North Phuket Unveils Strategic Destination Rebrand

 

Exciting news out of Thailand, with a group of hoteliers in Phuket coming together to launch a new campaign to attract more visitors to the less-developed north of the island.

Trisara Promotes Movement For the Mind Through WiseMotion

Phuket resort’s new wellness retreat makes its debut with neuroscientist-led program.

Luxury Phuket resort Trisara is helping guests move towards better cognitive wellness by debuting an innovative slow-living retreat in Thailand.

Awe-inspiring Rooftop Bars In Thailand

There are bars and then there are rooftop bars. We’ve put together a mini round-up of two awe-inspiring rooftop bars in Thailand – one towering over Bangkok, the other Chiang Mai. Perhaps these blurbs may fit with a broader story you’re working on about bars? We’d also welcome the chance to welcome you to experience these bars for yourself.

Bangkok Rooftop Bar Commands 34th Floor with Transparent Infinity Pool

Together with INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s jewel in the crown, a transparent infinity pool, The Giant Swing Pool Bar commands the 34th floor. Nestled between bar and pool, a compelling contemporary interpretation of Bangkok’s Brahman structure The Giant Swing makes for a dramatic photo backdrop. Adjacent to the infinity pool is an expansive rooftop terrace, dotted with outdoor lounges and sunbeds, that evokes an Ibiza mood accompanied with panoramic vistas. Open from 10am until midnight, the open-air pool bar serves Mediterranean, Thai and international snacks and dishes such as INNSiDE’s Burger and cool beverages including imaginative cocktails. By night, the pool bar becomes an upper-floor extension of the hotel’s 33rd floor LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar. A spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, tapas bar guests peer into the bottom of the infinity pool.

Chiang Mai Rooftop Bar Features Glass Bridge

Chiang Mai’s highest bar, Meliá Chiang Mai's 360-degree rooftop bar dubbed MAI The Sky Bar affords sweeping views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. Perched on the 22-floor, the bar features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas. Surrounded by glass balustrades that give way to stunning views of Chiang Mai at sunset and by night, the bar’s entertainment includes live bands and DJs. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the city’s most happening venue’s menu serves a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively. The mixologists craft a selection of beverages including imaginative cocktails that reference Chiang Mai’s forests and mountains.

Sustainable Phuket Restaurants Join Forces for Two Unique Four-Hands Experiences

Two of the most sustainable restaurants in the Phuket area, JAMPA and Aulis by Simon Rogan, are joining forces for two exclusive four-hands events this month, taking place on Friday 24th May and Saturday 25th May.

JAMPA and Aulis Phuket to showcase the best of local produce in inaugural collaboration.

The first event on Friday 24th May sees JAMPA executive chef, Rick Dingen, and Aulis Phuket head chef, Charlie Wilson, come together to serve a 15-course tasting menu at JAMPA, showcasing some of the signature dishes of each restaurant which both embody a deep respect for their surroundings and local ingredients. On Saturday 25th May, guests can experience a more relaxed lunch at HiDEAWAY by JAMPA, where diners are seated at an al fresco chef’s table in the heart of the Pru Jampa Farm.

Hotel Volunteers Help Restore Chiang Mai’s Biodiverse Forest Ecosystems

Meliá Chiang Mai’s staff have helped regenerate more than seven acres of seasonally dry tropical forest in Thailand’s mountainous north, planting more than 4,350 trees of species typical of the region’s natural forest ecosystems. In partnership with Chiang Mai University’s Doi Suthep Nature Centre and Forest Restoration Research Unit, the hotel’s volunteers have painstakingly conserved and restored forest within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park – Chiang Mai’s green backdrop and premier natural tourist attraction.

Thailand’s First ‘INNSiDE by Meliá’ Unveils Sky-High Tapas Bar’s Menu

Towering over Bangkok’s trendy On Nut neighbourhood, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s awe-inspiring rooftop tapas bar has crafted an exciting new menu, accompanied with views of both the city … and the bottom of a transparent swimming pool.

Chiang Mai’s Highest Rooftop Bar Launches Exciting New Menu With Green Twist

Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar has unveiled a new menu with dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming.

The highest bar in Chiang Mai, aptly named Mai the Sky Bar, is perched on the hotel’s 22nd floor, affording awe-inspiring views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. 

Michelin-approved PRU Premieres Inside-Out Gastronomy Experience

PRU, the only restaurant in Phuket to have ever received the prestigious Michelin star, will give guests front-row seats to the best of Thailand when its new kitchen premieres on November 1.

Helmed by Executive Chef, Jimmy Ophorst, PRU has blazed a trail for sustainable fine dining in Thailand. And the “Inside-Out” experience, housed in a new purpose-built restaurant, dissolves the traditional wall between the kitchen and the dining room.

