Located on the 29th floor of the Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, Maya offers a “dine in the sky” experience with a panoramic view of Bangkok. A new way of enjoying Indian food, Maya will be moving away from its fine dining roots to create a more casual vibe that no other Indian restaurant in the city currently has. It will be a place to socialise and spend time with family and friends, where they can enjoy the flavours of modern India presented with passion and unpretentious, friendly service.
The new menu reflects a change towards a fusion style of cuisine that includes both Western and traditional Indian flavours. The new direction also revolves around the bar offerings, with Maya’s mixologists blending a selection of new drinks such as cocktails infused with Indian spices. The bar will also present DJs who play both Bollywood and international music hits.
02-683-4888
2. An Artistic Tipple
Thailand Tatler Generation-T honouree Chotipong Leenutaphong’s Vesper cocktail bar has launched the East-meets-West cocktail series. Voted 27th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018, the third edition of its Art Book cocktail series will mark Vesper’s final menu inspired by the art world before it embarks on a new concept.
The creations by Foodie Collection group bar manager Supawit Muttarattana include new cocktails based on iconic works of art. Almost a year in the making, the result is 12 new creations. In this edition, the cocktails interpret contemporary pieces from the late 20th and early 21st century, including works by modern artists such as Will Cotton and Damien Hirst, as well as inspirations from the likes of Henri Matisse and artists from the Asian school such as Ai Weiwei and Anish Kapoor.
vesperbar.co, @vesperbkk, 0- 2235-2777
3. Life On The Tracks
The Eastern & Oriental Express launches a series of pop-up culinary collaborations for 2019 with acclaimed international chefs Janice Wong, Luke Mangan, Didier Corlou and Ian Kittichai. The chefs will work in partnership with the train’s executive chef, Yannis Martineau, to create food sensations as the famous carriages weave through Southeast Asia.
In February, Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong invites guests to join her in the world of edible art for a chocolate painting workshop during the three-night journey from Bangkok to Singapore. Come March, Australian chef Luke Mangan will accompany guests into local food markets for a culinary tour in Singapore before boarding the train for the journey to Bangkok. September will see French chef Didier Corlou serving up a four-hand dinner, afternoon tea and East-meets-West culinary workshop, while celebrity chef Ian Kittichai will host a signature dinner on the train in October.
belmond.com/eastern-and-oriental-express
4. Have Tasty Thai
Neo-siamese hotel akara bangkok gives easy access to the capital’s exciting attractions, as well as other Thai-inspired experiences with innovative touches. From artisanal-luxe inspired rooms to genuine Thai hospitality, the hotel proffers a fine selection of comfort and cultural experience to ensure that guests have a flavourful stay.
The venue encompasses 82 guest rooms and three distinctive dining outlets: signature restaurant Ross Kitchen serving up delightful fare and cocktails made with fresh ingredients, Fables Restaurant and Barracuda Rooftop Bar. Guests can also enjoy authentic Thai cooking and actively engage in the local culture at the Roschas Culinary School’s bespoke classes. Located on Sri Ayutthaya Road, the hotel is just under 150 metres from the Ratchaprarop airport link station and 850 metres from the Phayathai BTS station.
akarahotel.com
5. A Little Hotel History
Baan Vajra is a cosy, private luxury boutique hotel conveniently located on Silom Road. Belonging to the Vajrabhaya family, Baan Vajra was built in the 1930s and now consists of a four-storey classic home and two colonial wooden houses. Through a comprehensive renovation, fourth-generation owner Premmanat Vajrabhaya has tried to preserve the authentic beauty of the house while meeting all safety standards to ensure maximum comfort for guests. Baan Vajra offers 16 rooms split between Colonial and Classical. Other facilities include a dining room, a reading room and an outdoor jacuzzi.
fb.com/baanvajra
6. Fly High!
Bangkok Airways announces a new service linking Bangkok and Nha Trang, Vietnam. Starting from 25 January, the airline will offer four flights a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using a 144-seater Airbus A319. Outbound flight PG993 will depart Bangkok Suvarnabhumi at 10:20am and arrive at Cam Rahn (Nha Trang) International Airport at 12:05pm. Inbound flight PG994 will depart Nha Trang at 12:55pm and arrive in Bangkok at 2:40pm.
Aiming for businessmen and tourists from both Thailand and Vietnam, the flights will also be convenient for passengers who are travelling aboard Bangkok Airways code-share partner airlines from across the globe. Currently, Bangkok Airways is offering a special all-inclusive round-trip Bangkok-Nha Trang fare starting from 5,915 baht.
bangkokair.com
7. Luna Lovely
Banyan Tree Bangkok is proud to announce that its popular rooftop Moon Bar is again welcoming guests following the completion of extensive renovations, which include stunning new features and a dramatic re-positioning of the bar at the rooftop perch. Sharing the 61st-floor sky zone with Vertigo restaurant, the Moon Bar has undergone a complete design transformation.
The ground-up architectural modernising treatment includes a dramatic diamond-form bar as well as the Moon Walk—a glass bridge viewing point where couples can enjoy the breathtaking city vistas. Listed in the World’s Top 10 Rooftop Bars 2018 by Conde Nast Traveller, the Moon Bar’s new look is intended to appeal to Bangkok visitors as well as discerning locals and expats.
