited the famous Serengeti National Park and held talks with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete. Tanzania is seeking Thai sector investment in the fields of energy, hospitals, and hotels, as well as Thai expertise in agricultural product processing and jewellery cutting, energy and construction. A number of Thai companies have invested in Tanzania’s agricultural, spa and jewellery sectors. Thailand also agreed to provide 10 scholarships for Master’s degree studies to Tanzanian students as well as exchange academicians and experts. Tanzania has requested mathematics and science teaching volunteers from Thailand.

Uganda, Aug 1: This was an early response to the invitation by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni following his state visit to Thailand on November 16, 2012. Uganda is seeking to tap Thailand's expertise in agriculture, fishery, and public health, as well as promote cooperation in economy, trade, and investment. An MoU was signed between Thai and Ugandan Chambers of Commerce. Thailand offered ten Master’s degree scholarships and short-term training scholarships in the fields of agriculture, tourism, human resources development, and medicine. Thailand will also expand the “Thai Volunteers” project which helps young Thai people travel to Africa to share their knowledge and experiences particularly in agriculture and public health. Thailand will assist the rehabilitation project of Itojo Central Primary School, initiated by the Ugandan President’s wife. Both countries also agreed to establish the twin cities of Chiang Mai and Uganda’s Jinja.

Mozambique, July 28-29: This was the first state visit by a Thai Prime Minister to an African country in eight years, and the first visit to Mozambique since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989. Mrs Yingluck met with Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, witnessed the signing five Agreements and MoUs, and presided over a ceremony to hand over a number of trucks and Tuk-Tuk trishaws. Thailand’s national oil company PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has invested about US$2 billion in Mozambique where over 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves have been discovered, four times more than that in Thailand. PTT Exploration and Production has also been entrusted by the Mozambican Government to draft the country’s master plan on energy. A major Thai construction conglomerate, Italian-Thai Development, has invested in Mozambique’s railroad system and seaport development. The seaport, in particular, will become the largest deepsea port in Africa and can be linked to the Dawei deep-sea port with only eight days of sailing. Furthermore, Thai companies are seeking to invest more in the Mozambique jewellery sector.

Visitors from Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique in 2011-2012 Nationality 2011 2012 As indicated below, the number of visitors from these countries to Thailand is almost negligible. In the light of the progress made by the Prime Minister’s visit, there is no doubt that the only way they will go is up. 

% Change over 2011

Tanzania

2,776

2,801

0.90

Uganda

2,327

2,654

14.05

745

898

20.54

Total 5,848 Source: Immigration Bureau, Royal Thai Police Department

6,353

8.64

Mozambique

september 2013 | 43

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More Than Just Pool Villa Luxury

Conrad Koh Samui has all the ingredients for a perfect beach holiday

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ooking over the infinity-edge pool of the Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Spa, it is easy to indulge in grandiose daydreams. No one can blame you for imagining that your swimming pool reaches all the way to the azure blue horizon, and thinking something like “the whole Southern China Sea: Mine.” Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Spa is a luxury allpool villa – 80 free-standing of them -- property set on an entire-hillside on the southernmost tip of the island overlooking Taling Ngam Bay, one of the most picturesque parts of Thailand. All the pool villas offer generous views of the Gulf of Thailand. How generous? The resort’s owns an ample 25 acres in the southwest tip of Koh Samui, and views are accordingly clear and tranquil. Cyan blue. Down spreads the white sand of Aow Thai Beach, and forward the sea, your massive playground. If swimming in the ocean is not your thing, each villa has a 10-22.5m pool, so hotel guests can enjoy leisurely swims, sunbathing sessions or pool plays in their own private setting. As the property is situated on a green hilltop, the surrounding exotic forest offers privacy to all villadwellers. Thus, no inadvertently shared neighbors´ snores, or full moon party soundtracks, only the calming lull of the ocean, for a peace-seeking travelers full enjoyment.

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Creature Comforts

Of the 80 villas, 65 are One-Bedroom Pool Villas, 14 Ocean-view Two Bedroom Pool Villas, and one Conrad Royal Ocean-view Pool Villa (the suite). All of the villas are furnished in contemporary Thai-style, with original artwork. Bedrooms and bathrooms are conveniently large, and one window-wall opens to a balcony, which adds a feel of space. The island setting does not exclude the latest technology. One deductive reason is like all modern resorts Conrad Koh Samui must compete for the business travelers´ favor with better-connected resorts in the whole region of Southeast Asia. This is why Conrad has many gimmicks for a vacationing high-flying geek. Some of the highlights include: Apple TV based computer system IPTV, iPod docking station, Surround Sound System, and LCD Flat Panel TV with HD, cable, and movie channels, plus on-demand video games. Most importantly, complimentary Internet access is offered throughout the resort.

which can be arranged from their 120m-private jetty. A hint: diving is especially recommended because the region hosts some of Thailand´s premier diving spots. Other close-by attractions include Chaweng Beach (for shopping and nightlife), Lamai Beach (for more chilled dinners), golfing in Santiburi Country Club, elephant trekking, or visiting Wat Kiri Wongkaram (“temple of the mummified monk”). Altogether, Conrad Koh Samui has all the ingredients for a perfect beach holiday. Whether for leisure or for business, it has something to offer every guest, from pristine nature to high-tech in-room entertainment, not to mention – again -- a fruitful setting for daydreaming of almost megalomanic proportions. It is only up to you to visit and find your own paradise. 

Flexibly from Home to Work

But the professional, entertaining technology is one side of it; the resort has paid special attention to the overall functionality of the villas. For many guests, the villa is not only a temporary home, but it must also serve as a potential office. Consequently, even the most affordable One Bedroom Pool Villa has a long list of work-related amenities: an ergonomic desk chair, a work desk with adjustable lamp, convenient electrical outlets, a lap desk, a sofa, an iron/ ironing board, a hairdryer, signature task lighting, a refrigerator, an espresso machine, and local newspaper delivery. The space must also cater to naps, for example in-between meetings at their 130-guests´ Aow Thai Function Room. And a business traveler especially knows the value of a good night´s sleep -- or a power nap -- so the pool villa boasts black-out curtains, signature bedding, luxurious 250 thread count sheets, a choice of pillows, throw blankets, and an alarm radio. Luxurious, undisturbed, yet controllable sleep is a high priority. If something does come up though, housekeeping will be available to assist the guests with any further wishes, such as a change of a pillow throughout the 24 hours.

World within

Almost necessary because of the secluded location, Conrad Samui offers a considerable amount of services, a veritable world in itself. Three restaurants, two lounges, and a wine cellar with over 3,000 vintages operate in the premises. There is a spa with designated beauty, holistic, and wellness programs, and a fitness center with yoga, tai chi, Thai boxing, and aqua aerobics classes. Seeing the professionally equipped spa, it makes sense that some come to this part of the world not because of mai tais but for a detox. Even kids will not be bored. The Turtle Kids´ Club gathers the smaller travelers for ducky and fun activities, such as workshops of cultural arts and handicrafts, as well as indoor and outdoor games. Not only does it make the vacation more interesting for the kids, this also means the adults may rest their feet by the pool or chill in the spa for a moment. If in need of a one-day silence retreat, the resort also offers baby-sitting services for additional charges.

World Outside

Saying this, some may rather spend their valuable free time in activities or shopping. For these wishes, the resort offers multiple attractive options. Firstly, there are sailing, diving, and boat trips,

Contact Details: Conrad Koh Samui 49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road, Tambol Taling Ngam, Koh Samui Tel: 077-915-888 Visit: www.conradkohsamui.com september 2013 | 45

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boutique The Spa, Conrad Koh Samui SPA REVIEW

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Retreat to Luxury Holistic pampering, luxurious premises make The Spa at Conrad Koh Samui an experience to remember

tart with an “Aromatic Herbal Steam Bath.” Let the herbal compresses free your energy flow in “Herbal Touch.” Apply “Meridian Massage” to release the last remaining chi blockages. Take a break and have a “Spa Cuisine Lunch” and an exceptional dessert: “Fresh Food Facial” with skin-brightening natural ingredients of honey, orange, and cucumber. Finish the healthy retreat with a stimulating “Foot Massage.” These are ingredients for a perfect day at the spa, right? The treatments above, compiled under the “Body Herbal Renewal Retreat” package are just among the many wellness programs that The Spa has to offer. There are more. For example, “Essence of Koh Samui” is an attractive mix incorporating classes at the fully equipped Fitness Center, spa treatments, and healthy cuisine. “Spa Detox Retreat” combines spiritual, therapeutic, dietary, and herbal solutions such as stretchin and acupressure. There is something for the soul, body, and mind. The luxurious premises are an essential part of the holistic experience. The spa has two levels, both boasting 270-degree views of the ocean, seen from the spacious, stylish single and couple treatment rooms. The rooms feature oversized tubs and private decks, while

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the Royal Suite contains a private plunge pool. Facilities also include Thai massage rooms, a dedicated beauty salon, spa library, and a retail boutique. “Our philosophy is to create unforgettable memory of your luxurious time at The Spa, while still leaving the most important luxury up to you – the Luxury of Being Yourself,” says The Spa´s website. To provide a memorable and customized experience for every guest, The Spa has taken a professional approach by listing the ingredients for successful service. Firstly, every treatment session starts with a detailed consultation, so the individual needs and wishes will translate into a tailor-made service. There is also an option of “Building Your Own Spa Program,” which allows the guests to customize their schedule with a pick of facials, body treatments, and massages collectively for a half day or a full day. Another essential part of the experience is Aromatherapy Associates´ scents and oils, which “soothe and calm the mind, bring the emotions into balance, and ease strains, tension, and blockages in the body and skin.” With the soft murmur of tranquil music, calm and stylish surroundings of the spa, and the world of sensual scents, it is easy to lull into the right track of purifying pleasure. But some exotic whiffs are not enough for an excellent spa treatment. Far more important is the professional care. To ensure the authentic service, Dr. Buathon Thienarrom, a renowned holistic practitioner, provides training for all therapists at The Spa. The comprehensive training includes for example Reiki I, a spiritual practice, which aims to implement integrity, wisdom, and a sense of fun in everything the receivers, as well as the practitioners, do. Mutual wellbeing as the goal of this practice, which might be the most mutually fulfilling experience for hedonists in spa slippers, as well as for spa professionals in this part of the world. Is it any wonder The Spa at Conrad Koh Samui, has been voted by thousands of discerning spa-goers worldwide as “Continent Winner for the Best Luxury Wellness Spa” at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2013?  Contact Details: The Spa Conrad Koh Samui 49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road, Tambol Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Suratthani Tel: 077-915-888 E-mail: Conrad_Koh_Samui@conradhotels.com www.conradkohsamui.com

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boutique Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa HOtels-Chiang MAI

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'Fulfill Your Life, Return to Nature'

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A mighty cascade flows through Sukantara: beautiful to the eye, a perfect soundtrack for sunbathing or morning meditation BY EMMI LAINE

ukantara. “Su” means beautiful or good, and “kantara” translates to “a multi-tiered waterfall.” A fitting name for Sukantara Luxury Eco Resort and Spa, a small boutique resort founded in 2004 on the sloping hills of Maerim, Chiang Mai. Fitting, because water there is. A mighty cascade flows through Sukantara´s property, right next to their Lanna Cottages, Panorama Villas and Suites, and Luxury Tented Villas. Beautiful to the eye, and a perfect soundtrack for sunbathing or morning meditation, the cascade invites visitors to take a refreshing dip, or try their hand at Karen style fishing, using woven rattan baskets. Besides the waterfall, Sukantara strives for harmonious atmosphere with other deliberate elements. The resort is about 30-minutes drive away from the city and Chiang Mai International Airport, which guarantees the serene green surroundings. The area is best explored by hiking, visiting nearby Karen villages, and joining elephant tours, but an equally good option is just chilling and enjoying a beauty treatment or a signature massage at the resort´s Chiida Spa. Harmony is the goal up to the smallest detail: the rooms have no clocks, encouraging the customers to “listen to their body clock.” What the rooms do however have, are traditional Chiang Mai loin cloths for everyone ready for a fashion makeover. And the cultural embrace goes deeper. Soammarat Saowapak, their marketing director explains the secret of warm welcome is “treating our staff like family members, then our staff treat our customers like their family members.” Cultural retreat can hardly be considered authentic without hiring local staff. “We keep the real Chiang Mai charming servicemind and culture. Some are local Karen people,” says the marketing director. Their website also states: “Community emphasis always come first, along with forest conservation, and finding ways to create employment opportunities to sustain the local community.” In fact, when building the resort, Somporn Sugunasil, the founder of Sukantara was supported by the Buddhist and Christian hill tribes. They even gave him an affectionate nickname: “por nai,”“boss father.” The endeavor to peaceful coexistence within the staff and the community shines through the mostly “excellent” ratings in

