Mo Seetubtim The Path to Happiness
Hublot Big Bang A Limited-Edition Fusion of Watch Craftsmanship and Depeche Mode
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Be Part of the Solution
The SertĂŁo of Martha Medeiros 1 O N E CO A S T
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PRIMITIVE J E W E L L E RY D E S I G N
UNIQUE IN EVERY MOMENT • • • • • •
Jewellery Design
Boutique workshop Handmade jewellery craft Silver and gold For men and women Private collection Most of the jewellery is one of a kind Welcome to visit our shop anytime Opposite Tops Supermarket outside Central Festival Samui
Ручная работа ювелирных изделий 手工制作珠宝 Unique in every moment Уникальный в каждый момент 在每一刻都独一无二
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Lake
Hours: 11:00 - 23:00 | Tal +66 (0) 82 276 6596
Fashion
CONTENTS
12 InStyle
By Valentin Yudashkin
14 InStyle
By Maison Georges
22 Front Purity Collection
24 Flash
Jimmy Choo’s
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50
Wear
Cluev Jewellery
70 Interview
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DESIGNER ALENA AKHMADULLINA
Cool Stuff
Hublot
Body&Mind Cover
18 Hot Stuff
50 The Sertao of Martha Medeiros
Wallace Chan’s Jewellery
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Mindful Lifestyle Try Mindfulness in a War Zone
Wellness V.I.P. & Family Close Protection Services
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CONTENTS Living 54 InDesign
2018 The Year of Luxury Villa Experiences
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Culture
Kho Lak Reborn
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Lifestyle 18 In Coast Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
40 Hot Spot
The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui
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Coast Ride Harley Davidson
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Coast Drive
Rolls Royce
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Tech
Gadgets
Focus 32 About Her Mo Seetubtim
36 About Him
Marco Boscaini
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Top Movies & TV
Latest Movies
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CoastGuide
eat | Drink | Sleep | Do
76 Dine
Sunday Brunch at Four
Seasons resort Koh Samui
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Table Tales Spicy Sauteed Crab Vietnamese Coffee Cream Caramel
Eco 82 Helping Hands
The Camillian Social Center Rayong
84 Habitat
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
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Social Samui | Bangkok | Phuket
Exclusive villas & resort built in contemporary Thai style nestled in a tropical garden set on the gorgeous beach front of Lamai Beach in tropical Samui Island. Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort offers 85 elegantly appointed luxury accommodation ranging from suites to private pool villas, plus another 5 units of elegant pool residences to be complemented with full services and facilities for a memorable holiday experience.
Enjoy swimming in our 120 meter wide beach in any season and indulge the wonders of the crystal clear ocean of the Gulf of Thailand.
Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort 124/24 Moo 3, Lamai, Samui, Surathani Thailand GPS: 9.46803,100.047797 Tel: +66 (0) 77 424 030, Fax: +66 (0) 77 424 029 Email: info@pavilionsamui.com
EDITORIAL One Coast Magazine w w w.onecoastmagazine .com
Publisher’s Note Can you believe it, it’s already March 2018?! Time flies, and we fly with it. How happily this time flies depends on the many curve balls life throws in our paths and how we perceive them.With that in mind we are honoured in this edition to meet Mo Seetubtim in our About Her Interview, Mo is a Writer, Founder & CEO of The Happiness Planner.
Publishing Director Y uwares K hathipphathee Editor C rispin Paton -S mith Feature Editor J ohn G r anville Associate Editor J ohn G r anville S taci-Lee Fashion & Beauty Editor N ag M ani Graphic Designer C hayanisa Wetchasart Photographer C hayanisa Wetchasart Advertising Enquiries Samui S taci -L ee H oward E: sales @ onecoastmagazine .com T: +66 (0) 86 950 2291 Phuket Y uwares K hathipphathee E: ads @ onecoastmagazine .com T: +66 (0) 89 772 1589 Bangkok S taci -L ee H oward E: sales @ onecoastmagazine .com T: +66 (0) 86 950 2291 In-House Production Satayu Publishing Co., Ltd . 34/9 Moo 4, B ophut, Koh S amui , S uratthani T hailand 84320 +66 (0) 89 772 1589 Accounting acc . satayu. publishing @ gmail .com +66 (0) 89 772 1589 Publishing and Distribution Satayu Publishing Co., Ltd . (T hailand ) G ls International M edia Placement (D ubai & Abu Dhabi)
An inspirational stationery brand designed to help people become happier by mastering the art of positive thinking, mindfulness, gratitude, and personal development. We get to hear a little about her life and how she has inspired so many people. On the culinary side we get to meet one of my favourite chefs Marco Boscaini, Chef of Prego Restaurant and Amari Food Gallery, Marco has been with the Prego restaurant from the Amari group on Samui for over 15 years. I think I have been enjoying his exquisite cuisine and friendship since then, so it was certainly about time to let you in on some of his secrets. On the subject of giving back for our Helping Hands section we visit The Camillian Social Center in Rayong. It is one of the first centers opened in Asia to accommodate and help sick orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS. The center does an amazing job helping these poor children regain their health and integrate back into society. On a quick note they run basically solely from sponsorships and donations and are more than a worthy cause, read all about them and their great work in Helping Hands.Then of course we are not letting you down with some amazing Cool Stuff with the new limited edition Hublot Depeche Mode watch, quite stunning and then with our Hot stuff we look at some designer art jewelry and fashion is bumper packed with Jimmy Choo’s and much much more, but that’s enough from me now it’s up to you to turn the pages and enjoy One Coast Magazine. If we do not plant Seeds in the Land, it will fill with Unwanted Weeds – that’s just the Law of Nature…. Similarly, if we do not fill Positive Thoughts in our Mind, automatically a Negative Tone will crop up… that’s Human Nature. So Always think Positive and develop a Positive Mind…. Yu
P ublisher L icense สศก 14/6/2556 Printing & colour separation Amarin Printing & P ublishing Co., Ltd . 376 C haiyaphruk Rd ., Taling C han , Bangkok T hailand 10170 T: +66 (0) 2 244 9000 Contributors W riter J ohn Granville Writer Rodney King Writer M att Howard P hotographer Anne Sophie M aestracci P hotographer P hadej T hepsuwan Cover Tales P hotographer : R abee Younes Models : V elvet Model M anagement Hair & Makeup: Ivan and Ivanna Velvet Management
Find us at : Bangkok Airways Asia Boutique Airline Lounges, Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok and Samui Airport Thai Airways International Airline Lounges, Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok Emirates Airline Lounges, Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok Cathay Pacific Lounges, Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok Oman Airline Lounges in Muscat Airport Oman and Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok
The information contained in this magazine and website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Satayu Publishing in good faith and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the magazine, website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the magazine or website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
ข้อเขียนและภาพในนิตยสารวันโคสท์ สงวนสิทธิ์ตามกฎหมาย ถ้าจะน�ำไปเผยแพร่ต้องได้รับการยินยอมเป็นลายลักษณ์อักษรจาก Satayu Publishing Co.,Ltd. เท่านั้น
Joyful SS18 collection by Valentin Yudashkin
Valentin Yudashkin unveiled his Spring-Summer 2018 ready-to-wear collection which was inspired by avant-garde art and, particularly, suprematism (from the Latin word-Supremus – the highest); an art movement focused on basic geometric forms, painted in a limited range of colors founded by the famous painter Kazimir Malevich. Combinations of multicolored planes and geometric shapes - a straight line, a rectangle, a square and a circle, as well as a combination of geometric figures that comes in different colors and sizes, all form Suprematist compositions that are reflected in the Valentin Yudashkin’s SS18 collection. The center stage is taken by graphic prints with colorful squares and triangles as well as horizontal, vertical and oblique stripes. Another interesting feature is the cloth and braid sewn strip used on dresses, jackets, blouses, tops and trousers. This creates an underlined graphical character of the image. In addition, some of the pieces of the collection are supplemented by human figures composed of various geometric forms that descend from Malevich canvases and set a special rhythm, movement and composition. The casual looks are represented by summer maxi length raincoats and coats made from linen, cloak fabric and denim cotton, elongated voluminous jackets with zippers, shortened double and single-breasted straight-cut jackets made from cotton, gunny-linen and cotton satin that can be combined with volumetric high waist Palazzo trousers. The SS18 collection also features mini and maxi skirts made from cotton, linen and cloak fabric, supplemented with stripes, multicolored geometric human figure appliqués and embroidery. Valentin Yudashkin also offers voluminous skirts-shorts, lengthened dresses-shirts, sarafans, dresses with flared skirts and short and long open-back overalls made from cambric, cotton, linen, silk and chiffon. At the same the brand offers undoubtedly practical and at the same time elegant solutions for the coming summer by introducing bustier tops and open shoulder blouses, with flounces and wide voluminous sleeves.
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fashioninstyle The evening ensembles in the collection are comprised of exquisite feminine silhouette-fitted dresses made from organza, tulle, satin and silk. Some of the pieces show asymmetry and open shoulder lines, which adds geometricity and emphasizes the suprematic nature of the collection. In addition, Valentin Yudashkin uses rich bead, bugle and non-precious stone embroidery – the core and invariable handwriting of the brand. Some pieces are supplemented with draperies that are placed over the embroidery creating an effect of a three-dimensional embroidery texture that, in combination with the rich collection colors - red, yellow, green, blue and white, create unique images. In addition the SS18 collection is crowned by a flurry of new spectacular accessories that perfectly complement the Suprematist theme: sunglasses with round dégradé rims, bags with suprematic prints, colorful backpacks with geometric applications, slippers and mules made from leather and suede. This season Valentin Yudashkin introduced us to the Supremus image of a woman who is full of grace and sophistication. It’s an image of a perfect woman with an unprecedented sense of style. www.yudashkin.com
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For its Spring-Summer 2018 Ready-to-Wear collection, Maison Georges Hobeika explores the beauty created by new unions and the irresistible seductions precious contrasts.This is the captivating fusion of Nature and Modernity- an association of graphic patterns and bucolic lines that present the complexity and the sensuality of unexpected connections and express this encounter of opposites on a myriad of silhouettes. This ambiguous meeting between the botanical and the technical is delicately revealed through an inventive set of aerial and colorful overlays. Emanating an essence dear to the Maison, flowers thrive on an aged patina in supernatural form, from behind lace luxuriously embroidered with geometric figures and vertical stripes. Laser cuts in precise oval form evoke both the genius of human technical capability and natural perfection of a sheet’s silhouette bending under the evening breeze. Shiny shorts spring on the flow of a split skirt. The ordinance of metal constructions seems to flourish along golden chains that adorn this collection’s bags and jewels, linking the Maison’s logo and hypnotic structures of Art Deco.
Georges Hobeika’s breathtaking
fashioninstyle
www.georgeshobeika.com
SS18 collection
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Wallace Chan’s five magical pieces reveal his jewelry art… For the 31st edition of TEFAF Maastricht, Wallace Chan is returning for his third year from March 8th to 18th, 2018 with thirty unique jewelry creations. Here are five of them to stir your senses:
Sun of Soul | Necklace Square-shaped Yellow Diamond 80.69ct, Emerald 5.95ct Yellow Diamond, Emerald Diamond, Tsavorite Garnet The sun makes the soul of each sunflower. In Chinese culture, the sunflower symbolizes admiration and loyalty. Yellow diamonds take the form of petals, and emeralds elaborate the meaning of green leaves, together they glorify the sparkling heart of this one-of-a-kind jewelry piece – a glamorous yellow diamond of 80.69ct. “Sun of Soul” radiates heartwarming energy, like the beams of the sun showering the earth with gentle touches, creating a loving cradle for the world.
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Bridge of Waves | Ring Yellow Diamond, Diamond and Titanium Majestic Ocean waves surge together to form an otherworldly bridge. The connection merges reality and imagination, sea and sky, heaven and earth, humanity and the universe. Titanium surges in undulating forms, embracing the diamonds as treasures from the sea.The diamonds reflect as if they were precious sunbeams dancing across the watery surface, illuminating the depths of the deep blue; the light reveals new perspectives and exposes what is hidden in the shadows.
body&mindhot stuff Cosmic Union | Bangle Agate 2pcs 142.08ct Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite Garnet, Fancy Colored Diamond, Diamond,Yellow Diamond and Titanium Elements of dance are often seen together in a harmonious relationship that has persevered for billions of years. The agate stone is a representation of different eras, time ripples in our cosmos, celebrating the infinite union of the universe. The formation of the stone merges the elements of earth and water that create unique colored layers. These layers trace the changes and transformations of our planet and record the passage of the ages. Diamonds, sapphires and garnet swirl around the bangle. When the light plays with the gemstones they become bright stars adorning the universe. The bangle is circular like the sun, moon, earth and planets. Together, they form a complex yet orderly atmosphere. Shared elements of the universe combine in a celebration of the ever growing, ever changing cosmos. A Love Tale | Brooch Horse-shaped Jadeite 1pc 23.09ct Diamond, Pink Diamond, Jadeite, Crystal, Brown Diamond, Tsavorite Garnet,Yellow Diamond, Titanium Two lovers roam side by side under the sun-drenched sky. Gradiated colored diamonds dance through the horses’ hair as they gallop freely across golden fields. Their manes are radiant like fire and their coats are ignited by a heavenly glow. Tender love is expressed between the two as they explore the lands, wild and free. Their hoofs pound the dirt, echoing like the sounds of booming thunder while they move swiftly together like lightening. They demonstrate a pure love and a spiritual connection. They are wild hearts unbounded by earthy woes. In this extraodinary brooch, the 23.09ct of jadiete represents the horse and values it carries. They are strong, sturdy and full of heritage. The crystal over the diamonds symbolizes the inner radiance and wisdom of the majestic creature shining outwards for all to see.
Ocean Dancers | Earrings Bell-shaped Crystal 2 pcs 94.82ct, Pearl 2pcs 57.06ct Pearl,Yellow Diamond, Crystal, Sapphire, Diamond and Titanium Floating with the tides influenced by the moon, the mysterious jellyfish is a creature of dreams; it is completely connected to the universe, intertwined with water and dependent on the cosmos. Dancing with the currents, the old soul is full of wisdom and peace. Weightlessly floating through the ocean depths, the sea’s movements guide the tranquil being into new places with new encounters.
