Devarana
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Editor’s Pen Dusit International draws upon 60 years experience in the hotel and hospitality field. The group’s origin dates back to 1948 when Honorary Chairperson, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, opened her first hotel, the ‘Princess’ on Bangkok’s New Road. This successful venture represented a major breakthrough for Thailand’s hospitality industry creating and evolving what is today the nation’s leading hotel company.
Dusit International has a unique portfolio of deluxe hotels. Dusit International comprises five hotel brands: Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts, Dusit’s second generation dusitD2 hotels & resorts, Dusit Princess Hotel & Resorts, Dusit Devarana Hotels & Resorts, and Dusit Residence Serviced Apartments. It also operates its own signature Devarana Spa. Dusit aims to provide the traveller with a unique experience and deliver quality that always excels. It is this total focus on serving the needs, and anticipating the desires of our customers, which has set Dusit International apart from the more uniform chain operations. With a team of dedicated professional and experienced managers, Dusit International has built upon a heritage of Thai traditions to create a personal experience that is unique to Dusit; in short, an experience that enlivens the individual spirit no matter what their journey.
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{4} Axis House, 3rd Floor, C-2, Wadia International Centre, P. B. Marg, Worli, Mumbai - 400 025, India Tel: +91.22.24256324 www.axisbank.com
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Published by: MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. Publisher & COO: Vikas Johari CEO & Managing Director: Prakash Johari CFO: Kuldip Singh Executive Editor: Saurabh Tankha Rights: Ascend magazine is printed and published by Vikas Johari on behalf of MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL) for Axis Bank and published at MMGIPL, Unit No. F2B, Second Floor, MIRA Corporate Suites, Plot No. 1&2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110 065, India. All rights reserved. All writings, artwork and/or photography contained herein maynot be used or reproduced without the written permission of MMGIPL and Axis Bank. No responsibility can be taken for the loss of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. The views and opinions expressed or implied in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of MMGIPL or Axis Bank. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. MMGIPL does not assume any liability for services or products advertised herein. Ascend magazine is distributed to the Axis Bank Wealth customers and appears quarterly.
Contacts: Head Office: Unit No. F2B, Second Floor, MIRA Corporate Suites, Plot No. 1&2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110 065 Tel: +91.11.43011111, Fax: +91.11.43011199 West | Mumbai | Time Square Building, Third Floor, Western Express Highway, Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400 069 Tel: +91.22.61991111, Fax: +91.22.61991115 Ahmedabad | Office No. 4, Meagabyte Business Centre, Top Floor, Navrang Building, Opp Parth Complex, Swastik Cross Road, C.G. Road, Navranpura, Ahmedabad - 380009 Tel: +91.79.40193627 Indore | 7/1, 409, Fouth Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia Indore - 452001 Tel: +91.731.4248881 East | Kolkata | DPS Corporate Club, First Floor, 9A Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata - 700029 Tel: +91.33.40680111
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Raipur | Magnetto Offizo, Office No.546, Fifth Floor, Magnetto The Mall, G.E. Road, Labhandi, Raipur Tel: +91.771.4264571
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Accessories were supersized at Dolce & Gabbana and Etro, both featuring shoulderlength, multi-coloured earrings featuring shoulderlength, multi-coloured earrings
South | Bengaluru | 1010 A Wing, Tenth Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bengaluru - 560 001 Tel: +91.80.40921037-38 Fax: +91.80.41510657
05 05 05 05 05 05 05
Accessories were supersized at Dolce & Gabbana and Etro, both featuring shoulderlength, multi-coloured earrings
Hyderabad | 1-11-222/2 Ground Floor, Street No.4, Gurumurthy lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad - 500 016 Tel: +91.40.40021545 Chennai | FL 9, Alsa Mall, First Floor, 149 Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008 Tel: +91.44.42015685, Fax: +91.44.42015684
featuring shoulderlength, multi-coloured earrings www.maxposure.in
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D E S I G N
Hot on the scent N O W
I N
A U D I 0 . . .
