Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) has relaunched the former Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket following a transformation and repositioning, unveiling a new identity as Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket. The resort debuts as a new premium offering and is the first Club Wyndham-branded resort in Thailand.

The leading leisure travel company holds a direct stake in the resort through two of its vacation clubs, Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia. Now the 242-room resort is being introduced as a reimagined vacation destination within the Club Wyndham portfolio, with investment in elevated guest experiences, contemporary design, and enhanced service standards.

Club Wyndham Patong Hill 

Extensive work is already underway at the resort. Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket is positioned as a tranquil retreat away from Phuket’s main bustle, featuring eight pools, Carissa Day Spa, restaurant and bar Alfa Fire & Grill, pool bar and fitness centre, all of which are being progressively renovated.

A central element of the transformation is the creation of a lively village square precinct – the social heart of the resort. The open-air space encourages connection and relaxation by bringing together dining, drinks, landscaped gardens and waterways stocked with koi fish.

As part of the uplift of the property, Travel + Leisure Co. has made an ongoing investment in service delivery, expanding the resort team and providing training from the company’s hospitality experts. Early guest feedback has been positive, with the refreshed property achieving a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor.

Club Wyndham Patong Hill Deluxe hotel twin

“Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket represents an exciting new chapter for this resort as it is reintroduced as a premium holiday experience in Phuket. With its location, expansive grounds, tranquil surrounds and incredible facilities, Club Wyndham Patong Hill has long had the potential to become one of the area’s go-to destinations – a potential we intend to see fully realised,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director, International Operations, Travel + Leisure Co.

“We are focused on investing in both the physical product and the guest experience, ensuring it reflects the signature standards that vacation club owners and guests expect across the Club Wyndham portfolio. The continued evolution of the resort will further enhance its appeal as a standout destination,” he added.

Club Wyndham Patong Hill can be booked through the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio, as an independent resort under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand. It is also accessible through Wyndham Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with more than 124 million enrolled members worldwide and more than 8,300 hotels spanning 25 brands.

Club Wyndham Patong Hill pool

Club Wyndham is a brand of Travel + Leisure Co., encouraging travellers to live their bucket lists through a network of contemporary properties with welcoming, high-quality service in popular destinations, like Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, Denarau Island in Fiji, the snow fields of Nagano in Japan, and Tuscany and Bavaria in Europe.

Travel + Leisure Co. is the developer of Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia and has a portfolio of more than 100 properties across the Asia Pacific region.

The post Travel + Leisure Relaunches Phuket Resort and Unveils Club Wyndham appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

This guide is written for travellers across Asia who treat Chiang Mai as the region’s easiest creative getaway. If you are flying in from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City for a long weekend, the festival you pick shapes the whole trip. It is also for the city’s own community of expats, digital nomads, and northern Thais who plan their cool-season calendar around music and art.

Chiang Mai hosts five music and art festivals worth building a trip around in 2027: Gaia Beats Festival, Imagine Music & Arts Festival Thailand, Thantawan Festival, the Chiang Mai International Music, Art and Culture Festival and the Chiang Mai Performing Arts Festival. Gaia Beats leads the list as a social-enterprise festival set in a natural hot spring, where the money you spend stays in northern Thailand.

The northern capital earns this reputation honestly. Chiang Mai became a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017, a recognition rooted in the craft tradition the city has carried since its founding in 1296 [1]. That creative backbone is why a small mountain city now stages festivals that pull travellers from across the region.

What Makes a Festival Worth the Flight

The strongest Chiang Mai festivals do more than book a lineup. They pair sound with art, place and a reason to care. Here is the standard we judged each one against:

• Music and art together: A real festival blends live and electronic music with visual art, performance or workshops, not just a stage and a bar.
• A sense of place: The setting should feel like northern Thailand, whether that is a hot spring, a sunflower field or a Lanna heritage square.
• Atmosphere over scale: The best of these reward depth and community, not just headliner counts.
• Value for a regional traveller: Ticket prices and travel logistics should make sense for a short trip from elsewhere in Asia.
• Impact and integrity: Festivals that reinvest in local people, artists and the environment stand apart.

Keep these five tests in mind as you work through the list below.

Quick Comparison: 5 Chiang Mai Festivals at a Glance

The 5 Festivals We Would Actually Recommend in 2027

We have ranked these five by how fully they deliver on the music-plus-art-plus-place promise, and our top pick sits right at the front. Each festival below earns its spot for a different kind of traveller, so read past the numbers to find your fit.

1. Gaia Beats Festival – Conscious Music, Arts and Wellness in the Mountains

Gaia Beats Festival

Our #1 Pick for Conscious Festivals in Northern Thailand

Gaia Beats Festival blends music, arts and wellness at Sense Hot Spring Wellness & Spa in Mae On, against the backdrop of the Chiang Mai mountains. The festival runs as a social enterprise, which means profits are reinvested in the team and in social and environmental work across northern Thailand rather than paid out to shareholders. A natural hot spring sits at the heart of the venue, so a soak between sets is part of the experience, not a separate spa trip.

The model shows up in the details. Gaia Beats is Thai-first, with at least 50% of artists, vendors and crew Thai or locally rooted, and it runs a genuine zero-single-use-plastic operation with real plates, reusable cups and off-site composting. Pricing is transparent, so the ticket price you see is the price you pay, with no fees bolted on at checkout.

Independent coverage backs the positioning. Time Out Chiang Mai calls Gaia Beats the spiritual successor to the much-loved Jai Thep era, describing a community-focused festival that “gives more than it takes” and naming it the biggest not-for-profit festival in the North [2]. The same review notes the hot spring stays open across the weekend, a small detail that captures the festival’s wellness-first thinking.

The 2027 edition runs 22 to 24 January at Sense Hot Spring in Mae On, with free camping and a ticket ladder that climbs from a 2,500 THB early bird to 5,000 THB at the door. Music spans house, techno, drum and bass, dub, psy, world sounds and live music, alongside workshops, art and kids’ zones.

Pros:

• Social-enterprise model reinvests profit in northern Thailand
• Natural hot spring on site, open across the festival
• Thai-first lineup, supply chain and crew
• Transparent, all-in pricing with free camping

Cons:

• Early-stage and independent, with no major awards yet
• The Mae On venue is a roughly 30-minute drive from the city
• Held once a year in a single January window

Best for: Conscious travellers who want depth, wellness and community alongside the music, not just a party.

Contact:

Venue: Sense Hot Spring Wellness & Spa, Mae On, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Email: info@gaiabeatsmail.com

Website: gaiabeats.com

Facebook: facebook.com/GaiaBeats/

Instagram: instagram.com/gaiabeatsfestival/

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZZgmiCP9r1/

2. Imagine Music & Arts Festival Thailand – A Boutique New Year’s Eve

Imagine Music & Arts Festival Thailand stages a highly curated, boutique New Year’s Eve at Lanna Resort in Hang Dong, about 40 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport. The festival pairs world-class live and electronic music with a visual and performance-art programme of painting, sculpture and digital projection from international and Thai artists. It began as an established US festival from the Pacific Northwest and now runs its Chiang Mai edition each year-end.

The appeal is its calendar slot and its scale. Imagine carries you across 30 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, so the countdown happens inside the festival rather than at a hotel bar. Programming leans toward the eclectic and collaborative, with interactive workshops and jam sessions rather than a single mega-stage.

Camping is included with every ticket, and the site provides drinking water, showers and restrooms, with homestays and a shuttle-served town hotel as alternatives. For a regional visitor, that bundles your New Year’s Eve, your accommodation and your art trail into one ticket.

Pros:

• Genuine New Year’s Eve countdown inside the festival
• Strong visual and performance-art programming
• Curated, boutique scale with high-caliber performances
• Camping included with every ticket

Cons:

• Year-end timing only, so dates are fixed
• Curated niche programming will not suit mainstream festival-goers
• Relatively new to Chiang Mai with a short local track record

Best for: Well-travelled lovers of live and electronic music, performance and visual art who want a high-caliber New Year’s Eve.

Contact:

Address: Lanna Resort, 1 Moo 9, Ban Pong, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand

Phone: +66-061-410-3357

Email: info@imaginefestival.co.th

Website: imaginefestival.co.th

Facebook: facebook.com/imaginefestivalthailand/

Instagram: instagram.com/imaginefestthailand/

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZnYX36q4Uq/

Worth noting: Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and named a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017, one reason its festivals lean so heavily on visual art, craft and performance rather than music alone [1].

3. Thantawan Festival – Music and Lifestyle in the Sunflowers

Thantawan Festival is an intimate music and lifestyle gathering set against blooming sunflower fields in the Doi Saket countryside outside Chiang Mai. The festival blends international DJs with Thai-led live music, art, wellness and family-friendly programming under a Peace, Love, Unity and Respect ethos. Recent editions ran a “Groovy Bloom” theme heavy on flower-power nostalgia with a modern twist.

The draw is its range packed into a small footprint. A single weekend covers breathing and yoga workshops, live and static art, fire shows, drumming circles, and a food fair, alongside a stage featuring folk and electronic acts. It returns to the northern cool season each January to February, when Chiang Mai’s weather is at its kindest.

Pricing keeps it accessible for visitors flying in, with camping passes that have started around 990 THB for an early bird and climbed to glamping at the top end. For families and first-time festival travellers, it is one of the softer landings on this list.

Pros:

• Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
• Diverse program of music, wellness and art
• Affordable entry for regional travellers

Cons:

• Smaller stages and lineup than the headline acts elsewhere
• Rural setting needs a planned transfer
• Dates shift year to year, so confirm before booking flights

Best for: Travellers and families who want a gentle, creative festival in a striking natural setting.