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S
tand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) is an offshoot of surfing that originated in Hawaii and offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of a full-body workout. And, since you stand up at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s under the water and out on the horizon. The Thailand SUP Festival is an annual showcase of Stand Up Paddling (SUP) brands and names which brings together SUP enthusiasts based in Thailand and international competitors for a fun and spirited weekend of networking and competition. In its 5th year, the 2018 Thailand SUP Festival will continue to provide an opportunity for SUP enthusiasts and related brands to enjoy a fun and sun filled weekend of competitive and social activities at one of Thailand’s beautiful beaches.
The 5th Thailand SUP Festival will take place from 7th - 8th April 2018 at LUX Beach Club in Phuket, Thailand and will include the following race related activities: Technical SUP Races, Sprint and Relays, Fun, Family and Kids Races, Awards Presentation and Board Demonstrations. In addition, the SUP Festival will feature the following activities: SUP Yoga classes and SUP technique clinics/lessons. Stand Up Paddling is a growing sport that brings together athletes with a varying background including swimming, surfing, cycling and running. In 2018 THE SUP FESTIVAL will include a new SUP Yoga stream, which will bring in a new audience of yoga enthusiasts. SUPYoga is yoga on a paddle board. No experience required, and you can learn the paddling basics before the class. Classes are held on calm water and the yoga poses can be varied for people who have never done yoga before. It’s loads of fun, and in case you fall out of a pose you just have a quick swim and then climb back on the board. The 2018 event is expected to attract 100+ competitors and 200-300 spectators from across Thailand and internationally. Participants are both men and women who love an active lifestyle.
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lifestylein coast
SUP
FESTIVAL PHUKET
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The last event in 2016 brought together 80 competitors and 300+ spectators from Thailand, Singapore and Australia, Hungary and Japan - including professional athletes Daniel Hasulyo, Bruno Hasulyo and Tomo Murabayashi.
iSUP Samui delivers premium Stand Up Paddle experiences to active travellers with a focus on fun and safety. Established in 2015 with ASI qualified instructors, they are passionate about paddling and committed to building a SUP community in Thailand. www.isupsamui.com
Stand Up Projects have successfully hosted the first four Thailand SUP Festivals. In 2018, the event will be jointly organised by Stand Up Projects and iSUP Samui. Stand Up Projects are an adventure company supporting sustainable community projects, that have raised the money & built a school for underprivileged Burmese kids in Phuket, they are currently building Phuket’s first concrete community skate park & supporting the development of SUP & environmental awareness in Asia. www.standupprojects.com
For more information about the 5th Thailand SUP Festival visit www.thailandsupfestival.com or email the Event Director at info@thailandsupfestival.com.
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When: 7-8 April 2018 Where: LUX Beach Club, Bang Tao beach, Phuket Tammy WadeEvent DirectorThailand SUP Festival:+66 92 737 9705 info@thailandsupfestival.com Clothing photo credits by My Mantra Activewear
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fashionfront Photo: Arthur Koff Models: PURE Model Management MISS CZECH REPUBLIC Setting: Blanka Matragi www.blankamatragi.cz/en/
“This SS18 RTW collection reflects my personal expression of eco-ethnic chic sacredness. More or less, it’s a search for digging into purity of lines and cuts, and the result emanating from it all is a sophisticated yet fresh mixture of elegance and simplicity, matching rich fabrics textures with comfortable silhouettes. All in all, it’s suitable for luxury resorts,” said Blanka Matragi.
Purity
collection 2018
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fashionflash
Jimmy Choo’s audacious SS18 campaign… Jimmy Choo shares the Spring Summer 2018 Women’s and Men’s campaign starring models Anja Rubik and Clément Chabernaud. Two provocateurs in one city, the glossy environs of New York’s apartment life form the backdrop. Surfaces are mirrored and shine tremendously, signaling the glamour inherent to Jimmy Choo.
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A light hearted nod to the stylish voyeurism of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 classic thriller “Rear Window” is wittily played out for our time.Who’s watching who? Self-aware and mutually assertive, their sexy and entertaining vignettes are captured by British photographer Craig McDean.“Anja encapsulates the confident style and spirit of the Jimmy Choo woman in her urban habitat. She’s playfully provocative and comfortable in her own skin captured by Craig McDean in natural moments of cat and mouse with Clément, “said Sandra Choi, creative director. Confident in the tease, their parallel lives unfold. The power of the unknown dressed with high sophisticationarchitectural heels have purpose, paired with frisson- inducing satins and cashmeres, and subtle lo-fi shimmer. There’s an art to intrigue, yes, but the thrill of the tease is incomparable. It’s all about who dares, flirts, and wins. 26
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Photographer: Craig McDean Art Director: Trey Laird Models: Anja Rubik / Clement Chabernaud Stylist: Sarah Richardson http://row.jimmychoo.com/en/home
Try Mindfulness in a
War Zone! By Coach Rodney King
I am a social scientist, researcher, in the midst of a PhD focused on mindfulness.Yet, I struggle with being mindful on a daily basis, at least how most people define it and practice it.The reason, hasn’t always been self-evident.This all changed last December when I went on holiday to SE Asia with my family. The first week was tough (on all of us), I felt uneasy, slightly paranoid, and filled with anxiety. Walking around Bangkok, my youngest son turned to me and asked, “Daddy is it safe to walk down this street? It doesn’t look like it!” When we spent time at a small fishing village in Rayong, it took my eldest son days just to relax and realise that people were genuinely coming up to him just to say, “hello” — and not to mug him. Environment Informs Behaviour However, as the weeks went by, I felt more at ease, at peace, and mindful (we all did). After a long discussion one night in the hotel with my wife, it suddenly dawned on us. Environment, has a huge impact on ones’ dispositional mindfulness. Said another way, it is far easier to be mindful in a cave, than it is to be in a war zone. And this is exactly what we, as average South African’s are feeling. My neighbour has been hijacked twice in her driveway. Gunmen held up a store only walking distance from my home, I and my family were in that store, and we were lucky to have got out unharmed. I could go on and on (just do a Google search about crime in Johannesburg or South Africa in general, you will be horrified). As a self-defence instructor it’s even more closer to home. Every week, I have to help every day citizens in my country not only overcome the trauma of the violence inflicted upon themselves, and those they love, but to teach them how to survive if and when it happens to them (again). I live, as does my wife, with 24-hour a day background anxiety. We leave the house always on guard. Our house is essentially a prison, with a safe room, burglar bars on every window, and with CCTV cameras surrounding our house (we have big terrifying dogs too). Take a walk down my street, and you will find every
house set up just like ours.We all live in prisons.The thing is, this isn’t a poor, crime ridden neighbourhood either — it’s a well off, middle class neighbourhood. The reality is in South Africa, in Johannesburg, in the end, where you stay is irrelevant when it comes to the level of crime we have to deal with. What always gets me is that, of course there is crime everywhere in the world, but it is the level of depravity, that goes hand in hand here with crime that makes it different. Here, they won’t just break into your house and steal your TV. Here, you actually hope they find you alone at home when they do break in — because if your family is around — the unspeakable acts they will perpetrate against them, is hard to stomach. No wonder I have been struggling to be mindful. I think I am doing better than most. But when your reptilian brain is on high alert, 24/7, and you haven’t had a complete undisturbed night sleep in years, it all adds up. Two Kinds of Mindfulness I have had no choice but to change my approach to mindfulness. The ‘Hampton’s’ celebrity style mindfulness doing the rounds simply won’t work here. My version, sadly, is an Extreme form of Mindfulness. Typically, mindfulness has been defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. One has to acknowledge that this definition is often presented in a therapeutic setting, not from the position of its application in a war zone. Because of this, I have had to define two types of mindfulness for myself. Firstly, like anyone else practicing mindfulness, I want the practice thereof to cultivate loving kindness and compassion both to myself as a human being and towards my fellow man. In addition, for Buddhists, mindfulness is noted to aid in the moment-by-moment observing of the Three Marks of Existence, namely, impermanence, suffering, and not-self. Impermanence (or Annica) suggests that all things are in a state of flux, both mental and physical events
body&mindmindful lifestyle
come into being, and ultimately dissolve. The human body for example displays the nature of impermanence in its ageing process, nothing lasts, everything decays. Suffering (Dukkha), is the mental and physical suffering of birth, living and dying. Much of our awareness of this suffering is observed in the clinging to worldly desires. Anatta, or no-self, implies that as with impermanence — the self is changing, and fleeting, and to hold onto a self is to invite Dukka or suffering. From this perspective it is clear that in Buddhist Philosophy, that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, laid a path out that would lead to enlightenment (Nirvana) through what is referred to as the Eightfold Path (Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration). Here mindfulness is only one aspect of this path, which is intended to aid a person in becoming more aware of himself, feelings, thoughts, people and reality. In other words, mindfulness was part of a wider philosophy of life, and only one aspect of the spiritual path. That’s all and well, until you step out into a world where you are required to be prepared to survive. Life may be impermanent, and fleeting, but I am sure just like you I want to remain living until I pass on from old age. I also want to remain living for my family, and for my boys. Here is where a second kind of mindfulness is required. I refer to this as Self-Preservation Mindfulness.This approach to mindfulness, is one of accepting where one finds oneself, but prepared to respond with defensive action if required. It is a heightened state of purposeful awareness, where the objective is to be clear minded about the environment one finds oneself in and ready to respond to violence if need be. Here, sadly, the objective is not to be altruistic, but rather, to be wide awake to the potential threats one may encounter. Approaching this from a non-judge-
mental perspective, allows the body to respond from its training in surviving interpersonal violence. It’s a clear-headed approach, not driven by emotion, or unhelpful thinking. Here just like the Samurai, being fully present is the only place one can respond with clarity to a threat. As Togo Shigekata notes, “One finds life through conquering the fear of death within one’s mind. Empty the mind of all forms of attachment, make a go-for-broke charge and conquer the opponent with one decisive slash.” It is this state of being that is required from any person, who when confronted with physical danger, is required to secure their safety, and of those they love. With that said, I recognise that from a Buddhist perspective there is a distinction made between Right Mindfulness (samma sati) and Wrong Mindfulness (miccha sati).This distinction is not moralistic in nature, but rather highlights the aim of mindful practice, as wholesome intentions and positive mental qualities, that not only lead to positive human flourishing, but wishing those for others as well. A sniper, assassin or white collar criminal can be said to be exhibiting mindful behaviour in the deployment of their deed, albeit Wrong Mindfulness. Maybe to some Self-Preservation Mindfulness may be seen as Wrong Mindfulness. But as I noted earlier, to survive here, in this War Zone, being fully present can mean the difference between living or dying. At the heart of it, no one has the right to destroy, or take away my personal sovereignty.As Mencius, a Confucius Philosopher, notes, “I DISLIKE DEATH, HOWEVER, THERE ARE SOME THINGS I DISLIKE MORE THAN DEATH. THEREFORE, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I WILL NOT AVOID DANGER.”
About The Author Coach Rodney King went from sleeping on a park bench at 17, with less than $20 in his pocket, to becoming a world renowned martial artist, movement adventurer, entrepreneurs and author. Take his free online course at www.embodiedmba.com
V.I.P. and Family Close Protection Services. Ask almost any traveller or business person about their recent trip toThailand the response is almost always the same; Thai people are so friendly,the food was amazing,the beaches were stunning, the culture so vibrant, however, there always remains a risk for anyone when traveling regardless of the safety of the country. Risks vary from country to country, kidnap and ransom is more prevalent in South America but almost unheard of here inThailand. For business trips and families visitingThailand, risks are more commonly centred around scams, medical emergencies and theft of valuables.As a result, there is an increase in the demand of the services of close protection teams for high net worth individuals and multi nationals sending their teams to Thailand. A close protection officer (CPO) in the eyes of the layman is of a muscular young man with a black t-shirt and an ear piece looking somewhat menacing and intimidating.The reality is that the skill set needed to operate in Thailand and mitigate risk for a client are far from brawn and intimidating looks.The first skill set would be to know the quickest route from any given point of a client’s trip to the nearest hospital and have a full detailed summary of the client’s medical history on hand.The chances of being involved in a significant car crash whilst visiting Thailand is the most likely scenario someone will face and having a CPO to immediately assist with injury management on the scene and transport to nearest hospital, whilst dealing with police officers, other drivers and the insurance company is essential. Aside from traffic accidents, some high net worth individuals place a premium on time and efficiency of movement through the countries capital, Bangkok.This is where another skill set of the CPO comes in. A thorough knowledge of the sky trains, use of local transport options, specific traffic choke points at specific times and an overall map of the city’s best tailors, restaurants and bars is an essential tool in the CPO’s tool box. Although rare, there does exist a risk of kidnap and ransom for high net worth individuals in Thailand, a risk that could increase if children are involved. Planning routes for pick-ups and drops off become vital, and a driver with defensive and evasive driving skills is preferred. It is not uncommon for training to be given from the CPO to the high net worth individual and family on how to both negate and deal with a kidnap and ransom situation. If a client knows what the CPO requires to keep them safe it can contribute to the overall security of everyone.
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body&mindwellness
Here are some security tips that could help any person traveling to Thailand improve their security platform 1. Keep Your Traveling Documents / International Passport Secured 2. Don’t Discuss Your Private Life with a Stranger that you meet on the Plane 3. Ensure That Your Traveling Bags and Luggage are Locked and Secured 4. Don’t Disclose Your Traveling Itinerary to a Stranger 5. Minimize the Cash You Carry Along While Traveling 6. Pick a Secure Hotel 7. Ensure That You Have Someone to Pick You from the Airport on Arrival 8. Keep Your Camera and Mobile Device Safe
9. Don’t Walk Alone in a Strange Land 10. Get Security Updates on the Country and City You Intend Traveling to Before Embarking on the Journey 11. Be Cautious When Using Taxis in a Country you are visiting for the First Time 12. If You are Traveling as a Tourist, Ensure That You Move with a Team 13. Move around Town with Valid ID Preferably Your International Passport 14. Be Careful of the Info You Post On Social Media 15. Respect the Culture and the Laws of the Country You Are Visiting
Aaron Le Boutilier LBG Le Boutiller Group Co.,ltd Aaron is security expert with over 20 years-experience of running security details in Thailand and S.E. Asia. His company has a wide range of close protection officers and security consultants that can assist in the planning of any trips in the region. Please contact Aaron for a quote or further information aaron@leboutilliergroup.com
Mo
Seetubtim
focusabout her Without even missing a step we carry on with our Sexy, Successful and Inspirational ladies in this issue with Mo Seetubtim, Writer, Founder & CEO of The Happiness Planner. An inspirational stationery brand designed to help people become happier by mastering the art of positive thinking, mindfulness, gratitude, and personal development. She also has a blog called moseetubtim.com where she writes about modern life wisdoms, happiness, self-development, and entrepreneurship. Her vision in life is to inspire people to live a purpose and passion driven life and to find happiness from within. One Coast just had to find out more about this amazing lady.