Wirless comfort T H E A E 2 W is Bose’s first Bluetooth wireless
headphone. By using TriPort technology and proprietary active equalisation, it creates deep lows and more lifelike sound when listening to music or watching video. The wireless signal works up to 30 feet from the device and the rechargeable battery provides seven hours of listening. It is available for `19,013.
P E R F U M I E R Gérald Ghislain was looking for a way
to combine his two passions — traveling and scents — which was what prompted him to create his “The Scent of Departure”series : 20 perfumes for 20 cities from New York to Budapest. The idea is that the aromas capture the atmosphere of each city — and help combat homesickness, too. The scent of tiare blossom and coconut transports you to Bali, whereas bergamot and amber whisk you off to Abu Dhabi.
bosei n di a . com
FROM
D I S TA N C E 157 kilometres (97 miles) D U R AT I O N two hours L O N G E S T B R I D G E Seven Mile Bridge (11 km) I F Y O U F A N C Y the experience of driving on a road bordered by two
t h e s c e n t o f d e pa r t u r e . c o m
Mo|tion cap|ture, noun; a tracking process that turns human movement into computer data. Daimler uses special suits fitted with sensors, which record a test person’s each movement in real time. Exact analysis of the data can be used, for example, to optimise the design of a future vehicle’s interior.
different oceans, you should try US Highway 1 from Key Largo, south of Miami, to Key West. On your left is the Atlantic, and from the passenger window you can see the Gulf of Mexico. The highway crosses the Florida Keys, a chain of more than 200 islands linked by 42 bridges. The best time for the drive is the morning or evening – in the afternoon the school bus drops off kids on the islands, and there’s no overtaking.
I N N O V A T I O N
fla - keys . com
Get the doodle bug T H E 3 D O O D L E R is a pen that frees you
from the surface of the paper and enables you to continue sketching in any direction you want — a sort of hand-operated 3-D printer. Instead of ink, it uses plastic. This is first heated and then, with the help of an integrated fan, rapidly cools and hardens. You can use it to make three-dimensional sketches, or to create jewellery and accessories by hand. The clever little hand-printer from Wobble Works is expected to be available by autumn. th e 3 doodler . com
T H E M E L K W E G B R I D G E in the Dutch town of Purmerend describes a
double loop across the Noordhollands Kanaal: pedestrians cross the high arch, and cyclists use the 100-metre (330-ft) track below, which has just the right degree of gradient. The bridge resembles a work of art, with the high arch merging with its reflection to form a circle. PHOTOS DAIMLER AG (3) ILLUSTR ATION LYNDON HAYES/DUTCHUNCLE
A U T O M O T I V E D I C T I O N A R Y
Key Largo T O Key West
n exta rch itects . com
P O P — C U L T U R E
Shiva trilogy conclusion
Loop the loop
T H E O AT H O F T H E V AY U P U T R A S is
the last book of Shiva Trilogy and already a popular culture hit and a toast of the cocktail circuits. In the book, Neelkanth comes face to face with his nemesis and finds out who the mastermind is out to destroy him and his legacy. This book answers Shiva’s questions about his fate, the choices he made previously and karma. The Oath of the Vayuputras also explains Shiva’s friend Brahaspati’s disappearance and reappearance. The warrior prince finds out the real intentions of people he is close to. The movie rights of the trilogy have already been procured by Karan Johar.