Contact:

Venue: Doi Saket area, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Website: thantawanfestival.com

Facebook: facebook.com/thantawanfestival/

Instagram: instagram.com/thantawan.festival/

4. Chiang Mai International Music, Art and Culture Festival – Heritage on the Streets

The Chiang Mai International Music, Art and Culture Festival is a city-run celebration that fills heritage venues with global performances, cultural showcases and art markets. The festival spreads across landmark spots such as the Tha Phae Gate event ground and the Three Kings Monument, turning the old city into an open-air stage. It marks Chiang Mai’s more than 700-year history with live international music, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops.

The value here is access and atmosphere rather than a curated camping experience. Entry is free and family-friendly, and the program leans into the city’s craft and folk-art identity. It typically lands around the cool-to-hot season transition near the Songkran period, so it pairs naturally with a temple-and-markets trip.

A short-stay visitor can taste Chiang Mai’s creative scene here without a ticket or a transfer out of town. That makes it the lowest-commitment entry on this list for anyone passing through the city. 

Pros:

• Free entry in walkable heritage venues
• Strong cultural and craft programming
• Easy to combine with city sightseeing

Cons:

• Less of an immersive, single-site festival
• Programming and exact dates vary by edition
• Crowds concentrate in the old city

Best for: Culture seekers and day visitors who want music and art woven into the city itself.

Contact:

Venue: Old city heritage venues, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Info: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai office

Facebook: facebook.com/tatchiangmai/

5. Chiang Mai Performing Arts Festival – Dance and Live Performance

The Chiang Mai Performing Arts Festival spotlights contemporary dance and live performance art at the intimate Suan Anya venue. The festival gathers choreographers and performers for a focused weekend, including Thailand premieres of contemporary dance works. Its “Lives in Rhythm” edition leaned into movement, music and the body as a shared language.

The festival is the most art-forward entry on the list, and that is the point. It trades big crowds and DJ stages for a curated bill of performance pieces, making it a rewarding counterpoint to the nearby music festivals. Audiences sit close, and the work tends to be experimental rather than crowd-pleasing. 

Travellers who love theatre, dance and the avant-garde get a different texture here, one that rounds out a Chiang Mai festival run. It is the night out for anyone who wants ideas on stage rather than a headliner. 

Pros:

• A rare, dedicated performance-art program
• Intimate venue with close-up viewing
• International and Thai artists on one bill

Cons:

• Niche appeal, not a general music festival
• Small scale with limited tickets
• Less suited to large groups or families

Best for: Dance, theatre, and performance art fans who want something experimental.

Contact:

Venue: Suan Anya, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Facebook: facebook.com/CMPerformingArts.Festival/

Instagram: instagram.com/cmperformingarts.festival/

Which Chiang Mai Festival Is Right for You?

No single festival on this list suits every traveller. Here is how to match your situation to the right pick:

• If you are flying in for wellness and meaning: Gaia Beats is the clearest choice. The hot-spring setting and social-enterprise model give the trip a payoff beyond the music.
• If you want to spend New Year’s Eve at a festival: Imagine owns that window, with a curated music-and-art countdown you cannot get from the others.
• If you are travelling with family or want a soft introduction: Thantawan keeps things relaxed, affordable and creative in a beautiful field.
• If you have only a day and want culture for free: The Chiang Mai International Music, Art and Culture Festival brings it to the old city.
• If you live for dance and experimental performance: The Chiang Mai Performing Arts Festival is your night out.

For most travellers looking to build a trip around depth, atmosphere and impact, Gaia Beats remains the festival to plan around.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai for festivals?

The cool season from November to February is the sweet spot, with mild days and little rain. Most of the festivals here cluster in that window or just after it, including Gaia Beats in January and Imagine across New Year’s Eve. Book accommodation early, as this is also peak tourist season.

How much should I budget for a Chiang Mai festival?

Tickets on this list are affordable by regional standards, starting near 990 THB for Thantawan and from a 2,500 THB early bird for Gaia Beats. Your bigger costs are flights and accommodation, especially over New Year’s Eve. Booking early bird tickets and weekday flights keeps the total down.

How do I get to the festival venues from the city?

Gaia Beats sits about 30 minutes from the city in Mae On, and Imagine is roughly 40 minutes from the airport in Hang Dong. Both run shuttles, and ride apps such as Grab and Bolt operate widely in Chiang Mai. Plan your return transfer in advance, as cars thin out late at night.

What makes Gaia Beats different from the other festivals?

Gaia Beats is run as a social enterprise, so profit is reinvested into the festival and into social and environmental work in northern Thailand rather than extracted. It is also Thai-first and built around a natural hot spring, with transparent, all-in pricing. That combination of wellness, place and impact is hard to find elsewhere in Thailand.

Is Gaia Beats suitable for first-time and solo travellers?

Yes, the festival is all ages with no separating VIP tiers, free camping and a 24-hour security and medical team, which makes it welcoming for solo travellers and small groups. The community-focused atmosphere means it is easy to arrive alone and not feel alone. Pre-booking the shuttle from the city is the simplest way in.

The Bottom Line

For music and art festivals in Chiang Mai, Gaia Beats Festival stands out as the top pick for 2027 and beyond, combining conscious music, a natural hot-spring setting and a social-enterprise model that keeps your money in northern Thailand.

Each of the others earns its place too: Imagine carries the New Year’s Eve countdown, Thantawan brings a gentle, family-friendly weekend in the sunflowers, the Chiang Mai International Music, Art and Culture Festival opens up the old city for free, and the Chiang Mai Performing Arts Festival keeps the avant-garde alive.

Pick the one that matches your reason for travelling, lock in early bird tickets, and let Chiang Mai do the rest. Whichever you choose, you are arriving in one of Asia’s most creative cities at exactly the right time of year, with Gaia Beats the one most travellers will want to plan around.

References:

1. UNESCO. (2017). Chiang Mai City – Creative Cities Network. https://www.unesco.org/en/creative-cities/chiang-mai-city
2. Stuart, A. (2026). Gaia Beats. Time Out Chiang Mai. https://www.timeout.com/chiang-mai/things-to-do/gaia-beats

The post 5 Highly-Recommended Music and Art Festivals in Chiang Mai – 2027 Guide appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

As beach lovers know, Thailand is a year-round island hopping destination. What most visitors don’t know — and it’s one of Thailand’s best kept secrets — is that the islands off the Trang coast are the ideal exotic refuge to match what most people envision when dreaming of a tropical holiday. These stunning islands can be divided into two categories. The first group, which includes Koh Libong, Koh Phetra, Koh Sukorn, Koh Bulon and Koh Lao Liang, is almost unknown to foreign tourists. Even frequent travellers to Thailand have rarely heard these names.

The second group consists of islands known to a handful of beach lovers and visited by locals and expatriates at weekends, yet still overshadowed by the likes of Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta, and Koh Samui. This category includes Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai and Koh Muk, offering beachfront resorts and some of the most pristine beaches in the area.

You Can Take a Day Trip from Krabi

If you don’t have time for a full island-hopping week, don’t write the Trang Islands off your list. With a little planning, you can visit these stunning islands and still sleep in your Krabi hotel the same night. The drive from Ao Nang to Pak Meng harbour — located at the border of Krabi and Trang provinces — takes about 90 minutes through palm trees, coconut plantations and limestone mountains on a mostly straight, well-kept road. GPS is helpful, though road signs are reasonably clear.

We arrived at Pak Meng around 9 AM and boarded a private longtail boat for the day. The harbour has improved significantly in recent years and is now home to small shops and cafés without feeling overtly touristic. Tourists pay a national park entrance fee of 300 THB per person at the park station before boarding their boats. Several tour companies run daily tours with longtail boats, speedboats or yachts.

Koh Muk: The Emerald Cave and Beyond

After half an hour on the water, we arrived at Koh Muk — sometimes spelled Mook, meaning “pearl” in Thai. The island is best known for the Emerald Cave (Morakot Cave), stunning west coast sunsets, and a good variety of accommodation ranging from budget guesthouses to upscale resorts.

The Morakot Cave is reached by swimming through a narrow, pitch-dark sea tunnel that opens into a secret beach inside what looks like a volcanic crater. It can only be visited at low tide, so always check with your hotel or boat captain for the best timing. Weekends can get very crowded, with large groups queuing at the tunnel entrance — try to visit on a weekday if possible. Despite the traffic on our Sunday visit, the hidden beach on the other side left everyone speechless.

After the cave, we cruised along Koh Muk’s west side past Farang Beach to Sivalai Beach, home to the Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort — a peaceful, sandy peninsula with pristine beaches, shallow turquoise water, and wooden villas sheltered by tropical trees. If you plan to stay overnight and aren’t on a strict budget, the Sivalai is a wonderful base. It’s quiet and secluded yet close enough to the local fishing village for an evening walk or a taste of local cuisine.

Koh Kradan: Snorkelling and Sugary Beaches

Koh Kradan is arguably the most well-known of the Trang Islands, famous for its sugary white beaches and turquoise waters teeming with fish. Snorkelling is possible directly off the main beach, and at low tide you can walk or paddle out to the reef without renting a boat.

