1412st travel talk

CITY LIVING

TRAVEL TALK

Unparalleled What to See, Eat and Buy in South Korea’s Capital Luxury In Thailand If you are looking for sun rays during these dark and gloomy winter months, we can think of nothing better than to visit Thailand and discover the best in Thai hospitality, culture and customs at the Banyan Tree and Angsana properties spread across the country.

City Slickers At Banyan Tree Bangkok

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anyan Tree Bangkok is located in the central business district on South Sathon Road and just 40-minutes car journey away from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. At this convenient city location, guests can take advantage of the business centre, fitness centre, 12 meeting rooms, ten food and beverage establishments divided into eight restaurants and two bars, a swimming pool and the awardwinning Banyan Tree Spa. The 61-storey property offers 327 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, which are tastefully designed to showcase the essence of Thai heritage fused with modern amenities to pamper the senses.

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Banyan Tree Bangkok also boasts the undisputedly best rooftop dining and bar venue in the city. Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar, located on the rooftop of the 61storey building, is the namesake of Alfred Hitchcock’s famous thriller. Formerly a helipad, the sophisticated space comes alive at sunset for nocturnal festivities with full, 360°, unobstructed panoramas of the city highlighted by glittering landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Royal Chapel, Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho Temple, National Museum and Emerald Buddha.

Situated in the heart of a frenzied metropolis, Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar is unique in presenting a different yet aesthetic urban landscape of Bangkok.

With a 264-guest capacity, it is divided

into three sections – a dining courtyard, a private party lounge and the Moon Bar. You can choose to dine from an a la carte menu, or select from a creative collection of carefully crafted menus.

Vertigo Grill is open daily from 6pm to 11pm whereas Moon Bar offers the longer opening hours of 5pm to 1pm, subject to weather conditions. Go early to catch the sunset or visit late into the night to see the twinkling lights of a city that never sleeps.

If you are in Bangkok to do some serious shopping, Banyan Tree Bangkok also offers guests great ease for shopping due to its strategic location in the city centre beside major shopping centres. A Shopping Companion Service is also available for

those who want to have the opportunity to shop with the experts, who are just as familiar with weekend markets as they are with fashionable department stores.

If after all that shopping you want to relax and unwind, head to Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Health club, which is truly a sanctuary in the city, and join a yoga, aerobics, pilates, stretching or step class.

Follow all this up by relaxing your tired mussels with a steam or sauna. You can also take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool on the 21st floor, fringed by green plants to create the sensation of swimming within the tropics. Make sure to leave enough time in your busy schedule to visit the famous, world-class Banyan Tree Spa for a range of holistic treatments.

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angkok, the capital of Thailand, is less than five hours, by direct flight, away from Shanghai, and offers an abundance of cultural and modernday activities to while away your hours in the cosmopolitan city.

If shopping is your bag, head to CentralWorld. This mega shopping complex is the largest mall in Thailand and offers everything from high-end brands to fast-fashion outlets and from fancy restaurants to a gourmet food court. It is easy to get lost for days in this shopping metropolis, so if you are looking to satisfy your consumer cravings, this is the place for you.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the capital is The Grand Palace. Construction on The Grand Palace began in 1782 and although the current king, King Bhumibol Adulyadei, does not live at the complex, the palace still hosts a number of royal ceremonies and state functions each year. The large complex allows guests the chance to visit the museum, temples and palace buildings.

An architecture enthusiasts dream, the clusters of buildings are extremely impressive as each one is intricately decorated in its own unique fashion with liberal sprinklings of gold and gemstones. Just be ready for the crowds and make sure that you cover your legs and arms out of respect.

After a trip to The Grand Palace, it is worth paying a visit to nearby temple, Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Named after a temple in India where Buddha is believed to have lived, the Thai temple is hailed to be the birthplace of traditional Thai massage due to it once being a centre of education for traditional Thai medicine, so be sure to get a reasonably priced massage onsite. The golden, reclining Buddha is pretty awe-inspiring and, due to its immense size and splendour, many photographs fail to do it justice. It must just be seen to be believed. The beautiful gardens surrounding the temple are also worth visiting and spending some time reflecting on your trip.

As the day draws to an end, book a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River and take in sights such as the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun. It is also possible to access the temple from the river by ferry and, upon climbing the steep stairs, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of the city.

Banyan Tree Bangkok can organise an Apsara Cruise for its guests, a gourmet, riverside dining experience that will take you up the length of the river and back again while you feast on some of the best Thai food in the city.

No trip to the city is complete without going to the traveller’s mecca that is Khao San Road. Packed to the rafters with market stalls, bars, pubs, restaurants and food stalls by day, by night this road is an entirely different beast.