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TripAdvisor reviews. The resort´s Chiang Mai restaurant has especially gathered praise, which AsiaPacMan´s words summon: “Food was great quality and good value.” The traditional Thai restaurant has been awarded as one of the “Chiang Mai 50 Best Places to Eat” by Trend magazine, and sets northern Thai Kantoke dinners under candle light by the waterfall. As can be guessed, tradition and community are important here too: “It’s the culture of Chiang Mai (Lanna) to sit on the floor, eating food with sticky rice together as a family. The secret recipes are inherited from my grandma,” says Saowapak. Lastly, Sukantara has also had some celebrities visiting, one of them Angelina Jolie with her family. Saowapak remembers her positively: “Angelina is really downto-earth, taking care of her adopted son, Maddox, by herself. She was very friendly to all our staff too.” Indeed, Sukantara´s website encourages us: “Fulfill your life, get back to nature.” If Jolie can do it, why not us?  Contact Details: Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa 12/2 M.8, T.Maeram, A.Mae Rim, Chiang Mai Tel: 081-881-1444 E-mail: info@sukantara.com www.sukantara.com

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra Governor Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

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Personality

Doing His Best for Bangkokians ‘What guides me in my decisions is the best interest of the people; my reward is the happiness my policies bring to the majority of Bangkokians’ – Gov. Sukhumbhand

By Laurence Civil

om Rajawongse Sukhumbhand Paribatra was elected governor of Bangkok for the first time in January 2009, and then re-elected for his second term in March this year. A graduate of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Pembroke College, Oxford University, and holder of a master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University, Washington D.C Sukhumbhand pursued an academic career upon his return to Thailand before entering politics as a Member of Parliament from the Democrat Party. But even with all his aristocratic pedigree, academic credentials, and political experience, he says nothing can prepare anyone for the job of governing Bangkok. "The job is both interesting and challenging," Sukhumbhand told Lookeast Magazine, "but nothing can prepare anyone for the tasks it requires to be done.” “What is in the best interest of the people is what guides me in my decisions. My reward is the happiness my policies bring to the majority of Bangkokians,” he says, acknowledging that the best for the majority does not always please all. He admits there are days when the job puts him under considerable pressure. But he remains calm and realistic. “Remaining calm is something that comes with age, and I must remain realistic in that all I can do is my best,” he says. “There are times when I have to make hard decisions despite the sometimes unpopular feedback they generate." Like all politicians with the nothing but the best intentions and true interest of his people at heart, he presses on. That Bangkok is being recognized as one of the top modern metropolises of the world today – TripAdvisor just recently recognized Bangkok as the most popular city in the world – is a testament that he and his team are on the right track. Among the nagging issues that Sukhumbhand and his team have to face are the city’s notorious traffic congestion and the lack of proper infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists in the capital. The sad reality is that Bangkok is still a very car-centric city, and again, not everybody can be pleased. “Politically its okay to spend money on roads, but there is an outcry when equal amounts are spent on pedestrians," he regrets. “Under my administration we have built 3.3km of walkways under the sky train because it is easier and safer for people to walk there,” he says. “I am embarking on a Bt10 billion project to build another 20km of safe walkways -- and not just under the BTS.” “About 300,000 Bangkokians live within a 2-3km radius of the Bangna intersection,” he continues. “My plan is to build up to 12km of walkways around the intersection to make it easier for the people to go about their daily working lives.” Sukhumbhand also promised to make Bangkok more bicyclefriendly, and he’s making good with his promise. “We have steadily increased bicycle lanes on 30 roads. We had promised to make 10,000 bikes available, but so far the actual number is only a few hundred. We still need to do more for cyclists. It’s popular culture, not just as a means of transport, but also as a recreational sport,” he says. The interest group at the opposite side of the table is the carowners. According to OICA (International Organization of Motor

Vehicle Manufacturers), Thailand was the largest automotive industry in Southeast Asia, and the 9th largest in the world in 2012. What has boosted this growth is the Thai government's first-time car buyer scheme, introduced in 2011, which had since been offering tax rebates of up to Bt100,000 per vehicle for new car-buyers. This however, has not been the ‘all-in-one’ answer to Bangkok's traffic problems – but rather the opposite. “I am reluctant to blame the car buyers as owning a car is a dream for a lot of people,” he says. “I blame the material world; that’s not sustainable. Many have dumped their cars and are defaulting on the payment. “The real solution is an effective, and reliable public transport system. It would ease the financial burden of the middle-class families that currently need a car to go to work, and take their kids to school,” he sums up. Effectively, the BTS-line now extends in many directions at the time of writing. Then, aside from the never-ending push-and-pull in the traffic, there is another curious and important interest group in (his) this city: the tourists. What would Sukhumbhand like to show to tourists in Bangkok? "As I am effectively the ambassador of Bangkok, there are three places I would recommend as a must-visit,” he says. The first is the Grand Palace, which includes The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. “It’s the best of old Bangkok,” he says. Another highlight is the area of Khudichan Lane, which he says, “gives an example of the religious harmony which exists in the city. Santa Cruz Catholic Church, Wat Kalayanamit Buddhist Temple, and Bangluang Mosque, show how respective different worldviews can peacefully live close to each other.” Third on his list is the Chatuchak Farmers´ Market (Ow, Taw, Kaw), “where they sell fresh and cooked food, which present the flavors and smells of the foodie city.” Of course, there’s more to be done. Like the concern about the repeat of the 2009 Bangkok flooding, the dilemma over the street vendors, and then with what to do for the “spaghetti cables,” which are eyesores in an otherwise lovely cosmopolitan city – all still work in progress. Promotion of Bangkok as a “City of Life” has given the metropolis a very positive outward image. This is proven by the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting the city, the busier airports, and the numerous accolades the city is getting from several travel operators today. "It was an honor when TripAdvisor recognized Bangkok as the most popular city in the world, indeed," the governor reiterates. "I have always thought that Bangkok could have been a city in Europe.” With initiatives proving to be successful, Bangkok might indeed become as progressive and advanced. Even now, Bangkok is already regarded as ‘the business card’ of the country. The city is better known globally than the country, a favorite setting for many media works, such as movies and novels (the last being one of his main personal hobbies). As Governor, Sukhumbhand is the living equivalent of the city – one with exceptionally many wishes for his people, and arguably even more substance to offer.  september 2013 | 51

Personality

Making a Difference

She feels very blessed for being chosen to take on her new role and is very grateful to Starwood, but she doesn’t expect things to happen overnight

By Percy Roxas

anet McNab, area manager for South Thailand of Starwood Asia, and general manager (GM) of Westin Siray Bay Phuket Resort, describes herself as straight; “very straight.” She said she has always been like this. “I don't like to have to read between the lines,” she says. “If you tell me something, I’ll absolutely believe you unless you give me reason to not to. If I have an altercation with someone I don't hold any grudge at all; I’m just not like that. I think that yes, often enough, sometimes someone may disappoint us but ultimately we must always be fair. I would never treat someone differently from another because I don't want somebody to do it to me. To me, fairness, honesty and integrity are more than just words.” As a manager, she admits she’s a driver. “I’m definitely a driver,” she says. “But I have a very happy disposition. I use humor, I include everybody in the decision-making process, and I find that it works. I’m consultative but I don't take ‘No’ for an answer. I always think there’s a solution to everything. If something’s broken let’s fix it.” Janet has been in the hotel industry for almost 24 years; she started when she was 25. Back then she was a law clerk. But then she realized the job was a little bit boring. “So what I did was I applied to all the things that I dreamt of working for,” she says. “I applied to airlines, to television stations, and to hotels. I wrote to all the big companies in Australia with my CV and I was lucky enough to get accepted in a quite junior role for a hotel in Brisbane.” The hotel was Sheraton Brisbane, which is now no longer with Starwood. “I took the job even though it was in a lower position and thought, well, the only way to go is up. I never turned back since. It was in 1998, the so-called “Brisbane expurge,” so it was like a baptism of fire but it’s just wonderful. It's a great opportunity. Those days, I was thinking: God was looking after me. He got me into the right space and then I did the rest.” She worked from the ranks, went into sales, and then moved into operations. She also did a diploma at the Gold Western University and then her MBA before leaving Brisbane, in 2002, to Nanjing (China). From an executive assistant manager position there she moved to a regional sales marketing role for Southeast Asia in Bali, and then moved to Cairo, also in a regional capacity. She then returned to Bali as Le Meridien Nirvana Resort and Spa GM. In 2009, became pre-opening GM for Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok. She’s been in Thailand for four years now. Now in her dual role as area manager and GM, “it’s so far, so good,” Janet says. She explains, “I’ve been in the area role for just a short amount of time but I don't think it’s difficult. I’ve held a corporate job before. I’ve held a regional job for three-and-a-half years. Nothing’s ever easy; one just needs to use common sense at all times." “I think I’ve been very blessed that I have been chosen to take on this role,” she says. “I’m very grateful to Starwood for giving it to me and I’m very keen to make a difference to the properties and to the area. Of course I don't expect things to happen overnight.” “I don't run Le Meridien Koh Samui; I don't run W Koh Samui; there are terrific people running these hotels,” she says. “My job is

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to work with management to make sure that brand compliance is in place, that we develop the profile of the destination, and helping with the development. We’ve got new developments in the South so it’s more on the strategic level, and if there is a hotel not meeting its goals or not getting to where it is, how I can assist. What are her specific goals? “I’m just developing those,” she says. “I’m fairly new in the role but obviously the work leans on those components. Yes there are goals, but I cannot talk about it just as yet. It’s still a work in progress. But again, what I’d like to achieve is to develop the profiles of the South. I want to be able to because we’ve got some very beautiful hotels in the area offering unique experiences.” Starwood has nine brands in the region. “We have quite an eclectic collection of really beautiful hotels that we can try to develop profile for. And each one of these places is a destination in itself. So, each property can develop unique selling points. Collectively, the properties can help grow the profile of the South for the long-term.’” Janet reiterates that very capable GMs runs the hotels. ”What I do is support them when they need it," she says. "Support, meaning in numbers. Support in implementing Starwood policies, standards, and bringing it all together. So I can be the voice for them with the corporate office rather than each hotel. We have very capable people running our hotels.” As Westin Siray Bay Phuket GM, Janet lives in the resort and that makes her enjoy the job even more. “The interesting thing about that property is you have a view from every room. When I wake up and do my morning rounds I just get a lovely view of the whole bay there,” she says. “It’s nice to be here in a very peaceful surrounding.” She thinks Starwood has a real opportunity to capture the market in Phuket because of its diversely interesting properties. “Phuket as a destination used to have severe highs and severe lows,” she continues. “When it was low season, it was realy low season. What I see now is that the low season doesn’t dip as low, which tells me the low-cost carriers and the intra- Asian tourism is growing; one of the biggest growth markets for Asia.” There was so much that Janet eloquently discussed with us during the interview but unfortunately, we can’t fit them all in one issue. We talked about, among others, each and every hotel she oversees, the Phuket hotel scene in general, Starwood’s employee-friendly culture and why hotel associates looking to move forward should check out the brand and its properties, and even her other goals and dreams. But let us close this article with what we think could give our readers a glimpse of the real Janet, like what she finds most satisfying in her career: “It is having a vision and making it happen; having that success,” she replies. “When I talk about success, I’m not talking about me. I’m talking about how (her team and associates) are going get there from here, how we’re going to make it happen because I will not stop until I make it happen. I’m quite driven, and for me, getting there is the best journey I can take. I love it.” Good last words for the first female area manager for Starwood Asia, don’t you think? 

