Phuket’s Heritage ‘Governor’s Mansion’ Welcomes Overnight Guests During Songkran (First Time in Decades!)
By Lifestyle+Travel
For the first time in decades, Phuket’s iconic heritage house, the 119-year-old ‘Governor’s Mansion’, will welcome guests to experience the one-off palatial stay during this Songkran Festival.
Situated in the heart on Phuket Old Town, the mansion was built by successful local businessman Pra Pitak Chinpracha, and has presently become the well-preserved architectural and cultural heritage of the province. Its second floor is turned into a stunning space by renowned Thai designer Saran Yen Panya in a way that pay homage to Thailand’s rich heritage with a touch of modernity, featuring a number of statement pieces by talented designers.
Not only a rare opportunity to revel in the original Sino-Portuguese baroque manor is offered, as guests will be hosted by famous Phuket-born model-actress Patricia Tanchanok Good, together with national ambassador for royal Thai cuisine and Blue Elephant founder, master chef Nooror Somany Steppe.
Guests will be immersed in a quintessentially Phuketian experience, including:
- A personal welcome at check-in by Thai superstar Patricia ‘Good’ Tanchanok, who will share her favourite hidden gems in Phuket and tips for exploring the island
- Exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on the Mansion’s expansive second floor, including a private reception lounge and living room
- A bespoke, multi-course ‘Songkran’ tasting menu prepared and hosted by master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe
- A scuba diving and snorkeling adventure around the sparkling reefs and islands that dot the Andaman Sea
- A gibbon rehabilitation social impact experience in Phuket’s last rainforest, Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Sanctuary
A group of four lucky guests will get to soak up the vibrant festivities with an island getaway of a lifetime, only on Airbnb. The majestic Governor’s Mansion will be bookable on airbnb.com/governorsmansion for USD 50* (approx. THB 1,700) for a two-night stay from 15-17 April 2022. Bookings open at 8 AM ICT on 5 April 2022.
*Plus taxes and fees. This two-night stay is not a contest. Airbnb is closely monitoring Thailand infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a USD 1,000 Airbnb credit if it becomes necessary to cancel the stay.
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.