Street-side bars come alive and it is the perfect place to people-watch, grab a few souvenirs and see a stereotypical Thai show, if you get our drift.

Family Fun At Angsana Laguna Phuket

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ituated in the northwest region of Phuket and 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport and Phuket town, Angsana Laguna Phuket is officially the best place to take your family on holiday in Thailand!

Awarded as the number one family resort

in Thailand by the TripAdvisor 2014 Travelers’ Choice Award, the beachfront resort lives by its motto “Kids Eat, Stay and Play for Free”. The concept “Kids Eat, Stay, and Play for Free” runs all year round at Angsana Laguna Phuket. With complimentary dining, bedding and a wide variety of kids’ facilities and activities, families can spend quality time together without incurring extra costs.

At the resort’s Tree House Kids Club, children are entertained daily from 9am to 6pm. The Kids Club provides complimentary childcare for children aged five to 15. On fun-filled theme days, kids live out their

wildest fantasies by going on treasure hunts as adventurous pirates of the Andaman Sea, or win gold medals as athletes in the Olympic Games. On Thai culture day, activities can include coconut leaf folding, Thai dancing and bracelet making. By catering to three different age groups: one to three, four to 12, and 13 to 15 years old, there is something for everyone.

Families seeking a sun, sand and sea adventure can participate in a complimentary non-motorised water sport training camp with options of sailing, wind surfing, water game polo, beach volleyball and soccer, and many more. Alternatively take up lessons in scuba diving, basic Thai boxing, Pilates and even Kids’ Yoga for parents and children.

The award-winning Angsana Spa Laguna Phuket promotes parent and child bonding with spa packages specifically crafted for parents and young spa guests between seven and 14. Natural ingredients are carefully selected for children’s skin. Expert

therapists use traditional Thai remedies, western techniques and essential oils in every treatment, pampering you from head to toe, rejuvenating your body and soul.

A distinctly modern and stylish resort, its subtle design reflects aspects of traditional Thai architecture such as steep arched roofs, free-flowing spaces and waterways. Angsana Laguna Phuket presents 409 rooms of varying configurations offering views of lush gardens or calm waters. You will be spoilt for choice. There is an accommodation option for every individual or group from the Laguna Grand Room offering luxurious en suite accommodation all the way through to the Angsana Grand Pool Residence, a four-bedroom villa covering 490sqm.

At the end of your holiday, we wish you luck dragging the kids away from the resort’s 323-metre free-form pool spanning the entire resort, complemented by a manmade beach, lazy river, whirlpools, toddlers' “tub” and activity zone. The adults also might struggle saying goodbye to activities such as diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing and mountain biking or golfing at the 18-hole championship Laguna Phuket Golf Club.

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CITY LIVING

TRAVEL TALK

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huket is one of Thailand’s southernmost provinces and is the country’s largest island.

Multiple airlines fly directly between Shanghai and Phuket, with the flight time being just short of five hours.

If you want a relaxing beach holiday, which can be enjoyed by all the family or a romantic getaway with that someone special in your life, Phuket is an ideal location with its powdery beaches, sunny climate and friendly locals.

Banyan Tree Phuket and Angsana Laguna Phuket are located along the sandy shores of the island’s famed Bang Tao Bay, allowing guests to enjoy beachfront access to the warm aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea. As part of Laguna Phuket, Asia’s first integrated resort, the hotels have unrivalled access to the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea and all the facilities necessary for that promise-filled vacation. In and around the Laguna Phuket integrated resort, guests can explore the neighbouring resorts and Canal Village by boat or bicycle, where forty stores and thirty restaurants and bars are waiting to be discovered. Furthermore, if you venture a short walk away from the resort complex, you will be rewarded by the small town of Cherngtalay where you can shop for souvenirs, eat local food and enjoy massages at the various parlours scattered along the roads. There is also a large Sunday market, which is an ideal way to test the streetside snack vendors.

Phuket Town is a 20-minute taxi ride or shuttle bus from the integrated resort. The vibrant town centre offers everything a family could possible need from a large shopping mall, cinema, restaurants and market to night time activities for older visitors such as bars, clubs, a Thai boxing stadium, shows and romantic restaurants. If you are looking for a bit of fun and adventure to break up your basking on the beach at one of the five star hotels, Phuket Town is the obvious choice.

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After a visit to the bustling town, relaxation is on the cards. Since the recent crackdown on beach clubs on the Thai island, Bang Tao Bay’s Xana Beach Club, part of Angsana Laguna Phuket, is one of the only beach clubs where you are able to sit on a deckchair shaded by an umbrella on the beach, whilst ordering from the indulgent food and drinks menu. The club also has a 35-metre pool and a state of the art sound system allowing you to enjoy the best of the beach during the day or at night.

