< Previous90 COME SLEEP WITH ME91 Tucked in amongst the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, Amari Kuala Lumpur offers a vibrant and inclusive city-centre hotel that caters to business and leisure travellers alike. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich CITY SCENERY ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ Amari Kuala Lumpur sits within KL Eco City – the mixed-use development project that is integrated with the Rail Hub (at LRT & KTM Abdullah Hukum stations) – and it’s highly convenient for commuting to any part of Kuala Lumpur. The hotel is just a stone’s throw from The Gardens and Mid Valley Megamall, two of the most prominent department complexes in the city with everything one might need under their roofs. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The luggage rack was too small even for my carry-on-size luggage, and I ended up unpacking and packing on the floor. ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ After an hour’s transfer from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, I arrived at the stylish lobby of Amari Kuala Lumpur. The bright, warm vibe of the hotel and the friendly hospitality of the staff immediately relaxed me. The modern lobby with its check-in counter resembling a boat to symbolise the voyage of recreation was a striking design feature. Altogether there are 252 guest rooms and suites including Club Deluxe and Club One Bedroom Suites that provide extra benefits to elevate guests stays. In addition, the hotel has several fully-equipped meeting rooms that would easily cater a corporate meeting, team-building function or conference. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ The floor-to-ceiling window allowing natural light in gave a bright welcome as I stepped into my guestroom. The décor was modern, sleek and fully functional. The sliding AMARI KUALA LUMPUR No.3, Jalan Bangsar, KL Eco City, 59200, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T. +603 2330 5800 F. +603 2330 5900 W. amari.com/kuala-lumpur door to the bathroom featured a full-length mirror and the closet on the opposite side offered sufficient space. The wall-mirror in the bathroom featured built-in lighting which proved to be super useful when putting on make-up. I couldn’t hear any external noises (even in the outdoor public areas) despite the hotel being in a city centre and next to a highway. The bed was like a soft cocoon for my body and soul, and I appreciated being able to pick my preferred type of pillow from the pillow menu. At dusk, as the surrounding buildings lit up, I spent time by the window enjoying the city panorama. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Amaya Food Gallery is there to satisfy your hunger with its extensive menu of local and international comfort dishes. I found its vibrant décor inspired by Malaysian art and casual atmosphere inviting. Hawker-style food stalls and live cooking stations completed and complimented the scene very well. The generous breakfast buffet takes place here with a perfect lineup of East meets West where sizzling Malaysian street food rubs shoulders with international favourites. The adjoining Amaya Terrace Bar with a view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is the perfect al fresco spot to unwind at dusk. For an afternoon pick-me- up, Cascade did the trick for me with a freshly- baked pastry and aromatic coffee. COME SLEEP WITH ME A second home to work, cook, dine and lay your head that’s also supported by extensive hotel facilities next door, Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites offers superior comfort and convenience in this northern city. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich SUPERIOR COMFORT IN THE NORTH ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites sits on the opposite side of Charoen Prathet Road from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and they are connected by a convenient walkway. The former offers more functional work-related services than the latter but the hospitality is still top-notch, as with the carefully-thought- through welcome drink that was offered when we arrived at the lobby with its high ceiling. Called Inthakhin Bucha, the drink featured an opening floral note followed by a soft second note with the aroma of roasted rice, and ended with a fresh note of citrus and orange. Service was also professional as could be seen with our prompt check-in and we were soon being escorted to our room. Along the way, the staff explained there was a rooftop swimming pool which was perfect to unwind in while enjoying the city panorama, and that guests were also entitled to use the public hotel facilities at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.93 ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ We nodded our heads in satisfaction when we stepped into a spacious 160-sqm. Three-Bedroom Suite. We were very happy with the interior design that was modern with references to Northern culture, and having a comfortable dining area with a table for six. Within easy reach of the dining table was a pantry with refrigerator and sink. A door led off the dining area to an outer area where an ironing board, washing and drying machines were ready for our use. Further inside the suite was the living zone with a television and comfortable sofa with comfortable pillows. To the right was the elegant main ensuite bedroom equipped will all amenities. On the other side was the second ensuite bedroom with queen-size bed, and the third ensuite bedroom offered twin beds. Each bedroom had its own television should its guest like to unwind with privacy. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Guests may eat at any of the dining outlets at the nearby resort. Bodhi Terrace offers a great way to start the day with an al fresco breakfast by the river, then lunch and dinner accompanied by the murmur of cicadas. Sitting at the heart of the lush lawn of the resort is The Service 1921, the century-old house that was formerly the British Consulate, which serves a delightful afternoon tea as well as dinner focused on grillroom dishes. There’s also Bubbles, the chic open-air rooftop bar overlooking the river, as well as the Brit Bar with its intriguing interior as a private member’s club for Her Majesty’s Secret Service. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The extensive facilities provided at Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites are top-notch and cover all one’s needs for either a long- or short-stay – for example, not only are a washing and drying machine provided but also the detergent and softener, and the pantry sink comes equipped with dishwashing liquid as well as sponges. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ Staying at the service apartment means forgoing a few niceties, such as the view of the serene Ping River that the resort offers, as well having onsite dining outlets. However, those are available next door and conveniently accessible using the short walkway. ANANTARA CHIANG MAI SERVICED SUITES 123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road, Changklan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 T. +66 (0) 53 253 333 E. chiangmai@anantara.com W. anantara.com/en/chiang-mai- serviced-suites94 COME SLEEP WITH ME Introducing the recently-unveiled Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin, a stylish resort nestled on the pristine shore of Khao Tao in Hua Hin! This idyllic seaside retreat is a haven for families seeking a getaway with their small children and four-legged furry friends. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya FABULOUS FAMILY RETREAT ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Nestled in the tranquil enclave of Khao Tao, just 15 minutes south of Hua Hin, Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin lies a mere 100 steps from the beach and a short 16-minute drive to Pranburi, making it perfectly positioned for both relaxation and exploration. It offers 380 contemporary rooms and suites thoughtfully arranged around an expansive freeform lagoon pool that meanders through the grounds. The outside centrepiece is the Aqua Play Zone, adorned with vibrant seashell and marine creature décor, which is a delightful water playground featuring multiple slides for kids and an exhilarating high slide for adults ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ The hotel offers a delightful selection of 10 enticing guestroom types inspired by coral reefs, from Premium Rooms with bathtubs, to Pool-View and Sea-View Rooms, and rooms with a pool terrace and direct pool access. The Family Suites and spacious Two-Bedroom Suites measuring a generous 99 sqm. are perfect for multi-generational vacations and groups of friends. The hotel also provides wheelchair-accessible rooms with hospital- like facilities for elderly family members, ensuring everyone's needs are met. Inside the guestrooms, you’ll find a comprehensive range of amenities to ensure your comfort and convenience. Step out onto your guestroom's terrace where a breathtaking view awaits overlooking either the glittering lagoon pool or the mesmerising expanse of the sea. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Savour delightful light bites and memorable meals at the naturally-lit, all-day dining Biscay, led by Executive Chef Chanchai Khumkhrong. Here, you can enjoy a good variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options offering Thai and 95 BEST WESTERN PLUS CARAPACE HOTEL HUA HIN 5/555 Soi Hua Hin 101, Nhongkae, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 T. +66 (0) 32 518 888 E. rsvn@bwpluscarapace.com W. bwpluscarapace.com international flavours with plenty of fresh local seafood. Make sure to try the highlight of the restaurant – an automatic pancake maker that effortlessly prepares fluffy pancakes with just a click of the switch. Every Tuesday, Biscay puts on a buffet dinner featuring a food theme that changes monthly. Located nearer to the sea is Carapace Beach Club, where you can indulge in refreshing acai bowls, delicious drinks and heavenly desserts. A fun cake-decorating session can also be arranged to add an extra touch of pleasure for guests during their stay. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I can't wait to return to Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin with my beloved feline companion! The hotel offers an incredible Pet- Friendly Package which includes a cosy pet bed, food and water bowls, and toys to keep pets entertained, ensuring both pets and their owners enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Additionally, you'll find the remarkable Khao Tao Reservoir within walking distance. Surrounded by lush green trees and majestic mountains, it offers a picturesque setting for an morning or evening stroll with your adorable four-legged companion, as you witness the sun behind the mountains. The Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin really is dedicated to providing a great vacation experience for all its guests and I can't wait to come back and spend quality time here with my family and furry friends. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ After much consideration, I can't think of a single aspect during my stay that was inconveient.Unwind in tropical tranquillity with unforgettable moments at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort – whether you are seeking time in the sun to reenergise, a romantic getaway with your beloved or a sanctuary to sooth your soul, this is a perfect island getaway. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya TROPICAL SANCTUARY ON DREAMY SAMUI ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Nestled in the northern end of Chaweng Beach, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort offers a tranquil refuge only a seven-minute limousine ride from Koh Samui International Airport. The resort’s Sino-Thai architecture with a contemporary touch gives a nod to the island's Chinese merchant heritage, and the lobby displays the owners’ origin from Hainan COME SLEEP WITH ME Island. The interior of the rest of the resort continues with the theme, with references also to the daily lives of local coconut farmers and fishermen, birders. For those seeking fun and action, the resort is just a stone's throw away from vibrant nightlife, shopping and dining options including SEEN Beach Club at Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel. 96ANANTARA LAWANA KOH SAMUI RESORT 92/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 T. +66 (0) 7796 0333 E. lawanasamui@anantara.com W. anantara.com/lawana-koh-samui ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and it ticked all the boxes for me. I would have appreciated more dense foliage surrounding my pool villa, however, to improve the sense of privacy and totally obscure the occasional glimpse of people passing by the private pool area. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ The 122 guestrooms are generous in space, ranging from 55 sqm. to 1,110 sqm., and the room types offer a variety of configurations: Anantara Family Suite, Anantara Pool Suite, Anantara Pool Access Villa, Anantara Seaview Pool Villa, Anantara Family Pool Villa, and the 2-to-5-Bedroom Lawana Residences. During my stay I enjoyed the ultimate seclusion of an Anantara Pool Villa, a spacious haven measuring 160 sqm. with a private pool over 20 sqm. The standalone villa featured a separate living room fitted with a suspended daybed and a wooden outdoor deck that provided a perfect spot beside the private pool to bask in the sun, in privacy. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ My day started at Ocean Kiss, the bright all- day restaurant where I savoured a sumptuous breakfast while taking in breathtaking views of the sea and main pool. The restaurant offers a buffet and à la carte options, including healthy açaí bowls and creamy smashed avocado toast accompanied by large tiger shrimp or else smoked salmon generously piled on top. When lunchtime arrived, I relished the freshest local seafood at Crab Shack with a standout mixed seafood bucket featuring succulent oysters, prawns, crabs, shells, crayfish and octopus, served with a hot sauce. As the day wound down, I treated myself to a very memorable dinner at Tree Tops Signature Dining, which is nestled within a 120-year-old treetop canopy. Led by Executive Chef Kevin Fawkes, the award-winning European-Asian cuisine is divine with innovative flavours. It's a must-try for everyone visiting Koh Samui. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ I’d return to Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort for its exceptional commitment to preserving nature and creating a harmonious environment. The owner's decision to preserve magnificent old trees during construction has resulted in architecture that seamlessly blends with the surrounding trees and inspires. Many other details have been carefully considered, such as the protection fence for each family pool villa to ensure the safety of children. Moreover, the staff's friendly and attentive service further enhanced my stay. 9798 HOKKAIDO Text by Natasha P Only a short ride from Narita International Airport, Kashima Shrine – the oldest and largest Shinto shrine in the northern Kanto region of Japan – awaits to impress each and every visitor with its sacredness, and tranquil ambience. It lies within an old and revered forest that spans 630,000 sqm. (15 times the size of Tokyo Dome) and acts as the lungs of the town. Upon arrival at the 13-metre-tall, wooden Romon tower gate that is the shrine’s entrance, visitors will appreciate the contrast of its red colour with the green surroundings and deeply sense the four centuries of humanity that have passed through it since its construction. It is one of the three “great tower gates of Japan”; the other two are located in the region of Kyushu. Several steps inside the Romon sits the shrine that was built during the Edo period by the Tokugawa shogunate, who dedicated it to Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, one of the patron deities of martial arts. The Honden (main shrine), Haiden (prayer hall) as well as KASHIMA, JAPAN NEXT DESTINATION Romon are each listed as a national “Important Cultural Property” of Japan. At the heart of the forest lies Okunomiya, the ancient main sanctuary which continues to stand with serenity and hypnotise those who pass by. A short stroll from Okunomiya you’ll find Hitoyasumi, a restaurant where I highly recommend you to reward yourself with a meal of soba that has been freshly made using natural water from the nearby mountain, and recharge your battery. The magnificent Kashima Soccer Stadium, built in 1993 and home for the J-1 League Kashima Antlers, was one of the stadiums used for the FIFA World Cup in 2002. It contains 40,000 seats and the football pitch can accommodate another 20,000 people. The Kashima Soccer Stadium is the only football stadium in Japan that offers a proper stadium tour and museum. Besides being home for the Kashima Antlers, it has the additional role as the official gathering place in times of emergencies such as an earthquake, as it can fit most of Kashima's population of 66,000. Last but not least, drop by at Tenya Tempura. Choose a seat at the bar in order to watch the experienced and light-hearted chef in action and then indulge in a plateful of crispy, moreish tempura. A speciality here is Natto Tempura, made with fermented soybean with a strong smell and sticky texture, and I’ll leave it to you to find out whether you love it or hate it! Next >