Pioneering Sustainable Food in Chiang Mai In the vibrant heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Meliá Chiang Mai sets a shining example of sustainable tourism by championing eco-friendly culinary practices. Recently, the hotel’s Executive Chef, Suksant Chutinthratip, affectionately known as Chef Billy, received the esteemed Chiang Mai Green Kitchen “Green People” Award. This accolade recognizes his pioneering efforts to promote a resilient and responsible food system across Asia’s culinary landscape. Recognitions for Green Excellence Meliá Chiang Mai’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond individual achievement. Their renowned restaurants, Laan Ha Kitchen and MAI Restaurant and Bar, have each earned the prestigious “Chiang Mai Green Kitchen” certification for the fourth consecutive year. This honor underscores the hotel’s ongoing commitment to the Thailand Green Kitchen project, supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. The initiative encourages organic and sustainable food concepts among 44 local restaurants and hotels, fostering eco-conscious travel experiences. Chef Billy’s Vision for a Sustainable Future Chef Billy’s leadership is rooted in collaboration—working closely with local farmers, chefs, educators, and the wider community. His innovative approach includes co-designing crop calendars aligned with seasonal cycles and market demand, reducing food waste and production risks. By advising farmers on food business planning and marketing, he helps transform them into “food system entrepreneurs,” empowering them with a deeper understanding of costs, value creation, and market dynamics. Engaging the Next Generation Further reflecting his commitment to sustainability, Chef Billy advocates for youth involvement through the “Young Chefs” program. This initiative educates university students about organic vegetables, food origins, and environmental responsibility—nurturing a new generation of eco-conscious culinary professionals across Asia. Recognized Excellence “I’m humbled to receive this award and share it with Thida Woranet from Rimping Supermarket,” Chef Billy remarked. “This accolade is a testament to our hotel’s management, culinary team, and local farmers who work tirelessly towards a more responsible food system.” Experience Sustainable Travel in Chiang Mai For travelers seeking authentic, eco-friendly experiences in Thailand, Meliá Chiang Mai offers more than luxurious accommodations—it’s a gateway to responsible tourism. To learn more or book your stay, contact reservation.chiangmai@melia.com or visit Meliá Chiang Mai.

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Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, a five-star property owned by Asset World Corporation (AWC) and operated under the Marriott Hotels® brand, proudly announces the grand opening of Plaii Ballroom and the Plaii Hybrid Meetings & Entertainment Complex. This landmark development elevates the hotel into Northern Thailand’s most advanced integrated MICE and lifestyle destination. The launch reinforces Chiang Mai’s position as a rising regional hub for business events and experiential travel, in line with Thailand’s growing influence within Asia’s MICE landscape. The name ‘Plaii’ is inspired by the elegance and cultural significance of the Thai Royal elephant, a symbol of dignity, strength, and noble presence deeply rooted in Northern Thai heritage. Plaii Complex is a three-storey integrated event and lifestyle destination, anchored by the Plaii Ballroom and supported by 11 fully equipped meeting rooms, executive breakout suites, and a naturally illuminated Mingle Space for networking. The complex further incorporates The Wang Bar, Chiang Mai’s first private golf simulator rooms, private karaoke lounges, and The Plaii Eatery Café & Bar, creating a cohesive environment where business, entertainment, and social connection converge. At its core, the Plaii Ballroom stands as an architectural and technological statement. As Thailand’s first 360-degree immersive LED ballroom, it features an 84-meter wraparound LED display, 6.24-meter screen height, and 400 square meters of pillarless space for purpose-built for international product launches, global conferences, creative showcases, luxury celebrations, and weddings. With the debut of the Plaii Complex, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel now offers a total of 22 meeting rooms and over 2,800 square meters of flexible event space, positioning the property as a regional hub for large-scale events and hybrid conferences. The launch of Plaii has also generated strong interest from both domestic and regional markets, particularly South Korea, Taiwan, and Greater China, underscoring Chiang Mai’s growing appeal as a global event destination. “Plaii represents a transformational moment for Chiang Mai and for Marriott’s presence in Northern Thailand,” said Mr. Rajat Chatterjee, General Manager of Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. “Our vision is to establish Chiang Mai as a globally recognized MICE and lifestyle destination where advanced event technology, business creativity, and cultural heritage converge. The recent recognition of Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel as MICE Hotel of the Year 2025 at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Thailand further affirms our commitment to excellence. With Plaii, we are able to deliver immersive, meaningful, and high-impact experiences that speak to the evolving expectations of event organizers and global travelers.” Thailand’s MICE industry continues to expand, supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and rising demand for high-value corporate and experiential travel. Chiang Mai, recognized as one of Thailand’s Top 5 MICE Cities, continues to benefit from increasing interest among international corporate groups and government delegations, supported by strong infrastructure, cultural depth, and world-class hospitality experiences. Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel offers a complete destination experience where business, leisure, and local culture come together seamlessly. The hotel features 383 contemporary rooms and suites from Deluxe Rooms to the Royal Suite, each designed with a sense of calm and comfort, and framed by panoramic views of Doi Suthep and Chiang Mai’s urban landscape, offering guests a refined retreat in the heart of the city. The hotel’s dining collection reflects Chiang Mai’s diverse cultural influences and emphasis on quality ingredients. Favola, the MICHELIN Guide–recognized Italian restaurant, showcases regional Italian flavors crafted with hand-selected imported produce and freshly sourced local ingredients. Han The Chinese Cuisine celebrates the shared culinary heritage of Thai and Chinese families through heirloom recipes and refined cooking traditions, while The Ping Cuisine & Bar offers all-day dining rooted in Chiang Mai’s seasonal agricultural richness. Ping’s Bar provides a relaxed social lounge for crafted cocktails and conversation, and Pool House invites guests to unwind beside the infinity-edge pool with botanical-inspired beverages and light, refreshing dishes. Guests staying in Club rooms and above categories are welcomed into the M Club, an elevated private lounge providing personalized service, refined culinary offerings throughout the day, and exclusive spaces for quiet work or relaxed meetings, all framed by sweeping views of the mountains and city. For wellness and recreation, the hotel offers a state-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Center with floor-to-ceiling mountain views, a nature-inspired Chang Kid’s Room for young travelers, and a fourth-floor tropical infinity pool with dedicated zones for both serene relaxation and family enjoyment. For more information about Plaii Hybrid Meetings & Entertainment Complex and Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, please visit: Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel

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Thailand’s most charming and photogenic annual celebration is nearing — Loy Krathong. Also known as the “Festival of Lights” for the millions of floating candles on rivers and lanterns lighting up the sky, the celebration can be enjoyed everywhere from the metropolis of Bangkok to the smallest village nestled among rice paddies. This year, the national holiday takes place on the evening of November 5, and visitors are always warmly welcomed to join in. Here is a selection of some of the best resorts and hotels across the country where international travelers and locals alike can enjoy the spectacle. Krathongs, Music and Dancing in Krabi Perched neatly atop the beachfront resort of Banyan Tree Krabi, the award-winning Thai restaurant Saffron will this year host an evening of merriment to make the festival come alive. Starting from 6:30pm on November 5, Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature fine-dining venue, will provide guests and diners with a Thai buffet dinner, accompanied by live music and traditional performances. The price per person is 2,200 THB net per person, which includes a welcome drink, and just 1,100 THB net for children. And, talking about kids, there will be family fun that same afternoon with an opportunity for guests to create their own krathong (banana leaf boat). An Enchanting Rooftop Party in Chiang Mai Nowhere in the northern city of Chiang Mai can you get a better view of both the river and the night sky than from the rooftop bar of downtown Meliá Chiang Mai. The highest rooftop venue in the city, guests can watch in awe as tiny twinkling banana boats drift slowly down the Ping River. Meliá Chiang Mai will host a double celebration: on both Nov 5th and Nov 6th, from 6pm till midnight, an evening of magic will be staged at MAI The Sky Bar, on the 22nd floor, including live music, fun n’ games and live music — all paired with crafted drinks created specially for this enchanting evening. Beachfront Spirit of Koh Samui Banyan Tree Samui is hosting a beachfront celebration on November 5, starting at 4:30 when guests join resort staff in a hands-on cultural experience by making their own krathong boat, using only natural materials, which they can then offer to the water goddess, a traditional rite in Buddhist countries and an opportunity to wish for good fortune. Then, at 6:30pm, a traditional long drum parade is scheduled to ring in the festive spirit. The resort’s MICHELIN Guide-recommended fine-dining restaurant, Saffron, will present a special Loy Krathong set menu starting at THB 2,350 net per person without wine and THB 3,200 net per person with wine.Each dining couple will receive a complimentary krathong to help ensure that the blessings and the spirit of the festival can be preserved. Riverside Magic in Bangkok Nothing quite compares to the dazzling spectacle of thousands upon thousands of tiny candlelit boats floating slowly down the Chao Phraya River under the full moon. Those visitors fortunate enough to be staying at GLOW Riverside Bangkok will have the greatest of front-row seats to view and experience this most photogenic of events. GLOW Riverside will provide a delicious set dinner with live traditional Thai performances, and all diners will receive a complimentary krathong. In addition, members of Fusion’s loyalty program, Fusionlife, can receive up to 25% off dining and spa services, stay credits, complimentary healthy drinks, late check-out and receive room upgrades subject to availability. A Hillside View of Phuket Visitors who prefer a more chilled or intimate celebration may opt for the blissfully serene Fusion Suites Phuket Patong, an oasis of tranquility nestled on a lush tropical hillside overlooking lively Patong Beach and the Andaman Sea. This Sino-Portuguese designed resort is equipped with everything a family needs for a quiet vacation — beautiful villas, multiple swimming pools,a fitness center, kids club and spectacular views of the sunset. Dining guests on November 5 will receive a complimentary krathong set. In addition, members of Fusion’s loyalty program, Fusionlife, will qualify for exclusive benefits, including up to 25% off dining and spa services.

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High above the bustling streets of Chiang Mai, on the 21st floor of the Meliá Chiang Mai hotel, Mai Restaurant & Bar is redefining what it means to dine sustainably. Blending the bold flavors of Northern Thai cuisine with Mediterranean finesse, this intimate venue isn’t just about food—it’s about mindful dining with purpose. And the panoramic views over the city and Doi Suthep temple add a touch of magic to every meal. The 360° Cuisine Concept At the heart of Mai Restaurant’s philosophy is Meliá’s 360° Cuisine concept, a thoughtful approach that reduces food waste and lowers the kitchen’s environmental footprint. Executive Chef Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) and Sous Chef Karn Phojun partner with ethical, chemical-free farms such as Rong Khum in San Pa Tong and SEED in San Sai. Every ingredient is used to its fullest—leftovers are composted back at the farms, and even cooking oil is recycled into biodiesel. It’s a closed-loop system that keeps the farm-to-table connection alive while championing sustainability. A Menu that Tells a Story The newly unveiled menu offers a vibrant range of dishes: Appetisers like Hoi Shell Samunprai—seared scallops with turmeric chips and chili—or a refreshing Khao Soi Salad with organic produce. Main courses that highlight local flavors, from the juicy Cheeva Pork Chop with wild peppercorn sauce to Neau Yang Nam Prik Kha, featuring Thai-Angus ribeye with galangal gravy. Seafood delicacies such as Kanom Jeen Nam Prik Goong Pao with tiger prawns and curry sauce. Vegetarian delights like Yum Makeua Yao, a grilled eggplant dish with chili-soy dressing. To finish, diners can indulge in creative desserts like the Lum Yai Pudding, made from organic longans grown at the innovative Rong Khum Farm Lab—a project dedicated to regenerative farming and soil healing. Dining in Style The setting is as memorable as the food. Guests step through an arch inspired by Chiang Mai’s temple architecture before entering a dining room that pays tribute to the city’s artistic heritage. Ceiling installations resemble umbrella ribs from Bo Sang Village, while antique textile artworks and patterned carpets echo Chiang Mai’s cultural tapestry. The 38-seat restaurant sits just below MAI The Sky Bar, the highest rooftop bar in the city, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner followed by cocktails with a view. A Model for Sustainable Travel Mai Restaurant & Bar doesn’t just serve exquisite dishes—it offers travelers a chance to support responsible tourism in Thailand. By choosing a meal here, guests contribute to local farms, reduce environmental impact, and experience a culinary journey that blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability. For travelers passionate about eco-friendly experiences, this is more than dinner—it’s a statement. Plan Your Visit For reservations, call +66 52 090 603, email fb@meliachiangmai.com, or visit Meliá Chiang Mai’s official website.