Firstly, welcome Mo to One Coast Magazine, it is a pleasure to have you with us, please tell our readers a little about where you were born and grew up? I grew up in Bangkok,Thailand. I went to Thai schools. Then when I was 19, I went to Melbourne, Australia on a holiday and fell in love with the city. So, I went back home and convinced my parents to let me move there for university. You seem to have lived and worked in quite a few interesting placers around the world? I lived in Bangkok, Thailand until the age of 19. Then I moved to Melbourne, Australia for university. I did my Bachelor’s in Business (marketing) with a minor in Psychology. I also became a club promoter / music festival promoter when I lived there (mainly because I wanted to make friends with people who love music and going
out) and fell in love with the music industry. So, I took a year off to do a diploma in Music Business Management. When I graduated, I felt like I’d had enough of Melbourne and was ready for something new, so I applied for jobs everywhere and landed a job at a media agency in Sydney. So, I moved there and lived there until early 2015.That’s when I also launched The Happiness Planner. It’s an e-commerce business which means I could work online from my laptop. So, I decided it’s time to leave Australia and explore other parts of the world. Where are you settled now, and do you have family? I now live between California and London. I mostly spend summer in Europe and winter in California. I’m not married yet. I do feel that it will be hard to travel once I become a mom, so now I want to travel and explore the world as much as I can.
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When did your passion for positive living and mindfulness start? Since I was little, I always enjoyed participating in school competitions - I’ve always had this intrinsic need to be the best I could be. Since my Dad is also a high-achiever himself, he grew up learning how to the best he could be and passed on what he learned to me. So, I can say that I’ve always been interested in personal development since I was little. But the twist of the story is that I grew up with two different parents. My dad is a liberal, positive, free-spirited entrepreneur and an ex-athlete who’s very interested in personal development and psychology. My mom is a very strict Tiger mother who is negative and overprotective. I was faced with a lot of expectations and negative energy growing up with my mom. But this challenge in life, along with my dad’s teaching, taught me to see difficulties in life as a platform for growth and an opportunity to increase my mental strength. It also inspired me to want to find ways to help people to change the way they are especially if they have been somewhat negative or harboring destructive behaviors. My desire to want to inspire people one day started from when I started seeing that most kids were not taught to think the way I was taught by my dad. Most people are taught to think like others do. But my dad always told me to be different and to have a growth mindset. I also felt like most people weren’t encouraged to find out who they truly are and weren’t encouraged to live life chasing their own dreams. A lot of us kids, especially in Asia, get a lot of pressure from parents to become what parents think we should become. Inspired by my dad, I grew up believing that I am the master of my own life because I am in charge of my attitude, beliefs, and mindset. I started practicing positive thinking, visualization, positive affirmations, and mindfulness since little (literally since when I was in kindergarten). These practices have helped me achieve everything I’ve ever dreamed of achieving and have never let me down. So now I am inspiring others to do the same so that they can create the life they want. Who would you say was your biggest inspiration on your journey? Like I just mentioned, my dad. My dad is a high-achiever. When he’s passionate about something, he makes sure he becomes the best at it – from one thing to another – whether it be sports or business. His passion for life inspired me to become the best at whatever I set my
mind to. The mindset he instilled in me and the words of wisdom he passed onto me are things I’ll forever be grateful for. And I’ve been sharing those with the world through my blog (and soon my books). How did your Happiness Planner evolve into such a successful business? I think when you really follow your heart and passion and create something from the soul, people can feel it. And when you focus on adding more value to the world, success will follow. From day one, I never focused on making money. I focused on inspiring people to live a more passionate and purposeful life – which is what I had always wanted to do all my life. I started it without expecting to make money from it but then it grew into something powerful. I’m also very good at marketing, branding, design, and business. I started reading business and marketing magazines since I was 10 as I was very passionate about it. So, it makes sense that putting these things together, I gave birth to a beautiful brand. You must have one client success story you’d love to share with us? A lot of customers came back and said that our Happiness Planner helped them learn to be more positive and still feel grateful for life even when things don’t go as planned.They also said that not only do they feel the change in themselves, but those around them (their family) also get affected from the positive change that has happened. But the more surprising stories would be the stories of how the Happiness Planner actually helped thousands of people with clinical depression or anxiety learn to harness the power of positive thinking, and slowly, by taking it one day at a time, they successfully rewire the way they think and feel, and they are now without depression or anxiety. Your business has gone far what do you feel most proud of? I feel proud that I have made my childhood dream come true - a beautiful global inspirational brand that people love. Plus, I get to work online and travel the world like I dreamed of.This creation has changed hundreds of thousands of people’s lives on a global scale. I’m very proud of the fact that I managed to grow it on a global level. Now that we’ve learned how to do it in 5 other languages, we can replicate the process and do it in 10 or more languages.
What is your strongest personal quality? I’d say my determination. Since I was little, I was a determined kid. If I wanted to make something happen, I would put all my heart and soul into it and make it happen. What was your most embarrassing moment? I’m not too sure. Nothing is really embarrassing. Maybe I’m just too positive and carefree to see anything as such. What does a perfect day look like to you? A day when I’ve had a good night sleep (8 hours), wake up in a good mood, hit the gym, have a healthy breakfast, have meetings with new super smart and talented people, have a productive day at work where I tick off all of my to-dos, and end the day with maybe a nice glass of wine with one of my closest girlfriends or my boyfriend. Tonight, you are taking one person to somewhere special, who do you take and where do you go? Probably Oprah Winfrey. I’d take her to Bangkok, Thailand. I will take her to get a Thai massage, try fresh fruits from one of those street carts, eat at the best local restaurants, and end up drinking cocktails on a beautiful rooftop bar talking about life and its beauty.
www.moseetubtim.com www.thehappinessplanner.com
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Marco Boscaini It is with great pleasure that this issue of About Him welcomes Marco Boscaini, Executive Chef of Prego Restaurant and Amaya Food Gallery. I’m quite sure it’s around 15 years we have been enjoying not only Chef Marco’s excellent cuisine but also his warm friendship and hospitality. Not a surprise really that Marco is one of Samui’s longest-standing chefs and expats. So, on the search for some of his secret recipe tips, One Coast had to find out more.
focusabout him Marco, welcome to One Coast. Could you first tell us a little about where you were born, grew up and what you did before arriving in Thailand? I was born in Varallo Sesia, a small tourist village in Piedmont in northern Italy. After my studies and military service, I started my journey as a cook’s assistant in a small restaurant where I refined my skills as a cook and later ran a restaurant of my own for three years. At the age of 30, Thailand called and I decided to try a new experience. Was Prego your first restaurant in Thailand? It was in 1996 when I was called to conduct training on Italian cooking in Thailand. I worked in some restaurants in the kingdom before reaching Amari where I was given the opportunity to work as the head chef a new restaurant in Samui called Prego. Have you been Prego’s chef since the beginning of the Amari restaurant? It was 2003 when Amari decided to open Prego and I was part of the project from the beginning – from looking at the construction site, to planning the kitchen, hiring the staff and training them. It was an exciting time that continues through today. The last 15years has seen many changes on Samui.What was it like foryou back then? Fifteen years ago, Samui was an island not yet very well known, with not many facilities or large hotel chains, so even finding authentic products was really a challenge. Many products were sent to me by air and I personally picked them up at the airport. What changes has Prego gone through in these years? Prego was immediately a point of reference for Italian cuisine in Samui, and was a great success for all of us. Over these years, we have experienced many changes, including the development of the island, which has brought more suppliers so many products can now be purchased on site. Additionally, we had the great renovation of the restaurant two years ago, which provided additional comfort to our customers with a new bar and lounge, two air-conditioned dining rooms, the new al fresco dining room, as well as totally new kitchens with the most advanced equipment imported from Italy! Now you are also looking after Amaya Food Gallery. Can you tell us something about this? I can say that this has been a process of growth for me. After many years at Prego, with the total renewal of Amari Koh Samui two years ago and the creation of Amaya Food Gallery, I have had the opportunity to experience different cuisines, not only Thai but from other regions of Southeast Asia too.With our open kitchens, our customers can not only enjoy local and regional dishes, but also see their preparation.
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One of my personal reasons for always visiting Prego, apart from the amazing dishes, is the service of your staff. I think I’ve even complimented you on it before.What is Amari’s secret to such excellent quality of staff? This is another part of our success. Amari is famous for forming excellent elements; and at Prego, this is amplified by our team attitude and being proud to be a part of a great experience. Constant training makes the difference and helps the team to grow. What does the future hold for Prego? Prego always has an eye on the future.You can see our plans on our website www.prego-samui.com. Our Facebook page with weekly promotions, our Prego Sunday Brunch to Saturday Night Tapas, and the Resident Dining Card (an instrument that many residents use constantly) are all elements that help us to look towards the future with a smile. It seems that when I come to Prego,you are always there! Do you actually have any time off and what do you do for recreation on Samui? Really? I do my job enthusiastically and it is a pleasure for me to be a part of Prego. As for my free time on Samui, I just relax with good music or a good movie, and certainly visit restaurants and wine bars. What would be your favourite dishes? One meat and one pasta? If I had to choose a meat dish, definitely Saltimbocca – thin slices of veal covered by a slice of Parma ham and a leaf of sage with a jump in a cooking pan. The pasta? Do not ask me this. I was born in the middle of fresh pasta, so when we talk about pasta – if it’s home-made, anything in every sauce. Do you have a secret Italian cooking tip for our readers? Something where you know most non-Italians would go wrong? Surely, talking about cooking pasta, remember the famous 10, 100, 1,000 – that is, in a litre of boiling water, 100 grams of pasta and 10 grams of salt. This is a simple rule to remember. Keep in mind that the salt is thrown in the pot when the water boils, immediately followed by the pasta. Tonight,you are going out with friends to enjoy a good meal in a non-work environment. Where do you go and what do you choose? Spending a lot of time with the Italian flavours of Prego, I would opt for something simple but of quality. It could be a nice dinner in a cosy small restaurant looking at the sunset or certainly an aperitif at Drink Gallery followed by an evening at Stacked, where there are not only hamburgers but many other culinary surprises. PREGO is managed by the Amari Koh Samui, Samui 84320 Opposite Amari Koh Samui on Chaweng Beach Road +66 (0) 7730 0306, +66 (0) 7730 0317 prego.samui@amari.com, www.prego-samui.com
The
RitzCarlton Koh Samui Opens, Capturing the Original Spirit of Thai Island Life
Marking its first presence on the Eastern coast of Thailand, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is pleased to announce the newest addition to its collection of renowned global properties with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Located on the tropical island paradise of Koh Samui on the Gulf of Thailand,The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui seamlessly combines the brand’s legendary service with the traditional spirit of Thai hospitality and colorful Samui island life culture to create a unique melting pot of indelible new memories. “Known for its charm and pristine natural beauty, Koh Samui is a favorite destination for travelers. An island sanctuary amid breathtaking and diverse beauty, this resort is an exceptional blend of both The Ritz-Carlton and Thai cultures and fulfills our mission to offer inspiring new memories in sought-after locations,” said Hervé Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer,The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “We are confident that The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui will make a valuable contribution to the long-term success of this destination and enhance the memorable travel experience for guests from around the world.” The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui offer 175 suites and pool villas nestled amid 58 acres that overlook the turquoise waters of The Gulf of Thailand. Built on the site of a former coconut plantation, the resort pays homage to its past through the extensive use of coconut and other natural materials, touches that imbue a sense of place and help immerse guests in their destination.
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The oceanfront resort features Spa Village Koh Samui, a 3,800-square-meter haven anchored in the healing culture of the region, complete with eight treatment suites, three massage pavilions, a yoga pavilion, health bar, and a lap pool with intimate cabanas.The hotel’s culinary offerings reflect Koh Samui’s destination across seven dining experiences including Pak Tai, offering fine dining interpretations of traditional southern Thai cuisine with views over the swim reef from its secluded individual dining terraces. Additional venues include Shook!, a stylish interactive dining space serving innovative Asian and Western dishes complemented by a superb selection of fine wines; Sea Salt, offering international classics and Thai favorites in a relaxed dining atmosphere; and Tides, an ideal spot for sun-lovers to unwind with a refreshing cocktail from the poolside bar and enjoy a citrus-cured specialty from the cevicheria. With its circular bar and lounge, One Rai offers cocktails and Asian-inspired small bites. Additionally, on Saturdays guests can enjoy Baan Talat, an outdoor food market experience with street food stalls, dancing and crafts. 41 O N E CO A S T
To further draw guests into the local culture, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui has curated some of the best authentic southern Thai experiences to explore and experience, including the Muay Thai Gym with its indoor kickboxing ring, where guests can learn the martial art of Muay Thai (or ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’) with trained instructors.Additionally, guests can sign up for a journey to a local market to source seasonal produce, followed by a class to unlock secrets of southern Thai cooking. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui also offers a one-of-a-kind temperate Swim Reef within the resort that teems with over 50 species of fish. It is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, and offers unique snorkeling and fish-feeding experiences. The Swim Reef also features expansive facilities including two pristine beaches, a beach-side resort pool and two floodlit tennis courts. The Ritz Kids program, with dedicated kids check-in and amenities for children, offers indoor and outdoor activities helping to strengthen family ties through shared moments.
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Terrace Suite - Twin
This resort also makes each wedding is a signature event. Offered in either Thai or Western style, lifetime vows are exchanged at Sala Thai, an elevated pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui affirms the long-standing relationship between Marriott International and YTL Hotels, which owns the property. “The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui marks another milestone of our strong partnership with Marriott International. With the opening of this hotel, our portfolio, together with Marriott International, now encompasses nine properties across Asia-Pacific and Europe,” said Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels.
Spa Village Koh Samui - Cabanas
Ocean View Pool Villa
For more information or reservations for The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/koh-samui.
THE NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORT GLIDE™HANDLING AGILITY MEETS LONG-HAUL ABILITY!
New for 2018 the Sport Glide™ is the factory custom that can do it all – cruise, commute or tour. And while it draws classic styling cues from the Harley-Davidson Touring range the Sport Glide outlines a compact and contemporary form all of its own.
Designed to be lightweight and stiff, the new Softail chassis underpinning the Sport Glide delivers agility and handling performance, while the rigid-mounted Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin powertrain pumps out a mountain of torque for outstanding acceleration and passing power.
