The Reimagined Lobby at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand

FOR YEARS, there was one choice along Bangkok’s buzzing Sukhumvit strip for those looking for a contemporary luxury homebase. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit had it all: great location, French sophistication, a rooftop bar with all the views yet none of the faff, a verdant lazy-days photo-worthy pool, and the sumptuous rooms and suites we’d come to rely on from this storied brand including the famous Sofitel MyBed. 

Sensing that not just the hotel but also the neighborhood needed some exciting new life, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit underwent a massive renovation that maintained all the elements we always loved but supercharged them. Rooms and suites are brighter and softer, there are two exciting new restaurant and bar concepts off the stunningly soaring lobby upping the F&B game, and there’s a new skybridge offering direct walking access to the BTS and the heart of the city. The hotel has reemerged as the neighborhood grande dame it used to be, version 2.0: an anchor, a hub and a nurturing cocoon. You might say the same about the Sofitel brand overall, these days. And for that, much credit is due to Maud Bailly, who took over as CEO of Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems brands worldwide in January 2023, just as Accor solidified a strategic reshuffle. 

Quick primer for you hotel nerds: Accor is now divided into two empowered divisions supported by corporate functions and a shared platform. First, the Premium, Mid-scale & Economic Division, whose properties are organized by region. Second, the Luxury & Lifestyle Division, organized by brand, in which the former is represented by Orient Express, Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel/Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, and the latter includes Ennismore.  

Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems find themselves in the same umbrella under Bailly because, despite having different styles, they each offer guests collections of unique places to find luxury that incorporate local soul while affirming their French roots. We asked Bailly, featured on the cover of Forbes France this July as one of 40 influential women shaping France, to share her vision of the Sofitel and MGallery brands (which comprise 240 hotels in 58 countries), what exciting evolutions lie ahead for them in Asia (there are 10 properties in Thailand alone!), and some packing tips because we can never get enough travel advice from women always on the go. 

Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia: What’s your interpretation of the Sofitel DNA? What was exciting about the brand when it launched 60 years ago? Why does it matter now? And where is it going? 

Maud Bailly: Sofitel is the only French global brand, the second-largest brand in the luxury hospitality industry with 123 hotels, about 31,000 rooms, and 49 countries by the end of 2023. We have a large diversity of top locations, from urban historic centers like Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, to airport locations, to mind-blowing romantic resorts, and six gems of Sofitel Legend hotels like the one we opened this year Sofitel Casco Viejo in Panama.  

In a luxury world with very similar codes, we believe Sofitel brand can differentiate itself by a specific positioning on quiet and committed luxury, reconciling quality and discretion, with a very recognizable signature: “the French zest for life” that is based on four brand markers that we are deploying across our entire network:   

The Sofitel promise also stands in its logo, the symbol of cultural link: two interlocking rings, reflecting the encounter of the French and the local culture of each hotel. All Sofitel hotels embody this union of two cultures, proving that they are also, and maybe first, places meant for their local communities.  

And finally, the last and the most important brand marker: Sofitel is meant to be heartful, it should lead the way in sustainable luxury, with a strong CSR commitment​. 

T+L SEA: What CSR activities are you most passionate about? 

Maud Bailly :  

1. Promoting diversity and inclusion 

2. Giving back to local communities by strengthening local anchorage and solidarity 

3. Fighting against food waste especially by leveraging AI 

To change the perception of a sector that can sometimes be perceived as a predator we developed a demanding CSR roadmap. Our ambition is to demonstrate that our brands can be sustainable places and can have a positive impact on the local communities, that we can combine beauty, experience and eco-responsibility. 

Our 7-pillar roadmap is: 

1. Get rid of any single-use plastic items for our guests in our hotels, with 100% elimination, as well as identification of alternative options to be used in the extended supply perimeter 
2. Get certified: Implement new certifications to reach 40% of hotels certified (for example, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit is Green Key certified) 
3. Go for net-zero: Support hotels with energy efficiency/green energy action plans to reduce CO₂ emissions by 25% by 2025 
4. Change our food habits: At least 50% of hotels should be measuring their food waste production. And all should be shifting to more sustainable culinary options with a target of 25% of menus made up of plant-based alternatives 
5. Support diversity and inclusion, through RiiSE, Accor’s network of diversity, KPIs (in all executive committee and Accor executives’ bonuses). By 2025, 45% of general managers and leadership roles at headquarters should be filled by women, with 40% of leadership roles globally hitting at least 40% women.  
6. Strengthen local anchors and solidarity by developing substantial links to give back to communities in which we are based 
7. Train train train: 100% holding and GMs trained by the end of the year 

I’m convinced that the power of a brand, no matter how fascinating it is, is no longer enough. We decided to stand for a committed luxury, inclusive, diversity-promoting, luxury that gives back to our local communities and serves something bigger than ourselves. 

It has to be rooted in a genuine purpose, a value system and a positive societal impact. For me, this is the most powerful lever of attraction and retention. 

T+L SEA: Glad you brought up RiiSE. The hospitality industry has long been dominated by men, but more and more women are becoming luxury GMs and taking on other important leadership roles. How is Accor/Sofitel working on gender parity?  