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Thailand is redefining the remote work experience with the launch of the ‘LOCO(AL) Working Space’ campaign, inviting digital nomads, remote professionals, and creative minds to immerse themselves in authentic Thai communities while maintaining global connectivity. Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this initiative transforms traditional work environments by offering unique “SPACE TONES” that blend emotional value with local authenticity. Whether it’s the serene mountains of Chiang Mai, the cultural alleys of Bangkok, or the tranquil islands of Phuket, Thailand presents curated environments that foster productivity, inspiration, and well-being. Chiang Mai: Valley Space Nestled in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, making it a haven for digital nomads. Beyond the city’s vibrant co-working spaces and artisan markets, remote workers can retreat to peaceful mountain communities such as: ·      Mae Klang Luang: a serene village nestled in the Doi Inthanon National Park, it offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the simplicity of rural Thai life. The village is famous for its lush terraced rice fields, vibrant flower gardens, cool climate, and the home of Karen tribe. ·      Mae Mae: is a lesser-known slice of Chiang Mai, known for its peaceful vibe, lush green hills, authentic local life, and its growing in eco-tourism. It’s all about slow mornings with local coffee, homestays run by families who genuinely care about the land, and walking trails that feel untouched. Mae Mae is hidden gem offering immersive experiences in nature and local traditions ·      Mae Sa Noi: is a quiet, scenic corner of Chiang Mai known for its serene waterfalls, lush forest trails, and local elephant experiences. Unlike tourist-heavy spots, it offers a more natural, intimate vibe and the chance to see elephants bathing in the Mae Sa Noi stream. It’s a favorite for those seeking a relaxation retreat into Chiang Mai’s green heart, where nature feels personal and unfiltered. In the city, co-working spaces like Alt_ChiangMai and Alt_PingRiver provide fully furnished accommodations and shared amenities, creating environments that seamlessly merge comfort and community.  Bangkok: Classic Space Thailand’s capital is a dynamic metropolis where history and modernity coexist. In the heart of the city lies Trok Dilokchan, a cultural alleyway that bridges heritage and contemporary lifestyles. Here, digital nomads can explore century-old architecture, enjoy coffee in restored shophouses, and discover co-working spaces filled with character. Phuket: Island Space For those dreaming of working with the sound of waves in the background, Phuket offers idyllic island settings: ·      Ko Lon: Ko Lon has a laid-back vibe where you can find quiet beaches, friendly locals, and a slower pace that helps you focus and recharge. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and fresh seafood—ideal for unwinding after a productive workday. Ko Lon offers the perfect balance of work and escape; it keeps you productive without feeling plugged in to the chaos of city life. ·      Ko Naka Yai: just a 15-minute boat ride off the east coast from Phuket, known for its secluded location, and glassy bay. The island’s tiny size means you’ll know every hidden cove and cliff-top view by sunset. With no crowds or traffic to slow you down, Ko Naka Yai lets you work at your own pace—then reward yourself with uninterrupted nature, all within steps of your bungalow. Make this tranquil slice of paradise your base for productivity and play. In Phuket Old Town, colonial architecture meets trendy cafés and art-filled streets, providing remote workers with a colorful, creative space to call home. About 5 Must Do in Thailand of TAT The campaign is anchored in the “5 Must Do in Thailand” experience pillars, encouraging nomads to not only work remotely but to truly live locally. From tasting regional dishes and trying age-old crafts to buying community-made goods, exploring nature, and seeking inner peace, each destination invites nomads to craft a personalized lifestyle aligned with their values. About LOCO(AL) Working Space: The ‘LOCO(AL) Working Space’ campaign is more than a tourism initiative, it’s an invitation to design your life differently. Whether you’re a coder in Berlin, a writer in Seoul, or a designer in Toronto, Thailand welcomes you to bring your work, live intentionally, and discover a space that truly fits your rhythm. For more information and travel inspiration, visit: FB Amazing Thailand – IG  tourismthailand – www.tourismthailand.org

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A cart brimming with Thai-inspired chocolate bars, featuring unique flavours ranging from ‘Mango Chili’ and ‘Massaman Peanut Curry’ to ‘Thai Tea’ and ‘Khao Soi Curry’, has trundled into Meliá Chiang Mai in support of local sustainable farmers. The hotel has joined forces with award-winning boutique chocolatier Siamaya, a Chiang Mai company that makes bean-to-bar chocolate from locally sourced organic Thai cacao beans and ingredients and that pays farmers higher prices to ensure they receive a living wage. The chocolate-laden cart is permanently stationed at the entrance of the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Laan Na Kitchen. Its eclectic selection of dark chocolate varieties range from ‘Hill Coffee and Pomelo’ and ‘Thai Bullet Chili’ to ‘Tom Kha Coconut Curry’. In addition to milk chocolate bars such as ‘Durian’, ‘Orange Cranberry and Almond’, ‘Banana’ and ‘Masala Chai’, the cart also offers ‘Pumpkin Pie’ white chocolate. A unique option is the ‘Khao Soi Curry’ bar that pays tribute to the creamy, slightly spicy yellow curry noodle dish from Northern Thailand. The milk chocolate bar is flavoured with hints of crispy noodles, spices, and fried shallots. “By making chocolate from scratch in a responsible, compassionate and eco-friendly way, reducing waste across their production process and using recycled paper and soya-based inks for packaging, Siamaya Chocolate is a welcome part of our hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers that is a central plank in Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger. The partnership with Siamaya is part of the hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers, which includes gourmet farm SEED in San Sai District, organic gourmet farm Rong Khum in San Pa Tong, Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, which crafts artisanal cheese made from high-quality, locally sourced raw cow’s milk, and SUPHA BEE FARM, a local honeybee farm in Mae Rim. “We support sustainability practices so our partners will continue to farm long into the future and we pay around 2-2.5 times as much as fair trade programs usually pay farmers for the cacao, often going on field trips to make sure the cacao is grown sustainably and with respect for the nature around the cacao plantations,” said Siamaya’s co-founder and chief executive officer Neil Ransom. “With this higher payment we require pesticide free farming and a strict no-burning policy. As in other regions of Southeast Asia, pollution caused by agricultural burning is an issue in Thailand, and by introducing a no-burning policy we aim to contribute to a better and greener world,” added Siamaya’s co-founder and chief operating officer Kirstian Levinsen. The hotel’s guests are also welcome to participate in Siamaya Chocolate’s chocolate making workshops and learn about what it means to have social awareness and sustainability as small business key values. Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program is designed to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint and promote healthy eating. Under the program, the hotel sources ‘farm to plate’ organic produce that travels only a short distance. As much of each ingredient is used – roots, leaves, stems, stalks and more – in a ‘thoughtful cooking process’ before ‘plate to farm’ food waste returns to the farms as fertilizer in a truly 360° concept. Leftover cooking oil is sent to be recycled into biodiesel. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm To contact Simaya Chocolate, call +(66) 065 050 1649 or visit https://siamayachocolate.com/