Janet McNab Area General Manager, South Thailand, Starwood Asia // General Manager, Westin Siray Bay Phuket september 2013 | 53

Stephen Morahan General Manager Le Meridien Chiangrai

Lookeast | Personality

Personality

Enjoying Chiangrai

Chiangrai is rising up to its tourism fortunes, and Le Meridien Chiangrai’s new GM wants to get the word out

By Percy Roxas

he north of Thailand is opening up to tourism. Chiangrai, the northernmost province, in particular, is increasing in popularity among those in search of new travel experiences in the kingdom. Not that it is already transforming into a luxury travel destination. But with more and more international hotel chains being built, signs are that Chiangrai is finally rising up to its tourism fortunes. At least that’s what the new general manager (GM) of Le Meridien Chiangrai, Stephen Morahan, sees. “Chiangrai is certainly improving in popularity,” says the 38-year-old Stephen who assumed his first GM position in March. “This is reflected in the number of people now coming into the area, the infrastructure being built, the emerging new developments, the spiraling land prices – these kind of indicators. Chiangrai is changing very quickly and becoming a much bigger city than in was in the past.” Stephen has been in Chiangrai for just a few months, but is already head over heels about the place. “I think its fantastic; I don't know why I am not here sooner,” he says. “The climate is wonderful, the natural scenery beautiful, and the people are just delightful. Chiangrai is also rich in culture and history; it’s quite amazing.” Stephen noticed that, “From a people perspective, Chiangrai folks have a great sense of ownership of their community, which is different from what I have experienced in other places. They have so much passion and pride in where they live and they want to have a say in the way it moves forward. That's one thing I very much enjoy. From a personal perspective, Chiangrai has a beautiful natural environment; somewhat a jewel of Thailand, although not a lot of people know about already." On the business side, he says he wants to see it get busy, "but on the other hand, who would want to change it?," he continues. "It has a beautiful river, a rich history and culture, and the local artists are absolutely fabulous. And if you drive around, which I’ve done a little bit, there are just so many magical places that you don't get to see anywhere else. I hate to see these things change. I don't get a lot of days-off but when I do, my wife and I try to visit all the unique places.” Stephen has been with Starwood for 10 years now. Prior to his Chiangrai assignment, he was at the Westin Siray Bay in Phuket, and prior to that in Sydney, Australia. “I have come to the business predominantly from the F&B side, and I did a diploma in tourism and hospitality management, as well as hold a degree in advertising and marketing in Australia,” he says. He is currently doing his MBA. He’s been in the industry for 20 years now, having worked his way up from clearing glasses to working in restaurants and bars and so forth through his present position. Very candidly, Stephen admits that the decision to enter the hotel industry was inspired by the fact that his marks in school were not good enough for him to get into the university. He said he wasn’t sure what he was going to do then, until his grandfather told him about a family member who works in hotels. “He asked me if would I like to come down in Sydney and have a site inspection,” he recalls. But instead of meeting the GM he was only able to meet the gentleman in charge of the bars. That chance meeting put him on the F&B direction, “and from there on I just worked my way

through until I could study in the university, which I did,” he says. “I continued working in the industry, moving from state to state, depending on where I was asked to go at the time, and building my skills.” Through it all, Stephen always thought that if he was committed enough and work hard enough, he would be able to make it to GM. “My goal was to be one by 40,” he says. “I made it at 38, which is relatively young for a GM. But if you work hard and learn as much as possible, you can do it.” As a first -time GM, Stephen said he is very excited but nervous at the same time because of the "awesome" responsibility. But he welcomes his new challenges wholehertedly. “My main focus is to create a vision for our team and ensure that we’re all headed in the same direction,” he continues “Whenever there’s a new GM in a property, there’s always uncertainty. So, you want to take all the great work of the people before you and then create your own vision and direction and have the team go the same way with you so you can achieve and continue what others have done before you. And we will do that.” His open management style seems to blend well with Thai culture. “I very much prefer to take on the approach of coaching and mentoring than telling and getting enforcing,” he says. “I would rather ask my people and help them get to their own personal goals, which then eventually will get to the company goals. I understand that we all make mistakes and that we won't ever be perfect, but as long as we continue to learn from those mistakes and teach each other to be better, then we will succeed.” Stephen doesn’t hide his pride for Le Meridien Chiangrai. “This property is quite magnificent; beautifully done and beautifully made. A lot of care and consideration was taken in building the property that fits in with the region and the destination in Chiangrai,” he says. “The brand was specifically chosen to fit with the culture and the discovery of the destination. A lot of foresight has gone into using local art, culture, and history; and in tying the property into the destination rather than the property with the destination. So my first impressions were that somebody has done his job, somebody has taken the care to think about it and understand that the property is part of the culture and the community. It's not just another 5-star hotel in the region. It’s very unique.” As for the opening up of tourism in the North, Stephen says, “we’re all benefitting in terms of growth. There’s no new supply as such but I think that will happen in the next couple of years or so when they open the new artery road and when the Asean Economic Community comes into play. There are a lot of smaller properties and we’re considered the bigger although we only have 159 rooms. So in terms of luxury upscale, we’re probably the only one that fits the bill in the area. The rest are a couple of small boutique hotels. One thing he’d like to tell visitors is that one night in Chiangrai is not enough. “Many guests tell me how they regret haven’t realizing early the many wonderful things around here,” he says. “There are just so many things to see and do, to explore and enjoy. So we need to get the message out there that if you’re coming to Chiangrai, you need to allow yourself more time. As a destination, we need to start communicating the value of Changrai. The best part of Chiangrai is not only the Golden Triangle; it is all those other things.”  september 2013 | 55

Personality

Gender is Not an Issue

New GM of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park says first thing is to bring the team together and really find a way to bring the hotel to the next level

By Percy Roxas

e live in a time and age gender when equality is no longer an issue. Still, one cannot help but be curious about how female hoteliers fare in an industry where the balance is still tilted toward their male counterparts. Is there, indeed, a distinct advantage of having, or being, a female hotelier? “It’s no big deal,” says Tash Tobias, the new general manager (GM) of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. Australian-born Tash is also the area GM for the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) in Bangkok overseeing Holiday Inn Silom, Holiday Inn Pattaya, and the upcoming Hotel Indigo Wireless Road. She has been in the position for about six weeks at the time of the interview. But she’s not the only female GM in Bangkok at the moment; there are currently four or five of them. Although she’s the first at Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. “I’m just a GM,” says the pretty Tash during an exclusive interview at her hotel’s posh executive lounge. “Yes, being a hotel manager seems to be man’s job. But I don’t think there’s a distinct advantage or disadvantage. I just think everyone has a different leadership style.” Was there ever a time when gender became an issue in her career? “Never,” she says, “I think I’m lucky in that.” She says she hasn’t encountered a glass ceiling yet. “It would be nice to say that it doesn't matter,” she says. Tash originally wanted to be an accountant or lawyer, until she took a part-time job in a restaurant to make extra money during her university days in Melbourne. “I loved it, so I decided study hotel management instead,” she says. That’s what she did indeed and then joined an Australian hotel company as a hotel management trainee. The program was only for one year, but Tash stayed with them for about six years. After her university graduation in 1996, there was no turning back. She was totally hooked. She has never been tempted to change careers. “I love this career,” she says simply. But she never dreamed of becoming a GM or an Area GM. “When I was starting in this industry, I told my Mom that maybe if I worked really hard, I can be a director of room or something, but not any more than that. She said that at the time, she thought she couldn’t because she was a woman. “I told them that I will try very hard but I will probably not be one,” she recalls. But times were changing. They have changed. And with the role of a GM completely transformed as well, Tash – with her strong sales and marketing background – has in fact nowhere to go but up. “Anyway, I did some very typical work and put my path – not deliberately perhaps – that leads one to become a GM. I did sales and marketing, and I did revenue management, etc., and I think these gave me a big advantage. Sometimes you don’t have the confidence that you can do it. But as you become more competent you realize, ‘Oh maybe I can take another step.’” Soon she was hotel manager at the Intercontinental Asiana Saigon when it opened with

Lookeast | Personality

305 hotel rooms and 260 residences, and then eventually became GM of Intercontinetal Singapore. “It was an amazing experience,” she says. “I felt so privileged to have run that hotel,” she continues, “it’s a really a special hotel, with a unique style and one of the first branded hotels in the region, so for the first time I was really thinking: I’m really doing this, and between that, I was so proud to be able to.” The hotel made her even more prouder when it became well known and won awards from various travel bodies during her term. “It’s great for my team to be recognized for the job that we did, that was important for me.” One can say she expects nothing less than achieve the same opportunities for the Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. “But,” she was quick to add, “first thing – as happens whenever there’s a new GM in a hotel – is to bring the team together and really find a way to bring this hotel to the next level. That’s a great part of the job.” Anyway, Tash says she’s just happy to be in Asia. After Vietnam, her career took her to Singapore where she lived and worked for two-and-a half years. “This is something I have really always wanted to do – to come to Asia,” she says, “to come to work in Thailand.” Tash says she just loves Thailand. “I mean, I went to the hospitality industry because I love to explore different cultures and people, learn about different religions and different food. And it’s just great to know I will have more time to learn and love it. I mean I’m just here six weeks, still learning, still discovering, still exploring.” “The first year is always about putting the team together, making them trust each other, and that’s my philosophy in terms of managing people. I think with that you can be successful in the business. I’m trying that in the first six months.” “To be honest, there is always a way to improve in everything,” she adds, “but I’m very fortunate with this hotel because it’s in great shape. The hotel is very busy and running very well. But I always think that if everything is OK and I just sit back and not do anything, then it will fall behind. After six weeks, I’m just starting to formulate all my plans but I’m sure they will not deduct from what the hotel has achieved so far.” How challenging is it for her to juggle between family and career? “My secret is a great partner,” she says. “I am privileged to have two things: a great partner and a great work. I think its about having an employer who looks for your results and it’s not really having to work 80 hours a week. IHG is a great company in that regard and that's a big part of it. Then, I have a fantastic partner and two kids who’s willing to move around the world with me. We’ve moved about 10 or 12 times in the past 16 years. “ “I think that to be really good at anything you need to bring the passion with you to anything you do at the moment,” she continues. “It’s really about making sure that when you do the different components in your life you’re 100 percent there. It’s really important to be passionate.”

Tash Tobias General Manager Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park

september 2013 | 57

Personality

authors New Revelations In Strongman Book By Indian Academic Couple

Harish & Julie Mehta Pen First Hun Sen Biography Book Launched in City, in July BY Lekha Shankar

Left to Right: Julie and Harish Mehta, with Somsri (Susie) Hansirisawasdi of the Oriental Hotel.

ell-known Indian academic-author couple, Harish and Julie Mehta, former residents of Bangkok, and presently based in Toronto, returned in July to the city that was their home for many years, to release an updated and totally revised version of their exclusive biography Strongman: The Extraordinary Life of Hun Sen, From Pagoda Boy to Prime Minister of Cambodia. Bangkok was the appropriate place for the book’s release because it was in this city that the authors conceived and wrote the book. It was in Bangkok that they interviewed Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, and other members of his family. Bangkok is an integral part of the intellectual life of the Mehtas. In Bangkok they wrote three other books on Cambodia: Harish wrote Cambodia Silenced, and Warrior Prince, and Julie wrote Dance of Life. They lived in Bangkok and Singapore for 17 years, and their current research and writing focuses on Southeast Asia. The Mehtas both hold doctoral degrees. At McMaster University and Trent University, Harish teaches courses in US foreign relations, Southeast Asian history, the Vietnam Wars, and Human Rights in History. At the University of Toronto, Julie teaches the Chancellorendowed course on Asian Cultures in Canada, Asian-North

Lookeast | Personality

American Literature, and World Literature. They are former senior correspondents with the Singapore Straits Times group, and were editors of the Mumbai magazines Gentleman and Imprint. Within days of release in July, Strongman received good press reviews. Kong Rithdee wrote in the Bangkok Post: “Readers will find this insightful book about Cambodia’s most prominent political figure as relevant as when it first appeared.” The Bangkok Post added that the book contains: “analysis on the role of Cambodia and the US in Cold War politics, based on new declassified materials that provide a context to that giddy period of Indochinese power play. Other additions include an interview with Hun Manet, Hun Sen’s son, as well as five solid chapters that look at the Strongman’s plan of succession and cultivation.” James Pringle commented in Asia Sentinel: “The book is indeed filled with often fascinating detail, and is not a total whitewash either. Sometimes, the Mehtas, husband and wife, have a clear vision. ‘Some critics argued,’ they wrote, ‘that without the moderating presence of Sihanouk, Hun Sen and the other CPP [Cambodian People’s Party] leaders would function without restraint...’ How likely to be true!” The Voice of America said the book “describes the changing perceptions of Hun Sen through the eyes of Western and Asian countries.” The Strongman launch, at the Foreign Correspondents Club, was attended by Cambodian Ambassador You Ay and Indian Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, both of whom declared that it was a book that would evoke a lot of interest in the region, especially with the forthcoming formation of the ASEAN Economic Community with open borders and a single market in 2015, and the July 2013 elections in Cambodia, which Hun Sen's CPP won easily. The book is important because it casts light on many little-known facts about a man who rarely interacts with media: we learn about the Herculean struggles and traumas this rural individual faced, at every stage of his life – as a young boy whose impoverished parents sent him to live with monks in a Phnom Penh pagoda because they could not afford to pay for his education, which the pagoda took care of. As a pagoda boy, he often slept under a monk’s bed and begged him to let down his mosquito net in order to avoid being bitten. As a teenaged Khmer Rouge soldier, the ever-intrusive Khmer Rouge attempt to block his marriage with his lady love, Bun Rany, who was a teenaged Khmer Rouge medical officer. Hun Sen is now creating a Hun dynasty, transferring power to his children and the children of other CPP leaders that ran in the July elections. Excerpts from an interview with the Mehtas at the Authors Lounge of the Oriental Hotel: What is the difference between the first edition of the book in 1999 and this new edition in 2013? Harish: This book is 125 pages longer, and has six new chapters! The extra pages came about when I got access to about 100 declassified documents from the US Central Intelligence Agency, State Department, and the papers of President George H.W. Bush, which showed that the West did not despise Hun Sen as was made out to be, but that right through the Cold War, they were impressed by his strength and his initiative. President Francois Mitterrand of France, in fact, said Hun Sen needed to be “taken into account” for his good governance. I found many such documents from other leaders in ASEAN. Our publisher thought that it would be good for us to bring

out an ‘updated’ version of the book, to coincide with Cambodia’s elections in July. Hun Sen rarely gives interviews -- how did you manage to get him to grant so many interviews? Julie: We were very lucky. We did thirteen interviews with him, for nearly twenty hours! I did two interviews with his wife Bun Rany for eight hours, while we met his ‘favourite’ son Hun Manet for about four hours. Harish: India was one of the few non-Communist countries that supported Cambodia during the Cold War, which was why he trusted me, as an Indian, to tell his story. I was reporting from Phnom Penh in 1990 on the Cambodian Peace Plan and UN elections in 1993, and Hun Sen knew me very well from my regular front-page stories in the Singapore press. I had also done a series of exclusive news interviews with him. It was a risk he took, but he wanted his story to be told, he wanted his biography written! He had been to New Delhi, had met Inder Gujral, and Rajiv Gandhi and our book mentions all this. Hun Sen was basically a product of the Cold War, but now he has a standing of his own.

