< Previous80 COME SLEEP WITH ME81 Larger than life and extravagant in what it offers its guests, and with a level of hospitality as courteous as ever, it’s practically a privilege to return to Phulay Bay, a Ritz- Carlton Reserve. where one can gaze out at the serene horizon from a plush lounge bed while savouring a light bite and sip a tropical cocktail. Which is also superb for dinner with its contemporary fine-dining menu and noteworthy view. For authentic Thai cuisine including local dishes, Sri Trang offers dishes to share, family-style, with fresh catches of the sea as highlights. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve always amazes and impresses me every time I return. Thus, why wouldn’t I return – I’d be delighted to! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The resort’s grounds are laid out to offer a high level of privacy to all the guests with many winding lanes, thus walking from one spot to another could get confusing. However, just call your designated butler who seems to be on stand-by at all times, and who’ll come to fetch you in a buggy in no time at all. ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ The open-air pavilion that seems to float over a small pool is possibly the most striking first impression of a hotel that I’ve ever experienced. The walk in a clockwise direction towards the Sala Srichan pavilion was reminiscent of walking meditation, and the welcome ritual that took place there allowed us to realise how unique a stay we would have. Our Ton Hong, or personal butler, introduced herself to us and, once we were ready, we were whisked by buggy to our designated villa where a whole new secluded world awaited. PHULAY BAY, A RITZ- CARLTON RESERVE 111 Moo 3, Nongthalay, Krabi, Thailand 81180 W. www.phulaybay.com ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Our Reserve Villa was far beyond expectation, with the indoor and outdoor space totalling 360 sqm and each and every feature oozing larger than life luxury. Outside the villa, a private pool was embraced by verdant trees for privacy. When the ceiling-to-floor door was opened, the vast indoor living area space was revealed with the longest bed I have ever encountered at 4m x 2m, a solid comfortable sofa set and a zen garden on the right. Further in, the tall wooden doors hand-painted with Thai designs opened to reveal an oversized bathtub with stylish walk-in closet on one side, and a shower room on the other. Further in, outside the room, sat an outdoor bathtub in the heart of the back lawn. Hypnotised by the scale and extravagance of the room and its details, I had to pinch myself to make sure I was awake and ready to give myself up to the escape that is Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Although it felt tough to leave such a gigantic and comfy bed each morning, the breakfast at Jampoon was always totally worth it. Some say it’s the best on the island. Apart from the top-notch buffet selection that covers many favourites both local and international, guests can also select a dish, either savoury or sweet, from a special menu. After breakfast, Jampoon will serve a Mediterranean-inspired and Western menu for lunch and dinner. Another option for lunch is at Plai Fah, Text by Urasa Chittamvanich DESIRABLE UTOPIA82 COME SLEEP WITH ME Truly a lush oasis in the heart of Siem Reap within a short distance to many sights and places, Park Hyatt Siem Reap surpasses with its distinguished service and luxurious property. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich RETRO GRANDEUR ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Conveniently located on the main road that leads to Pub Street, the popular dining and nightlife area, on one side and Angkor Archaeological Park on the other, Park Hyatt Siem Reap welcomed us with shoulder massages by therapists while our check-in was in progress. Lulled by the massage, I peeped through half-closed eyes to take in the sleek and high-ceilinged lobby adorned with Khmer sculptures including curvaceous Apsaras, and the bright pops of colour here and there which had the effect of intertwining energy with the classical features. By the time our check-in was completed and our massages ended, my stresses were already left behind. What a welcome! ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ My designated room was a Park Executive Suite at the end of the property. In addition to having a saltwater lap pool just outside the door, the suite featured a private plunge pool with sundeck and mini-garden for me to enjoy the outdoors, but in privacy. Inside, the luxurious suite presented an elegant living room and separate bedroom. Wood was the distinctive material of choice for the décor, giving tactile warmth and a graceful retro vibe. The walk-in closet was divided equally into two parts to accommodate two guests, while the sizeable bathroom with screened bathtub promised the pleasure of leisurely, relaxing baths.83 PARK HYATT SIEM REAP Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap, Cambodia 17252 T. +855 6321 1234 E. siemreap.park@hyatt.com W. www.experience parkhyattsiemreap.com ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ There are plentiful eateries within walking distance of the hotel, however the epicurean choices within the hotel is top-notch and there is no desire to venture out to eat. Breakfast is taken in The Living Room, which gives the right amount of energetic vibe to kickstart a day filled with activities. The morning buffet was covered with cold cuts, pastries, juices, yogurts, fruits and much more, while the main dishes offered on a long list featured local, Western and other Asian dishes. During the ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ In addition to the seamless service and prominent location, the rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool area surrounded by tropical foliage and columns looks very much like a secret walled garden. Next time, I will not miss the chance to dip into it. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ As the hotel sits right in the heart of the city, it’s unavoidable that outside noises may be heard, such as on the outdoor patio by the pool. day, The Glasshouse acts as a sanctuary with its natural light and bright ambience. Here, enjoy fresh pastries, cakes, a vast selection of house-made ice cream, as well as Korean- inspired dishes and Western comfort food. Reserve an Apsara Dinner in The Dining Room for dusk, and enjoy exploring Khmer- inspired provincial dishes. Last but not least, Park Hyatt Siem Reap is home to Le Petit Chef, the world’s smallest virtual chef who will present a tasty five-course menu along with a fun multisensory experience. 84 COME SLEEP WITH ME85 Forget the hustle and bustle and head to Mai Khao Beach, a serene beach paradise in Phuket, to lay your head down in comfort at Le Meridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort and to recharge. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich A TRANQUIL ESCAPE ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ The generous breakfast buffet at J’s sets the right tone for each day with an impressive variety of dishes ranging from Western to Asian and local delights cooked in the live kitchen right before your eyes. Even the orange juice came in two choices, Tangerine or Valencia! After breakfast, J's transforms into the resort’s all-day dining venue offering an international menu. Another dining option is Ocean Kitchen, an open-air restaurant situated right on the beach and near to the pool. It features Mediterranean cuisine including fresh, succulent seafood and excellent wood- fired pizza. For an afternoon or after-dinner treat head over to The Nook, a boutique-cum- café serving delightful pastries and refreshing drinks, which remains open until 11 pm. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The luxuriously casual vibe of the resort is totally relaxing and as the whole premise is practically covered by shaded trees, it is cool and pleasant here most of the time. There are numerous beach activities to ensure guests will enjoy the ultimate beach vacation – do not miss the posh Picnic on the Beach! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The bathroom and toilet are separate – and the wash basins are located in the bathroom. Also, swimming in the sea off Mai Khao Beach is mostly prohibited, though we did not feel we missed the experience as the resort’s beachfront swimming pool more than made up for it. ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ A mere 13 kilometres from Phuket International Airport, we were delivered quickly to the breezy lobby of Le Meridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort where vivid hues contrasting with subtle earth tones gave us a warm, playful welcome. LE MÉRIDIEN PHUKET MAI KHAO BEACH RESORT 81 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand 83110 T. +66 76 603699 W. www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ hktmm-le-meridien-phuket- mai-khao-beach-resort/ ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ Our guestroom sat beside a winding lane in the lush grounds, with easy access to the main swimming pool. The serene interior was perked up with a lively batik headboard that was a nice focal point with a local touch; hand-painted by Phuket artists in a modern design depicting the ocean with sea creatures dancing on cascading waves. From our room we could see the colourful sliders and other fun water elements in the pool area. We were tempted by the shaded sundeck by the pool, until we discovered that the private cabana on our balcony already gave us a superb view of both the pool and the ocean horizon beyond.86 Osaka’s cityscape has recently been enhanced by the grand skyscraper that is Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. Text by Urasa Chittamvanich PANORAMIC RETREAT COME SLEEP WITH ME ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is the modern, one-year-old skyscraper of 33 stories at the end of the sky path from Nankai Namba Station. The path cuts through Namba Park, making the walk a pleasant one as well. Stepping into the hotel, guests are drawn to the elegance of the elevated ceiling lobby and to the warmth that radiates throughout that comes from natural light. The service and speed I observed as guests checked in was a clear sign of the standard and seamless delivery of hospitality that would come. ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ As I stepped into the guestroom I was immediately surprised by its 30-sqm size, which is considered large by Japanese hotel standards. At the far end was a ceiling-to- floor window that provided a thrilling urban view as far as my eyes could see, while the interior was a soothing blend of Thai and Japanese design elements with a headboard that presented a modern take on the rich local culture. The combined effect puts one at ease and feeling eager for the rest of the stay. The guestroom featured sophisticated lighting options including dim, warm and bright, which I appreciated as I like different settings for working and leisure time. The designs of other features were very functional and impressed me, such as the solid sliding door that separated the sleeping area with the bathroom and hallway. The shower and the toilet were also separated. The bathroom amenities by Panpuri were fragrant and divine to use.87 ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is blessed with eight distinct F&B outlets. On the 33rd floor with its stupendous panoramic view, diners may choose from Kunsei Kitchen with its French dishes