< PreviousCOME SLEEP WITH ME 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”. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich SURREAL AND EXTRAORDINARY81 with the ocean as backdrop. For a casual lunch, Plai Fah by the outdoor pool is the place to head to for its Asian and Western menu (the calamari hit the spot). Once the sun started to lose its intensity, we headed to Lae Lay for an exquisite afternoon tea while enjoying the vista of the ocean and iconic islands beyond. Lae Lay also opens for dinner to serve up seafood specialities. Another option for dinner is Sri Trang, where traditional Thai flavours are prepared with a distinctly modern approach. Last but not least, guests seeking to enjoy a very private meal may like to book the in-villa or private beachfront dining service! ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I’d return to enjoy each and every aspect here! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ As there are only 57 villas here, the resort runs at high or full occupancy most of the time. Reservations in advance are a must. ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ When I stepped through the enormously high door of this extraordinary property situated on the island of Krabi, I felt like wondrous Gulliver from Jonathan Swift’s tales. The stone steps behind that door led to a tranquil open space where Srichan, the elegant Thai sala, sat on water. I was immediately transported to a state between reality and fantasy, and a sense of upliftment with a hint of adventure swelled within me as the stresses and dust of my everyday life dropped away. After a warm and calm welcome at Srichan, we were escorted on a buggy through the well-kept verdant grounds, which cover over 100 rai, to our villa. As Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve appoints only 57 villas, privacy is guaranteed amidst the abundance of flora. I murmured to my companion that extraordinary luxury comes with one-of-a-kind service on a stunning property and that we would in no doubt be having a heavenly experience. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ As our dedicated butler Ton Hong showed us around our Reserve Pool Villa Sea View, the exclamation “wow” emitted from our lips non- PHULAY BAY, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE 111 Moo 3, Nongthalay, Muang, Krabi 81180, Thailand T. +66 (0) 75 628 111 W. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ phulay-bay stop. The details dazzled us, starting with the neat villa garden and private pool with view of the ocean, and the over-sized sundeck with lounge beds in front of the villa. As the tall floor-to-ceiling sliding door was opened I was astounded by the most oversized king bed I’ve ever seen – it can hold five people! – bedecked with a choice of different pillows. Our villa received plenty of natural light via the glass walls, yet the trees and outer wall guarded our privacy to the fullest. The super-high ceiling invoked the sense of my spirit being let free. Opening the Thai-style hand-painted double doors that led to the bathroom area, another “wow” escaped from my lips as my eyes took in the huge round bathtub in the centre, the separate shower area to my right and separate walk-in closet on my left. Further in was yet another area with double sinks and then an outdoor bathtub! The size of each villa here is impressive as well as the attention to detail, such as the complimentary bottle of sunscreen that was provided. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ If waking up in the morning in this blissful luxury wasn’t already extraordinary, the extensive breakfast buffet at Jampoon upped the ante. Not only was a generous variety of tempting foods and drinks presented, but they were prepared with top-quality ingredients. After breakfast, Jampoon becomes an all-day dining venue serving tasty Asian, Mediterranean and other international dishes COME SLEEP WITH ME Fall in love with the soul of this Khao Yai getaway inspired by Out of Africa. The boutique Peri Hotel Khaoyai nestles in one of Khao Yai's most idyllic spots with 360° mountain views and seamlessly blends modern luxury with touches of tribal décor. Here, you’ll forget everyday life and shift into a totally different state of mind with the tranquil jungle-like terrain to take you “Out of Africa”. Facilities, both indoor and outdoor, are comfortable and the restaurants offer tasty menus. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya THE PUREST NATURE ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Tucked away in one of Thailand's picturesque districts, Peri Hotel Khao Yai offers a serene escape. You can admire a breath-taking 360° view of the mountainous terrain and lush greenery while enjoying the temperate climate of an average of 23 °C all year round. Located at Khao Yai National Park which was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s just a three-hour drive from Bangkok on Mitrapharp Road towards Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The Peri Hotel Khao Yai promises a refreshing reprieve from the hustle, bustle and stresses of city life.83 ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Inspired by Karen Blixen's memoir Out of Africa which was also turned into a movie, The Peri Hotel Khao Yai transports guests to a world of relaxation with a tribal touch. In my guestroom, I was filled with a sense of peace and enchanted by the views from my terrace where I could enjoy my morning coffee, feel the breeze, soak up some sun. I snuggled on the comfortable bed and took in the panoramic mountain view and lush green nature just a curtain away. The 62-key hotel offers a room type for everyone, ranging from a 26-sqm Deluxe Mountain View to a 46-sqm Studio Suite with heated plunge pool and private rooftop, to a 260-sqm Three-Bedroom Suite that can accommodate up to six people, with a heated plunge pool. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ The Peri Hotel Khao Yai offers two in-house restaurants for your culinary satisfaction. You may start your day with a full-spread breakfast at Peri Mountain Lodge while taking in the fresh morning breezes and warm sunrays, then explore the array of local open-fire dishes at Chow Barn later in the day. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, and Chow Barn is always packed with diners from near and far who come for its tantalising Esan soul food. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I felt incredibly at ease and relaxed here, and I can't wait to come back! The bicycles thoughtfully provided for guests made it easy for me to explore the beautiful grounds and, while riding, I also had the chance to visit the hotel’s organic farm. I enjoyed many of the endless activities provided such as the daily happy hour, my in-room spa, dips in the vast swimming pool, classes and workshops including yoga and arts & crafts. I was told that during October to February, there’s a winter yard too. The food here is delicious. Every moment I spent here was filled with a sense of peace and contentment, and so I can heartily recommend The Peri Hotel Khao Yai for your next vacation. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The natural scenery is stunning but you'll need to be prepared for the tiny wildlife that will want to visit you! Make sure you bring your mosquito repellent along so you can enjoy your stay without pesky interruptions. THE PERI HOTEL KHAOYAI 327-330 M. 9 Phayayen, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand T. +66 (0) 6 3196 4999 L. @theperihotel E. reservations.khaoyai @theperihotel.com W. theperihotel.com84 COME SLEEP WITH ME Book your flight to Phuket to enjoy a perfect mix of island luxury, comfort and affordability at Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao. You'll find yourself situated near beautiful Bang Tao Beach, one of the longest beaches on Phuket at six kilometres long and a stretch of paradise that will instantly put you in full relaxation mode. The hotel promises a thoroughly enjoyable stay with its modern facilities and amenities, plus stylish design and upbeat service team. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya VIBRANT AND VIVACIOUS85 ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Set in the heart of beautiful Bang Tao Beach, the 177-room hotel is low-rise with only seven floors, offering the ideal balance between serenity and activity. The hotel décor is contemporary with clean lines. Using the hotel as your base, you can explore the area's stunning beach, bustling night market, recreational spots, vast array of leisure, retail outlets and popular attractions such as the Laguna Phuket Resort Complex and Boat Avenue, all within walking distance! Take advantage of the hotel's shuttle service to reach your desired destination within a few minutes. After sunset, the Bang Tao area is alive with lights and people enjoying the many restaurants and shops. For those flying in, Phuket International Airport is a short 25-minute drive away. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ The modern, spacious guest rooms range between 23-28 square metres and are equipped with all the luxurious amenities you could dream of. The crisp white sheets and soft duvet of the signature Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree bedding and the spacious rain shower gave me an unbeatable night’s rest. Furthermore, I had an unobstructed view from my balcony of peaceful, lush greenery (the HILTON GARDEN INN PHUKET BANG TAO 111 Soi Choeng Thale 16, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand. T. +66(0) 76 609 790 E. phuketbangtao.reservations @hilton.com W. phuketbangtao.hgi.com other optional view was of the famed Laguna area). It was easy to fit in a workout at the 24-hour fitness centre and I loved using the latest Life Fitness® equipment, and cooled off afterwards by taking a shower and then a dip in one of the two outdoor pools on the rooftop. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ You will relish in the comprehensive dining options. The Garden Grille is the signature restaurant here and it serves up a delightful selection of local, international and fusion fare at any time of the day. It offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere with a contemporary interior and an open-air terrace seating for up to 40 people, and its bountiful breakfast buffet and tasty à la carte lunch and dinner dishes will keep everyone satisfied. Don't forget to make the most of aperitif hour at the Garden Grille’s bar, and also visit the breath-taking Rooftop Bar to enjoy a refreshing cocktail - the perfect way to cap off your wonderful day. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I absolutely loved spending my evenings on the hotel rooftop. The view of Bang Tao and the lush greenery that surrounds it completely mesmerised and soothed my soul. I loved wading into the pool with a refreshing cocktail in hand and watching the vanilla sky slowly transform to blue; it was an enchanting experience! The snacks at the bar were delicious, and I especially enjoyed the scrumptious Saturday barbeque night by the poolside. This was, by far, my favourite aspect of the hotel and I highly recommend it to everyone. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ Though the hotel is positioned near the beach area, you unfortunately won't be able to see the sea from your guestroom. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to enjoy your island getaway with an enchanting lake or lush garden view instead.Immerse yourself in the "Garden in the Third Heaven" that is Trisara, Phuket's most private pool villa resort. With its timeless traditions of luxurious hospitality surrounded by idyllic nature, this beach resort is a serene sanctuary which you will never want to leave. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya BLISSFUL BY THE BEACH ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Trisara offers a haven in the north-western hills of Phuket. As guests enter the resort they are immediately embraced by the tranquillity and beauty of lush rainforest, the private beach and bay. Surrounded by centuries-old ficus trees as well as coconut and fishtail palms, Trisara offers 60 luxurious ocean-facing pool villas and residences with bedrooms ranging from two up to eight. The resort is just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport as well as Sirinat National Park, Phuket's only national park, and 45 minutes from popular tourist destinations like Phuket Town, Patong and Kata. COME SLEEP WITH ME 86TRISARA, PHUKET 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand T. +66 (0) 76 310 100 E. reservations@trisara.com W. https://trisara.com ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ My breath was immediately taken away upon entering my Ocean Front Pool Villa by its spaciousness of 240 sqm and the breath- taking view. The teak and travertine stone used for the interior, with their natural textures and patterns, imparted an understated luxurious style. The bathroom stunned me as it spanned the whole length of the villa, with indoor and outdoor showers, a large bathtub, duo wash basins and mirrors, and naturally a full set of quality amenities. Outside, the refreshing scents of sea breezes and pink plumeria blossoms wafted around me. The icing on the cake was the 10x3 metre private pool, the largest I have ever seen in any pool villa. The villa offered an unparalleled sense of privacy with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and its radiant sky, and as the sun slowly set later that day, I was utterly content and peaceful to be in my private corner of the "Garden in the Third Heaven". a breath-taking 180-degree panorama with no obstructions. All of these factors make it impossible for me not to come back! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ I have nothing but wonderful memories of Trisara and so not a single quibble to mention. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ It’s here, at Trisara, where the only Michelin-starred restaurant on Phuket – and the first Michelin Green Star in Thailand – can be found. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Jim Ophorst, PRU brings the farm to the table by sourcing ingredients from its own farm, Pru Jumpa. These tell their own story as they are transformed into delicious and inventive European dishes. Guests looking for a more traditional meal may opt for the other two restaurants at Trisara; cosy oceanfront Seafood which offers Southern Thai family recipes passed down through generations, and al fresco The Deck where guests can enjoy delicious international meals with the calming sound of waves in the background. With these three distinct dining outlets, guests at Trisara can experience the best that Phuket has to offer with their philosophy of culinary excellence, the best ingredients and an appealing atmosphere. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The moment I exited Trisara’s lobby to catch my flight, I felt my heart tugging at me to stay a while longer. My stay had been so inviting and rejuvenating, starting from the friendly and attentive hospitality of the staff from the moment I first arrived, and it only got better from there. As an avid lover of afternoon tea, I was impressed with the corners providing an array of scrumptious cookies and fine teas. Breakfast at The Deck was a superb start to my days – healthy and delicious, with a stunning backdrop of architecture and the sea. To top it all off, there was my villa with its unique luxurious touches and private pool lined up perfectly with the horizon, offering 8788 Indulge yourself in the oasis of relaxation that is The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok, located in the Charoen Krung Road neighbourhood. Situated by the tranquil Chao Phraya River, its stunning design features a beautiful swimming pool as its centrepiece and guests will certainly enjoy an ultimate stay at this modern luxury hotel where they can sleep, eat, play, relax, work and shop all from one base. They will be captivated by the dreamscape and their experience at the river's edge. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya RIVERFRONT DELIGHT ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok is the perfect spot for travellers looking to experience the best of city life yet enjoy the serene Chao Phraya River. The hotel is situated in the Charoen Krung Road neighbourhood and 1.5 km from BTS station Saphan Taksin; it offers its own shuttle-boat transport to and from Sathorn Pier. It's also within walking distance of Asiatique The Riverfront, a riverfront dining and entertainment complex that lies just 700 metres away. The hotel is around 30 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport by car or bus. Here, guests can enjoy stunning riverside views, modern and stylish accommodation and convenient access to the heart of Bangkok. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ After a long day of sightseeing, there's nothing like coming back to your guestroom COME SLEEP WITH ME89 THE SALIL HOTEL RIVERSIDE-BANGKOK 2052/7-9 Charoenkrung 72/1 Alley, Wat Phrayakrai, Bangkholaem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand T. +66 (0) 2 844 8787 L. @saliljourney E. reservations@saliljourney.com W. thesalilriverside.com at The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok with its plush bedding, stylish décor and atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. With the choices of a city, pool or river view, the 235 rooms and suites here range from 30 sqm Deluxe Rooms to lavish 157 sqm two-bedroom Penthouse Suites, thus offering a wide range of accommodation that will appeal to couples, families, groups and business travellers alike. Not only does the hotel offer excellent room amenities ranging from a smart TV to a microwave, premium bedding with a pillow menu and signature touches like The Salil casual wear, it also highlights art and design motifs inspired by some of Thailand's best artists and decorators. For those who just want to stay cocooned within the hotel, there is a small porch to allow guests to enjoy the sparkle of the river and city lights at night. The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok really is a place to recharge and reconnect. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ You'll find something to please every palate here with the indoor and outdoor restaurants offering a diverse selection of dishes. Delicious breakfasts and lunches are served at NAVA- kitchen, and dinners with a unique culinary performance at NAVA-Chef's Table. Taproom ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The moment I stepped into the Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok, I could feel my stress melting away and an overwhelming feeling of relaxation wash over me. Located on a serene bank of the Chao Phraya, one can escape the chaos of the city here and enjoy the many dining venues, shopping spots, spa and wellness facilities, and even pet-friendly areas. The Taproom by the River is a great addition with its eight taps of imported craft beer, allowing you to enjoy a drink while taking in the beautiful river scenery. All in all, this hotel provides all the elements one needs to socialise, pamper, relax and taste; I can't help but feel drawn to this place and I know I'll be returning time and time again. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ I was very content during my stay and do not have a single quibble. by the River offers a selection of imported craft beer, while Jumbo Lobster at Riverside serves fresh catches of the day in extra sizes with extra flavours. Treat yourself to something sweet either at Brix Dessert & Brix Mini Bar or Rintaro, well-known for its Japanese-style ice cream. This downtown location also makes it ideal for business lunches. With so many delicious options, The Salil Hotel Riverside- Bangkok is not just a modern luxury hotel but also a dining destination!Next >