is US$1,150 a month. Yet, there are people in the government that are corrupt, and Hun Sen has repeatedly warned them to avoid corrupt practices. He regularly declares his financial assets to the Cambodian public. Julie: Doesn’t this exist in many places, in Asia? Corruption is endemic, dynastic rule is happening in many countries. His connection with the rural masses is unbelievable. He loves his country immensely, and has been working hard over the past three decades to build schools, hospitals, and irrigation systems across the rural heartland of Cambodia. Is Hun Sen good for Cambodia, especially at a time when the country will be integrated into the Asean Economic Community? Julie: With his initiative and vision, combined with the spirit of enterprise of the Cambodian people, Cambodia should become an economic power-house. Let’s not forget that the Cambodian people are extremely clever at business. Their spirit of enterprise remained alive even during the long civil war from 1979-1991. Hun Sen is advised by a remarkable team of economic advisors who were trained both abroad and at home, and they have ensured economic stability and growth that has resulted in widespread economic prosperity.

“Hun Sen has said that he’ll remain the Cambodian leader till he’s 90 years old - and we think he may succeed!” – The Mehtas

What was his wife Bun Rany like? Julie: I thought she would be a trophy-wife, but she was not. She had suffered a lot, and told us a little-known story of how her first baby was killed by the Khmer Rouge! She was 5 months’ pregnant with her son Hun Manet, when Hun Sen escaped to Vietnam. She suffered because of that, as the Khmer Rouge now considered Hun Sen a defector and an enemy, and they branded her a “widow,” telling her that her husband was dead. She had to do hard labour and go into hiding. She and her husband never saw each other for many years. They both believed that the other was dead! That’s why their second son Hun Manet is so special to them, even though they have four other children.

His son Hun Manet, currently a Major-General in the Cambodian Army, seems like his successor? Harish: Hun Manet visited our home in Bangkok, on his way back from the US where he did his higher studies. At that point of time, he was not in the least bit interested in entering politics, and instead, wanted to do developmental work in Cambodia. Both his parents did not want him to enter politics, especially his mother. But now we hear that, like many others in Hun Sen’s family, he is part of Hun Sen’s inner political circle. The strength of Hun Sen’s longstanding success is this method of putting his loyalists in prominent positions. At the same time, his party has been winning elections with massive majority. By inducting his family into politics, he is infusing new blood into his party. What Hun Sen did was to reduce the power of the foreign French-educated elite of his country, and bring people from the rural heartland to power. He has said that he’ll remain the Cambodian leader till he’s 90 years old - and we think he may succeed! He has been accused of corruption, nepotism, dynastic rule. Harish: Corruption is rampant in several parts of Cambodian society, not just within the government. It is unfair to blame just one man, or one party, for it. He is not personally corrupt. His salary

How did you manage to write books both on Hun Sen, and his arch-rival Prince Ranariddh? Harish: It was not easy. In fact, I was interviewing both of them simultaneously (and secretly, as they did not know that I was writing books on both of them)! I met Prince Ranariddh at length, for my book Warrior Prince, but he was disappointed on reading the book when it was released because it jeopardized his relationship with his father, King Sihanouk. I had sent him all his quotes well in advance, so he knew what was going to be in the book. Yet, he did not ask me to cut any sentences, and he told me that he wanted me to have complete editorial independence. As for Strongman, Hun Sen cooperated with us, and never asked us to show him the manuscript. He never said whether he liked the book or not. Strongman is a balanced account of Hun Sen’s life: it is critical of violence and corruption within the government, but it also paints an accurate account of the struggles faced by Hun Sen and his family, and their effort to prevent the Khmer Rouge from coming back to power. Julie: I interviewed Princess Buppa Devi (Prince Ranariddh’s sister) at length, for my book on Khmer dance, Dance of Life. The princess did a lot to revive the dance. I think we both got a more holistic vision of Cambodia, by interviewing these diverse individuals. Do you both miss Bangkok? Julie: Of course. It was because of our stint in Bangkok, that we could make so many trips to Cambodia, do so many interviews, and fill in so many gray areas in our understanding of Cambodia! Harish: Although we both thoroughly enjoy our academic jobs in Canada, we must admit that we miss Bangkok, and it’s great to be back here, after nearly a decade. We are hoping to return to Thailand more permanently, to make it our home again.  The book is available at Asia Bookstores around Thailand september 2013 | 59

Lifestyle

stylish traveler

Bridgett Bardott

Beach Calling

Gottex halterneck

The main rule is: “Forget the rules, it is your holiday -so be yourself, and whatever you wear -- on the beach and off -- enjoy yourself." By Kornkanok Yongsakul

istening to Frank Sinatra's classic ballad, “Somewhere Beyond The Sea” can easily get us all dreaming of the beach. Fortunately, in Thailand, it's so easy to get to the beach and enjoy a much-deserved holiday with the sun, sand, and sea. Indeed, what can be more fun and relaxing than a tropical beach holiday? And who sez' you cannot be carefree and stylish at the beach at the same time? Imagine yourself in one of those sun-kissed tropical island paradises, around beautiful beaches and absolutely breathtaking scenery. Wouldn't you want to gorgeous in there too? And you can be! And for us denizens of Venus, that should be the easiest thing to do. Now, what to bring and pack? The universal standard answer (for women at least) is our best bikini and not much else. In fact, that has been so for as long as we can remember. Arguably more incendiary than Dior’s "New Look" (and proceeding it by a year), the bikini was designed by a Frenchman who made a splash at the 1946 Molitor Pool in Paris. Named after the Bikini atoll in the Pacific, the bikini revolutionzed how we should look on the beach. That was the first time fashion declared the navel as the center of attention. Another decade would pass before Brigitte Bardot immortalized the bikini, in the film, “And God Created Woman.” Beach fashion had never been the same since. But enough of history: The key to wearing a bikini is your confidence. Girls that rock best in a bikini, to use modern lingo, do

Lookeast | Lifestyle

not necessarily need to have perfect bodies. But they do need to have the perfect outlook. Having said that, there are some things to remember before shopping for a bikini. One, you must always keep in mind that dressing rooms mirrors are always wrong and the lighting is always off. Thus, it is always a great idea to shop with your best friend or your sisters so you can remind each other that with a little tan and a glass of cocktail in hand, you can look amazing. How to choose the right bikini? Here are some simple tips: - Stick to sophisticated, solid colors (black, navy, gold, chocolate brown, grey or white); - For Prints and Patterns, choose the small tropical prints, stripes, polka dots and flower motives. Don’t go for crazy twinkly patterns because you will end up looking like a 15-year-old; - Smaller is more flattering. The bikini should not be too big especially the bottom piece, as it might bunch up or perhaps sag and look terrible. You can also mix and match with solids and patterns for top and bottoms; - There are different styles of bikini tops to suit your body best. For girls who are petite, it's better to go with the triangular-shaped top with padding or with frills. "Bigger girls" will look great in a Bandeau style or halter neck top; With the bottom piece, High Cut Legs can be difficult. If you do

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where to

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Havaianas-Sandals

turquoise bikini

katalina bandeau swimsuit

white sarong

Tara Matthews bandeau bikini

not have the model's body, with long thing legs like Kate Moss or , the easier alternatives are boy's shorts and high-waist style. - Choose your materials carefully. They are the most important consideration. Most bikinis are made from Lycra, spandex mix, polyamide, and elastane. These are the most comfortable; they give maximum flexibility and ease of movement. Forget the impractical materials such as cotton or polyester; There are designers who really know how to make a great bikini or swimsuit. What sets them apart is the quality of the lycra (it is thick and durable), the saturated colors, and fine "hardware." Recommended labels include Katalina, Gottex, Onda De Mer, Rosa Cha, Eres, Ralph Lauren, and Tomas Maier. Besides bringing great bikini and swimsuits, there are other things to complete complete your “beach style” list: -- A Cover-Up Chiffon Sarong, which can be tied-up in different ways to give you different looks from day-to-night; -- Easy Cotton Tank Dress in sombre shades with cut-out or in prints patterns; -Glamorous island night outfits in breezy fabric (and not too fit); -Flip Flops. The most comfortable one to walk along the sandy beach is from “ Havaianas,” a brand that is originally from Brazil . These flip flops are so essential they are sold in the supermarket

“Somewhere beyond the Sea, She’s there watching for me. If I could fly like birds on high… Then straight to her arm I’d go salling….”

right along with rice and beans. Not only are they comfortable; they come in lots of style: from thongs to gladiator and different vibrant colors to match your outfit with; -Hats. A floppy sunhat is a seaside staple, best found at roadside stands, flea markets, and beach town shops. It is useful for keeping out the sun and hiding beach-worn hair. The more fashionable ones prefer the Panama hat -- a perfect choice. It can make you look great in one minute. The most popular label is “ Ecua Andino,” which is originally from Ecuador. It is the No. 1 Panama hat brand in the world but can be found in many Bangkok shops. These are just some ideas to make you a real beach stunner. Any more rules to follow? My main rule is: “Forget the rules, it is your holiday, so go to the beach – in your own style. Your best accessory is a glowing bronze skin, a radiant smile, and a happy face. Besides that, nothing else really matters between you and the ocean? 

september 2013 | 61

lifestyle

spa & wellness

Taking Discomfort Away

The “Siam Therapeutic Wisdom” of Oasis Spa is designed to release deep-seated tension and pain, and restore the body’s natural energy and equilibrium

“J

ust what I needed.” This is what I'm thinking as the therapist begins my rubdown session at Oasis Spa. It’s called “Siamese Therapeutic Wisdom,” and knowing Oasis Spa, I have no doubt that this treatment package -- by its name -- will fulfill what it promises. I have been feeling un-well the entire week (to put it mildly), and my body is really aching for something to shoo its overstaying troubles away. I’ve been meaning to visit a spa since Monday. Feeling a bit too overworked lately, my regular personal "stress-relieving routines" can’t seem to bring back that peaceful easy feeling I have always thought I owned. A friend recommended that I

