Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Seafood traditions / The St. Regis Bangkok / Jan 30-31
The St. Regis Bangkok, in partnership with the Cadoret family, known as skillful oyster farmers, will host a taste of Brittany’s maritime heritage with an exclusive oyster promotion. The Cadoret family will present their premium oysters from the Belon River in France, through the exquisite flavours at Viu and The St. Regis Bar on Jan 30-31. With a rich history of over five generations since 1880, Cadoret blends traditional techniques with innovation and are known for their unique cultivation at the confluence of the fresh waters of the Belon River and the salty Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy three Cadoret oyster varieties: La Belon, known for its sweet, crunchy, and nutty taste; La Fine, offering a salty taste from the bay of Carantec; and La Lune, cultivated using the lunar cycle inspired by the harmony of nature. The cold selection includes Cadoret Fine ceviche with lime and prosecco air; Cadoret La Lune tartare with white wine and saffron foam, garnished with gold; and Cadoret Belon bloody Mary made with tomato juice, Tabasco and vodka jelly. The rich flavours of Brittany’s waters are also brought to life in hot dishes like Cadoret Fine tempura, deep-fried with apple purée, puffed rice and served with yuzu wasabi vinaigrette; Cadoret La Lune baked with mushroom duxelles, Champagne sabayon and caviar; and Cadoret Belon cage-free eggs, accompanied by sweet and sour chilli sauce and fresh herbs. A selection of premium beverage pairing will be available, including Bollinger Champagne Special Cuvée Brut, Follador Prosecco and a range of single malt whiskies. Visit the hotel website.
Caffine upgrade / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok x Karo Coffee
Craft and Stock.Room at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok have taken coffee love to the next level by partnering with Karo, provider of Thai specialty artisanal coffees from beans grown by farmers in Nan province. The exclusive blends align with the hotel’s mission to work closely with local partners to support local communities and environmental sustainability. The trio of Karo handpicked blends available at Craft and Stock.Room include: Crafty Premium Blend, made with 40% Thai Robusta and 60% Thai Arabica with notes of clementine, black cherry, nutmeg and honey. The Kimpton Blend is a Thai Robusta medium roast, showcasing notes of peach, olive, caramel and cacao nibs. The Stock.Room Blend is a dark roast Thai Robusta with undertones of liquorice, cola, toffee and brown sugar.
Afternoon tea / Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit / Until Jan 31
The “Tree Of Life Afternoon Tea Series” at The Living Room, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, reciprocates the aura with artisanal pastries. Much like the changing seasons, the tea offers Jammon beurre sandwich and Roasted vegetable pinwheel, freshly-baked scones and a sweet finale featuring treats like honey-lemon panna-cotta, hazelnut chocolate tart and more. The tea is served Monday to Friday, while on Saturday it becomes the Jazz Afternoon Tea. Visit the hotel website.
Swiss Sunday brunch / Igniv Bangkok / Jan 28
Cheers to a fresh start with celebrations of food and friends over Igniv Bangkok’s monthly Swiss Sunday Brunch, inspired by the winter menu. Expect a casual but refined interpretation of the unique Sunday Brunch with classic Swiss dishes in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, on Jan 28. The menu, presented in a playful way, showcases a mix of modern and classic Swiss dishes, including different breads, appetisers and classic egg dishes, which guests may choose from a large selection of savoury and sweet items. Highlighted ingredients such as eggs, trout, sea bream, fresh vegetables and herbs are locally sourced at their prime. Diners can enjoy a variety of beverages, including an extended wine-by-the-glass selection and a special cocktail menu, as well as a beverage package with free-flowing cocktails. Igniv’s Sunday Brunch journey will continue on Feb 25.
Seasonal cheese / Scarlett Bangkok / Until Feb 29
Scarlett Bangkok at the Pullman G on Silom has launched the “J’Adore Mont D’Or” for its bi-monthly promotion. The season’s finest cheese beloved by King Louis XV of France, Mont D'or or Vacherin du Haut-Doubs, originates from the Jura region of France and has long been celebrated for its velvety texture and distinct, rich flavours. The cheese, available seasonally until April, is characterised by its creamy consistency, can be found in appetisers and main courses. Scarlett Bangkok is serving Mont D’Or in six dreamy ways until Feb 29.
Porkhestra buffet / Ventisi
Ventisi Restaurant at Centara Grand at CentralWorld introduces the “Porkhestra Buffet”, and all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, available on Thursdays, to celebrate pork in all its varied and delicious forms. Executive chef Andrea Montella has crafted a buffet extravaganza that showcases the finest Italian and Thai pork dishes with various live cooking stations. The “Porkhestra Buffet” offers a journey through the world of pork, featuring an extensive selection of international and local specialities. Highlights include Grilled pork neck with naam jim jaew, Pork gyros, Crispy pork knuckle, italian pork meatballs, Porchetta, Casareccie with sausage and mushrooms and many more. In addition to the pork feast, guests can savour a variety of buffet favourites, including fresh seafood on ice, appetisers, salads, homemade bread, soups, and meat and fish main dishes. The buffet also offers an array of Thai and Italian classics alongside a selection of cheeses, desserts, pastries and indulgent ice creams. Visit the hotel website.
