TOP
h
  /  Posts tagged "UNHCR"

The Siam has been recognised with three Michelin Keys in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2025, the highest hotel distinction in the guide, marking this family-owned Bangkok riverside property as one of the top luxury hotels in Thailand. The Michelin Guide draws attention to the intimate scale of the Bill Bensley–designed Art Deco boutique hotel that comprises just 38 suites and villas, and the generous size of the accommodation, where the entry-level suite spans some 80 square metres. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, The Siam invites Thai residents to indulge in a luxurious staycation with two specially curated packages with rates starting from THB 22,500. The packages are available for booking until 31 December 2025 and valid for stays through 30 September 2026. Riverside Sanctuary starts from THB 22,500++ per night in a Siam Suite, including breakfast for two persons. The package features a 90-minute Opium Spa ritual for two and a THB 2,000 dining credit for a riverfront dinner or afternoon tea. Heritage Villa Indulgence starts from THB 43,100++ per night in a Pool Villa, including breakfast for two persons. Guests will enjoy a private three-course in-villa dinner with sommelier pairing, a 60–90-minute couples’ wellness session featuring yoga, meditation, or Reiki, and a THB 4,000 dining and spa credit. Both packages are available exclusively for Thailand residents. The Siam is owned by the Sukosol family, a multi-generational group of musicians and entertainers who have also built the Sukosol Hotels group, which includes The Siam Collection. Located on a tranquil stretch of the Chao Phraya River, The Siam’s offerings include Chon Thai Restaurant, housed in a traditional teak building and the Muay Thai kickboxing gym. The hotel also features a private pier where guests can enjoy cocktails by the water and cruise aboard The Siam’s exclusive shuttle boat, the only service among riverside hotels that allows guests to stop anywhere along the route between the hotel and Sathorn Pier, including ICONSIAM, Wat Arun, and other renowned landmarks.

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.

In a significant move for luxury hospitality and culinary tourism, Trip.com, a leading global travel service provider, has announced an exclusive collaboration with Chatrium Grand Bangkok. Leveraging its curated ranking platform, Trip.Best, the partnership presents "Chatrium Grand X Trip.Best Oyster Month," a prestigious culinary festival running from 1-30 November, 2025. This month-long event promises an extraordinary display of gastronomic excellence, gathering Michelin-starred chefs, international champions, and master mixologists to celebrate oysters, caviar, and Champagne, marking a new chapter in elevated travel experiences. This collaboration is a sophisticated fusion of expertise, uniting Trip.com's global reach, powered by the trusted recommendations of Trip.Best, with Chatrium Grand Bangkok's celebrated culinary artistry. As Chatrium Grand Bangkok holds the distinguished No. 2 position on Trip.Best’s ranking of the Best Gourmet Hotels in Bangkok—a testament to its exceptional standards—this alliance aims to reinforce Bangkok’s standing as a world-class culinary tourism destination, appealing directly to discerning travelers seeking truly memorable dining adventures. Highlighting the spirit of global discovery, the partnership introduces the "Trip.Best: The Voyager's Pearl," an exclusive signature oyster creation crafted by the hotel's culinary team. This bespoke dish, available throughout November, symbolizes Trip.Best’s mission to guide travelers to the world's finest experiences. It features a European oyster harmoniously topped with diverse ingredients—Thai shrimp, North American salmon roe, and Japanese ebiko—each element representing a culture united on a single plate. For reservations and more information, please visit: W: https://www.chatrium.com/grandbangkok/oysterevent T: +66 (0) 2126 7999 E: savio.cgb@chatrium.com

