Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Spanish adventures / Uno Mas / Every weekend
Immerse in the flavours of Spain with chef Roberto Gonzalez Alonso's “Weekend All-You-Can-Eat Lunch” at Uno Mas, Centara Grand at CentralWorld. This culinary expedition showcases the best of Spanish cuisine, from tapas bursting with bold flavours to perfectly simmered paella and robust mains. Indulge in unlimited appetisers, à la carte mains and delectable desserts. Begin with Octopus salad with orange and pomegranate, Salmon belly with miso and vegetables, and Crab tartare with avocado and caviar. Savour Tuna loin with tomato chutney, Crispy pork belly "torrezno" with paprika mashed potatoes, Beef cheeks in red wine stew with black trumpet mushroom puree, or Crispy chicken roll flamenquin with ham and tetilla cheese. Finish on a sweet note with creamy Basque cheesecake, traditional brazo gitano, crema Catalana, churros with chocolate sauce, and pantxineta. Visit the hotel’s website.
Menu change / Dine In The Dark
Dine In The Dark, the multi-sensory, thought-provoking and socially responsible dining experience, will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok with three new menus. New Western, Asian and vegetarian menus have been added to the experience, alongside the existing Surprise (East meets West fusion) options. Each of these four-course set dinners can be accompanied by a choice of beverages, including fine premium beverages and cool cocktails. By reversing the usual roles of society and letting the visually-impaired service team help their full-sighted guests, the evening offers a valuable insight into how the world is perceived by people without the power of sight. For every customer hosted at DID, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit will donate B50 to the Foundation For The Blind In Thailand, a non-profit organisation. Visit the hotel’s website.
After-work meet / Twenty & One Bar
Twenty & One Bar at Courtyard By Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, has launched the “Wine Down & Discover”, an enticing promotion that offers three organic fine wines paired with a selection of tapas. Ideal for long lunches, after-work relaxation or cosmopolitan evenings, sip a glass of Gruber Röschitz Grüner Veltliner, an elegant Austrian white, made using 100% Grüner Veltliner grapes to create a vivid color and taste with hints of spice and citrus fruit. This is followed by a glass of Marco Barba Barbolla Pét-Nat, a lively, naturally sparkling wine from the vineyards of Veneto, Italy, which is crafted using handpicked grapes and features natural flavors and delicate aromas. Finally, Matthieu Barret Coulet Petit Ours Brun is a full-bodied biodynamic red from the sun-kissed hills of France’s Rhône Valley and exudes the essence of dark fruits and earthy spices. These can be enjoyed with a rotating tapas menu that includes a cheese and charcuterie platter, Mornay oysters, Spanish gambas al ajillo and pizza margherita. Visit the hotels website.
New rooftop bar / Grey Goose x Akara Sky Hanuman
Akara Sky Hanuman by Grey Goose was recently launched on the rooftop of One City Center at Phloenchit. The immersive Thai rooftop bar is under the stewardship of Akara Hospitality. The ar Sky Dome's outfitted with the visual spectacle of a Hanuman sculpture. Akara Sky Hanuman’s promises a future where every visit is an adventure, a celebration of the finer things in life and a journey into the heart of Bangkok's vibrant spirit.
New menu / The Coffee Club
To welcome Thai summer, The Coffee Club has introduced a new menu called "Summer Faves". It includes Fish & double chips, Avocado & prawn salad, Overload prawns Croissant. In terms of drinks, there are mocktail Mojito crush frappé and Pavlova frappé. In tandem with menu enhancements, The Coffee Club also plans to open more locations. To keep customers coming back, The Coffee Club's loyalty programme offers an array of benefits via The Coffee Club Thailand app such as complimentary beverages with specific orders and double points during select periods.
JOIN
Wellness package / Spa InterContinental / From April 1 to June 30
Spa InterContinental, a haven for rejuvenation and wellness at InterContinental Bangkok, has introduced the "Sincere Summertime Wish Spa Package", designed to transport guests into a realm of unparalleled indulgence and serenity. Embark on a 150-minute transformative journey that pampers the senses and restores balance to the mind, body and spirit. The journey begins with a 30-minute white tea clay scrub and continues with a 75-minute oil massage. Cap off the experience with the 45-minute Gua Sha facial. The package is available from April 1 to June 30. Visit the hotel's website.
Unveiling serenity / Avani Sukhumvit / Until May 30
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel has introduced the Himalayan Salt Stone Bliss at AvaniSpa until May 30. The package features Himalayan salt crystal stones, renowned for their 84 minerals and trace elements. The stones are heated and placed on the back before therapists use organic massage oil to soothe and balance the body. The numerous benefits of this unique therapy include relaxation of tight and tense muscles, reduced inflammation, better sleep, a calmer mind and clearer skin. Visit the hotel's website.