Maud Bailly: The group has been a pioneer on the diversity and inclusion subject, long before Rixain French law appeared in 2021. With 300,000 people working all around the world, diversity is obviously at the heart of our DNA. Diversity of cultures, backgrounds, educations, skills, jobs—there are 138 different kinds of jobs in hotels, where you can find up to 25 different nationalities, and this is a real gift. And we value diversity as an immense lever of collective intelligence, with strong KPIs to monitor it, notably through our RiiSE diversity network, with 20,000 members all around the world.  

I am against quotas, but for quotas until we don’t need them anymore. I believe the sum of individualities is greater than collective individualities.  

When I started this new role on the first of January, we were counting 26% of women as general managers in our hotels; they are now 29.5% and we hope to reach 32% by the end of the year. 

With RiiSE we are also fighting against all forms of violence and are very involved with several NGOs to help women victim of violence: finding them a place to stay with their children, conducting webinars with testimonies, and even training our teammates within Accor to detect early indicators of violence. 

Finally, I am very involved in mentorship to help women both within and outside of Accor. I am trying to help every woman to embrace their sensitivity as a form of freedom and truth towards others. As Gustave Flaubert said, “I am endowed with an absurd sensitivity; what scratches others tears me apart.” Being a woman in this industry and more globally is finding the right balance between intellectual and emotional quotients, which is a combination for success. 

T+L SEA: Wellness is huge right now. What new, interesting things are Sofitel and MGallery in Asia doing to meet guest needs in spa, health and wellbeing? 

Maud Bailly: We are always listening to our guests, and studies have shown that 80% wish to focus on their wellbeing. Guests are now seeking more personalization, as well as a reconnection to oneself and others. Desires for nature intertwine with a strong attraction to new technologies, and, hence, to sustainable results. This is how our new holistic wellness concept The Purist Retreat & Spa was born. An innovative offering centered around four pillars of wellbeing: care, sleep, nutrition, and movement. It provides a means to live better, find balance, and establish new lifestyle habits. 

The very first The Purist Retreat & Spa is opening its doors in December 2023 within the MGallery in Trouville, Normandy, in France, an ideal destination for its fresh air and seawater. Here, the offering is reinvented, modernized, and tailored to a guest seeking a holistic experience. The treatment menu has been enriched with exclusive novelties and complemented by a 360° wellness offering.  

The Purist Retreat & Spa is intended to be deployed worldwide, in each case emphasizing the expert hands of our teams and strong CSR commitments. In our spaces, guests regain control of their health, learn to understand themselves (better), and take daily self-care. 

Globally, all Sofitel hotels have a dedicated luxury spa. We are also dedicated to the Art of Sleep, from jet-lag kits, to our pioneering Sofitel MyBed, to sleep rituals.  

Our MGallery hotels offer signature treatments and local know-how in the wellness space, using local products inspired by the destination and ancestral techniques (for example, the farm within the hotel serving all organic ingredients at the restaurant in Legacy Yen Tu, herbs from the garden used in the spa treatments, etc). And we highlight outdoor experiences, from sunrise in Sapa at Hotel de la Couple, to mountain hiking at Veranda Chiang Mai, to personal wellness gurus at V Villas Phuket. 

T+L SEA: What innovations should we be looking out for in Sofitel and MGallery food and beverage in Asia? 

Maud Bailly: The French zest in all our hotels starts at breakfast! Sofitel will soon introduce a project around the art of the croissant—a century-old true symbol of the French breakfast around the world. From mastering the traditional pur beurre croissant to perfection following the French pastry guidelines, to creating a cultural link in styling the croissant, Sofitel Croissants will let the guests taste the essence of different places, celebrating the diversity of global cuisine where unique flavors come together, ultimately linking the French culture with other cultures around the world. 

At MGallery we aim to turn our hotels into lively destination places for locals with one of the brand pillars being Memorable. “Memorable” stands for memorable moments, design and mixology. We are creating a signature cocktail to tell the story of each hotel, its creativity, savoir-faire and local anchorage. 

T+L SEA: What’s your favorite destination in Asia-Pacific? 

Maud Bailly: Vietnam. 

T+L SEA: How often per month do you travel? And can we get your most important packing tips, please?  

I am traveling three to six times a month! My life could be summarized this way: “from checked bag to carry-on,” I became a worldwide expert of under 100ml beauty products. 

Travel tips: drink a lot of water, no alcohol, sleep as much as you can each time you can, don’t eat too much on a plane, take some high hydration masks, and never forget your flight socks! 

T+L SEA: What did you want to be when you grew up? 

Maud Bailly: A hand surgeon! 

T+L SEA: Haha! We’d say we’re surprised but actually you came to this job from operations in a totally different industry. How does running the Paris Metro Montparnasse station equip you to run one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands? 

Maud Bailly: A principle has always driven me: to fully embrace each experience, whether it’s spending six months on the field at SNCF learning to couple TGV carriages, overseeing missions for NGOs in inspection, envisioning tomorrow’s solutions within Manuel Valls’s economic and digital cell at Matignon, or over the past six years at Accor, alongside my wonderful teams. 

Throughout all my experiences, I have remained true to who I am, my values, my drive to build powerful teams through diversity, my desire to empower those around me, and my commitment to the cause of women.  

The expectations of the new generations have evolved significantly in their approach to work, that is why we are very focused on the purpose—how we are serving something bigger than ourselves. I am deeply involved in the transformation of the hotel industry to make it more environmentally friendly by eliminating plastic usage, making our buildings cleaner, thereby reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing food waste. 

I am always guided by René Char’s quote: “There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle.” 