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort unveils one of Thailand’s most unique and luxurious stays – The Mekong Explorer Tent. The exceptional hillside retreat offers unrivaled panoramic views of Northern Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes, serving as a serene haven for stargazers, nature enthusiasts, and intrepid explorers alike. Located just 4 km from the iconic Golden Triangle, The Mekong Explorer Tent sits where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Nestled in a 160-acre bamboo forest, the tent offers sweeping views of the verdant jungle, the mighty Mekong River, and the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation’s 20 rescued elephants roaming below. The two-bedroom luxury retreat is thoughfully designed with explorers in mind, featuring a tasteful mix of leather, wood, and accents of Jim Thompson fabrics that exude timeless elegance. Handcrafted furniture and locally sourced amenities immerse guests in the region’s rich culture, including locally made, sustainable teas from Sawanabondin, chocolates from Kad Kakao in Northern Thailand, homemade elephant shaped butter cookies, crispy mushrooms in collaboration with DoiTung, and a Praewa cloth bag, traditionally used by hilltribes in the Lanna region. Each spacious bedroom boasts an en-suite bathroom and oversized king-size beds for unparalleled comfort. Outside, two private terraces each feature a 5m x 3m infinity pool and an outdoor bathtub, offering a serene soak amidst nature. Guests of The Mekong Explorer Tent also enjoy tailored luxuries, including an Explorer’s Arrival via traditional longtail boat, a Sky Bike adventure, full-board gourmet dining, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a fully stocked minibar, and access to the Hall of Opium Museum. Additionally, each night’s stay includes a choice of unforgettable activities, such as the Walking with Giants elephant experience, a Spice Spoons cooking class with a local market visit, a 60-minute spa treatment, or a private yoga or Pilates session. The resort will further elevate its offerings with the introduction of the Mekong Explorer Suites. These suites, inspired by intrepid explorers of the Mekong River, blend Thai Lanna elements with colonial influences. Dark wood paneling, elephant-inspired décor, and antique-style travel trunks evoke a sense of tradition and adventure. Each suite features a balcony with jungle views, a cantilevered Thai daybed, a rain shower, a terrazzo soaking tub, and locally sourced amenities. The Mekong Explorer Tent is part of the resort’s array of unique luxury accommodations, including the Jungle Bubble and Jungle Bubble Lodge, which offer guests an unforgettable safari-style experience. Guests can dine on a private deck overlooking elephants and enjoy personalized butler service, two bedrooms, and a private plunge pool in these off-the-grid retreats. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is renowned for its commitment to sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. The resort provides sanctuary for 20 rescued elephants through the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, offering guests ethical and educational interactions with these gentle giants. Guests can also enjoy world-class amenities, including luxurious suites, fine dining inspired by the region’s three countries, a rejuvenating spa, and a 30-meter infinity pool overlooking the elephant plains. From birdwatching in the 160-acre bamboo forest to breakfast in the treetops with the Canopy dining experience, every moment at Anantara Golden Triangle is extraordinary. The resort also offers a truly sustainable experience. From the complete elimination of single-use plastic to a reliance on solar power, the resort is also home to its own farm, complete with herb and vegetable gardens, grey Oyster mushroom farm, bee hives, and free-range chickens. A stay in The Mekong Explorer Tent* starts from $3,800++ per night, including an Explorer’s Arrival, a Sky Bike adventure, full-board gourmet dining, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a fully stocked minibar, and access to the Hall of Opium Museum. Additionally, each night’s stay includes a choice of unforgettable activities. For more information and the best available rates, visit anantara.com/en/golden-triangle-chiang-rai, email goldentriangle.ccc@contact.anantara.com, or call +66 53 784 084. For the latest news, follow the resort on Instagram @anantara_goldentriangle *The Mekong Explorer Tent 2 King Bedrooms 52 sqm with a 22 sqm private balcony, totaling 75 sqm per unit. 2 x oversized king-size beds 2 x bathrooms Outdoor bathtub on the deck for a serene soak amidst nature Private swimming pool measuring L4.8m x W3.15m. Maximum 3 adults & 1 child or 2 adults & 2 children **The Golden Triangle Luxury Explorer Package includes return luxury airport transfers, full board dining, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as in-room dining, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, in-room minibar and admission to the Hall of Opium Museum. Every guest also receives one unforgettable activity for every night stayed including an elephant experience, Spice Spoons cooking class, a 60-minute spa treatment or a 60-minute private yoga or Pilates class.