New Banyan Tree Chef Presents the Art of Kaiseki to Koh Samui

After 25 years in Japanese restaurants, a Thai chef finally gets the chance to inaugurate his own rendition of Japan’s most regal meal

Inspired by the unique skill set of executive sous chef Warit Jadpratum, Banyan Tree Samui resort has launched a new “Samurai Dinner Set”, bringing the ancient Japanese culinary art of kaiseki to the beaches of Thailand.

Why visit Phuket? We stay at superb Thavorn resorts

 Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and attracts millions of visitors each year. There are many reasons why people want to visit Phuket, ranging from its stunning beaches and natural beauty to its rich culture and exciting nightlife.

Surfing in Phuket

Don’t let the Monsoon rain in Phuket get you down, get out there in the ocean and have some fun!

Being a multiple Australian Surfing Title-holder, my husband is obviously a well travelled, very good surfer who has surfed some of the best waves all over the world.  He was a bit worried about spending 10 days in Phuket with me and not having waves to keep him occupied, but I had assured him that he would have lots of time to chill out, rest his back and have lots of massages and spa treatments; so he was finally convinced 10days would be OK.

Phuket: perfect beachfront hotel and spa on Kata Noi Bay

by Kerrin Trenorden

Phuket is often celebrated for its bustling nightlife, amazing shopping and markets and of course the sunshine, however once you leave the major tourist areas, you can discover the ultimate destination for relaxation or a family getaway.

Having been to Phuket previously, I was looking for somewhere to relax, have a massage, read a good book and sit and enjoy the amazing beaches; so it was recommended that I look at the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort in Kata Noi.

Kata Noi (meaning 'Little Kata'), is located approximately 25min by Tuk Tuk from the Patong Beach area past (Big) Kata Beach. To me, it will be forever known as 'my little stretch of paradise'.

The pristine white sandy beach spans the entire length of the Resort which stretches for over 850 metres and provides crystal-clear warm waters for swimmers to float away the day. The Resort also backs right onto the beach so guests can conveniently enjoy one of SIX pools whilst watching the sun go down. A cocktail at this time is highly recommended.

With a range of rooms and suites to suit all budgets, 4 children’s pools, 3 Jacuzzis, 2 bubbly water springs, a mini water slide, 6 restaurants, nightly activities and massages available around the pool and a kids club, the Katathani really is a one-stop holiday destination for all kinds of holidaymakers.

If you're looking for the hustle and bustle typical of Patong Beach, the hotel is within walking distance of Kata Beach (although the hill can be a bit steep after a long day) or a 2 minute walk to other local restaurants, convenience stores, tailors and massage places just outside the lobby area.

For anyone wanting to experience all the wonders of Thailand in a quiet location, whether for a quiet relax or some family-time, I recommend you take a look at this Resort.

For more information, visit http://www.katathani.com/ or ask your travel agent.

Ultimate Guide to Phuket

by Gary Walsh

There is a yin and yang to Phuket, Thailand’s most popular beach destination. On the west coast, the endless string of gorgeous white sand beaches is swept by rhythmic waves rolling in from the Andaman Sea. In the east, the beaches are miserly, barely worthy of the name, and sometimes pushed into the sea by mangrove forests until the tide goes out and the sand flats extend to the horizon. It makes for gentle swimming and glorious sunrises. In between is a landscape of mountains, rivers and lush tropical forests, as well as a surprising Sino-Portuguese heritage that reaches its zenith at delightful Phuket Town. Phuket offers a beach holiday that is much more than an excuse to laze on the sand, surf or swim. There is architectural beauty and cultural diversity rare in this part of the world, with experiences as varied as the simple pleasures of mesmerising sunsets and the eye-popping realities of Patong’s naughty-and-nice nightlife. And Phuket is a jumping off point for the dazzling karst limestone regions of Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi, where you’ll discover the imprint of James Bond and Leonardo Di Caprio.

Two ways to do Phuket - Pool villas or resorts

While I have become a regular to Thailand, my visit to Phuket was the first time I'd stayed in this famously rumbustious resort town. No, I'm not going to dwell on the kaleidoscope of entertainment options assaulting you as you navigate bustling Bangla Road - there are better sites for that information - but rather on choosing appropriate accommodation to suit the kind of relaxation you, you partner and/or family have in mind.

The raucous New Tiger nightclub is one of the 'colourful' venues
along bustling Bangla Road (source: phuket101.net)

To illustrate my point, I stayed two nights in each of two contrasting properties. One, a sprawling 665-room resort, the other, a secluded 16-villa private sanctuary. And, as you can imagine, there are plenty of options in between.

Apart from selecting the style of property you want to stay at, location is another prime consideration. Taxis around the island can be exorbitant by Thai standards, so you don't want to be taking them everyday to get to your activities. If you want your action close to riotous Bangla Road, then there are several branded hotels within an easy stumble from the front line melee.

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa – phuketarcadia.hilton.com

Set on a massive 75-acre plot, the 665-room Hilton is around 25 years old but has had numerous rooms upgraded as recently as 2011 in the Deluxe Plus category. Entry-level Deluxe are the same size without the recent decorative refurbishments, but are no less comfortable. Above that are the more spacious Junior Suites, but these are yet to undergo refurbishment. There are a dozen or so super-plush Hilton Suites, but I wasn't able to view these.