The general manager of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Oliver Schnatz, introduces us to his newly spruced-up grande dame

“The renovation of the hotel did not only cover all of our 345 guest rooms and suites, but we also have a put a very strong focus on enhancing all the public spaces in the hotel. This includes the bridge that was built to connect the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit directly with the Asok BTS station, the Sukhumvit MRT station, and Terminal 21 shopping mall.

“When we conceptualized the new food and beverage outlets for the hotel one of the key objectives was to create venues that would appeal to the community as much as they would appeal to our in-house guest. Judging by the number of local residents we are now welcoming on a daily basis, it seems that we were able to achieve this and become a meeting spot for the community.

“Our soul is in providing exceptional and personalized service.

“There are indeed many new hotels coming into the market on a regular basis and with our renovated product we can definitely compete with them. But ultimately it is the service culture in a hotel that creates these memories that make you want to return. I truly believe that we have a very caring and passionate team and they are the ones creating the opportunities to set us apart from many other luxury hotels.”

To find out more about the lovely new look and feel at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, read here. 

Article Sponsored by Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.
Images courtesy of Sofitel, unless otherwise noted.

BANYAN TREE BANGKOK HAS MADE its mark over the last quarter of a century as a distinguished destination for locals who love its iconic bars and restaurants and guests who adore its 312 tastefully appointed guest rooms and location in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district on South Sathon Road.

Not only is the hotel located steps from world-class shopping centres and must-see tourist attractions, its innovative facilities include incredible dining both on- and off-site, incredible room choices — such as its new Wellbeing Sanctuary Suites — an award-winning spa, and some of the best views of the city from its 61st-floor dining and drinking complex.  

Epicureans delight in Banyan Tree Bangkok’s ten exquisite dining venues across a spectrum of global flavours, certain to entice any palate and captivate the senses. The legendary Vertigo & Moon Bar sits sixty stories high, repeatedly ranked amongst the world’s premier rooftop bars, where visitors and locals mingle under the stars while sipping inventive cocktails and live music. One floor below, the equally stylish Vertigo TOO seduces with its own take on sky-high cocktails and live bands served beside sweeping city vistas.

But Banyan Tree’s exceptional fare reaches beyond the hotel with the splendid Saffron Cruise. This memorable evening voyage glides guests down the glimmering Chao Phraya River as they indulge in gourmet tasting menus. From aromatic Thai classics to Asian fusion and international haute cuisine, Banyan Tree Bangkok’s dining destinations promise extraordinary journeys for the palate that make lasting impressions in this dynamic capital.

The Iconic Vertigo & Moon Bar 

As a pioneering rooftop bar in Bangkok’s sky-high scene, Vertigo & Moon Bar stands tall on Banyan Tree’s 61st floor, coming blazingly to life at sunset with 360-degree views. Its sleek decor exudes contemporary flair with glinting details, an ambient soundtrack and artsy vibe.

Vertigo’s soaring perspective reveals Bangkok’s aesthetic landscape unlike anywhere else, revealing a mesmerising backdrop for everything from romantic dates under the stars to business drinks and festive celebrations above the bustling streets.

The venue’s cascading decks make ideal vantages for fun gatherings and chilled-out cocktails. Below, the intimate Moon Bar proffers its own majestic sights. Whether opting for the à la carte menu or speciality sets, visitors savour this rooftop’s heights literally and figuratively as a pioneer in Bangkok’s elevated culinary scene.

Curated Culinary Cruises

In 2019, Banyan Tree Bangkok debuted a one-of-a-kind gourmet cruising experience along Bangkok’s storied Chao Phraya River: the Saffron Cruise. This elegant two-storey vessel floats amid Thailand’s riverside heritage sites, evoking the country’s rich culture between delicious bites for discerning diners.

On the top level, an al fresco Moon Deck echoes Banyan Tree’s Moon Bar with inventive drinks served alongside panoramas of the meandering River of Kings. Below, an intimate air-conditioned lounge sets the stage for revelry as royal vistas pass through the windows. Dine on a melange of delectable Thai appetisers and entrees, the flavours onboard entwining with glimpses of gilded temples and scenes of daily riverside life.

The refined Saffron Cruise hosts up to 120 diners aboard the two-tiered ship for a voyage featuring the freshest authentic Thai cuisine. Departing nightly at 7pm, the vessel glides past landmarks like Wat Arun’s majestic spires and the Grand Palace’s glinting facades, offering enriching glimpses of Bangkok’s history.

Onshore at Banyan Tree Bangkok, diners continue discovering Thai heritage reflected in the hotel’s refined design and dedication to culinary excellence and service, proven by its long list of honours and awards. 

For more information reservations, please +66 (0)2 6791200 or email: hostesses-bangkok@banyantree.com

Article Sponsored by Banyan Tree Bangkok.
Images courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok.

TRAVELLERS SEARCHING FOR a new and secluded beach haven in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay will be thrilled to discover Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, perched on an unspoilt island that sits a 30-minute boat ride from Phuket and just 20 minutes by boat from Krabi.

The stunning Koh Yao Yai offers couples, families and groups an ideal space for reconnecting with each other, nature, and truly getting away from it all; enveloped by over a kilometre of golden sand beaches, verdant jungles and incredible ocean views that stretch to the horizon.

The new all-suite, villa and penthouse resort stretches across 27 acres that were formerly a coconut plantation and features views of a deep blue bay ringed with limestone islets and rich with tropical birds. 