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A clutch of guest bartenders, a live pop band, drag show performers, DJs spinning the decks and more will converge on Meliá Chiang Mai on November 1 for an exhilarating poolside celebration. Situated on lively Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city, the urban hotel will host ‘Pool Party Bar Takeover’ from 5-11pm at its picture-perfect swimming pool area on the second floor. Anchored by the swimming pool, the hotel’s Tien Pool Bar, will welcome six local bartenders to concoct their signature creations for pool party-goers. In addition to Meliá Chiang Mai’s top bartender Francisco, bartenders Pom from The White Rabbit, Foam from Bar Not Found, Pim from Gladwell Cocktail Bar, Ploy from Art Mai Gallery Hotel and Benz from Anantara Chiang Mai’s Brit Bar will spend the afternoon and evening shaking and stirring all sorts of cocktails at Tien Pool Bar. Live band Multipolar will perform a medley of pop and variety tunes for guests to dance to. Blow Entertainment’s dazzling drag queens will take to the stage for colourful performances and life DJs will ignite the atmosphere with infectious tunes. The event’s pop-up partner Smash Daddy’s will serve hand-smashed burgers. Tickets are priced at 400 THB net per person and include one drink of choice; -196 Freeze, Kakubin Highball or a beer. Priced at 1,999 THB net per person, a ‘Special Tasting Package’ entails sampling a total of six cocktails from all six guest bartenders in addition to a welcome drink. Jim Beam, -196 Freeze Technology, Roku Gin and Suntory Whisky Kakubin are the event’s sponsors. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email fb@meliachiangmai.com or call +66 52 090 602. About Meliá Hotels International  Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. For more information, please visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com

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Meliá Chiang Mai has clinched a coveted spot in the well-respected Australian magazine Holidays with Kids Readers’ Choice Awards, recognised as among “Thailand’s Best Family Resorts”. Situated in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north, Meliá Chiang Mai rounded out the list of 12 Thailand hotels and resorts and was the only property in Chiang Mai to make the cut. Nominations for the Holidays with Kids 2024 Best Family Resorts Awards were open for 12 months and came from the magazine’s vast readership of more than 600,000 parents. “The competition has been fierce, with so many kid-friendly resorts not just meeting expectations but smashing them. From creative kids’ clubs and family focused dining, to kids-centric facilities and activities, the winning resorts and hotels are raising the bar for families,” the publication said. Holidays with Kids described Meliá Chiang Mai as “beautiful”. “YHI Spa pampers guests with massage therapy, scrubs, wraps and facials, while the gym ensures your fitness goals stay on track,” the magazine said. “There are three dining venues serving up culinary masterpieces, and the resort even facilitates the Meliá Farm 360 experience, immersing guests in the eco-farming program that fills their plates. The rooftop bar has fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, the pool is the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring Chiang Mai, and the kids club will keep the little nippers safe and sound when parents need a romantic evening for two.” Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger said he and his team were honoured that the hotel had been recognised as among Thailand’s leading family properties in the awards for the second year in a row. “We’ve got so much to offer the young and the young at heart including our Family Rooms with puzzles and board games, children’s tent, toys and more, and our vast kids and teens club with a program packed with activities such as Thai boxing, umbrella painting, and arts and craft with recycled materials,” he said. “Our large outdoor swimming pool with a shallow pool area for kids replete with two water slides, a rain curtain, water fountains and a giant tipping bucket is popular with families, and our hotel is a great base to explore Chiang Mai’s many attractions ranging from famed temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep to the Chiang Mai Night Safari and novel Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park.” View the full list of winners here: https://holidayswithkids.com.au/best-family-resorts-awards/ and the full list of the ‘Best Family Resorts in Thailand’ here: https://holidayswithkids.com.au/best-family-resorts-thailand/ To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

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Meliá Chiang Mai’s jewel in the crown, 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar, will welcome an award-winning bartender next month to concoct an imaginative selection of Thai-inspired cocktails. Benz Naphat Boonmamuang, a.k.a “Mr B”, who hails from Chiang Mai and has been recognized among Thailand’s top mixologists, will “take over” Mai The Sky Bar on Friday August 2 from 7pm until midnight. Perched on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 22nd floor, Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in Chiang Mai – offers spectacular views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. The remarkable venue features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas. Mr B, the beverage and bar manager at Anantara Chiang Mai’s Brit Bar at 1921 House, has more than a decade’s experience of mixology under his belt. He has been recognised in the prestigious “World Class Thailand” Bartender of the Year Awards, named the second runner runner-up in the 2024 awards and a finalist in 2023. He was also the first runner-up at the Giffrad West Cup this year and a finalist in the Dewar’s Highball Challenge last year. His Thai-inspired cocktails on offer during the takeover include a highball cocktail dubbed “Poy Luang”, which means a grand celebration featuring a lively procession dominated by the sounds of the gamelan. Paying homage to traditional drinking customs where alcohol is typically consumed with pickled fruit, the cocktail features a homemade wild apple sparkling juice – made from wild apples, galangal and citron grown by the Doi Ang hill tribe community in Chiang Mai’s Fang District – mixed with Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey. The cocktail is garnished with plum-soaked citron wrapped in edible plastic; a nod to the world’s need to reduce plastic use. Mr B’s selection of cocktails complement Mai The Sky Bar’s menu featuring dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the city’s most happening venue’s vibrant menu serves a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively. Mai The Sky Bar’s resident DJ will spin commercial house music, afrobeats, pop and dancehall tunes from 8pm. Entry to Mai The Sky Bar for Mr B’s takeover is THB 250 net per person, with credit towards food and drinks. For further information or to make a reservation, email maiskybar@melia.com or call +66 52 090 600.

