Throughout the month the Peninsula Bangkok presents a signature chocolate collection made using a refined blend specially formulated for the hotel by Valrhona. The treats include chocolate cakes, madeleines, canelés, truffles and bonbons, some also featuring local flavours such as mango, coconut and chilli. These delights can be paired with a cup of silky-smooth hot drinking chocolate made with chocolate milk and whipped cream. To celebrate World Chocolate Day, over 6-7 July the Peninsula will present an imaginative chocolate factory serving brunch. In addition to the usual savoury treats such as fresh Alaska crab and oysters on ice, all sorts of delicious chocolate-infused desserts will be available—the only problem will be choosing one. The brunch costs 2,490 baht per person. Visit peninsula.com/bangkok for more.
More toothsome delights this month at the St Regis Bangkok where guests are invited to indulge in the Chocolate Tastemakers afternoon tea designed by the hotel’s new executive pastry chef Anupong Nualchawee. Presented in an exquisite silver bird cage, a three-tiered stand contains a wonderful array of decadent savoury treats such as mushroom mille-feuille, chicken liver parfait éclair and tuna and veal baguette, while the star ingredient—chocolate, including single origin Madagascar—graces a number of sweet delights flavoured with candied ginger, mango and passionfruit, chocolate scones and white chocolate scones with macadamia. A selection of premium tea or coffee enhances the timeless afternoon tea experience. Available until the end of July, the tea is priced at 1,500++ baht per set for two persons. Call 0-2207-7777 for details.
Dean & Deluca has unveiled the third menu in its summer menu series. It offers an array of summer eats using seasonal ingredients. Light and refreshing dishes include a cooling watermelon spinach salad, a vibrant Spanish paella packed with the authentic flavours of Iberia, and a healthy Mediterranean style fish dish comprising cod with a tropical salsa that radiates sweet and sour flavours. For those with a sweet tooth a choice of two delicious cheesecakes awaits—velvet-like creamy blueberry blossom or luscious tangy raspberry mango. With three energising summer beverages also available to quench the thirst, a visit to Dean & Deluca is sure to beat the heat. Experience the new menu offerings at its Central Embassy, EmQuartier and The Crystal outlets from now until September 2.
At the recent 75th IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul, the Star Alliance airline partnership officially announced plans for THAI Smile Airways to become the next Connecting Partner in its global network. Star Alliance’s initiatives to broaden its reach and to complement its membership model have become increasingly focused on regional airlines, partnerships aviation analysts think could revolutionise carrier networks internationally.
The resulting commercial ties offer scope for relationships with other regional carriers. In addition, passengers travelling on an itinerary that includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner will be offered standard Alliance benefits. Those who have achieved Star Alliance Gold Status in their frequent flyer programme will have access to premium benefits. The Bangkok-based airline will add 11 new destinations to the Star Alliance network by 2020. Visit staralliance.com for more information.
Globally an estimated 600 billion paper cups are distributed annually, with Starbucks making up one per cent of that total thanks to its sustained efforts to stop using single-use paper and plastic. Since 2014 Starbucks has offered a reusable cup in Canada, the UK and the US and to celebrate Earth Day 2019 it has launched the same reusable vessel at stores across Thailand. Although almost identical to the paper cups of old, the new variety is made of polypropylene, specifically designed to be sturdier than paper and therefore longer lasting. The reusable cups will also earn customers a 10 baht discount per use, meaning a cup will pay for itself after just 15 uses. Starbucks continues to push for reusability whenever possible and aims to phase out plastic straws by 2020.
Occupying pride of place in the reception area of luxury boutique hotel 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Bangkok is a large artwork by Thai National Artist Panya Vijinthanasarn. Created to represent the three worlds of the karmic cycle, the piece signals that you have entered a hotel that takes art seriously. Which is why 137 Pillars Suites and Residences is offering an art-themed package that includes a two-night stay with benefits and private tours of the artworks that are on display as part of the hotel’s popular rotating art showcase. Curated by Panu Boonpipattanapong and featuring other works by Panya and many more contemporary artists, the art showcase is a great way for collectors to view new pieces and a good introduction to the world of art for the neophyte. Visit 137pillarsbangkok.com for more.
With its new global brand campaign celebrating its French roots, Sofitel is offering a modern spin on design, gastronomy, arts and culture, well-being and more besides. Sofitel invites modern luxury voyageurs to experience living the French way. Greeted on arrival in French by staff wearing uniform designed by Parisian-based fashion designer Léa Peckre, guests are welcomed with the wafting scent of Essence de Sofitel drifting through the lobby. One of the most extraordinary elements of the campaign is the Les Dîners Extraordinaires, reinforcing Sofitel’s French culinary heritage with a supremely luxurious touch. Celebrity Chef Yannick Alléno will create once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, presenting the best of modern French cuisine in spectacular, culturally rich settings all over the world including Thailand. Visit sofitel.com or accorhotels.group for more.
