Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
STUFF
New additions / Orient Star
Orient Star, the Japanese watch brand, has launched new additions. A 20th anniversary limited edition model from the Globally Popular Diver Design Series and new dial colours added to the popular semi skeleton in the Contemporary Collection.
Bespoke creations / Fendi
Perpetuating the celebration of its icons and daring creativity, Fendi takes personalisation to the next level by launching "Make Up Your Peekaboo", an in-store project, which highlights the maison’s savoir-faire and legacy in accessorising. Fendi offers the possibility to dress-up one’s iconic Peekaboo bag with a wide, high-end selection of accessories. Create a bespoke design, giving new life to your favourite Fendi bag or choose from the new Peekaboo bags: the iconic Fendi Selleria 1925 with its beautiful, soft and sensual Cuoio Romano naturally grained leather with signature hand-made macro-stitching and sterling silver plaque, to the artisanal Raffia Interlace animation of the season. With more than 200 possible combinations, Make Up Your Peekaboo includes a wide assortment of charms, Strap You straps and handles pairing the collection’s mood and palette in different styles and materials, to be mix-and-matched to bring uniqueness. Showcasing the fun side and the ability to create statement charms, a Pico version of the iconic Peekaboo bag along with the new Fendi Fortune Teller charm is also available. Available in selected Fendi boutiques worldwide and online.
New branch / Bottega Veneta
On the main level of Central Chidlom, the new Bottega Veneta occupies 53m2 space dedicated to shoes and an 82m2 space for handbags, small leather goods, jewellery and eyewear collection for women and men. The boutique is inspired by Italy’s Veneto region that reflects the brand’s core values of creativity and craftmanship. The new store joins five existing stores in Thailand – Central Embassy, Emporium, Iconsiam and Siam Paragon in Bangkok and Central Phuket Floresta in Phuket.
Earth Month offerings / Starbucks / Until April 28
To celebrate Earth Month, Starbucks is offering a Dream planet oatmilk cream frappuccino, inspired by the enchanting “Dream World” concept, combined with butterfly pea juice. It’s poured over Earl Grey jelly and crowned with green tea. Available at all Starbucks locations nationwide until April 28. Starbucks also ushers in the summer with an extensive array of new beverages with the highlight being Malty Delight Chocolate Frappuccino.
Atelier collection / Cos
London-based fashion brand Cos showcases its latest Atelier Collection, which embodies innovative tailoring techniques and intricate dressmaking skills with ruched seams and internal corsetry forming sculpted silhouettes. Drawing inspiration from the 90s, womenswear embraces elongated silhouettes; dramatic maxi-length skirts and an elegant fishtail dress with a structured hem take centre stage. Menswear echoes the fluidity of the womenswear collection, highlighting relaxed cuts through loose-fitting overcoats and refined silk shirts. Cos also introduces sunglasses to its Atelier offering for the first time alongside leather goods, unisex jewellery, broaches and belt clips. Cos' Atelier Collection launches in the EmQuartier store throughout the spring/summer season.
EAT
Thai fruits tea / Shangri-La Bangkok / Until June 30
Experience the unique taste and flavours of Thai fruits, re-imagined by executive pastry chef Alex Hekimov in this season’s afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats showcasing Thailand’s most sought-after fruits from refreshing zesty Mango choux to creamy Durian cheesecake roll. The “Best Of Thai Fruit’ Afternoon Tea is available at the Lobby Lounge until June 30. Visit the hotel’s website.
Four hands dinner / Biscotti Restaurant / April 26-27
Biscotti Restaurant at Anantara Siam Bangkok will host chef Giovanni Papi, head chef at Armani Ristorante in Dubai, and Biscotti chef Niccolo Ferrazzanito, who present a four-hands dinner. Diners can anticipate a six-course extravaganza featuring the finest Italian flavours expertly paired with exceptional wines. From tantalising appetisers to decadent desserts, each dish will showcase the culinary mastery and creativity of these two maestros. The dinners will be on April 26-27. Visit the hotel’s website.
Dinner buffet / The Peninsula Bangkok
The “New International Dinner Buffet” at The Peninsula Bangkok's River Cafe & Terrace offers live-cooking stations and a view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River. The buffet offers international and Asian dishes from chef de cuisine, Nick Gannaway. Signature dishes include the Salt-baked barramundi from the Andaman Sea, Whole smoked premium cuts of meat featuring Australian A4 Wagyu beef, Kurobuta pork belly and homegrown Kurobuta pork. Additionally, the Culinary Celebration Dinner Buffet will also include locally harvested bountiful salad bars, sushi and fresh seafood on ice, and an array of decadent desserts. Visit the hotel’s website.
Special dishes / Reap Factory / Until April 30
Reap Factory, the bright and inviting all-day restaurant at Courtyard By Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, is celebrating summertime with six special dishes. Until April 30, the “Harvest Kitchen” will offer Chilled soft tofu with tiger prawns, cucumber and fried shallots, with a spicy chilli paste dressing, and Summer salad rolls. A selection of three mouth-watering main courses include Spaghetti Puttanesca, Seared duck breast and Sea bass with sweet and sour tamarind sauce. Summer lime mousse ends the meal. Visit the hotel’s website.
