4 LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL | ISSUE 102 | VOLUME 2 | JUL - SEP 2023 28 SANCTUARY FOR THE SOUL In addition to the very enchanting ambience of the resort, the Banyan Tree Spa Krabi deserves a visit when one is in Krabi. 32 THE SPOTLIGHT: MEW SUPPASIT 10 CONCIERGE Keep yourself informed with the festival updates, regional announcements, on the ground and up on high. 20 THE BUZZ 22 WANDERING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN HONG KONG It is best known as Asia’s shopping and gastronomical destination, but its busy shopping malls and restaurants are not the only wonders that Hong Kong has to offer. 22 P. 32 P.54 THE FEAST 56 FLY TO DINNER To dine in style at the Bird’s Nest, on Krabi island, with its literal bird’s eye view of the turquoise ocean, you may need to put on a pair of wings! 58 A NEW HEIGHT OF RUSTIC ISAN Discover the fulsome flavours of Isan cuisine at Chow Barn, which is nestled among the picturesque mountains of Khao Yai. 60 DOWN A SUPERB CULINARY LANE IN KRABI The satisfaction of dining well, with all of one’s senses delighted, is an integral aspect of an extraordinary holiday and this is certainly on offer at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. 62 ONE & ONLY - THE REVOLUTIONARY OF BREAD INDUSTRY If you think that you’ve arrived at a smoked sausage store or everyday sandwich joint in Phuket, you wouldn't be more wrong! 64 A SAVOURY HIDEAWAY OF PHUKET Discover a hidden culinary oasis at the Garden Grille, which is set within the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Bang Tao, Phuket. 66 THE JOURNEY 68 HALONG BAY Unveil the mystical allure of Halong Bay, Vietnam's breath taking gem of nature. 74 COME SLEEP WITH ME 76 PARADISICAL ON KRABI Just 45 minutes by car from Krabi International lies Banyan Tree Krabi, an exquisite island resort that waits to hypnotise you with all it has to offer. 78 SPLENDOUR STAY AT THE WORLD HERITAGE At Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll become even more enchanted with Northeast Vietnam by staying at this grand hotel overlooking a stunning seascape of limestone pillars. 80 SURREAL AND EXTRAORDINARY As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property and one of just five around the world (at this time), Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve surpasses the ordinary and exudes the extraordinary as befits its tagline “Luxury without limits”. 82 THE PUREST NATURE Fall in love with the soul of this Khao Yai getaway inspired by Out of Africa. 88 P. 84 VIBRANT AND VIVACIOUS Book your flight to Phuket to enjoy a perfect mix of island luxury, comfort and affordability at Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao. 86 BLISSFUL BY THE BEACH Immerse yourself in the "Garden in the Third Heaven" that is Trisara, Phuket's most private pool villa resort. 88 RIVERFRONT DELIGHT Indulge yourself in the oasis of relaxation that is The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok, located in the Charoen Krung Road neighbourhood. 90 NEXT DESTINATION: ITAKO Complemented by the tranquil Tone-gawa, which is the second- longest river in Japan, Itako welcomes everyone with a relaxing ambience after a half-an-hour journey from Narita International Airport. 68 P. 56 EDITOR’S NOTE Shortly before the van with my production team arrived in Pattaya, the destination for this issue’s fashion cover shoot, I came across a Facebook post by Associate Prof. Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat reporting on the ongoing marine heat wave that has devastated the once-fertile coral reefs of Rayong in the past four years. The post reported how the global greenhouse effect has caused the surrounding sea temperature to rise from 27-28 Celsius to 32 Celcius today – a temperature at which it is impossible for coral to survive. Not only the coral reefs have been affected; the marine heat wave has also caused the migration of many aquatic species. As our van docked I got off with the wish in my heart that there will soon be solutions for the greenhouse effect, and came face-to-face with a place where modernity co-exists happily with nature – Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach. The centrepiece of the courtyard was a majestic tree over one hundred years of age, its generous shade covering almost the whole lawn. As we walked around the verdant grounds enjoying other mature trees, we were told that 65% of them were already on the property prior to construction of the new buildings, and that the hotel’s architectural team went to great lengths to keep as many as they could. Triumph was theirs, I said to myself, and if all property-owners did alike then we would surely be able to reduce the impact of climate change. 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