delivered with a touch of smoke, or Crudo Deck with its western cuisine and live DJ entertainment. The other choice on this floor is afternoon tea at Smoke & Spin. One floor down sits WhiskeyNova Steakhouse, with dry-aged meat hanging in dry-aged cabinets to tempt all those who pass by. Next to it is futuristic Automata Bar, fitted out with a spaceship theme that features drinking machines and drinks tabs so you can mix and match as you like. I enjoyed the foam printing machine the most, which printed customised pictures straight onto the foam of beer in a glass! Further down on the second floor is CENTARA GRAND HOTEL OSAKA 2 Chome-11-50 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Japan 556-0011 E. cgoj@chr.co.th T. +81 (0) 6 6616 9945 W. www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ centaragrand/cgoj dramatically at night, possibly due to high occupancy at that time. Or, it may be the hotel’s subtle way to encourage its guests to turn off their devices and instead enjoy the superb cityscape from their guestroom! where diners will find Suan Bua with its Thai menu, Embassy of Crab that serves up an Asian seafood menu with Japanese focus, and Platform 2 which provides comforting cups of coffee and tea, as well as bakeries and sweets. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ The convenient location, at one end of a sky path linked with Nankai Namba Station. The top-notch touch of Thai hospitality. The generous size of the guestrooms, for Japan. Last but not least, the bird’s-eye view of Osaka in the horizon that is the first and last sight you see each day from the ever so comfortable bed. ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ The hotel’s Wi-Fi speed tends to slow down COME SLEEP WITH ME Meliá Koh Samui offers a seamless blend of a rich maritime heritage, on southern Thailand’s coast, with luxurious accommodation. This 5-star retreat on the island of Samui is also designed to cater for family holidays, by providing an ideal balance of relaxation and adventure. Every detail at Meliá is infused with care, ensuring a memorable stay that captures the essence of tropical luxury. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya GLIMPSES OF PARADISE ✿ SETTING THE SCENE ✿ Located on peaceful Choeng Mon Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and a short five-minute ride from the airport, Meliá Koh Samui immerses guests in showcase Thailand’s maritime heritage with contemporary interiors. The central focal point is the expansive 700-metre lagoon pool that meanders like a calm river throughout, complemented by water slides and a delightful children’s play area. Adding to the allure are two infinity pools, one featuring in-water sun lounges and sunken seating areas, set against a backdrop of swaying coconut palms and just steps away from Choeng Mon Beach. For water enthusiasts like myself, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the lush, tropical ambiance and the myriad ways to unwind and enjoy. luxury and convenience with easy access to Koh Samui's main attractions. The resort’s U-shaped layout includes 159 guest rooms and 41 suites as well as 30 exclusive boat suites, meticulously restored used boats to 89 MELIÁ KOH SAMUI 483 Moo 5, Choeng Mon Beach, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 T. +66 77 938 899 E. reservation.kohsamui@melia.com LINE. @meliakohsamui IG. @meliakohsamui FB. Melia Koh Samui ✿ GETTING COMFORTABLE ✿ I chose to stay in a “The Level Room Pool Access”, with direct access from the balcony to the lagoon provided an ultimate poolside experience. The room's décor blended relaxed elegance with tropical charm across the spacious 58 sqm space. The wooden floor and white walls adorned with oars and maritime curios set a soothing tone, while the sundeck featured a comfortable couch, perfect for relaxation. After a refreshing swim, I soaked in a hot bath to ease my muscle tension before drifting off with sweet dreams on the very comfy king-size bed. Meliá Koh Samui’s The Level services added exclusive benefits such as all-day access to The Level Lounge, delightful room surprises, a private reception area and late check-out (subject to availability). Everything I needed for a perfect island stay was right here. ✿ DINING OPTIONS ✿ With The Level privileges, you can indulge in snacks, drinks and cocktails all day. I loved starting my mornings at The Level Lounge with a breakfast choice, amongst other dishes, of Salmon Egg Benedict, Chocolate Spanish Churros, and unique Samui Honey Toast. There was also the choice of the extensive breakfast buffet at Koko Kitchen. For a caffeine fix, Boat’s Bar offered a sophisticated spot for coffee and tea. After a refreshing swim, you can unwind at the Pool Bar with thirst- quenching fruit juices, smoothies and creative cocktails. In the evening, treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner at The Breeza Beach Restaurant and Bar, where Mediterranean and Spanish flavours meet the stunning backdrop of Choeng Mon Beach. Savour dishes like Pulpo a La Parrilla, Sea Bass a la Gallega, and a unique Greek salad, all presented beautifully. Every dish I had, in every outlet, was a delight. ✿ WHY I’D RETURN ✿ Meliá Koh Samui offers a heavenly escape on serene Choeng Mon Beach. The beautiful sandy shore and clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming, and the peaceful vibe is a welcome contrast to busier areas. The hotel's stunning setting, coupled with super-friendly yet professional staff, makes it an ideal island holiday paradise for families with young kids. With all these reasons to return, I definitely will! ✿ ONE OR TWO QUIBBLES... ✿ In any lush tropical setting, you might encounter mosquitoes after dark. Be prepared with repellent, and remember to close the doors before sunset.Next >