Food offers / The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket
Experience a world of flavours without leaving paradise at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket. The "Four Regions Thai Buffet" on Mondays offers a taste of Thailand at Eest restaurant. The Mediterranean Buffet on Fridays offers Phuket's freshest seafood at Prego by the beach. The Beach BBQ on Saturdays offers sizzling seafront barbecue at the Westin Beach. The Thai Moo Kra Ta Dinner is upon request, while the interactive Moo Kra Tra dinner lets you grill meats and seafood while soaking up Andaman Sea views. Visit the hotel’s website.
First anniversary celebrations / Tambu / April 20-21
The Indian restaurant at Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery, is in a rooftop tent overlooking mountain forests and the Andaman Sea. Serving progressive Indian charcoal cuisine with smoky, earthy flavours cooked over glowing embers, Tambu’s concept draws inspiration from the lavish “tented palaces” of the Mughal emperors. The restaurant is celebrating its first anniversary with a collab with Bangkok’s Jhol on April 20-21. Visit the hotel’s website.
New menu / Rossini’s
Executive Sous Chef Giacomo Vinci has devised a new à la carte menu that blends the rich, centuries-old traditions of Italian cuisine with unique contemporary elements. Epicurean journeys commence with a choice of small bites, including Uni bruschetta, which derives from Sicily but blends Hokkaido uni (sea urchin) and Burrata on freshly-baked brioche bread. Trota, which is presented in a smoking glass dome and pairs succulent salmon trout with lemon powder and cucumber jelly. Meanwhile, Chef Giacomo’s signature appetisers include Wagyu carpaccio, which showcases imported Japanese wagyu ribeye beef, garnished with bread chips, capers, shallots, gherkins and his signature pink sauce. Grilled calamari, which carefully combines perfectly-cooked squid with green pea, ricotta cheese, fennel and orange – a vibrant burst of Mediterranean flavours. Visit the hotel’s website.
Garden Tea / Rosewood Bangkok / Until May 31
To mark Rosewood Bangkok’s fifth anniversary, executive chef Dustin Baxter is offering an afternoon tea experience inspired by an imaginary flower garden in collaboration with Tawn C., served at the Lakorn European Brasserie until May 31. “In Her Garden”, features floral-pattern boxes of delicacies designed by Tawn Chatchavalvong, Tawn C.’s eponymous award-winning fashion designer and television personality. The afternoon tea experience comes complete with a whimsical tea set design, bringing guests on a journey through three acts of a woman’s life. The Garden Afternoon Tea Trolley complements a three-act journey with enchanting sweets. Tawn will also showcase his fashion designs in the “In His Garden: A Tawn C. Retrospective” at Rosewood Gallery. Visit the hotel’s website.
Sunday brunch / Trisara
Trisara is jazzing up their Sunday brunch at Cielo, its al fresco Mediterranean venue. At the signature Sunday Jazz Brunch, delight in a tapas table, fresh seafood bar and an array of barbecued delights. Indulge in lobster, giant prawns and mouth watering dishes, all accompanied by the smooth tunes of a live jazz band against the stunning backdrop of the ocean. The Sunday spread not only promises live jazz and sustainable delights but also offers open spa and salon services for an immersive full-day gathering. Visit the resort’s website.
Khao chae / The Sala / Until May 31
The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit has launched a "Khao Chae promotion" at The Sala. Refreshing and fragrant, the dish showcases jasmine rice infused with chilled floral water and accompanied by a series of appetising accompaniments. The savoury selection features Deep-fried sweet shrimp paste balls, Deep-fried shallot stuffed with fish, Deep-fried green chili stuffed with minced pork, Shredded sweet pork and Stir-fried sweet pickled turnip. Available throughout April and May, the dish can be enjoyed on low Thai-style seating at The Sala, a classical open-sided wooden pavilion and surrounded by lush tropical greenery and overlooking the swimming pool. The Sala’s pop-up Tropical Fruit And Smoothie Bar will be serving coconut smoothies, banana smoothies, virgin colada mocktails in coconut shells and exotic tom kha cocktails, plus a selection of street food-inspired ice creams: Guava sherbet with salted plum, Watermelon sherbet with smokey fish and fried shallots, and Coconut ice cream with roasted peanuts and preserve pineapple, served in a coconut shell. Visit the hotel's website.
Culinary wellness Journey / Anantara Riverside / April 26
Anantara Riverside Resort Bangkok will host celebrity chef, author TV host and wellness advocate, Daniel Green for one night only on April 26. Renowned for his dedication to clean and nutritious cuisine, chef Green will curate a four-course menu that will tantalise taste buds while nourishing the body and soul. Dine at the iconic Trader Vic's, where chef Green began his journey to culinary stardom two decades ago. Chef Green’s wellness menu will be a permanent fixture at Mocha & Muffins, on the ground floor of Anantara Riverside Resort Hotel. Visit the hotel’s website.
