AMILLA
Baa Atoll
Complimentary Half Board,
No Minimum Night Stay 
Book by: 31 Apr26
Stay till: 23Dec26

5 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two in a Water Pool Villa
including seaplane return transfer & HB

Hotel rate: USD8,509
Our Offer
US$7,860
(approx AU$11,115)
Saving $935
based on Nov 2026 stay
Customizale Packages

CONRAD MALDIVES, South Ari Atoll

7 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two in a one bedroom
Beach Villa
including return seaplane transfer and HB

from US$7,390 (approx AU$10,450)

based on Sep 2026 stay, Customizale Packages

3 NIGHTS PACKAGE for eight
The Underwater Muraka -The world’s first undersea residence offers a two-level 550sqm luxury escape with an underwater bedroom, infinity pool,
including return seaplane transfer & breakfast

Hotel member rate: USD61,532
Our Offer
US$55,320
(approx AU$78,490, $9,811 per person)
Saving $8,815

ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, North Malé Atoll

7 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two
Water Villa King
including return luxury speedboat transfer,
Half Board

from US$19,980
US$13,979 (approx AU$19,760)
Saving 8,500

based in Sep 2026, Customizale Packages

Beach Villa King with Pool
including return luxury speedboat transfer,
Half Board

Hotel rate: US$20,938
Our Rate: US$15,750 (approx AU$22,265)
Saving $7,350

PATINA MALDIVES
Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll

7 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two
Fari Studio
including breakfast & speedboat transfer

One Bedroom Beach Pool Villa
including half board & return speedboat transfer

from US$6,887 (approx AU$9,735)

Book by: 27 Feb, 2026
based in Sep 2026, Customizale Packages

Hotel rate: US$15,798
Our Rate: US$13,988 (approx AU$19,770)
Saving $2,425

NIYAMA MALDIVES PRIVATE ISLAND
Dhaalu Atoll


Customizale Packages

2026 Earlybird offers
40% discount for Villas and Pavillions.
Stay: 09Jan – 22Dec 2026

35% discount for all Villas except Pavillions & The Crescent.
25% discount for all Pavillions & The Crescent.
Stay: 23Dec2026 – 08Jan2027

20% discount on seaplane for 7+ nights bookings.
Stay: 05May2026 – 30Sep2026

Book by: 31Jan 2026

7 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two
in a Beach Villa
including return speedboat transfer, breakfast

from $14,880

JOALI MALDIVES & JOALI BEING
Raa Atoll


Customizale Packages

Overwater Escape
Complimentary upgrade to the next villa category

Book by: 31Jan 2026
Stay: till 31Jan 2026
Blackout: 21Dec25 – 10Jan26

5 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two
in an Ocean Pool Villa
including upgrade to Sunset Ocean Pool villa, return seaplane transfers, breakfast,
Welcome amenities,
30-minute Wellbeing Consultation,
Jadugar (Butler) service for all villas

from $31,990
$25,990
Saving $6,000

WALDORF ASTORIA
South Malé Atoll

Complimentary upgrade from Beach Villa to Grand Beach Villa (01Sep-22Oct25)
from Reef Villa to Grand Reef Villa and from Overwater Villa to Grand Overwater Villa (07Nov-20Dec25)
Book by: 30Sep25

10% discount
Book by: 10Jan-20Dec26 (90 days prior to travel)
20% discount & free HB and return yacht transfers
Stay: 8May – 20Dec26 (7 night min. stay)

4 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two
in a Grand Overwater Villa
including return yacht transfer, breakfast & HB
from $32,250 $24,880 for two
Saving $7,370

THE RITZ CARLTON
Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll

💖 Honeymoon Benefits (with 3 nights minimum)
– In-villa champagne bottle on arrival accompanied by the Chef’s signature welcome amenity
– Romantic in-villa Aroma Bath turndown, once during the stay
– Personalized Honeymoon gift

5 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two
in a Lagoon Sunset Pool Villa
including return shared luxury speedboat transfers, breakfast & half board
from $27,880 $23,500 for two
Saving $4,380

ANANTARA
Baa Atoll

20% discount and Complimentary Half Board, Minimum 3 nights stay

Book by: 31Oct25
Stay till: 23Dec26

3 NIGHTS PACKAGE for two
One bedroom Beach Pool Villa
including return shared Speedboat Transfer & breakfast

from $10,685

FOUR SEASONS KUDA HURRA
North Malé Atoll

Complimentary Half Board;
No minimum stay
Book by: 30 days prior to arrival
Stay till: 20Dec25

4 NIGHTS Garden Pavilion with Pool
incl return speedboat transfer & half board

from $9,960

Soneva Resorts & Yacht

SONEVA FUSHI | SONEVA JANI
Great Escape Offer
Stay 4 nights and pay for 3 nights
Stay 7 nights and pay for 5 nights
Complimentary Half Board

SONEVA SECRET
The Pioneer Offer
Stay 4 nighs and pay for 3 nights
Stay 7 nights and pay for 5 nights
Complimentary Full Board

More Details >>

The post Maldives’ Finest Luxury Resorts – Limited-Time Offers appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

The post The Spire Hotel appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

The all-inclusive tariff provides 3 gourmet meals daily at the restaurant, featuring the riches of the region accompanied by a selection of quality wine, beer and soft drink. An exciting curated daily experience showcasing the island, and unlimited use of water sports equipment will ensure guests truly experience the holiday of a lifetime.