Step off the resort’s private jetty into a world of indulgent, exclusive luxury where all your cares seemingly melt away with the sea’s ebb and flow. Take a dip in a shaded swimming pool, find refreshments at the pool bar or dive beneath the waves and swim with colourful schools of fish. 

Indulgent Accommodations

To call the resort’s 148 suites, villas and penthouses luxurious is an understatement. Each choice seamlessly melds classic Thai touches with every modern amenity.

The intimate One- and Two-Bedroom Villas offer true seclusion along the shoreline and are popular with couples looking to escape it all. Your private butler can meet any need during your stay, while complimentary bicycles and direct beach access provide opportunities for quality time.

Guests with young children adore the Family Pool Access Suites, finished with welcoming beechwood furniture and bunk beds as well as a terrace that lets little ones jump right into the resort’s family pool — complete with waterslides, smoothie bar, and movies at night — while parents watch from cosy sunbeds. Or choose a Family Sea View Suite with ocean vistas, an in-room slide and secret play areas.

Those looking for more indulgence can choose the 300 sqm Two-Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa with two ensuite bedrooms, eco-friendly grass roofing, private pool terrace with outdoor rain shower and the full attention of a private butler.

Wellness lovers appreciate the Wellness Lagoon Pool Villas, secluded from the rest of the resort and surrounded by serene garden and lagoon views. Enjoy yoga, workouts or meditation from your private pool deck before surrendering to a massage, facial or body wrap at your in-villa spa.

When it’s time to go all out, choose one of the resort’s 366 sqm Sea View Pool Penthouses with endless Andaman Sea views, the assistance of eight dedicated butlers, two skylight-lit rain showers, oversized soaking bathtub with sea views, two dressing rooms, an infinity-edge pool and sundeck with cabana for complete outdoor relaxation. The most unique of these penthouses also features a glass-bottom infinity pool that can be viewed from the living room below.

Specialities to Savour

Guests hoping to dine on the finest fresh seafood set against the romantic sound of waves crashing won’t be disappointed at Beach Restaurant, Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s signature restaurant serving Thai and international seafood delights as well as dry-aged steaks and speciality sushi. 

Pakarang crafts delicately flavoured contemporary Thai favourites and an expansive breakfast daily, including live cooking stations, organic, lactose and gluten-free options. Step into the resort’s Japanese restaurant to enjoy traditional omakase menus alongside modern delicacies.

When thirst calls, head to the Pool Bar, Family Bar or Beach Bar to enjoy craft beers, fine wines, cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes and more. 

Incredible Experiences

Delight in a range of unforgettable excursions and immersive experiences, such as vintage sidecar tours to a rubber plantation, batik or tie-dye classes, island-hopping, mountain climbing, kayak outings to mangrove canals or longtail boat cruises to natural sand banks for candlelit dinners. 

The resort’s Kids’ Club is amongst Thailand’s largest, including a bubble pool with vacuum fountain ball shower, water slide, dance studio and activities such as recycled crafts, seedling planting, cooking classes and nature walks. 

The toddler zone offers expert childcare for one- to four-year-old guests, with a dedicated nap room, stimulating activities like baby yoga, and a restaurant serving all their favourite food and drinks. Throughout the resort, all the restaurants feature kid-friendly menus. 

Anantara Spa offers the perfect escape for every guest, featuring five treatment suites to enjoy a wide array of massages, traditional Thai treatments, a hammam and one of the largest hydro pools in Thailand. 

With luxurious beachfront accommodations, incredible dining, and family-friendly amenities on a secluded Thai island, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas provides an ideal escape for every traveller.

For more information about Anantara Koh Yao Yai, please visit www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-yai-phuket.

Article Sponsored by Anantara.
Images courtesy of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.

THINK OF FOUR SEASONS and think sumptuous hotels, but equally worthy of planning trips around: the folks who make the tastes we crave. Working with some of the best chefs, mixologists and designers in the world, Four Seasons in Asia have set as their main goal bowling us over with amazing food and drinks.

From Bangkok and Hong Kong to Tokyo and Hangzhou, travelers have their pick of 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in 8 hotels. Complementing the dining offerings are compelling bars—six on the Asia’s 50 Best list—shaking up innovative craft cocktails in immersive surrounds.

The unrivaled jewel in the brand’s culinary crown is the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, which, with seven Michelin stars, houses the most stars under one roof in the region. Leading the charge is three Michelin-starred Caprice, the monument of French fine-dining helmed by chef Guillaume Gaillot that pairs refined menus with a palatial dining room and Victoria Harbour views. Also among the hotel’s multi-award-winning eateries are Lung King Heen—in 2018 it became the first Chinese restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars—and Sushi Saito, the one-starred concept by legendary Tokyo-based sushi master Takashi Saito. Spend some chill time at futuristic ARGO, whose acclaimed mixology nabbed it 34th in the most recent World’s 50 Best Bars awards.

Sip on more award-winning cocktails in Japan, where Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi’s VIRTÙ serves cocktails that fuse Japanese ingredients and French flavors. Signature restaurant SÉZANNE has earned Michelin stars and a World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking. In the show kitchen, chef Daniel Calvert meticulously plates up modern French cuisine that match with lovely interiors by designer André Fu and an eclectic collection of Champagne, wine and sake.

