Best for Bangkok
Mauro Colagreco, the "World's Most Influential Chef", is set to unveil his first Thailand-based restaurant in the heart of the capital -- much to the delight of Bangkok's food scene. Chosen as the destination for Côte by Mauro Colagreco is 2020's most anticipated hotel opening, Capella Bangkok, a luxury hotel by the Chao Phraya River. The Italian-Argentinian chef became the first non-French chef to earn three Michelin stars in France at the turn of this year. His legendary haute-cuisine establishment, Mirazur, then went on to top the World's 50 Best Restaurants in June. Among the accolades bestowed on him by his peers are "World's Most Influential Chef" and "Best Chef In The World For 2020". At his Bangkok restaurant, contemporary reinterpretations of classic coastal French and Italian recipes will feature alongside some of the signature dishes served at the three-Michelin-starred Mirazur, allowing local residents and guests to discover some of the world's finest culinary creations on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Visit capellabangkok.com.
Owning New Year
The St. Regis Bangkok welcomes the most wonderful time of the year with a festive programme which offers a series of gastronomy-oriented experiences to bring people together in celebration of love and friendship. The new and exclusive "New Year's Eve In The Owner's Penthouse" provides a couple or group of up to four with the privilege of counting down to the new year on top of the world with an unparalleled one-night stay in The Owner's Penthouse. For the exclusive penthouse experience, guests will arrive in style in a luxury limousine before they are transported to the height of urban living, where a private champagne sabring marks the start of the festive evening. Then they will enjoy a private al fresco dinner under the stars presented by special guest chef David Hartwig, who has great experience in many Michelin-star restaurants in Switzerland and the US. Call 02-207-7777.
Seaside special
Pimalai Resort & Spa, an iconic and authentic five-star retreat on the pristine shores of Koh Lanta, is setting new culinary standards in southern Thailand after its signature seafront restaurant, Rak Talay, rose to the top of the rankings on TripAdvisor, the world's leading travel review site. With a five-out-of-five bubble rating, it is now the No.1 restaurant in Koh Lanta and the third best in Krabi province. Nestled on the beach overlooking Kantiang Bay and the Andaman Sea, Rak Talay is an exquisite dining destination where couples can enjoy romantic beachfront dinners, while families and groups can gather together for special occasions. A regular beachfront barbecue specialises in the most succulent seafood and expert Thai chefs use fresh, local organic ingredients to craft authentic southern Thai dishes. The restaurant was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2019. Call 02-320-5500.
Eco fashion
Natural, innovative fabrics are the major materials of the eco-friendly fashion brand Taktai, which has recently unveiled its first flagship store at Siam Center. Inspiring consumers to live a simple life with nature, the Thai brand, whose name translates as "greeting", turns bamboo fibres into fabrics, as woven by a friendly weaving community with a combination of local wisdom and innovation. Taktai has also developed fabrics made from other natural plant fibres. With consideration for the environment, the brand recycles fibres to create clothes in a sustainable manner, helping to reduce waste while also supporting local communities. Shoppers will love the fine craftsmanship and creativity in Taktai Handcraft products, the innovation of using bamboo fibres in modern fashion pieces in Taktai Original and, of course, the comfortable unisex pieces made from recycled fibres in Taktai Tee. The store is located on the first floor of Siam Center. Call 061-681-4664.