The new Harley-Davidson® Sport Glide™ is a quickchange artist, an aggressive factory-custom cruiser outfitted with a detachable fairing and panniers ideally suited for touring, cruising or commuting.The versatile Sport Glide slips stylishly through city streets and is equally ready for short or long-distance weekend runs.
The Sport Glide will be available in three solid colours: Vivid Black,Twisted Cherry and Silver Fortune.
The ninth model based on the all-new Harley-Davidson Softail® platform and the latest in a line of 100 high-impact motorcycles the company plans to introduce by 2027, the Sport Glide presents an engaging combination of technology and style.
The Sport Glide’s fairing is shaped to deflect wind away from the rider’s chest while leaving his or her head in a clean stream of air. It’s secured to the fork tubes with quick-release clamps, making removal or installation fast and easy. Riders seeking even more wind protection can exchange the standard 1.5-inch-high windshield for a 5.5-inch Light Smoke Windshield available from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The new rigid (and lockable) panniers feature a sleek clamshell design.They’re easy to load and unload and can be opened with one hand by a seated rider; a damping device allows the lids to open smoothly. Also the bags can be removed in seconds with an internal quick-release mechanism, leaving behind barely visible mounting points. Combined pannier capacity is 1.9 cubic feet (25.5L). Additional luggage capacity can be added with an accessory sissy bar upright, luggage rack or Tour-Pak mounting rack, each with the all-new HoldFast™ detachable latch system designed specifically for the new Softail platform. Like the Sport Glide panniers and fairing, HoldFast accessories can be installed or removed in seconds to strip the bike back down to its essential cruiser form. A broad, supportive seat and forward-mounted foot controls contribute to a rider triangle designed to fit a broad range of sizes; seat height is set at just 652.7mm. The Daymaker LED headlamp is surrounded by a ring of LED signature lighting and complements the bright LED taillight (and LED rear indicators).A USB charging port, keyless ignition and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System are standard features.
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New 43mm inverted forks stiffen the front end and feature a single-cartridge damping system to for precise handling, stability and confident braking performance – which is further enhanced by standard ABS.The Sport Glide rolls on new Mantis cast-aluminium wheels, 18-inch front and 16-inch rear, shod with Michelin Scorcher 31 performance tyres. The Sport Glide also features the all-new Softail monoshock rear suspension with remote hydraulic spring preload adjustment, controlled via an exposed knob below the right-side cover. It’s thus easy to accommodate the weight of luggage or passenger while maintaining optimal suspension performance and steering geometry. The blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight 107 powertrain brings a new level of performance and sophistication to Harley-Davidson BigTwin cruisers, including the new Sport Glide. Dual counter-balancers are tuned to eliminate primary vibration at idle while permitting some engine character to reach the rider at speed.The engine is rigid-mounted in the frame, which stiffens the chassis and connects the rider more directly to the powertrain. Precision oil cooling around the hottest areas of the cylinder heads further enhances rider and passenger comfort. The 2-1 exhaust, with sweeping rear header and black exhaust muffler contribute to the bike’s sporty style and enhance cornering clearance. Electronic throttle control enables standard electronic cruise control. Riders craving even stronger road-legal Milwaukee-Eight performance for the Sport Glide can turn to Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts + Accessories for Screamin’ Eagle Performance Stage Upgrades, from a Stage I Street Cannon muffler and uprated intake options all the way to a Stage IV upgrade that takes displacement to 114 cubic inches, and power through the roof! For more information on the 2018 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide www.h-d.com/sportglide O N E CO A S T
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Rolls
Royce Motor Cars 2017: THE YEAR OF BESPOKE
The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke department is an extraordinary collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, who bring the marque’s discerning and influential patrons’ most ambitious and personal visions to reality. 46
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lifestylecoast drive Today, almost every motor car that leaves the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, is Bespoke. 2017 was the year that Rolls-Royce elevated Bespoke to unprecedented new levels, resulting in one of the most significant years for Bespoke in the 114-year history of the brand.What follows is a snapshot of some of the finest examples of Bespoke design and craftsmanship to be completed by the luxury house over the past 12 months.
‘Sweptail’ is a personal, Bespoke, motor car like no other. New Phantom and ‘The Gallery’– An Art Gallery on Wheels.
‘Sweptail’ Rolls-Royce ‘Sweptail’, the realisation of one customer’s coachbuilt dream. Premiered in 2017, ‘Sweptail’ is a compelling representation of true luxury, taking Bespoke coachbuild personalisation to new heights. The result of a collaboration between patron and artisan,‘Sweptail’s’ bold design embraces the marque’s heritage as the world’s leading coachbuilder whilst reaffirming its pinnacle position in Bespoke personalisation.
An application of glass runs uninterrupted across the fascia providing an unprecedented opportunity to present artwork, within your motor car. ‘The Gallery’ is an innovation that furthers Rolls-Royce’s unparalleled Bespoke vision and mastery of materials and craft.
This automotive equivalent of Haute Couture draws on the lineage of 1920s and 1930s Rolls-Royce motor cars.The client’s vision was for a coachbuilt two-seater coupé featuring a large panoramic glass roof.The result is a contemporary masterpiece. The grille, milled from solid aluminium, presents a distinct formality.The side profile of ‘Sweptail’ defines its stately character, whilst the rear taper of the motor car pays homage to the world of racing yachts, shaping a completely new perception of a dramatic Rolls-Royce coupé. The elegant and characterising rear culminates in the registration number 08, milled from ingots of aluminium and hand polished to a mirror finish.
New Rolls-Royce Phantom was unveiled to global critical acclaim in 2017. At the heart of the motor car’s design aesthetic is ‘The Gallery’, a contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car’s dashboard and instrument panel.
Dawn and Wraith at Porto Cervo Two unique motor cars were created in honour of the 2017 Rolls-Royce Summer Studio, Porto Cervo, Sardinia. A Bespoke Dawn Drophead Coupé and a Wraith Black Badge were commissioned to encapsulate the essence of this beguiling island. Dawn adopted a nautical theme, evoking emotions of a languid Mediterranean sojourn. The Porto Cervo motif, encrusted with genuine Sapphires and Mother of Pearl, is embedded into the front facia of the motor car.The navy blue and arctic white hues complement an expanse of teak, including the decking and floor. The Porto Cervo Wraith playfully emulates Sardinia’s night time ambience. A two-tone Diamond Black exterior is contrasted with gloss and matt paint applications, while black woven leather door panniers infer Wraith Black Badge’s dark and complex character, under the night sky.
‘Spirit of Calligraphy’ Ghost A special one-off commission unveiled in Dubai in 2017, the Bespoke ‘Spirit of Calligraphy’ Ghost draws its design inspiration from the ancient art of Arabic calligraphy. Words are harmoniously moulded into shapes, creating a unique effect where texts and images become one. Sir Henry Royce’s resonant words “Take the best that exists and make it better.When it does not exist, design it”, in their Arabic form are shaped into Rolls-Royce’s flying mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy.The calligraphy motif, created by renowned artist Khaled Al Saai, features as a silver inlay on the centre panel and as embroidery on the rear centre seat, amidst an eye-catching array of Turchese, Black and Arctic White leathers. ‘Elegance’ Commissioned for an individual collector, the Ghost ‘Elegance’ raised the bar of Bespoke by becoming the first Rolls-Royce to be finished in a paint infused with diamonds. The flanks of the motor car are highlighted with Mugello Red and Black twin coachlines, reflected inside with black leather seats and accents in Mugello Red, carried through stitching on the doors and piping on the seats. The detailed fascia of smooth open-pore Tudor Oak veneer is also complemented with a Mugello Red single stitch along the top of the dashboard and finished with a Bespoke clock. ‘Dawn in Fuxia’ In 2017, US collector Michael Fux was presented with his tenth Bespoke model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Following a visit to Pebble Beach in 2016, where he collected a cluster of eye-catching fuchsia petals, he challenged the Bespoke team at Goodwood with a commission to bring a striking new colour to Dawn. Subsequently unveiled during The Quail automotive gathering in California, the vibrant ‘Dawn in Fuxia’ represents the addition of another unique hue to the Rolls-Royce Colour Collection and is reserved exclusively for Mr. Fux to use. His most recent commission is his second Dawn, having collected the first – in one-off ‘Fux Blue’ – in 2016. Reminiscent of that car, the interior of ‘Dawn in Fuxia’ is trimmed in stunning Arctic White leather. ‘Dawn B50’ for Hotel Byblos In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez in 2017, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the ‘Dawn B50’, a highly Bespoke and unique motor car inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of the Côte d’Azur. Commissioned by the Hotel Byblos as the automotive ‘Jewel of Saint-Tropez’, the Dawn B50 exudes two dominant exterior colours. The lustrous combination was developed exclusively to celebrate the hotel’s anniversary, along with bespoke door tread plates and a unique hand-painted coach line on each side bearing the ‘B50’ logo.The sophisticated interior takes inspiration from the intense Mediterranean sun, with vibrant tangerine tones that accentuate the dashboard and echo the stitching across the seat upholstery and floor mats. 48
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Homage to a special Silver Dawn Prominently displayed at the Home of Rolls-Royce is a remarkably rare 1952 Silver Dawn Drophead Coupé, one of very few ever made. It was sold new to a customer in Canada, and in 2017 a commission for a new Dawn from the same country led to a beautiful homage to this particular car in its 65th anniversary year. Finished in two-tone Midnight Sapphire and Jubilee Silver, the new Dawn closely emulates the original finishes of the 1952 motor car, with a Bespoke painted coachline, broken for the first time on a Rolls-Royce. Inside, Selby Grey and Navy leather are combined with Crossbanded Walnut Burr veneer, closely matched to the original.The finishing touches include a Bespoke clock with ‘1952’ lettering and a Spirit of Ecstasy veneer inlay. Asia Pacific - South Hal Serudin: +65 6838 9675 hal.serudin@rolls-roycemotorcars.com Brendan Mok: +65 6838 9687 brendan.mok@rolls-roycemotorcars.com
The SertĂŁo of Martha Medeiros The designer draws inspiration from the seasons of the Brazilian Outback for her Resort 2018.
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Martha Medeiros dives into her DNA and the memories of her childhood in the Northeastern outback region of Brazil to create her newest collection.The designer focuses on earthy tones and reds inspired by the canyons and their color variations, the blue sky and the sunset.The patches, a strong influence in the last collection appear again revisiting the elements of the Outback. Northeastern birds, vegetation and plants such as cacti, all have been translated into renaissance lace and with patterns that simulate woodcuts.
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The sunset print with the nuances that goes from blue to orange is reproduced in silk, giving it freshness and increasing the mix beyond the traditional renaissance lace that first appears in a blazer made fully with the material, then are also applied in tweed dresses and suits. Among the trends that stand out are the ruffles, the shoulders with buffing sleeves mainly used in the evening collection and the corsets present on the busts and waists. According to Martha, “The Sertão is much more than a scorching sun.This place represents a state of mind, a place of strong women.” These strong women are Martha’s inspiration in this beautiful collection.”
www.marthamedeiroslabel.com
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2018
The Year of Luxury Villa Experiences Close your eyes and think about luxury. What do you see? While some may see the accoutrements of wealth, 2018 is about living life luxuriously; about experiences, travel and creating unforgettable memories. In other words, it is about living the life you think you deserve, right here, right now, and islands such as Samui and Phuket are the perfect destinations to outstretch your arms, embrace the sunshine and stay in what have to be some of the absolutely most stunning vacation villas in the world.
livingindesign
Extraordinary luxury villas Luxury is a lifestyle choice and taking guests through the keyhole into another world are vacation specialists The Luxury Signature; gurus of not only outstanding stays but the holders of the keys to outstanding villas you probably did not know even existed.Think infinity pools; panoramic clifftop views and idyllic beachfront beauties; your own in-villa butler; possibly a cinema, games room and entertainment zone plus private al fresco dining by the pool. Star quality stays Luxury experiences can still be upmarket. Samui and Phuket’s finest villas promise privacy in your own unique retreat; a divine oasis fit for the A-list set that is more than red-carpet ready. With Thailand a favorite sanctuary destination amongst the rich and famous, villa stays are the ultimate holiday crib, welcoming the likes of Hollywood star Idris Elba who recently dropped by for some R&R at Samujana in Samui close to Choeng Mon Beach. Staying on the same estate is possible at The Luxury Signature’s four-bedroom Villa Sangkachai, or Villa 5, with its sea views, hip vibe and in-villa cinema. Luxury island destinations While Samui, and certainly Phuket, may still retain backpacker and flash-packer appeal, both destinations attract luxury travelers too. Both islands promise a wealth of experiences that define a luxury break; diving in the Andaman Sea; exploring Ang Thong National Marine Park from Samui; discovering white sand beaches and hidden coves; snorkeling in the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand; and dining in some of the most splendid restaurants by the sea. Feeling free Luxury in 2018 is about immersing yourself in nature, culture and activities that make you feel energized and alive. Part of that experience is staying somewhere that is an extension of this independent spirit that reflects this freedom of expression, where you can do what you like, when you like.Today, travelers are looking for authentic experiences too. This does not mean that they shirk stays that are the crème de la crème, far from it, but they want to genuinely dive into a destination and feel it in 360-degree, HD technicolor. 56
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Luxury millennials Luxury often evokes the idea of timeless quality and old-style sophistication. However, wealthy millennials do not want to simply look the part, they want to feel it too. They would rather spend on getaways to tropical climes like Samui and Phuket, on vacation adventures and on stays that define an enjoyable lifestyle vibe and joie de vivre. They do not want to follow the tourist masses, but to create their own customized journey, including totally original villa stays. These young, well-off and well-traveled visitors are good news for Thailand’s upmarket tourist trade and whilst they may take a fun approach to travel, they still appreciate the finer things in life; from the value of a stunning view to the coolness of an outdoor lounge for sundowners and a private chef rustling up an intimate dinner. 57 O N E CO A S T
Leisure time is luxury Ask many people to define luxury and a good proportion chime that luxury is time, and more specifically leisure time. In 2017, tourist arrivals into Thailand regularly peaked over 3 million per month and those figures are set to rise in 2018 and beyond. People are traveling more and the more they travel the more they want to personalize their time away rather than fitting in with a cookie-cutter package deal or resort regime.
