Rachamankha… The Rose of Chiang Mai

If Chiang Mai is the Rose of the North, then Rachamankha is the Rose of Chiang Mai. The boutique hotel is so fabulous (Angelina Jolie was a guest, so it has to be great) that I have stayed there twice!

A Relais & Chateux member, Rachamankha is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. Its stunning Lanna-style architecture has been featured in countless coffee table books and interior design magazines. Every part of the hotel has a unique Lanna decoration be it a lantern, porcelain vases, birdcage or wall hangings. You’d feel like you’re in an art gallery.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable with simple but elegant Lanna-style furniture. It has amenities similar to a 5-star hotel – a DVD player, a mini-bar, quality toiletries (including an insect repellant made of essential oils to keep the mozzies at bay) and turndown service.

There are plenty of spaces to chill out at – the pool, the main lounge and a study cum library where you can help yourself to free flow of cognac. Or you can grab a book and spend the morning or afternoon in one of the gardens where beautiful flowers are in bloom.

At night, the hotel is very tranquil and atmospheric – there is hardly any sound from outside traffic, just peace and quiet. Its customer service is efficient, professional, warm and friendly. And I must add the staff members are all very good looking.

Rachamankha has both style and substance, and truly deserves to be in Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List for 2005.

The Sukhothai… Days of Splendor Gone By

In my last blog entry, I wrote that it is safe to travel to Thailand. In fact, now’s a great time to head to the Kingdom as virtually everything in Bangkok is on sale. Hotels have slashed their rates by up to 50 percent (some even offering free nights like Baan Pra Nond), while retailers are wooing back customers with massive discounts and freebies.

On my recent Bangkok trip, I extended one more night to stay at The Sukhothai which is running a “Welcome Back” promotion. The special rates include free mini-bar, WiFi, breakfast and limousine transfer to the airport. A steal I reckon!

The Sukhothai, one of the leading hotels in Thailand (if not the world), is designed by renowned architects, Edward Tuttle and Kerry Hill. Built in early 1990s, The Sukhothai’s architecture with its minimalist décor, mirrored bathrooms and zen gardens was considered cutting edge at the time. But now it looks a little dated and uninspiring. The management knows this for a fact and has started refurbishment to its superior rooms. When the hotel’s long overdue overhaul is completed, I'm sure guests will experience days of splendor at The Sukhothai again.

Baan Pra Nond… Home Sweet Home

If you’re tired of soulless big chain hotels, maybe an intimate B&B is more your cup of tea?

Nestled among skyscrapers in busy Sathorn, lies the very charming Baan Pra Nond. Originally the residence of a Supreme Court judge, the 70 year old Thai Colonial house is lovingly brought back to life by Tasma and Jason Cotsmire. The B&B with its yellow and green walls, is tastefully decorated with original teak wood furniture and sepia-tinted family photos. Even the switches in the main building are old school.

I stayed at Baan Pra Nond (BPN) for the second time when I spent the Chinese New Year in Bangkok recently. Like the first time, I enjoyed every moment there especially chatting with the affable owners Tasma and Jason. While there are no concierge and turndown service, BPN offers a homey ambience and personalized service that you can’t find at tourist or business hotels.

Thanks to its very central location (five minutes’ walk to Surasak BTS), Baan Pra Nond is a welcome retreat for weary travelers who want to get away from the maddening crowd, but still want to be near to all the action. I’m sure Khun Tasma’s grandfather would be really proud of what his granddaughter has done to his place – home sweet home in the Kingdom’s frenetic metropolis.

The Bhuthorn… Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

At The Bhuthorn, B&B means Beautiful & Brilliant.

I knew I would love The Bhuthorn the moment I stepped into the century old shophouse. But I didn’t know I would fall head over heels for it! Restored to its former glory by Khun Direk and Khun Chitlada, architects turned hotelier, The Bhuthorn is a labor of love. From the vintage furniture and objet d'art to the fresh flowers (Direk arranges them himself) and quality toiletries (Chitlada handpicked the best Jasmine scented products which another legendary Bangkok hotel also uses), one can see that the owners put all their heart and soul into everything. The attention to detail and personalized service straight from the heart impeccable! In fact, the Bhuthorn feels more like a cozy and chic abode with all the creature comforts than your run of the mill B&B.

With only three rooms (each individually decorated and named after three Thai princes), a stay at The Bhuthorn is an unforgettable experience – you’re transported back to a bygone era. The B&B’s setting in a quaint heritage-listed part of old Bangkok is akin to a movie set. In the evening as I looked out the window into the moonlit square below, I could just picture a Thai Romeo and Juliet whispering sweet nothings to each other as they stroll along the quiet row of shophouses. It was like a beautiful dream which I wished would never end…

The next morning I awoke to a scrumptious traditional Thai breakfast (Chitlada makes a mean caffè latte by the way), followed by a yummy coconut ice cream from Nátthàphawn (the famous ice cream stall happens to be The Bhuthorn’s next door neighbor!) in the lovely and leafy courtyard. All too soon it was time to check out.