Continue the culinary journey at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. It might be one of the newest hotels in the city, but it’s already shining bright as a culinary go-to. The hotel’s Cantonese restaurant Yu Ting Yuan is oh-so-hard-to-book thanks to its refined, detail-oriented dishes, handcrafted dim sum, and opulent setting inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. Next door, celebrate Argentina’s golden age at BKK Social Club, this year No. 13 on World’s 50 Best Bars list. Look out for transportive bespoke cocktails served in glam booths, to an upbeat, globally inspired soundtrack.

Those seeking an immersive journey through Chinese cuisine should book at Jin Sha at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. The restaurant landed a star this year in Hangzhou’s first Michelin Guide for its neoclassical approach to Zhejiang cuisine, amid some of China’s most enthralling scenery and gardens designed by Bill Bensley. The 11 private dining rooms boast outdoor terraces.

With an ever-growing collection of exciting concepts, Four Seasons is redefining what hotel restaurants and bars look like, taking us on grand culinary adventures, and we are totally here for it.

www.fourseasons.com/dining

Article Sponsored by Four Seasons.
Images courtesy of Four Seasons.

The former royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is wrapped in a time warp but it is this quaint vibe that beckons travellers to this UNESCO Heritage Site. Nestled amidst rolling hills at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and dotted with ancient temples and monasteries, Luang Prabang is a harmonious sanctuary and a “living museum” blending Eastern and Western influences. It is this unique mosaic of styles that is reflected in the architectural designs of the luxury and boutique properties in the city.

With sprawling mansions, hilltop havens, royal residences, colonial villas, spa retreats, heavenly hideaways, and luxurious stilt houses set in tropical gardens and verdant paddy fields, you cannot ask for a more exclusive and premium address in the city. We have curated a selection of some of the best hotels to stay in Luang Prabang which add to your mystical experiences in the city.

Best hotels to stay in Luang Prabang

MY TWO BROTHERS AND I all went to Montessori school. We started in nursery school, and I can still remember my first classroom vividly. Open-plan with movable walls and lots of natural light shining on the various learning stations scattered around the room. Towers of pink blocks in decreasing sizes tapering up to the top, or round pegs in increasingly wide widths or high heights, to teach proportionality. Long sticks of different lengths in candy striped red and blue to teach counting. Shapes for tracing. Sandpaper letters for learning the alphabet by sight and feel. Practical everyday items like locks and keys. Puzzles and flags and maps. 

We would spend the day moving from station to station at our leisure, doing what activities struck our interest, working together only if we first politely asked the other child—in addition to nurturing independent thinking and working, and stimulating a desire for exploration, a huge tenet of Montessori is politeness and empathy. At circle time, Miss Mitchell would gather us all to sit cross-legged together, sing songs and have hands-on lessons about the theme of the week. For Thanksgiving, for example, we filled baby food jars with buttermilk and shook them until our little arms were about to fall off to simulate how the pilgrims churned butter. 

I attended Montessori only through second grade, but you can see my memories have held strong. So, when I heard that AYANA Estate in Bali was launching a Montessori program for kids aged 2½ through 6, I knew I had to get one of my nieces there. 

A legacy luxury hotel in southwest Bali, AYANA is probably best known for its Rock Bar, with its blazing sunset views over Jimbaran Bay, from which you have a clear view of the planes coming in for a landing at Denpasar airport. An engineering feat of mind over nature, the resto-club is built into the cliffs, is accessible only by one of two fun-tastic funiculars, and, despite the fact that it keeps expanding, remains one of the harder reservations to get in Bali. 

But AYANA is literally an estate, growing into a full-fledged town more and more each year. Their large spa enclave was voted best in Indonesia in our Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards, they care for monkeys and horses, in recent years they’ve added a beach, beach club, and a fourth hotel (AYANA Segara). And they’ve just debuted both an organic, permaculture farm full of indigenous breeds of crops planted in a golden spiral, and SAKA Museum, a first-of-its-kind in Bali celebrating Indonesian culture and history. 

Most interestingly, they’ve taken the luxury hotel notion of “kids club” and just blown everyone else’s version out of the water. In 2023, AYANA launched a partnership with the famed Green School to create Green Camp, for 7- to 12-year-olds to learn about the world through the lens of nature conservation and food cultivation at an in-house farm and in their mangrove sanctuary. And AYANA has also opened an outpost of the world’s largest network of Montessori schools, Guidepost. 

The older kids can enroll in Green Camp for one, three or four days. The Montessori programming is available to the younger kids by the week or the month, which makes it appealing to parents who want a solid base of routine in their vacation and to the increasing number of digital-nomad families out there—”addressing parents’ hopes for a nurturing holiday for their children,” says general manager Giordano Faggioli—and even to residents of Bali with preschoolers. 

So, I went down to AYANA with my brother, Jaysen, sister-in-law, Shirley, and their daughter, Umbria, then aged 4¾, to check out Guidepost and to see what it would be like to mix a tropical holiday with Montessori school. 

In the mornings, after breakfast we’d do a family activity: tour the farm (T+L tip: break off an ear of their corn and eat it raw—it tastes like it’s already been cooked and coated in sweet butter), run in the waves, tackle one of the various waterslides scattered around the resort. After lunch, one of us would take Umbria on the trolley to camp. She’d shed her shoes in a cubby and disappear into the classroom. Some days the teachers took the kiddos on expeditions around the grounds of the estate—one evening as we were walking through the gardens, Umbria showed me an edible flower and pointed out where the bees go in, as she had learned earlier—and on the camp’s closing day, all the families gathered for a singing circle and a scavenger hunt on the beach. But during most of the trip, the schedule left us grown-ups free in the afternoons for spa appointments, a jamu-making class, some breezy kid-free downtime with margaritas, or, that most adult of activities, work. 

