Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
STUFF
Fendi Casa / Motif Thailand
Motif Thailand has become the official and sole distributor of Fendi Casa in Thailand after the home furnishing brand of Fendi returned to be under the umbrella of LVMH. Last year, Motif repositioned its brand from imported luxury furniture to luxury lifestyle brands to cover wider customer groups. The new Fendi Casa series reflects the brand's unique DNA through the FF logo, curves of Karligraphy, Pequin (signature straight line), and exquisite tailoring of Silvia Venturini. See the craftsmanship of Fendi Casa at Motfi on the fourth floor of Central Embassy.
Blancpain Pop-up / Central Embassy / Until Nov 28
This is for the 1%. The Swiss luxury watchmaker just opened its first pop-up store in Thailand on the Level G of Central Embassy. Under the theme of "There Is Eternity In Every Blancpain", it puts the spotlight on four key collections, each with luxurious and spellbinding designs. They are "Villeret", "Fifty Fathoms", "Air Command" and "Ladybird", which respectively represent earth, water, air and fire. It also marks the first time that Blancpain watches are being sold directly by the brand itself. It opens from 11am-7.30pm. Call 02-245-9602.
New branches / Oakley
Oakley, a leading brand in product design, innovation, and sports technology, has partnered with Rev Edition to expand its presence in Bangkok by opening three concept stores. The first opened recently at CentralWorld, while Iconsiam and The Emporium outposts will soon follow. Oakley has also rolled out its global lifestyle campaign, "More Than Meets The Eye", featuring two sunglass collections, the BXTR and HSTN, both born from the minds of Oakley designers and friends of the brand, who developed styles that land at the intersection of sport and culture.
Sunglass library / Oetker Collection
Oetker Collection hotels, including Le Bristol Paris, Jumby Bay Island and Hotel La Palma in Capri, have joined hands with Persol, the sunglasses brand. Six select styles have been curated for each property by Persol, with the hotel’s team members offering guests to pick their preferred pair from a bespoke caddy, which also contains polish and cloths to clean guests’ sunglasses. Visit persol.com.
JOIN
The Observer Is The Observed by Pichet Klunchun / 31st Century Museum Of Contemporary Spirit / Until Oct 31
Kamin Lertchaiprasert's fourth exhibition "The Observer Is The Observed" in the Self Enquiry project is in collaboration with ATTA Gallery. The highlight is the namesake VDO installation of a live performance by contemporary Thai dancer and choreographer Pichet Klunchun and Kamin Lertchaiprasert, along with Kamin's previous works from "Kor Aoey Kor Kai"' (1991) and "No Past, No Present, No Future" (2015). The exhibition conveys and questions the boundaries of identity, through deconstructing the meaning of contemporary Thai art and culture, as well as, the meaning of identity. The opening will take place on Aug 26 at 2pm with a talk in Thai titled "Aesthetics Beyond Identity". Bangkok Art Biennale's Artistic director and chief executive, Apinan Poshyananda and Pichet will be speaking, moderated by Kamin. The 31st Century Museum Of Contemporary Spirit is in Soi Wat-Umong, Chiang Mai. It opens from Saturday to Tuesday from 1-5pm.
Look Through The Lens / Public House / Aug 19 to Sept 15
To commemorate International Photographer's Day on Aug 19, Public House is co-organising a two-part exhibition titled "Look Through The Lens" in collaboration with Crumpler. The first half runs from Aug 19 to Sept 1 and features Kanrapee's works while the second half showcases imaginative works by Artyt Lekdrakmongkol from Sept 2-15. The opening reception is on Aug 19 at 6pm for the first half and the second half's opening night is on Sept 2. Public House is on Sukhumvit 31. Free admission.
STAY
The AirAsia Big Sale / AirAsia / Until Aug 27
The AirAsia Big Sale returns to offer flights from B0 for a one-way trip (terms and conditions apply) along with up to 50% discount for 30kg of checked baggage. The sale applies to domestic flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Buri Ram, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Surat Thani and Phuket. It also applies to international flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mandalay, Chongqing, Kunming, Chengdu and from Chiang Mai to Da Nang, Hanoi, Macao and Chang Sha. Thai AirAsia X flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Sydney, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo and Shanghai start at B2,130 per one-way trip and B11,249 THB per trip for Premium Flat Bed seats. The catch is that these promotional seats are limited to 60,000 and ticket prices exclude airport tax, fuel surcharge, auxiliary services and other fees. Book a flight until Aug 27 for travel from Feb 19, 2024 to Jan 19, 2025 via the AirAsia Superapp only.