JOIN
Crew night / Lost & Found / Jan 27
Lost & Found is bringing back “Cabin Crew Night” on Jan 27 for a heady dose of the radical and surreal. Promising to be as sultry and original as ever, the event will see a DJ spinning the hottest hip-hop jams and resident queens misbehaving on stage in full crew uniform. Guests are encouraged to dress up as flight attendants and pilots to experience the night’s theatrical experience to the max, while enjoying gourmet bites and smart cocktails. Doors open at 7pm and entry is free. Lost & Found is at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel.
Blissful retreat / Quan Spa / Until Feb 29
Ease your way gently into 2024 with a “Blissful Retreat” at Quan Spa, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. Four special therapies are available throughout January and February. They are the Active Massage, the Antioxidant Facial with Anti-Wrinkle Eye Care, the Acupressure + Compress and the Office Syndrome. The “Blissful Retreat” promotion is available daily. Visit the hotel website.
Panel event / Innside By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit / Jan 31
Bangkok Travel Massive, a community of tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and travel enthusiasts, will host the "AI in Hospitality 2024 — Disruption or Definition?" on Ja 31 at the Innside By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit. The three-hour event, which is open to the public and free to attend, is poised to ignite discussion and debate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and the travel industry. Guest speakers include Aarron Nelson, general manager at Innside By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, Siriporn Trachoo, founder of The Viva Solution, Johnny Lam, CEO at XXIST and managing partner at Blackbird.AI, and Pierre-Yves Lefebvre, cofounder of Avalon Analytics, will share insights into conventional and unconventional AI apps. After a panel discussion and Q&A, attendees can enjoy the “Hospitality Happy Hour And Networking” event at the rooftop Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar.
Bar takeover / Aqua Bar / Jan 31
Gear up for a Vender ‘bender’ at Aqua Bar, a guest bartender shift presented by Darren Lim, co-owners of Vender, the Taichung drinking den that is No. 41 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list 2023. With this daring duo’s original concept and imaginative elixirs showcasing Southeast Asian aromatics, guests can expect an explosion of flavours to savour on Jan 31 at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. Inspired by the blend of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian cuisines, The Botanist gin-based Nyonya Curry gets its fragrant and spicy note from curry leaves, while kaffir lime juice and a dash of jalapeno bitters add a subtle heat and complexity. The elegant Kaya Toast brings divergent flavours of Remy Martin V.S.O.P, coconut, pandan, hazelnut, milk wash and Champagne to perfect balance. Also on the menu is the pink-hued Bandung — complex layers of The Botanist gin and homemade rose syrup expertly mixed with the floral and fruity notes of strawberry, jasmine and Earl Grey tea. Equally exquisite is the delicious Vender Sling with Remy Martin V.S.O.P, the smokiness of peated umeshu balanced with port wine and fresh pineapple juice. The guest bartender shift with Vender will take place at Aqua Bar, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, on Jan 31 from 7-11pm.
Ordinary kids / Moca Bangkok / Until Feb 4
Fai-Fah, a foundation by ttb bank, has joined forces with Musuem Of Contemporary Art (Moca) Bangkok in hosting an exhibition featuring 50 artworks created by 30 young artists from Fai-Fah. With the theme of "Ordinary Kids...are Beautiful", an art room at Fai-Fah has been transformed into a gallery. The exhibition is divided into five zones, showcasing how these young artists see the world around them and the use of multimedia to enchance your viewing experience. It's on show on the fifth floor of Moca Bangkok on Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road. Free admission. Please note that other exhibitions may come with entry fees.
In Front Of The Camera – In The Process Of Looking / Seacon Square Srinakarin / Jan 27 to Apr 21
In his solo exhibition, Kornkrit Jianpinidnan investigates the essence of the reality of photos from objects appearing in front of the camera and the process of making that object appear pre and post production. Kornkrit takes us into the reverie of time that emerges in his photographs, creating dialogues that connect and knit as if a stream flows endlessly. On display at MUNx2 on the third floor of Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road.
Reveal Of Neverland / Seacon Square Srinakarin / Jan 27 to Apr 21
Through the lens of artificial intelligence utilised by Kullathida Krajangkul , we embark on a dual tale — the harsh reality of global warming and the timeless fantasy of Neverland. On one side, visitors face images conveying the world's urgent pleas as AI algorithms craft visuals that capture the stark truth and stories of decay and compelling them to face the music. On the other side, step into Neverland, untouched by the ramifications of global warming. Visualised through AI's creative lens, envision sacred urban landscapes where nature thrives. The contrasting narrative unfolds as AI weaves the stories of global warming and Neverland, pushing the boundaries of reality and imagination. Through creativity and innovation, we are reminded that we have the power to reshape our world for the better. On display at MUNx2 on the third floor of Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road.
