Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Style at Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi in Thailand this year

Celebrate Christmas in Style on Koh Samui

A gourmet’s paradise of 5-star feasting is on the cards at Banyan Tree Samui this Christmas, with each of its three restaurants offering a colourful variety of dining options from Dec 24-26, inclusive. The resort’s beachfront restaurant, Sands, offers a 3-course set lunch and a 5-course set dinner (or 7-course vegetarian alternative) on each of those three days, while award-winning fine-dining venue Saffron hosts set evening dinners in a sophisticated and tranquil ambience. Meanwhile, The Edge restaurant will entice diners with an abundant buffet menu from Dec 24-26, offering both Western and Eastern cuisine and a host of Christmas surprises.For more information or reservations, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 77 915 333.

Twas the Night Before Xmas, and Krabi is Stirring

Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is hosting a sumptuous Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at its popular restaurant The Naga Kitchen. Starting from 6:30pm, guests and diners will be paraded with an astounding variety of delectable international culinary choices, including salads and appetisers, cheese and cold cuts, an Indian Tandoori selection, freshly baked pizzas, a carving station, Japanese favourites, and delicious seafood options such as Spicy Tuna and Salmon Tartare with Local Fresh Herbs.For more information or reservations, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 075 811 888.

Ring in 2025 with a Samui Beach Party

Located in a private bay at the southeastern corner of the island, Banyan Tree Samui invites guests and revellers to experience their “A Night Under the Sea Party Night” from 10pm till 1am on New Year’s Eve. The night will begin with a fabulous feast – a 5-course gala dinner set menu from 7pm to 10pm – with everything from appetisers such as sushi and sashimi, French foie gras, oysters, tiger prawns and Russian caviar to main courses of prime rib of beef, lamb crown or Tasmanian grilled salmon, and a host of delectable desserts. At 10pm, the party moves to the beachside where a dance floor will burst into life. For more information or reservations, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 77 915 333.

Kick Off 2025 with Countdown in Krabi

Banyan Tree Krabi bids farewell to 2024 with a Gala Dinner and Countdown Party with live entertainment, an extravagant buffet, and selected free-flow alcoholic beverages. Starting at 7pm on 31st Dec with a festive feast at The Naga Kitchen venue, diners can choose from an array of cheeses, cold cuts, a salad bar, homemade smoked salmon, truffle soup, iced seafood including fin de claire oysters, as well as a selection of Southern Thai and Japanese culinary delights. There’s also a supervised Kids’ Corner as the party moves to the beach when midnight approaches.For more information or reservations, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 075 811 888.

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Christmas lights

InterContinental Phuket Resort, a luxury paradise on Kamala Beach, invites travelers to rekindle the holiday spirit, celebrate the traditional year-end festivities and usher in a brand-new year with activities, food and lively atmosphere throughout December 2022. Themed “Celestial Celebrations”, celebrate the year, reflect on it, and embrace the coming of a new beginning under the celestial canopy of stars in our heavenly paradise.

Discover the delights and charms of the Festive Season throughout December 2022 at InterContinental Phuket Resort. The central theme is celestial and heavenly. Expect a luxurious afternoon tea party, decadent brunch and themeddinners this Christmas and New Year from 1 December 2022 – 1 January 2023.

InterContinental Phuket Festive Brunch

Start the celestial celebration by giving yourself the “Shine Bright Glitter” treatment at ‘Sati Spa‘. Cross over to the sunny side of life by bathing in gold. Refresh and renew with a sparkling gold bath blend of wild orange and lemon oils. Gentle exfoliation with Portuguese sea salt will ensure you shine bright with a new glow. Sati Spa opens daily in December 2022. Price starts at THB 5,900++ per person (2 hours 30 minutes) and THB 15,900++ for two (a spa couple) with premium champagne.

Enjoy our ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ featuring organic tea from northern Thailand.  Partake in this timeless afternoon tea tradition at Devas’ Lounge from 12.00 – 5.00 pm from 1-31 December 2022, priced at 850++ per person and 2,450 ++ Baht for two persons, served with half a bottle of Prosecco.