International Dog Day celebration / The Standard, Hua Hin / Until Aug 31
The Standard, Hua Hin is giving pawrents privileges throughout this month in celebration of International Dog Day on Aug 26. Show off your fur baby on social media for a chance to win a one-night's stay in a Canopy Villa for two, a 60-minute treatment at The Spa, or B1,000 redeemable at the hotel's restaurants. To be eligible for "Post Your Pup" competition, snaps taken at any of The Standard hotels must be tagged with #dogsofthestandard and @thestandardhuahin, and make sure to make the shoot anything but standard. Winners will be announced on Sept 4. Pups staying with their parents until Aug 31 will get to enjoy exclusive doggo delights. Dog lovers also get a limited-edition isothermal bag when purchasing eight ice cream cups to keep those treats cool or spoil your pooches with fun little gifts from The Shop. On Aug 26, Lido Rooftop will host "Paws & Poses" dog and human yoga from 10.30-11.30am for B400 per session. From 11.30am-5.30pm, immortalise those puppy eyes with a portrait by local artists at Lido for B400. The resort will donate 50% of your ticket fee to Resue P.A.W.S Thailand, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of stray dogs. From 5.30-6pm, hoomans can learn massage techniques for their doggos for free 'cause belly rubs aren't enough for their best friends. The popular "Puppy Love" stay package is available year-round with in-room amenities such as a pet bed, blanket, water bowl and dog ice cream. A dog fee of B1,500 per night applies. Visit standardhotels.com.
Sabai Sabai / Siri Sala
Follow in the footsteps of Netflix’s “King The Land”, book the “Sabai-Sabai: Pool Experience Package” at Bangkok’s private riverside villa, Siri Sala. The package caters to a group of up to 10 people and includes drinks, a Thai lunch and the use of the swimming pool (set up with floaties like in the series). The package is valid from 11am-3pm until Sept 30 and is priced at B50,000++ per package. The “Sabai-Sabai: Villa Stay Package” offers arrival to the villa via boat, a private guide for a visit to Wat Arun, a VIP tuk-tuk night ride to Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanada, reservations for the Vietnamese noodle shop Khun Daeng, overnight accommodations at the bedrooms used for filming the series, a Thai welcome dinner and breakfast, a swimming pool experience and an exclusive gift. Check-in is 3pm and check out is noon, the package is valid till Sept 30 and is for up to 12 people (six bedrooms). It is priced at B150,000++ per package. Line: @sirisala.official or email Email sawasdee@sirisala.com.
Swiss bliss / Longevity Hub By Clinique La Prairie Thailand / Until Aug 31
The Longevity Hub By Clinique La Prairie Thailand in collaboration with Igniv at The St. Regis Bangkok is hosting a wellness and gastronomy journey with the exclusive “Swiss Bliss” offer. Valid until the end of August, the experience promises a luxurious and rejuvenating escape, combining a pampering session at the Longevity Hub Thailand with a handcrafted fine dining menu from Michelin-starred Igniv Bangkok. The “Swiss Bliss” offer includes a 50-minute signature massage, a 30-minute “Express Perfect Purifying Protection Facial”, a Longevity Index Assessment, access to the relaxation area and food and beverages from Igniv valued at B6,000. The package is priced at B9,900. Call 02-207-7779, email info@cliniquelaprairiebangkok.com or visit mhg.to/482gp.
Wellness journey / VLCC Wellness, Hua Hin
VLCC Wellness has introduced three innovative treatments that will revolutionise your skincare routine and body contouring goals. The Rejuran Healer is Korea's best-selling regenerative treatment and enhances skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a youthful glow. Priced at B11,999 per session. Achieve glass skin with Meso L’ebss, priced at B5,999 per session, hydrates the skin. The “Diamond Fat Buster” targets weight loss with a skin-firming injection. Priced at B5,000 per vial, it is customised to address specific concerns. Call 032-898-989 or visit Vlcc.vhhv@avanihotels.com.
EAT
Sake Dress / Ki Izakaya, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok / Aug 18
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok will host a Sake Dress dinner at Ki Izakaya on Aug 18, where Sho Mori, founder of Sake Dress, will introduce his brewing experience. Cherish the glamour of crafted Sake Dress’ Junmai Daiginjo from a legendary brewery in Akita prefecture, paring with a favourite dish tailored by chef Hiroyuki Yokoyama. The dinner is priced at B5,500++ per person and is at 7pm. Call 02-095-9999 or email fb.sindhorn@kempinski.com.
