Be Merry
By Lifestyle+Travel
Because it is the festive time of the year, no matter where you are, the celebration rings at the heart. From the sandy shores of Vietnam and Bali to the beachfronts of Thailand’s most popular getaways and Yangon, Meliá Hotels & Resorts is getting festive with a range of holiday offerings for all ages.
Thailand
Christmas Eve in Meliá Koh Samui is special as Santa will be dropping by The Breeza Beach Restaurant & Bar with gifts for the kids during the buffet dinner that runs from 7 pm to 10 pm and features various live stations. To ring in the new year, Meliá Koh Samui is hosting a Glitz & Glamour-themed gala dinner buffet beneath the stars on the garden lawn at Koko Kitchen. With live entertainment, laser shows, a fire dancing performance, and prizes on offer through a lucky draw, the evening will be one to remember.
Heading North, Meliá Chiang Mai will be offering sky-high parties, a lively buffet, a four-course dinner, and a special ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ with sweet and savory treats this holiday season. Santa Claus will visit Laan Na Kitchen during their ‘Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet,’ and the 22nd floor Mai the Sky Bar will host a ‘Christmas Eve R&B Night’ with live music. On Christmas Day, Mai Restaurant & Bar will serve a four-course Northern Thai set dinner, and upstairs at Mai the Sky Bar, there will be a ‘Christmas Day Pop-Rock Night’ with a performance by Ripeye from 8 pm to 11 pm.
Vietnam
At Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, the festivities begin with a party to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree. Throughout the month, there’s a host of activities for families, including Christmas ornament coloring and a Christmas biscuit workshop. Santa will make an appearance on Christmas Eve from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Breeza Restaurant. On Christmas Day, Breeza will be the location for a barbecue night featuring lobster, prawns, and steaks. On New Year’s Eve, they’ll offer a Mediterranean-themed à la carte menu, followed by a countdown party on the beach from 10:30 pm with a DJ, fire dance, and other performances.
Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh is set to light its Christmas tree on December 10th with a party for guests. “Santa in Town” will be held at the Lobby Lounge from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and will include canapés and mulled wine along with live piano, carol singing, and cookies for the kids. All Meliá Vinpearl properties, spread throughout the country, have tree lighting events planned along with festive and indulgent feasts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year too.
On Christmas Eve at Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh, there will be a pre-dinner cocktail party at Elyxr Garden from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm with Spanish sangria, signature cocktails, and canapés, along with live music and a magician for the children. The Christmas-themed buffet at Merkado will include international fare and free-flow beer, soft drinks, and juices.
Several properties have special kids’ classes throughout the month of December, including Meliá Vinpearl Hai Phong with workshops for children each Saturday, with the theme changing each week. Little ones can try their hand at activities like cupcake decoration and gingerbread decorating.
At Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc, on Vietnam’s largest island, there will be a Lobster New Year’s Feast from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm followed by a New Year’s Eve party from 9 pm till after midnight with a DJ and live music, delicious cocktails and mocktails, and an official countdown to start off 2024.
In addition to bountiful meals planned for the festive season, Meliá Da Nang has a few unique offerings, including a Festive Afternoon Tea at Cape Nao Beach Club, with Christmas-themed treats, from December 23rd – January 2nd each day from 1 pm to 4 pm. There’s also a Family Pool Party planned for December 30th, which is free to in-house guests, and runs from 2 pm to 5 pm with poolside tropical cocktails, fun games, and lively music from the DJ.
Bali
It’s full steam ahead for Christmas in Bali with a range of festive activities, including Meliá Bali’s very own Meliá Express train. The festive form of transport is available for rides during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, kids can enjoy a Christmas party from 3 pm to 4 pm and a movie night from 6:30 pm. There’s also a Christmas choir serenading diner during the Christmas Eve buffet at El Patio. A special someone along with his elves is set to visit in the evening. Christmas Day brings more magic (literally) with a magic show at 11 am followed by a Santa Parade at noon. New Year’s Eve promises to be just as festive at the property.
Yangon
Meliá Yangon is getting into the Christmas spirit early with a Christmas Choir every Friday from 6 pm to 6:30 pm starting December 1st, as well as on Christmas Eve. The central city hotel will also have a range of sweet treats available for purchase, including decadent gingerbread houses, yule logs, and Christmas fruit cakes throughout the holidays. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the culinary team will offer delicious feasts, including a Christmas Eve buffet dinner and a Christmas Day brunch.
Which destination is on your wish list?
