Beachfront Luxury Vana Belle Koh Samui Reopens on 2 July 2020
By Lifestyle+Travel
After a pause due to the pandemic, exquisite beachfront resort Vana Belle Koh Samui makes a comeback on 2 July 2020 with upgraded safety measures and cleanliness standards, so that all guests and staff can feel comfortable in every minute, together with come refurbishment in various areas. The hotel strictly follows government guidelines, Marriott’s Commitment to Clean program as well as WHO’s latest announcements.
The resort has also renewed the concepts of their in-house restaurants. It includes Kiree ‘The Bistro’, offering bistro cooking that embodies a culinary ethos of generosity, economy, simplicity, and excellence. The restaurant extends elegant dining in an opulently furnished air-conditioned dining room or a spacious outdoor terrace for alfresco dining. PANALI restaurant, serving authentic Thai Southern cuisine by talented Chef Julong in exceptional seaside setting, makes your lunch or dinner even more impressionable.
There are still a lot more one-off luxuries to be experienced here. Now the wait is over, the resort is ready to welcome you back in the outmost safety and with the best service at Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui.
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Singapore’s Biggest Christmas Wonderland Unveils New Highlights
Christmas Wonderland returns for its 12th edition with its largest celebration yet, featuring over 40 attractions and 140 hours of entertainment. Presented by Trip.com and organised by Blue Sky Events, the expanded 30,000 sqm fairground welcomes visitors from 29 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. For the first time, guests can catch Flying Santa soaring above Gardens by the Bay, greet Father Christmas and a reindeer quartet, and marvel at Singapore’s first 16-metre-tall Christmas Pyramid. Fan favourites such as the iconic 20-metre Spalliera, magical snowfall at the Supertrees, carnival rides, and festive photo spots also make their return. Bigger, Brighter, and More Magical Watch Santa and his reindeer glide across The Meadow in a spectacular aerial display presented by CMC Singapore, shown up to four times daily. Over at Reindeer Town, an immersive air-conditioned pavilion features five themed zones and meet-and-greets with Santa, accompanied by a lively reindeer quartet. The Supertree Grove will host the debut of the towering Christmas Pyramid, inspired by European festive markets, while the fairground glows with over 200,000 LED lights. This year’s Spalliera, titled “The Bridge of Time”, features nine illuminated arches leading to a grand hexagonal centrepiece. Festive Fun for All Ages Stroll through Enchanted Blooms, Snowflake Avenue, and the whimsical Gingerbread Walk. Coca-Cola joins the celebration with its debut Coca-Cola Village, complete with a 4-metre Vending Tree and interactive activities. Families can also enjoy hands-on fun at the CMC Meadow Lodge. Classic highlights return, including Blizzard Time, the mesmerizing snowfall show after Garden Rhapsody, and Merry Lane, a 50-metre tunnel lit by 50,000 LEDs. Visitors can also enjoy bumper cars, a European-style carousel, live performances, festive food, and shopping at Mistletoe Alley. Early Festive Treats From 29 November to 14 December, all visitors receive complimentary coupons worth up to S$40, plus a chance to win hotel stays in the Merry Draw. Visit christmaswonderland.sg for details and tickets.