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The rise of the group holiday Another aspect of the world getting smaller and tourists traveling more often, is the nature of trips too. Whilst The Luxury Signature may be the go-to for couples who want to splash out and fall head-over-heels in their own private, romantic villa, the collection boasts properties with 4-10 bedrooms meaning these are ideal stays for groups too. Families with young kids often like to travel with other families, so that their little ones can play with friends. Career-focused individuals, who are not married with children, want to enjoy a fun time and adventures with a big group of friends. Likewise, extended families are taking more vacations to celebrate special occasions and need a luxury stay to suit all ages and interests. The Luxury Signature collection Hand-picked, the curated collection of The Luxury Signature villas each has the X factor, with breathtaking stays in Samui and Phuket, many of which are hidden gems that add to their allure. Why go out when you can stay in hilltop retreat, Villa Katrani in Samui’s Taling Ngam area which has its own nightclub complete with bar and DJ booth, not to mention an in-villa spa and tennis court. Feel at one with the beauty of the Samui coastal landscape at Villa Akatsuki on the island’s glorious sunset side, with its cascade of three infinity pools plus a kids’ pool too that lead right up to the soft sands of Lipa Noi Beach. Close to the chilled-out Nikki Beach, Samui’s famous beach-club brand, this extraordinary villa boasts its own spa with holistic treatments, a whirlpool and doors opening out to a gorgeous garden setting. Enjoy adventure without leaving your villa on Phuket’s east coast at Villa Amarapura which boasts a putting green and high-tech golf simulation game, as well as a basketball court on the exclusive estate, tennis court and kayaking in the sea. If luxury is being able to fully live in the now then luxury is about being in the now on a tropical island in the sun with a lifestyle that relaxes, revitalizes and redefines. 59 E CO A SWillow T WriterO NNads
Khao Lak
Reborn It was a seeming quiet and sunny morning December 2004 in the beautiful tranquil backpackers’ paradise of Khao Lak, totally without warning a massive tsunami destroyed Indian Ocean coastlines and killed more than 8,000 people in Thailand and Khao Lak was one of the hardest hit being completely devastated. Too many sadly lost their lives at Khao Lak. Now, 13 years later Khao Lak has been reborn blooming into a luxury oasis instead of the backpacker paradise it used to be. If you are looking for attractions, the Khao Lak area is simply bursting with natural wonders: deserted beaches, stunning national parks, exotic tropical islands and energizing waterfalls all lie within manageable distance from the many accommodation choices.There is so much to see and discover in this beautiful area. 60
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White Sand Beach (aka White Sandy Beach and Ao Thong – Golden Bay – in Thai) is a 2,6km long strip of magnificent sand located between Pakarang Cape and Pak Weep Beach, some 15 minute-drive from La On Village, the main centre in Khao Lak,White Sand Beach is the picture-perfect spot for a relaxing day to forget the real world.To say that White Sand Beach is beautiful would not really do it justice as the place is stunning: the colours of the sea blend turquoise and emerald green, the sand is soft and powdery with light yellow tones, and the lush tropical vegetation that fringes the beach covers wide shades of green.
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Khao Lak is 100km north of Phuket Island about an hour’s drive along the striking Andaman coastline, it is certainly one of Thailand’s most serene resort destinations. There are three national parks in the surrounding hills that sweep down to this lovely stretch of coastline with beaches that seem to go on for miles. Khao Lak offers a rare oasis for relaxation, with a superb combination of cool tropical forest, lovely beachfront accommodation and expansive white sand beaches. And those beaches are more beautiful now than ever. Khao Lak has many newly built and refurbished resorts providing a quantity and quality of high end accommodation never before seen in this area. Khao Sok National Park is located some 40km northeast of Khao Lak. Covering an area of over 700 km², it is known as the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. Its national park status has protected it pretty well through the years, and the addition of the Cheow Lan Lake by the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam in 1987 has even increased its attractiveness. Hiking, kayaking, and cruising on the lake are the main activities to enjoy in this unspoiled area of southern Thailand, which almost offers a journey back to time to its visitors. The Similan archipelago 50km from Khao Lak consists of eleven islands, which are called Koh Bangu, Koh Bon, Koh Ha, Koh Hin Pousar, Koh Huyong, Koh Meang, Koh Payan, Koh Payang, Koh Payu, Koh Similan and Koh Tachai. All the Islands are located in the Mu Koh Similan National Park, which covers over 140 square kilometers. The Islands are famous for diving and exploring unspoilt and uninhabited places full of natural wildlife. All the Similan Islands are surrounded by amazing crystal clear blue water with amazing rock formations and outstanding coral reefs.The marine life around the Islands is unmatched in Thailand and the region making it famous all over the world.
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The Surin Islands are located a short distance from the border with Burma, some 100km northwest of Khao Lak.The Surin Islands National Park offers each visitor the very best of Thailand, all in one place and without the commotion of busy city life. You will find long beaches, incredible camping and snorkeling and more fantastic diving.
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Cluev jewelry Women’s ultimate adornment for beauty By Nagmani If you’re desperately looking to buy nostalgic pieces of jewelry next time and sport them on extra-special occasions of your loved ones, then you can’t help falling in love with what the incredibly talented fine jewelry designers from Russia bring to the table. Finding it hard to believe! Well, you need to open your eyes to see what great surprises they have in store for you. To put it simply, you’re just going to be blown away by their creations because they’re truly reflective of absolute luxury and finesse. And the one hugely popular name that’s ringing loud and clear among jewelry connoisseurs from around the world for a while is the country’s undeniably superb brand Cluev, founded by Ilya Kluyev in the late 80s. Kluyev’s bonding with jewelry began to develop in his early twenties when he asked himself this soul-searching question: What would he like to accomplish or create in life his family would be forever proud of? To his surprise, he found the answer to this puzzle in the art of jewelry design.“I needed a special challenge to dedicate my life to and to be obsessed with.You know something endless, bright and extremely interesting! It was jewelry that instantly echoed in my heart. I just felt an urge of incredible attraction to it,” he says. This intuitive inclination of his taught him one vital thing clearly that; he didn’t need to go the same muggy route to attend any prestigious design school just to learn the craft of jewelry design. Rather, he embarked on a different kind of path. In fact, he attained this degree of knowledge by constantly talking to his customers who he thought were the actual trendsetters. “At the Cluev jewelry house, we always like to keep ourselves in touch with our customers. We do so by understanding their tastes, preferences, their lifestyle or what jewelry they want to see: bright, high-quality, unique and valuable,” he says. Most importantly, Kluyev himself chooses the stones for all 300 jewels which are then produced in a unique copy every year with greater supervision, thereby inspiring the artists who work for him. “I’m learning all the time, and I do have gemological education and good taste,” he says. 64
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His vibrant jewel pieces are a big “thumbs up” to the Russian style in jewelry design that is so much appreciated in all corners of the world. In his words, the Russian jewels are the riot of imagination, vivid colors and unexpected design solutions.“Our jewels are open and unforgettable.They’re alive and they’ve a soul. We think each person is unique, thus the jewels should have their own unique flair. We value friendship, and the price should be minimal, while the quality should be nothing but the best,” he says.
Since each nation contributes to the world of culture, art and science, Russia is no exception at all. Its contribution in any sphere, he explains, is basically the search for higher meaning and search for eternity.“I think when experts call us modern Faberge, they mean exactly that special relationship towards our customers and jewelry- something our great predecessor was famous for,” he says. “This strongly supplements our words about the symbolism of precious stones, as well as the idea and special meaning of jewels in a culture we belong to.” O N E CO A S T
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Inspirations and role models A sincere heart never falls short of inspiring ideas from anywhere. It keeps its spirits high all the time. This is what one gets to take in the way Kluyev pours a magical effect into his pieces. His clients are the world of innovation. “I just love to delve into their experiences and emotions. It’s like with a beloved girl whom you want to surprise and please, bring a smile and admiration.We like to celebrate the smiles and joys of people when we exceed their expectations, cause admiration and gratitude,” he says. With regard to legendary jewelers who have greatly influenced him, they include the history of Cartier’s house, Graff’s history of traveling with a suitcase for different countries,Tiffany’s memories of soldiers going to war and presenting wedding rings to their girls especially Faberge’s attitude to the business and customers. “I look at the world with my eyes wide open, with genuine interest and admiration caused by the creativity of people living in different eras. And I’m happy to write my own page in this book,” Kluyev says. Another engrossing point that Kluyev made sheds light on the well-known brands that have simply turned into the corporations for pumping money and completely lost all their valuable qualities. This is something they were once revered for. “I think currently women are desperately fighting for their individuality because they’re tired of the mass and tasteless serial decorations being imposed by these established brands,” he says.
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That’s why he is happy to say that jewelry is once again returning as a symbol of bright individuality and family traditions.“This is no longer meaningless trinkets, but a symbol of deep understanding of life and personal relationships plus a symbol of love and family,” he says. Getting beguiled by his scrumptious pieces of jewelry are those women who have set clear-cut agendas for themselves in life. They always aspire to remain themselves. “She doesn’t want to be like someone else, and creates her own image in accordance with her character and unique appearance. She is sincere, real, and full of life and love, attentive, penetrating, creative and looking for the best,” he says.“She is bright and extravagant, out-of-the box.” Even women in Russia are quite sophisticated when it comes to style.They’re uncompromising in their choice of jewelry they want to have for themselves.They happily ogle at large and high quality stones, unique designs while their husbands closely follow the price and don’t allow it to fall below the psychologically significant level.“The Russians are looking for a special relation, outstanding quality and extraordinary design, however at the same time they feature the maximum value for money,” Kluyev says. middle eastern women’s craving for jewelry Women from the Middle East often visit Moscow to purchase his breathtaking jewels. It comes as no surprise that that Kluyev tends to have regular meetings with his Arab women clients including the wife of Sultan of Brunei. He knows the Arab women prefer luxury jewelry.They like large precious stones, high quality jewelry. They also appreciate the pleasantness factor in communication, courtesy, and attention. “In every meeting, the only thing I make sure to draw their attention to is the call to pay special attention to the quality and naturalness of the stones. They can be too trustful, and can be easily misguided,” he says. When asked what he thinks of the taste of European women in jewelry, he explains,“They lean more toward simple and concise things. However, it doesn’t imply that this indicates a difference in the perception of beauty.” To his knowledge, it’s rather connected with the general tendency to simplify life in the Western society, which he finds extremely odd to fathom with.This is something he doesn’t appreciate. “Actually, the Western world is in the midst of an identity crisis at the moment. I don’t like the prevailing concept of fashion to wear jeans and T-shirts under the pretext of convenient things. I like beautifully dressed women, in well-designed dresses. Usually an exquisitely selected jewelry is the central part of their image,” he says.“And I feel honored to have such clients in Italy, Switzerland and France.” O N E CO A S T
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Opening his first jewelry workshop The reason Kluyev opened his workshops in Italy and Switzerland in 2001 was mainly because when he started his career twenty years ago, he didn’t have the intention to even try to create jewelry collections in Russia. But he turned to Italy, which was a recognized leader in the field of jewelry at the time. Once France was the center of fashion and jewelry, and then the garland of victory was intercepted by Italy. “It wasn’t easy since we also had to face hard times in Italy, and it took years to create the ideal team, as it seemed to me then.We did some of our design work in Geneva.This involved working with diamonds with a diameter of 0.6 mm because the Swiss were specialized geniuses in these stones,” he says. Having perfectly built the whole working structure from scratch in Italy for fifteen consecutive years, everything was on track and going well.“But five years ago suddenly everything was turned off and that’s when we opened a workshop in Russia. I was sure it’s time to create a truly Russian jewelry house, which I did by acquiring a jewelry workshop in 2011,” Kluyev says. Although Kluyev doesn’t like to participate in high-profile haute joaillerie exhibitions, he has his own way to bring his mesmerizing collections to the customers. “Basically we arrange private shows in Russia and abroad and invite our customers and their friends. These are very popular events. They regularly fall into society columns. The new jewels are shown there in the uber atmosphere of friendly communication and memorable show.”
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Another laudatory thing that Kluyev mentioned with too much emphasis revolved around not paying much attention to the brand promotion like most brands do today.“We’re just satisfied that our happy customers recommend us to their friends. Honestly, I don’t like to give jewelry to celebrities for a while, so they could wear them on some events.We’re not engaged in renting jewelry. I’m very sensitive to my pieces of jewelry and their future owners, and I don’t want someone to wear them,” he says. Yet he couldn’t conceal from us that his jewelry house did make an exception for the actress Meryem Uzerli from the Magnificent Century series. “She is an amazingly pleasant and bright person, and her energy only added values to the jewels she wore,” he says. As the distances between people get narrower day by day, Kluyev harbors the prospect of opening the world of his brand to wonderful people everywhere. “I want to be adored in the East especially India and China. I’m looking forward to be part of this new journey and will look for favorable opportunities wherever possible to make this dream come true as I wish to,” he says.“I’m just excited.” In a nutshell, designing jewelry for him is a divine act of upholding his devotion to the Lord and His people. “This is my vocation of love that can’t be defined any other way,” Kluyev says. O N E CO A S T
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Youshowcase your Artistry through what you wear…
fashioninterview
Today, Russia boasts of having built its own thriving industry of luxury fashion thanks to its new breed of overtly talented faces that have revived the nuances of “old style” with the “new twists and turns” in a wholly colorful way. Thus, people here are already gripped with the notion of altering their looks suavely because of this realization, and most importantly fashionistas in the West are no less curious about these designers’ exhilarating collections which they know can only spice up their lifestyle. In essence, the demand for their ridiculously beautiful creations across the Atlantic is just getting bigger every day. One such famous name to admire in the world of fashion design is Alena Akhmadullina who launched her eponymous label in 2001. And in these 16 years, she has never wavered but strongly been on top of her game in establishing a solid customer base everywhere because of her unique designs. In an exclusive interview with One Coast, we caught up with her to find out what stirred her to become a fashion designer in the first place, what it means to her and much more. As a child, Akhmadullina loved to design dresses for the cute dolls she played with. Upon seeing this talent of hers, her grandmother took the first leap to teach her a few basic sewing techniques. “As far as I can recollect, my grandmother would often bring leftover fabrics from the atelier she worked at and we would use them to make new clothes for my pretty dolls. It was quite fun,” she says.
