BANGKOK
A city that buzzes 24 hours a day, with glittering temples and malls, markets and palaces, canals, hotels and Michelin-star restaurants… there is something to feed all your senses in Thailand’s cacophonous capital. If you want to make the most of Bangkok’s shopping and sightseeing scene, stay at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, which is in the heart of the city’s shopping and business district.
It’s 55 floors all offer spectacular views over the neon city, while its resort-meets-city ethos means there’s the best of both worlds. You’ll find the award-winning SPA Cenvaree on the 26th floor, along with a fitness centre, tennis courts and an outdoor pool with sundeck, and restaurants that merge homegrown produce from Thailand with the best imported ingredients, serving you traditional Thai cuisine and European dishes, to oysters and champagne.
For something special, sip a glass of something fizzy at CRU Champagne Bar as the sun sets, followed by a dinner of pan-seared crab cakes, Beluga caviar or grilled Galician octopus at the incredible Red Sky Restaurant on the hotel’s 55th floor, before bedding down in the Royal Suite, with its dark wood, warm colour tones, marble interiors, bar area, dining room, fitness area and two bedrooms – and not to mention exceptional city views.
To explore an altogether different side of the capital, head to Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok in the capital’s north. Close to Ladprao business district and Chatuchak Park with its well-loved weekend market, it’s the BTS Ha Yaek Ladphrao Station and MRT Underground Phahon Yothin Station that put you in minutes of the city’s major landmarks. The hotel is also Thailand’s first luxury hotel integrated with a shopping destination, meaning you have five-star service, hospitality and retail at your fingertips.
Oozing contemporary design appeal, the hotel has all you could need: swimming pool, SPA Cenvaree, business centre, Club Executive Lounge and fully-equipped fitness centre. It’s also one of the greenest spots in the city, flanked by trees and views that roll out over Chatuchak Park.
Pick from one of 565 rooms and suites, all decked out with contemporary furniture, light wood, calming tones with pops of colour and, of course, all the pre-requisite mod-cons modern-day business and leisure travellers require. The Royal Suite is the perfect place to unpack, with its spacious bedroom, dining area, living room and kitchenette, with nine different restaurants and bars tempting you to leave when it’s time to eat. Try Blue Sky Bar for skyline views, steak, seafood and serious style credentials, or Don Giovanni, a cosy Italian trattoria serving exquisite home-made pastas and grilled seafood and meats.
SAMUI
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the scenic coastline of Koh Samui, arguably Thailand’s most popular island retreat. Here, a true gem lies in wait – Centara Reserve Samui, the first resort in Centara’s luxury collection. Formerly Centara Grand Beach Resort, it’s now completely reimagined and upgraded as Centara Reserve Samui and integrates traditional colonial design with contemporary excellence.
Nestled amongst the palm trees and soft sands at the tranquil end of Chaweng – Koh Samui’s most beautiful strip of beach – the reserve hides its guests away, enabling them to experience five-star luxury on their own time, whilst placing you within an easy stroll of Samui’s famous island wonders. You can cherry pick where to bed down from 184 different rooms, suites and gorgeous beachfront villas – all completely redesigned – each with garden or ocean views, and a private balcony or terrace. The Signature Reserve Ocean Pool Villa claims top billing as the most luxurious – a 501-square-metre standalone space with ocean panoramas, private pool, outdoor dining area, direct beach access and villa host.
Days can be spent drifting from swimming pool to Reserve Spa Cenvaree for a Thai massage, to feasting on vibrant Spanish food at Act 5 and sipping handcrafted cocktails at The Gin Run. There’s also a yoga pavilion for some sunrise salutations and a children’s zone for any little people in your party, ensuring a little slice of Samui hospitality for the whole family.