Culinary voyage / Dynasty Restaurant
Prepare to go on a culinary adventure at Dynasty Restaurant, Centara Grand at CentralWorld with the signature dim sum buffet. Available daily from noon to 8pm, traditional Cantonese dim sum meets inventive Chinese flavours. At B988 nett, indulge in steamed shrimp dumplings in Beijing sauce, succulent steamed blue crab claws and flavourful steamed crab meat with aromatic shimeji mushrooms. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
Two-night collab / Côte By Mauro Colagreco / Aug 25-26
For two nights only, Capella Bangkok’s Côte By Mauro Colagreco will play host to a collaboration between chef de cuisine Davide Garavaglia and chef Syrco Bakker from the Netherlands. Bakker will soon open Syrco Base in Ubud, Bali, where he will share the flavours of his childhood in a celebration of his Dutch-Indonesian heritage. The dinner, on Aug 25-26, is priced at B8,900++ per person. Call 02-098-3818, email cote.bangkok@capellahotels.com or visit cotebkk.com.
New kaiseki menu / Namu Restaurant, W Koh Samui
Namu Restaurant at W Koh Samui has launched a new kaiseki menu with the produce sourced from Japan and Thailand. Head chef Takayasu Ono creates a fusion that entices the senses and celebrates the beauty of two rich cultures colliding. Priced at B4,900++, Namu’s kaiseki set includes a welcome drink, an eight-course menu and a bottle of sake. Call 077-915-999 or email bf.wkohsamui@whotels.com.
Heritage pairing night / Sirimahannop / Aug 24
Sirimahannop, the reimagined ship and dining destination on the Chao Phraya River, will host a five-course dinner on Aug 24, paired with premium Chilean wines. The “Heritage Pairing Night” wine dinner will mark a collab between Sirimahannop, Concha y Toro, the acclaimed Chilean winemaker, and Independent Wine & Spirit (Thailand), beverage importer and distributor. The dinner includes a selection of tea and coffee and is priced at B3,200++ per person. Visit sevn.ly/xT4zyK70.
Brasserie Astoria / Singapore
The Frantzén Group has launched Brasserie Astoria, a distinctly international twist on the traditional brasserie experience set in the grandeur of the Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore. It houses 100 seats, a private dining room for 10 and a bar and lounge that seats 22 people. The more casual Singapore outpost is Brasserie Astoria’s first outside of Sweden and mirrors the Stockholm flagship. It is set to bring back the spirit of grand dining halls with flambe trolleys, tableside service and chef Bjorn Frantzén’s unique spin on classic brasserie fare. Diners can expect an extensive à la carte menu from head chef and Zén alum Emil Cecil Ess. Dishes include Råraka, the Swedish answer to rösti, featuring crisp Agria potatoes topped with vendace roe and Toast Astoria, a nod to traditional Swedish Toast Skagen with mounds of Baltic prawns and Norwegian king crab dressed with wasabi aioli and served atop crisp sourdough. Brasserie Astoria will also offer an extensive wine list and unique cocktail menu featuring Nordic focus and Asian influences. Visit brasserieastoria.sg.
Friends of Mia / Mia / Aug 23-24
The "Friends Of Mia — Next Gen Series!” has returned with Skai. Mia chefs Pocharn “Top” Russell and Michelle Goh will collaborate with Skai chef Seumas Smith for an eight-course tasting menu. The dinner is priced at B8,950 baht ++ per person with a wine pairing for B5,850++ . Call 098-862-9659 or reservation@miarestaurantbkk.com.
Exquisite mooncakes / Yu Ting Yuan, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River / Until Sept 29
Limited-edition mooncakes, crafted by new chef Tommy Cheung from Yu Ting Yuan at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, come encased in a collector's box, adorned with a golden outline of the Chao Phraya River and an iconic piece of art from the hotel. The mooncakes weight 140g each and are priced at B2,388 nett for a box of four. Smaller mooncakes, weighting 70g, come in a box of eight and are priced at B1,188 nett. The “snow skin” mooncakes, weighing 70g each are priced at B1,388 nett per box of eight. Pre-orders are now open, with collection available at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok from Sept 1-29. Visit FSBangkokAtHome.com.