Lookeast | lifestyle

By Percy Roxas try any of the two Oasis Spas in Bangkok (one in Sukhumvit 31 and another one in Sukhumvit 51). It's an easy decision. A day at the spa is always, for me, "just what the doctor ordered." I have been coming to the Oasis Spa Suk 31 branch often. If I love the Suk 31 branch, I certainly love this one on Suk 51 more. The day spa has that urban Bohemian ambience. It has that exotic mix of Middle Eastern-IndianLanna Thai feel that I really can't get quite a grip on, except that it’s vibrant, carefree, and “groovy (to use a very 60s’ lingo),” -- probably because of the interesting interplay of décor and furnishings. The shapes (from the artwork frames to the candleholders), the colors (from the blue

stained glass conversation piece to the 'Moroccan-ish' hues of some treatment rooms), and textures (oh, the velvety soft furniture fabrics) combine to balance that somehow esoteric idea of pampering the “mind, body, and soul” with the concrete reality of the outside world. In short, it’s a place to find your peace, and maybe even to “find your piece” in this grand, big, universal jigsaw puzzle that we are all part of. Anyway, the spa’s stylish but casual approach suits me well. And even as my therapist was yet ushering me upstairs, to one of the spa’s 11 private treatment rooms, I become expectant of more than just sheer pampering. I want my muscle tensions

and body fatigue rid out. I want to be reenergized. As soon as I lie down on the spa bed – on my sides, by the way – I knew I would be in nirvana soon. The therapist starts by rubbing a Thai herbal massage balm on my body, starting from the shoulder blades down to the torso. She then lifts my left hand, pulls it down to my hips first and then up over my head, before stretching it slightly behind my back while giving my torso a slight push. I feel the "chi" waking up already. Then, she places my hand across my body, to rest on a small soft pillow. She puts another pillow between my legs, spreading the left one across to the same side. Then I felt a rubbing sensation on my skin. It is the balm -- a blend of essential oils of prai, nutmeg, ginger and clove – giving it a pain-relieving remedy like no other. I try to keep awake as she skillfuly searches my ligaments for the core of the "problem": kneading away obstructions in the five primary stress areas: the head, neck, shoulders, and upper and lower back. Back and forth, back and forth, she uses fingers, hands, elbows, kneading away where the tensions lay buried. As far as I know, she’s combining some ancient and contemporary massage techniques, releasing blockages, letting my body’s life forces more flow freely again. (Suddenly breathing became easier; and I know I have a stuffy nose!) She does the same thing when I turned to the other side. More deep stretching, deliberate rubbing, and some acupressure. I feel her search for the key points of the body, going inside deep muscle layers with

deliberate strokes. At some point, I feel some pain, but I even so, I soon fall into a slumber. I didn't know why, I didn't know how long – until she wakes me up to change position. I am now facing down, my eyes transfixed on the petals of the yellow carnation that fill the golden bowl on the mahogany floor. Then, she picks up a Thai Herbal Hot Compress and dab my body with them from top to bottom. In my mind, I was trying to explain why this method enhances further the effectiveness of the treatment, but the bliss that I am feeling won over in the end. I don’t need any explanation. I just need to enjoy this. And I did. After just an hour-and a half (the treatment actually lasts two-hours and a-half; Bt4.600++), she motions me to sit for the final touch: back and shoulder and head massage, which has become SOP in all spas to close the treatment. I still want more, but I know that my healing time is about to draw to a close. As she wraps up her stuff, I let out a question, rather naively: Why is this treatment called “Siam Therapeutic Wisdom?” Of course, I know the answer: "The stressful demands that daily living make on our body are nothing new. Centuries ago when the world was an even more difficult and hostile place, those stresses were even greater. Ancient Asians responded by developing highly effective methods for relieving the results of stress on the body and restoring it to balance. "Our Siamese forebears, in particular, developed healing techniques (massages

and herbs), and passed them on from generation to generation. Oasis Spa combined them with modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology to create an effective body rebalancing treatment. That's what their flyer says. “Siam Therapeutic Wisdom” is designed to release deep-seated tension and pain, and to restore our natural energy and equilibrium." Ah, yes. As I wait for my ride in front of Oasis Spa, I was thinking how grateful I should be to two forward thinking individuals for how better I’m feeling right now: Toby Allen and Pakin Ploypicha. These two shared not only their avid love for spas but also their unique skills and abilities to create a product that has been continuously upping the bar for all spas in Thailand. Award winning Oasis Spas can now be found not only in Bangkok (two), but also in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. So let me give a recommendation: If you are suffering from muscle tension or chronic pain, body fatigue, reduced movement, stiffness, headaches, or lower back pain and you need more than just pampering, try the “Siamese Therapeutic Treatment.” This is a hard – not medium- or soft- -massage treatment. But I assure you: This will make your discomforts go away. At least, it did mine!  Contact Details: Oasis Spa 02-262-2122 (Bangkok), 053-920-111 (Chiang Mai); 038-364-070 (Pattaya); and 076-337-777 (Phuket); www.oasisspa.net september 2013 | 63

lifestyle

spa offers Siamese Therapeutic Wisdom

If you suffer from muscle tension or chronic pain, body fatigue, reduced movement, stiffness, headaches, or lower back pain, you need more than pampering, you need something that will specifically target the source of your discomfort – “Siamese Therapeutic Wisdom” treatment. The stressful demands that daily living make on the body are nothing new. Centuries ago when the world was an even more difficult and hostile place those stresses were even greater. Ancient Asians responded by developing highly effective methods for relieving the results of stress on the body and restoring it to balance. Those early Siamese healing techniques, passed from generation to generation (massages and herbs), have been combined with modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology by Oasis Spa to create an effective body rebalancing treatment. A therapy designed to release deepseated tension and pain and to restore the body’s natural energy and equilibrium. Where: Oasis Spas in Bangkok (02-262-2122), Chiang Mai (053-920-111), Pattaya (038-364-070), or Phuket (076-337-77) // Contact: www.oasisspa.net.

Revive at Seasons Spa

This month, Seasons Spa at Conrad Bangkok offers revitalizing treatments with attractive prices. Try the “Real Aromatherapy Experience” (90 minutes) for Bt3,500++, with Swedish and neuromuscular massage techniques to relieve muscular tension from head to toes. The Rose Hydrating Cocoon (60 minutes) or Urban Detox Reviver (60 minutes) come half-price for Bt1,400. Another idea is “Energy Revival Promotion,” a massage happy hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, when 60 minutes of Thai massage go by only Bt1,500. Where: Seasons Spa, Conrad Bangkok, 87 Wireless Road Bangkok (BTS: Ploenchit) // Contact: 02-690-9999/Seasons Spa

Imperial Revitalize Package

Energize your body from top to toe with Imperial Spa´s special Imperial Revitalize Package. Signature Imperial Massage increases your flexibility, circulation, and enhances the body’s natural recovery process. After that the Coffee Scrub that will help tightening blood vessels and improves the circulation. Jurlique Facial will finally help you sweat away the toxins of the city and make your face glow with energy. All three hours of treatment price at Bt2,999++, including Aroma Steam (30 minutes), Coffee Body Scrub (30 minutes), Imperial Massage (60 minutes), and Jurlique Facial Treatment (Rose Bouquet) (60 minutes). Where: Imperial Spa, The Imperial Queen´s Park Hotel, 199 Sukhumvit 22, Bangkok (BTS: Phrom Phong) // Contact: 02-261-9000/5115 or 5120

Lookeast | lifestyle

Ambassador Retreat Package @ The Spa

Indulge yourself and pamper your body and mind with an exclusive “Ambassador Retreat Package” at The Spa, Ambassador Hotel Bangkok. The package includes Organic Rice Milk Body Scrub, Mineral Bath Salt and Ambassador Asian Blend Massage, altogether 105 minutes of pure relaxation. For Bt1,700/person. Where: The Spa, The Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, 171 Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok (BTS: Asoke) // Contact: 02-264-0444/1254-5

Four Elements

Treat yourself to a fantastic program, the “Four Elements” spa package provided by professional massage therapists at Neva Spa, Windsor Suites Bangkok Hotel. Relax your entire body and relieve those aches and pains completely in this customized course, designed according to your month birth. The treatment lasts for one hour plus 30 minute extra at only Bt1,699 (normal price Bt3,060). As Special Bonus, enjoy “Aromatic Facial” treatment on the same day at special price of just Bt1,000 (normal price Bt 2,590). Or, make a reservation two hours in advance for both treatments at only Bt2,699 and receive a free extra 30-minute Body Exfoliating treatment (valued at Bt1,400). Where: Neva Spa, Windsor Suites Bangkok Hotel & Convention Center, Sukhumvit 20 // Contact: 02-262-1234, ext. 1233

Sense of Le Spa

Deliver essential nutrients to your skin with this body scrub special at Le Spa at Pullman Bangkok King Power. Available until Sept. 30, the special “Sense of Le Spa” consists of a 30-minute body scrub (choose from Coffee, Green Tea, Jasmine Rice, Thai Herbal) and a 60-minute Le Spa massage, a unique blend of massage oil to help moisturize and soothe your skin. Price is Bt3,000 net per person. Where: Le Spa, ’ 4th floor of Glass Tower, Pullman Bangkok King Power, Rangam Road, Bangkok (BTS: Victory Monument) // Contact: 02-680-9999

wine & dine

Celebration of Great Cuisine, Wine Bangkok welcomes chefs, winemakers, and food experts from around the globe at Four Seasons Bangkok’s "World Gourmet Festival" By JAN MICK

xcitement is building around the “14th World Gourmet Festival (WGF),” to be held at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok Sept. 2-8 this year. Already confirmed are leading chefs and influential winemakers, and as the festival approaches the list is set to grow, according to the organizers. Since its inception, the WGF has grown in prominence to feature an extraordinary line-up of some of the best chefs, winemakers, and food experts from across the globe, all gathered together under one roof for a week-long celebration of outstanding cuisine and superb wines. Here are some who has confirmed participation as of this writing: Chef Markus Arnold, Restaurant "Meridiano," Bern, Switzerland When it comes to great gastronomy, award-winning Chef de Cuisine Markus Arnold is in a class of his own. At the age of 31, he is already one of Switzerland's most eminent chefs. He places greatest importance on creating the most authentic aromas – by selecting only the purest products and top quality ingredients, prepared to perfection with passion. It's a fine food philosophy that has already earned him 17 Gault-Millau points and a well-merited Michelin Star. In 2012 the prestigious Gault-Millau gourmet guide named him "Achiever of the Year" in German-language Switzerland. From the finest fish and most select meats to succulent side dishes and marketfresh vegetables (whenever possible from the Bern region) the choice is vast and varied. Says Chef Markus: "We strive for seduction of the senses by creating sophisticated simplicity." Jérôme Bonnet, Restaurant Daniel, Paris, France Jérôme Bonnet’s cuisine focuses on the very best products available, and every day he sets out to discover new farmers from whom he can source the finest new ingredients. Working with local experts, he is able to create a simple yet sophisticated cuisine that focuses on traditional recipes, but with a twist that make them very much his own. Born and raised in Languedoc, Roussillon, Bonnet has been influenced by highly respected chefs such as Paul Bocuse, the Pourcel Brothers and Bernard Loiseau. The cuisine he creates at Restaurant Daniel, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is true to the origins of its ingredients, respecting the original flavours of the products and the seasons. Bonnet’s cuisine at the 14th WGF will be paired with wines from Pascal Jolivet. Roger van Damme, Het Gebaar, Antwerp, Belgium Ever since he was a child, Roger van Damme has been fascinated by baking, and knew from an early age that he wanted to be a patissier

Lookeast | wine & dine

himself. His great grandfather was a baker, and the young Roger often went to help him in his village bakery. After finishing cooking school in Bruges, he accomplished his dream and started to work for Huize van Wely, one of the most famous dessert makers in Holland. A few years later, van Damme moved with his wife Cindy to Antwerp, where he opened the first version of Het Gebaar: a tea room. Later on, they moved their business to the beautiful historical botanical gardens of Antwerp, and opened today’s Het Gebaar, where together with their team they create desserts that surprise and delight with exquisite flavors and scents. Award-winning Chef Roger is one of the most experienced and innovative Belgian patissiers in the world. Hirohisa Koyama, Aoyagi, Tokyo, Japan Recognized in Japan as being one of the greatest chefs of his time, Hirohisa Koyama manages Aoyagi restaurants in Tokushima and Tokyo, and also teaches cookery at the prestigious Heisei Culinary School, which he opened in the mid-1990s. He is a regular in the Japanese media, and has also penned a book about his cuisine, Aji no Kaze, translated as “Windborne Flavors.” Koyama’s philosophy is simple – to combine the traditional and the modern to create a cuisine that his guests will love. His cuisine uses traditional techniques to deliver “Modern Classic” dishes that please both the palate and the eye, featuring only the finest ingredients in season, and always ensuring that the original flavors shine through. Miguel Laffan, L'AND, Alentejo, Portugal Miguel Laffan is part of the generation of chefs creating a new wave in Portuguese gastronomy. Chef Laffan’s Mediterranean cuisine is also inspired by Luso-Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, resulting in a cuisine that is rich yet full of fresh flavors, reminiscent of the culinary experiences from distant lands. Chef Laffan has a very proactive culinary approach. He believes that perfection is achieved through detailed research and sheer determination. For him, the freshness of the food is as important as the freshness of the mind, and he aims to deliver this philosophy through his cuisine. This philosophy is also the secret to his success. Chef Laffan’s journey so far has taken him through some of Europe’s greatest kitchens, including the Michelin three-star Fortaleza do Guincho in Cascais, Portugal, Le Jardin des Ramparts in Beaune, France, and Le Clous de la Violette in Aix-enProvence, France. Vito Mollica, Il Palagio, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Florence, Italy Vito Mollica is a staunch advocate of Italian food. Inspired as a young