To celebrate 36 years of serving authentic Thai cuisine, Anantara Siam Bangkok’s Spice Market restaurant has unveiled an eye-catching line-up of gastronomic delights and new refurbishments. The updated look sees the addition of a new bar concept serving original cocktails and Thai wines flavour-matched to the cuisine, alongside an extensive list of premium spirits, beers and wines from around the globe. Award-winning chef Warinthorn Sumrithphon keeps the focus on classic Thai recipes from across the country, including home-made curry pastes from the kitchen of renowned local food connoisseur, ML Thor Kridakorn. Signature selections by chef Warinthorn include deep-fried roasted duck with chilli jam, crispy mackerel with simmered coconut milk, and green curry with braised beef. Set menus of stand-out dishes are also available. For reservations and more information, visit siam-bangkok.anantara.com or call 0-2126-8866 ext 1232
Experience an endless summer au soleil, a French expression for under the sun, at Le Méridien Bangkok from July until September 2019. Au Soleil by Le Méridien promotions include the Au Soleil Petit Plates, delicious savoury bites such as a cigar of wild salmon mousse with ginger accompanied by sparkling rosé wine. Priced at 1,000++ baht, the Au Soleil afternoon tea features Mediterranean-inspired rosé-themed tea time delicacies with home-made raspberry soda and pomegranate virgin mojito plus a selection of fine teas. Guests can even enjoy a 45-minute summer oil body massage. The tea set and spa combination starts at 1,900++ baht for two people. Last but not least, the Au Soleil Sunday brunch, priced at 1,700 baht net per person inclusive of free-flow soft drinks, also offers rosé wine packages. Call 0-2232-8888 for details.
The District Grill Room and Bar at Bangkok Marriott Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 57 is delighted to present a special rib menu running until July 31. Highlights guaranteed to gratify carnivores include a mouthwatering 120-day Australian black angus beef short rib served with tomatoes, olives, orange zest, red wine gravy and grilled sour bread; a dish of Spanish lamb rib churrasco with sage, roast garlic, lamb sauce and escargot butter; and succulent Kurobuta pork back ribs served with braised vegetables, Italian gremolata topping and grilled sour bread. Promotion prices from 900++ baht. For further information and reservations please call 0-2797-0000.
Akaryn hotel group, Thailand’s home-grown luxury boutique hotel specialist, is inviting guests to experience a deeply soothing sojourn on the pure shores of southern Thailand following the launch of its new Unlimited Wellness concept at Akyra Beach Club Phuket. From today, all stays at Akyra Beach Club Phuket will include at least one hour of body therapy at the resort’s Ayurah Spa, either in its tranquil treatment rooms or tropical beachfront cabanas. Alternatively, guests seeking a more active experience can take part in a CrossFit class, Thai boxing session or a series of exhilarating water sports such as surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding. Blissfully secluded yet still only 20 minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport, Akyra Beach Club Phuket is an idyllic haven of tranquillity for guests who want to restore their natural balance and inner calm. Visit theakyra.com/phuket for more information.
Set to accelerate the future of work in Thailand, co-working space specialist WeWork’s first official foray in Bangkok comes on the heels of expansion across Southeast Asia. WeWork’s first two locations, the Asia Centre Building and the T-One Building, echo the brand’s long-term commitment to the local market. At the Asia Centre location, WeWork provides a co-working space and a community for members ranging from global enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to start-ups and freelancers. WeWork Labs in the Asia Centre Building in Sathorn will occupy five floors, welcoming 1,200 members to its community, while the WeWork T-One facility in Thonglor will accommodate 1,700 members across seven floors. Each location also features a labs manager to provide support to its members. Visit wework.com for more information.
The Sukhumvit Gallery at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit presents an exhibition of rare photographs charting the history of Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok’s most storied thoroughfares. Visitors and guests can learn about the road’s construction through pictures and documents left by those who supervised the building of it down the years. All 45 images will be displayed for permanent viewing at the gallery on the hotel’s fourth floor. Why not combine two pleasures in one and finish a viewing of the exhibition with an opulent afternoon tea comprising 15 delectable treats and irresistible home-made desserts. The Sukhumvit Gallery is open daily between 11am – 10:30pm. For more information, contact 02-098-1234.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Banyan Tree Phuket Resort is proud to announce the opening of the renovated 454 sqm event venue, The Lagoon Deck. With floor to ceiling windows, it offers a 180-degree view over blue water and verdant gardens. Newly reimagined, the venue boasts contemporary Thai architecture that creates a delightful setting for every occasion. Sunset cocktails on the deck, an idyllic ceremony overlooking the lagoon or a formal meeting in a resort setting, the Lagoon Deck provides the ideal canvas for creative event planners to arrange magical soirées. The venue is also capable of hosting gatherings ranging from intimate board-of-directors retreats to large corporate incentive groups and lavish Indian weddings, accommodating up to 500 people for sit-down dinners and sophisticated events. Visit banyantree.com for more.