[email protected], 02-679 1200
8. Bask In Historical Flavours
Praya dining at Praya Palazzo has launched an exquisite culinary journey through time. The cuisine has been curated to showcase the history and culture of each Siamese era, from the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai to the Rattanakosin period. Guiding diners on a culinary trip through Thai history, each dish highlights how local cuisine has evolved through the ages.
The journey begins with the relish lon, which means to simmer in Thai. Prominent during the Sukhothai era, it is served with fresh vegetables; variations include salty mackerel relish and crab relish. The culinary journey continues to the Ayutthaya period, when new cooking techniques such as stir-frying and deep-frying emerged. This is reflected in dishes such as goong sarong, nam prik kapi and massaman beef curry. The meal ends with dishes from the Rattanakosin period, the current era, which gave birth to Thailand’s world-famous noodle dish, phad thai.
prayapalazzo.com, 02-883-2998
9. French Elementary Cuisine
The talented culinary team at Michelin-starred Elements restaurant at The Okura Prestige Bangkok has recently launched a new tasting menu. Inspired by the famous two-star Michelin restaurant Ciel Bleu at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Elements has developed a reputation for serving finely prepared gourmet French cuisine with seasonal Japanese influences. There are three tasting options to choose from offering between five to seven courses. Each starts with four amuse bouche and highlights include seasonal treats such as Taraba crab with Japanese rice, Kurobuta pork belly with langoustine and much more. Guests can also add a 75gm Japanese wagyu beef sirloin (A4) cooked to perfection.
The new tasting menus are available at Elements, priced at 3,600 baht for five-courses, 4,000 baht for six-courses and 4,400 baht for seven-courses. The Japanese wagyu beef sirloin (A4) is priced at 1,300 baht.
[email protected], 02-687-9000
10. A Beach Bonanza
Zuma returns to Anantara Layan, treating Phuket to award-winning contemporary Japanese cuisine. Transforming Sala Layan into a beachfront festival not to be missed, Zuma’s pop-up will run until February 15. With eleven locations in major culinary capitals such as New York, London and Hong Kong, Zuma elevates izakaya dining with the finest ingredients.
An informal dining style in which small dishes can be shared, it creates a casual and fun experience in which diners can enjoy multiple dishes. Delights include spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and sweet soy sauce, thin-sliced sea bass with yuzu truffle oil and salmon roe and much more. Whether from the main kitchen or sushi counter, these modern takes on traditional Japanese flavours are sure to please while DJs spin mellow tunes in a breezy beachfront atmosphere.
07-631-7200
11. Culture Club
Legendary hotel the sukhothai bangkok ushers in a new chapter in its illustrious history with the opening of the recently completed Club Wing. The wing is the first phase of an expansive multi-phase restoration of the iconic hotel. It encompasses 33 brand-new rooms and suites with in-room conveniences including Harman Kardon sound systems, Bottega Veneta amenities and a pillow menu.
The Club Lounge located on the sixth floor offers the ultimate in exclusivity with impressive views of the swimming pool. Additionally, it also offers a private meeting room for up to six people. Guests can now enjoy the new high-tech fitness centre in the basement or take a dip in the infinity-edged outdoor pool. Meanwhile, foodies will delight in the multi-award-winning La Scala Italian restaurant.
sukhothai.com
12. Junior Joys
Santiburi Koh Samui has enhanced its family facilities with the launch of Panya & Yim’s Junior Camp. Named after its two mascots, the 250-square-metre space offers a choice of different indoor and outdoor activity areas. Children can relax on comfy floor cushions and play at low tables in the traditional Thai style with a range of indoor activities such as drawing, painting and local handicrafts.
Youngsters with plenty of energy can keep active with a wide range of sports and games, including an indoor basketball hoop, an outdoor playground with slide and much more. Children can also show off their theatrical skills with a karaoke stage and Thai dance performance. Arts and crafts classes are hosted weekly, including batik painting and cooking classes. For older children, a PlayStation Room offers a selection of age-appropriate PS4 games and children’s movies.
santiburisamui.com
13. The Reel Deal
Prince Theatre Heritage Stay, located in the heart of the creative district of Bangrak, is the perfect venue in which to celebrate the advent of a new year. Until March, the legendary 100-year-old cinema-turned-boutique-hotel is offering a party package for a minimum of 20 persons at 600 baht per person. The package is inclusive of a bespoke five-course buffet featuring street food savouries made from Bangrak recipes passed down through generations. The selection includes signatures dishes from famous local restaurants such as Sanyod, Prachak and Sri Nuan. The beverages are served at the hotel’s Box Office Bar, which used to be the cinema’s original ticket counter. The package also includes basic decorations, sound system and usage of the giant movie screen.
02-090-2858
14. Room With A View
DusitD2 Ao Nang, Krabi is celebrating its opening with a special offer starting from just 2,220++ baht per night. Located in downtown Ao Nang on a leafy hillside a short walk from the beach, DusitD2 Ao Nang, Krabi has 173 guest rooms and suites with a choice of sea, mountain or pool views. The resort features an all-day-dining restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool with a separate children’s pool and a spa.
Applicable for bookings from now until March 31, the offer is valid for stays until April 15, 2019 and includes 40 per cent off best available rates, as well as complimentary breakfast and more. Members of Dusit Hotels & Resorts’ guest loyalty programme, Dusit Gold, will also receive an additional 10 per cent discount. Bookings made before January 15 for a minimum stay of three consecutive nights will qualify for a complimentary room upgrade.
dusit.com/dusitd2/krabi
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