One of the seven buildings at that make up the
Hilton Arcadia Phuket (supplied)

The resort comprises seven distinct buildings and includes The Spa, children's club, tennis and squash courts (yes, remember them?), extensive business and conference facilities, a massive, scalable ballroom and a fitness centre. There's across-the-road access to upscale Karon Beach or you can swim in any of the three pools.

Refurbished Deluxe Plus room (supplied)

Access to downtown is via a 30-minute cab ride, not something you want to be doing every day. The resort also offer their own transfers, but these are not always available or practical.

While this type of resort is fine for families and groups, it might not appeal to honeymooners or those seeking peace and quiet. For this rejuvenating purpose, I would recommend something like:

The Bell Pool Villa Resort – thebellphuket.com

Self-contained pool villa at The Bell.
Like having your own resort. (supplied)

You can insulate yourself from as much of the outside as you want, making this almost a Howard Hughes experience.

These fabulous 3-y-o villas are fully self-contained behind a high wall and gate with private (8x4m) infinity pool and cabana. Separate bedrooms, living area and kitchen means you can blissfully enjoy your own company (or that of loved ones) while you make your own meals or have them delivered from the kitchen. Need to get out a bit? Stroll down to Zhong, the in-house restaurant, or take the free shuttle to nearby Kamala Beach or downtown Patong.

Breakfast served in your private villa (supplied)
See more images of The Bell Phuket

Perfect for couples, but expandable using the separate bedrooms, each villa can be configured to accommodate up to six persons, seven at a pinch.

There are just 16 villas, 14 standard and two 'Presidential', the latter being able to sleep 8 persons thanks to a fourth bedroom. Watch a movie on the big screen TV or use the nifty Apple TV device provided. There's a private (chargeable) wine 'cellar', free Wi-Fi and spa treatments at the exclusive in-house salon.

So, take your pick. Join in the throng or find your own private hideaway, the choice is yours.

 ~~~~~~~~~

More information on Phuket and Thailand can be always be found at: www.thailand.net.au

Damn right Thailand's got the (live) Blues!

Talking, laughing, crying, singing.

These are all emotions we normally attribute to humans. But after watching amazing blues guitarist, Boy, these are also things he can make his guitar do. Sometimes simultaneously!

Close your eyes and you could easily imagine you are at Monterey or Woodstock watching Jimi Hendrix, or even Eric Clapton or Stevie Ray Vaughan. 

But open your eyes and you remember that you are in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In Boy Blues Bar, an open rooftop blues joint at the bustling Galare Night Market (usually known to most as 'The Night Bazaar')

Boy is a tremendously engaging performer. His shaggy hair resembles Hendrix if you've had enough Singha beers, which I had. But his cheeky grin and sheer joy of playing is infectious. What's best, if you are there on a Monday night they have an open mic jam, and you can hop up and embarrass yourself for a couple of tunes.

So when you think of Amazing Thailand for music, don't just think of Full Moon rave parties, discos, and chill lounges ... seek out some great live music, especially blues. 

Damn right Thailand got the Blues, jing jing.

Some of the best Live music bars and live blues venues in Thailand:
Boy Blues Bar, Chiang Mai.
The Blues Factory, Pattaya. 
Adhere the 13th, Bangkok

Rockin' Angels Bar, Phuket

Samui Blues, Koh Samui 


This is just a very small starting list. Please feel free to add any 

bars, pubs and live music places you think locals and tourists should check out and support. 

All stand (still) for The Royal Anthem Thailand

The Royal Family is venerated in Amazing Thailand, and rightly so, the King and Queen are not only the longest reigning monarchs in the world, jing jing, but they have done untold great things for this country and its people. Just last month he celebrated 66 years on the throne, a world record.

In just about every office you will see pictures of the King and Queen in the lobby, even giant posters several stories tall outside office buildings in Bangkok.

Travellers should also be aware that the Royal Anthem is played often at 8am and 6pm daily. You will notice that Thais will stop dead in their tracks and listen quietly and attentively while it plays for a couple of minutes. You are expected to do the same (just yesterday, it was quite funny to watch those tourists who were not in the loop wandering about and wondering why suddenly everyone has frozen stiff in the spot where they were).

If you go to a movie in Thailand - and the cinemas in Bangkok, Samui, Phuket, Pattaya, etc are excellent and cheap and play new release* movies that are on the same time schedule as the rest of the world - they will also play the anthem before the movie starts.

You should stand and listen quietly. I have seen farangs not do this, and it is openly disrespectful to local customs and to the locals who have genuine adoration for the Royals.

So if you're sitting, get off your fat ass and stand up. If you're walking, just stop where you are. And enjoy the fact that at least one country has a stately figure head who is actually worth respecting.


* Spiderman, Abraham Lincoln and The Dictator are currently showing in Bangkok cinemas and around the country.