boy by the local specialties prepared by his mother, he has spent his career seeking to preserve the culinary ecology of his home nation by supporting small producers, old-style markets and local varieties. He bases his kitchen philosophy on “knowing the man behind the produce,” personally scouring the markets and Tuscan countryside for independent producers who share his passion for quality. “The main value of any dish is the quality of the ingredients,” he explains. “If they have been produced with care, it comes through in the taste. Then the more simply you cook the ingredients, the more you will allow the flavor to come through.” Despite his more than 20 years of senior kitchen experience, Mollica regularly travels to train at some of the world’s finest Michelin-star restaurants, constantly broadening his knowledge and seeking inspiration from new people and places. Paco Perez, The Mirror Restaurant, Barcelona, Spain Chef Paco Pérez’s culinary passion awoke at a very tender age. At only 12 years old he began working at his family-owned tapas bar, learning traditional cuisine. From that moment on, he balanced his traditional studies with his vocation, working during the summer holidays in different restaurants until he became fully immersed in the world of gastronomy. During his apprenticeship and training he undertook three "stages" in France with the renowned Michel Guèrard, considered to be one of the fathers of Nouvelle Cuisine and a holder of 3 Michelin Stars. On returning to Catalonia he identified very much with the creativity expressed by Ferrán Adrià at the Bulli, with whom

he did several "stages." Upon marrying Montse Serra, they set about creating the Miramar gastronomic restaurant together in the town of Llancà. They transformed the traditional restaurant it was then to the avant-garde gastronomic experience it is today, recognized by the Michelin Guide with a 2-star rating. David Rathgeber, Restaurant L'Assiette, Paris, France Although still only 35 years old, Chef David Rathgeber has already had a rich and exciting career, having completed stints at prestigious restaurants such as the Michelin two-star Amphycles in Paris, the Michelin two-star Ritz in Paris, the Michelin two-star Les Trois Marches in Versailles, and 12 years in the kitchens of legendary chef Alain Ducasse, including Michelin three-star Plaza Athénée, Aux Lyonnais, and Benoit in Paris, where he earned his first Michelin star, as well as at Benoit in New York and Tokyo. Through Ducasse he met “Lulu,” previous chef and owner of L’Assiette, who was thinking about embarking on a well-deserved retirement. David fell in love with this 50-cover restaurant, and made the decision to take the helm in September 2008, along with his sous chef Emmanuel who had been assisting him for the past six years. At L’Assiette, Chef Rathgeber aims to continue what he commenced when working with Ducasse. Originally from Auvergne, he loves to play with new interpretations of classic recipes, taking care that they don’t lose their original essence, and creating new “Rathgeber versions” of dishes such as pot au feu, pieds paquet, and chou farci. Also confirmed to participate in WGF are: Master of Wine, Ned Goodwin, who will be conducting a wine master class, and winemaker Pascal Jolivet will be hosting a wine tasting session. Once again this year, the WGF supports HRH Princess Soamsawali's Save A Child's Life from AIDS Project under the auspices of the Thai Red Cross Society. Bt600.00 from the price of every WGF dinner ticket, as well as proceeds from the World Gourmet live auction, will be donated to this charity. Guests can also look forward to unique wine pairings at the dinners of Chef Jérôme Bonnet and Chef David Rathgeber. In addition, the lobby will play host to cooking demonstrations by the participating chefs in the Gaggenau show kitchen, as well as the much-loved WGF lunch and Sunday Brunch with cuisine from around the world. The latest updates and more information, check out www. worldgourmetfestivalbangkok.com as well as Facebook Twitter and Instagram  september 2013 | 67

wine & dine

Prime Three Sixty

Yuan

Flow

Plans to Re-energize Millennium Hilton Bangkok's new F&B director plans to solidify hotel's position as trendsetter By Percy Roxas

n July, Millennium Hilton Bangkok welcomed a new director of F&B, Marco Osterwalder, a 38-year-old Swiss national who’s already an industry veteran of 20 years. “I have great plans for the Millennium Hilton, and these include transforming the hotel into an important trendsetter through innovation and differentiation,” says Marco. “I want to re-energize the hotel’s F&B operations.” Marco has a reputation for his strong ability to analyze situations, identify problems and formulate solutions, as well as for his excellent organizational and administration skills. “First, let me say that Millennium Hilton Bangkok is a very established operation,” Marco says. “We’ve been open for seven years. But I think it’s important to make sure that Thais are re-energized about this property. I mean, it’s important that our positioning remains strong as it is.” Marco is currently working with his team to bring about new ideas in keeping with

Lookeast | wine & dine

this objective, starting with staff re-training. “I have team members who have been here since the opening and as F&B director, I have to bring them to the next level," he explains. "We are re-training the team to take them to a higher new level.” He is also in the thick of regular brainstorming with the team on possible new promotions and marketing efforts, and he's thinking of adjusting the concepts of some F&B outlets as well, such as for example Prime, the hotel’s popular steakhouse. “Prime is a very established steakhouse. But what I want to do is to have it veer a little bit away from the classical steakhouse and give our guests the opportunity to experience a little bit more. "We were thinking of introducing some items outside the main steak menu. It could be a fish, it could be seafood, and it could be different kinds of food to round up the place a little bit more. So let’s say, when you go to Prime for a nice dinner, you can enjoy your steak while your friends can enjoy their

seafood. It’s an opportunity to keep more people happy.” He doesn’t plan to make any changes with the monthly wine dinners at Prime, though. “As for Yuan, we have lots of in-house guests coming for lunch and dinner,” he adds.” It runs very smoothly." He describes Yuan and Prime as "my current babies.” Marco says Yuan has a new master chef from Hong Kong, Chef Choi, and the restaurant is looking at organizing a food promotion that would showcase not only the chef’s versatility but also his own renditions of authentic Hong Kong favorites. “He brings to Bangkok the original taste of Hong Kong, and he’s flexible enough to create dishes that would also appeal to the Thai taste,” he says. He's also looking to make the delightful ThreeSixty "more dynamic, more vibrant again.” “Currently we have a new jazz diva, Claudia, who just moved out of Conrad Bangkok. You'll love her," he says. "And Three Sixty offers a great spot to see Bangkok a little differently.” Marco hints that he’s also looking into what other opportunity he can bring to make ThreeSixty “hotter.” “We’re looking at a lot of ideas, really,” he says," including changing the target market a bit. “For me it’s more important that we can offer something to everybody, from the middle class to the higher class; to find a good balance in between. I want to offer our guests something everybody can afford and have a really, really good experience. I am all for doing something different because Bangkok is such a place for novel, exciting ideas." Of course, he counts on the full support of the entire team, and he’s after consistency and continuity as well. Especially in outlets such as Flow, which is “extremely doing well.” “Flow offers a great buffet at very reasonable prices for lunch and for dinner, and it’s very popular," he says. "And don't forget our Cheese Room." Another new related development he shared is the recent launch of the Hilton Premium Card. “When you sign up for this dining card you get several vouchers for your use in the restaurants, or to stay in hotel, and this is again something very special,” Marco says “You can use the card in all Hilton properties.” The card costs something like Bt7,500. (Call the hotel for more details.). Obviously, this is just the beginning. “The biggest focus is to bring the property to a higher level than we currently enjoy, not only in the F&B department, and show them off a little bit more on the market when that is achieved. It’s important that the entire team work together to achieve our goals and lift the experience of this hotel to no less but better than best.”

wine & dine

An Authentic Kiwi Experience Snapper offers a delicious glimpse into what New Zealand has in store for foodies By Emmi Laine

emember the days when entire families gathered around one newspaper? Mark Willis, co-owner of Snapper, New Zealand Seafood Restaurant does. But not in the way you might expect. “Our fondest memories were always wrapped in yesterday’s news,” he says at Snapper´s website. Willis retells how, after a day of surfing or watching an All Blacks rugby game, someone comes in with a newspaper wrap. Inside was a scoop of this and that: mussels, hake, grouper, king fish, and of course, snapper. The exceptional paper plate was smeared by ketchup, and everyone shared. “New Zealand (NZ) has fantastic seafood, but where do you see Kiwi restaurants?” asks Willis. “Opening this restaurant was a chance to show what we have.” The restaurant opened on Sukhumvit 11 in 2011, and soon took over two properties next door. They have room for 150 customers now, on cozy blue couches under seafaring memorabilia, as well as on a relaxed terrace. The only thing missing from the picture is the ocean. “One of the best aspects to NZ food is the unspoiled ocean,” says Willis. Most of Snapper´s fish has a NZ tag on it, caught deep and wild, a pure natural product. The menu presents a dizzying range: over 70 entries, over 40 of which is seafood. The staff is eager to interpret the exotic names to new customers: tarakihi for fishier tastebuds, orange roughy for fish-non-believers, spring lamb for fish-forsakers. The next choice is the cooking method: grilled, pan-fried, battered, crumbed or deep-fried? Aspirations for a healthy diet point to the left side of this list, while fatty cravings steer to the right. I take both sides, starting from the milder and healthier toward the fishier and heavier. First the NZ orange roughy (Bt480++) with a NZ butter and lemon sauce. Mild, indeed. The taste of this pan-fried white fish is almost non-existent. Consequently this dish is perfect for the fuzzier eaters. Accolades to the chef for not overpowering the natural flavor with too many spices; a drop of lemon will do. Next crumbed NZ tarakihi (Bt200++), a generously sized fish fillet with homemade garlic aioli. True to the tradition of fish & chips, the dish arrives on newspaper, except separated by a white hygienic layer -- now legislated adjustment to this working class dish from the late 19th century UK. This specific one should not disappoint any chippy-regulars of today. The succulent white fish reminds of British cod, and the batter is just right: voluminous yet fragile, with a crispy mouthfeel. Tasting Plates (from Bt280++ to Bt750++) are our highest recommendation here, as one can mix mussels, scallops, salmon, calamari, and prawns with different batters and debate on the best combo with friends or family. Of course, all these should be enjoyed with fries: especially homemade Kumera fries (Bt160++), cut from sweet potatoes. They are addictively crispy and salty on top, but fluffy and sweet inside. All in all, Snapper offers an authentic Kiwi experience, made from fresh produce and easy atmosphere; perfect for family gatherings -not such a bad way to use your newspaper at all.  Contact Details: Snapper Bangkok 1/20-22 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok Tel: 02-651-1098 E-mail: snappernz@snapper-bangkok.com

Lookeast | wine & dine

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WINE & DINE

indulge & enjoy

LOOKEAST RECOMMENDATIONS SEPTEMBER DINING SPECIALS

restauran cafe

bar/loung

mall/shop

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok launches 3rd macaroon collection

This month, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok launched their third collection of macaroons with some unexpected flavors such as kalamansi (the sweet and sour lime from the Philippines), lemongrass. apple pie, black forest, and after eight. "Macaroons have stunning color combinations and creative,” says Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen who gave Lookeast an insider's guide to these tempting culinary indulgences "They are not hard to make and I think that’s where the fun and the competition comes into play, in the Mandarin Oriental Kitchen. "The perfect macaroon should have a smooth shell with no bumps and hold their shape and don’t fall apart when you pick them up. They should have “Nice Feet,” which is the rim or edges of a macaroon, and looks like a hamburger. A crisp thin shell that should crack like an eggshell when you bite into the moist, soft, tender smooth inside with slight chew to the texture. There should be sweetness coming from the flavor of fine ground almonds and not just sugar. The filling should be ganache base, which works perfectly with a fruit infusion such as lemongrass, oranges and kalamansi. The quality of ingredients used is important as are the combination of natural local fresh fruit compotes and Valrhona chocolate." Our verdict, perfect possibly the best macaroons in Bangkok.