I knew I was going to miss The Bhuthorn when I stepped into the taxi and waved goodbye to Khun Chitlada. But what I didn’t know and only know now is that I miss it so badly to want to fly back to Bangkok and relive The Bhuthorn magic again and again. Khun Direk and Khun Chitlada have created a truly special place, one which every discerning traveler or architecture enthusiast who appreciates excellent design and heartfelt hospitality should not miss.

Amantaka - Luxury Comes to Luang Prabang

Amanresorts has a knack for picking the most exotic destinations to house their properties. Their latest Amantaka is situated in the heart of Luang Prabang. A former provincial hospital, Amantaka is beautifully restored, retaining its original French colonial architecture. I’ve stayed at a few Aman properties, and I must say Amantaka is one of my favorites. It’s an oasis of calm, nostalgia, romance and luxury – a hotel aficionado’s dream come true. Amantaka has definitely elevated Luang Prabang’s hip status like what Amankora has done for Bhutan, and Amangalla and Amanwella for Sri Lanka.

My sincere thanks to Gary, Filipe, Chittima, Nisaya and all staff for their wonderful hospitality.

The Chedi Chiang Mai 2

Here are more pics of The Chedi Chiang Mai. All the little details including top notch service make this a wonderful hotel.

The Chedi Chiang Mai 1

Chiang Mai has many lovely boutique hotels and resorts, and that is why it’s one of my favorite holiday destinations.

Set along the banks of the Mae Ping River, is the superlative The Chedi Chiang Mai. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the hotel cleverly fuses modern-day and local architectural elements together. The centerpiece is the former British Consulate built in the 1920s. The colonial building now houses the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

Needless to say, I had a field day photographing this gorgeous property. And staying there for three nights was an unforgettable experience. I missed lounging at the balcony reading my favorite book, The Alchemist.

Ma Du Zi

We all know that now’s not a very good time to travel to Bangkok with the international and domestic airports still shut, but if you’re planning to go there in the not too distant future, may I recommend Ma Du Zi – an ultra chic boutique hotel conveniently situated in the Sukhumvit business district. Ma Du Zi means come and see in Thai, and it’s definitely worth more than just a look. Hotel and fashion aficionados will go ga ga over this gorgeous hotel.

Amangalla – The Legacy of Luxury

At the heart of Galle Fort, lies Amangalla, a beautiful reincarnation of the New Oriental Hotel (or NOH as it is affectionately known). I had the privilege to photograph this historic hotel which operated as the NOH for 140 years before its acquisition by Amanresorts.

Amanresorts had done a fine job with the restoration. Nesta, the previous owner would surely approve. The original teak wood floors and antique furniture – planter’s chairs and pettagama chests are left intact. One can relive the glorious yesteryear and even feel the presence of colonial ghosts. Rumour has it that Room 25 (the room has since been renumbered after the renovation) is haunted. Fact or fiction, one thing’s for sure, Amangalla is a classy hotel deserving of the many accolades it has received and definitely worth the splurge.

The River House

Here’s another lovely hotel from Taru Villas. With the Madhu River at its doorstep and verdant jungle all around, The River House is a gorgeous hideaway, offering peace and quiet for the tired soul. The five suites are spacious and luxurious. I would recommend the Kanya suite as it has wonderful views of the river and boasts its own private garden. Bliss.

Tamarind Hill

Here are more pictures of Tamarind Hill, Galle. The boutique hotel has 11 rooms and two suites all exquisitely decorated with antiques and objects d'art. The food as I’ve mentioned in my previous blog is outstanding – must try the rice and curry set. The manager, Mr Manoj and his staff are warm and friendly. They really made me feel at home. I highly recommend this lovely hotel.

The Lady and Her Bird

I shot this picture at Kahanda Kanda hotel, inland of Galle. Whilst I did not really enjoy my stay there (it’s a sanctuary for insects so mosquito repellant is a must), I had a field day taking pictures of the hotel which I must say is quite photogenic. And the food especially the curried pumpkin soup was delicious.

Blue Black

What I like about Melbourne is that it is a city of character, contrasts and colours, in spite of its perpetual grey skies. This photo taken at Melbourne Museum is a different take on the Big Box, part of the Children’s Gallery which resembles a giant Rubik’s Cube.

Located in the Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum’s cutting edge architecture, comprising a mix of interesting backdrops with clean lines, varied textures, colours, curves and natural light, makes it a great location for filming and photography.