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By Lifestyle+Travel
The Thailand Polo Association commemorates its 20th anniversary
The Thailand Polo Association (TPA) celebrates its remarkable success through an exhibition narrating the association's two-decade journey on its 20th anniversary. This event is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Mr. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the association's founder, who aspired to elevate Thailand's polo to international standards. Accompanying this commemoration, Mr. Kanoksakdi Bhinsaeng, the President of the Thailand Polo Association, and accomplished Thai national polo athletes, including Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha, Ploy Bhinsaeng, and Chonnarlite Thomongkhon, participate in insightful discussions on stage at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel on Soi Rangnam. Mr. Kanoksakdi Bhinsaeng, the President of the Thailand Polo Association, discloses that over the past 20 years, the association has been promoting Thai polo on the global stage and has hosted prominent international tournaments and major polo events, significantly contributing to the heightened recognition of Thai polo on a broader scale. Presently, there are many Thais and expats with an interest in polo. Athletes under the association follow structured training schedules with coaches providing guidance. This encompasses the planning of tournaments, both domestic and international. In the past, the association has sent athletes, including Mr. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and Mr. Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha, to participate in tournaments in the UK, renowned as one of the world’s leading polo hubs. Additionally, the association also intends to organise a youth camp for young individuals keen on polo. The association's current objective is to ardently advocate for the inclusion of polo in the 33rd SEA Games in 2025, with Thailand as the host country. The association is thoroughly prepared in all aspects, encompassing tournament venues, horses, personnel, and international-standard facilities. Presently, the association is in the process of seeking approval from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, with the expectation of receiving the result shortly. The ultimate aspiration is to secure a gold medal for Thailand. Historically, the Thai polo team secured silver and bronze medals in 2017 and 2007, respectively. Mr. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, a Thai national polo athlete, states that over the past 20 years, the association has continuously enhanced the popularity of polo. On behalf of the Thai national polo team, it is my pride to have contributed to its success and to continue supporting this sport to increase its recognition in Thailand and on the global stage through participation in various tournaments. In preparation for the 2024 tournament organised by the Thailand Polo Association, a total of four tournaments are scheduled. The first event is the All Asia Cup, taking place from 4th – 10th February. This year, teams from five countries, including Brunei, China, the Philippines, Mongolia, and Thailand, will participate, with Thailand set to compete in this tournament as well. Anticipation is high for such competitive tournament, as all teams are believed to have undergone intensive training. Ploy Bhinsaeng, a Thai national polo athlete, conveys that her initiation into the world of polo commenced with an introduction by Mr. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Upon trying the sport, she swiftly developed an enduring affinity for it. Polo demands a fusion of skills, encompassing strategic planning and teamwork.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Revitalizing Experiences Unveiled: Devarana Wellness at Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort
In alignment with the ethos of Dusit International, the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort has introduced Devarana Wellness, an innovative concept transcending the conventional spa experience by offering meaningful encounters guided by the principles of 'Pause,' 'Focus,' and 'Growth.' Going beyond a mere spa retreat, Devarana Wellness seamlessly integrates its principles into the entire guest stay, ensuring a thoughtful and cohesive experience. The array of treatments encompasses body massages, facial treatments, body-based therapies, manicures, pedicures, and the incorporation of sound therapy to enhance mindfulness during treatments. Guests can indulge in signature treatments, emphasizing total relaxation and rejuvenation through herbal antidotes, Ancient Thai Massage techniques, and the exclusive Devarana Massage. Noteworthy features of the Devarana Wellness concept include Customized Wellness Retreats and an enticing membership program. Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort extends a plethora of special workshops, activities, and classes, ranging from Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Meditation, Sound Healing Therapy, Yoga, Kids Yoga, to Stretching, Muay Thai, Aerobics, and Tennis. For enthusiasts of specialized Wellness Retreat programs, the resort offers "Deceleration," a holistic wellness solution focusing on recovery from the fast-paced world, fostering a deep connection to oneself, and achieving inner balance. This 3-hour program comprises a Yoga session, Meditation, Ancient Thai Massage, and Active Stretching. The "Physical Vitality" retreat, spanning 3.5 hours, is a wellness program targeting core training for fitness and recovery, encompassing fitness classes with a personal trainer, Active Stretching, Therapeutic Massage, and Bath Recovery sessions. Discover more about the transformative offerings of Devarana Wellness at Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort and secure your treatments or activities by reaching out at +66 (0) 7562 8000 Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort 155 Moo 2, Nong Thale, Muang, Krabi 81180 Tel: +66 (0) 7562 8000, Fax: +66 (0) 7562 8028, Email: dtkr@dusit.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
One night free accommodation offered at Soneva Jani Maldives with Great Escape package
Complimentary nights are featured in the new Great Escape package from Soneva Jani in the Maldives, which is available from 11 April to 5 May, and 6 October to 20 December, 2024. Stay 4 Pay 3, Stay 7 Pay 5, and Stay 11 Pay 8 offers for selected dates in 2024 Reserve a four-night stay, which includes daily breakfast for two, and the fourth night is complimentary. Two nights are complimentary for a seven-night stay, and a combination of these can be used for additional savings during a longer holiday. Two hours of daily babysitting services after 18:00 hrs are available as part of the package, which also includes complimentary breakfast at Down to Earth or So Chill. Rates start from USD2,800 per night for a 1 Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide. Advanced reservation is required and is subject to availability. For reservation click: https://soneva.com/offer/soneva-jani-great-escape/ E-mail reservations@soneva.com or call +960 660 4300 Soneva Jani is located in the Medhufaru lagoon in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll. This small private archipelago includes the 150-acre Medhufaru Island and five islets, four of which remain untouched.