Tag Archives: Asia

The Pavilions, Phuket

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The Pavilions Hotel in Phuket is the ultimate romantic destination. This quiet, secluded adults-only resort was our first stop in Phuket. The blissful and beautiful location conveyed an idyllic impression of Thailand’s largest island, little did I know of the tourist invaded streets a short car ride away.

Found at one of Phuket’s highest points, the Pavilions’ villas nestle amongst the lush greenery looking out towards the azure Andaman Sea. After a twenty minute air-conditioned drive, the smart hotel pick-up service delivered us efficiently at the main reception. The staff seemed excited to see us, chiming the ceremonial gong and greeting us with sweetly scented flowers and a refreshing, tangy welcome drink.

Thankfully nippy buggies escort guests around the resort which is rather hilly. There are a variety of luxury villas on offer for couples to choose from. We experienced two types, first the grand and indulgent ocean-view pool suite. This huge apartment showed an obvious Chinese influence, with a deep red and glossy black colour theme. I ran around frantically discovering new details, it was impossible to choose a favourite room.

A few features stood out: the super-sized sofa plumped up with cushions, the sleek bar complete with golden Buddha and the stunning private terrace and shimmering infinity pool. The modern amenities were disguised discreetly amongst the décor, though a giant flatscreen TV was particularly decadent in the main room. The bedroom was one of a kind, with an uber-comfortable big bed, topped with a retro ‘amore’ pillow and a brilliant bright red rose carpet on the floor.

I was pleased to notice characterful and intriguing artwork and artefacts adorning the suite. The bathroom had a beautiful black and white print on the wall, while other rooms had more colourful graphic pictures by Christiam Develter on the walls. Spacious and airy, the bathroom was like a salon or spa in itself, with enough floor space to hold a small yoga class! Marble surfaces, a duo of sinks and piles of soft towels and regal maroon dressing gowns completed the luxury.

For our second night at Pavilions, we were lucky enough to try a Spa Pavilion featuring its own private spa and steam room, a facility I have never seen in a hotel room before! Equally attractive but with differing features and less vibrant interior design, this was a lovely variation illustrating the versatility of the resort. Pavilions is known for its exemplary spa and its talented therapists. The massage was faultless, a ritualistic treatment that began with a relaxing foot massage before the balancing oil body massage, it was all enjoyed in the comfort of our own villa. For spa-keen couples it really is an unmissable feature.

Food and drink can be enjoyed in the resort, or guests may choose to sample the nearby traditional Thai restaurants, which come highly recommended. I loved beach eatery Som, where you dine on Asian delicacies with your feet in the sand. For sundowners the cocktails at 360 Bar in the hotel cannot be beaten. Try the fruity love potions while admiring the view and picking at flavoursome tapas snacks. Breakfast is immaculate too, with the flakiest croissants, delicious coffee and a very tasty hot French toast from the a la carte menu. I found the staff particularly endearing here too, so smiley and keen to chat about English football! It is worth noting too how efficient and practical the concierge staff at Pavilions are, eager to help plan an excursion or to help you navigate your way to the nearby Layan beach, which can be reached by the hotel’s complimentary open air ‘songthaew’ shuttle.

As the gong sounded to mark our departure, I realised how sad I was to be leaving Pavilions behind. This resort ensures every couple visiting has an unforgettable stay, I understand now why their return rate is so high.

More information and book a stay at The Pavilions Phuket here: www.thepavilionsresorts.com/phuket-home/

Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok

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A meal at Asia’s number one restaurant, Nahm

We arrived at the Metropolitan by COMO in Bangkok, sticky, sweaty and sulky after a long, sleepless flight from London. Our first stop of a two week trip to Thailand, my first experience of the country and of Asia. Driving into the quiet passage that leads to the hotel, I felt my spirits lift instantly. The cool and clean exterior is a calming change, leaving behind the chaotic main roads of the city.

The lobby area is minimalistic with bold, bright flowers offering bursts of colour to an otherwise stark and simple space. The interiors are designed by Kathryn King, a celebrated and innovative interior designer from Singapore. She brings a bright modern vision to the brand and a contemporary, luxurious urban option for Bangkok tourists.

They don’t brag about it, but the Metropolitan team ensure the small details are on trend. Staff are kitted out in Comme des Garçons uniforms and Calvin Klein shoes, looking suitably chic amongst the stylish furnishings of the hotel.

There is no shortage of space at the Metropolitan. The hotel has 169 guest rooms and suites all of which are very generous in size, with ample space to relax, sleep and live, a real rarity in a city hotel. We comfortably settled into a 6th floor Metropolitan room, known as the biggest standard/double rooms in Bangkok. Looking around the slick and modern COMO and Penthouse suites, I felt I was drowning in space, perfect for a large family or celebrity avec entourage.

Fresh and striking, our room was decorated in bright white with indents of dull black and dusty grey, the king size bed at one end of the room with plump silver cushions adding a little glitz and small abstract monochrome artworks, a little patterning. A desk and L-shaped bench in basic black designs made from fine teak wood and, in contrast, a primitive Ming-style chair made from sand coloured natural teak made up the furniture. The bathroom was equally sharp and slick, though warmer with shades of beige mosaic and limestone. I loved the powerful walk-in shower that drenched me in cold water at the end of a day in the humid city.

Facilities cater for every guest’s requirement; event spaces, spa indulgences and a high tech gym and pool are all onsite in pristine condition. Breakfast is served in the second floor eatery, Glow, which focuses on healthy organic natural recipes. Pancakes with pineapple and coconut shavings and Cinnamon French toast with lemon were both delicious, freshly made sweet treats, though all the usual continental options are also available.

The star of the Metropolitan is undoubtedly Nahm restaurant, the David Thompson eatery which calls Como its home. Recognised as the number one restaurant in the whole of Asia the food certainly has some hype to live up to. We ate here on our first night in Bangkok, unaware of the real Thai taste and fragrances – it was a great feast of flavours, intense and innovative. Thompson (despite his Australian heritage) takes the vibrant ingredients of Thailand and presents them in a series of bold and brilliant dishes. Utilising every bit of space and sunshine, Thompson has installed a herb garden on the roof to grow many of his vital ingredients near to the kitchen.

Even the amuse-bouche was worthy of an award. Tantalising mouthfuls of sticky duck and prawn on pineapple were particularly magical. Stir-fried wagyu beef with charred onions, oyster sauce and Thai basil was a highlight, sweet and delicious with melt in the mouth tender beef. I also loved the red curry of quail with deep fried shallots and Thai basil, creamier and more flavoursome that any curry I’ve tried before, but painfully spicy! Dessert was experimental and intriguing, soft caramelised bananas in thin coconut sauce with a gooey lump of grey coconut ash… bizarre but oddly tasty. Cocktails are worth trying too – strong and stylish – we particularly enjoyed the refreshing Thai Sabai.

Soothing the mind, soul and body Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok lets guests escape the madness of the city centre whilst also showcasing the best Oriental design, food and service. A triumph on all counts.

More information and book here.