Alena Akhmadullina Back then, she had no idea that the dresses she made for her dolls together with her grandmother were actually part and parcel of fashion design course. “I came to know about it only when I reached my teens. In fact, I realized that I was very conscious of what others wore.This feeling, in a way, allowed me to experiment with what I wore myself,” she recalls. Akhmadullina’s drive to study fashion, which meant everything to her while growing up brought her to St. Petersburg Academy of Technology and Design (one of the best design institutes in the country) from where she graduated and embarked on her exciting journey ahead. There is a never-ending composition of silhouettes inspired by the traditional Russian costume that her collections bring to life with a bang. “Each season we focus on a different piece of Russian folklore that we interpret through prints and patterns. Our collections are embedded with a lot of couture techniques like embroidery, embellishment and even painting to make our pieces stand out,” she says. O N E CO A S T
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This is where her designed fur coats and fur-embroidered cashmere sweaters have an upper hand and so are crazily popular. “It’s a delicate work for which we use a hand technique called “intarsia” to knit unique patterns,” she says. For Akhmadullina, working with natural fabrics is very crucial.Therefore, she mainly focuses on working with natural textiles like silk, cotton, wool, etc that she and her team buy at Premiere Vision in Paris. When it comes to painting an overall picture of her muses that she constantly looks up to for impetus, prominent artistes like Charlotte Gainsbourg,Tilda Swinton, Meryl Streep, Marion Cotillard, and Léa Seydoux cross her mind like a rainbow. “These women are my favorites because they are “risk-takers” when it comes to fashion, but at the same time they never ever fail to be the perfect embodiment of sophistication and elegance we all wish for,” she says.
In her actual point of view, women who buy her collections are avidly looking for clothes that not only make them beautiful but also have an intellectual quality to them. As she puts it well enough, “The perfect woman for my collections is someone who is unafraid to incorporate a little bit of fairytale into her everyday life. She is curious, sophisticated and above all daring,” she says. The emergence of brands like hers decked with such a majestic influence is an ode to the Russian women who like to dress up.They take immense pride in how they dress and enjoy experimenting with what they wear. “We Russian women are always enthusiastic about trying new things in life.They boldly embrace trends, but the trends never go far enough to define them,” she says. “They know exactly where to intervene in order to keep the quagmire surrounding trends mania under control.” One similarity that she feels both Arab women and Russian women have in common is that they are all the more a discerning group who never forget to appreciate handmade details and one-of-a-kind pieces. This sharp insight of Akhmadullina stems primarily from her visit to Dubai last year where she noticed that the Arab designers were prominently featured in so many multi-brand boutiques. “Back home too, we have been very supportive of our local brands that have produced an array of amazing work.” But people’s attitude in the West is a bit off-putting. “It’s quite the opposite in the US and Europe where people are easily swayed by price points and sometimes more likely to go for a mass-produced alternative as opposed to the original version,” she says.
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Boom period for Russian fashion This increasingly bright picture the Russian fashion industry is witness to today is because the world had turned a blind eye to its vast fashion treasure in the past. Now people are more aware of fashion trends through social media, leading them to find out something new and fresh daily in terms of alluring attire and accessories. It comes as no surprise that even celebrities have been bowled over by Akhmadullina’s extraordinary collections, making them wear her designed pieces. “It’s an honor to have a diverse range of women from Naomi Campbell to Georgia May Jagger, Solange Knowles,Amal Clooney, Lauren Santo Domingo, Olga Kurylenko and Miroslava Duma worn my collections,” she says.“I’d love to continue seeing my collections on many different women who embody the perfect cocktail of sophistication and originality like Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard and Julianne Moore.” So making the most of celebrity endorsement for Akhmadullina is an integral part of promoting her brand globally. “It really helps a lot if the individual aligns with the values of the brand.There are many celebrities out there taking risks and setting new trends routinely, and although we always associate them with “style”, it does mean a lot for a public figure to be part of it because it can define their career,” she says. She rocks like a great admiring fashion designer because her stance on fashion is simple and clear that it’s the artistry of expressing oneself through what one wears. “To me, it’s above all an art form. I wouldn’t ever like to compromise my creative ideas for the purpose of growing a business. It’s all about staying true to your vision,” she says. www.alenaakhmadullina.com/designer
Fusion off nest watch-making and
incredible music
Hublot Big Bang Depeche Mode “The Singles” Limited Edition Hublot and Depeche Mode to release a collector’s edition series of 55 unique Big Bang watches to benefit charity: water, inspired by each of the band’s 55 singles…
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body&mindcool stuff One of the most influential, beloved and best-selling musical acts of all time, Depeche Mode have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have played to more than 30 million fans since their formation in 1981. And, in their 37-year career, Depeche Mode have released an incredible 55 singles, from “Dreaming of Me” in 1981 to last year’s release of “Cover Me”. In tribute to this incredible achievement, the Swiss watchmaker Hublot introduces a collection of 55 unique pieces of its Big Bang Unico model, all to benefit Hublot and Depeche Mode’s charity partner: water. “We are greatly honored and moved by Hublot’s support of charity: Water with this new collection of watches commemorating all of our singles,” said Martin Gore, Depeche Mode. “Depeche Mode are iconic in the history of contemporary music.We identify with their passion, stronger now than ever, and with their constantly growing creativity.We are lucky enough to share many values with them, including the commitment to the activities of the charity: water NGO. This new and unique collection of 55 different pieces plays tribute to their incredible career while aptly celebrating our common ground. A new collector’s edition grew out of this,” said Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot This limited-edition series was announced at the Hublot boutique in Milan, Italy by Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot watches, and Martin Gore of Depeche Mode.A total of 55 watches, one for each single, will be produced as unique pieces, all based on the iconic Hublot Big Bang model. Each of the watches features, on its dial, a disc that partially shows the image of the record cover it represents, which is reminiscent of the very first model produced by the partnership between Hublot and Depeche Mode.The back of each watch features the entire cover of the single as well as the charity: water logo. These two elements are imprinted on the sapphire of the glass opening onto the famous automatic UNICO movement. Produced by the Hublot manufacture, it provides a power reserve of 72 hours. Each piece will be fitted with a strap in
a color specific to each model, completed with cuff straps in the same hue, and rock-and-roll-inspired rubber studs. This accessory is perforated on its back, so as to showcase the glass on the back of the watch and its movement. A final detail making the Big Bang Depeche Mode “The Singles” collection even more exclusive: a Roland JP-08 synthesizer will accompany each timepiece.The Roland JP-08 is a limited-edition synth module from the Roland Boutique series, paying homage to and recreating the sounds of the legendary Roland Jupiter 8 synth, used by Depeche Mode throughout the years. Legendary luggage manufacturer RIMOWA has created a cabin sizeTopas Stealth suitcase in anodized black aluminum to showcase this unique collection. This sleek custom-made case will protect each package – the unique timepiece, synthesizer, corresponding vinyl single and certificate of authenticity signed by the band. The rock star kit is thus complete! Charity: water, based in New York City, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries worldwide. Depeche Mode and Hublot have actively supported charity: water since 2013, with their first partnership bringing safe, clean water to over 30,000 people in Nepal and Ethiopia. The current partnership aims to have an even greater impact, bringing clean water to an additional 50,000 people. It is estimated that 663 million people (or 1 in 10 people) in the world lack access to safe drinking water. This lack of safe water spreads disease, compromises safety, makes education elusive, and impedes the economic empowerment of citizens of developing nations. Net proceeds from the sale of the 55 unique pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Depeche Mode “The Singles” Limited Edition will be going to charity: water, as part of the larger charity initiative between Depeche Mode, Hublot and charity: water. Hublot and Depeche Mode will officially present charity: water with a cheque for all the funds raised during the partnership. www.hublot.com/en
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lifestyledine
Introducing the most stylish Sunday Brunch on the island
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Celebrate the weekend in style with the new and exclusive Sunday Brunch at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Enjoy an afternoon of exquisite culinary pleasures, complemented by fine vintages and handcrafted cocktails—not to mention the incredible tropical vistas. The venue is KOH Thai Kitchen, perched atop a palm-clad hill and cooled by pure sea breezes. This chic restaurant makes the most of its fabulous location by blending open-air seating with contemporary Thai design. Infinite views of the Gulf of Thailand form the backdrop to a memorable meal, while live jazz provides the perfect Sunday soundtrack.
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Indulge your taste-buds Savour delectable specialties from around the world—from Japanese sashimi and Thai-style BBQ pork ribs, to French lobster bisque and Italian panna cotta. Live cooking stations offer spicy local favorites, as well as authentic Latin American delights from the CocoRum menu, including Peruvian ceviche and Jamaican criola salad. Our Sunday Brunch features the finest produce, be it oysters from coastal France or succulent grassfed beef from the pristine Australian island of Tasmania. For your made-to-order main, served hot at the table, choose from the Chef’s selection of brunch mainstays—fresh, flavorful and utterly satisfying. Think poached eggs served with Parma ham and chervil-spiced hollandaise, lobster seared in mustard butter with a side of tomato salsa, or homemade pasta with prawns and bone marrow.The impressive buffet spread also includes an array of salads, breads, roasts, hot pots, cheeses, and desserts. Our careful attention to food certainly doesn’t mean the drinks get left behind. Enhance your afternoon-long vacation with a curated selection of wines, as well as cocktails chosen by our mixologist. Enjoy classics like the Bloody Mary and Margarita with a twist of island creativity, or simply relax with an old and familiar companion—be it a refreshing gin and tonic, or a smoky single malt. Live the island dream Complete the perfect laidback Sunday experience with thoughtfully chosen add-ons from the Resort. Parents can relax and spend some uninterrupted quality time together—the Kids’ Club offers complimentary babysitting services, so the children will be in good hands. Beach buffs are invited to unwind on the Resort’s private stretch of palm-fringed sands and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. For some well-deserved pampering, book an express spa treatment in the private sala. 78
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Choose your Sunday Brunch: • THB 2700 ++ (food only) • THB 3300 ++ (food and a glass of sparkling wine) • THB 4200 ++ (food and free-flowing beverages, including house wines, selection of five cocktails by our mixologist, live stations, standard house pour of alcohol mixes, beers, soft beverages and water) Choose your add-ons: • Kids’ Club babysitting service: complimentary • Beach access:THB 500++ per person • Express spa treatments:THB 900++ for 20 minutes (scalp, neck and shoulder massage) *Price is subject to change without prior notice.
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About Four Seasons Resorts Thailand Four Seasons Resorts Thailand comprises three resorts, two conventional resorts located on the island of Samui and in the Northern Province of Chiang Mai and a tented camp in the Northern Golden Triangle. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, opened in 2007, is an away-from-it-all hillside resort overlooking the remarkable tropical beauty of the Gulf of Thailand. Its Thai villas are set amid lush gardens coconut groves and a glorious amphitheatre of sky, sea and jungle. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, opened in1999, features spacious Lanna-style pavilions overlooking terraced rice fields in the Mae Rim Valley, with mountains beyond, all minutes from the artistic and cultural heritage of Thailand. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle Opened in 2011, offers an exquisite luxury experience with 15 tented accommodations set amid exotic bamboo jungle. Guests can interact with elephants, explore the natural beauty of Chiang Rai and experience the adventures of a lifetime. As different as they are, the three properties welcome guests with the same Four Seasons spirit, highlighting thoughtful service and exceptional quality.
For more information www.fourseasons.com/Thailand
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The Camillian Social
Center Rayong
Care for Orphans Living with HIV/AIDS and Disabilities
This month One Coast Magazine paid a visit to The Camillian Social Center Rayong.The Center (CSC) Rayong started its activities in 1995 and was officially opened in 1996, it is one of the first centers opened in Asia to accommodate and help sick orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS. Here now there are over 120 people both children and adults over the three sights, the first being The Children’s home and head office, the second which was opened in 2003 which is our adult rehabilitation center that we call The Garden of Eden which is a farm unit, then last but not least is our teenaged center that was opened in 2006 that is know as The Independent Living Center. We spent a few hours having a tour of this wonderful facility from Mr Douglas who has been a full-time volunteer at the center since 2006. It was both heart-warming and heart breaking to see so many children and adults being cared for.The center has very a high success rate in bringing people who are close to death back to good health and able to integrate back into society.The main reason for our only achieving an 80% success rate is the patents late arrival at our facility which is due to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS here in Thailand and lack of understanding amongst the general population about the treatment that is available these days. Today the CSC Rayong is a wonderful example of integration and of activities to fight the problem of HIV/AIDS with 8 projects scattered in the south-east region of Thailand where about 7.000.000 people are living and 150.000 of them have HIV/AIDS.
