< Previous80 Discover a seamless blend of luxury accommodation, ultimate privacy and serene nature at Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam. This is the upscale sister resort of Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc and comprises only of villas. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich PROFOUND PARADISE ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ The villa resort sits tucked within lush landscape on the coast of Phu Quoc and wrapped by sea breezes. The airy lobby is stylish and guests are welcomed in style by courteous staff offering a refreshing drink and cold towel. The check-in process was completed within a snap and with two keycards in hand, we were invited to board a buggy and proceed to our exclusive villa, or should I say our home away from home for the next couple of days. COME SLEEP WITH ME ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc is the ideal place for spending quality time with family or friends, and the villas are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate small groups – you may opt for a three-, four- or even five-bedroom villa. Each villa offers a private pool and a lush lawn, of course. Their modern interior incorporates a relaxing beach vibe with practicality especially in the living room and kitchen. Each bedroom features an ensuite bathroom and television set for the times when one wants to sit back and relax with some privacy. The central public area of the property contains a fitness centre and a sizeable swimming pool with kids’ zone.81 BEST WESTERN PREMIER SONASEA VILLAS PHU QUOC Duong To, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam T. +84 297 627-9999 E. reservation@bwpremier- sonaseaphuquoc.com W. bwpremier-sonaseaphuquoc.com ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Tropicana is the only restaurant here, so the place to head to for a satisfying breakfast buffet as well as meals or snacks throughout the day. The restaurant is spacious and the open kitchen at the back hums with non-stop action. Guests wanting a change may call for a buggy to send them to any of the restaurants or the bar at sister resort Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc next door. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The ambience and utmost privacy we enjoyed here were truly remarkable. This is where families can gather and spend quality time together in luxurious accommodation with generous facilities and amenities. On top of all, the service is seamless and the sea very enchanting. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc sits a stone away from the beach without a view of the ocean. However, guests can easily walk to the beach, and also call a buggy to go use the facilities at the Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc.82 COME SLEEP WITH ME Chatrium Grand Bangkok offers a seamless fusion of Thai charms and world-class hospitality by bringing together Thai arts and elegance with modern technology in the centre of Bangkok. Text by Pakvipa Rimdusit THAI ELEGANCE, WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Just a short walk from Bangkok’s largest shopping district in the city centre, Chatrium Grand Bangkok is one of the latest five-star hotels that have opened their doors. With its well-curated rooms and facilities, the hotel that everything guests will want to ensure they enjoy every minute of their stay whether they are in town for business or a vacation. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ The hotel features 582 spacious guest rooms, including suites and a penthouse, ranging in size from 46 sq.m. to 321 sq.m. with an interior design inspired by Thai grace. On top of their spaciousness, each room comes with first-rate facilities. Standing out from the crowd are the oversized bathtub and shower with high-tech touches – I must say, this is one of the best hotel bathrooms around Thailand. And if you’re seeking for the ultimate pampering experience, you can always head to the SPA by THANN Wellness Sanctuary located in the hotel. I spent one staycation night in an Executive One-Bedroom Suite and couldn’t have been more impressed. Upon entering the room, my weariness was quickly eased by the sight of a huge, comfortable sofa and complimentary snacks and refreshments. As sunset approached I headed to the alfresco swimming pool with its pool jets to enjoy the view, then returned to my well-appointed suite to unwind completely. It may sound like a very typical hotel stay, but it was the details in everything I encountered here that made this staycation easily my favourite one to date.83 ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ There are three outlets offering guests a variety of dining experiences. Situated on the ground floor is all-day dining Savio, which serves modern East-meets-West dishes. For a more sophisticated experience, Casia will pamper your palate with fine French- Mediterranean cuisine that may be savoured with your choice from the well-curated list of fine wines. If you are in the mood for light bites with refreshing drinks, head over to Flow, the alfresco poolside lounge with freshly-made tasty bites from its wood-fired oven. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The rooms are ample and stunning, plus the in-room facilities are top-notch. The city location is superb and the poolside ambience is refreshing. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The hotel’s Phetchaburi Road entrance may be difficult to enter at times by car. You may prefer to use the entrance from Siam Paragon instead. CHATRIUM GRAND BANGKOK 728 Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 T. +66 (0) 2 126 7999 E. info.cgb@chatrium.com W. www.chatrium.com/ grandbangkok84 COME SLEEP WITH ME Situated on a stretch of Khuk Khak Beach, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa brings together modern creature comforts with top-notch dining outlets and exceptional leisure facilities to the serene island setting. Text by Pakvipa Rimdusit A RESORT YOU WON’T NEED TO LEAVE ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ The resort has revealed exciting upgrades and extensions after a major refurbishment. This includes new guest rooms and villas, the lively Aqua Play Zone, an in-house organic garden, a new beachfront hangout and the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, an array of classy two-bedroom suites. The gigantic resort offers several marvellous leisure activities, but what I love the most here is the lagoon pool, the longest in Southeast Asia at 2.4 kilometres. I embarked on a fun 85 aquatic journey and discovered many offshoot pools each with its unique feature such as the Aqua Play Zone with a wave pool and water trampoline, enjoyed swimming up to various pool bars to refresh myself or to socialise, or simply paddled around and wave occasionally to passengers on the JW Boat. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ With over 400 guestrooms ranging from spacious Deluxe Rooms with relaxing views to Pool Access Rooms, Duplex Suites, Two-Bedroom Suites and multi- bedroom Beachfront Villas, guests will have their preferences met. The interiors of the guestrooms are fitted with modern furnishings with a touch of local culture. The recent addition of multi-bedroom Beachfront Villas are ideal for families and groups of friends. If you plan to enjoy the lagoon pool all day long however, a Pool Access Room will suit you best with the waterway on your doorstep as well as a relaxing view of lush tropical garden. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ With 11 restaurants and bars at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, guests will not run out of food and drink choices throughout their stay. Options include full-flavoured Thai food at Ta-Krai, modern Japanese dishes at Sakura, authentic Italian cuisine at Olive, and comfort food from dawn till dusk at Sala Restaurant or Waterfront Restaurant. Since the extensive refurbishment, the Drift Beach Bar & Grill has opened and become a new beachside highlight serving tantalising Mediterranean dishes, plus lip-smacking cocktails in the evenings. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ This is not the only resort in Thailand with a lagoon pool, but swimming through the many pools here is such a fun experience and one reason I would come back. Additionally, there are other interesting activities that I would still like to experience such as picnicking in the garden and taking in a beachfront movie. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ This resort is a favourite Khao Lak destination for vacationers from across the globe and so the restaurants tend to get crowded during peak hours. The way to deal with this is to book your table in advance. JW MARRIOTT KHAO LAK RESORT & SPA 41/12 Moo 3, Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Khao Lak, Phang Nga 82220 T. +66 (0) 76 584 888 W. www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ hktkl-jw-marriott-khao-lak- resort-and-spa FB. @JWMarriottKhaoLakThailand86 Experience the epitome of convenience and sophistication of Thong Lor, one of Bangkok's most chic districts. Stay in the luxurious comfort of a hotel and serviced apartment, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the neighbourhood. Perfect for both business and leisure travellers, Ascott Thonglor Bangkok provides a memorable stay that will leave you feeling both pampered and delighted. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya URBAN GETAWAY ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Just a five-minute walk from the BTS Skytrain’s Thong Lor station, guests have easy access to many of Bangkok’s top-tier restaurants, nightlife, international schools, office districts and much more. Inspired by earth elements, the hotel’s colour scheme is neutral and the design is Japanese-inspired modern and minimalistic, sure to captivate and impress. Facilities include an expansive swimming pool with poolside bar, the fully- equipped fitness centre overlooking the city skyline, a residents' lounge, colourful children’s playroom as well as meeting facilities. COME SLEEP WITH ME87 ASCOTT THONGLOR BANGKOK 1 Sukhumvit 59 (Boonchana) Alley, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T. +66 (0) 2 344 1999 E. enquiry.thailand@the-ascott.com W. www.discoverasr.com/en/ ascott-the-residence/thailand/ ascott-thonglor-bangkok ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ This hotel is an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term stays. It offers 451 rooms ranging from studios to one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom. My room was stocked with all the creature comforts I would need – a coffee machine, kettle, hair dryer, plenty of crockery and cutlery. Plus, the work desk with its many power outlets was incredibly convenient and the ideal spot for those who need to stay productive. At the end of the day I could relax fully on their unparalleled comfortable bed after enjoying a hot rain shower and bath in the spacious bathroom which was equipped with APPELLES amenities, Australia's most recognised luxurious beauty brand. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Kinki, the dining outlet at Ascott Thonglor Bangkok, is an absolute delight. The restaurant offers a unique progressive Japanese dining experience with an Izakaya flair, as well as a choice selection of delicious Japanese sake. The ambience is casual and inviting, and the open kitchen allows guests to observe every step of their meal's preparation by the expert Japanese chefs. Every dish I ordered was prepared with perfection and presented with extraordinary detail, with flavours that were fresh and enjoyable. Diners will want to save room for one of the incredible desserts, which feature inventive combinations of ingredients. Kinki also offers a buffet breakfast, all-day dining, and a lunch set menu, all which may be enjoyed at a reasonable price. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I am incredibly drawn to this hotel/luxurious serviced apartment and its neighbourhood, and cannot wait to return. It has all the facilities and amenities I need, a stunning interior design with comfortable furniture, and each morning I can wake up to a delicious Japanese-style breakfast that makes my day start with a truly special touch. The service here is also excellent, with the staff always providing warm and welcoming service. With its location in a vibrant neighbourhood, I am so impressed that I would love to move in and stay here for an entire year! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ My attempts to style my hair were thwarted by the absence of a power outlet in the bathroom. The inconvenience forced me to plug the hair dryer and curling iron in the same socket as the TV and to use my reflection on the TV screen as a makeshift mirror. 88 COME SLEEP WITH ME Sprawled along a stretch of beach in the southern region of Vietnam is where you’ll find the Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, a resort that offers premium comfort and extensive facilities. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich BEST ON THE BEACH ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Situated on pristine Bai Truong Beach, aka Long Beach, the Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc is only a short drive from Phu Quoc International Airport. The vast open-air lobby offers a relaxed welcome and the resort’s swimming pool is in sight, inviting arrivals to immediately switch into holiday mode. The 566 guestrooms here are divided into Deluxe, Suite and Villa categories to cater to all travellers be it for business or leisure. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Every room in each category is decorated in contemporary Indo-Chinese style and features a private balcony with sea view. There is also a very comfortable sofa in the corner next to a glass wall, thus guests have the option of imbuing the stupendous horizon either indoors, or outdoors with sea breezes. Premium in-room amenities are offered as well as a small pantry. From my bedroom, I could still see the lagoon-style swimming pool, stretching as far as the pristine beach. 89 ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ As the main all-day dining outlet, Essence is where to have breakfast and to later enjoy local and international dishes. The pho station at breakfast was a real hit and you should not miss it for anything. During our stay, every lunch was tasty and satisfying. For finger food while enjoying the pool facilities, the Oasis Pool Bar awaits with mouth-watering bites. At dusk, head to CView Sky Bar which is “the place to be” for sunset, sundowners and a live band to chill along with. Dining here made me feel as if I was free and mingling with the birds flying near. Again, the dishes were delicious and their presentation very Instagrammable. If height is not your preference you can opt for a chair or bean bag at Sunset Beach Bar, right on the beach, instead with a favourite drink BEST WESTERN PREMIER SONASEA PHU QUOC Duong To, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam T. +84 297 627-9999 E. reservation@bwpremier- sonaseaphuquoc.com W. bwpremier-sonaseaphuquoc.com in hand while enjoying the mellow globe of sun dropping into the aquamarine sea whilst painting the sky a golden orange. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc has everything under its roof i.e. premier guestrooms, function rooms, a Kid’s Club, spa, beach bar, etc. One can simply sit back and truly relax, knowing everything is within easy reach. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ In-room slippers are not provided, but may be requested. However, two pairs of rubber slippers are already waiting to be slipped on so you can hit the beach in no time.Next >