Then one of us would pick Umbria up, maybe squeeze in a little more pool time, pop to our rooms for showers then off for sundowners (proud to have taught her that word this trip) basically anywhere on this westward facing property… though of course the ocean spray over the banquette nestled in the front of a deck at Rock Bar provided the most dramatic denouement. 

Here, Umbria made friends with the DJ, who let her borrow his headphones for a bit while he taught her about his mixer board. At Kampoeng Bali, the traditional dinner theater that drums up an action-packed evening of mythology, dance, giant puppets and fire shows, Umbria made friends with one of the musicians, who let her borrow his mallet to tap out a tune. When we had dinner at Kisik seafood restaurant, the musicians actually had an extra instrument at the ready just for eager kiddos, which Umbria of course was so she wound up joining the serenade to a couple having a romantic private meal down the pier.   

All of which is to say, the entire AYANA estate is not just kid-friendly but in many ways a giant Montessori classroom itself—a sprawling campus where everyone seems happy to answer an inquisitive four-year-old’s questions and help her learn about the world hands on. Even the Japanese toilets provided a teachable moment! And as much as I love my niece and planned this trip around her wellbeing, I was also grateful to get some adult time with my brother and sister-in-law while she was at school, which I’m sure is what Faggioli means when he says, “We truly hope the entire family will enjoy the holiday they’ve been longing for.” 

The Details

Guidepost at AYANA offers weekly and monthly Montessori school packages for children aged 2½ to 6. One-week Guidepost Adventure program: Tuesday through Friday, half-days including lunch IDR7,500,000++. One month (four consecutive weeks) Guidepost Children’s House program: Monday through Friday, half days IDR10,950,000++ or full days IDR13,350,000++. ayana.com/bali/guidepostayana; ayanabali@guidepost.id 

Green Camp AYANA relaunches in December 2023 for children aged 7 to 12, and are available for one-day experiences for parents and kids together (IDR1,870,000++ per day per guest), three-day programs for kids only (IDR5,615,000++ per day per child), and four-day programs with kids-only days plus one family day (IDR7,480,000++ per day per child). ayana.com/baligreencampayana

AYANA Segara is the newest hotel on the Estate. Resort View Rooms from USD486.59 net per night, including breakfast for two, and Ocean View Rooms from USD612.19 net per night, including breakfast for two. ayana.com/bali. 

Lede images by Shirley Wang.

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE COUPLES GETAWAY at Villa Escape Burasari, where every moment is a celebration, each passion is pursued and pure happiness blooms for two kindred souls.

Set on serene Coconut Island, a ten-minute boat ride from Phuket, this luxurious five-star resort boasts only 15 exquisite private oceanview villas complete with spacious private pools, making them the perfect setting for an intimate indulgence, whether you choose a two, three or four bedroom version. 

Bask in the charms of a small island’s paradise, enveloped by long sandy beaches, perfect for frolicking in a symphony of tropical wonders. Revel in the resort’s enticing blend of lavish pools, magnificent beach, expertly landscaped gardens, award-winning spa and bespoke excursions that will live in your memory forever.

Alight on a wonderful weekend 

Your dream weekend begins the moment you arrive at Phuket International Airport. You’ll be greeted by your friendly villa host in the lounge, who will guide you to a private speedboat, where a refreshing glass of sparkling wine awaits, a tantalising prelude to the unforgettable days ahead.

As you glide across turquoise waters for the 15-minute journey, the splendour of Coconut Island comes into view, an enticingly lush enclave. A seamless check-in experience awaits at your private pool villa, accompanied by awe-inspiring sea views and the expertise of your villa host, who stands ready to answer any questions and ensure an ideal stay.

Inside your seaside sanctuary, every detail has been meticulously curated to evoke ultimate relaxation. Allow cold-scented towels to revive your senses as the resort provides refreshing spa treatments on arrival to release the stress from a long journey and beckon blissful anticipation.

As you step outside, feel the fine white sand between your toes as you relax on the beach before trying out the resort’s paddleboards. 

As the sun sets, an irresistible call to romance draws you towards a candlelit table beneath a picturesque beach canopy. Here, amidst flickering candles and vibrant mood lighting, enjoy a culinary symphony as the chef’s favourite dishes transport you to a realm of gastronomic bliss. 

You know that, long after this night fades, its captivating memories will live on in your heart.

Delight in a day of pleasures

Your second day at Villa Escape Burasari begins with a rejuvenating yoga session on the powdery sands as you welcome the golden glow of the morning sun. Returning to your luxurious villa, a delightful surprise awaits you — a floating breakfast is arranged in your private pool.

With succulent slices of tropical fruit, decadent pancakes, and artistically crafted lattes, you savour every spoonful and sip, preparing for the extraordinary adventures that await.

Your local guide arrives to take you on a captivating journey through a nearby fishing village, immersing you in the pulse of the local community. Witness a symphony of colours and the genuine warmth of the locals as you gain a profound appreciation for the island’s rich heritage and the resilience and ingenuity of its people — from those who tap local rubber trees to the staff at a local pearl farm.