Bar takeover / Aqua Bar / March 30
Aqua Bar at the Anantara Siam Bangkok will give up the reins for one-night-only to let Tuan Anh aka Lucci, beverage manager of The Haflington in Hanoi, takeover on March 30. The Haflington draws inspiration from the museums of Europe, infusing every cocktail with a rich narrative and cultural significance. Lucci is celebrated for his expertise in crafting libations that tell compelling stories and offer a unique sensory experience. Visit the hotel’s website.
Three cultures, one show / 333Gallery / April 5 to May 5
"Cross Encounter" is a cross-culture exhibition of art toys and paintings by artists from Thailand, Japan and South Korea. Curated by DDDArttoys, this group show features a total of 28 artists, who infuse these mediums with distinctive perspectives, weaving intricate narratives of shared heritage, folklore and contemporary life. Through more than 100 artworks and art toys, they defy the traditional definition of what's considered art.
TRAVEL
Due north / Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai / Until Oct 31
Immerse in the enchanting allure of northern Thailand with a four-night itinerary that blends the cultural richness of Chiang Mai with the culinary adventures of the Golden Triangle. Experience Chiang Mai, exploring Buddhist temples and savouring local delicacies, followed by a picturesque road trip to the Golden Triangle for an off-the-grid luxury glamping experience. The package includes spa treatments, gourmet dining and a curated Thai charcuterie experience. Valid until Oct 31, the package is a four-night stay, with two nights at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and two nights at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle and comes with one-way car transfer between resorts. The stay at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai includes daily breakfast for two guests and a 60-minute “Rose Of The North” spa session for two. The stay at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle includes all meals and beverages, including house wines and spirits, a “My Elephant & I” experience, a 60-minute spa treatment for two and a Thai charcuterie board paired with a signature cocktail. Visit the resort’s website.
Room promotion / Courtyard By Marriott Phuket Town
The hotel is offering the "Awaken To Dim Sum" package, which offers guests a daily dim sum breakfast for up to two people at Yue Restaurant & Bar. Diners can enjoy a morning or lunch with the restaurant's Dim Sum Buffet, which offers a selection of handcrafted Cantonese dim sum, dumplings and wontons, plus signature noodles, soups, rice and sweet treats. The package also includes a 10% discount on food & beverages for Marriott Bonvoy members. Visit the hotel’s website.
Luxury at sea / Oceania Cruises
Deck 9, a luxury cruise agency, recently unveiled the“Simply More” programme, an all-encompassing service offered by Oceania Cruises. This includes fine dining in various specialty restaurants aboard the ships, featuring an extensive selection of Champagnes, wines and beverages during meals. Additionally, cruisers receive shore excursion credit and complimentary Wi-Fi. Oceania Cruises features a fleet of seven medium and small-sized luxury cruise ships. In 2025, a new ship, Allura, will be added to the fleet. The ships under the Oceania Cruises umbrella are elegantly adorned, brimming with various amenities and diverse activities for relaxation with friends and family, including fitness facilities, spas, bars, casinos, and theatres. Visit the cruise's website.
Opening offer / Cosi Vientiane Nam Phu / Until April 30
For leisure time in Laos, you may want to consider the "Opening Escape" offer from the newly opened Cosi Vientiane Nam Phu, the fourth and latest Cosi property under Centara Hotels & Resorts. In addition to 30% off the regular rates, perks include US$3 daily food and drink credit, free Wi-Fi, triple CentaraThe1 points and an extra 15% discount for CentaraThe1 members. This offer is valid for stays until April 30.
Exclusive for Thai residents / Centara Grand Hotel Osaka / Until June 30
Japanophiles in Thailand may want to consider "Stay & Play: Centara x Universal Studios Japan Thai Resident's Offer". Besides special rates to stay at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, the offer also comes with daily breakfast for two, two one-day adult passes for Universal Studios Japan — where you can scream your heads off during daring rides and feel like a pixelated character at Super Nintendo World — and one-week free passes to experience bus tours, river cruises and gourmet walks in Kansai area. The hitch is that you'll have to be residents of Thailand to avail this offer, which can be booked till June 30.
Low low fares / Thai Vietjet / Until March 30
You have until tomorrow to take advantage of "Summer’s Early Bird Offers" from Thai Vietjet. With a starting price that sounds like Thai onomatopoeia for laughter, this offer applies to its entire domestic and international routes. Book by tomorrow with the travel period from May 1 to Oct 26. Fly domestically from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani or go to Vietnam, China, Fukuoka, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Taipei and Osaka (from Chiang Mai). Visit the airline's website.