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Meliá Chiang Mai turned two this April, celebrating the milestone with new dining and spa experiences. Meliá Chiang Mai debuted April 10, 2022, signalling a huge vote of confidence at the time in the future of Chiang Mai. Towering over the Ping River and the Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai, it was the first five-star hotel to open in the mountain city since the onset of the global pandemic. In celebration of its two-year anniversary, the hotel’s Ruen Kaew Lounge is offering its “Gourmet Leaf Tea Set” pairing organic tea with a sticky Chiang Mai longan pudding served with homemade fresh coconut ice cream. The organic tea selection features ‘Mediterranean mandarin’, ‘Rose with French vanilla’ and ‘Blueberry and pomegranate’. The longan is sourced from sustainable and chemical-free gourmet farm Rong Khum in San Pa Tong. Priced at THB 599 net per set for two people, it is available from 2-5pm daily until June 30 this year. YHI Spa is offering an indulgent 60-minute Mangosteen scrub, which gently buffs away dead skin cells to leave the skin softened and glowing. Priced at THB 1200 net per person, the natural body scrub is on offer until June 30. To mark the second anniversary, on the morning of April 10 this year there was almsgiving to monks and a Brahma Shrine and spirit house ceremony in front of the hotel, as well as a monk’s blessing and Lanna life-prolonging ceremony, and offerings to monks at the hotel’s Khom Room. From 1.30pm that day, hotel staff volunteered at Agape Home Orphanage, and presented a donation following a recent fundraiser. The orphanage is a loving home for more than 100 children who live with, or are at risk of being, HIV positive. Many of them have lost their parents to AIDs, and there are no other options for their care. Since its debut, the hotel has clinched coveted awards and widespread recognition for its sustainable tourism services including its ‘360° Cuisine’ program, under which the hotel works closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production to ultimately make the overall food system more resilient. Ranked among the Top 10 “Best Upcountry Hotels in Thailand” in the 2023 Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific and the Top 10 Best Family Resorts in Thailand in the 2023 Holidays with Kids Readers’ Choice Awards, the hotel has also been awarded the Thai Hotel Standards Organization’s “Five-Star Hotel of the Year 2024”. In 2022 it was certified as a “Zero Carbon Emission Hotel” by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair, the hotel cut the ribbon on a host of world-class facilities. Its rich dining landscape comprises two restaurants, two bars including the highest bar in the city, a spectacular 360-degree rooftop bar, and two lounges such as an executive lounge on the 21st floor with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Meliá’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, swimming pool, a vast kids and teens club, a kids pool, a fully equipped fitness center, ballroom and four other meeting spaces are among facilities for leisure and business travelers alike. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

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Meliá Chiang Mai has joined forces with a new sustainable and chemical-free farm to source the likes of rare, local greens, cage-free eggs and sterilised fresh milk, expanding its ‘360° Cuisine’ program. In a bid to work closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production to ultimately make the overall food system more resilient, the hotel has formed a partnership with organic gourmet farm Rong Khum in San Pa Tong. The hotel sources organic Jasmine rice, cage-free eggs, fresh organic milk free of added hormones, vegetables such as betel leaves, coriander, spring onion, star gooseberry and chili, and fruits including longan, lychee, papaya, dragon fruit and bananas from Rong Khum for guests’ meals at Mai Restaurant & Bar, Laan Na Kitchen, MAI The Sky Bar and Ruen Kaew Lounge. Chiang Mai University Professor Dr. Puangrat Kaewlom, who comes from a long line of farmers and is passionate about research into sustainable agriculture, established Rong Khum about two years ago. The farm joins the hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers including gourmet farm SEED in San Sai District and Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, which crafts artisanal cheese made from high-quality, locally sourced raw cow’s milk. The network is a central plank in Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program, designed to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint and promote healthy eating. Under the program, the hotel sources ‘farm to plate’ organic produce that travels only a short distance. As much of each ingredient is used – roots, leaves, stems, stalks and more – in a ‘thoughtful cooking process’ before ‘plate to farm’ food waste returns to the farms as fertilizer in a truly 360° concept. Leftover cooking oil is sent to be recycled into biodiesel. Since the 360° Cuisine program’s inception in 2022, the hotel has sent more than 3300kg of leftover food for compost and fertilizer to both farms and more than 660kg of cooking oil to a biodiesel producer. “It’s no easy feat to operate a chemical-free farm and it’s more expensive to support sustainable agriculture,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s executive chef Suksant (Billy) Chutinthratip. “Yet we believe it’s crucial to engage directly with local farmers, producers, professors and health sector professionals to create a unique connection within the community that ultimately benefits the health of our guests, our community and our environment.” Meliá Chiang Mai also ushers guests onto SEED and Rong Khum to meet local farmers and learn more about sustainable farming and healthier eating, as part of its Journey to the Farm Package. The hotel was recently awarded the “Chiang Mai Green Kitchen” certificate for a second year and the new “Sustainable Healthy Food Program” certificate from Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Chiang Mai University in recognition of its efforts to go above and beyond to implement sustainable practices in its kitchens and contribute to healthy food practices in Chiang Mai. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has also certified the hotel with a “Five-Star Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating”. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

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Meliá Chiang Mai’s staff have helped regenerate more than seven acres of seasonally dry tropical forest in Thailand’s mountainous north, planting more than 4,350 trees of species typical of the region’s natural forest ecosystems. In partnership with Chiang Mai University’s Doi Suthep Nature Centre and Forest Restoration Research Unit, the hotel’s volunteers have painstakingly conserved and restored forest within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park – Chiang Mai’s green backdrop and premier natural tourist attraction. In addition to tree-planting, Meliá Chiang Mai staff also collected tree seeds in the natural forest, raised tree seedlings in nurseries, weeded around planted trees, applied fertilizer and monitored the survival and growth of the planted trees. Activities took place at Ban Pong Yang Nai, the Huay Kaew-Wang Bua Ban Nature Study Trail, Mon Cham and Doi Suthep Research Tree Nursery. “Home to more than 300 bird species and nearly 2000 species of ferns and flowering plants, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is akin to the lungs of Chiang Mai,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger. “All of these activities by our dedicated volunteers are carefully researched and planned, to ensure proper forest-ecosystem restoration, aiming to recover the structure, biodiversity and ecological functioning of Chiang Mai’s original forests.” The restoration efforts have seen the team help raise and plant tree species characteristic of the park’s original forest ecosystems— including Adenanthera pavonina, Syzygium cumini and Terminalia bellirica. The hotel’s volunteers are planning to embark on further restoration activities in the national park throughout 2024. They started working with the university’s subsidiary units in June 2022 to regenerate forest, as part of Meliá Chiang Mai’s ongoing “Meliá Go Green” initiative. Such activities align with the sustainability strategy of the hotel’s owner, Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC). AWC’s strategy aims to raise awareness of climate change and achieve carbon neutrality, while also contributing to the community in meaningful ways. Towering over Chiang Mai’s River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar in Thailand’s mountainous north, Meliá Chiang Mai is situated six kilometres from Chiang Mai International Airport on vibrant Charoen Prathet Road, close to a broad spectrum of tourist attractions, markets and Buddhist temples. With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair, the hotel comprises a striking 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building. Its jewel in the crown is its rooftop Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in the city – sitting majestically on the 22nd floor with a glass bridge commanding 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