TRAVEL
New voyages / Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises has announced that its 1,250-guest ship, Riviera, will explore the continents of Africa and Asia at the end of 2024 and into 2025 with three new itineraries. The jewel is the 59-day Grand Voyage, which offers guests the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path ports across both continents. Riviera will sail from Barcelona, call at the Canary Islands, before heading down the western coast of Africa with days at sea punctuating enticing ports in Senegal, Gambia, Ghana and an overnight stay in Walvis Bay, Namibia. At the journey’s most southern point, travellers will enjoy an overnight stay in Cape Town before heading up the eastern coast via Madagascar, for an overnight call in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and then across to the Seychelles, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, before the journey culminates in an overnight in Singapore. Riviera will explore Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Walvis Bay and Dar Es Salaam, while also stopping in the iconic Asian ports of Phuket, Penang, Colombo and Malé. Visit Oceania Cruises website.
Thai International Travel Fair 2024 / Queen Sirikit National Convention Center / Jan 25-28
The 29th edition of Thai International Travel Fair takes place until Jan 28. Browse for good deals from 300 booths representing hotels, airlines, travel packages, cruises, tourism offices and more. Centara will be at booths No. A691-694 with offerings from its Thai properties across the nation, as well as foreign properties in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Japan, Maldives and the Middle East. If you don't want to brave the crowd, you can secure special deals online via its website.
Valentine’s Love by The Beach / The Standard, Hua Hin / Feb 10-17
This St. Valentine’s Day, love blossoms at The Standard, Hua Hin, where romantic bites, getaways and beachside movie nights are part and parcel of the resort’s exuberant “Love Paradise” celebrations. Couples can sip on Valentine’s Day specials among romantic decor at The Juice Café and plan delicious dates at the stylish Praça over a set menu that comes with a bottle of prosecco. On Feb 14, they can end the night watching “Ticket to Paradise” on a king-size bed set up on the manicured beachfront lawn as part of the resort’s signature “Love by the Beach” experience. The screening on the beach and dinner for two with a bottle of prosecco is served on a romantically decorated table with a 10% discount when booking the early bird offer by Feb 3. An even more amorous setting awaits at the spa, where lovebirds can book the “Loves The Spa” experience and disappear into a couple’s massage suite for a 15-minute relaxing milk bath followed by a 90-minute aromatherapy massage. The package is available on Feb 10-18 and comes with one glass of prosecco for each guest. Lovers can also make a mid-week escape by booking a two-night “Love Birds” package available exclusively for stays from Feb 13-15. Breakfast, a set dinner with prosecco on the beach and romantic room amenities are included. Book via website.
New route to India / AirAsia / Until Feb 4
AirAsia is introducing a new route from Bangkok-Don Mueang to Visakhapatnam in India, flying three times weekly from April 9. Promotional fares are available until Feb 4. With this new route, AirAsia will be the airline with the widest network connecting Thailand to India. AirAsia Thailand serves flights to Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Bangalore, Gaya, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Guwahati.
STUFF
Ceramic pop / Dyson
Dyson has launched the limited-edition Ceramic Pop colourway to its hair care range in Thailand. The colourway, previously only available in Japan, is a commemoration of Dyson’s 25th year anniversary. Specially developed to mark the milestone, the hues of Blush Pink, Ceramic Topaz and Ceramic Patinawill be applied to the Dyson SupersonicTM hair dryer, Dyson AirwrapTM multi-styler. This bold combination is inspired by the colour scheme of Dyson’s vacuum cleaner, the G-Force, Dyson’s first manufactured machine and sold in Japan in the 80s. The range has a ceramic finish, the result of precision-applied satin paint topcoats. Dyson’s Ceramic Pop hair care range is available in Dyson demo stores and online.
Sleepfulness experience / Shop M.O.
The Mandarin Oriental has introduced the transformative power of “Sleepfulness” through its bedding collection at Shop M.O. Discover the art of achieving a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience with a curated range of premium sleep essentials, all designed to enhance overall wellbeing. The secret to a truly indulgent sleeping experience lies in the white goose down fillings, which accompanied by ribbon trim linens crafted in Europe. Visit Shop M.O online for more products.
New release / Jeff Satur
Singer-songwriter Jeff Satur unveils his latest single, "Ghost", a poignant ballad that explores the complexities of a fading relationship. With heart-wrenching lyrics and a soulful melody, the song delves into the emotions of acceptance and letting go. "Ghost" paints a vivid picture of a relationship akin to a game of hide and seek, where one party has decided to stop searching for what is no longer there. The music video is the first part of a two-part story that will be completed by the next single called “Yellow Leaf”, which will be the key track of his upcoming album launching in early February. The video was conceptualised by Jeff and his vision was brought to life by director Prach Rojanasinwilai. Join Jeff in chasing his dreams on his webstie.
Lunar New Year collection / Pañpuri
Pañpuri welcomes the Year Of The Dragon with the Peony Absolute collection, which showcases irresistible scents of peony, red berry and mandarin. If you're looking for a CNY gift, Pañpuri will engrave auspicious Chinese calligraphy on candles, diffuser and extract perfume oil without extra charge. If you meet buying conditions, you'll also get 10 red ang pao envelopes with golden Phoenix for free. They are available at Pañpuri sensorial boutique at CentralWorl and its website.