STUFF
Summer collection / Lora Piana
For the Spring Summer 2024, Loro Piana has launched the Spagna Jacket, a wardrobe icon with a perfect expression of the maison’s savoir-faire and timeless style. Created in 1998 and originally inspired by Spanish officers’ uniforms in a more easy-going, balanced, contemporary version, as well as in a new women’s model. For women, along with the classic silhouette in a blend of virgin wool, linen and silk that explores new frontiers in tailoring, a leaner model, the mini Spagna in cashmere only double, is now available. For men, a practical and versatile version in CashDenim is available. Visit the brand’s website.
New single / Silvy
Thai-Italian pop artist Silvy is back with a new anthem for anyone who's ever felt like they're drowning in meaningless conversation. "Blah Blah" is a catchy, frustration-fuelled bop that explores the feeling of being utterly disconnected from those around you. The track is in Thai and English. The song is honest and hard hitting as Silvy's own brand of sound and is a pulsating dance track with a dark, driving beat. "This song is definitely a bit darker than anything I've released before but still consistent with my brand," says Silvy. "I think it's an important message. Sometimes we all need to be heard, and sometimes we all just need a break from the noise." Listen to the track on all the artist's channels.
New perfume / Guerlain x Cheval Blanc
Inspired by the Maisons Cheval Blanc, this luminous, comforting eau de parfum captures the unique soul of the Cheval Blanc destinations and the Guerlain spas that exalt them, elevating well-being to a way of life. Cheval Blanc by Guerlain is a musky woody eau de parfum suitable for all genders. It is a luminously comforting fragrance instilled with softness and lightness. Sleek and slender, the bottle reprises the iconic form of the “Square Bottle” from Guerlain’s L’Art & La Matière collection. It is available in four variations, each bottle bearing the name and emblematic colour of a Cheval Blanc Maison. The golden stopper is adorned with a plate and cord hand-tied by the Dames de Table of the Guerlain Ateliers, featuring the iconic shade of each Cheval Blanc Maison: signature taupe for Cheval Blanc Courchevel, blush pink for Cheval Blanc St-Barth, riviera blue for Cheval Blanc St-Tropez and sunny yellow for Cheval Blanc Randheli. All bottles in the Cheval Blanc Guerlain collection are available exclusively at the Cheval Blanc Spas by Guerlain.
Andiamo / Bottega Veneta
The Andiamo family from Bottega Veneta continues with a washed Bristol calfskin and canvas mix. First introduced for Summer 2023, the name Andiamo translates to “Let’s go” in Italian, embodying the spirit of the bag. A tribute to going places and Matthieu Blazy’s concept of craft in motion. The new model’s craft is connected to a carefully selected set of essential materials. While the leather has a natural look, it offers a firm structure. The canvas body is a durable, heavy-duty function, contrasting with the buttery leather. A brass metal knot adorns and fastens the bag’s braided straps, allowing Andiamo to be adjusted over the shoulder or across the body. Andiamo is available in small and large in natural/light wood (light brown and beige).
Doraemon collection / Casetify
Nurture your inner child with the latest collection from Casetify which brings Doraemon's Anywhere Door to life through a full range of tech accessories. Doraemon, the futuristic robot cat from the 22 century, is known for his many gadgets, which he brings from the future to help below-average Nobita in the present so his descendants could have a better future. Elements from "Doraemon" have been captured onto AirPods case and 3D silicone case in the shape of Anywhere Door. The collaboration will extend to accessories made for AirPods, Apple watch bands, iPad, MagSafe chargers, laptop cases, Snappy Ring Stand and the Snappy Cardholder Stand. Available in stores and online. To commemorate the release of this collection, Castify Studio at Emsphere will be showcasing a life-sized "Anywhere Door Phone Case" exceeding two meters in height and the Doraemon statue with different secret gadgets for obvious photo ops.
Price markdowns / Ikea / Until Aug 21
Ikea is known for affordable furniture that requires DIY assembly (and not shying away from product recalls due to safety concerns). The Swedish furniture brand doubles down on its affordability cred with the "More Value, Less Spend" campaign, which sees price reductions by an average of 25% on select items and an average of 20% off on food and beverage. This campaign aims to lighten the financial load on consumers amidst economic challenges. Ikea enthusiasts can snap up Songesand bedframes, Slatorp sofas and Vittsjo laptop desks (good luck trying to pronounce their names, btw) and more without thinning their wallets too much. The price markdown applies to items bought at stores and online.