The festive season is a time to gather with loved ones — a moment to celebrate warmth, joy, and togetherness. This year, InterContinental Bangkok invites guests to embrace the magic of the holidays with a full programme of festive dining experiences crafted to elevate every occasion. Espresso As the hotel’s international dining hub, Espresso brings the season to life with an abundant festive buffet showcasing holiday classics such as roasted whole turkey and honey-glazed ham. Carol singers and a visit from Santa add heartwarming touches throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Festive Buffets • Christmas Eve Lunch (12.00–14.30): THB 1,900++ per adult | THB 950++ (ages 6–12) • Christmas Eve Dinner (18.00–22.30): THB 2,900++ per adult | THB 1,450++ per child • Christmas Day Lunch (12.00–14.30): THB 2,200++ per adult | THB 1,100++ per child • Christmas Day Dinner (18.00–22.30): THB 1,900++ per adult | THB 950++ per child Beverage Enhancements • Add THB 200++ for unlimited fresh juices & soft drinks • Add THB 900++ for free-flow beverages • Add THB 2,300++ for free-flow Champagne • Children 5 and under dine free with a paying adult New Year Dining at Espresso • New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet (31 Dec, 18.00–22.30): THB 2,900++ | THB 3,900++ with Champagne | THB 1,450++ per child • New Year’s Day Lunch (1 Jan, 12.00–15.00) • New Year’s Day Dinner (18.00–22.30): THB 1,900++ per adult | THB 950++ per child • Beverage add-ons follow Christmas pricing. Fireplace Grill and Bar Celebrate the season with exceptional European-inspired dining. Signature dishes include Escargots à la Bourguignonne, Stockyard Prime Rib, Stanbroke Sanchoku Wagyu Striploin, and the timeless Crêpes Suzette, paired with curated wines and classic cocktails. Available for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, with: Lunch: 12.00–14.30 Dinner: 18.00–23.00 Summer Palace A festive celebration of Cantonese flavours awaits with highlights such as Peking Duck (THB 1,380++), Suckling Pig (THB 2,680++), and a special dim sum selection. Available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day (1 January 2026). Lunch: 11.30–14.30 Dinner: 18.00–22.30 SoCal For New Year’s Eve, SoCal presents rustic Italian and Levantine-inspired favourites from the à la carte menu (11.30–23.00). From 22.00–01.00, enjoy small plates starting at THB 230++, alongside a DJ spinning through the countdown (22.00–02.00). Butter The season’s most indulgent gifts come in the form of luxurious festive hampers (THB 2,500–7,200 net), filled with artisanal pastries, cakes, cookies, gingerbread, fine wine, and more. Available daily from 28 November 2025 to 5 January 2026, 08.00–19.00. Balcony Lounge Enjoy a refined Festive Afternoon Tea (THB 1,100++ per person | THB 1,990++ for two), featuring seasonal savouries and sweets, accompanied by live piano and carol performances on select days. Available 28 November 2025 – 5 January 2026, 14.30–17.30. On New Year’s Eve, a live band performs from 20.00–01.00 for an elegant countdown ambience. Oasis Pool Countdown Party Ring in 2026 under the stars at the Oasis Pool on 31 December, from 21.30–00.30. With city skyline views, live music, and Champagne toasts, this THB 2,026++ celebration—including one glass of Champagne—promises a truly unforgettable start to the new year. For Reservations Email: dining.bkkhb@ihg.com Tel: +66 (0) 2656 0444 Website: InterContinental Bangkok

Food is more than just something we eat to stay alive it’s one of life’s greatest joys. Every bite can carry history, culture, and memories. Some dishes were created just a few decades ago, while others have been enjoyed for thousands of years. From Thai street food to Italian kitchens, food brings people together. Let’s take a quick journey through five famous dishes around the world: Pad Thai, Pizza, Sushi, Kimchi, and Dim Sum and see how they are created. Pad Thai Pad Thai looks like an old recipe, but it’s actually pretty new. It was created in Thailand in the 1930s as a way to build national pride during a rice shortage. Stir-fried noodles mixed with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts made the perfect dish. Cheap, tasty, and filling, it quickly became street food loved by everyone. Now, Pad Thai is one of the first dishes travelers try when they visit Thailand. Pizza It’s hard to imagine a world without pizza. It began in Naples, Italy, as flatbread topped with simple ingredients for workers. Later, tomatoes and cheese made it more delicious, and the Margherita pizza was created to honor Queen Margherita. From there, pizza took over the world thin and crispy in New York, thick and cheesy in Chicago. No matter the style, pizza remains comfort food everywhere. Sushi Sushi started in Japan in the early 1800s, though older versions of preserved fish and rice existed before. In Tokyo, chefs made sushi faster and fresher by serving raw fish on small rice balls that’s nigiri. It was quick street food, but today it’s considered an art form. Whether in Japan or abroad, sushi is loved for its freshness and delicate flavour. Kimchi Kimchi is more than food in Korea. People have been fermenting vegetables for over 2,000 years. The arrival of chili peppers in the 1500s turned kimchi spicy, and that taste became a national identity. Every family has its own recipe, often passed down for generations. It’s healthy, delicious, and always on the table in Korean homes. Dim Sum Dim Sum means “touch the heart” and that’s exactly what it does. It started in Chinese tea houses along trade routes more than 2,000 years ago. Travelers would stop for tea and snacks, which grew into a huge variety of dumplings, buns, and rolls. Today, having dim sum with tea yum cha is a social tradition that brings families together. These dishes aren’t just meals. They’re pieces of culture. Pad Thai shows Thailand’s creativity, pizza represents Italy’s influence worldwide, sushi highlights Japanese precision, kimchi reflects Korean heritage, and dim sum celebrates Chinese hospitality. Each plate carries a story, and when we enjoy them, we share more than flavors we share history. That’s the magic of food.