JOIN
Chilli fest / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / April 27
expect fiery feasting, hot entertainment and a scorching chilli-eating competition at the“Chilli Fest”, which returns to Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok on April 27. This year’s event adds on a around-the-world, five-course dinner showcase of the cuisine of chef Ian Kittichai at Stock.Room. Spice-loving guests can ignite their taste buds with a journey around the world of flaming menus from Myanmar, India, China, South Korea, Pakistan, Mexico, Malaysia, Spain and, of course, Thailand. Talented chefs from upscale Bangkok restaurants serve up tastes and plates in a roving marketplace setting, and there will be plant-based options. The chilli-eating competition to vie for the grand prize. A portion of Chilli Fest proceeds will be donated to support the Sati Foundation, which improves healthcare and education for at-risk and underserved children and youth. Visit the hotel’s website.
Wedding showcase / Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok / April 27-28
“The Journey Of Love" wedding showcase will be held on April 27 -28 in the Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok’s ballroom. With an array of vendors and exclusive prizes available, there are sure to be winners among the couples who book and pay a deposit for their wedding at the event. Partnering with Happening Organize, a personal wedding stress-buster and renowned event organiser, the showcase will feature a curated selection of professional wedding suppliers, offering everything from breathtaking dresses to impeccable photography options and photo booths, along with stationery, invitations, and unforgettable souvenir ideas. Every aspect of your special day will be catered to with finesse and flair. Couples who book and pay a deposit will receive vouchers ranging from B10,000-B55,000 nett, which can be used to redeem a selection of privileges, including the use of a hotel location for pre-wedding photo shoots, a bring-in fee for food stations, a corkage charge, Champagne towers set up, and more. Visit the hotel’s website.
Samui summer jazz / InterContinental Koh Samui Resort / April 26
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort will host the “Jazz In The Air”, an evening of charitable dining experiences and performances, while raising funds for "Music In Schools" by SOS (Sisters on Samui) Foundation. The event welcomes the Skål International Koh Samui initiative, which features two internationally-acclaimed alto saxophonists, Alexander Beets and Tom van der Zaal. The two musicians will perform a programme of contemporary jazz mixed with Beet’s signature blend of swing and ballads, against the spectacular backdrop of the Air Bar for one night only. In addition, the resort is offering the "Jazz In The Air Stay Package", which includes a two-night stay with exclusive offerings. Visit the resort's website.
Pool party / Havana Social x So/ Bangkok / April 27
Havana Social is bringing back the "Tiki Pool Party" on April 27 at So/ Bangkok. Escape the sweltering heat of Bangkok's hottest month and dive into a day of pure tropical bliss as
Havana Social brings its iconic Cuban vibes poolside. Guests can expect an unforgettable experience filled with the sexiest Latin beats, refreshing cocktails, and non-stop dancing. Guests will enjoy an all-star line-up of DJs, including Pepe, Ploy and Henry Knowles, alongside the Silvia Brothers live band and Tiki dance shows, ensuring a vibrant soundtrack that keeps the party going all day long. Visit the hotel's website.
TRAVEL
New hotels / Meliá Hotels International
Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International is opening two new Thailand hotels, including the first Paradisus property in the region. The addition of Meliá Pattaya City and Paradisus Jomtien Resort enhances Meliá's presence in partnership with AWC, bringing the total number of hotels under their umbrella to six in Thailand. Meliá Pattaya City will start welcoming guests in December this year following a full renovation. It is the site of the former three-star, 234-room Grand Sole Pattaya. The new property will embrace its coastal location by expanding F&B seafood offerings with an all-day dining restaurant inspired by a local fisherman’s village, new bars and Mice spaces. A kids club, fitness facilities and a theatre will also be added. Paradisus Jomtien Resort will debut in 2028 and is a new-build. The 43-floor tower and 698 keys will feature 44 rooms, each with outdoor plunge pools, multiple restaurants, a gym and spa, convention centre and meeting rooms.
Farm to table experience / Rosewood Phuket x Little Bukitb Farm
Rosewood Phuket has launched a rustic culinary experience in collaboration with Little Bukit Farm, offering an organic farm-to-table journey in the midst of nature. Farm owner Melinda Briend-Marchal, alongside Rosewood Phuket’s executive chef Luca De Negri, will host the experience, which begins with a farm tour and sundowners. The seven-course dinner features produce from the farm, paired with ingredients from Partners In Provenance. Highlights include Eco aquaculture grouper carpaccio, citrus dressing pickled beetroot, mint); Spirulina tagliatelle, spinach salsa, green peas, almond; and Herbs chicken, corn and pumpkin. The evening concludes with a cheese platter made with milk from the farm’s goats, dessert and a herbal drink. The Rosewood Phuket and Little Bukit Farm dinners will be held monthly. A 48-hour advance reservation is required.
Summer flights / Thai Vietjet / Until April 20
Thai Vietjet launches the "Summer’s Mega Sale" promotion, offering special fares starting from zero baht (not inclusive of taxes and fees) for the entire domestic and international routes, available for booking until April 20 for the travel period from May 16 to Feb 28, 2025. This offer is not inclusive of public holidays and comes with terms and conditions applied. The participating routes are Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic flight network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani and cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as well as from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Vietnam, China, Fukuoka, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Taipei, and from Chiang Mai to Osaka.