Seafood September

Try the September special seafood menu at Lok Wah Hin Chinese Restaurant. Some of the highlights include pan-fried crab claw with X.O. sauce, steamed sea bass with black bean sauce and “Pe Fong Tung”-style fried sea crab. Prices start from Bt490++. Where: Lok Wah Hin, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square (BTS: Siam) // Contact: 02-209 8888/ Lok Wah Hin

Simply Lamb

Chef Prapud at Flames Restaurant has created a special Lamb menu for September. How about a shank grilled with garlic and rosemary, a shoulder with herbs couscous or perhaps a rack on a bed of baby spinach and glazed peach? “Simply Lamb” promotion sets the table at a special price, from Bt420++ up. Where: Flames, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya // Contact: 03-8301234/4272

Mooncakes Festival

The Chinese MidAutumn celebration brings new treats on the menu at Millennium Hilton Bangkok. Their classic range features silky egg yolk combined with custard, durian, lotus seed paste, mixed fruit and nut,

LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

red bean, or Chinese jujube. The premium box includes four pieces for Bt588++, and Bt788++ for a silk box. Mooncakes are available at the Yuan Chinese Restaurant and The Lantern Café until Sept. 19. Where: Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Klongsan // Contact: 02-442-2000

Special Chinese Set Menu Lunch

Xing Fu Chinese Restaurant offers a “Special Chinese set menu lunch”, available Monday -Friday throughout September at Bt320++/ set. Enjoy the Special Dim Sum Lunch Set for lunch featuring delicate dim sum selection, roasted duck and barbecued pork, noodles, mango pudding, and soft drinks. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Where: Xing Fu Chinese Restaurant, Bangkok Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit Managed by Accor, Sukhumvit 33 // Contact: 02-610- 0111, ext. 4800

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Mooncake Mania

Liu Chinese restaurant welcomes the annual Mid-Autumn Festival by their finest selection of freshly baked mooncakes. Some of the signature flavors this year include custard, durian, lotus seeds, mixed five nuts, and black sesame. Of course there are egg yolks too, which traditionally symbolize the full moon. These beautiful pieces of Chinese tradition contain no preservatives of MSG, and are daily made by Liu’s dim sum chef Chia Kiat Fui and his team. Prices for Liu´s mooncakes start at Bt99 a piece, and rise up to Bt1,650 for the finest eight kinds presented in a luxury gift set. The boxes will be available at Liu restaurant and in their Mooncake booths at Siam Paragon, Emporium, Central Chidlom and Central Rama III from Sept. 1-19. Where: Liu Chinese restaurant, Conrad Bangkok (BTS: Ploenchit) // Contact: 02-6909255 or e-mail: bkkci.liu@conradhotels.com

Organic Salad Bar and More

Something to surely satisfy awaits all guests this month at Windsor Suites Cafe. Don’t miss the new organic salad bar, the steamed chicken rice by esteemed Master Chef Ko-Tu, and special Ayutthaya noodle soup with pork. Dinner buffet has become especially more tempting with a seafood grill and phad-Thai station for additional delight. Enjoy your usual buffet favorites with free-flowing herbal juices. Special 50% discount for dinner (food only) until October. Where: Windsor Suites Café International Restaurant, Windsor Suites Hotel & Convention Center-Sukhumvit 20 // Contact: 02-262 1234, ext. 1406

Thursday Night Seafood Craze

Thursday Night International Seafood Buffet Dinner at The Square gives guests a delicious opportunity to feast on oysters, prawns, European salmon, New Zealand green mussels and fresh catches from the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. All for only Bt1,050++ per person. Where: The Square, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square (BTS: Siam) // Contact: 02-209 8888/The Square

Hungry for Teppanyaki?

Kurobuta pork, grilled into perfection with seasonal vegetables and enjoyed with signature Garlic Rice, this is the pick for the friends of teppanyaki, recommended by

Brunch on the River 11.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Enjoy our new face of Sunday Brunch, start your pre-drink at ThreeSixty before heading down to visit Flow for live cooking stations including signature items from PRIME steakhouse, Yuan Cantonese restaurant and Maya Thai dining theatre. Pairing wine & cheese in our unique Cheese Room and end your Brunch with an array of desserts and chocolate at The Lantern, chocolate gallery. THB 1,999 nett: Sunday Brunch on the River THB 2,999 nett: Sunday Brunch on the River and free flow wines

Open Daily 6.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m. Lobby level, Millennium Hilton Bangkok 123 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok 10600 T: +66 (0) 2442 2000 E: bkkhi.informations@hilton.com hilton.com, hilton.co.th HiltonBangkok

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Hiiragi Japanese Restaurant. Many other options are available too, from the freshest seafood to the best meats, cooked right in front of you on teppanyaki grill. Either a la carte or set menus, the prices start at Bt220++ per dish. Hiiragi´s three private rooms can be rented for parties. Where: Hiiragi Japanese Restaurant, Novotel Bangna Bangkok // Contact: 02-366-0505/1470 or 1471

All that Dim Sum

Citibank Lunch at Medinii

Member of Citibank? The odds are on your side, as “Citibank Come 3 Pay 2 for Lunch Buffet at Medinii” promotion makes the sumptuous buffet incredibly cheap for Citibank card holders: only Bt499++. The Continent Hotel Bangkok houses the hungry investors until Sept. 30, from 11a.m.-2:30p.m. Where: Medinii, The Continent Hotel Bangkok, 413 Sukhumvit, Bangkok (BTS: Asoke) // Contact: 02-686-7000

Liu, Conrad’s neo-classical Chinese restaurant, takes inspiration from the regional cuisines from Shanghai, Sichuan and Canton and combines them into a contemporary interpretation. Their All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum lunch goes for Bt820++ on weekdays, and Bt850++ on weekends. Some of the “must-try” dishes are crystal spinach with crabmeat dumpling, a duo of sticky rice with taro dumpling, and XO sauce siu mai. Where: Liu, Conrad Bangkok (BTS: Ploenchit) // Contact: 02-690-9255

Congee Galore

It’s “Congee Galore” in September at The Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant, so come and savor congee with sliced abalone HongKong style, congee with Hong Kong-style pork or shrimps, congee with crispy patonggo (deep-fried dough stick) and other utterly divine congee creations. And of course, one of Bangkok’s best-valued dim sum lunches for the aficionados. Where: Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant, Windsor Suites Hotel & Convention Center-Sukhumvit 20 // Contact: 02-262 1234, ext. 1406

featuring mozzarella, tomato and basil, and the ever-favorite Hawaiian groaning under the weight of cooked ham, fresh pineapple and mozzarella. Check what is your favorite for Bt390 per set with a glass of Chang beer. Where: Luce Pool Bar and Lounge, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok, 33/1 South Sathorn Rd (BTS: Surasak) // Contact: 02210-8100

Hearty Delights

The Chinese call dim sum “Heart Delights,” and Silver Waves Restaurant at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok is eager delight your heart with abundance. The Chinese restaurant introduces an “All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum Lunch” on the hotel’s 36th floor. The menu features a variety of savory pastries and dumplings, as well as soups, noodles and rice dishes, and desserts -- a true lunchtime treat at only Bt590++ per person. Where: Silver Waves Restaurant, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, 28 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok // Contact: 02-307-8888/1948-49 or e-mail: silverwaves.chrb@chatrium.com

Ramen Promotion Pizza Perfezione at Luce

Chefs at Luce have searched their Italian cookbooks, and strived for the extreme pizza delizioso: using only the finest toppings sitting on top the crunchiest freshly baked crust. Some of the choices are Quattro Stagioni, with imported Parma ham, Spanish chorizo, Kalmata olives, mozzarella and marinated artichokes, and Margherita

Ravishing ramen flavors are revealed this month at Youzen. Must-try “Ramen Promotion” offerings include tom yam ramen, shoyu ramen, spicy ramen, miso ramen, tempura ramen, and hiyashi ramen, Freeflow of herbal juice to wash them all down perfectly. Special 50% discount for dinner (food only) until October. Where: Youzen Japanese Restaurant, Windsor Suites Hotel & Convention Center-Sukhumvit 20 // Contact: 02-262 1234, ext. 1406

Mediterranean Fares

Every Saturday night The Square prepares the world-famous favorites from the Mediterranean region. These are the piquant flavors of France, Italy, Spain, Greece and North Africa, and some highlights include French-style salmon with Café de Paris sauce, Italian chicken saltimbocca with tomato and basil risotto, Greek baklava, Spanish churros and French crème brule. Available for Dinner at only Bt950++ per person. Where: The Square, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square (BTS: Siam) // Contact: 02-209 8888/The Square

Black Ivory Elephant Coffee at Paresa Phuket

Dine&Fly...Sabai Sabai to Tokyo

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square joins hands with KTC and China Airlines, and gives diners a chance to win a trip to Tokyo, for two people with a 4-night stay at Mercure Ginza. How to take part in the lucky draw? Just dine and every Bt1,000 spent at The Square and Lok Wah Hin restaurants will bring you closer to winning the sabai sabai prize. Where: Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, (BTS: Siam) // Contact: 02-209-8888 or visit: www.novotelbkk.com

LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

The first in Phuket, and among the only few places around the world, Paresa Resort introduces Black Ivory Coffee to its guests at the resort´s Diavolo and Talung Thai Restaurants. Black Ivory Coffee is the world’s most unique coffee. Why? Because the 100% Arabica beans grown in Thailand are refined by elephants. The elephants eat and pass the beans, which are then collected, prepared and roasted. This natural process creates a very soft tea like quality without any bitterness. The exceptional process takes patience and resources. In fact, it takes 33kg to make 1kg of Black Ivory Coffee, and only 300kg have been produced for 2013. Scot Toon, general manager of Paresa says: “I was very impressed with the chocolate and cherry aroma together with the subtle coffee flavor, indeed the entire

process of making the Black Ivory Coffee is an amazing creation and something that our guests are lucky to experience.” Where: Paresa Resort Phuket // Contact: 07-6302000

Blue Elephant ready for Pink Ribbon menu Blue Elephant Bangkok recently arranged a luncheon to introduce their ‘Pink Ribbon’ menu, dedicated to raise awareness of breast cancer and gather funds for the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer (QSCBC). The menu will be available in October, the “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, ambassador to the QSCBC collaborates with founder and director Dr. Kris Chatamra to create a menu with ´anti-cancer´ qualities. Together they identified specific herbs, fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, and with anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these organic ingredients include honey, gac fruit, mimosa, ginger, soursop, holy basil, mango lime yawn ovation, and Indian mulberry. Their transition into a highly nutritious, six-course menu titled ‘Pink Ribbon’ has been a creative process. Innovative results bear names of Tom Jew Consommé (clear

beef soup of tenderloin beef, sweet potatoes flavored with Thai holy basil and sweet basil), Indian mulberry rib-eye curry (prime rib eye beef grilled and braised in homemade southernstyle curry with Indian mulberry leaves), and lesser ginger crab soufflé (fresh crispy crab meat, homemade red curry paste, sweet basil leaves and lesser ginger). The menu is priced at Bt 1,980++ per person, with choices of lunch or dinner available throughout October. All proceeds will be donated to the QSCBC. Where: Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Bangkok (BTS: Sathorn) // Contact: 02-673-9353 or e-mail: cooking.school@ blueelephant.com

Angelini welcomes Michelin Chef Jeff Ramsey

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok welcomes Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Ramsey, culinary engineer from Tokyo, to Angelini Italian Restaurant and Bar. Renowned for Asian modernist cuisine, Chef Ramsey will serve an exclusive Molecular Tapas dinner menu from Sept. 16 to 21. Chef Ramsey will prepare 23 tapas with a fresh modernist approach for a maximum of 12 guests per seating. There will be two seatings every night at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. During the six-day special promotion, diners can enjoy an interactive dining experience while watching the chef cook his special dishes and personally serve guests at

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Boutique Resort - Hua Hin

www.baan-talay-chine.com info@baan-talay-chine.com

Check website for latest promotions! Designed in an oriental style and decorated with antique Chinese windows, doors and furniture. Offering private pool villas, studios, one and two bedroom suites with decks, some with sea views. Located in Hua Hin downtown next to the Klaikangwon Palace.

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the dining bar of Angelini’s open kitchen. The unforgettable dinner starts with bite-sized tapas, which includes Compressed Pineapple impregnated with a Mai Tai Cocktail, Sesame Coconut Polverone and Crab Sandwich, Tom Yum Goong-flavoured Ceviche of Blue Prawns, Mochi Cheese Noodles with Strawberry Sauce and Pesto Genovese, and Roasted Lamb Chop with Liquid Center, Lavender, Yogurt and Potatoes. Classic homemade petit fours, such as Doughnut with Foie Gras and Muscat Crème, Sweet Soy Kinako Powder, Chinese Sesame Ball with White Bean Paste and Oxygen, and Matcha Marshmallow, will be served at the end of this special meal. The Molecular Tapas dinner is priced at Bt3,800++ per person. Where: Angelini Italian Restaurant, Shangri-La Bangkok (BTS: Saphan Taksin) // Contact: 02-236-9952 or 02-236-7777/6205-6, or e-mail restaurants. slbk@shangri-la.com

Prawn-Inspired Night Bites at BarSu

Chefs at BarSu will conjure an exciting new prawn menu of delicious dishes to satisfy your night time cravings at this Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit´s cool club. Inspired by freshly netted prawns, the enticing “Goong Goong Goong” menu takes you on a flavor-filled journey around Thailand, Japan, India, South America, and North Africa.

The Return of Kisso

The “Goong Goong Goong” menu goes deep into the cuisine heritage and reinvents its ingredient of inspiration. Some of the results include a version of the 60s UK classic Crystal Prawn Cocktail, presented in a shiny and chic style. Another cultural pick is their Peruvian Prawn and Scallop Ceviche, flavored with lime and cilantro, which add a delightful citrusy kick. There are specials available for the lovers of Japanese cuisine, exotic Indian dishes, and other seafood temptations. Happily, all dishes are designed to complement BarSu’s local and imported beers, signature cocktails and fine wines. Prices for dishes start at Bt220++. Where: BarSu, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (BTS: Asoke) // Contact: 02-649-8358.