The post Orpheus Island Lodge appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

The post Elements of Byron appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

It all starts with the amazing accommodation offers that is, these days, easily come by in Thailand. And with luxury accommodation comes luxury modes of transport – like yachts and private jets – rooftop bars, amazing pool settings, and extravagant shopping options. Yes, it’s all about cultural immersion, but in the most comfortable way possible.

A room with a view and then some…

Lavish hotels and resorts have burgeoned throughout the kingdom in the past decade making holidaying in this South-eastern nation the stuff that unforgettable vacations are made of. And when we talk of luxury accommodation, we don’t just mean an amazing room in an amazing building – we’re talking about all kinds of different abodes of which some you may have never even considered staying in. There is a plethora of types of opulent lodgings to indulge in; health and wellness resorts and spas, magnificent hotels with Michelin-star restaurants and rooftop bars, teak retreats ensconced in lush foliage, jaw-dropping treehouses – in Thailand’s tropical climes, the choices abound.

Four Seasons Elephant Camp, Chiang Rai  

Four Seasons Elephant Camp in Northern Thailand offers sublime ‘explorer’ tented accommodation (think elegant huts rather than tents) with a plunge bath, private villa pools and spa treatments. The best part of the forest-enclosed resort, however, is the namesake rescued elephants from the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which frolic in the nearby river. Guests can learn about the gentle giants, walk with them and even bathe them. If you fancy going further afield, you can take a boat trip along the Ruak River which straddles Thailand and Burma or opt for a foraging excursion into the jungle. The camp has double and family tented rooms available with plush furnishings and incredible views of the rolling landscape.

137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai

This boutique hotel lays its claim to fame from the film Anna and the King as it was once owned by the son of Anna, Louis Leonowens. Set in exotic gardens dotted with day beds, the sleek architecture and modern design makes you feel at home with excellent dining, beautiful spa, dramatic pool, and 400-thread count linen.

The Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok

At The Peninsula Bangkok, Peninsula luxury meets sophisticated Thai charm for the ultimate urban resort experience, from the hotel’s iconic Peninsula Green tuk tuk to an adventure down the Chao Phraya River and sumptuous authentic Thai cuisine featuring recipes used by generations of Palace cooks. The Peninsula Bangkok is the perfect family holiday destination, where various choices of activities and guest experiences such as wellness activities for parents, Peninsula Academy programmes for children and cultural immersion for everyone are available and tailored to fit guests of all ages, ensuring that everyone is catered to in true Peninsula style.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi

Set along some of Thailand’s most breathtaking coastline, the world’s first Ritz-Carlton resort oozes utter opulence. Choose from a variety of plush pavilions with private pools, wander through the expansive gardens or simply gaze out at the striking views of the bay. The private white-sand beach is ideal for sunset cocktails after a heavenly massage at the spa, candlelit dinner or daytime relaxation. You can hop on a speed boat to the nearby islands or do as little as possible. Gourmet cuisine and fresh seafood is on hand from one of the resort’s five restaurants. We could go on, but we’ll let you discover it for yourself.  

Flair for Fine Fare

Thailand’s culinary delights is just as popular as the destination itself. So appreciated is Thailand’s cuisine, that you can find many Thai cooking classes throughout the country, especially at hotels and resorts. But the flavours extend beyond just Thai cooking, with many international dishes complementing the traditional ones. Thai street food stand shoulder to shoulder with award-winning Michelin-starred restaurants and edgy bars, providing a taste indulgence for discerning palettes.  

The Symbiosis of Haute & Local Cuisine 

Bangkok is recognised as the street food capital of the world and its dining scene received further elevation when the first Michelin Guide Thailand recently revealed its list of 17 restaurants that have been newly awarded Michelin stars. These included three restaurants receiving two stars each and half of these eateries serve Thai food whilst the other half offer international dishes. 

Molecular Gastronomy 

Michelin-starred restaurants have paved the way for molecular gastronomy, which fuses physics and chemistry into cooking (think ‘flash freezing’, ‘foams’ and ‘sous-vide’). Gaggan – a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok – offers an array of molecular gastronomic dishes, like its extraordinary ‘Yogurt Explosion’ (a cylindrical-shaped concoction made of yogurt with an outer plastic bag made from rice flour, and a mango mousse created with liquid nitrogen). 

Haute Cuisine

A requisite component of the Michelin criteria is haute cuisine, where every element of a dish is carefully attended from the source of the ingredients to the intricate plating. Le Normandie in Bangkok, for instance, which has two Michelin stars, uses ingredients from the Thai Royal Projects. Haute cuisine doesn’t just stop at the food though; it’s a culmination of a restaurant’s behind-the-scenes from its management to its decor. 

Local Taste

Thai cuisine is unique on a global scale, but it also differs from region to region, taking you on a cultural journey through gastronomy. From the majestic mountains of the north to the fabled clear waters of the south, there is nothing that quite reflects Thailand like its local dishes.

Don’t leave Chiang Mai before feasting on a traditional Lanna Khantoke dinner set; five dishes that includes dill soup, hang lay curry, pork crackling, a chilli and tomato dip, and roasted pork served with sticky rice – all enjoyed whilst watching a traditional Lanna dance performance. 

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket naturally offers the freshest seafood which are exquisitely prepared at the many five-star hotels, local restaurants, and seaside market stalls with their live seafood on show. Dine in the open air on a beach with the ocean as a backdrop while the stars twinkle above. 

The Michelin Touch

 L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – Bangkok

Headed by a 28-Michelin-starred chef, the Bangkok edition of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon lets the diners become a part of the cooking process where chefs create and experiment right in front of you. The fine dining restaurant offers two styles of dining; L’Atelier with a view of the open kitchen, or Le Terrace for a more intimate feel. It’s not just dining – it’s an experience.

Photo: Javier Lastras

Nahm – Bangkok

Renowned for its authentic Thai food, Nahm is owned by Australian chef, David Thompson. The London branch was once the only Thai restaurant in the world that was awarded a Michelin star. The restaurant is located in the chic COMO Metropolitan Bangkok. 

Photo: Jun Seita

Western Cuisine

Le Normandie – Bangkok

It’s the very best of French fine dining with uncontested views of the Chao Praya river, located in the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. La Normandie drips with French sophistication complete with vintage crystal chandelier and striking floral displays. The elegance is continued through to the exquisite flavours of its cuisine which has earned two coveted Michelin stars.  

David’s Kitchen at 909 – Chiang Mai

Find many of the flavours of  Europe (mainly French) with Asian accents at David’s Kitchen in Chiang Mai. Located in a converted home and with a friendly ambience, it’s like going to a relative’s for dinner but with fine food in a formal setting. 

Authentic Thai

Bo.Lan – Bangkok

Bo.Lan is the product of two sensational chefs; Thai-born Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Australian-born Dylan ‘Lan’ Jones, who met at the London branch of David Thompson’s Nahm. Creating perfectly balanced Thai cuisine, the restaurant has one Michelin star and Bo has been voted Asia’s Best Female Chef. 

Blue Elephant – Bangkok & Phuket

Blue Elephant has eight outposts in seven countries, each of them known for the finest Thai fare. At its Bangkok and Phuket branches, you can catch a cooking class and get a taste of how the brand’s traditional recipes are executed and then relish the stunning food in charming ambience set in historic mansions. 

The Night Lifestyle

Thailand’s animated nightlife is pronounced by its vast array of ultra chic rooftop bars and restaurants most evident around the areas of Sukhumvit, Ploenchit, and Silom. Here are some to point you in the right direction…

Vertigo and Moon Bar, Banyan Tree – Bangkok

There are certainly no shortages of rooftop bars in Bangkok but Vertigo and Moon Bar, located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree, truly pushes the limits of the category ‘rooftop bar’. With its unique narrow and elongated shape, it gives the feeling of being on a spaceship and, with no other buildings in the way, you get a completely unobstructed panoramic view of the dizzying city below. 

Skybar and Sirocco, Lebua State Tower – Bangkok

If this rooftop bar and restaurant looks familiar, it’s because it featured in the popular film The Hangover. Situated on the 64th floor of Lebua State Tower, the multi-hued Sky Bar also claims the title of the world’s highest open-air rooftop bar. 

Photo: nhadatvideo

Cru Champagne Bar, Centara Grand at Central World, Bangkok

Taking pride of place on the 59th floor above the Centara Grand at Central World, the ultra-swanky Cru (French for ‘wine of exceptional quality’) serves up some exclusive G.H Mumm Champagne label whilst affording stunning 360-degree views of the city. Champagne cocktails mix it up with Bolingers which you can accompany with an eclectic menu featuring a sampling of world delicacies such as Russian Caviar, Foie Gras and Chicken Yakitori skewers, and Spanish ‘Joselito’ cured meats. 

 A Health and Wellness Culture

Thai massages are world famous but it’s not just the massage itself that’s become popular; incredibly well-facilitated wellness spas and health resorts provide a host of treatments besides the humble Thai massage . Many tailor their services to its individual guests, and most bear either the World Class Spa standard certified by the Thailand Ministry of Health, a Thai Spa Excellence Quality certified  by SGS and Thai Spa Association, or an ASEAN Spa Standard. 

COMO Point Yamu

Flanked by the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestones of Phang Nga Bay, slip into a world of seclusion and privacy at one of Phuket’s finest health resorts. Focus on healing your mind, body, and soul with its Asian-inspired holistic approach, yoga, and of course, Thai massages.

Chiva-Som International Resort

Seven acres of lush, tropical gardens set in the royal city of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand. This award-winning beachfront haven offers 70 treatment rooms, a kinesis studio, gym, watsu pool, flotation pool, large indoor and outdoor pool, bathing pavilion with kneipp bath, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. 

Specialised Thai Shopping

Thailand offers luxury shopping malls that rival some of the most superlative in the world. Centres like Central World, Siam Paragon, Emporium, EmQuartier, Gaysorn, and Central Embassy offer the usual high-end brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Cartier. However, if you’re looking for beautiful handicrafts that are quintessentially Thai and exquisitely made, check out some of the best Thai brands like these:

Antique gold handicrafts of Si Satchanalai District – Sukhothai

This place is for the gold collectors where you can find ornaments still made in the traditional way. The gold is claimed to be 99.9% pure.

Jim Thompson Thai Silk

Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who saved the Thai silk industry in the 1950s. His shops, particularly the flagship store on Surawong Road, offer the best quality high-end silk items in Bangkok.

Wualai Silvercraft, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is brimming with silvercraft shops. Wualai Road in particular is the centre of silversmiths where you can find bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and decorative items, and where you can witness craftsmen create pieces before your eyes. 

Handwoven Gold Thread Thai Silk – Baan ThaSawang Village, Surin

This small village specialises in ‘Pha Yok Thong’, the ancient and royal art of silk weaving with fine gold thread to create beautiful, intricate patterns. Often, pieces are made by up to eight weavers over four months. 

The post Luxury Travel Thailand 2019 appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

But religious or not, I think we can all agree that the Easter holiday is always a good excuse to vacate, recharge, and return to the everyday with refreshed vigour. Why not let 2019 be the year you find new inspiration to inspire your family to unique sights and experiences? You need only read on to get your wanderlust juices flowing for a last-minute Easter family getaway.

Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses, South Island, New Zealand

It’s the ultimate childhood breakaway – the treehouse. A space all their own to let their imaginations run unbridled, time with their friends, time alone. Imagine then, introducing them to a luxurious version of their beloved space whilst being closer to nature?

Set at the feet of the stately Kaikoura Mountains in New Zealand, Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses is a five-star Eco-Retreat that will reconnect you and your family with the beautiful outdoors of the South Island, New Zealand. There are five luxury tree houses that hover above a lush canopy of Manuka and Kanuka trees. There are one or two bedroom houses available, each offering incredible views of the majestic Kaikoura ranges and the cool, Pacific coastline. The interior décor is set harmoniously with the nature on the exterior but with all the comforts of luxury accommodations like free Wi-Fi and custom-made beds, raindrop shower heads, and whirlpool baths.

photo: luxurylodgesofnz.co.nz

The Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Aptly named Paradise Island is as its name suggests – it is simply paradise. Located on a secluded part of Cabbage Beach set amongst verdant Versaille-inspired gardens on historic, prime beachfront, the Ocean Club (a Four Seasons Resort) helps to facilitate the dreamlike state the island invokes.

For your accommodations, you can choose from traditional or contemporary rooms or suites that each offer terraces or balconies with ocean views, or stylish villas with private pools and access to the beach. If you’re with the family, the garden cottages will provide plenty of space for everyone with two master bedrooms that come with their own bathrooms, and a courtyard with a plunge pool all of which is nestled in tropical foliage that won’t let you forget that you’re in one of the most beautiful places on earth. And with a plethora of activities like world-class golf, tennis, yoga, and water sports including spectacular diving and snorkelling in the reefs of the Great Bahamas Bank, there is something for everyone.

photo: fourseasons.com

Paradis Plage Resort, Agadir, Morocco

If you have an active family, this stylish waterfront resort will tick every box on every family member’s list. It has an outdoor cinema, surf lessons, kids club, beach games, and child-friendly yoga classes. For those travelling with younger children, take advantage of the babysitting service while you indulge your mind and body at the beachfront yoga shala, Eco spa, or check out one of seven restaurants and bars where the cuisine comprises mostly of organic produce from the neighbouring farms.

Accommodation options ranges from suites, bungalows, villas, and luxury apartments. The charming beach bungalows have thatched roofs, terraces, and private gardens. The three or four-bedroom villas are spacious with terraces that open out to the gardens and that all-important ocean views while the luxury apartments, located 700m from the resort, have two separate bedrooms and a living room and offers a more traditional Moroccan ambiánce. 

photo: paradisplage.com

Sri Panwa Resort, Phuket, Thailand

Thailand is ever a popular and easy choice for the family. It’s not too far to fly from Australia (particularly if you only have a week or two), and the warm Thai people love children. It also just happens that around Easter time for us is the water festival for Thailand, or Songkram which is the Thai new year (yet another opportunity to celebrate a new year!). From 13-15 April, Thailand hosts the world’s greatest water fight – just what the children requested!

Perched on Cape Panwa, 60m above sea level, Sri Panwa Resort in Phuket is the ultimate in private luxury combined with jaw-dropping scenery. The villas have a luxurious treehouse feel with uncompromised ocean views. Kids swimming classes are on offer conducted by certified instructors, complimentary kayaking is available, and a games room to kick back and chill particularly for the older children. Once they’re in full swing with all of their activities, it’s time for you to be immersed in complete tranquillity at the Cool Spa and do not pass up the floating yoga deck with panoramic ocean views to get you in a complete zen. Accommodation options include suites, a penthouse, villas, and 5-bedroom residence villas. 

photo: sripanwa.com

The Stone House, Tasmania, Australia

You can’t pass up what’s right in our own backyard for that perfect Easter family getaway – Australia. And if you’re looking for something truly memorable with your family, The Stone House in our beloved Tassie will surely provide you and your tribe with unforgettable moments.

Dating back to 1825, this lavish country house sits on beautiful, English-inspired gardens facing the South Esk River. This magnificent Georgian gem of a property is heritage listed and demonstrates the exquisite master craftsmanship of its period. You will have the entire estate to yourselves upon your visit, and inside you will delight in the discovery of Georgian-style furniture throughout the four bedrooms which each have either an ensuite or private bathroom. The sitting room has an open fire, the kitchen gleams with granite bench tops, and there’s a conservatory that opens onto the pool and hot tub. It’s history, country, and luxury in perfect harmony right here on your doorstep.

photo: thestonehouse.com.au

The post Easter Family Getaway Ideas appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

The post Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

It all starts with the amazing accommodation offers that is, these days, easily come by in Thailand. And with luxury accommodation comes luxury modes of transport – like yachts and private jets – rooftop bars, amazing pool settings, and extravagant shopping options. Yes, it’s all about cultural immersion, but in the most comfortable way possible.

A room with a view and then some…

Lavish hotels and resorts have burgeoned throughout the kingdom in the past decade making holidaying in this South-eastern nation the stuff that unforgettable vacations are made of. And when we talk of luxury accommodation, we don’t just mean an amazing room in an amazing building – we’re talking about all kinds of different abodes of which some you may have never even considered staying in. There is a plethora of types of opulent lodgings to indulge in; health and wellness resorts and spas, magnificent hotels with Michelin-star restaurants and rooftop bars, teak retreats ensconced in lush foliage, jaw-dropping treehouses – in Thailand’s tropical climes, the choices abound.

Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai  

In a city where ancient temples are as much of a draw as trendy bars, the Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai perfectly combines modern amenities with the architectural and cultural influences of the Lanna Kingdom. The exterior gives the feeling of being at a temple whilst the interior and spacious rooms feature colonial style furniture and exquisite artworks. The property’s palatial 3,100 square-metre Spa and wellness centre, which took three years and 150 Chiang Mai artisans to build, is a must for visitors, offering holistic and Ayurvedic treatments.

137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai

This boutique hotel lays its claim to fame from the film Anna and the King as it was once owned by the son of Anna, Louis Leonowens. Set in exotic gardens dotted with day beds, the sleek architecture and modern design makes you feel at home with excellent dining, beautiful spa, dramatic pool, and 400-thread count linen.

The Siam, Bangkok

Boasting 39 of the capital city’s most spacious suites and pool villas, and set on premium river-front real estate, The Siam is truly luxurious. Each suite carries an individual cultural theme, but all come with super-sized king beds, high ceilings, plush furnishings, and each suite come with their own Art-Deco living rooms. Guests are attended to by a butler if so desired, and the hotel has its own private pier which guests can depart from during the day to explore the bustling and heady city of Bangkok.

Villa M, Koh Samui

Step back in time with a stay at Villa M, otherwise known as ‘Villa Macpherson’. This chic three-storey residence is set in a charming fisherman’s village, Bophut, which is mostly made up of original, wooden Chinese shop fronts and has been kept as it was fifty years ago. This property can be rented for periods of time where guests can enjoy an idyllic beach lifestyle with the Gulf of Siam at your feet.

Flair for Fine Fare

Thailand’s culinary delights is just as popular as the destination itself. So appreciated is Thailand’s cuisine, that you can find many Thai cooking classes throughout the country, especially at hotels and resorts. But the flavours extend beyond just Thai cooking, with many international dishes complementing the traditional ones. Thai street food stand shoulder to shoulder with award-winning Michelin-starred restaurants and edgy bars, providing a taste indulgence for discerning palettes.  

The Symbiosis of Haute & Local Cuisine 

Bangkok is recognised as the street food capital of the world and its dining scene received further elevation when the first Michelin Guide Thailand recently revealed its list of 17 restaurants that have been newly awarded Michelin stars. These included three restaurants receiving two stars each and half of these eateries serve Thai food whilst the other half offer international dishes. 

Molecular Gastronomy 

Michelin-starred restaurants have paved the way for molecular gastronomy, which fuses physics and chemistry into cooking (think ‘flash freezing’, ‘foams’ and ‘sous-vide’). Gaggan – a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok – offers an array of molecular gastronomic dishes, like its extraordinary ‘Yogurt Explosion’ (a cylindrical-shaped concoction made of yogurt with an outer plastic bag made from rice flour, and a mango mousse created with liquid nitrogen). 

Haute Cuisine

A requisite component of the Michelin criteria is haute cuisine, where every element of a dish is carefully attended from the source of the ingredients to the intricate plating. Le Normandie in Bangkok, for instance, which has two Michelin stars, uses ingredients from the Thai Royal Projects. Haute cuisine doesn’t just stop at the food though; it’s a culmination of a restaurant’s behind-the-scenes from its management to its decor. 

Local Taste

Thai cuisine is unique on a global scale, but it also differs from region to region, taking you on a cultural journey through gastronomy. From the majestic mountains of the north to the fabled clear waters of the south, there is nothing that quite reflects Thailand like its local dishes.

Don’t leave Chiang Mai before feasting on a traditional Lanna Khantoke dinner set; five dishes that includes dill soup, hang lay curry, pork crackling, a chilli and tomato dip, and roasted pork served with sticky rice – all enjoyed whilst watching a traditional Lanna dance performance. 

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket naturally offers the freshest seafood which are exquisitely prepared at the many five-star hotels, local restaurants, and seaside market stalls with their live seafood on show. Dine in the open air on a beach with the ocean as a backdrop while the stars twinkle above. 

The Michelin Touch

 L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – Bangkok

Headed by a 28-Michelin-starred chef, the Bangkok edition of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon lets the diners become a part of the cooking process where chefs create and experiment right in front of you. The fine dining restaurant offers two styles of dining; L’Atelier with a view of the open kitchen, or Le Terrace for a more intimate feel. It’s not just dining – it’s an experience.

Photo: Javier Lastras

Nahm – Bangkok

Renowned for its authentic Thai food, Nahm is owned by Australian chef, David Thompson. The London branch was once the only Thai restaurant in the world that was awarded a Michelin star. The restaurant is located in the chic COMO Metropolitan Bangkok. 

Photo: Jun Seita

Western Cuisine

Le Normandie – Bangkok

It’s the very best of French fine dining with uncontested views of the Chao Praya river, located in the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. La Normandie drips with French sophistication complete with vintage crystal chandelier and striking floral displays. The elegance is continued through to the exquisite flavours of its cuisine which has earned two coveted Michelin stars.  

David’s Kitchen at 909 – Chiang Mai

Find many of the flavours of  Europe (mainly French) with Asian accents at David’s Kitchen in Chiang Mai. Located in a converted home and with a friendly ambience, it’s like going to a relative’s for dinner but with fine food in a formal setting. 

Authentic Thai

Bo.Lan – Bangkok

Bo.Lan is the product of two sensational chefs; Thai-born Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Australian-born Dylan ‘Lan’ Jones, who met at the London branch of David Thompson’s Nahm. Creating perfectly balanced Thai cuisine, the restaurant has one Michelin star and Bo has been voted Asia’s Best Female Chef. 

Blue Elephant – Bangkok & Phuket

Blue Elephant has eight outposts in seven countries, each of them known for the finest Thai fare. At its Bangkok and Phuket branches, you can catch a cooking class and get a taste of how the brand’s traditional recipes are executed and then relish the stunning food in charming ambience set in historic mansions. 

The Night Lifestyle

Thailand’s animated nightlife is pronounced by its vast array of ultra chic rooftop bars and restaurants most evident around the areas of Sukhumvit, Ploenchit, and Silom. Here are some to point you in the right direction…

Vertigo and Moon Bar, Banyan Tree – Bangkok

There are certainly no shortages of rooftop bars in Bangkok but Vertigo and Moon Bar, located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree, truly pushes the limits of the category ‘rooftop bar’. With its unique narrow and elongated shape, it gives the feeling of being on a spaceship and, with no other buildings in the way, you get a completely unobstructed panoramic view of the dizzying city below. 

Skybar and Sirocco, Lebua State Tower – Bangkok

If this rooftop bar and restaurant looks familiar, it’s because it featured in the popular film The Hangover. Situated on the 64th floor of Lebua State Tower, the multi-hued Sky Bar also claims the title of the world’s highest open-air rooftop bar. 

Photo: nhadatvideo

Cru Champagne Bar, Centara Grand at Central World, Bangkok

Taking pride of place on the 59th floor above the Centara Grand at Central World, the ultra-swanky Cru (French for ‘wine of exceptional quality’) serves up some exclusive G.H Mumm Champagne label whilst affording stunning 360-degree views of the city. Champagne cocktails mix it up with Bolingers which you can accompany with an eclectic menu featuring a sampling of world delicacies such as Russian Caviar, Foie Gras and Chicken Yakitori skewers, and Spanish ‘Joselito’ cured meats. 

 A Health and Wellness Culture

Thai massages are world famous but it’s not just the massage itself that’s become popular; incredibly well-facilitated wellness spas and health resorts provide a host of treatments besides the humble Thai massage . Many tailor their services to its individual guests, and most bear either the World Class Spa standard certified by the Thailand Ministry of Health, a Thai Spa Excellence Quality certified  by SGS and Thai Spa Association, or an ASEAN Spa Standard. 

COMO Point Yamu

Flanked by the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestones of Phang Nga Bay, slip into a world of seclusion and privacy at one of Phuket’s finest health resorts. Focus on healing your mind, body, and soul with its Asian-inspired holistic approach, yoga, and of course, Thai massages.

Chiva-Som International Resort

Seven acres of lush, tropical gardens set in the royal city of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand. This award-winning beachfront haven offers 70 treatment rooms, a kinesis studio, gym, watsu pool, flotation pool, large indoor and outdoor pool, bathing pavilion with kneipp bath, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. 

Specialised Thai Shopping

Thailand offers luxury shopping malls that rival some of the most superlative in the world. Centres like Central World, Siam Paragon, Emporium, EmQuartier, Gaysorn, and Central Embassy offer the usual high-end brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Cartier. However, if you’re looking for beautiful handicrafts that are quintessentially Thai and exquisitely made, check out some of the best Thai brands like these:

Antique gold handicrafts of Si Satchanalai District – Sukhothai

This place is for the gold collectors where you can find ornaments still made in the traditional way. The gold is claimed to be 99.9% pure.

Jim Thompson Thai Silk

Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who saved the Thai silk industry in the 1950s. His shops, particularly the flagship store on Surawong Road, offer the best quality high-end silk items in Bangkok.

Wualai Silvercraft, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is brimming with silvercraft shops. Wualai Road in particular is the centre of silversmiths where you can find bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and decorative items, and where you can witness craftsmen create pieces before your eyes. 

Handwoven Gold Thread Thai Silk – Baan ThaSawang Village, Surin

This small village specialises in ‘Pha Yok Thong’, the ancient and royal art of silk weaving with fine gold thread to create beautiful, intricate patterns. Often, pieces are made by up to eight weavers over four months. 

The post A Kingdom of Opulence: Luxury Travel Thailand appeared first on FirstClass Travel Specialist.

You want to eat and drink precisely what you want whenever you want. You don’t want to count calories, count steps, run a kilometre, or lift a single kilo during your down time. All you want to do is just relax, enjoy good food, and even better drinks. This is what holidays are about, what we work the whole year for after all.

But what if there was another way to holiday? What if, instead of your health going on holidays when you do, all your bad habits do instead? All your, ‘cheat days’, your ten cups of coffees a day, your ‘I’m too tired for the gym today’, all your mid-week after-work drinks days go on a break and disappear for a couple of weeks, and instead everything that’s good for your body and soul come to the surface?

Ask yourself this: when do you get the time to focus solely on what you eat, what goes into your body to fuel it, what exercises your body responds to the most? When do you get the chance to exercise every single day in different ways that works out your mind and soul as well as your body, and eat exquisitely nourishing food prepared by top chefs – all amidst a stunning vista and backdrop? When? When do you get the chance to just give your entire focus purely to your wellbeing?

Are the stresses of the daily grind, the ever-changing technology, the shift in everyday trends sustainable for our overall wellbeing? The impact of such exponential change can often push us to our very limits as the speed of change continues to accelerate. Such development is going at a much faster rate than our bodies’ ability to adapt and we can only imagine what challenges will need to be met in the future. How will we address these? How prepared are we?

A health holiday is not a foreign or new concept. In fact, health retreats have been around for a time, and there are hotels and resorts worldwide specialising in health holidays that may make you question if there really is any other way to ‘vacate’.

Your holiday is hard-earned, it is well-deserved – why not spend it focussing on achieving the optimum you and prepare yourself to enjoy now and a long, happy future ….

Types of Health of Resorts

There are two major types of wellness resorts. The first is more like the large, luxury resorts we are most familiar with which have excellent and very comprehensive fitness and wellbeing programs integrated within the establishment, and the other is a retreat which dedicates itself purely to wellness and are often all-inclusive and have minimum stay dates for duration of stay.

Integrated Wellness Resorts

COMO Point Yamu

Flanked by the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestones of Phang Nga Bay, it’s easy to slip into a world of seclusion and privacy at one of Phuket’s finest properties, COMO Point Yamu. Tucked away on the tip of Cape Yamu (east of Phuket Old Town), hilltop views and Italian interiors of contemporary luxury define the uniqueness of this hotel.

Take the time to consolidate such beautiful surrounds at the COMO Shambhala Retreat and channel it all into your wellness. The Asian-inspired holistic indulgences are offered across two double and five single treatment rooms. Enjoy yoga and Thai massages and the resort’s state-of-the-art gym facilities. The acclaimed La Sirena restaurant is hailed for its use of raw and organic ingredients whilst offering Italian favourites from pizza to seafood. The resort’s 79 rooms will ensure you dedicate your time to relaxation with most rooms boasting their own private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows to savour the views of either the bay or the cape, and private pools.

Cocoa Island by COMO

‘Barefoot chic’ is often how this Maldives resort is described as there is rarely an occasion where footwear is necessary. And it is here you can play out all your fancies of a Robinson Crusoe-type getaway – far from anywhere but with the style of Giorgio Armani and the understated elegance that the COMO brand has come to be known for. Individual over-water villas resemble a collection of Keralan boathouses, and calming white interiors and teak flooring create a soothing, laid-back ambiance.

The Shambhala Retreat’s focus is on holistic and Ayurvedic therapy. You can book in for a ‘wellness path’ course of treatments to be enjoyed in the spa suites, or in the privacy of your own room. The award-winning retreat at Cocoa Island by COMO fuses Asian-based therapies, nutrition, exercise, and yoga overseen by experts in holistic health.

Strict Wellness Resorts

Sha Wellness Retreat

SHA Wellness Clinic is basically your one-stop-shop for anything to do with your wellbeing, including tailored programmes from weight loss and detox, to rejuvenation and sleep recovery. Perched atop a serene setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, SHA is a medical resort that combines ancient Eastern with revolutionary Western techniques including Ayurvedic therapies, Reiki, traditional Chinese medicine, and meditation. Located on a beautiful mountainside within the Sierra Helada Natural Park in Alicante (Spain), its vast grounds span six buildings covering more than 6,000 square metres of manicured gardens, numerous pools, 93 suites, 80 treatment cabins, Pilates studio, Technogym, medical rooms, and relaxation areas.

In addition to medicine and therapies, the clinic offers cosmetic dentistry and Thermage with anti-ageing, energy health, and stem cell units dotted around the resort. You can also enjoy Aesthetic Medicine, which uses progressive non-evasive methods. The menus here naturally consist mostly of organic ingredients grown on its very own soil.

Chiva-Som International Health Resort

When you think health and wellness, an exotic location set in tranquil greenery most likely comes to mind. The seven acres of lush, tropical gardens of Chiva-Som International Health Resort would be what you’ve been dreaming of. Set in the royal city of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand, this multiple award-winning beachfront health resort marries modern, international standards with legendary Thai hospitality to present you with a customised, holistic wellness experience.

The 54 luxurious accommodations include traditional Thai Pavilions, as well as Ocean Rooms and Suites, which all come with stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand. The resort boasts 70 treatment rooms, a kinesis studio, gym, watsu pool, flotation pool, large indoor and outdoor pool, bathing pavilion with kneipp bath, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. In addition to Yoga and Tai Chi classes, you can also channel your inner chef with cooking classes. But if you prefer to leave the cooking to the experts, then you can look forward to the resort’s Spa cuisine, which have won numerous accolades, and uses organically grown produce from the Chiva-Som gardens.

Kalari Rasayana

Sitting on eight acres of lush foliage on the banks of the Paravur Lake in Venad, in a sleepy village at Kollam (India), Kalari Rasayana is an exclusive Ayurveda treatment centre with a hospital approach. Dotted with coconut groves and offering views of breath-taking sunsets creating silhouettes of local fisher men casting their daily nets, leave your cares far behind as you enter a world of peace, quiet, wellness and beauty in equal measure. Enjoy a complete Yogic experience with Yoga at daybreak, meditation and chanting, satsangs (evening assemblies) marked by traditional classical dance and music, the ancient Kalari practices, lakeside walks, and massages with medicated oils.

At Kalari Rasayana, the food is uniquely part, and is the key element, of your therapy. It is the first step in detoxifying your body, is individually prescribed by your physician, and prepared on saatvic principles specially for you based on your constitution and treatments. Its 22 well-appointed suites and 11 Ayurveda treatment rooms will help you leave a lifestyle advocated by ancient Indian traditions, leaving you feeling energised, refreshed, and balanced.

Kalari Kovilakom

A former palace of the ancient Vengunad Kingdom in Kerala is the setting for this Ayurveda centre, where the system is followed in its most authentic form – no meat, wine, television, cell phones, or shoes. The paradise-like surrounds induce a tranquillity and calm that promises a refreshed body and mind through deep connection with the spirit. You wear traditional clothing, and eat organic meals which are custom-designed for you, paired with health drinks and herbal concoctions that vary with your treatment. Every therapy is personal here, in conference with the doctors, and combined with yoga and other methods to enable deep healing from the inside and out. Treatments include anti-ageing, weight reduction, detoxification, and stress management, and are based on your individual needs and body type.

A typical day at Kalari Kovilakom begins with a wake-up call at sunrise, warm water to drink, meditation, yoga, and ayurvedic regimens. You enjoy all this amidst a mountainous backdrop in accommodation that is understated luxury punctuated in polished terracotta floors, heavy teak beds, and wooden shutters found in just 18 rooms. All the ingredients for your meals are harvested from the resort’s organic fruit and vegetable patches.

Ananda in the Himalayas

If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience of spiritual and holistic immersion, then head to the foothills of the Himalayas. It is here you will discover, close to the holy city of Rishikesh and affording incredible views of the Ganges River, the award-winning luxury destination spa resort that is Ananda. Integrating traditional Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta with international wellness experiences, fitness and healthy organic cuisine, at Ananda you will restore your peace and inner balance as well as harmonise your energies.

Set in palatial grounds on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate in Uttarakhand, you can expect royalty treatment as the attentive, nurturing staff bow, seemingly floating pass in fine white pyjamas and perform prayers as they wash your feet ahead of each spa experience.  Choose from a comprehensive array of treatments offered in fastidiously comfortable private rooms that come complete with picture-perfect views of either the Maharaja’s Palace or Ganges Valley. Hear from excellent visiting speakers teaching non-materialistic Indian spiritual concepts, and dine on cuisine prepared from fresh, natural produce that incorporates the key ayurvedic principles to revitalise your body.

In such surrounds, you can’t pass up a walk or trek that offers unparalleled Himalayan views or, for the more audacious, why not try your hand at taming the rapids of the Ganges on a white-water rafting adventure!

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