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Bigger
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Brown
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IN TOWN
This spring, ignore the saying and break the sartorial rules
IS BETTER
Accessories were supersized at Dolce & Gabbana and Etro, both featuring shoulderlength, multi-coloured earrings
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Colossal CUFFS
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Pair a simple outfit with a stone-studded, metallic cuff for that statement look
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6 1 Radiomir 1940 3 Days Oro Rosso 42mm, approximately £14,240, Panerai, panerai.com 2 Burgundy classic Napa glove, £195, Dunhill, dunhill.co.uk 3 Nodding bulldog cufflinks, £69.95, Paul Smith, 84-86 Sloane Avenue 4 Anthony messenger bag, £550, Mulberry, 171-175 Brompton Road 5 Twill spot tie and handkerchief set, £149, Harrods Of London, Harrods, harrods.com 6 Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph, £339,830, Audemars Piguet audemarspiguet.com 7 Croc print belt, £99.95, Harrods Of London, as before 8 Black bee cufflinks, £259, Deakin and Francis, deakinandfrancis.co.uk 9 Travel bag, £1,859 Tyler Alexandra, tyleralexandra.com 10 Paisley iPad case, £179, Etro, etro.com 11 Gold knot enamel cufflinks, £4,265, Deakin and Francis, as before
1 Beaded hoop earrings, £90, Isabel Marant, net-a-porter.com 2 Tribal patchwork palladium-plated Swarovski crystal earrings £355, Erickson Beamon, net-a-porter.com 3 Long crystal double pear shape drop earrings, £58, Butler & Wilson, butlerandwilson.co.uk 4 Flash crystal and horn clip earrings, £255, Marni, marni.com 5 Gold metal Lock Me cuff, £605, Louis Vuitton louisvuitton.co.uk 6 Gold-plated quartz and crystal cuff, £660, Emilio Pucci, emiliopucci.com 7 Silver cuff, POA, Etro, etro.com {9}
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Itsy bitsy,
TEENIE WEENIE You don’t give up all the good things in life to look good. We have developed a penchant for tiny treats as it takes giant size bites of miniature desserts. words PURVA GROVER
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The SMALL
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SIZE DESSERT savours the palate and not the belly
hen waist-sizes
We’re living in the world of size-zero, power yoga
expand, what
and organic food, where a giant bite of a tiramisu cake
does one do? Go
is evil, sinful and unhealthy; hence the small dessert
cheenikum. No, instead one hops on to the mini dessert
trend. “Everyone is becoming more health conscious,
trail. Yes, what’s big in desserts now, is small. Your two-
yet they don’t completely want to give up all the good
tier cake has downsized to a frost rich cupcake, the big
things in life. The bite-sized desserts helps satiate your
doughnut delight has trimmed into a teeny glazed treat
desires without piling up the calories,” says Mini Yadav,
and the triple sundae to a gooey shot glass. Believe it or
director of bakery chains Le Marche and Sugar & Spice.
not, the small dessert revolution has overpowered your
“Watching the weighing scale is necessary. The small size
taste buds and how. It satiates your baby sweet tooth
dessert savours the palate and not the belly,” says Akassh
and tempts you to try out the new with least effects on
Kalra, owner, Sequel by United, Saket, New Delhi. “It is
the weighing scale. Food experts and researchers call
relatively new in India, but overseas, especially the US
this trend ‘the attack of the miniatures’, as for us we are
where people eat big meals and bigger desserts,” says
smiling teeth to teeth. We love these guilt-free teenie
Sonia Sareen, co-owner, Well, there couldn’t be a better
weenie treats. Take small-size bites with us as we explore
time to gorge on. Don’t get stuck with one large slice of
the giant world of small nothings.
cake, try out these mini treats. D
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d
BLENDING
LUXURY Dusit Thani Maldives added another feather in its hat recently as it was named Asia Pacific Hotel of the Year
usit Thani Maldives blends graceful Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of
destination Maldives. Encircled by white sandy beaches, a rich house reef and turquoise lagoon, our resort on Mudhdhoo Island is just 35 minutes by seaplane from the
snacks at Sand Bar. The Sala Bar is perfect for watching
capital Malé and 10 minutes by speedboat from the new
the sunset or star gazing.
domestic airport in Baa Atoll. The 100 villas and residences each offer a haven
Elevated in a grove of coconut palm trees, Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa is one of a kind in the Maldives.
of modern sophistication with luxurious amenities and
Devarana Spa features six tree-top treatment pods
technology. Our selection features Beach Villas, Beach
nestled in to enhance the spa journey.