Sambal: Cheese and French Wine-lovers Affair

Escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and enjoy an evening by the River of Kings. As an extension of the Sheraton Social Hour, every third Friday of the month the luxury hotel offers an evening full of gourmet cheeses coupled with Italian Wines, such as La Gioiosa Merlot Delle Venezie DOC and La Gioiosa Pinot Grigio Vento. Whether you’re looking for a spot to lay back and embrace the charm of the Chao Phraya River, or to kick off your Friday night before heading out to the clubs, the fresh DJ music and trendy atmosphere of Sambal Bar

Kisso. It’s a Japanese term meaning ‘good news’. In this case, a restaurant’s name has provided its own headline with its return: Kisso Japanese restaurant at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok During its 20 years at a single Bangkok location, Kisso has gained reputation as a favorite among the city’s Japanese expatriate community and all who appreciate the work of skilled chefs preparing a well-considered menu. Now, Kisso returns with a new look and enhanced atmosphere. Renovations have made for a strikingly contemporary interior yet one balanced with warm and cozy elements, for example, rows of earthenware pots rising high above wood flooring. An open kitchen design, moreover, contributes to a lively yet at once discreet atmosphere. There’s a buzz, but an always finely calibrated one that resonates in the main dining area, about Kisso’s sushi bar and even in its private tatami rooms. To everything a season certainly remaining, however is what made the restaurant a firm favorite for outstanding Japanese food that maintains fidelity to the country’s culinary traditions. Upholding and expanding those traditions is Chef Shinsuke Yonekawa. Muchtraveled, he honed his craft with posts aboard a cruise ship, in the Philippines and then back in Japan, where he incorporated newfound perspectives on his native cuisine at prestigious restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka. Central to Chef Yone’s approach is importance given to seasonal variation, as reflected in his continually changing menu highlights based on availability of ingredients imported fresh from Japan. Thus, Kisso begins its third decade in the Thai capital. The new Kisso opens daily from noon to 2:30 p.m. and 6–10:30 p.m. Where: 8th floor, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok // Contact: 02-207-8000

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& Grill are the perfect mix. So discover new wines around the world and indulge in a wide selection of gourmet cheeses on Friday, Oct. 18 from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm. Only Bt599++ per person. Where: Sambal Bar & Grill, Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok, Capt. Bush Lane, Si Phaya Road // Contact: 02-266-9214

French Chef Couillon at VIE Hotel Bangkok, V Villas Hua Hin in October

Chef Alexandre Couillon, awarded with two-Michelin stars, is the star of an exclusive two-day-only culinary event at the VIE Hotel Bangkok and V Villas Hua Hin this October. Chef Alexandre flies from France especially for this event, and will serve a 6-course dinner at VIE Hotel Bangkok on Friday, Oct. 3. V Villas Hua Hin will be on his schedule on Saturday, Oct. 5. The renowned chef´s menu will include a vast array of never seen before delights, fabulous desserts, and of course the impeccable seafood dishes that have earned his worldwide recognition. One of his famous specialities is homemade seaweed bread using the natural sea salt of Noirmoutier Island, of course apparent on the menu. Chef Alexandre is the owner and the chef of a renowned La Marine Restaurant in the small fishing village of L’Hermbaudiere on Noirmoutier Island in the Vendée coast. A former student of Michel Guérard, (one of the founders of nouvelle French cuisine), Alexandre has been cutting his own swathe through the headlines with numerous distinctions. He was granted the “Hope Trophee,” an award of recognition among young chefs deemed to represent the bold future of French gastronomy, and in 2007 earned his first Michelin star. The following year he was named the Grand Chef de Demain by respected critic Gault Millau, and recently in 2013 he received his second Michelin star. Chef Alexandre has been called a superb “fish cook” due to his expertise with the changing catch of the day, consistently turned into stylish and complex recipes. The chef is said to deliver delicious quality in every order, to the height that it has even become almost unnecessary to ask for menus at La Marine. In addition to VIE Hotel Bangkok, and V Villas Hua Hin, Kasikorn Bank (K Bank) and Advance Info Service Plc. (AIS) are supporting the event. Where: VIE Hotel Bangkok (Oct. 3) and V Villas Hua Hin (Oct. 5) // Contact: 02- 309-3939, e-mail : info@ viehotelbangkok.com

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relax & unwind BANDSTAND Avis Ellis at The Bamboo Bar

Award-winning jazz singer Avis Ellis, familiar from movie City of Angels, now performs some everlasting favorite picks in pop, rhythm and blues and jazz music at The Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok every night (except Sunday) from 9 p.m. The Los Angeles-born singer, who won the "Best Tribute Artist" award in Las Vegas in 2007, has been entertaining increasing crowds of music connoisseurs with her electrifying voice around the world. The globetrotting phenomenon has performed in revues from Las Vegas to Ontario, Canada, as well played in well-known jazz clubs Chile and Monte Carlo, France and Taipei, Taiwan to Shanghai, China – and now in Bangkok. Until Oct 31. Where: The Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (BTS: Saphan Taksin) // Contact: 02-659-9000/ Bamboo Bar or mobkk-enquiry@ mohg.com

PARTIES & GIGS

Deeper Underground Sundays

Bed Supperclub´s DJ Mary Jane and other guest artists promise to “tie you up to the dancefloor” on Sunday nights. On the playlist: house, deep-house, techno and tech-house. Free entry from 7:30 to 10p.m. After that Bt300 entry, which includes one drink. Where: Bed Supperclub, 26 Soi Sukhumvit 11, (BTS: Nana)// Contact: 02-651-3537

The Betters in Barsu Charity Concert

The highlight of UNICEF Fund Raising Events 2013, the charity concert will feature music from The Betters, a Beatles tribute band, who have an outstanding reputation for recreating the original look and sound of the 60s musical phenomenon. The Betters will delight the audience with an unforgettable set of the Fab Four’s most popular numbers.

Lookeast | Wine & Dine

There'll also be music during the intermission performed by female vocalist and guitarist, Aika. Join the merrymaking at BarSu on Sept. 29, 5-8:30 p.m. Concert tickets are just Bt1,500++ including two standard drinks, and delicious finger food. Where: BarSu, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit, (BTS: Asoke) // Contact: 02-649-8368, or e-mail dining.sgs@luxurycollection.com

Wild Secretary Party

Concept CM² of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is hosting a Wild Secretary Party on Sept. 28, from 10.00 p.m. The MASK, Bangkok’s newest live band takes centre stage while resident DJs spin the beats and rhythms to get you on the dance floor. Tickets are Bt550 net and include two drinks to get you in the mood to party. To find out more, visit www. CM2bkk.com. Where: Concept CM² of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Siam Square Soi 5 (BTS: Siam) // Contact: 02-2098888, ext. CM2

SPECIAL OFFERS Chocolate Mint Martinis at Sapphire Bar

Unlimited cocktails and unlimited food for Bt999++, and what´s better, in one of the coolest spots in Bangkok: at an ocean themed pool lounge H2O on the 37th floor of The Continent Hotel Bangkok. Your playground has an infinity pool, green grass, cool

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Pathompong Wangmanao, sommelier of RR&B Restaurant, the Landmark Bangkok Hotel is Thailand´s "Best Sommelier 2013." The annual ‘Thailand’s Best Sommelier Competition,’ sixth of its kind, was recently held at the Ballroom, Conrad Bangkok. This year, 97 contestants from top hotels and restaurants around the country entered the first round of the competition. The four-round competition finished by a two-day exam at the Ballroom, including multiple examination forms of wine essays, identification of wine celebrities, chateaux and wineries, as well as blind tasting, wine list correction and wine and food pairing. The two equal runner-ups were Supapong Mekprasart, head sommelier, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, and Santi Thongrit, wine guru, Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Joe Sriwarin, president of the Thailand Sommelier Association, said: “The competition was once again raised to a much higher level. We would like to thank all hotels and restaurants that allowed their employees to take part in Thailand’s "Best Sommelier Competition 2013.”

music, and a swim up bar, plus an extensive menu of food and drinks. “H2O Unlimited" offer is available everyday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: H2O, The Continent Hotel Bangkok, 413 Sukhumvit, Bangkok (BTS: Asoke) // Contact: 02-686-7000

two-storey Wine Cellar. Fifty Five Restaurant at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Center at CentralWorld gives you a chance to hire the whole restaurant for up to 150 guests, may it be for your own private cocktail evening, wedding reception, or a full sit-down dinner. The best part is: With no charge. Except the minimum spending on food and beverages to be Bt350,000. The offer is available until the end of December. Where: Fifty Five Restaurant, 54-55/F, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Center at CentralWorld (BTS: Siam) // Contact: 02-100-1234

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‘Starry-Eyed Party’ at Fifty Five

A glamorous setting on the 54th floor and a stunning view stretching up to 360 degrees of downtown Bangkok – that’s Fifty Five. “Wine Angels” serve you the finest reds and whites from a

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Pathompong Wangmanao is Thailand’s 'Best Sommelier'

Sapphire Bar at The Sukosol Bangkok has added a sublime and decadent cocktail on their menu: Chocolate Mint Martini (Bt245++). Mixed from Absolute vodka, white chocolate, dark chocolate and mint, the drink can be sipped along smooth live jazz music on Fridays and Saturdays. Moreover, a nightly happy hour cuts the prices of standard drinks half from 5-7 p.m. Where: Sapphire Bar, The Sukosol Bangkok, (BTS: Phaya Thai) // Contact: 02-247-0123/1811

H2O Unlimited

ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHTILIFE Bar & CLUB specials

Buy one drink and BLD Bistro Bar will give you one more, plus complimentary house snacks during the "Happy Hour" from 6 to 8 p.m. The Mode Sathorn´s bar also hints they have some “special activity” for the visitors. Offer on until Sept 30. Where: BLD Bistro at Mezzanine Floor, Mode Sathorn (BTS: Surasak) // Contact: 02-623-4555/1100

Editor’s Note: Send us your events for this section before the 15th of every month for the next month’s publication. First-come, first served basis. Just e-mail them to: editorlookeast@gmail.com or percy@lookeastmagazine.com

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bar review

Bar School BAR REVIEW

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W Playing Bartenders

Looking for your favorite cocktail in Bangkok? DIY! By Emmi Laine

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ith Joseph Boroski. From New York to Paris, Hong Kong to Bangkok, and soon to India, the Connecticutborn mixologist travels around the world with his mixsultation™ company Sip Slowly. Aside his cocktail menus at Eat Me, Maggie Choo´s, and W Hotel Koh Samui, Boroski´s work can be detected at Bar School, a 30-seat reservationsonly hospitality school and bar in Thong Lo. No worries amateurs and beginners, this is for you too. Since the start of this year, Boroski has been offering classes of English for hospitality, tastings, and workshops for professionals, but also for anyone who enjoys a well-mixed drink. Tonight´s cocktail workshop prices at Bt250++ for a drink, and even lazy shakers are welcomed as tasters. The theme for tonight is “All Local.” Aptly, the introductory cocktail is inspired by Thai dish Tom-Yum-Goong. I watch the glass fill up: fresh galangal, lemongrass, coconut, chili, and kaffir lime leaves. A soup base! Nikki 40% corn spirit from Chiang Mai, mint syrup, and ice join in the shaker. Ginger beer, sweetened by palm sugar adds the froth and a “herbal fruit flavor.” Finally Boroski skewers and flames a shrimp on top. I fear for a mayhem of spices, sold to my taste-buds by excessive sugar. A dubious sip and traces of the traditional soup disperse. It is a successful transition. Acerbic ginger beer, chili, and galangal balance the long list of ingredients, so the overall impression is deep, consistent, and mature. My turn. As well as my first bartending experiment: Watermelon Daiquiri, customized by Boroski. I crush chunks of watermelon, measure Nikki spirit, fresh lime juice, and syrup. And a surprising extra: a tablespoon of egg white. “It adds protein, spreads the flavors, and provides a foam,” explains the mixologist. Next the concoction and ice cubes are sealed with a shaker. The best part follows: the iconic dance. Watch out for leaks! I pour the pale red liquid into a cocktail glass, minus the ice. The whip has cooled the drink, and a beautiful froth surfaces. A simple decoration completes my first fruit of bar schooling: a leaf of fresh basil. Self-mixed drink tastes better, too. One reason is that at start, Boroski executed a simple test to my taste-buds. Consequently, all the drinks are customized to my preference, in between sweet and sour. The Bt250++ has definitely been worth the information, personal guidance, and the fun shake. One of the best cocktails I´ve had in Bangkok -- opinionatedly judged perhaps, but at least despotically strong -- comes for granted after that. What makes a good cocktail for Boroski? “Everything must come together,” he says. That involves innovative, high-quality, and fresh ingredients. Pedantic proportions and attentiveness to personal preferences. Everyone can mix a drink, but not an excellent one. Boroski´s staff adds: “Clean and dry.” I look at my table, and understand why. From 10 minutes of practice, the table is already littered by melting ice and watermelon seeds. Perhaps it is better to stay on the other side of the bar table! 

Contact Details: Bar School 125/13 Sukhumvit Soi 55, between Thonglor Sois 5 and 7, behind Kiatnakin Bank (BTS: Thonglor) Tel: 02-712-6025 Information on course schedule: http://barschoolbkk.com/ september 2013 | 79

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