BALI

Traditional Meets Contemporary As Merah Putih Serves Up Local Bali Fare

The Peak’s Picks

Merah Putih Bali serves family style meals with a modern flair that allows one to discover the nuances of Indonesian cuisine. Located west of Denpasar, the culturally crafted restaurant is a treasure trove for both the traditional and adventurous when it comes to sampling morsels in a visually stunning environment. merahputihbali.com

“The vaulted ceiling and beautiful architecture remind me of a cathedral. Those who prefer traditional Balinese/Indonesian food might not be fans of the modern interpretation they have done here, but that shouldn’t discount the good job they’ve done. Food presentation was impeccable and cocktails, potent.”

– Germaine Cheong, Features Editor


BANGKOK

Customise Comfort At Avani Riverside Bangkok

First on The Scene

A marriage of style and warmth is apparent in Avani Riverside Bangkok, newly opened in April 2016, which promises ample relaxation no matter the purpose of the visit. Whether for holidays, business trips, or honeymoons, the hotel tailors to the needs of all visitors, resulting in the creation of the perfect stay. With a stunning view of the river and city skyline, recharge in luxury at the Avani Riverside Bangkok. www.avanihotels.com/riverside-bangkok.

The Siam Delights In Service and Amenities

Word of Mouth

Located within the heart of Bangkok’s cultural attractions, The Siam is famed for being the premier destination of Thailand. With the accolades it has won – including the Best Small Hotel Worldwide 2016 in The Gallivanter’s Guide and being amongst the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Thailand 2015 in TripAdvisor – there is no question of the hotel’s quality of service.

“Staying at The Siam feels like visiting the private home of a rich friend.”

– Jennifer Chen, Editor

In addition, the hotel welcomes a new activity in Sak Yant tattooing, a sacred tattoo art that is believed to grant protection or good luck, and can only be done by special practitioners or Buddhist monks. www.thesiamhotel.com.

Service, Cuisine Taken to New Heights at The Siam Kempinski

The Peak’s Picks

The Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok touts itself as a hotel which gives a resort-like experience in the city center, and the tagline is not wrong. The service given is highly rated, as well as the facilities that the hotel provides, coupled with an “European flair”. Furthermore, the hotel offers a myriad of restaurants, of which one is perfect for those with an exquisite palate. The sister restaurant of Kiin Kiin in Copenhagen, Denmark, which is the only Thai restaurant to boast a Michelin star, Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin excels in Thai molecular gastronomy – where stunning food presentations hide the familiar taste of traditional cuisine. www.kempinski.com/en/bangkok/siam-hotel.

“The interior is beautiful and elegant; food is very innovative and memorable in terms of taste, especially the frozen red curry lobster.”

– Meryl Koh, Senior Writer

Experience Traditional Thai Hospitality at The Local by Oamthong Thai Cuisine

The Peak’s Picks

The Local by Oamthong Thai Cuisine boasts a luxurious ambience while dining on traditional dishes. The wide array of dishes are complemented by the design of the interior, which creates a lot of photograph opportunities while you enjoy Thai specialities, such as pomelo salad and fish curry.

“Authentic Thai cooking like his grandma used to make, according to my Thai friend. The setting is lovely and what completed the experience for me – it’s like visiting the traditional home of a rich Thai, you can explore the various rooms which still have the original furniture and displays of chinaware.” www.thelocalthaicuisine.com.

– Olivia Lim, SilverKris Digital Editor


HO CHI MINH

Pick Your Favourite Suite at The Reverie Saigon

First on The Scene

Opened on Sep 1 in 2015, the Reverie Saigon proves to be the most opulent luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City yet. The hotel boasts 12 categories of rooms and suites, each with their own distinct features, for many of Italy’s leading design houses – such as Colombostile, Giorgetti, Visionnaire, Poltrona Frau and Cassina – joined forces to breathe life into the collection. With a wide array of styles from modern to quaint, visitors would be able to find the perfect room or suite that suits their fancy. thereveriesaigon.com.