The tour makes you both quite hungry, and the guide brings you to a local floating restaurant. Each bite is a testament to the island’s culinary mastery and abundant offerings. And then, an invitation to partake in the ancient art of the island — a chance to fish alongside the locals.

After returning to the resort, you prepare to take an outing on a longtail boat. Bathed in the sun’s warm embrace, the boat takes you to the ethereal Rang and Khai Islands, where you unpack a picnic prepared just for you to enjoy in nature’s unrivalled beauty.

For dinner, one of the resort’s expert private chefs can craft a menu of special seafood dishes made exactly to your liking. 

A fine farewell

You rise from your slumber as morning breaks, feeling rejuvenated and at peace. Hand in hand, you meander to It’s Everything Restaurant, where a nourishing breakfast awaits. Savouring the flavours, you decide upon one last blissful endeavour — a glorious signature massage at Sunyata Spa.

As the departure time looms, fond farewells are exchanged with your villa host. The private speedboat emerges, beckoning you back to the mainland. As you depart, a whispered promise echoes in your heart — you will return to this paradise soon.

To book your own weekend Villa Escape Burasari, visit iescapevilla.com 

Article Sponsored by Island Escape by Burasari.
Images courtesy of Island Escape by Burasari.

ESCAPE TO THE IDYLLIC SHORES of Danang’s Non Nuoc Beach and immerse yourself in the seaside city’s first and only premium beach club, Vive Océane.

The chic and exclusive destination at Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa offers a wide range of social and culinary experiences. Choose from shady alfresco decks or elegant indoor dining that provides a prime view of the beach club’s live show kitchens. 

A mouth-watering menu of Vietnamese and international recipes will tantalise your taste buds, while the breathtaking ocean views provide the perfect backdrop for making memories on Vietnam’s stunning central coast.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa is a five-star family lifestyle resort featuring 198 rooms and suites, 144 residences and 18 villas, five outdoor pools, a fitness centre, art gallery and spa. 

Vive Océane is just one of a diverse selection of restaurants and bars on the indulgent property. 

The delightful and newly updated Osteria Al Mare — named Vietnam’s Leading Resort Restaurant for 2023 from Best Hotels & Resorts 2023 — offers all-day Italian dining with a sharing concept while Terrasse has been refurbished and is open for pre-dinner drinks, artisan cocktails and inspired light bites, served on indulgent sofas beside brazero fire pits.

Traditional Vietnamese beach barbeques, in-villa barbeques and weekly themed dinners are ongoing and the resort is also set to host the interactive Le Petit Chef dining experience — making the resort a one-stop spot for destination dining in Danang. 

Breezy Beach Club Experience 

Inside the beach club, guests discover signature drinks and delightful dishes in an atmosphere of barefoot luxury by day, where they can relax on cosy sofas, catch some sun on picturesque daybeds and enjoy the company of friends and family.

After dark, the stretch of sand transforms into an exciting nightspot that draws Danang’s hippest crowd, perfect for sipping sundowners while enjoying live music and after-dark beachside vibes.

Every Friday night, the beach club hosts V.O.W. Night, which is free to enter and offers entertainment as well as a complimentary welcome cocktail.

The exciting new beach club will offer a plethora of festive treats this holiday season, including a four-course Premium Exclusive Christmas Dinner and the La Fete New Years Extravaganza with a French-Mediterranean sharing-style dinner and thrilling party to welcome 2024. 

Vive Océane is already attracting a wide range of discerning visitors — from hotel guests to in-the-know locals. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon with family, a romantic beachfront spot for dinner, or a place to dance all night on the sand with friends — Vive Océane has just what you’re looking for. 

Tantalising Tastes

Embrace a journey of gastronomic delight at the enchanting alfresco Vive Océane, a beachfront oasis that tempts tastebuds with an exquisite fusion of French-Mediterranean and Vietnamese cuisine. 

Visionary Executive Chef Pierre Tavernier beautifully captures the essence of local and seasonal ingredients — including the freshest locally caught seafood. Having honed his craft alongside the Michelin-starred chefs of Europe and Asia, Chef Pierre showcases his skill by curating a menu that celebrates the harmonious merging of cultures and flavours.

Each evening, dramatic scenes of culinary brilliance unfold from the live show kitchens, where Chef Pierre and his talented team craft a symphony of delectable dishes that elevate Vive Océane amongst dining and social experiences along this picturesque coastal stretch.

Whether you visit for sun-kissed beaches, gentle ocean breezes or the joyous sound of clinking glasses, Vive Océane transforms every visit into a magical seaside moment. 

Discover the ideal Danang venue for beachside cocktail evenings, private parties, team dinners, and wedding receptions. Offering culinary journeys through world-class cuisine, events at Vive Océane will be unforgettable celebrations of taste, ambience, and elegance.

Let the city’s only beach club set the stage for your next fun-filled day or night, where memories are woven beside the sea.

For more information, visit viveoceane.com or email dining.reservation@hyatt.com or call +84(0)-236-398-1234

Article Sponsored by Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa.
Images courtesy of Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa.

Discover pristine Centara properties, including breathtaking beachside and mountain retreats, with up to 35% savings.

AS 2023 COMES TO CLOSE, Centara Hotels & Resorts extends a warm invitation to guests across Thailand and beyond seeking unforgettable family getaways filled with blissful moments and exceptional perks. 