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ecohelping hands The founder and director is Father Giovanni Contarin, an Italian priest, who began his work in Thailand with HIV/ AIDS children in 1995 by establishing the Camillian Social Center Rayong. The center is unique in its concept in that it addresses the issue of HIV/AIDS with a series of integrated activities. All the children are brought up in a family setting, having access to care and Anti Retro Viral medication and can look forward to a bright future. The Camillian Social Center Rayong offers a support or scholarship program on different levels for those interested in giving something back. A single child can be supported, and you would even have the time and opportunity to spend time with the child and help him or her integrate into normal life.The scholarship money pays for books, uniforms and traveling expenses and is very little by western standard but this could mean the difference between a child receiving an education or not here in Thailand. Otherwise any donations are much appreciated as the centre relies solely on donations to survive. Fr, Father Giovanni, (often called Fr, John) was at the CSC Rayong for 15 years and since then has gone on to found the Camillian Home which is a registered non-profit children’s charity operating on behalf of the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand in the area of Lat Krabang, Bangkok. After his time there he went on to be the director of our hospital in Bangkok at Tonglor. He is now the founder and director of a newly opened old people home in Korat which is north of Bangkok. After all the years of working with HIV/AIDS children, Fr. Giovanni proposed a new project in Thailand after a pair of Italian benefactors left an endowment to the St Camillus Foundation. Since we already had five HIV/Disabled orphaned children living with us at Camillian Social Center Rayong Fr. Giovanni decided to use these funds to assist with the construction of Camillian Home; a new project targeting children who are not only living with HIV/AIDS but are also disabled. A special facility designed to allow
each child to receive specialized care and treatment, in an environment that encourages and develops the capability of each child, no matter the severity of their situation.The children are stimulated mentally and physically thanks to a full-time staff of caretakers, physical therapists and our resident nurse.The Camillian Home is the only facility in Thailand dedicated to caring for these children in a family atmosphere.The children know their care takers as “Ma” and “Pa”, which means mother and father in Thai. Opened in June of 2008, up to now 40 children are under the care of Camillian Home.The long-term outlook is to provide direct care for up to 70 children.The Home is designed to be a model for other institutions in all aspects of helping the sick and disabled children of Thailand. Activities and Target Group of Camillian Home Orphaned Children living with HIV/AIDS who are also disabled Orphaned/ abandoned disabled children with free day care service and transportation for disabled children living in poverty or abandoned HIV/AIDS women with disabled children, they now have access to Training/Advocacy programs to improve home care for the disabled Outreach to improve the quality of care for HIV/AIDS/ disabled children in other institutions. Donations can be easily made with PayPal to this address : aidskids@hotmail.com Or at the Bank of Ayudhya to the following : St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand. Bank of Ayudhya, Map-Ta-Phut Branch Rayong, Account Number 229-1-29336-3 (AYUDTHBK). If you would like more information, please contact Paul in English at : aidskids@hotmail.com Father Chaisak Thaisonthi (Director) in Thai or Italian at : chaisakt@outlook.com
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Symbols of strength and wisdom, the elephant is believed to be sacred and incredibly valuable in many cultures, especially Thailand. In this way you would have thought that these majestic animals are to be preserved and taken care of rather than exploited. Sadly, and again I say this as especially in Thailand it is exactly that what we have done. How many of us have come to Thailand and excitedly looked forward to some elephant trekking or a ride on one of these beautiful creatures. But can we really excuse this with our innocence as behind the scenes these splendid animals were beaten into submission and forced to walk on red hot tarmac roads and act out unnatural circus acts. But luckily things are changing and especially with social media people all over the world are starting to realize what has been happening and promoting sanctuaries taking in abused neglected and exploited elephants both here in Thailand and abroad. It is through these incredible organizations working to raise public awareness, conserve the elephants’ native habitat, and ensuring the elephants in their care are safe for the remainder of their lives, that we can begin to hope for the future of the species. In the wild, elephants are migratory, walking miles each day.They form intricate family structures and grieve for their dead in a more-than-instinctive way.They show humour and express compassion.The Elephant Sanctuary’s mission is to give elephants the freedom they deserve. Elephant riding or trekking in Thailand is easy to do. What’s not so simple is finding a reputable place that cares about and protects its elephants. Therefore, we are so thankful that the Samui Elephant Sanctuary has opened to provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being, and to raise public awareness of the complex needs of elephants in captivity, and the crisis facing elephants in the wild. 84
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ecohabitat
Samui Elephant Sanctuary is now open Here you can be part of the solution and not the problem by watching the elephants relaxing naturally in their own environment. It is an unforgettably beautiful experience observing these creatures in their own swimming pool, showing affection to one another and naturally being an elephant at ease in his own Samui elephant sanctuary. We spoke with Wittaya Salangam at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary who explained “we treat our elephants with the dignity and respect they deserve, we do not allow riding or any type of performance, we want our guests to see elephants being elephants. We work with our herd through positive reinforcement through food and we turn our backs on the traditional use of the bull hook and cruel training techniques. Our tours focus on observation of the elephants’ natural behaviour and as such we do not allow guest to join the elephants in the mud pit or swimming pool. Our tours follow a very relaxed program which starts with an introduction to our work, then we feed the herd, guests are then invited to walk in the sanctuary and feed our elephants then we watch the elephants as they make their own decisions about what they would like to do each day. Our tours are very much guided by the herd itself!” Wittaya Salangam further elaborated about some of the elephants, while Sri Nin was working in the logging industry she was blinded in her left eye.This was caused after her previous mahout, appallingly, used a sling shot on her, as she didn’t obey his commands. Kham San has a large hole in her right ear caused by the mahout as a vicious method of control. Nong Pech was used for street begging, where every day she would have to go on the busy sizzling hot streets to beg for food from tourists. From a very young age Moloair was abused so that she would perform in the circus in the south of Thailand. The horrific injury to her trunk, one of the elephants most sensitive organs is still clearly visible.
Save Elephant Foundation is a Thai non–profit organization dedicated to providing care and assistance to Thailand’s captive elephant population through a multifaceted approach involving local community outreach, rescue and rehabilitation programs, and educational ecotourism operations. Each of their flagship projects is aimed at accomplishing that mission, as well as working towards these goals:
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• • • • • •
to expand self-sustaining eco-tourism operations that benefit local communities and ecosystems to better incorporate our efforts into local communities and to ensure their benefit through our continuing operation to become a leader in the field of Asian elephant research through academic outreach and education programs to create practical, positive reinforcement-based elephant training and rehabilitation programs to establish an international volunteer community that raises awareness to issues facing the Asian elephant to more fully integrate with the global conservation community to facilitate dynamic cross-cultural networking
There are two tours each day at the Samui’s Elephant sanctuary, the first is 9am to 12pm, and the second is 2pm to 5pm. These tours include the transport to the sanctuary, a professionally guided tour, drinking water, lunch and yes lots of bananas to feed the elephants. Entrance to the tour is 3,000 Baht, which when you realize that elephants eat 10% of their own body weight each day and what is would cost just for the care of these beautiful creatures is very reasonable. Samui Elephant Sanctuary Tel: 0952698343 fb: www.facebook.com/samuielephantsanctuary email: info@samuielephantsanctuary.org Insta: @samuielephantsanctuary Photo credit: Samui Elephant Sanctuary
O N E CO A S T
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Spicy Sauteed Crab A unique fusion of crab and bak kut teh, awaken your taste buds with this one-of-a-kind flavor.
Serves 2
Method
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Remove top shell and portion the crab Remove the top shell by pulling it apart from the body and cut them up into pieces.
Ingredients • whole crab • 15g bak kut teh spice packet • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 2 Tbsp butter • 2 cups water • ½ Tbsp soy sauce • thickener (½ Tbsp cornstarch, 1 Tbsp of water)
Chef’s Tip: Mud crabs are recommended for this recipe but any kinds of crabs will do too.
Stir-fry the garlic and crab Add in the crab meat and fry. Boil the crab and season Add in 2 cups of water and ½ Tbsp soy sauce, followed by the spice packet. Cover the lid and put on high heat. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat. Thicken the sauce Once the crab turns red, give the wok a stir, then add in all of the thickener. Garnish and serve Garnish with spring onion and serve while hot!
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lifestyletable tales
Vietnamese Coffee Cream Caramel
Smooth and silky custard paired with caramel makes for a delicious dessert by Martin Yan from Martin Yan Asian Favorites
INGREDIENTS • CUSTARD INGREDIENTS: • 300 milliliters single / whipping cream • 300 milliliters fresh milk • 250 milliliters condensed milk • 200 milliliters vietnamese coffee • 6 eggs • 2 egg yolks • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract CARAMEL INGREDIENTS: • 3/4 cup caster sugar • 1/4 teaspoon instant coffee powder
METHOD • Add sugar and instant coffee into a small saucepan, stir-
• • • • • • •
ring over medium-low heat until all sugar is dissolved and you achieve a brown, bubbly caramel. Have a brush and bowl of water to brush the inside walls of the saucepan to prevent the caramel from burning. This would take 10-15 minutes. Pour caramel individual serving ramekins/mould, just enough to cover the base. Allow it to harden as you make the custard. In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and eggs with a hand mixer at low speed. Pour in milk, condensed milk, vanilla, cream and coffee. Continue to beat with the hand mixer till evenly combined. Don’t get it frothy. When the caramel has set, ladle in the custard, leaving about 1-inch space from the top. Arrange a few ramekins onto the tray then insert into the cubie oven at low steam for 30 minutes, then for another 20 minutes. Remove the ramekins from oven. When cool, refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours. To serve, use a palette knife to loosen the edges, prop a plate over the ramekin, then overturn the plate.
www.asianfoodchannel.com/en/recipes/recipe/vietnamese-coffee-cream-caramel O N E CO A S T
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words by Matt Howard
just out I, TONYA
Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney Based on a true story is said a lot in cinema today but no big screen feature is ever 100 percent correct as things need to be spiced up for entertainment value. This movie tries a different approach leaning into the various lies of the professional ice skater Tonya Harding and creates a very funny dark comedy. Tonya Harding, Prior to the 1994 Winter Olympics, she found herself caught up in a
just out BLACK PANTHER
Chadwick Bosman, lupita Nyong, Michael B. JORDAN Taking place shortly after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther opens with its hero (Chadwick Boseman) returning home to the hidden African nation of Wakanda after handing over Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) to the American government. Once home, he must take his newlydeceased father's place as King, continue to defend his land as the mythical Black Panther, and deal with a growing threat from Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), an American with an unusually-deep
conspiracy that involved established associates attacking rival Nancy Kerrigan as a means of eliminating her as her competition. The script certainly tells this story, but also rewinds the tape on the life that led up to those events. Anchored by interviews with Tonya (Margot Robbie); her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan); and her mother, LaVona Fay Golden (Allison Janney); I, Tonya explores the woman's white trash upbringing in Portland, Oregon, her aspirations as a figure skater, and all of the horrible abuses that also happened. I, Tonya is an emotionall experience. Tonya was left alone with LaVona at a young age, and grew up the subject of constant emotional and physical abuse. That continued into her teens and young adulthood, with Tonya's introduction to Jeff
knowledge of Wakandan customs. Along the way, he kicks some serious ass and helps introduce audiences to an entire country and supporting cast that will likely become vital when Thanos (Josh Brolin) eventually strolls into town. In the case of Black Panther, the story feels equal parts James Bond and The Lion King with an awesome dash of Star Wars thrown in for good measure. It sounds crazy, but when the film kicks into high-gear, you can plainly see how those qualities work all together. The problem is that Black Panther takes a while to really find its footing. Although the film is mostly self-contained from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, putting all of the pieces into place from the
Gillooly who carried on the abuse creating many hard to watch scenes, but then in the middle of these a very funny joke will play out also. Embracing the potty mouth and ugliness that comprises LaVona's personality, Janney is the film's stand out star. It's an Oscar-worthy showing for sure -- but also doesn't undermine the contributions from the leads, who are also phenomenal. Overall a very funny and dramatic movie, one which I think will make waves this awards season.
fallout of Captain America: Civil War takes time, and the first act feels like the slowest and the weakest portion of the film. Things get much better once the central story gets moving though. With that said, Chadwick Boseman continues to prove that he was born to play Black Panther as he steps into the spotlight, but the supporting cast deserves acknowledgment here, as well. In Black Panther, the director has assembled arguably the best ensemble of characters ever seen in a Marvel movie. Overall a solid Marvel movie with good action set pieces and amazing visulas.
focustop movies & tv
just out
Now, Paramount and Netflix have fulfilled their promise, surprising fans with a release date being revealed just moments after the first trailer for the movie was aired. While this movie is not the best entry in the universe it has made its home in, it's still a welcome addition to a canon that just might continue to pay off into the future.
the crew of the Cloverfield space station seem to have finally made their breakthrough... but at a terrible cost. Now, with a situation wholly unknown to its crew, and their situation becoming more dire as time marches on, this team of scientists is racing a clock to solve some serious issues, and they just might tear each other apart before finding a solution. There are some advantages and drawbacks that come with the Cloverfield name, and The Cloverfield Paradox definitely has both. Much more in line with the first film from 2008, we follow a group of characters who are banded together in a tense situation. But the entire experience is a positive one, as the film tells a tense sci-fi story that truly puts it cast through the paces.
Here's what the surprise movie is about. With the world in the middle of a global energy crisis, a space station is created in order to conduct top-secret research deemed too dangerous to be done on Earth. After years of firing its accelerator,
At the heart of it all is Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Ava, who provides the heart of The Cloverfield Paradox. While her backstory has elements to it that are a bit routine, Mbatha-Raw never treats them as such and without Ava's journey, the
just out
and their human friend, Bea (Rose Byrne). Peter is on top of the world, but when unexpected circumstances end his rivalry with mean, old Mr. McGregor (Sam Neill), he soon finds a new competition in the form of the younger and faster Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson), a jerk with no patience for the rabbits' mischief. What follows is a battle of wits between Peter and his new competition. It needs to be said that Peter Rabbit works better as a comedy than it does as a adaptation of the books that inspired its story. There are definitely moments of heart, but the film seems far more interested in going for the laugh than moments of raw emotion. The standout has to be Domhnall Gleeson as Thomas McGregor. Peter Rabbit gets top billing, but it's Gleeson who gets some of the best laughs. Between a scene in which the rabbits repeatedly electrocute him around the house to a scene in which he steps on a series of rakes in beautiful Sideshow Bob fashion, he commits to everything.
THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX Daniel Bruhl, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Elizabeth Debicki, David Oyelowo, Chris O'Dowd
PETER RABBIT James Cordon, Margot Robbie, Domhall Gleeson, Daisy Ridley, Matt Lucas, Sam Niell Peter Rabbit has remained a fixture in children's literature for many years. Peter Rabbit is the first feature film take on Beatrix Potter's work to get approval from her estate. That said, while the live-action movie capably delivers joke after joke throughout its entire runtime, it is not quite as effective at capturing the soul of the source material. We open on Peter (James Corden) running through the forest as the hero of his family, which includes Cottontail (Daisy Ridley), Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki), Benjamin (Matt Lucas),
narrative wouldn't be as compelling. Watching Ava struggle with her home life versus the mission to save humanity is what some of the best sci-fi is all about. If it wasn't for that very human element in the film's structure, the rest of The Cloverfield Paradox would fail. With a running time that clocks in under two hours, The Cloverfield Paradox uses its duration efficiently, mixing both thrills and heart. However, there's one key portion of the film's story that's been teased in its advertising that manages to fall on its face. With the promises of explaining how the Cloverfield universe came about. But besides a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, the film really doesn't go too deep into tying this movie to the original movie, or in placing the three Cloverfield movies together. Overall a solid tense effort but didn’t blow me away entirely.
Many of the vocal performances are similarly entertaining, particularly among the female supporting cast and are all standouts. James Corden appears to be the weak link on this cast. It is not that he is necessarily bad as Peter but his familier tone seems a little out of place . Despite all of those laughs and performances there really is no emotion in the movie. By its very nature, Peter Rabbit will undoubtedly draw comparisons to Paddington and Paddington 2. Both are classic British children's characters, and both approach their source materials in an attempt to make something earnest. Peter Rabbit is better as a straight comedy than an adaptation of Beatrix Potter's books. It is full of laughs, but never captures its source's warmth. If you are in the mood for a good laugh with the rest of your family, then Peter Rabbit will likely deliver but if your looking to relive the books from your youth then the movie wont be for you.