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It’s been a long road back for Chinese tourism in Southeast Asia, and everyone from street vendors in Saigon to tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok will be hoping that this most special of years, the Year of the Dragon, brings back prosperity and good fortune. Here is a round-up of luxury resorts where you can join in the feast, the fireworks, and the fun for Chinese New Year. Homage to the Sacred Naga in Krabi The town of Krabi has a long and fabled relationship with dragons, or naga, as they are known in Thai mythology. For that reason, the naga is the symbol of Banyan Tree Krabi, and its serpentine image can be seen throughout the hotel, from the magnificent Naga Staircase that greets you as you arrive in the lobby, to the interior design, to the lush Naga Crest Mountain which overlooks the resort. On February 9th, the resort’s Naga Restaurant will host a sumptuous Chinese buffet featuring favorites such as Smoked Duck with Pomelo Salad, Chinese Drunken Chicken with Sichuan Cucumber Salad, and Chinese Five Spice Pork Terrine. A salad bar and vegetarian options will be available, as well as a Chinatown Chef Live Action Station where you can order an endless indulgence of everything from pork crackling to Spicy Tuna and Salmon Tartare to Hokkien Noodles with BBQ duck and wagyu beef. Dinner starts around sunset at 6:30pm and the price is just 2,990 THB per person, including a welcome drink. For info and reservation, contact +66 075 811 888 or email krabi@banyantree.com A Mindful Way to Start the Year of the Dragon The lunar new year program at TIA Wellness Resort in Vietnam is inspired by the dragon’s symbolism for strength, good fortune and transformation. Guests can pick and choose what they’d like to join over the three days of Tet celebrations. The festivities begin on Friday, February 9th with a creativity workshop “Reflection of the Year of the Rabbit” at 2:30pm. The evening brings a “Wishing Lantern Ceremony” at 7pm. On Saturday, February 10th the TIA team will host a 45-minute “Sunrise Beach Gratitude Meditation” at 6am followed by a traditional dragon dance performance at 9:30am. A range of festive feasts will be on offer each day including special menus in The Dining Room such as a Traditional Vietnamese Family Style Tet tasting menu with dishes including an abalone and sea ginseng soup, fish cakes on sugarcane with fresh herbs and pickles, and a rich beef stew served in a clay pot. Plant-based menus are also on offer. For more information email Reservation@tiawellnessresort.com. Savor the Elements of Chinese New Year in Bali At Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, ‘The Art of Lunar New Year’ feast on February 9th invites guests to savor the elements of the Chinese New Year. Each dish represents an element of the holiday with prosperity, wealth, health, longevity, and fortune being plated up. The menu features Balinese, Japanese and Chinese cuisine with dishes like hot and spicy szechuan crab soup, and crispy Balinese pork belly. The evening also features a traditional Chinese lion dance and a welcome cocktail in the Tempayan courtyard. Prices start at IDR 888,000 ++ per person. See more information here. Lion Dances & Mongolian BBQ on Koh Samui Beachfront Guests enjoying breakfast at Banyan Tree Samui are in for a surprise on the morning of February 10th when a Chinese lion dance procession sweeps through The Edge restaurant, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year at 10:30am. That same evening, at 7pm, the normally placid private beach in front of the resort will explode into a fiery fiesta, when the hotel launches a Lunar New Year Party. The nightlife entertainment will include live music and a fire show on the resort’s private beach, with exquisite dining at beachfront Sands Restaurant which will host a Chinese Mongolian & International Buffet. For reservations or more information, contact: samui@banyantree.com or Tel: 077 915 333 Sky-High Restaurant in Chiang Mai Hosts Prosperous Feast Situated on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 21st floor with panoramic views of the city and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west, intimate fine dining restaurant MAI Restaurant and Bar will serve a delectable family-style dinner to wish guests ‘gong xi fa cai’. Served from February 9-11 from 6-10pm, and priced at THB 6000 net per set for four people, the feast’s highlights include a colourful salad featuring fresh salmon, shredded vegetables, pickled ginger and pomelo, as well as Chinese braised chicken with dried mushrooms and wolfberries, and steamed whole sea bass with warm lemon dressing. Other dishes include tender slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce, wine, and spices, lotus leaf-wrapped artisan sausage fried rice, assorted seasonal greens with oyster sauce, and sesame dumplings in ginger broth. The dinner is accompanied by Chinese fine teas, fortune messages and a traditional red pocket containing a discount coupon for another visit. For more information and reservations, please contact +66 (0) 52 090 603 or email fb@meliachiangmai.com  

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Meliá Chiang Mai has unveiled a social enterprise that promotes talented Thai designers, artists and craftsmen to ultimately help communities in need and preserve Thai culture. Underpinned by the concept of “Giving Art, Art of Giving”, The GALLERY, situated in the hotel’s lobby, sells an exquisite array of accessories such as handbags, wallets, silks, children’s toys, and home décor items including ceramic bowls and cups made by Thai designers and artists. All profits from the sale of the handmade items contribute to further artistic endeavours in disadvantaged communities and help preserve and promote local culture, particularly the skills indigenous to over 40 communities across Thailand. The communities surround properties owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), which established The GALLERY. Some of the items on offer are accompanied by a “Meet the artist” story behind the piece. A handbag with a striking floral pattern, for example, includes young female artist Fhasai’s story: “Fhasai was born with Autism Spectrum Disorder and she finds peace and joy in painting beautiful floral choreographies.” The GALLERY also includes other products crafted by local artists in Northern Thailand communities such as ‘GHOM LANNA’, a home decoration made from bamboo and inspired by traditional Lanna lanterns. “Our team feels rewarded to do our bit to help increase much-needed opportunities among Thai artisans to showcase their artwork to a broader audience and promote arts and culture among our hotel’s guests,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger. Based on the mission of “Building A Better Future”, The GALLERY was established by Meliá Chiang Mai’s owner AWC to showcase Thai artisans’ work. AWC’s efforts are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”. In addition to Meliá Chiang Mai, AWC has rolled out The GALLERY at 17 more of its hotels including the new INNSiDE By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, which debuted in July 2023 in Bangkok’s emerging On Nut neighbourhood. Towering over Chiang Mai’s River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar in Thailand’s mountainous north, Meliá Chiang Mai is situated six kilometres from Chiang Mai International Airport on vibrant Charoen Prathet Road, close to a broad spectrum of tourist attractions, markets and Buddhist temples. With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair, the hotel comprises a striking 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building. Its jewel in the crown is rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in the city – sitting majestically on the 22nd floor with a glass bridge commanding 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm.