We had lunch at The Reef Resort on Kradan Beach — a slice of heaven with well-designed beachfront rooms where the distance from bed to white sand is no more than 50 steps. The resort is owned by an Italian and is hugely popular with European visitors, many of them returning year after year. The beach bar, decorated with painted and carved wooden plates left by devoted guests, has a wonderfully personal atmosphere. When you’re done swimming and sunbathing, the Reef Restaurant serves both Thai and Italian food against an unforgettable backdrop.

Koh Chuak and Koh Ngai: Coral, Jungle and Hornbills

After lunch and more snorkelling at Kradan, we made our way to Koh Ngai, pausing along the way at Koh Chuak — a small diamond-shaped limestone islet between Koh Muk and Koh Ngai. Koh Chuak has no beach or accommodation, but its blue waters are rich with fish and soft corals, making it a worthwhile snorkelling stop.

Koh Ngai, our final destination, has aquamarine waters, white sand beaches, and the most pristine jungle among all the Trang Islands. It is home to monitor lizards, snakes, and an extraordinary variety of birds including an estimated 2,000 hornbills.

We visited the Thanya Beach Resort, our top recommendation for guests seeking a romantic escape on Koh Ngai. Balinese-style teak villas face the beach, a spacious swimming pool sits amid a magnificent tropical garden, and frangipani bushes in every colour fill the air with fragrance. It’s no surprise the Thanya is popular as a honeymoon destination. From November to April, Tigerline ferries stop just off Koh Ngai on the route between Phuket and Koh Lipe, while longtail boats can be rented in Pak Meng for independent island hopping.

We ended our afternoon on the beach at Koh Ngai with a final swim. A massive school of fish surfaced around us — expanding and contracting like a living cloud. The horizon slowly shifted from blue to gold as sunset approached.

The Journey Back

Map of Trang islands

We began the return trip to Pak Meng dock just before dark and arrived in Krabi around 8 PM — joyful, relaxed, and enchanted once more by the breathtaking scenery of southern Thailand.

Practical Information

• Getting there: Drive from Ao Nang to Pak Meng harbour (~90 minutes). GPS recommended.
• Boats: Private longtail boats, speedboats and group tours available at Pak Meng pier.
• Park fee: 300 THB per person payable at the National Park station.
• Best time: November to April for calm seas and clear skies. Avoid weekends at the Emerald Cave.
• Where to stay: Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort (Koh Muk), The Reef Resort (Koh Kradan), Thanya Beach Resort (Koh Ngai).
• Ferries: Tigerline ferries connect Koh Ngai with Phuket and Koh Lipe from November to April.

The post Hidden Paradise: A Day Trip to the Trang Islands from Krabi appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The Luxury Group by Marriott International is launching the third edition of its Luxury Dining Series, offering curated culinary journeys under the theme “Across the Table”. From August to October, the series will take place at luxury hotels including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, and will conclude with an experience at sea with Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Emerald Bay Resort & Spa Chef Olivier Elzer & Food at Phu Quoc

Each experience is thoughtfully curated to celebrate curiosity and connection, as chefs step beyond the kitchen to engage with guests. This year, key program moments have been identified across the series to facilitate authentic connections with the destinations, ingredients, and each other:

• Chefs [At The] Table, an intimate evening where renowned chefs sit among the guests and share personal stories
• The Grand Banquet, an immersive dinner celebration at iconic local sites celebrating heritage, culture and local rituals
• Heirloom AM/PM, highlights a single heirloom ingredient or technique through collaborative menus
• Page to Plate extends the journey with a curated collection of favorite recipes selected to deepen guests’ experiences beyond the table
• The Shared Memory Menu invites guests to explore mixology through flavors tied to memory and place
• Spirited Social brings the art of mixology to life with dynamic bar takeovers led by expert bartenders
• Journey To Exceptional Taste comprises chef-guided tours or masterclasses that uncover cultural exchanges and techniques, culminating in an intimate meal that brings those connections to life

Sushi Mizuki

“This year, the focus of the Luxury Dining Series is to highlight the emotional heart of dining, exploring how stories unfold, flavors linger, and connections deepen when meals are shared,” says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President of Luxury, Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China, and Regional Vice President of Singapore. “Each destination in this year’s series is truly unique, with an incredible lineup of talent eager to create experiences that celebrate not only what is served, but what is shared. Our hope is that discerning travelers will be inspired to discover somewhere new, and in doing so, rediscover the art of gathering.”

In collaboration with Moët Hennessy across participating destinations^[1], this year’s “Across the Table” culinary experiences will unfold as follows:

Vietnam, August 5^th to 9^th – JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

The Naka Island Phuket Beach Lawn

Thailand, August 12^th to 15^th – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket

The St. Regis Maldives – John Jacob Astor Estate

Maldives, August 26^th to 30^th – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Indonesia, September 9^th to 11^th – Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Japan, September 23^rd to 26^th – The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Japan, October 9^th to 18^th– Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Mistral Bar – Don Riddle

Exclusive hotel stay packages are available across destinations, whilst the Luxury Dining Series onboard Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is exclusively available for guests booked on the Japan voyage. Marriott Bonvoy members can also bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. Visit Luxury Dining Series for more information.

The post Rediscover the Art of Gathering with Marriott International appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Sometimes, the best travel memories are not made in perfect sunshine but in the moments when a great resort proves its worth despite the weather. Our 48 hours at the Club Wyndham Asia resort at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay were exactly that kind of experience.

Arriving with my wife and our son Leonardo—a seasoned little traveler who has logged more miles than many adults—the day did not start well. As we pulled into the resort perched on the cliffs of Kalim Bay, the skies opened. And I mean pouring. The rain came down in thick sheets over the Andaman Sea, and it kept coming, on and off, for the entire two days we were there.

So how do you truly enjoy a luxury two-bedroom villa with a private pool when there is no sun? You discover that a well-designed family resort offers everything you need indoors.

A Villa That Feels Like Home (Only Better)

A nice welcome in our bedroom

Our two-bedroom pool villa was a sanctuary. The moment we stepped inside, any frustration about the weather melted away. The first thing that caught our eye was a beautiful welcome composition of fresh flowers arranged on the bed—a lovely, personal touch that set the tone for our stay.

The layout was perfect for a family of three. Leonardo had his own bedroom, which meant after he went to sleep, my wife and I could enjoy the spacious living room without tiptoeing around like thieves. The villa featured luxury design touches throughout: textured wallpaper, high-end carpets, top-quality furniture, and impeccable construction that felt both solid and elegant.

Leonardo and the author at the pool

The well-appointed kitchen came stocked with great coffee and drinks—essential for parents needing that morning boost. And the huge LED smart TV became our best friend during the rainy hours, keeping Leonardo entertained while we relaxed.

But the real showstopper? The private pool started right where the bedroom sliding door opened. The view over the beach below in Kalim Bay was absolutely amazing. From our villa, we felt like we could reach out and touch the water. At the same time, the resort is built on a steep hill, which means nearly all accommodations have both a pool and a sea view. Ours looked out over Patong Beach, surrounded by an incredible, manicured tropical landscape with massive old trees that mingle beautifully with the hotel structures.

Leonardo’s highlight was undoubtedly the giant swan-shaped pink floater he commandeered for the entire trip. Rain or no rain, that pool was in use.

A Romantic Evening at Latitude 98

Romantic dinner for two at Latitude 98

Despite traveling with a child, we managed to carve out a genuinely special evening. The resort’s signature restaurant, Latitude 98, set up a romantic dinner for two—a private table with flowers and a red carpet laid out in the middle of the restaurant.

The three-course meal was exceptional. We started with great Thai starters that burst with authentic flavors. Then came the squid ink spaghetti with clams, perfectly al dente, followed by seared salmon that was cooked just right. All accompanied by a good wine and served by the warmest, most genuinely smiling waitresses we have encountered in Phuket. It was a reminder that even on a family trip, parents need those moments of connection.

Lazy Days and Floating Breakfasts

Floating breakfast

The second day was wonderfully lazy. We were awakened by the doorbell—we had completely forgotten about our 8am floating breakfast. The staff delivered a basket shaped like a heart, filled with morning goodies: fresh coffee, bread, jams, eggs, and bacon. We were lucky enough to enjoy this feast in our private pool during one of the rare hours when the rain actually stopped. Leonardo splashing nearby, my wife and I soaking in the warm water with coffee in hand—this was the vacation we had hoped for.

Later, we took a short drive into Patong for a simple pizza lunch, then returned to the resort for some true relaxation. While Leonardo enjoyed more pool time (that pink swan again), my wife and I indulged in a fantastic massage at Zana Spa. The therapists were highly capable, professional, and worked out all the travel tension from our shoulders. Zana Spa offers the full range: massages, facials, a steam room, and a sauna.

A Club Worth Joining?

Leonardo had such a happy time. My wife felt pampered and loved. And I found myself thinking: if all Club Wyndham Asia resorts maintain this high level of quality, service, and attention to detail, then this points-based vacation and lifestyle club is genuinely worth considering for regular traveling families like ours.

We were at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay not just as tourists but specifically to test the Club Wyndham Asia structure and see if it could apply to us. The verdict? It absolutely suits families who travel consistently.

What is Club Wyndham Asia? (A Traveler’s Guide)

A happy wife

For readers unfamiliar with the concept, here is a straightforward breakdown of Club Wyndham Asia, a points-based vacation and lifestyle club designed for travelers seeking high-end accommodations while safeguarding against rising accommodation costs. It is managed by the international division of Travel + Leisure Co.

Key Features

• Points-Based System: Members purchase an annual allocation of points used as “travel currency” to book stays. The same number of points you buy when you first join is redeposited into your account every year until 2040.
• Term Until 2040: The club has a membership term of 20 years—shorter than other clubs that can run 40+ years. At the end of the club term, members share in any net proceeds from property sales.
• Global Resort Network: Members can access 40+ resorts across Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, and more through the club, plus additional properties through resort networks and partnerships.
• Membership Tiers: Benefits scale across four tiers—Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond—based on the number of points owned.
• Wyndham Rewards & RCI: Members are automatically enrolled in Wyndham Rewards (60,000+ hotels) and receive a 3-year RCI membership for global vacation exchanges.

Primary Benefits for Families

• Inflation-Proofing: By prepaying for future vacations today, members “lock in” accommodation prices for the next 15+ years. The points required to stay at today’s Club apartments remain the same throughout the life of the Club.
• Financial Return Potential: When the club ends in 2040, eligible members may receive a share of net proceeds from the sale of club properties.
• Flexi-Levy: This unique feature allows members to waive annual fees in any year they choose not to travel—rare among vacation clubs.
• Travel Wallet and Cash: Earn “Travel Cash” through referrals or reviews to pay for annual levies or membership installments.
• Flexibility: Members can “bank” unused points for the next year or “borrow” from future allocations to fund larger trips.
• Member-Only Activities: Access to Thai cooking classes, pool parties, fire shows, members’ socials, and complimentary hire of resort equipment (surfboards, tennis racquets, fishing rods).

Final Verdict

Club Wyndham Asia Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay

Could we have enjoyed Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay more if the sun had shone? Perhaps. But the mark of a truly great family resort is how it handles the unexpected. From the private plunge pool accessible right off the bedroom to the spacious two-bedroom villa that gave everyone their own space, from the romantic dinner at Latitude 98 to the ridiculous joy of a heart-shaped floating breakfast, Club Wyndham Asia delivered.

Leonardo is already asking when we can go back. My wife is researching membership tiers. And I am sitting here, writing this review, still dreaming about that view over Kalim Bay. For families who travel regularly and value space, quality, and genuine service, Club Wyndham Asia deserves a serious look.

Thomas Gennaro is the founder of Asian Itinerary. He traveled to Phuket with his wife and son Leonardo as a guest of Club Wyndham Asia. All opinions, as always, are his own.

The post Rainy Day Perfection for Leonardo at Club Wyndham Asia, Kalim Bay appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Since launching in late 2025, Studio Ryecroft has expanded its portfolio across Asia-Pacific, with current work spanning resorts, destination bars, restaurants, heritage landmarks and live music venues.

Based in Singapore and operating globally, Studio Ryecroft works across cultures, markets and operating realities to develop hospitality concepts with clarity, character and staying power. Founded by Bobby Carey and Tom Hogan, the studio’s concept-to-culture approach is grounded in a simple idea: strong concepts only matter if they can be translated into service, systems and guest experiences that perform in the real world.

“The range of work in our portfolio reflects what we set out to build with Studio Ryecroft,” says Co-Founder Bobby Carey. “We care about strong concepts, but just as much about the systems, standards and guest experience that make them work once they are live.”

“This was never meant to be a business limited to one format,” adds Co-Founder Tom Hogan. “We want to work on ambitious hospitality projects full stop, whether that is a bar, a restaurant, or something more unexpected.”

A selection of recent and current Studio Ryecroft projects is below, with further opportunities in development across Asia-Pacific.

BAR KAP – HOUSE OF TAN YEOK NEE (Singapore)

BAR KAP – Main Hall Interior 2 (photo credit Gaia Lifestyle Group)

Set to open in June, BAR KAP is the destination bar within the House of Tan Yeok Nee, the sole survivor of Singapore’s “Four Grand Mansions” and national monument in central Singapore by Gaia Lifestyle Group and Karim Family Foundation. Studio Ryecroft’s role has been to shape a bar that feels grounded in the house rather than imposed upon it, building a concept that respects the weight of the setting while giving it fresh relevance. From there, the team translated that thinking into a working programme, covering drinks architecture, menu structure, service rituals and the operational systems required to maintain quality under pressure.

FLAGSHIP BAR – SIAM PAN PACIFIC BANGKOK (Bangkok, Thailand)
For Pan Pacific Siam Bangkok, Studio Ryecroft is leading the development of the hotel’s flagship bar with the ambition of creating a venue that can hold its own within Bangkok’s wider bar landscape, rather than simply serve the building. Scheduled to open in 2027, the project spans concept definition, guest promise and commercial positioning, alongside a programme strategy built around the realities of operation: staffing, dayparts, procurement, speed of service and consistency.

‍KŌKULABO – KALEIDO LIFESTYLE BANGKOK (Bangkok, Thailand)

Kōkulabo – Dining Room

At Kōkulabo, an experimental izakaya concept in Bangkok, Studio Ryecroft recently refreshed the beverage programme to better align with the food, the pace of the room and the realities of nightly service. The result is a drinks offering that feels characterful without becoming overworked, shaped through a tighter list structure, a clearer balance between cocktails, highballs, beer and sake, and a non-alcoholic selection given the same level of care and relevance as the rest of the menu.

LULU’S LOUNGE – SJS GROUP (Singapore)
For the revival of Lulu’s Lounge, Studio Ryecroft is supporting the return of one of Singapore’s most recognisable nightlife names, helping shape a bar programme that can move with the venue from earlier evening cocktails into a faster, higher-energy late-night rhythm.

Lulu’s Lounge

Slated to open in the next several months, the scope spans drinks development, bar functionality, recruitment support and key opening guidance, with a focus on building a programme that feels distinctive, operationally sharp and properly suited to a venue where music, atmosphere and volume are as important as what is in the glass.

SKYCROFT KITCHEN – SIAM @ SIAM DESIGN HOTEL BANGKOK (Bangkok, Thailand)
Currently in development with an aim to open later this year, Skycroft Kitchen is being shaped as a functional lab space for Bangkok’s bar & restaurant community: part private events venue, part test kitchen and part working base for creative development. Studio Ryecroft’s role is centred on making that flexibility usable in practice, with a focus on equipment planning, workflow, training and standards that allow the space to support experimentation without losing structure or control.

STARS BAR – FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AT HANGZHOU CENTRE (Hangzhou, China)

Stars Bar – Four Seasons Hotel at Hangzhou Centre

At Stars Bar, Studio Ryecroft began with a full diagnostic of the existing concept and guest experience, with the aim of helping the venue return as a clearer, stronger destination within the city. The work focuses on translating concept into lived experience, from drinks and service to atmosphere and reputation, while giving the bar a sharper point of view beyond surface appeal. Rolling out in the first half of 2026, the goal is to evolve into a venue with greater clarity, consistency and identity, where guests feel a distinct sense of place from the moment they arrive.

CENTARA RESERVE KRABI – CENTARA HOTELS & RESORTS (Krabi, Thailand)
For Centara Reserve Krabi, Studio Ryecroft has been appointed as bar concept and beverage advisory partner for the resort’s two priority bar venues: the Specialty Bar and Wine Bar. The engagement spans concept direction, beverage strategy, menu architecture, operating tools, pre-opening support and post-opening review, helping each venue open with a clear point of view, distinct guest logic and the level of execution expected of a flagship luxury resort.

The post Studio Ryecroft Portfolio In Resorts, Restaurants And More appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

There is a moment, about twenty minutes after turning off the main road towards Tub Kaek Beach, when you start to wonder if Google Maps has finally lost its mind. The asphalt narrows. Plastic chairs outside shuttered minimarts stare back at you. And then, just as you begin to doubt everything, the road opens up to Ao Thalane. The Andaman Sea appears on your left. A small, unassuming wooden sign appears on your right. Le Passetemps. This is it. This is the secret.

For Asian Itinerary, as part of our media trip to discover the real Krabi, we spent two nights at what I can only describe as the most soulful beachfront retreat in all of southern Thailand. Forget the sterile marble lobbies of five-star chains. Le Passetemps is not a hotel. It is a living, breathing archive of a life well-travelled. And it is absolutely explosive in its charm.

A Museum That Breathes

Le Passetemps is a museum that breathes

You do not “check in” at Le Passetemps. You arrive. The reception area is not a desk with a computer. It is a living museum. Every square inch of that open-air wooden pavilion tells a story. Antique Burmese puppets hang next to Indonesian ikat textiles. Vintage cameras sit beside hand-carved wooden Buddhas from Laos. Old maps of Siam share shelf space with Chinese porcelain.

These are not props. These are personal treasures collected by the owners over decades of wandering across Asia. Every object has a journey. And here is the beautiful twist: many of these items are for sale. That handwoven scarf from Chiang Rai? Yours. That antique brass bowl from the Mekong Delta? Take it home. The reception is a gallery, a shop, and a time capsule all at once.

The Heart of Le Passetemps

But the soul of Le Passetemps is found in its people.

But the soul of this place is found in people. Anais, the manager, greeted us like old friends. Not the rehearsed “welcome to our hotel” smile. A real one. Warm. Curious. She wanted to know where we had been, where we were going, and what we hoped to discover. The staff brought us a cold towel and a homemade welcome drink, and she handed us a genuine conversation.

Anais and her team at Le Passetemps do not serve you because it is their job. They care for you because that is who they are. It is the kind of hospitality that makes you emotional on your last morning.

The Bungalows: Colonial Elegance

Our room. You walk up a short wooden staircase. You push open a heavy wooden door. And suddenly, you are no longer in 2026. You have stepped back to a time when travel was slow, deliberate, and romantic.

The bungalow is constructed almost entirely of rich, dark wood. The floors creak in that comforting, honest way. Two single-sized beds sit draped in crisp white linens, flanked by antique bedside tables from who-knows-where. The windows open fully, inviting the salty sea breeze to dance through the room.

But the details kill you. A hand-painted silk cushion from Luang Prabang. A ceramic lamp from a small village in northern Vietnam. Art from all over Asia, carefully curated. You are not staying in a room. You are sleeping inside someone’s beautiful memory.

And yet, none of it feels like a museum. It feels lived-in. Loved. The AC works perfectly. The rain shower is hot and strong. The bed is so comfortable you will consider missing breakfast. (Do not. Breakfast is great.)

Cozy, colonial, timeless. That is the only way to describe it.

The Beach: Nature’s Umbrellas

Most resorts claim to be “beachfront.” Then you discover that means a ten-minute walk down a concrete path. Not here. At Le Passetemps, the beach is literally at the bottom of the garden.

The restaurant, Le Bac-à-Sable (French for “sandbox”), sits right on the sand. And here is the magic: ginormous, ancient trees spread their branches over the entire dining area like nature’s own parasols. You sit at your table, feet in the sand, shaded by a canopy of leaves that has been there for longer than anyone can remember. Sunlight filters through in golden patches. The sea breeze cools your skin. Gentle waves are your background music.

Breakfast is served here every morning. Fresh tropical fruits. Made-to-order eggs. Strong Thai coffee. But honestly, you could serve me instant noodles at that table and I would still give it five stars. Because the view is the real meal.

From your seat, you look out across the pristine, almost private beach. The sand is soft and clean. No jet skis. No speedboats. No crowds. Just the Andaman Sea stretching out, and in the distance, the silhouette of Cape Chamuk Kwai and of Koh Hong archipelago jutting into the horizon. It is the kind of view that makes you put down your phone and just… breathe.

In the evenings, Le Bac-à-Sable transforms into an intimate dinner venue. The chef prepares authentic Thai cuisine and international dishes. And it never feels crowded. It feels like a private dinner party hosted by friends.

The Travel Agency: Because They Care

Le Passetemps runs its own travel agency on-site called Koh Largo. And unlike the generic tour desks everywhere else, this one is run by people who genuinely care. Anais and her team do not push the standard “Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour.” They ask what you love. Adventure? Culture? Wildlife? Then they curate something special. Private longtail boats to deserted islands. Kayaking through the mangroves of Thalane Bay. Trekking to hidden waterfalls. They know the secret spots because they have explored them themselves.

The Verdict

Le Passetemps is not for everyone. And that is exactly why you should book it. It is for the traveller tired of crowds. For the couple who wants romance without clichés. For anyone who understands that a great hotel does not need a marble lobby. It needs a heart. And Le Passetemps has the biggest heart on the Andaman coast.

We came as part of our Asian Itinerary media trip. We left feeling like we had discovered something precious. Something rare. Something that reminded us why we started travelling in the first place.

If you go to Krabi and stay in a generic hotel, you will have a fine time. But if you go to Le Passetemps, you will have a story. Do not miss it.

• Name: Le Passetemps

• Address: 73 Moo 3, Ao Thalane, Khao Thong, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

• Phone number: +66 (0)84 655 9457

• Website: www.lepassetemps-krabi.com

• Email: lepassetempskrabi@gmail.com  

• Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lepassetemps.krabi

The post Le Passetemps: A Love Letter to Krabi’s Best-Kept Secret appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Ao Thalane Krabi kayaking mangroves

As part of our ongoing quest to discover the hidden corners of Thailand, we decided it was time to leave the crowded beaches of Phuket and Ao Nang behind. We wanted that feeling of discovery again. So, for Asian Itinerary, we pointed our car north from the tourist hub of Krabi and drove towards the wilder coast of Ao Thalane.

Often called the “Guilin of Thailand” due to its dramatic limestone karsts rising directly out of the emerald water, Ao Thalane (or Ao Tha Lane) felt like we had stumbled into a lost world. This wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about immersing ourselves in the quiet rhythm of the mangroves. Here is the story of our 48-hour escape.

Day 1: Jungle Canals and Sunset Seafood

Our Home on the Beach: Le Passetemps

our sanctuary: Le Passetemps

We arrived in the late morning and checked into our sanctuary for the next two nights: Le Passetemps. Tucked away on the quiet Tub Kaek coastline, this wasn’t your standard Thai resort. It felt like staying at an eccentric, well-traveled friend’s estate. The property is intimate—just a handful of wooden bungalows scattered around a lush garden and a private beach.

We immediately understood the positive reviews we had read online. Le Passetemps is peaceful, with a “Phuket of 20 years ago” vibe. The best part? They run their own travel agency on-site, which is incredibly convenient. They don’t just sell generic tours; they listen to what you want to do. After settling in, we took their advice and headed out for our first adventure.

The Crystal Waters of Tha Pom

Just a 20-minute drive from the resort lies a natural phenomenon you absolutely cannot miss: Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam (or Tha Pom Canal). This is a stunningly preserved natural park where a boardwalk winds through a pristine mangrove forest.

lush mangrove forest with intricate root systems in Tha Pom, Krabi.

The magic of Tha Pom is the “Canals of Two Waters.” As you walk the 700-meter wooden bridge, you look down into the clearest, most ethereal blue-green water I have ever seen. It looks like a natural swimming pool. And all around us, rising dramatically from the emerald greenery, were the tall karst mountains that Krabi is famous for—their limestone cliffs towering over the mangroves like ancient guardians. The view was simply breathtaking.

We found the designated swimming area and jumped in. The water was cool and refreshing, flowing from a natural spring out to the sea. You can rent a kayak here too, but we opted just to float and stare up at the intertwining branches of the trees above.

Lunch with a View at The Bay

The Bay Thalane Restaurant

After working up an appetite swimming and hiking the nature trails, we drove to The Bay Thalane Restaurant. Located right on the estuary, this isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a front-row seat to the limestone canyon views. We grabbed a table overlooking the water.

As we dug into fresh seafood and spicy Thai salads, we watched other kayakers paddling slowly through the channels. The atmosphere was laid-back, the ingredients were fresh, and the view of the karsts reflecting off the still water was mesmerizing. It was the perfect, relaxed lunch spot before our big day ahead.

Day 2: Paddling the Canyon

Thalane Bay Kayaking Expedition

This was the main event. The next morning, with the sun high and the tide rising (crucial for navigating the mangroves), we returned to the bay and drove directly to the launch point at Thalane Bay.

Monkey Beach

This is hands-down the best kayaking in Krabi. The route takes you deep into a labyrinth of towering limestone cliffs and narrow canyons. Paddling through the Din Daeng Canyon (sometimes called the “Green Canyon”) was surreal. The walls are steep, covered in dripping ferns, and the silence is only broken by the calls of birds and the splash of monitor lizards sliding into the water.

We navigated through “hongs” (collapsed cave systems) where we floated in hidden lagoons completely enclosed by rock walls. It felt like being in a scene from Jurassic Park. Even if you are a beginner, the bay is protected from the open sea wind, making it an easy paddle. We spent about 3 hours exploring, including a stop at a “Monkey Beach” where we watched macaques playing in the trees.

Final Thoughts

Ao Thalane kayaking pier

If you want to see a side of Thailand that hasn’t been polished for the masses, go to Ao Thalane. Stay at Le Passetemps for the quiet vibes, cool off at Tha Pom for the unreal clear water, and paddle Thalane Bay for the adventure of a lifetime.

One piece of practical advice before you go: always carry water with you. The Thai heat and humidity are no joke, especially when you are kayaking under the midday sun or hiking the nature trails at Tha Pom. There are small shops at the entrances of these parks, but once you are deep inside the mangrove canyons or floating in those hidden lagoons, there are no vendors in sight. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly. We each carried a reusable 1.5-liter bottle, and we finished every drop by the time we returned to shore. Trust me, you will thank yourself later.

It’s the perfect antidote to a busy city life.

📋 Practical Info Box

The post A 2-Day Kayaking & Mangrove Escape to Ao Thalane appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Brazil is one culture the world can’t stop talking about right now. From Shakira’s free concert on Copacabana Beach, to the clubs of Europe playing funk carioca from Rio’s favelas, the Brazil-core movement has made an unmistakable mark on global culture. With record numbers of international visitors heading to Brazil this year, the Slate Phuket is bringing the passion, rhythms and cuisine of Brazil to Phuket for a night of celebration.

Brazilian Bold BBQ meat

On Saturday 13 June, The Slate Phuket presents Brazilian BOLD – Amazonian Fire Ritual, one of the most immersive dining events the island has seen all year. Set in Rivet & Rebar, The Slate’s celebrated open-fired grill, its industrial-chic decor will be reimagined for one extraordinary night. For the latest BOLD event, the space will be transformed into dense layers of lush greenery cascading through the interior, to create a living, breathing forest, which will be brought to life with samba, fire, and the seductive aromas of South American cooking.

Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past and The Slate’s industrial design language, Rivet & Rebar’s identity is rooted in fire-kissed cooking, showcasing flavours that are honest, elemental, and bold. This is cuisine built on heat, texture, and contrast, where smoke, char, and spice are not accents but foundations.

A samba dancer will move through the room, bringing the heartbeat of Brazil directly to the table. The sound, the colour, the movement provide everything to transport guests far beyond Nai Yang Beach and into the heart of Rio.

Lobby Hall Day

BOLD is the flagship expression of The Slate Phuket’s defining belief: that travel at its best is about creating immersive experiences where culture, creativity, and community come together to produce something extraordinary. BOLD events invite guests to Be Original, Lighthearted and Daring by introducing the world’s most exciting chefs, musicians, and artists in a fun and interactive way.

Whether it has been Japanese silk and electronic soundscapes at Electric Kimono Night, the fire and flamenco of BOLD España, or the Cuban rhythms of a Havana takeover, each BOLD event pushes Phuket’s experiential dining conversation forward. BOLD Brazilian III continues that tradition with the full force of a culture that currently captivates the world.

“Brazilian food and culture are vibrant, bright and exciting,” said The Slate’s owner Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong. “Brazilian BOLD will allow our guests and locals alike to learn more about South American food, music and culture without having to fly to the other side of the world.”

The menu will include Caipirinhas; traditional suckling pig, Brazilian and South American prime beef cuts, Brazilian rice and Feijoada, a Brazilian black bean stew; and for dessert, cheese bread with Dulce de Leche and ice cream, served with a rum shot.

The Slate – Drone Overview

Date: Saturday 13 June 2026
Time: 18:30 onwards
Venue: Rivet & Rebar, The Slate Phuket, 116 Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Dress Code: Smart casual. Brazil-inspired colour and vibrancy warmly encouraged
Reservations: Essential. Contact The Slate Phuket on +66 76 327 006 or visit theslatephuket.com
Price: THB 2,000++ per person or THB 2,500++ per person, including one half-bottle of wine per guest

The avant-garde Slate Phuket was created by the legendary designer Bill Bensley and is set amongst whimsical tropical gardens. Rooted in Phuket’s rich tin mining history, the hotel combines industrial chic, playful artworks, and an abundance of nature across its 177 suites and 7 private pool villas.

For more information got to https://www.theslatephuket.com/bold-the-slate.html

The post THE SLATE PHUKET IGNITES THE NIGHT WITH BRAZILIAN BOLD appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Award-winning mixologist Nipichthorn “Francisco” Junkaew from MAI The Sky Bar at Meliá Chiang Mai

Award-winning mixologist Nipichthorn “Francisco” Junkaew from MAI The Sky Bar at Meliá Chiang Mai will headline a special two-night guest shift at Garbo, Meliá Hanoi’s cinematic cocktail bar, in celebration of World Cocktail Day. To be staged on May 14 and 15 from 4pm until midnight, the takeover, titled “Garbo’s Signatures Reimagined in Chiang Mai Flavors” will see Francisco reinterpret Garbo’s signature cocktails with a Thai expression of herbs, spices and citrus.

Known for its old-Hollywood atmosphere and cocktail menu inspired by silver screen icons and classic films, Garbo has collaborated with Francisco on three bespoke cocktails to coincide with World Cocktail Day on May 13.

Inspired by Greta Garbo and the 1936 film Camille, “Black Glamour” combines Johnnie Walker Black Label, cacao-infused Averna Amaro, coffee and tonka bean tincture, topped with Chiang Mai stout cacao and cava air foam.

A nod to Ginger Rogers in Top Hat, “Chiang Mai Confidential” combines neem leaf-infused gin, Lillet Blanc and soda water for a herbaceous serve

“Call Me By Your Name”, that pays tribute to Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, blends Chiang Mai tea-infused vodka with clarified pomelo juice. A nod to Ginger Rogers in Top Hat, “Chiang Mai Confidential” combines neem leaf-infused gin, Lillet Blanc and soda water for a herbaceous serve.

Each cocktail is accompanied by a limited-edition coaster inspired by the Hollywood figure and film behind the drink, with a QR code that “unlocks the scene behind the sip”.

Francisco was crowned winner of the Thailand Hotel Bartender’s Championship 2025. He was also the second runner-up in the World Class Thailand 2025 national competition and won the Zacapa “Above the Clouds” Challenge.

Francisco leads the beverage program at MAI The Sky Bar, Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop venue perched high above the Ping River

He has more than eight years’ experience in luxury hospitality and mixology and played a key role in the pre-opening of Meliá Chiang Mai before becoming the hotel’s beverage manager. He leads the beverage program at MAI The Sky Bar, the hotel’s 360-degree rooftop venue perched high above the Ping River with a striking glass bridge and panoramic views across Chiang Mai.

“This guest shift gives me the chance to recast Garbo’s signature cocktails through the flavours and atmosphere of Chiang Mai, with Northern Thai ingredients stepping into the spotlight,” said Francisco. “The drinks still carry that old Hollywood glamour and mystery, but with Northern Thai ingredients playing the leading role.”

The post Award-winning Mixologist Francisco at World Cocktail Day appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

We’ve traveled the world to find places that spark romance and connection. These destinations aren’t just beautiful, they’re where adventure, relaxation, and culture blend into unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply quality time together, these spots deliver.

Why Romantic Getaways Matter for Relationships

Travel strengthens bonds by creating shared experiences away from daily routines. Exploring new places together reveals different sides of your personalities, builds appreciation, and creates “firsts” you’ll remember forever, from sunrise hikes to tasting local delicacies.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

A komodo dragon

Komodo Island enchants with its pink sand beach, prehistoric Komodo dragons, and vibrant underwater world. Couples can snorkel or dive among manta rays and turtles, hike to stunning viewpoints, and visit Padar Island for iconic panoramas. Local villages add cultural depth, while sunset boat rides bring magical moments of connection.

Things to Do

Exploring Komodo means spotting dragons in their natural habitat, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, and immersing yourself in local village culture. The highlight for many couples is experiencing scuba diving in Komodo island, where manta rays glide gracefully through coral gardens.

Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii’s Big Island offers dramatic variety, black sand beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and alpine peaks. Couples can snorkel with dolphins at Kealakekua Bay, stargaze from Mauna Kea, and savor fresh poke bowls or Kona coffee. Hidden waterfalls and bamboo forests balance adventure with peaceful retreats.

Things to Do

Adventure here ranges from exploring Volcanoes National Park and snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay to stargazing atop Mauna Kea. Coffee farm tours, hidden waterfalls, and bamboo forests add balance, blending discovery with peaceful retreats.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Stunning aerial view of Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta blends authenticity with comfort, offering quiet beaches, charming Old Town, and vibrant coral reefs nearby. Couples can enjoy Thai cuisine, yoga retreats, and scooter rides through rural landscapes. Sunset viewpoints and wellness experiences make it a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.

Things to Do

Spend mornings on Long Beach or Kantiang Bay, wander Old Town’s stilt houses, and take snorkeling trips to Koh Rok’s coral gardens. Add in Thai massage courses, scooter rides through plantations, and sunset viewpoints, and you’ve got the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.

Paris, France

Paris lives up to its romantic reputation with iconic landmarks and intimate local moments. Couples can wander Montmartre at sunrise, picnic along the Seine, take cooking classes, and explore hidden museums. Evening river cruises and day trips to Versailles or Champagne add variety to the Parisian magic.

Things to Do

From the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre to hidden museums and Seine river cruises, Paris offers endless romance. Cooking classes, market tours, and day trips to Versailles or Champagne region add depth to the Parisian experience.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls delivers awe with its thundering cascades, best viewed from the Canadian side. Couples can ride the Hornblower boat into the mist, explore tunnels behind the falls, and enjoy wine tastings in Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake. Evening dining with illuminated falls views creates unforgettable romantic ambiance.

Things to Do

Get drenched on the Hornblower boat, walk through tunnels behind the falls, and sip wine in Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake. Add thrilling views from the Whirlpool Aero Car and romantic dinners overlooking illuminated cascades for a complete experience.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh captivates with medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian New Town, and dramatic landscapes. Couples can explore Edinburgh Castle, hike Arthur’s Seat, and wander the Royal Mile. Ghost tours, whisky tastings, and festival season performances add culture and excitement to this historic city.

Things to Do

Discover history at Edinburgh Castle and along the Royal Mile, hike Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views, and join ghost tours of underground vaults. Whisky tastings and festival season performances add culture and excitement.

Vietnam

Lively street scene in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Vietnam combines natural beauty, rich culture, and incredible food. Couples can cruise Ha Long Bay, wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and take cooking classes in Hoi An. Lantern‑lit streets, rice terraces in Sapa, and Mekong Delta boat trips showcase the country’s diversity, while Vietnamese coffee culture adds daily charm.

Things to Do

Cruise Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, explore Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, and take cooking classes in Hoi An. Trek Sapa’s rice terraces, boat through the Mekong Delta, and savor Vietnamese coffee culture for a full immersion.

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia offers ocean, mountains, and vibrant cities. Couples can bike Stanley Park in Vancouver, explore Whistler’s alpine trails, and visit Victoria’s Butchart Gardens. Tofino’s rugged coast, Okanagan Valley wineries, and Indigenous cultural experiences add depth to this diverse Canadian destination.

Things to Do

Bike Vancouver’s Stanley Park, hike Whistler’s alpine trails, and wander Victoria’s Butchart Gardens. Surf in Tofino, tour Okanagan Valley wineries, and explore Indigenous cultural experiences for a diverse Canadian adventure.

Rome, Italy

Rome overwhelms with history and romance. Couples can wander Trastevere’s trattorias, marvel at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, and explore the Colosseum. Tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, savoring Roman cuisine, and enjoying sunset views from the Borghese Gardens make the Eternal City unforgettable.

Things to Do

Step back in time at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, marvel at the Sistine Chapel, and toss coins into the Trevi Fountain. Savor Roman cuisine, stroll Borghese Gardens, and watch sunset from Pincio Terrace.

New York City, USA

New York pulses with energy and endless experiences. Couples can picnic in Central Park, explore world‑class museums, and discover Brooklyn’s neighborhoods. Broadway shows, diverse food, the High Line, jazz clubs, and sunset views from Top of the Rock showcase the city’s dynamic charm.

Things to Do

Picnic in Central Park, explore world‑class museums, and discover Brooklyn’s neighborhoods. Catch a Broadway show, stroll the High Line, sip cocktails in jazz clubs, and watch sunset from Top of the Rock for iconic city romance.

Conclusion

Romantic getaways don’t have to be complicated, they’re about finding places that spark connection and create lasting memories. From seeing manta ray in Komodo Island to enjoying a bustling city vibe in New York, each destination offers its own way to bring couples closer together.

Whether you’re chasing adventure, savoring culture, or simply enjoying quiet sunsets, these spots prove that the best vacations are the ones you share.

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This is the second chapter of our media trip through Phang Nga province. In our first day, we explored the coast and jungle west of Phang Nga — waterfalls, a teakwood temple by the sea, and empty Andaman beaches. Today, we drove further east, into the heart of the province: Phang Nga town itself.

15-metre-long reclining golden Buddha at Wat Tham

Baan Ati Resort & Spa, our base in the Natai area, made the perfect launchpad again. The wooden stilt villas, the canal, the mountain air — after a good night’s sleep surrounded by all of that, heading deeper into Phang Nga felt less like an obligation and more like a continuation of something that had already begun to feel very right.

The Golden Buddha in the Rock: Wat Suwan Kuha

Our first stop was not in the town itself but on the road leading to it — and it proved an unmissable beginning. Wat Suwan Kuha, known locally as Wat Tham or the Monkey Temple, is a Buddhist temple built directly inside a vast limestone cave about ten kilometres before Phang Nga town. The largest chamber, Tham Yai, houses the temple’s most celebrated attraction: an impressive 15-metre-long reclining golden Buddha, surrounded by smaller sitting and standing Buddha statues that fill the cave with a calm, devotional atmosphere.

The large chedi which contains the bones of the Na Takuathung family

The setting is unlike any conventional temple you will encounter in southern Thailand. The cave ceiling soars overhead, stalactites hang in silence, and the light that filters through the entrance gives everything inside a particular, otherworldly quality. There are a number of other Buddha images throughout, as well as a large chedi which contains the bones of the Na Takuathung family — the local governors of some 160 years ago, who arranged for the construction of the original shrine inside the cave. History and faith are literally embedded in the rock here.

Outside, the resident troupe of monkeys adds a note of cheerful chaos to an otherwise deeply peaceful place. At the cave entrance, a stupa structure echoes the famous Wat Arun in Bangkok, and stairs beside the reclining Buddha lead up to a smaller cave with another golden stupa. Allow yourself more time than you think you need. Wat Suwan Kuha has a way of holding you.

Inside the Elephant: Tham Phung Chang

Phang Nga town temples caves travel guide

From almost any point in Phang Nga town, you can see it — a great limestone mountain crouching on the horizon, shaped unmistakably like an elephant at rest. The locals have always known it as Khao Chang, Elephant Mountain, and it is no coincidence that the elephant appears on the provincial seal.

The mountain is home to one of Phang Nga’s most significant temple compounds: Wat Prapaht Pracimakhet, known to everyone simply as Wat Tham Phung Chang. Before you think about the cave, the temple grounds themselves deserve time and attention. Shaded by ancient trees, the compound carries the quiet authority of a place that has long been central to the spiritual life of this town. At the cave entrance stands the Sala Pho Ta Khao Chang — a sacred spirit shrine dedicated to the guardian of Elephant Mountain — and guides traditionally lead visitors to pay their respects here before entering.

canoe through the deeper flooded sections of the cave

The cave itself — Tham Phung Chang, meaning “Elephant Belly Cave,” listed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand among the Unseen Thailand destinations — opens from the back of the temple compound. It runs for approximately 1,200 metres through the heart of the mountain, with two entrances, one on the west side and one on the east. The tour combines three modes of exploration: canoe through the deeper flooded sections, bamboo raft where the ceiling drops lower, and finally on foot through shallower water. Headlamps are provided.

Sala Pho Ta Khao Chang — a sacred spirit shrine dedicated to the guardian of Elephant Mountain

Inside, formations emerge that the guides bring to life: a stone shape resembling a crocodile, a sacred pool whose still water mirrors the shape of an elephant’s head, figures that suggest dinosaurs and giant turtles. When torchlight catches the tips of the stalactites, the calcite crystals catch the beam and sparkle like scattered diamonds. Bats cling to the ceiling in large numbers throughout, including bumblebee bats — the world’s smallest.

Photography is not permitted inside, which forces you to simply be present. That, as it turns out, is the right way to experience it. The whole tour takes about an hour and a half, and it is time exceptionally well spent. Open daily from 08.30 – 16.00 hrs. Entrance fee : 500 baht/person and a tour of the cave takes around 1.5 hours

Lunch with History: Khun Thip’s Satay

Khun Thip’s Satay — a name that carries real weight in Phang Nga

After emerging from the mountain, appetite was not negotiable. We headed into the centre of town to Khun Thip’s Satay — a name that carries real weight in Phang Nga. This roadside institution has been serving satay, and only satay, since 1975. The marinade takes two full days to prepare, and the result — charcoal-grilled chicken, pork, pork intestine or shrimp — has become Phang Nga’s most iconic food. The Michelin Guide has noticed, listing it among the province’s recommended restaurants, though the locals needed no outside validation.

The setting is very basic, but nobody visits for the decor. The pork satay combined with its peanut sauce makes for a perfect, deeply satisfying meal — and the toasted bread for dipping in the sauce is a detail you will think about long after leaving. We ordered the shrimp, which arrived glistening from the grill, and the pork, impossibly tender with a faint coconut sweetness beneath the smoke. Go early if you can — stocks are limited, and the queue is a measure of how good this place is.

Open: From 11:00 to 15:00 hours, closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Location: Google Maps

Where Buddhism Gets Uncomfortable: Wat Tham Ta Pan

The scenes are a visual sermon on karma

No visit to Phang Nga town is complete without a stop at Wat Tham Ta Pan — and nothing in Thailand had quite prepared us for it. Located about 100 kilometres northeast of Phuket, this is a heaven and hell temple, though “heaven and hell” hardly does justice to what awaits inside.

At the entrance, a fountain features five monk sculptures, each holding a bowl that represents wealth, beauty, happiness, cleverness, and health.  It feels serene enough. Then you step into the mouth of an enormous dragon. You wind through the belly of the beast, down a dark, damp tunnel lit only by wisps of light filtering through a few windows — and when you emerge at the other end, you are in hell.

Satan, the chief of the hell garden

The Hell Garden is filled with life-sized statues vividly depicting the torments of Buddhist Naraka — sinners being boiled in cauldrons, having their tongues pulled out, suffering fates tied directly to their earthly misdeeds.  Some figures are being speared or strangled, others forced to climb spiked trees, many finished with vivid red paint to highlight their fresh wounds. It is confronting, extraordinary, and — when you understand its purpose — strangely moving. The scenes are not designed for shock alone; they are a visual sermon on karma, intended to make the consequences of negative actions visceral and impossible to ignore.

Beyond the dragon and the hell garden, the temple opens into something altogether different: a cave reached by a dark track with bridges crossing an underground stream, leading to a meditation space with small Buddha statues — peaceful and entirely removed from the mayhem outside. There is also a steep staircase leading to a rooftop viewpoint over Phang Nga town and its surrounding limestone peaks. Take it slowly going up. The view at the top is worth every step.

Entry is free. Donations are welcome. Not recommended for young children.

Our Base: Baan Ati Resort & Spa

The Asian Itinerary team’s stay was kindly hosted by Baan Ati Resort & Spa. The resort is nestled along a serene canal in the Natai area of Phang Nga, and offers charming wooden stilt villa-style accommodations surrounded by tropical gardens and mountain views. Each villa features private living space, a shaded veranda, and access to the resort’s pool, spa, and restaurant.

Visit their website here. · Visit their Facebook page here.

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The Oyster World Cup

This extraordinary celebration unites Michelin-starred chefs, world champion oyster shuckers, and internationally acclaimed mixologists from across the globe, creating an immersive journey of gastronomy and entertainment. Guests can look forward to a dynamic programme of international competitions, exclusive dining experiences, and vibrant social events designed to captivate culinary enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers alike.

June Highlights

A one-night-only culinary masterpiece.

The spotlight shines on “Shuck Off Thailand 2026 (2nd Edition)”, a national oyster shucking competition to identify Thailand’s representative for the 2027 world stage. The month also features a series of exclusive experiences including live shucking shows, vibrant pool parties with DJs and celebrated mixologists, and the highlight 8-Hands Gala Dinner, where four international chefs collaborate to create a one-night-only culinary masterpiece.

July Highlights

Oyster World Cup Gastronomy Bangkok 2026

Beyond these highlights, guests can also enjoy a variety of lifestyle experiences throughout the festival, including themed pool parties inspired by global sporting celebrations, indulgent Sunday brunches, and curated wine tastings, ensuring a complete and elevated lifestyle journey.

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Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky has unveiled an indulgent brunch paying homage to the humble dim sum. In the heart of Pattaya, the 12^th floor rooftop restaurant and bar hosts ‘Dim Sum Unlimited’ every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 3pm. The all-you-can-enjoy dim affair brims with steamed and deep-fried dim sum options, as well as soups, rice and noodle dishes, and desserts.

Meaning ‘touch of the heart’, dim sum represents a Cantonese tradition of sharing small, delicate dishes and tea, sometimes described as a ‘team sport’ where everyone shares

Traditional Ha Gaw, steamed shrimp balls, rice roll with shrimp, pork shumai, Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings, pork wontons with Mala spicy sauce, and Cantonese pork-, BBQ pork- and Chinese mushroom buns are among the steam dim sum options. Deep-fried dim sum dishes range from taro and roasted pork dumplings, and shrimps wrapped in tofu sheet, to pan-fried turnip cake, vegetables spring rolls and green chives dumplings. Double-boiled pork ribs soup, ‘Yitong’ fried rice with crab meat, and Tang Yuan glutinous rice balls with caramelised ginger broth are among examples of soup, rice and noodle fare, and desserts. The menu can be accessed here.

In the heart of Pattaya, the 12th floor rooftop restaurant and bar hosts ‘Dim Sum Unlimited’ every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 3pm

“Translating to ‘touch of the heart’, dim sum represents a Cantonese tradition of sharing small, delicate dishes and tea, sometimes described as a ‘team sport’ where everyone shares,” said Peter Laird, Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s director of food and beverage. “At Yitong, we’ve made it a team sport of serving a joyous, communal dining experience with an incredible selection of dishes accompanied by a front-row view of Pattaya’s shoreline.”

As they set foot in the venue, diners are greeted by a ribbon-like ceiling sculpture installation that makes for a compelling contemporary interpretation of calligraphy. Characterised by gold and black trimmings with pops of crimson to signal prosperity, the restaurant’s colour palette is magnified by the backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows affording views of Pattaya’s beach and sky.

The all-you-can-enjoy dim sum experience brims with steamed and deep-fried dim sum options, as well as soups, rice and noodle dishes, and desserts

In addition to the main dining area with soft lighting, earthy tones and natural textures inspired by the landscapes of Chonburi and Northern Thailand to evoke calm and refinement, the sky bar’s chic rooftop space features greenery and affords panoramic views.

Dim Sum Unlimited Brunch is priced at THB 750 net per person. A ‘Dine as five and pay for four’ offer is also available. For more information or to make a booking, call +66 (0)33-168-555, email info.pattaya@melia.com, or reach out on Facebook Messenger m.me/MeliaPattayaHotel or LINE ID @meliapattayahotel bit.ly/MeliáPattayaHotel. The Dim Sum Unlimited Brunch menu is available on linktr.ee/meliapattaya

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Available at Banyan Tree Samui from May 1, 2026, the Banyan Tree Connections: A Private, Immersive Holistic Wellbeing Journey for Two responds to a growing desire for meaningful connections in an increasingly fragmented world.  

Banyan Tree Samui couples wellness retreat

Banyan Tree Samui, an 88 pool villa beachfront property overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, announces the launch of Banyan Tree Connections: A Private, Immersive Wellbeing Journey for Two, now available for bookings for stays from May 1, 2026, onwards.

The programme invites guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves, with loved ones, and with the rhythms of nature through a curated series of movement, mindfulness, and shared rituals guided by Banyan Group’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing philosophy.

“Banyan Tree Connections was created in response to a universal longing for deeper relationships, genuine presence, and time well spent together,” said Ms. Katejiraporn Kaewngarmsa-ard, Hotel Manager at Banyan Tree Samui. “Our tranquil resort, bathed in a lush tropical environment and idyllic for those seeking intimacy and peace of mind, is a natural canvas for a wellbeing journey shared between friends and/or family.”

kayaking with Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Samui invites guests to experience a journey of wellbeing with a loved one or special partner through a personalized program of healthy living activities, each designed to nurture balance, presence and togetherness, with each experience initiated in harmony with the resort’s tropical beachfront setting, the island’s natural beauty, and Thailand’s spiritual culture.

Connections guests will begin their journey at Banyan Tree Samui with a 30-minute wellbeing consultation, undertaken by one of our professionally trained associates, in order to lay out a health and fitness itinerary that caters to each person’s individual targets.

Among the selection of pursuits included in the Connections program that a couple may benefit from are: a 60-minute session of Private Yoga Duo; Sound Healing Meditation; a one-time Herbal Massage Oil & Reflexology Workshop; two joint 60-minute spa treatments; kayaking; an introduction to Thai boxing; a private culinary workshop; and an intimate dinner for two served in style at our private beach.

A Sanctuary for the Senses

Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui’s 88 spacious pool villas, each with its own private infinity pool, provide a serene and secluded oasis where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature. Designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape, the villas feature contemporary Thai architecture and are adorned with locally sourced materials and artwork, creating a truly authentic and immersive experience.

The resort hosts three restaurants, including Saffron which was recently listed in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide. Other onsite facilities include a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library.

For more information and reservations, visit https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui/offers or contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 077 915 333.

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It used to be we turned to Brahms for lullabies; now we’re tucking into nap capsules and sleep studios all over Asia for the best possible slumber. Hotels are also getting into the act, and why not: We’ve been paying them for space to sleep for hundreds of years. Today, from Thailand to Vietnam, resort hotels are doubling down on their raison d’être. We’ve rounded up a few that may pique your interest as the grist for another look at how to get to the Land of Nod. We have:

• A sleep enhancement programme at Banyan Tree Samui
• A bath ritual that goes beyond a soak with massage, lavender-reishi drinks, and sleep amenities at TIA Wellness in Da Nang
• A sleep meditation class and rest ritual kit at Kamalaya
• Alab Wellness Valley’s tailored ‘Sleep Well’ retreat at a hot springs resort in Hue

Rest Assured at Island Sleep Retreat

Sleep deprivation has become a modern epidemic, driven by stress, overstimulation and relentless schedules. At Kamalaya Koh Samui, the Sleep Enhancement programme takes a structured approach to restoring healthy rest by addressing both the mental and physiological causes of insomnia. Guests begin with a consultation designed to identify personal barriers to sleep, from an overactive mind to lifestyle habits that disrupt natural rhythms. From there, a team including wellness consultants, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and life enhancement mentors guides the process. Therapies such as targeted massage and bioresonance help calm the nervous system, while herbal and nutraceutical supplements support the body’s natural sleep cycles.

TIA Wellness Resort’s “Deep Slumber” bath ritual

Personalised nutritional advice and practical stress-management techniques form part of the programme. The goal is straightforward: deeper, longer and more restorative sleep, along with tools guests can use to maintain healthier sleep patterns once they return home.

A Soak for Sleep

With TIA Wellness Resort’s “Deep Slumber” bath ritual, sleep time preparation begins away from bed with the choice of relaxing massage in the resort’s wellness center. Therapies like the Himalayan Heart Stone and Deep Connection Remedy ease tension, release tight muscles and help relax the body. Upon return to the room, guests will find a soothing lavender-infused bath with lavender oil and flowers, Epsom salts (for magnesium) and dried mugwort (another natural remedy, like lavender, for easing anxiety and deepening sleep quality). The bath can be taken under the soft glow of candles to help signal to the brain it’s time to rest. A relaxation tray near the bath features a lavender eye mask, one of the new sleep amenities that creates a more sleep-inducive environment. A Lavender Reishi Latte is also served, with reishi, a medicinal mushroom, promoting quality sleep and reducing stress.

Meditation and Herbal Face Steams on Koh Samui 

Banyan Tree Samui

For those with an insomniac disposition, a special routine of sleep rituals has been devised at a leading resort in Koh Samui to help send guests off into the Land of Nod. Surrounded by lush tropical flora and with each spacious villa offering privacy and its own infinity pool, Banyan Tree Samui is an ideal spot for those who seek tranquility and rest. A Sleep Meditation class has been designed to help participants relax deeply and prepare mind and body for restorative sleep using breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle visualization techniques, and is set in a quiet environment with calming music. On return to one’s villa, a Rest Ritual kit will be waiting by the bedside. A set of fragrant ingredients and herbs are to be soaked in a bowl of hot water, then the guest drapes a towel over their head and inhales the aromas. Among the nightly rotation of ingredients for the Rest Ritual are: agarwood, jasmine and sandalwood essential oil, fresh kaffir leaf, lime, aloe, ginger, coconut milk, and a rose & vanilla essential oil. 

Slip Away Into a Sleep Retreat in Vietnam

the Sleep Well Retreat at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Set amidst the tranquil landscapes of Huế, the Sleep Well Retreat at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion introduces a thoughtfully curated wellness experience dedicated to restoring the art of deep, natural sleep. Rooted in the belief that restorative sleep emerges from harmony between body and mind, the retreat addresses both the visible symptoms and underlying causes of sleep imbalance. Each guest begins with a personalized wellness consultation, shaping a tailored program that evolves throughout the stay. Signature therapies form the heart of the experience, including the deeply calming Four Hands Ayurvedic Massage, Shirodhara, and Nasya Therapy—ancient practices known to soothe the nervous system and quiet mental unrest. Complementing these are daily foot reflexology, floating meditation, and immersive sound healing sessions featuring Tibetan singing bowls and crystal tones. Evenings unfold gently with herbal tea rituals and Alba’s Sleep Well Kit, infused with lavender notes to encourage relaxation. Guests are further supported by sleep-conscious cuisine, crafted from fresh, local ingredients, alongside the resort’s signature mineral-rich onsen—an essential element that enhances both physical release and sleep quality.

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