Samui Eat it
drink it
Coco Tams X Peppina
Coco Tam’s X Peppina is the newest addition to the Coco Tam’s family, a brand-new stylish beach front Italian restaurant next to the extremely popular Coco Tams beach bar located just outside of The Wharf Samui in Fisherman’s Village. This beautiful open plan two story restaurant offers the very best of Bophut being directly on Walking Street and also on the beach. The cocktails follow the tropical idyll theme, with a variety of drinks available and don’t miss out on the Coco Tams Signature cocktails. Along with their fantastic cocktails, we recommend the wood fired Italian Pizzas – The truffle pizza is a must try (and pastas) they also serve a great selection of fresh seafood and choice meats. To make a reservation call 093 681 2563 Opening Hours 13:00 - 01:00 www.facebook.com/CoCoTams www.facebook.com/cocotamsxpeppina
Karma Sutra
Located right in the heart of Fisherman's Village, just on the corner when you come to the main walking street from the main road in Bophut, you will discover an atypical and surprising establishment, Karma Sutra. Newly renovated with its soft and relaxed decoration, Balinese influenced, serving an array of cocktails and is your ideal spot for happy hour! Alongside the cocktails, beers and wines to be enjoyed are the new sharing platters to die for. Vincent, Na and Laurent, the owners, share their family cooking skills, combining the sweet Thai flavors with the mix of their traditional cuisine. Poo, Noo, Pong and May, their excellent Thai chefs, were trained in French Cuisine by Virginie, Laurent's wife. Enjoy the Duck with Mangoes and Honey, the Linguini with Saint - linguini with clams on a bed of Fondue de Poireaux, but also don’t miss out on the meat selection with carpaccio’s, real Entrecote and Rib Eye Charolaise steaks. To make a reservation please call 088 751 8674 www.karmasutrasamui.com
sleep it
Pool on the Hill
The fabulous, 5-bedroom villa offers luxury and comfort in a large villa with amazing indoor and outdoor spaces, access to tennis courts and is just 1 minute away from the beach. Situated on a gentle hill in the north eastern peninsula, arguably the best area of Koh Samui, the villa blends perfectly with the natural surroundings and is positioned to take advantage of outstanding views of Koh Som and neighbouring Koh Phangan.Each of the 5 bedrooms has a unique and private lounge directly accessible from their room, offering guests plenty of unbelievable places to enjoy sunsets views.There are 2 bathrooms around the communal areas and 5 bedrooms, all with large ensuite bathrooms. All uniquely decorated, the air-conditioned bedrooms provide sophisticated luxury. The first master bedroom has its own furnished lounge area with a huge terrace and a Sala, a bathtub with a view and a private outdoor shower. The second master bedroom has both indoor and outdoor shower and a lounge with unique stone work. The villa has parking for two cars, which are available for rent through IVL Concierge, who can also arrange drivers and book attractions around the island.As this villa is on the IVL exclusive list, guests can take advantage of the villa prestock service and may also book massages upon arrival to help guests ease into holiday mode. +66 (0) 83 107 9684 www.ivlproperty.com
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Do it
Get Beached
Get Beached in Bangrak has launched its Big Day Out Samui package which comprises of beverages, food and fun from 1630hrs daily. The first two hours are on the Beached Boat, which is a stylish catamaran that even includes on-board a slide and paddle boards, and then after enjoying a barbecue and beverages at Beached, you can listen to live music to dance the night away. Beached is a funky beach front bar & restaurant, sitting proudly amongst the very friendly community on Bangrak Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui. Here @ beachbangrak you can indulge in a blend of sophistication with understatedly stylish beverages & cuisine plus a stunning sunset beach location. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of energy and passion with great DJ's and fabulous live music! Tickets Cost 1790 Baht. www.beach-samui.com/about
focuscoast guide
Phuket Eat it
CUT Grill & Lounge
More than a rotisserie, CUT is the exclusive encounter of farm products, carefully selected, and a chic beach club, with a wonderful lake view in the Laguna area. Traveling to the Royal Projects Farm in Chiang Mai to find the finest products is no longer a sacrifice when it is to bring back the best organic products to your table. For Cut, farmers are more than just suppliers: they are friends. Passion sublimes all, and friendship too. Behind each chicken, each piece of beef, each organic vegetable, is a man who CUT cares about. This makes the difference. Tell us, what is more mouth-watering than seeing a crispy juicy roast chicken? Their talented and prized Chef brilliantly leads this authentic culinary experience with the help of chef Fabrice Kem Seng, breathing his bold creativity into the legendary flavour of farm & local products. Wine-growers will not be left behind with CUT’s large selection of their finest creations. Get tempted by this CUT experience and make it your favourite place either for your friend’s dinner, your family Sunday Brunch or just to have a good meal with your lover.
drink it
Quip Sky Rooftop Bar is the first Rooftop Bar in downtown Phuket, located on the 5th floor rooftop of the Hotel Quip Bed & Breakfast. Here you can find the perfect place the chill out and listen to some soothing music while sipping on a cool drink or delicious cocktail. The Thai, International and Seafood Menu has some luxury dishes like the famous Phuket lobster, with some exotic variations. The menu here focuses on the using only the finest ingredients and surprisingly will certainly not break the bank. Choose from open air dining and seating or terraced areas to lie on wicker designed furniture to find your perfect atmosphere for the perfect evening. Opening Hours: 16:00 – 24:00 54 Phuket Rd.,Taladyai ,Amphoe Muang , Phuket 83000 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 7635 5052 Website: www.quipphuket.com Email: info@quipphuket.com
Boat Avenue Cherngtalay (Behind Villa Market), Phuket, Thailand 83000 Email : contact@cut-phuket.com, Phone : +66 93-638-8921 www.cut-phuket.com
SLEEP IT
The SIS Kata Resort
The Sis Kata Resort in Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand is truly to ‘stay in style’ Within a few moments of the award-winning gold sands of Kata Beach The Sis Kata stands out as having amazing views across the Andaman Sea plus a signature restaurant which welcomes both in house guests and visitors alike. A little further up the hill you will reach the view point and onwards to Leam Phrom Thep lighthouse both famous in their own right. Designed by the ‘sisters’ the attention to detail has played a most important part in the development of the beautiful resort. Guests can enjoy a variety of graciously styled rooms with just that extra little touch of style seen throughout. Jacuzzis for two, Jacuzzi pools plus curtains separating the sleeping areas from the bathrooms and closets areas offer guest a sense of homely styled comforts. Stay in style, relax in style, dine in style and just chill in style! The sis kata. The SIS Kata Resort 255 Kok Tanode Road, Karon District. Muang. Phuket 83100 Thailand Phone.: +6676609555 Email: yourstay@thesiskata.com www.thesiskata.com
Quip Sky Bar
DO IT
Lard Yai Old Town Market Phuket Walking Street)
Looking for something special to do with the whole family on a Sunday, try Lard Yai Old Town Market Phuket Walking Street in the beautiful and unique Phuket Town, this vibrant food and souvenir market blends the colonial Sino Portuguese buildings and the vivid colors tastes and shopping sensations of the Big Market, which is its Thai name into an exceptional evening out.Walking Street allows tourists to discover some typical Southern Thai culinary delights as well as local handicraft and knick-knack stalls. Certainly, family orientated you can find small fun parks and trampolines for the children to use free of charge if you find the little ones getting bored. Phuket Walking Street Opening Hours: Every Sunday from 16:00 – 22:00 Location: Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town
O N E CO A S T
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Bangkok Eat it
Wagging Tail Bakery ( for your furry friends)
Wagging Tail Bakery is a premium homemade pet bakery, which was founded by the owner’s love and passion for our four-legged friends. Their only mission is to provide freshbake, nutritious and delicious wholesome treats for pets that pet parents feel happy whenever they give their best friends healthy treats.Wagging Tail Bakery now provides healthy treats, bakeries, cakes and all made-to-order menus to serve every fur ball special needs and occasions.They are always taking on new challenges, researching new ingredients and developing new recipes. Wagging Tail Bakery continues to produce new treats and baked goodies to ensure pet parents that their loved ones only receive the best and most suitable treats for their health status and to make those tails wag so hard with joy. Because Wagging Tail Bakery loves them like you do.
sleep it
House By The Pond
Bangkok’s Best Kept Secret Tropical Garden Paradise House By The Pond is a boutique serviced apartment and an oasis with the old world charms in central Bangkok, offering rooms at a daily and long term rate. House by the Pond is a period residence set in lush tropical surroundings full of greenery with a mature garden and a pond. House by the Pond is ideally located in the middle of the Sukhumvit area of central Bangkok within walking distance to the BTS and shopping centers. Roomy comfortable fully serviced apartments with a kitchen in each apartment, 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi high speed internet, room service, limousine service, self- service laundry, a roof top pool and sun deck with an extensive panoramic view of the city, a gym and a mature garden with an iconic pond which is a place of peace, serenity and tranquility to relax in the heart of the Bangkok metropolis and pets are allowed. 230/3 Soi Sai Namthip 2, Sukhumvit 22, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66(0)2-259-3545, +66(0)2-261-8810 Email: housebythepond@yahoo.co.uk
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drink it
The Garden
Following on our theme of pets allowed, every Sunday your most faithful friend is allowed to tag along with you to Central Embassy's rooftop bar. Inspired by New York’s Madison Square Garden. The Garden is actually an amalgamation of several of the fifth-floor restaurants and bars at Embassy such as Water Library, Minibar, and popup mixologists 27thstreet, meaning you can mix and match when it comes to ordering, plus a constant rotation of live music performances from local indie bands to hip-hop DJs. Dogs are allowed in The Garden from 4-10pm for Sunset Sundays, which promise a barbecue feast as well as the unique 180-degree views across to Okura Prestige and down the BTS line, you will really love the communal, summery vibes. Come, enjoy and relax with your furry friend. 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 10am-10pm
Do it
Colors of Bangkok
Recreational Bangkok Biking (RBB) was founded early 2004 with the aim to provide customers with an unforgettable Bangkok biking experience. Although cycling might not be the first thing which springs to mind when thinking about Bangkok, it is an exciting way to explore Thailand’s capital. The company started with ‘Colors of Bangkok’ which is still the most popular bicycle excursion, but nowadays they offer an extensive range of bicycle tours. Colors of Bangkok is a unique and fun way to experience a different side of the Thai capital, far away from the wellknown and crowded tourist areas. Participants will see a part of Bangkok that they’ll never see from Skytrain, tuktuk or taxi. While cycling through hidden alleys, local communities and the ‘Green Lung’, they get a new perspective of the city they never knew even existed! Baan Sri Kung 350/151 Rama 3 Road Soi 71, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120 Phone: +66 (0)2 1072500 www.bangkokbiking.com
lifestyletech
Gadgets Cutting-Edge Technology
One Coast Magazine has sourced some of the latest gizmos and gadgets that make life simpler (or just cooler) so you can focus on the important stuff. Cutting-Edge Technology you won’t find at the corner store. The Ridge Wallet The Ridge is a minimalist, RFID-blocking wallet.The main cardholder uses elastic to expand to hold up 12 IDs and credit cards.The typical leather bi-fold gets packed with faded receipts and unnecessary cards, resembling something more like a suitcase rather than a wallet. The Ridge is minimalist without being limiting. It’s about carrying less but always having what you need. Protecting your information is becoming more and more difficult. Although modern technology increases ease and efficiency in our lives, it also makes it easier for criminals to steal personal information. These Ridge wallets are RFID protected so no one can steal the information from your cards while in the wallet. www.ridgewallet.com Lishtot Testdrop Consistent access to clean water is something billions lack, and part of that is the inability to check whether one’s water is clean or not. Lishtot could help change this with a tiny device that instantly determines if water is safe to drink just by analyzing the electric field around it — no strips, no microfluidics, no toxic chemicals. It honestly sounds too good to be true, but as far as I can tell it’s the real thing. Lishtot helps you test water before you drink. In just a few seconds you can know if we find contaminants like lead, E. coli, pesticides, and that nasty PFOA firefighting foam chemical. You can test tap water, bottled water, and natural water from rivers and streams. Bluetooth the data to the app to submit to our Global Water Map and track your test history and upload video, pictures and comments. www.lishtot.com Numi intelligent toilet. The Numi offers personalized experiences that let users fine-tune every aspect of their experience to their exact preference, from ambient colored lighting to wireless Bluetooth® music sync capability to the heated seat and foot warmer. Numi delivers hands-free control, personalized cleansing functionality, and exceptional water efficiency. The Numi comes complete with a self-opening and closing lid so you never have to touch the toilet seat; a self-cleaning bidet with adjustable controls for temperature and water pressure; heating elements to keep your toes and tush toasty; an illuminated panel for nighttime rendezvous, a built-in speaker system that connects to a remote docking station to ensure only you know exactly what you’re doing in there and a deodorizing element that sucks air from the bowl through a charcoal filter. No connected appliance would be complete without a touchscreen, and the Numi’s no exception; it has a touch panel remote that you can use to set to your specifications. Now, that’s what we call an amazing porcelain throne for the price of a small car. www.kohler.com/numi/ Robo-Pong Newgy Robo-Pong is an interactive robot used to play and practice table tennis anytime, with or without a partner! Robo-Pong is one of the best home-use games for family fun and entertainment, as well as for fitness and exciting competition. It can also used by professional and even Olympic table tennis players to practice and train.With several models to choose from, there is a Robo-Pong for everyone – from the beginner, recreational ping pong player to the serious, professional table tennis champion, and everyone in between. Robo-Pong can be used on all standard pingpong tables, and is easy to set up, use, take down, store and transport. No matter which Robo-Pong you select, you are guaranteed to have a blast, work up a sweat and sharpen your table tennis skills! www.newgy.com/c-5-robots.aspx
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Ritz Carlton Koh Samui hosts Christmas Eve Brunch Sisters on Samui January Charity Luncheon at The Road Less Travelled CafĂŠ and Bar O N E CO A S T Latin American Ladies Night Every Wednesday at CocoRum at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
focussocial
W Vibes - Slumber Session at W Retreat Koh Samui Intercontinental Samui Hospitality Concierge Party Sunday Sessions at Beach Republic
Samui O N E CO A S T
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bangkok
Grand Opening of Escape Bangkok – 14th February 2018
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Burin Boonvisut at Pirate Arena
OH CHIC Grand Opening Party
UrboyTJ x Bowkylion at THAY Ekamai
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phuket
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Grand Opening of 23 Resturant & Club Phuket
Novotel Phuket Phokeethra joins 10th Phuket Local Food Festival Laguna Phuket Marathon welcome 8,000+ runners for their 2018 event In Balance Spa by Novotel Phuket Vintage Park win the Innovative Spa Award at the Thailand Spa and Well-being Summit 2018
Martin Garrix at Illuzion Show & Discoteque – 4th February 2018 Dubfire at Café Del Mar Phuket – 21st January 2018
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iv m
e o s. sit sit c Vi eb ty. tion r w er mo ou p pro ro al lp peci rs fo
Experts on Koh Samui
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