The coffee ritual at The St. Regis Bangkok takes an exciting new turn as the hotel partners with Sarnies, the acclaimed Singapore-born roastery celebrated for its bold flavours and quality beans. From November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, guests can experience this exclusive Sarnies Pop-Up at The Lounge, blending artisanal craftsmanship with the timeless sophistication of The House of Astor. Within the elegant setting of The Lounge, guests are invited to indulge in Sarnies’ signature creations — from the indulgent Crème Brûlée Honey Latte to the tropical Thai Coconut Latte. These handcrafted beverages are perfectly complemented by a curated menu of coffee-inspired cocktails, sandwiches, and pastries, including exclusive treats like the Espresso Banoffee Pain Suisse and Coffee Honey Medovik Cake. Whether for an informal business meeting, a relaxed afternoon, or a stylish evening gathering, The Lounge now offers a sensory escape defined by aroma, flavour, and sophistication. A highlight of the pop-up is the drip coffee station and bean display, inviting guests to explore Sarnies’ origins and craftsmanship. The lineup includes single-origin beans from Thailand, Brazil, Colombia, and Honduras, alongside the house favourite Tiramisu Blend, a smooth medium-dark roast uniting beans from Thailand, Myanmar, and Guatemala. Guests can also take a piece of the experience home with a curated selection of Sarnies merchandise and packaged coffee, available exclusively during the pop-up period. The Sarnies Pop-Up Store at The Lounge is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, from November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026 — an unmissable celebration of coffee artistry at one of Bangkok’s most refined addresses.

Taking the holiday season in style, RAVA Beach Club by Banyan Tree Phuket makes waves as the island’s newest beachfront sensation — a lifestyle destination where design, energy, and oceanfront living come together in perfect harmony. Stretching 180 metres along Bang Tao Beach, RAVA redefines the beach club experience. It’s not just a place to sip cocktails by the sea — it’s a destination for every mood and lifestyle. From sunrise yoga and water sports to family dining, kids’ activities, and tranquil escapes, RAVA fosters connection: with nature, with loved ones, and with the art of slowing down. Three stunning infinity pools anchor the experience, each transforming with the rhythm of the day. Mornings begin with serenity and sparkling sea views. Afternoons invite sun-soaked lounging and conversation over signature cocktails. Evenings ignite with golden-hour hues reflected on the water — and as night falls, energy rises to the beat of the waves. Three Zones, Three Experiences RAVA is designed around three distinctive zones, each offering a unique way to enjoy the beach club lifestyle. Young & Fun The vibrant heart of RAVA, this social hub offers 180 outdoor seats, three infinity pools, and luxurious cabanas for all-day lounging. From laid-back afternoons to high-energy evenings, guests enjoy live DJ performances, immersive entertainment, and dazzling fire shows that illuminate the night sky. Master Grill Dining becomes an art form at Master Grill, where chefs command live-fire grills for a multisensory culinary performance. Guests savour dry-aged meats and seasonal seafood — tiger prawns in the rainy season, sea crab in summer, and fresh grouper by year-end. The monthly Pura Vida Sunday Brunch with Free-Flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne (THB 6,900 per person) delivers a taste of indulgence, complemented by an innovative wine dispenser that lets guests explore premium global wines by the glass. Prestige Reserved exclusively for Banyan Group Residence owners, Prestige offers refined tranquility. Private infinity pools, air-conditioned dining rooms, and curated soundscapes create an atmosphere of pure relaxation — ideal for intimate gatherings or quiet ocean-view escapes. Private Gatherings Made Perfect Beyond its daily allure, RAVA shines as a destination for private celebrations. The club features five VIP rooms, each with space for 10 guests and unobstructed sea views. These can be combined for larger events — from birthdays and anniversaries to corporate gatherings. With expert event planning and bespoke menus, every celebration becomes a signature RAVA moment — unforgettable, elegant, and framed by the sea. How to Get There Fly comfortably to Phuket via Bangkok Airways. For reservations and inquiries: Tel: 076-372-456 Website: www.ravabeachclub.com