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Finding Stillness in Vietnam with Mindful Experiences in Sacred & Cultural Sites A holistic resort in Da Nang is taking wellbeing out of its wellness center through a handful of curated experiences for mind, body, and soul at nearby points of spiritual and cultural significance. TIA Wellness Resort, situated along Da Nang’s picturesque coastline, has drawn on its four core wellness pillars to reimagine excursions to local sites, bringing in a wellness twist. These include: Breathe – a meditation practice at Linh Ung Pagoda and the towering Lady Buddha statue; Flow – a hike in the sacred Marble Mountains and Tai Chi by the tranquil caves up top; Nourish – An organic village excursion and healthy cooking class, and Create – A traditional and mindful Vietnamese calligraphy experience. Each TIA tour is from VND 1,500,000++ per person and they are offered daily, subject to availability. Wash Away Negativity with a Water Purification Ceremony in Bali Melukat, the water purification ceremony, is a core element of Balinese life. This ritual is for the Balinese what confession is for the Catholics. For visitors it’s a chance to explore the spiritual side of the Island of the Gods with a cleansing ritual believed to wash away bad spirits and purify the body and soul. Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, guides guests through the process, assisting them with the correct attire (a Balinese Kebaya and sarong) and then performing the ceremony within the sacred temple grounds within the resort. Guests are guided through the purification ritual by a local priest and accompanied by their butler. Prices start at IDR 650,000 ++ per person with a minimum booking of two persons. Take in Tokyo by water, bike or foot with guided city jogging and kayaking tours The five kilometer moatside run alongside the Imperial Palace gardens has garnered a reputation as the one must-do run in Japan’s capital and while active guests at Palace Hotel Tokyo don’t need to venture far to enjoy this picturesque route, it’s always nice to have some company. Through the hotel’s limited-time “Sustainable Tokyo” package that encourages guests to engage with the city in a more eco-conscious manner, visitors can book a privately guided, two-hour jogging tour or three-hour cycling tour around the iconic Imperial Palace running route, as well as several other areas of the city. Looking for a more novel way to take in Tokyo? Another option through the hotel is a private 90-minute kayaking excursion along the Sumida River, revealing Tokyo’s origins as a city borne of water. Breathe in the Forest around Krabi, Thailand With a bountiful and beautiful variety of flora and fauna in adjoining Khao Ngon Nak National Park, including a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views of the surrounding islands in the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Krabi is the ideal jumping-off point for for a hike up Naga Mountain. Banyan Tree’s half-day Forest Bathing walking tour includes ample time for birdwatching, soothing your feet in a waterfall pool, and wallowing in the tranquility and splendor of a tropical forest. “Leave your phone in the villa for one morning and come with us into the forest,” said Sustainability Manager Thepsuda Loijiw.” It’s suitable for all ages, and you’ll never regret spending time with Mother Nature.” The national park is open from 5am to 2pm every day. For bookings, contact Thepsuda and her team at: krabi@banyantree.com, or call +66 75 811 888. Take ‘A Day for Yourself’ on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula Alma resort’s new excursion, “A Day for Yourself,” offers guests a daylong combined wellness and cultural immersion. The tour, provided by local partner Zazen Travel, includes a visit to a popular wellness destination in southern Vietnam that is renowned for its healing mud bath and revitalizing hot spring with Chinese herbs. The tour also includes a relaxing and invigorating massage. The day continues with a visit to the famous Truong Son Handicraft Village, where guests can see – and buy, if they see something that strikes their fancy – artworks by skilled local artisans. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. The day concludes at a healthy fresh fruit shop where guests can sample exotic tropical fruits including durian, mangoes and more. Renowned Wellness Resort in Central Vietnam Offers Excursions into Nature Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, known for its healthy dining and multi-day wellbeing retreats in central Vietnam, recently introduced a new “Healing Yourself Retreat,” with 4-day and 6-day options, encouraging guests to spend meaningful time in nature, nurturing their mind, body and soul. The retreat includes a soak in a natural hot spring and Japanese onsen baths, in addition to adventure activities such as a zipline and high-wire course. Excursions into the surrounding forest include hiking, bicycling and a rejuvenating session of forest bathing — taking in fresh air and the wonders of nature. The package also includes mindful yoga sessions, meditation (including water meditation, walking meditation, chakra healing meditation and rainbow shower meditation) and qigong, in addition to special spa treatments. Journey to a Sustainable Organic Farm in Chiang Mai Promotes Healthy Eating Meliá Chiang Mai ushers guests onto a nearby 250-acre gourmet organic farm, to meet local farmers and learn more about sustainable farming and healthy eating. Under the hotel’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program its kitchen works closely with SEED Sustainable Farm in San Sai District, sourcing ‘farm to plate’ organic produce that travels only a short distance before ‘plate to farm’ food waste returns to the farm as fertilizer. To learn more about the journey their food has made, as well as who has been a part of that journey, guests are encouraged to embark on a day trip to the scenic farm that includes a picnic lunch. Participants have the chance to feed the animals, walk through the farm with a guide to learn about the cultivation of Meliá Chiang Mai’s fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as SEED’s Pharm traditional herbal medicine garden, and rummage through a garden maze. The ‘Melia Farm 360 Degrees Journey’ is...

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