KOH SAMUI

Villa Expansions Heighten Exclusivity at Samujana

First on The Scene

Samujana prides itself as Koh Samui’s premier luxury villa estate, and having just completed its phase two expansion in 2015, it has all the reason to do so. Currently touting a total of 27 boutique villas, each one is unique in design with a private infinity pool, and many house private gyms, cinemas, and even nightclubs – perfect for travellers to either relax in a sequestered area, or host exclusive gatherings. www.samujana.com.


KOH YAO NOI

Pamper Yourself at Ani Villas Thailand

First on The Scene

Intimate estates meet opulent resorts as Ani Villas Thailand opens in the island of Koh Yao Noi, situated slightly off the popular tourist locations of Phuket and Krabi for an exclusive villa experience. Launched in December 2015, the villa prides itself on offering a team of dedicated service staff including chefs, butlers and massage therapists to provide for those in comfort, substantiated with a wide array of activities located within and around the estate for the more adventurous. www.anivillas.com/destinations/thailand.


NHA TRANG

The Anam Recalls Colonial Times with Modern Comfort

First on The Scene

The Vietnam coastline of Nha Trang welcomed its first five-star beach resort The Anam with a soft opening in September 2016, before its official launch in December this year. The buildings follow a design dating back to the colonial era with all 105 villas are decorated in Vietnamese hardwood, decorative stone and antique-style tiling. The old-school exterior is then matched by a modern interior, with plush beds with goose down pillows in bedrooms and sunken bathtubs and rain-showers in bathrooms – adding contemporary comfort to its furnishings. www.theanam.com.


PHUKET

Unravel from City Life with Holistic Living at Keemala

First on The Scene

Since September 2015, hidden in the greenery of the tropical rainforest surrounding Phuket is Keemala, a utopia of pool villas away from the hustle of the city. Guests are offered the chance to rest and rejuvenate while being surrounded by lush woodland in the privacy of their own villas, and are even supplemented by Keemala’s special retreat therapy packages, which include meditation sessions and body detoxification. With personalisations available for each and every visitor, this chance to unwind at Keemala should not be missed. www.keemala.com.

A Pool With A View – The Habita by Sri panwa

First on The Scene

Looking to indulge in a private pool while overlooking the shimmering waters of the ocean? A new enclave in Sri panwa, Phuket was opened in January 2016 – The Habita, consisting of 30 pool suites and penthouses, with an infinity pool in each suite. Located at the tip of the cape,the panoramic view is unlike any other, with the nearby islands framing the stunning seascape of the Andaman sea – The Habita by Sri panwa is the perfect getaway to a pool with a view. www.sripanwa.com

Banyan Tree Phuket Steps Up as Go To Destination for Couples with New Pool Villas

First on The Scene

Banyan Tree Phuket recently revamped their Deluxe Villas in August 2015 to include private pools in any villa category. Newly christened as Banyan Pool Villas, the villas are specially designed for couples – specifically providing separate dressing rooms for both him and her as well as an en-suite bathroom. The private pool villas are now the ideal holiday choice for couples looking to getaway just for the weekend. www.banyantree.com/en/ap-thailand-phuket-resort.


SIEM REAP

Revitalise at Phum Baitang after Temple Exploring

First on The Scene

Unwind in one of the 45 private villas within boutique hotel group Zannier’s first Southeast Asian venture, Phum Baitang, which opened on Sep 1, 2016. Located in proximity to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Angkor, guests can return to the luxury resort after a day of exploring to recharge in their rooms or in the hotel’s Temple Spa, a first class wellness centre that features seven spa treatment rooms. Therapies are rooted in Khmer rituals for an authentic Cambodian feel. www.phumbaitang.com.


YANGON

Sedona Yangon Enthuses Culture of the area

First on The Scene

With ease of accessibility to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site and a popular heritage location, Sedona Hotel Yangon would be the optimum location for enthusiasts of local culture. The hotel is also impressive in its ethnic decoration and architecture, which complements the landscape of the countryside. At a 20 minute drive away from the city center, this less than a year old getaway would be the ideal place for tranquility amidst abundant culture. www.sedonahotels.com.sg/yangon.

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