Perched high above the city on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, K by Vicky Cheng continues to redefine Chinese fine dining in Bangkok. The restaurant, led by Hong Kong’s acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Vicky Cheng, unveils its latest culinary highlight — an extraordinary reimagining of the Peking Duck, designed as a three-part experience that celebrates precision, creativity, and cultural harmony. Each course unfolds like a story, reflecting Cheng’s signature philosophy of bridging heritage and innovation. The journey begins with the first serving (THB 1,280++), where glistening duck skin and tender slices of meat are carved tableside, transforming dining into theatre. Served with homemade pancakes, house-made Peking Duck sauce, and a light Thai-inspired sauce, the dish offers a balance of richness and brightness. Seedless Thai tamarind follows as a refreshing palate cleanser, accompanied by cucumber and leek for a traditional finish. The two-serving option (THB 1,480++) continues with the roasted duck leg — succulent, flavorful, and deeply aromatic. The texture and taste reveal layers of umami, showcasing the duck’s natural sweetness enhanced through meticulous roasting techniques. For the full experience, the three-serving journey (THB 1,980++) concludes with stir-fried duck Kaprao, an elegant take on a beloved Thai favorite. The fragrant combination of holy basil, chili, and wok-seared duck creates a finale that is both comforting and elevated — a culinary crescendo blending Chinese mastery with local inspiration. Beyond its cuisine, K by Vicky Cheng impresses with its artful interiors, panoramic skyline views, and refined atmosphere — the perfect setting for special occasions and intimate celebrations. With its inventive approach and uncompromising quality, the restaurant marks Cheng’s first overseas venture, extending his Hong Kong legacy into Bangkok’s vibrant dining scene. K by Vicky Cheng EA Rooftop, The Empire (connected to Marriott The Empire Bangkok) BTS: Chong Nonsi Station, Exit 5 Call: +66 (0) 2407 1654 Email: ea-reservations@marriotthotels.com Website: www.kbyvickycheng.com

The island of Phu Quoc may be topping travel charts, but Vietnam’s famously long coastline offers many other extraordinary destinations for winter escapes. The latest addition is Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel – the first resort in Asia from the luxury Spanish brand. With December bringing a significant drop in rainfall compared to November, the weather is ideal for both beachside relaxation and tropical exploration. The enchanting all-suite, all-villa resort is the epitome of Mediterranean chic. Choose a suite to bask in sunshine on a private terrace or opt for a villa with its own pool for the ultimate indulgence, complete with premium toiletries from Carner Barcelona, butler service, a curated bath ritual, bedtime tea, ironing and complimentary non-alcoholic minibar replenishment. The largest villas, with four bedrooms and two swimming pools, are perfect for extended family stays, and offer such delightful add-ons as floating breakfast, private BBQ and romantic poolside dinners. As in Spain, dining is at the heart of the experience, overseen by Marcos Morán, Gastronomic Director and fifth-generation chef. Holder of one Michelin Star and three Repsol Soles, Morán has received Spain’s National Gastronomy Award and was named “Chef de l’Avenir” by the International Gastronomy Academy. Under his guidance, the resort’s culinary options include a sun-drenched Spanish restaurant, elegant Japanese dining, international all-day fare, and two poolside venues serving everything from cocktails to afternoon tea. Children enjoy their own adventures at the Wanderlust Kids’ Club with daily activities, while adults can unwind at Song Spa, the serene onsen or the resort’s tranquil swimming pool. With three calm beaches and activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, bodyboarding, snorkelling and beach volleyball, there’s never a dull moment. Nearby, there are ancient Champa ruins to explore, natural hot springs to unwind in and Na Trang’s excellent shopping. Book the special Christmas & New Year offer, available from 1 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 on melia.com, and enjoy early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, plus 15% off dining and 20% off spa treatments. For bookings, visit Villa Le Corail Gran Meliá Hotel, paradise in Vietnam | Melia.com.