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Discover Bangkok’s New Urban Wellness Destination
The holistic journey embraces a balanced combination of wellness elements. Nurturing both body and mind is essential to achieving inner calm and peace of mind, which naturally radiates as an outer glow. JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok introduces a new era of well-being with the debut of its fully transformed Spa by JW and enhanced Fitness Center, creating a holistic city sanctuary on the 6th floor. Designed with soft natural tones, warm wood textures, and gentle curves, Spa by JW offers a serene environment filled with natural light and subtle lemongrass aromas. As the first of its kind in Thailand, the spa embraces JW’s global wellness philosophy of balance and connection, guided by four pillars: Invigorate, Renew, Calm, and Indulge. Signature treatments include Hot Stone Harmony, a deeply soothing massage using warm volcanic stones; the Pink Himalayan Salt & Lemongrass Scrub for revitalizing exfoliation; and the JW Blissful Relaxation Massage, which combines herbal compress therapy with Swedish techniques. Advanced ELEMIS facials and indulgent rituals such as the Rose Body Scrub further elevate the experience. The transformation extends across the entire wellness floor, featuring the latest TechnoGym® equipment, a refreshing outdoor pool, the lush JW Garden, and a new Juice Bar with nutrient-rich drinks. A dedicated Serene Space invites quiet reflection, making wellness approachable and effortless. Open daily from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm (fitness & pool) and 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (spa). For reservations Tel: +66 (0) 2656 7700
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Wellness by the Waves: Relax to the Soothing Rhythm of the Andaman in Phuket and Phang Nga
Beyond its breathtaking beauty, the Andaman Sea holds a hidden power of healing within the rolling waves, soft sands, gentle breeze, and even the warmth of sunlight. Wellness by the Waves, a three-day, two-night journey in Phuket and Phang Nga, is more than a holiday. It is an immersion that soothes both body and mind with profound relaxation. The journey begins with a visit to Phuket Old Town, where the rich Peranakan architecture and cultural heritage have been carefully preserved through generations. A stop at The Charm Dining Gallery Phuket offers an authentic taste of local cuisine handed down over time, reinterpreted with a contemporary presentation—signature dishes Gaeng Poo Khai Ped (Crab Curry with Duck Egg), Moo Hong (Braised Pork Belly Phuket Style), and Pla Tao Ew (Soy-Braised Fish). Next comes relaxation with panoramic views of Cape Panwa at Amatara Welleisure Resort, where wellness experiences restore balance from within. “Sound Healing with Tibetan singing bowls guides you into deep tranquility, while Pranayama Breathing Therapy enhances oxygen flow, cultivating mindfulness and inner calm.” The day concludes with a fine dining experience at Senses Restaurant, where fresh ingredients are crafted into dishes that balance flavor and nutrition. On the second day, the journey continues in Phang Nga with lunch at Catch and Co., where the freshest daily catch from Phang Nga’s Sea is presented with refined preparation and creative flair. Guests can select from an array of premium seafood, including delicate Thai sashimi. Then continue your journey of relaxation at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where QUAN Spa offers a full range of treatments. The highlight is the Signature Jade Stone Massage, which uses both hot and cold jade stones to relieve muscle tension, stimulate circulation, and reduce stress. The experience continues with “Mindful Mandela Art, a meditative practice of creating mandala patterns that foster focus, serenity, and inner balance amidst lush garden surroundings.” An exceptional evening follows at Nai Muang Restaurant, renowned for its distinctive Southern Thai cuisine. Signature dishes such as Gaeng Som Nai Mueang (Southern Sour Curry), Moo Pad Kapi Sataw (Stir-fried Pork with Shrimp Paste and Stink Beans), and Bai Liang Pad Khai (Stir-fried Melinjo Leaves with Egg). highlight the bold flavors of the South and the quality of local ingredients. The final morning leads to Memories Beach, home to “Ocean Therapy, a practice that harnesses the restorative power of the ocean through water activities.” As one of Thailand’s premier surfing spots, it helps release stress and strengthen both body and mind under the guidance of experienced instructors. The journey concludes with a memorable meal at Toh Daeng at Baan Ar Jor, a century-old Sino-Portuguese home transformed into a restaurant and museum. Local Hokkien-inspired dishes such as Gaeng Kua Motan Moo Yang Sai Ngo (Spicy Curry with Grilled Pork and Rambutan), and Pla Jian (Pan-fried Fish) are served, while the museum offers a glimpse into the heritage of the historic family estate. Contacts & Practical Information ━━━━━━━━━━━━👇━━━━━━━━━━━━ The Charm Dining Gallery Phuket Opening Hours: 11:00–22:00 (Closed on Wednesday) Facebook Page: The Charm Dining Gallery Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76