Villas with Pool, Lagoon Villas with Pool, Ocean Villas
Located near Hanifaru Huraa, a UNESCO World
with Pool, and the exclusive Ocean Pavilions and Beach
Biosphere Reserve renowned as a feeding ground for
Residences. All villas are finished with modern amenities
manta rays and whale sharks, Dusit Thani Maldives offers
including complimentary Wi-Fi, Internet Protocol TV with
guests diving; snorkelling; a 750 square metre swimming
46” plasma screen and Bose surround system, plus in-
pool – the largest in the Maldives; fully-equipped fitness
villa wine coolers.
studio with personal trainer and yoga instructor; resident
Dusit Thani Maldives fuses a fine selection of restaurants with uncompromising service and spectacular views. Market is the all-day dining restaurant. Enjoy
marine biologist; children’s play area and club facility; library with internet stations; and island boutiques. Celebrating the leadership efforts and
our signature restaurant Benjarong for cuisine with Thai
accomplishments, Budgie$ & Travel Awards recently
flavours. Dine at the Sea Grill restaurant for local seafood
named Dusit Thani Maldives the Asia Pacific Hotel of
and the highest quality steaks in an exquisite beachside
the Year. Dusit International has more than 60 years’
setting. Retreat from the midday heat to enjoy poolside
experience in the hotel and hospitality field. Founded
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in 1949 by Honorary Chairperson Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, whose first hotel was the Princess on Bangkok’s New Road, Dusit International has since acquired a unique portfolio of distinctive hotels, building upon Thai culture and tradition to create a personalised welcome for all guests made distinctive under the Dusit International brand promise; the delivery of an ‘experience that enlivens the individual spirit, no matter the journey’. Dusit International comprises four hotel brands: Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, and Dusit Devarana. It also operates Dusit Residences and its own signature Devarana Spa.. D
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Global fashion’s
INDIAN FLAVOUR
t
With fashion stalwarts turning to India for inspiration, it isn’t so hard to tell which way is the fashion wind is blowing words MEGHNA SHARMA
he world of fashion is definitely having an India moment right now. Haute couture inspired from the ‘land of exotica’ is being seen nearly on every runway and grand red carpet events. From Jean Paul Gaultier to Etro to Marchesa and more, luxury fashion houses are turning to India to seek inspiration.
Ace designer Jean Paul Gaultier’s love for India reflects in his womenswear collections from time to time. The renowned designer’s use of sari gowns, traditional Indian
Marchesa
Jean Paul Gaultier
But how has India suddenly become mainstream fashion fodder for the industry stalwarts? The fashion fraternity believes that since India is one country where every state has a different flavour and a unique culture, it has compelled the fashion world to sit up and take notice. International fashion houses are always on the lookout for a new muse and India never fails to inspire something unique and impactful. The vibrant flavour and strong interplay of techniques has attracted some of the most precious jewels in the fashion world to its fold.
