Cross Hotels & Resorts Introduces “Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort”
By Lifestyle+Travel
This July, Cross Hotels & Resorts will launch its very first property in Japan, Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort. The boutique beachfront resort is set on a tranquil island connected to the main Okinawa island, offering an astounding panorama of the azure East China Sea alongside design and facilities that are in conformity with the brand’s philosophy, “Escape Everyday Life”.
In partnership with Japanese hospitality management and real estate development company, AB Accommo Company Limited, Cross Hotel & Resorts anticipates its future expansion in Japan with 7 properties within 4 years stretching from Okinawa to Hokkaido.
Cross Hotels & Resorts currently operates 21 hotels across three distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe and Away – in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. For further details, visit crosshotelsandresorts.com
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
La Dolce Vita Sundays Return to Carpe Diem: Mediterranean Soul Meets Phuket’s Social Spirit
Carpe Diem Beach Club brings back one of Phuket’s most beloved seaside rituals with the return of La Dolce Vita Sundays, relaunching on Sunday, 5 October 2025, at the island’s iconic Bangtao Beach. Marking the start of the high season, La Dolce Vita Sundays celebrates the Mediterranean art of living — a seamless blend of sun, sea, music, and exceptional cuisine. The signature brunch-to-sunset experience captures the essence of effortless luxury, where guests can indulge, unwind, and embrace Phuket’s lively social spirit. From 12 PM to 3 PM, guests are invited to a beachfront buffet brunch featuring live cooking stations with fresh seafood, imported cheeses, sushi, Mediterranean favorites, BBQ carvings, and decadent desserts. The ambience is elevated with live music and panoramic sea views — the perfect prelude to an afternoon of coastal celebration. As the day unfolds, the scene transforms into a vibrant pool party from 3 PM till late, complete with full-service poolside lounges, chilled towels, signature cocktails, wines, champagnes, and bottle service. Resident DJs set the mood with laid-back daytime tunes that flow into sunset beats and deep-night rhythms, while captivating beach performances and a spectacular fire show finale keep the energy alive. The relaunch party featured a special guest appearance by Chef Álvaro Ramos Palancarejo (Chef Palanca), who performed a live culinary showcase featuring his signature dishes — including scallops on salmorejo, lobster paella, and arroz negro. Benny De Bellis, Co-Founder of Carpe Diem Beach Club, shared: “La Dolce Vita Sundays is our way of bringing Mediterranean soul to Phuket. It’s about great food, music, and moments that feel spontaneous yet unforgettable. We want guests to feel at home, to linger with friends, and to leave knowing they’ve been part of something special — because Carpe Diem has always been more than a beach club; it’s a way of life.” La Dolce Vita Sundays will be held every Sunday from October 5 onwards, with the following packages available: • Beach Lounge Chair – THB 2,000 per guest • Pool Deck or Beach Bed – THB 2,500 per guest • La Dolce Vita Sunday Brunch – THB 2,900 per guest + VAT • La Dolce Vita Experience (12 PM–8 PM+) – THB 5,000 per guest Supported by Sole Mio Boutique Hotel, five-star adults-only retreat just minutes from Bangtao Beach, this relaunch promises the ultimate celebration of Mediterranean lifestyle in Phuket. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability, but advance reservations are highly recommended. Website: Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Waves of New Flavours
The fusion of traditional Thai flavors with French cooking techniques creates waves of fresh and exciting tastes. Tamarind Restaurant Phuket proudly unveils four innovative new menus, skillfully crafted by the celebrated Chef Nok. This latest culinary collection blends the depth of Thai culinary heritage with the sophistication of contemporary French gastronomy, promising guests a truly memorable dining journey. The menu highlights Chef Nok’s creative vision, using premium ingredients to reimagine classic dishes. Diners begin with the Spicy Seafood & Glass Noodle Salad, where fine glass noodles are elevated with wakame and nori, then paired with tender Hokkaido scallops, rock lobster, and fresh squid for a vibrant, zesty start. Next, the ‘Tom Yum’ Lobster Bisque presents a brilliant fusion of two beloved soups. The creamy richness of a traditional lobster bisque is enhanced by the bold, spicy-sour notes of authentic Tom Yum Goong, delivering a layered taste experience that is both comforting and surprising. For the main course, the Phuket Lobster ‘Khao Soi’ offers a luxurious reinterpretation of Northern Thailand’s iconic curry noodle dish. Succulent local lobster rests in a fragrant coconut broth, accompanied by crispy noodles and traditional condiments for an elevated yet nostalgic flavor profile. To close, the Mango & Passion Tart Tatin puts a tropical twist on a French classic. Sweet mango and tangy passion fruit are caramelized into a golden tart, paired with refreshing homemade coconut ice cream for a vibrant finale. Each dish reflects an impressive balance of tradition, innovation, and artistry—raising the bar for fine dining in Phuket. For more information Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort Website: https://www.pullmanphuketpanwa.com/ Tamarind Restaurant Phuket Website: https://tamarindrestaurantphuket.com/
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