Let’s journey with culinary adventures for Christmas and New Year’s Eve traditions;

Festive Brunch

JARAS, a Thai fine dining restaurant listed in Michelin Guide 2022, creates a Thai menu that pays homage to fresh local and regional ingredients. Dine beside Kamala Beach on December 24, 2022. This Christmas Eve Thai Set Menu is a culinary journey across Thailand, accompanied by classical music. Price starts from 3,950++ per person (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.)

PINTO is an all-day dining restaurant where Thai food inspired by the old town of Phuket takes center stage. Join us here for an “International Semi Buffet’‘ on Christmas Eve on December 24, 2022.  Priced at 3,250++ Baht per person (6:00 – 10.00 p.m.)

PINE, a cozy Kamala Beach restaurant and bar, will host a Christmas Day Brunch on December 25, 2022, and New Year’s Day Brunch on January 1, 2023. International buffet with fresh seafood, an array of Phuket‘s well-known dishes and premium beef to mark the joyful occasions of Christmas and New Year. Festive beats and rhythms will be provided by visiting DJs alongside fun activities for the little ones. Priced at 3,250++ per person (12.00 – 3.00 p.m.)

Christmas tree by night

TENGOKU, an excellent Japanese izakaya-style restaurant and one of the winners of Thailand’s Favorite Restaurants 2022 by Koktail, will welcome everyone for Christmas and New Year. The Christmas Eve Dinner has ingredients flown in from Japan. Join us on December 24, 2022, starting from 4,250++ per person (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.). New Year’s Eve Dinner on December 31, 2022, will start from 6,500++ per person (6:00 – 10 p.m.)

Our New Year’s Eve Dinner on Kamala Beach, facing the Andaman Sea, is the perfect setting to bid Auld Lang Syne to 2022 and say Hello, 2023. Ideal for family gatherings and best friends to have the best time of the year. Savor anInternational Set Menu with seafood on ice served with spicy sauce and a wide range of steaks grilled to your preferences. The classic turkey and all its trimmings, clams and oysters with coriander chili sauce, an array of Thai food,plus unlimited champagne, assures a memorable evening on the beach. Music from DJs and live singing by award-winning singers from contests in Thailand, with a variety of fantastic shows. A countdown party starts from 11 PM – 1.00 AM. Watch the spectacular fireworks display at midnight, starting at 12,500++ Baht (6:00 – 11 p.m)

Hotel Overview pool and sea

Create an exclusive private soiree at the “Club Lounge” for an extraordinary evening with your family, friends and loved ones. Fine food, camaraderie, memorable moments, perfect sea-facing location and the traditional midnight fireworks. The resort can create a party customized to your needs —at THB 2,023,000 net for 50 people.

Start the first day of 2023 with alms giving ceremony conducted at Heaven Pavilion from 7.45-8.45 a.m. Guests can also share the joy of the new year with the little ones, invited from Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation, a shelter for homeless children from troubled families. The resort also invites the children to sing Christmas Carols at InterContinental Phuket Resort on December 24.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit https://phuket.intercontinental.com/festive-season or call 076 629 999.

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Suspended due to Covid for the past two years, the people of Thailand will be in a celebratory mood this Thai New Year when they take to the streets to make merit, join parades, and of course, go slightly delirious with water fights. The annual Songkran Festival is back, and it will be wet n’ wild all across Thailand from April 13-15. For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land for this holiday, here are a few luxury escapes:

Banyan Tree Samui

Aerial view of Banyan Tree Samui

This idyllic getaway is tranquil, refined and isolated – everything you need to bodyswerve the pandemonium of the water fights. But that’s not saying there won’t be fun: Banyan Tree Samui is planning three days of frivolity for all the family, beginning on April 13 with a Splash Party on the resort’s exclusive beachfront, including free-flow drinks, snacks and ice-cream (Price: 799THB per head; free for children under 12).

The following evening, a street market will be set up on the beachfront lawn. Entertainment will include the traditional Lao Kratop Mai folk dance with bamboo rods (Price 1,550 nett per person; free for kids under 12). Finally, on April 15, a High Tea Buffet will be rolled out at Saffron Restaurant, perched high above the resort and commanding a spectacular view of the sea.(Price: 1,550 THB nett per couple, including a complimentary Sanctuary Day Pass). And throughout the week, Saffron Restaurant will host a special 5-course set menu every evening, featuring authentic Thai cuisine (2,100 nett per person). For reservations and inquiries,email: samui@banyantree.com, or call 077-915-333.

Meliá Chiang Mai

Urban hotel Meliá Chiang Mai is celebrating its first Songkran with a special promotion for Thai residents and expats

The first five-star hotel to debut in Chiang Mai since the onset of the global pandemic, Meliá Chiang Mai will make a splash when it opens its doors for business on April 10 this year. The urban hotel, that towers over the Ping River and bustling Night Bazaar, is celebrating its first Songkran with a special promotion for Thai residents and expats. Anchored by a two-night stay in a Meliá Room, Meliá Chiang Mai’s offer includes daily breakfast for two, a roundtrip airport transfer from and to Chiang Mai International Airport, and a complimentary cocktail for two at 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar.

Meliá Chiang Mai’s Songkran offer is anchored by a two-night stay in a Meliá Room

Like a jewel in a crown, Mai The Sky Bar on the hotel’s 22nd floor features two bars connected by a glass bridge and affords spectacular views of the River Ping to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. As part of the promotion, one child below 12 years of age stays for free inclusive of breakfast. With a booking period from now until April 16, and a stay period from April 10-30, the Songkran offer is priced at THB 4599 nett per room, that is then priced at THB 2760 nett when the We Travel Together campaign is applied. Email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com or call 052 090 699.

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Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui

Nestled into a lush hillside with views overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui kicks off the Christmas season with the reopening of its signature Saffron Restaurant on Dec.15, followed by a fortnight of festive treats, including a Chef’s Table evening each Monday (Dec 20 & Dec 27: 4-course set dinner 2,890 THB nett per head including wine). An elegant Christmas Dinner (2,900 THB nett per person) is served from Dec 24 – 26, and on New Year’s Eve, all guests and staff will gather for the hotel’s time-honoured “Light Up the Night” event, a gala dinner followed by a Countdown Party by the beach (16,500 THB nett per guest), which will feature performances, live music, a fire show, a lucky draw and fireworks at midnight – an evening not to be missed. Those fortunate enough to be staying at this award-winning resort for both Xmas and New Year will undoubtedly want to book the Festive Package, a culinary journey of delicious dishes with both Western and Thai menus. The Festive Package (19,900 THB each) includes Christmas Dinner, the New Year’s Gala, and an additional Destination Dining experience of the guest’s choice.

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

There are multiple reasons to rejoice this festive period at Hyatt Regency Koh Samui as the acclaimed new property unveils a packed schedule of seasonal events. The property incorporates around 80 native Yang Na trees (Dipterocarpus alatus) that were once used by sailors and fishermen as navigational landmarks. One of these will be the site for a tree lighting ceremony where a live saxophonist will provide the soundtrack for cocktails and canapes. Enjoying great food and drink is one of the cornerstones of the festive season. And gastronomes will find plenty to savour on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  A Christmas Eve dinner at SESUN, the resort’s buzzing beachfront grill, features a sumptuous BBQ buffet as well as a live band and a fire show. The action shifts to the resort’s main restaurant, Yangna Cuisine, on Christmas Day, which will host a multi-cuisine banquet encompassing traditional festive favourites, Japanese cuisine, fresh seafood and risotto in a cheese wheel. For New Year’s Eve, Yangna Cuisine hosts a barbecue gala dinner with a live band and magician shows. The culmination of the festive program, meanwhile, takes place back at SESUN where DJs, live performers and a fireworks display will see out 2021 and usher in 2022 at a lavish countdown party.

To make a reservation or for more information contact +66 77 448 777, email fb.usmrk@hyatt.com or visit hyattregencykohsamui.com

Meliá Koh Samui

Meliá Koh Samui

With the season to be jolly approaching, beachfront resort Meliá Koh Samui will host an array of festivities including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, exquisite dining experiences, a visit from Santa Claus, fireworks and more. After kicking off the festive program with the tree lighting ceremony amid a choir performance on Dec. 17, the resort overlooking Choeng Mon beach will stage a four-course Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day buffet brunch. On Dec. 24 award-winning executive chef Azizskandar Awang will serve a Western-themed four-course dinner with optional paired wines at the Power Lounge priced at THB 1,600++ per person and THB 3,000++ per person with paired wines. The resort’s delectable buffet brunch on Dec. 25, priced from THB 2,400++ per person and is THB 1,200++ per child aged 5 to 12, will brim with all sorts of indulgent options at a series of stations to a backdrop of live entertainment. The ‘Raw Bar’ will offer poached rock lobsters, imported French ‘Fine de Claire’ oysters, Koh Samui blue swimmer crabs and poached tiger prawns and the ‘Carving Station’ will feature honey-glazed Christmas ham, whole roast turkey, Australian grass-fed beef rib eye steak, Italian pork porchetta and Australian leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary.

https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/koh-samui/melia-koh-samui/index.htm

Poolside at Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Azerai Resorts

Celebrate Christmas in style at any of Azerai Resorts’ three distinctive properties in Vietnam: Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, Azerai Ke Ga Bay on the white-sand beaches of the southeastern coast, or Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital. Festivities include special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals—with a visit from Santa Claus—as well as exclusive activities for the family, such as live music, cultural performances, holiday afternoon tea experiences, local blessing ceremonies and much more. Christmas Eve dinner kicks off with a cocktail reception and canapes served at the sunken lounge poolside at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, in the garden at Azerai La Residence, Hue, and at The Lounge Bar at Azerai Can Tho. The Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at Azerai La Residence, Hue is priced at VND 1.5 million; at Azerai Can Tho (VND 1.7 million); and at Azerai Ke Ga Bay (VND 1.2 million). Christmas Day options include a special BBQ buffet at Azerai Ke Ga Bay (VND 1.7 million), a market-style dinner at Azerai Can Tho (VND 900,000, with dishes including baked scallops with peanut and chili, grilled marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves, and more), and a Christmas buffet brunch at Azerai La Residence, Hue (VND 250,000). For complete details on festive season plans at all three Azerai Resorts, please visit https://azerai.com/offers.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This Christmas season, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi celebrates “Once Upon a Time” as it transforms into a winter wonderland decorated with classic-style nutcrackers, bringing the holiday to life with renowned French sophistication and joie de vivre. Throughout the season, the Metropole will host exclusive dining events at its award-winning restaurants Le Club (home to the hotel’s famed Afternoon Tea and evening jazz) and angelina (cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World cuisine), many of which include optional wine and Champagne pairings. While Le Beaulieu (high-end French restaurant) is under renovation, the Le Beaulieu menus will be served in the Spices Garden venue overlooking the gardens with unique Festive Wonderland décor. The festivities kick off Christmas Eve with two signature buffet dinner seatings at Le Club, along with set menus of French gourmet cuisine at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu and European and New World cuisine at angelina. Christmas Day features an extravagant buffet lunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu, multi-course set dinners at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu and at angelina, and a buffet dinner at Le Club. Marking the holiday spirit in its 121st year, Vietnam’s most storied hotel has a towering Christmas tree strewn with red and white ornaments at Le Balcon in the Metropole Garden. For more information, contact the hotel’s Festive reservation desk at +84 24 3826 6919 ext. 8215 or h1555-fb6@sofitel.com.

Raffles Le Royal, Phnom Penh

Raffles Le Royal, Phnom Penh

Come celebrate a carvery for Christmas in Cambodia. Phnom Penh’s most iconic and historic venue, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, will be hosting two magnificent feasts, starting on Christmas Eve with a special five-course set dinner, which includes smoke-house fish, prime imported meats, and the hotel’s signature cheese trolley, all prepared tableside by immaculate knife-wielding butlers. (US$78 per person, plus $38 with wine pairing). Then, on Dec. 25, as you enter the grand lobby of this recently restored 1920s’ hotel, you’ll be met with a Christmas fir tree, accompanied by gingerbread houses, ballerina performances and much more. Restaurant Le Royal will host a Christmas Day Brunch from 12pm to 3pm — a lavish spread of artisan cheese, charcuteries, foie gras, terrines, and a French oyster and seafood bar. The brunch will also include a live carvery counter with mouthwatering wagyu beef, turkey and ham, and lamb roast. (US$125 per person, plus $30 for unlimited GH Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge). You’ll also discover a colorful Christmas Market taking place on the grounds of the hotel, making this a special festive season to remember.

For inquiries and reservations call +855 23 981 888  or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com

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A monstrer Ogoh Ogoh

Nyepi Day is the New Year in Bali according to an Hindu-animist tradition. Nyepi literally means silence, and this silence in Bali is transformed into one of the most outstanding celebration in the world. Nyepi is based on a South Indian calendar called Saka arrived in Indonesia in about 465AD, which is 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar. In Bali tomorrow they wish each other happy 1935!

However, these wishes will stay amongst the family and within the house walls, or made ​​by phone. This is because in Bali on Nyepi day everyone, including non-Hindus, foreigners and visitors, stay at home without electricity and unable to cook or use public transport. Add to these restrictions the ban on lighting fires, on using any electric source, on having sex and on working, you can understand why Bali, the island that almost never stops, becomes incredibly quiet for 24 hours, with Nyepi night a totally dark affair.

The meaning of silence and abstention to leave home and be in the streets comes from the popular belief that malignant gods visit the island during Nyepi day. If they believe nobody is on the island, they leave for another year. In reality, the main purpose of Nyepi’s abstinences is to invite everyone to an introspection on personal values, and to pray to the Supreme God – Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa – so it keeps the world in harmony.

Nyepi in Bali is taken seriously; thousands of Pecalang, security agents in sarong, shirt and black hats, ensure that all adhere to the rules and that silence and the absence of people from the streets are observed, escorting offenders back home. In some areas of the island, discouraged authorities get so far as to impose the suspension of electric supply. Bali airport and various naval ports of the island are closed for 24 hours, and apart from tourist facilities and hospitals, the rest of the work activities closes its doors on Nyepy Day.

NYEPI RITUALS

Burning the demons at night during Nyepi

Melasti: Each village take divine images and small temples to a beach or to a river, accompanied by a Gamelan ensemble, in long and colorful processions that culminate in a prayer addressed to the ocean, and a wish to cleanse impurities of human beings and of the universe. These ceremonies are also intended to draw out the demons from the places where they hide. During these processions, animals are sacrificed, and some of the participants get ‘possessed’ by the demons driven out of their dens, and perform in spectacular shocking dances accompanied by shouts and movements from the audience.

Tawur Kesanga and Caru: During this ritual, that takes place the day before Nyepi, chickens, ducks, goats and sometimes cows and buffaloes are sacrificed. This symbolizes a search for protection from evil and from negative forces within humans and the universe. The ritual culminates in one of the biggest parades of Nyepi, the procession of Ogoh-Ogoh, giant puppets made ​​of bamboo frames, canvas and papier-mache. The creation of these works of art that depict monstrous demons and evils painted in bright colors who kill and tear apart men, women and children, lasts weeks and is done by young artists from different villages. This ensures that the tradition continues within the new generations. The Ogoh-Ogoh generally take the form of mythological beings inspired by Hindu philosophy. These beings are characterized by a monstrous look, menacing fingers and fearful faces.

A Nyepi procession in Bedugul

Ogoh-Ogoh carnival parades are held after sunset on the eve of Nyepi, at the crossroads of the main villages. These are the places where demons meet, and where priests perform their exorcisms. Here, groups of eight or more young people raise platforms made of bamboo and wood planks that support the Ogoh-Ogoh, and carry them around the village, turning them counterclockwise three times at each road crossing, thus making contact with evil spirits. To ward off these spirits, young people shout loudly: “megedi megedi!” (go away, go away!). Unrelenting music played by youth Gamelan ensembles complete with drums, cymbals and gongs accompany the ceremonies, and the use of rockets, firecrackers and fireworks is common during parades. Finally, in the late evening, the Ogoh-Ogoh are burned and their ashes taken to the cemeteries as a symbol of purification. In case these demons survive the night, it is believed that they leave anyway the next day, once the entire island is surrounded by total silence.

To know more about Nyepi, check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyepi 

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