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Gucci
The West just can’t seem to get enough of INDIA
Chanel
WHEN IT COMES TO ALL THINGS FASHION
Etro
colours and fabrics and stylised lambskin Jodhpurs has already evoked rave reviews in the fashion world. And with his spring/ summer 2013 menswear collection Gaultier of Hermès proved that his love for India is no fleeting romance. By dressing up his models in Sikh-styled turbans, teamed with various ensembles such as shorts, blazers, tuxedos, T-shirts and overcoats, Gaultier paid a rich tribute to India. The collection was inspired by the travel theme, presenting a globe-trotting fashionable man who understands the very essence of travelling that cultivates a bigger understanding and respect for various cultures. The French designer also matched the ambience to the theme, with rows of seating christened after Indian dishes — tandoori, tikka masala, naan, dal and vindaloo! Replete with models flaunting bindis, dupattas over their heads and little girls with maang tikaas, this was the fifth India-inspired show in a year. Talking about his India connect Gaultier remarked: “In every collection I have done, there is always an Indian inspiration.” The designer is known to visit the country quite often and owns a vast library of intensely coloured textile swatches here, since his first visit to Kolkata and Puri in the 1970s. Louis Vuitton
Like Gaultier, India has been an inspiration to many international design houses and with time, the country has also carved out a significant spot for itself on the global fashion map. The past year has seen an increasing number of international designers making India their muse. Jewellery designer Jade Jagger, rocker Mick Jagger’s daughter had recently remarked: “Western designers have always been inspired by India. But it’s nice that they are acknowledging it openly now.” British design duo Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig also took a trip to the sub-continent for Marchesa. They showcased a distinctly India-inspired spring/ summer 2013 collection for their New York Fashion Week show. The collection was inspired by 1960s India and one can see influences in the silhouettes – notice the ghaghra-like skirts, choli-inspired tops and the kurta paired with pants. Marchesa made extensive use of brocades, embroidery and cutwork; outfits were paired with Louboutins and jewellery from Jaipur’s Gem Palace.
Chanel
Hermès
Fashion designer Namrata Joshipura, who often shows in New Hermès
Marchesa
Marchesa
Marchesa
Marchesa Jean Paul Gaultier
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Judith Leiber
York and Paris, says, “People are talking about India a lot in mainstream media and focusing on what’s happening culturally over here. India is showcased not just in couture but also for ready-to-wear lines.” It seems that the West cannot get enough of India. Etro, while taking inspiration from the Mahabharata for their latest menswear collection, were also true to the Italian cuts and silhouettes they are famous for. Vera Wang said of her collection, ‘Out of India’, “India is just the starting point. There is no belly dancing, no sarongs, no saris.” The cuts, like the Nehru jacket one, are straight, smart and “have discipline”. Popular clothing label Kenzo, founded by Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, also introduced its India-inspired collection at the Paris Fashion Week recently. Paying homage to Asian temples, the brand’s fashion designers Humberto Leon from Peru and South Korea’s Carol Lim featured far Eastern silhouettes in their fall/winter 2013-2014 collection. Enriched with motifs of Hindu temple bricks and serpents, the line included boxy jackets and flat tulip skirts in shades of gold, rich red, cobalt blue and black.
Marchesa
Other designers who’ve taken inspiration from India in the past are Christian Louboutin, who designed India-inspired stilettos, naming them Bollywoody and Devidas. Louis Vuitton too came out with a bag collection inspired by India and window dressed their stores with the artwork of goddess Lakshmi during Diwali in all of their 454 stores throughout the world. LV also asked Marc Jacobs to design a limited edition sari collection using materials from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai. Hermès launched its limited edition saris, an “extension of the famous Hermès scarf”. The sari silhouette, which dates back more than 1,000 years, has now been accepted as a ‘must-have’ drape in the fashion world. Indian designer Suneet Varma has been asked to design a limited edition collection of Judith Leiber clutch and recently Gucci introduced India-exclusive evening bags.