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of luxury as the award-winning brand presents its enticing ‘Linger for Longer’ promotion. Indulge in an extended stay at any of their renowned resorts, spread across six extraordinary brands and encompassing an astounding 50 properties in 8 exquisite destinations.

Let the enchanting surroundings of each destination revitalise your spirit, leaving you feeling rejuvenated, reenergised, and ready to embark on a thrilling journey into 2024.

With addresses in the most desirable destinations in Southeast Asia, Japan, the Indian Ocean and Middle East, Centara continues to build its reputation on exceptional service and gracious Thai-style hospitality. From contemporary city centre locations to far-flung tropical locales, each property offers the chance to linger and enjoy delightful gastronomy, family-friendly facilities and a collection of indulgent spas. 

Love to Linger

Book your long-term stays to get the exciting promotion that provides up to 35% savings on stays at an extensive choice of pristine Centara properties in Thailand, including Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Trat, Rayong, Koh Chang, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Sot, Udon Thani, and Hat Yai. The offer also extends to certain addresses in Vietnam, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Dubai, with special room rates starting at THB 640++ per night.

Indulge in the allure of extraordinary destinations with minimum stays for the promotion depending on the desired destination. Choose from tranquil beachside retreats or serene mountain escapes, each offering a range of options. Embrace the freedom to craft your dream escape with minimum nights ranging from 2, 5, 7, 10 or 14 nights, providing ample time to unwind and explore.

Enjoy a delightful choice of rooms only or rooms with extensive breakfasts included, enhancing each morning’s delight. Plus, up to two children can stay for free when you complete your booking before 20th December 2024.

Discover a captivating selection of enchanting rooms, suites, and private villas tailored to fulfil your every desire. Let Centara Hotels & Resorts curate an unforgettable journey into the heart of your destination, where hidden treasures await the discerning traveller.

Booking Direct is Best

To enjoy even more unique privileges, make your booking using your Centara The1 membership, which provides an additional 15% discount when you log in before booking. Not yet a member? Sign up for free. 

Additional benefits are also available when you book directly with your property of choice. From a Best Rate Guarantee to 10% off food and drinks and a choice of early check-in or late check-out, you’ll love each exclusive privilege provided by Centara Hotels & Resorts. 

The Linger for Longer offer is good for stays booked through 20th December 2024.

Article Sponsored by Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Images courtesy of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Lose yourself in the magic of this urban retreat, where the wellness centre transforms into a festive wonderland of lights and colours.

DELVE INTO THE MAGIC OF this urban retreat, where the wellness centre showcases a festive wonderland filled with captivating adventures, engaging activities, and delightful entertainment. 

Let the joyful ambience keep you merry as you welcome the new year with open arms.

The celebration begins on 12 December when the resort comes vibrantly to life in a symphony of lights and colours. Join the staff and guests to hear a celebratory speech by BDMS’s General Manager before they light the tree. Following the festive lighting, hors d’oeuvres will be served, and the Trio band will perform live and Santa Claus visits with guests, illuminating the season with joy. 

Dining Delights

Later in the month, indulge in a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, with festive menus meticulously crafted to delight your senses.

Revel in the magic of iconic contemporary Thai cuisine at Khum Hom restaurant, where gastronomic adventures result in a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

From a Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December to a Christmas Day lunch and from a New Year’s Eve dining extravaganza to a New Year’s Day lunch, you’ll lose yourself in sumptuous holiday flavours and premium ingredients that arrive from across Thailand — each served with a glass of sparkling wine, a signature cocktail and more. Diners will share in a magical meal as they cherish seasonal moments together. 

Those who book the festive dining experiences at Khum Hom a week before the event can enjoy 15% off. 

Nourish Restaurant will also host health-conscious and soul-stirring brunches featuring dishes from the Mediterranea, Levant and Asia. On 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January, visit the restaurant to enjoy ‘Food for the Soul’ accompanied by live music.  

For those looking for a quieter way to ring in the holiday season with divine dishes, choose a Private Celebration with in-room dining menus built for intimate and personalised celebrations. Enjoy a three-course meal with a bottle of sparkling wine and raise a glass with your nearest and dearest loved ones. 

New Year’s Joy

As the clock ticks down to the New Year, join the fun at BDMS and count down to the New Year at Bliss Terrace Bar amidst captivating live music, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Your night of enchantment includes lights, sounds, and joy with live music and a DJ, sparkling wine, fireworks and more.

Keep the festivities going by booking a holiday stay over Christmas or New Year’s Eve. 

The choice of Christmas or New Year’s Eve stay includes one night in a deluxe room with breakfast for two, a special tasting dinner at Khum Hom, complimentary late check-out, 20% odd a la carte spa treatments and a signature cocktail, refreshment and drink ticket for use at Bittersweet Bar. 

For holiday gift giving, don’t forget to stop by Be Well Spa, where buying five vouchers will get you one for free, buying 10 vouchers will get you two for free and buying 20 vouchers will get you five for free.

While you’re there, why not treat yourself to a December spa special. Relaxation Meets Radiance will allow you a 60-minute full-body massage and a 30-minute glowing facial massage. 

Make this holiday season extraordinary by staying at Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok. Enjoy a magical celebration with festive dining experiences, dance the night away at Bliss Terrace Bar, and pamper yourself with spa specials. Experience the joy and beauty of the season as Mövenpick BDMS creates unforgettable moments for every guest.

For more information, please visit: www.movenpickbdmsbangkok.com

Article Sponsored by Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort.
Images courtesy of Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort