One of China's leading fashion photographers, Chen Man, will showcase her unique vision at Bangkok’s Metropolitan by COMO hotel in just over a month.

Contemporary... Chen Man

The exhibition, taking place from April 25th to May 31st 2013, will be on display in a pop-up gallery space within the hotel’s iconic Met Bar.

Artworks will include several pieces from her Bad Head series, which uses waste materials in the post-production process to drive the concept of environmentally friendly fashion.

“With the complex use of waste materials carefully constructed directly onto the models' form, the meaning is constructed by injecting the materials directly into the creative process,” says Man.

The show will display nine lightbox images and two printed works in the Met Bar along with six prints in one the hotel’s Penthouse Suites.

A graduate of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, Chen Man is China’s leading fashion photographer whose distinctive vision of feminine beauty and power has placed her among the image-makers of choice for luxury brands like Celine, Versace, Chanel, MAC and Mercedes.

Arty... the Met Bar

Her work, considered defining of modern China, has been exhibited at the Salon National d’Art Contemporain at the Espace Cardin in Paris and Ullens Center of Contemporary Art in Beijing.

Man’s upcoming exhibition has inspired a special Chen Man Afternoon Tea at the Met Bar, including a refreshing iced lychee, ginger and silver moon tea; pickled cucumber, shiitake mushroom and lily bud steamed buns; and bamboo, red bean and sesame cupcakes.

Guests staying in the Chen Man Penthouse Suite will also receive a signed book by Chen Man.

comohotels.com

The contemporary business traveller is increasingly social, a prolific networker and prefers to share a drink with colleagues than spend time hitting the gym or shopping, according to a recent survey conducted by Four Points by Sheraton.

Aside from sleeping, enjoying the hotel bar or restaurant with business partners is the number one activity preferred by business travellers while on the road. Sharing a meal and an icy cold beer topped time spent in the gym, spa, shopping or catching up with local acquaintances.

Popular... BeerVault

"Business travellers have a real need to connect on the road – both virtually and in person," says Brian McGuinness, Starwood's senior vice president of specialty select brands.

"Our survey results reveal that road warriors are social, preferring to network or to relax in the company of colleagues rather than just enjoying solitary pursuits," he said.

Over the past year, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok’s bar, BeerVault has experienced an increase in patronage from hotel guests, especially those in town for business who are keen to explore the bar’s great range of international and local beers and handcrafted beer cocktails.

Nearly two thirds of those surveyed also reported they have kept in contact with someone they met on the plane or at the hotel while travelling.

"Four Points provides everything our guests need to be productive and comfortable on the road and that includes creating opportunities to connect socially through brand-wide programs like Best Brews TM, which invites guests to gather over a great local craft beer when the work day ends," says McGuinness.

The survey also revealed American business travellers hit the road more often than their international counterparts, with more than a third reporting they average more than 10 trips per year for business.

Chinese business travellers are among the most social with 50 per cent having shared a flight with a colleague and 70 per cent having stayed in touch with someone they met on the road.

Indian road warriors are the most likely to hang out with colleagues at a bar or restaurant (61 per cent) and the most likely to catch up with friends who live in town.

www.starwoodhotels.com

Lauren Arena

Anthony Lark leads the way. Born in Sydney, he started his career picking up glasses at the Wentworth Hotel Sydney and, after working his way through hotels in Queensland and Western Australia, was invited to open a series of luxury resorts across Thailand.

Hotel junkie… Anthony Lark

Now one of three partners who own and operate the deluxe 39-villa resort, Trisara, Anthony Lark found heaven eight years ago.

Trisara, meaning ‘third garden in heaven’ in Sanskrit, is perched over its very own private bay along Phuket’s northwest coastline, making it one of the most exclusive resorts in South East Asia.

“Everyday is exciting when managing 40 acres, 82 pools, 500 employees and (of course) very well-travelled guests,” says Mr Lark of his award-winning resort.

International jet-setters come to Trisara because there’s nowhere else quite like it – the spa offers private treatment suites with sea views that open out to breezy pavilions and every villa has a private infinity pool – and Mr Lark says his globetrotting guests expect the best.

“Expectations are very high in almost every respect, which is what keeps us on our toes and why we meet all guests on arrival. … Of course, in any good resort simple, good food plus friendly service and wonderful spa treatments, are very high on the list of expectations.”

Since opening in late 2004, the resort has quickly become a landmark, not just for its ocean views and private gardens, but also for the quality of its service.

Third garden on heaven… Trisara

“There is a different work ethic in South East Asia,” says Mr Lark, “Staff are generally happy and enthusiastic about doing whatever it takes to take care of guests.”

Local culture is a key component to running a successful resort according to Mr Lark, who says Thailand’s luxury accommodation is incomparable to anything he has experienced in Australia.

“Perhaps most important is that hospitality is not so much deemed a part-time job like it is in many places in Australia. Another thing of course is that with the salary levels here, we can operate at Trisara on an 8 staff to 1 room ratio.”

Yet while he lives and breathes high-end luxury nowadays, Lark’s love for hotels was sparked from humble beginnings.

“When I was 16 my parents and I took a year-long trip through Europe. We stayed in literally hundreds of small, often family-owned hotels and inns in many countries and I found the whole arrival, housekeeping, breakfast and “buzz” in an hotel fascinating. I was a 17-year old hotel junkie.”

Serene… ocean view villas

After working his way up the ranks in Australia, beginning his hotel career as a trainee at the Wentworth, then joining the Regent (now The Four Seasons) and later working in resorts across Queensland and Western Australia, a 27 year-old Lark accepted an offer to uproot and move to Thailand as Aman resorts’ first General Manager of luxe beach resort, Amanpuri.

“I was offered the job to open their first property, which at 27 was a big thing as the whole idea of going to an exotic Island at such a young age was the most exciting thing. I thought, 2 years maybe, yet I guess I was wrong as 25 years and 4 sons later…”

But would he do it all over again to find heaven elsewhere?

“Sure, if the opportunity existed that ticked all the boxes, and the next one could be even better than Trisara.”

www.trisara.com

The last few months have seen bookings and enquiries from around the region and the world.

Laguna Phuket Assistant Vice President for Destination Marketing Debbie Dionysius, says the annual festival has been steadily gaining popularity over the years and will continue to do so as the fun continues to spread, while new programmes and activities are introduced to the carnival.

Since the five month festival started in 2009, our guests, including more and more Aussie families, have been quick to recognise the incredible value on offer, such as the free activities, entertainment and tours for their kids,” says Dionysius.

“Having a dedicated BBQ Beer tent where international sports including the AFL are televised is probably a big plus, too!”

“Interest from Australia remains strong and we’re forecasting an improvement on the number of Australian families visiting and staying longer this year. Already, Angsana Laguna Phuket, our premium resort that is also home to our double story treehouse inspired kids club, is proving a popular option.”

Dionysius also attributes the potential for increased bookings to the additional flights between Australia and Thailand operated by a variety of airlines.

Kidz Fun Zone ... Candlemaking in the treehouse

The centerpiece of the festival is from 23 June to 25 August when Canal Shopping Village at the heart of the resort will be transformed into a carnival playground, with a BBQ Beer Tent providing parents a place to socialise and relax while their youngsters enjoy the Kidzsole Flying Trapeze, bouncy castle, trampoline and games in the Kidz Lounge.

The BBQ Beer Tent will offer a feast of televised big screen summer sporting events (including coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Euro Football Championship and the AFL), live music, a weekly quiz night and Happy Hour drinks.

A popular return attraction for the youngsters at this year’s Festival is the Kidz Fun Zone, serving up daily afternoons of sports skills, cooking lessons, adventure and educational activities, mini golf excursions and outings to local amusement parks.

Led by the team at Quest, Laguna Phuket’s corporate training and adventure facility, the Kidz Fun Zone, will run from 2.00pm to 5.00pm daily from Monday 25 June through to Saturday 25 August.

For more information, a schedule of events and details on promotions, click here or speak to your preferred travel agent.

If you find yourself craving the natural beauty of Thailand’s beaches … from 20 years ago – never fear, the dream is still alive at the pristine Anantara Rasananda, Koh Phagnan.

There’s no direct access to Koh Phagnan, which means hopping it from Koh Samui – Rasananda have speed boats that will pick you up and deliver you beachfront, at which point it’s probably obligatory to order a martini in the requisite 007 style.

In recent times Koh Phagnan has become renowned for its Full Moon Party, an all night beach shindig extravaganza on the appropriately crescent-shaped Haad Rin Beach. Though the event takes place on the southern end of the island, Rasananda provide professionally guided and escorted transfers to and from the party.

“It gives you the comfort, safety and security of a luxury resort but you can also get a little bit wild and see the Full Moon Party and cross it off your bucket list,” says Rasananda General Manager, Mark Eletr.

However, the Rasananda resort itself is a totally different atmosphere exuding privacy, tranquility and providing unique experiences – what GM Mark Eletr likes to call their “wow factors”.

One of those is those is the spa. Built into the natural cliff face, on the “spiritual centre” of the island, the Rasananda spa is a destination unto itself. A full menu of Elemis treatments as well as some signature services that incorporate the noni fruit (whose trees envelop the spa) can be enjoyed in either an indoor or outdoor suite. If a spiritual revamp is the thing you’re after, the resort is also happy to ring in a Yoga master for guided sessions on their custom built deck.

That’s the thing about Rasananda; it’s all about you. Every one of their 64 rooms has its own private plunge pool. You need never leave your room when spa treatments can be provided there, or even a dinner table set up outside. You can tap into your complimentary gin, vodka and whiskey decanters (that are topped up daily) or stroll down to the bar and wine cellar which are located on the beach itself.

But for the ultimate fine dining experience – another of those “wow factors” – Anantara’s Dining by Design is, quite literally, unique. It involves sitting down with the chef and creating your own personalized menu for the occasion.

“He’ll advise you or make suggestions or you can just say…I want a Beef Wellington. And what we do is we put the table on the beach, we put the big bamboo frames up and make your own little sala with the silk curtains.

“And it’s … stunning. It really is beautiful,” says Mark.  Apparently quite a popular number for those hiding a ring in the ol’ back pocket. Really, who could say no after that?

“Wow factors” aside, the island resort has all sorts of goings-on to keep anyone busy: fruit carving, batik dying, elephant and buffalo riding, water sports…the list goes on. More than that, you can step outside into the local village that sits next to Rasananda for a slice of genuine Thai life, trinkets and cheap eats. It’s an island destination that gives you the flexibility of luxuriating, partying, or sitting back and…well, doing just that.

The Rasananda Koh Phagnan is the latest installment from Anantara, but not for long with the Anantara Sanya in China set to open this week.

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa

5/5 Moo 5 Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach,  
Baan Tai, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280
Thailand
Tel:   +66 (0) 7723 9555
phangan-rasananda.anantara.com

It's not that I don't like most other people, I just kind of like it when they're not around.

The Naka Island, the newest Luxury Collection offering is an exclusive all-villa island, and could be the closest most folk get to having their own private island.

Nestled among stunning beaches, lush coconut groves, with never-ending views of the emerald-green Phang Nga Bay and idyllic landscapes of the Phuket coastline, The Naka Island is an exclusive boutique resort on Naka Yai Island, located just off the Phuket coast.

Luxury Collection is making two special offers to celebrate the island's upcoming grand opening. Scheduled to open to the public in November.

While just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, The Naka Island is accessible only by private speedboat, making it a uniquely private and intimate retreat. The resort offers 67 villas that are magnificently appointed with private plunge pools and tropical gardens, along with an incomparable spa facility, access to countless outdoor recreation opportunities, and uncompromising service.

The Naka Island is offering two grand opening packages through March, 2012. They include:

Exclusive Opening Special – from THB 9,000

• Accommodations in your choice of private villa, complete with plunge pools, modern conveniences, and stunning views of the surrounding islands and Phang Nga Bay

• Daily breakfast for two beachside at Tonsai restaurant • Return speedboat transfers to Phuket Luxury Experience: 3 Nights for Price of 2 – from THB 15,000

• Accommodations in Tropical Pool Villa, or your choice of private villa, complete with plunge pools, modern conveniences, and stunning views of the surrounding islands and Phang Nga Bay

• Daily breakfast for two beachside at Tonsai restaurant

• Resort credit of THB 2,500 per villa per night, available for use at any of the resort’s two restaurants and bar, Spa Naka, or resort experiences like kayaking, cycling or Thai cooking classes (excluding the period from 24 December, 2011 until 7 January, 2012)

• Return speedboat transfers to Phuket 

Your Own Private Island

At only 2.56sq km in size, Naka Yai Island is easily navigable on foot, by bicycle, or by boat to the nearby beaches.

www.luxurycollection.com

With Anantara Cruises, guests see for themselves how Thailand’s waterways are the country’s lifelines, and why Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is one of the most famous and significant.  Locals living on its banks maintain an authentic lifestyle, creating vivid snapshots of a bygone age in between glittering temples like the Temple of Dawn, landmarks of regal heritage such as the Grand Palace and Royal Barges Boathouse, as well as striking bridges and monumental buildings which reflect the capital’s dynamic evolution over the past 20 years.

A couple 100 year old rice barges “Anantara Song’ and ‘Anantara Dream’ have been painstakingly rebuilt from teak and restored to their present splendour to cushion the appeal of a real Thai adventure.  Guests will make themselves at home on the river for overnight excursions that blend quintessential old world charm, modern comforts and truly personalised service, choosing between vessels and itineraries designed with discerning traveller needs in mind.

Guests in search of ancient wonders can join a two night, three day Ayutthaya Adventure accommodating up to four couples on the Anantara Song, or reserve this fine cruiser for private charter.  The colonial grace of this 20 metre, ultra deluxe river boat – dubbed ‘The Orient Express of the River’ – is evident in every exquisite detail.  Thai master craftsmen were employed for its reconstruction, with most of the work carried out in centuries old tradition – using mostly a sharp eye and patience with simple tools in very experienced hands.

The distinctive design blends warm teak, padua and mahogany woods, complemented by custom made furniture covered with colourful Thai silks and cottons.  Oriental rugs were chosen alongside Thai and Southeast Asian art, sculptures and artifacts, while a number of accessories were sourced from artisans working along Thailand’s rivers and canals, as well as from remote rural areas, resulting in a harmony of sophisticated and rustic folk accents.

Renovated to provide privacy and comfort, separate crew quarters allow guests to feel as if they have the boat all to themselves, while an onboard team, comprising of a captain, two service staff and a chef, delivers seamless cruise expertise and gracious hospitality.  Guests reside in four air conditioned staterooms filled with all the five star luxuries guest can expect from Anantara.

On the spacious upper deck, an expansive lounge and dining area with a full bar sets an idyllic scene for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, served from a well provisioned galley.  A separate sun deck invites guests to take in views of Ayutthaya’s crumbling city walls and lively markets on the banks, in between stopping off to explore temples such as Wat Mongkhon Bophit, built to protect one of the country’s largest bronze Buddha statues dating back to the 15th century.

Alternatively guests can call Thailand’s most luxurious cruise, the Anantara Dream, their very own river residence by reserving this magnificent vessel entirely to themselves for a two night, three day Ayutthaya Thousand Golden Temples Tour or Ang Thong Mystic River Tour.

Offering ample living space for up to only two couples, the two staterooms (20 and 25 square metres) are fully air conditioned and feature elegantly tiled ensuite bathrooms with a full shower and a comfortable two metre square super king sized bed dressed with delicate linen, alongside a library and deluxe branded amenities.  Beyond these extra allures, Anantara Dream voyages offer luxury discovery experiences such as private cooking class, Thai wine tasting class or perhaps a self guided walking tour at various points if interest along the journey.

Enchanting ... Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort

Anytime of the year is perfect for visiting the Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, and it just got easier and faster thanks to a new daily Orient-Thai direct flight from Macau to Chiang Rai.

The special flight will run daily from now onwards with roundtrip rates as low as THB 6,200 ($US200).  As the only five-star resort in the beautiful Chiang Rai area, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is the perfect destination and the gateway to the Mekong, made even easier now with the direct Macau service.

“We are thrilled with the introduction of this service to Chiang Rai!” said General Manager Justin Malcolm.  “The new direct flights from Macau make it easier, quicker and more convenient to enjoy this beautiful part of Thailand.”

Ranked as the top hotel in Chiang Rai by both Citibank and TripAdvisor, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is the gateway to the Mekong and promises an enchanting stay for any traveler or adventurer with the desire for a new perspective. Chic and stylish with an inspiring atmosphere and innovative cuisine, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is an ideal destination for a variety of experiences, uniquely offering amenities geared towards family travel, romance, or a spa retreat.

The new Orient-Thai service will leave Macau daily at 16:20, arriving in Chiang Rai at 17:50.  Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is located only minutes from the Chiang Rai Airport and less than an hour from the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge. Flights on the new, direct Orient-Thai direct route must be booked in advance by calling +662 792 9299.

Le Méridien Chiang Rai offers 159 spacious and contemporary guestrooms and suites with a timeless, elegant design inspired by the Lanna culture of Thailand.  The resort recently unveiled an entire new wing with 30 new Grand Deluxe Rooms, right next to the Mae Kok river.  Each Grand Deluxe room offers 66 square meters of contemporary luxury along with stunning views of the Mae Kok River and the resort’s lake set against a mountainous background from an expansive private balcony.  Inspired by the Lanna culture of Thailand, the Grand Deluxe rooms effortlessly blend Lanna architecture and culture with timeless elegance and design.

Guests seeking retreat will be delighted with the privacy and serenity of the resort, including soothing treatments and massages at Parvati Spa, a relaxing swim or invigorating workout, and private or group yoga sessions.  Guests with adventure in mind can begin exploring the charms of Chiang Rai starting at the resort’s quay, where a longtail boat waits to take travelers downriver to visit the region’s fascinating hill-tribe villages.  Other excursions include elephant treks and mountain biking or hiking tours through Chiang Rai’s renowned jungle trails.

From now through October, guests can also take advantage of the Taste of Chiang Rai, a special culinary package from now through October, 2011.  Taste of Chiang Rai offers guests a gastronomic journey through the region, which will include a half-day in the lovely town of Mae Sai.  The day begins with a private tour of the Prince Chakraband Pensiri Center for Plant Development, a stunning botanical garden, where guests will taste and pick fresh herbs and local produce to be used in creating their own recipes.  From here, guests will participate in a hands-on outdoor cooking class focused on one of three authentic cuisines – Lanna, Thai or Western – and more than twenty signature dishes.  After savoring their culinary creations, guests will be rewarded with a certificate of completion and gift of homemade signature Le Méridien jam.

Taste of Chiang Rai also offers two nights of luxurious accommodations with a complimentary upgrade to a Grand Deluxe River View Room, located in the resort’s newest wing, and daily breakfast for two at Latest Recipe.  Rates for the Taste of Chiang Rai package begin at THB 7,000 per night for double occupancy, with a minimum stay of two nights.  Taste of Chiang Rai is valid through October 31, 2011, pending availability.

For additional information or reservations, please call +66 53 603 333 or visit www.lemeridien.com/chiangrai.

www.starwoodhotels.com