Christian Louboutin
Etro
Looks like wherever you go, everyone will be carrying a
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Piston power
BMW DEFINES THE FUTURE
BMW 328 HOMMAGE -
The
lightweight construction as a principle
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The state-of-the-art concept cars by BMW arouse desire. We pay homage to the BMW 328 Hommage Text & picture COURTESY INTERNET
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t
he BMW 328 is considered the most successful and best-looking sports car of the 1930s. The BMW 328’s success was the result of its design parameters – through the use of systematic lightweight construction, aerodynamic lines, optimum engine types and outstanding suspension technology, it laid the foundation stone for a new vehicle concept, by which performance only leads to success if combined with perfect harmonisation of all parameters and maximum efficiency. With these characteristics, the BMW 328 was even then the embodiment of what the BMW brand still stands for today – dynamics, aesthetics and a high level of innovation. Last year, the dream sports car celebrated its 75th birthday. To this day, the award-winning vehicle BMW 328 Touring Coupé still holds the record for the highest average speed on the Mille Miglia circuit and, in 2010, was again able to win the historic revival of the race. A week later at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the two-seater’s functional aesthetics will be the focus of attention. In this area of conflict between tradition and modernity, the BMW Group paid a tribute to the BMW 328 on the occasion of its anniversary with a special model – the BMW 328 Hommage. “With the BMW 328 Hommage, we wish to pay homage to the passion and inventiveness of the fathers of the BMW 328,” explains Karl Bäumer, CEO of BMW Group Classic. “They created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the
The BMW 328 Hommage is a dream sports car with state-of-the-art technology and fascinating features that makes driving more fum
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The VERTICALLY
MOUNTED KIDNEY GRILLE is dynamically
incorporated into the flat silhouette
} One can notice the sleek interiors of the car that blend well in the modernist design
history of the automobile.� The BMW 328 Hommage translates the principles and the character of the vehicle of that time into present times and offers a possible interpretation of how the designers of that time, Fritz Fiedler and Rudolf Schleicher, might have built the BMW 328 in the present day using current technology. The BMW 328 was also a special BMW insofar as the lightweight construction principle was systematically implemented on a BMW automobile for the very first time. Wherever possible, the lightest and at the same time most robust materials were used, thereby keeping the gross vehicle weight down to just 780 kilograms. In order to translate the idea of lightweight construction into this day and age, major parts of the exterior and interior of the BMW 328 Hommage are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Whilst in the old days they favoured the materials aluminium and magnesium, CFRP is now considered to offer the best ratio between weight and stability. The high-strength fibre fabric is lighter than aluminium, but also more stable. Wherever the material has been used on the BMW 328 Hommage, it is also visible. In this way, the BMW 328 Hommage not only reflects the lightweight construction principle functionally, but also visually. The BMW Group leads the way in the production and use of CFRP in automotive construction and already possesses many years of experience in the series production of CFRP roofs and structural components for the BMW M6 as well as CFRP roofs for the BMW M3. The expressive exterior design of the BMW 328 Hommage depicts the modern interpretation of a highly emotional and dynamic two-seater Roadster – just like the BMW 328 75 years ago. As a result, a subtle contrast between the tense surfaces and the sharp edges is created within the flat, dynamic silhouette. D
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HOTELS Thailand
Dusit Residence Dubai Marina
Bangkok
Pearl Coast Premier Hotel
Dusit Thani Bangkok Dusit Princess Srinakarin,
Apartments Managed by Dusit International
Bangkok
Egypt
Royal Princess Larn Luang,
Cairo
Bangkok
Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo,
Pathumwan Princess, MBK
Egypt
Centre, Bangkok
Maldives
Chiang Mai
Baa Atoll
dusitD2 chiang mai
Dusit Thani Maldives
Royal Princess Chiang Mai Chiang Rai
Hotels & Resorts Opening Soon
Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai
Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts
Hua Hin
Dusit Thani Guam, U.S.A.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin
Dusit Thani Hainan, China
Korat
Dusit Thani Qingyuan, China
Dusit Princess Korat
Dusit Devarana Hotels &
Pattaya
Resorts
Dusit Thani Pattaya
Dusit Devarana Hainan, China
dusitD2 baraquda pattaya Phuket
Dusit Devarana Jaipur, India Dusit Devarana New Delhi, India
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
dusitD2 hotels & resorts
Philippines
dusitD2 dubai, u.a.e.
Manila
dusitD2 khao yai, thailand
Dusit Thani Manila, Philippines
dusitD2 nairobi, kenya
United Arab Emirates
dusitD2 new delhi, india
Abu Dhabi Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Dubai Dusit Thani Dubai, United Arab Emirates
dusitD2 pasadena, u.s.a. Dusit Residence Serviced Apartments Dusit Residence and Suites, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
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