If you are looking for something a little bit more low-key, you can take a stroll along the otherwise untouched and pristine beach, where you won’t be able to spot another

soul for miles. Make sure you stick around for sunset to watch the evening light up in beautiful fiery tones.

Whilst staying at the integrated resort, make sure you take advantage of the shuttle buses or laguna boats to see all the amazing complexes. Highlights are playing golf at Banyan Tree Phuket’s 18-hole golf course and the famous Banyan Tree Spa or enjoying family activities such as yoga, non-motorised water sports activities or introductory scuba diving lessons at Angsana Laguna Phuket. What's more, you can also just chill out, enjoy the guaranteed good weather and fabulous living on your luxurious break.

Romantic Getaway At Spa Sanctuary Banyan Tree Phuket

Serving as the epicentre for several of history’s mightiest empires, Istanbul’s romance and indulgence; this is a must-stay resort for all ancient charm and bustling modernitystar-crossed lovers. lure tourists to a city that offers somethi Each luxurious villa includes a spacious living room ng with large daybed, writing desk, television and for everyone. Sitting at the intersectioncomplete DVD stereo. A range of organic locally sourced snacks and juices are provided in the minibar complemented by a between Europe and Asia, this remarkfresh ableof both herbal and floral teas. choice destination serves as the hub of Turkey’s large bathroom provides you with double vanity commercial and economic infrastructuAwashbasins, re. toilet, indoor and outdoor showers and bathtubs, a private steam room and his and hers dressing areas.

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lso located at Bang Tao Bay on the northwest coast of Phuket Island in Thailand is Banyan Tree Phuket, part of Laguna Phuket, Asia’s first integrated resort. It was also the first Banyan Tree resort to be conceptualised and built.

Banyan Tree Phuket was built on damaged wasteland that was a former tin mine site. After years of lovingly replenishing the land and planting trees, the trademark Thai village architecture with the high-peak thatched roofs of Banyan Tree Phuket ensures that it blends perfectly with its natural and cultural surroundings.

Surrounded by pristine water, the bedroom sits central within the villa - an elegant 'floating' bed pavilion set amidst a tranquil lotus flowered pond; the king bed is lavishly draped and looks up on a canopy ceiling adorned with soft fabrics. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide an abundance of natural light with views across the water to the gardens beyond.

The outdoor space comprises a private 3.5m by 11.5m pool, sun loungers, a dining area and a dedicated Thai Sala complete with spa beds for your private in-villa treatments.

The Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary caters to you by focusing

holistically and embracing the five senses - sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Infused with spa elements, healthy cuisine, award-winning spa and wellness activities, you will embark on a journey of rejuvenation and wellness with experiences to indulge and soothe all senses, with the in-house couples' massages enhancing the romantic experience.

With a focus on organic living, snacks, beverages or meals of locally sourced fresh produce are a mere request away.

Your Villa Host is poised to serve day and night. A myriad luxurious body pampering and soul-soothing spa treatments delivered exclusively in the privacy of your Thai Sala will leave you glowing from within. On-call massage therapists also provide a 20-minute morning delights massage everyday, with alternating focus on different parts of your body.

Sumptuous healthy snacks created from fresh organic produce tantalise taste buds while nourishing both the body. Complimentary delicacies are provided every afternoon at the Cha reception area, while bespoke In Villa dining can be prepared, with dietary requirements in mind, at any time of the day.

Enjoy the most luxurious of romantic holidays with your partner at Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary.

The exclusive Spa Sanctuary Villas epitomises the Banyan Tree experience of romance, indulgence and rejuvenation and are separated for the main Banyan Tree Phuket complex with its own entrance way, reception and lounge.

Positioned on the sandy shores of eco-rich Bang Tao Bay, Phuket, Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary is the island’s finest boutique wellness retreat. Set amidst verdant tropical gardens, the natural and private environment of the Spa Pool Villa inspires relaxation and healing as you luxuriate in holistic wellness and health programmes.

On arrival at your villa, a doorway leads through to the private sanctuary and provides a view across the gardens to the lagoon beyond. Before you even enter your accommodation, the surrounding grounds will take your breath away with an outdoor Thai Sala, swimming pool and small jet pool fitted with bubble beds and glass fronted on one side, waterfall and fountain as well as an outdoor bathtub and shower, to name but a few of the eye-catching delights. It is the perfect setting for December14 TalkMagazine

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