The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok debuts in Thailand

Source: Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Influenced by the tradition of grand Thai residences on Wireless Road, the 260-key hotel overlooks Lumpini Park and leads the city’s cultural evolution.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, part of the Luxury Group portfolio by Marriott International, is now open.

Set in a 216 m tower at One Bangkok, the largest holistically integrated district and a business and lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok, this destination offers a retreat amidst the energy of the city.

“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is a pivotal milestone for our brand, as we introduce the finest personalised service and unforgettable experiences to one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior VP of The Ritz-Carlton, St Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. 

“By seamlessly blending Thailand’s deep cultural heritage with The Ritz-Carlton’s timeless elegance and forward-thinking design, we are not only enhancing the city’s luxury landscape but also offering guests an experience that is both authentic and transformative.”

Open-air terraces provide sweeping views of Lumpini Park and the city’s skyline. Inside, spaces evoke a sense of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Upon arrival, an archway leads the way to the foyer and The Front Hall, a drawing room adorned with original artwork and black-and-white photographs reminiscent of a private residence.

A seamless blend of classic Thai artistry and contemporary design, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok’s rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views. Many guestrooms offer private loggias and terraces overlooking Lumpini Park. Guests can choose from 50 sq m Deluxe Rooms, the 102 sq m Gardenia Suites, or the 127 sq m Marigold and Amaranth Suites. Atop the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Suite crowns the property as a 389 sq m penthouse.

The Club Lounge on the 23rd floor offers privacy in sophisticated surroundings filled with locally-sourced treasures. Featuring five daily culinary presentations in a serene setting, the lounge is a key element of The Ritz-Carlton Club experience, which includes seamless check-in with a dedicated Club Concierge and bespoke in-room amenities.

Three exceptional dining experiences await guests. Duet by David Toutain is led by the eponymous Michelin-starred chef and culinary prodigy Valentin Fouache, and serves modern French cuisine in a glasshouse. Meticulously-sourced ingredients and artisanal produce are showcased in a sensorial dining experience. 

Lily’s reimagines classic dishes with a contemporary twist, offering customisable sharing plates for groups of all sizes. Meanwhile, Caleō - derived from the Latin word for 'being in love’ - invites guests to savour elegant afternoon teas or late-night cocktails.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa has five treatment rooms and a relaxing pod, and is complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness centre and two swimming pools.

The dedicated events floor presents nine flexible function spaces. The star is the Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, the largest of its kind in the city, which can accommodate up to 1,200 people. The ballroom is connected to pre-function areas and an outdoor terrace, and sports three LED screens.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok offers a variety of local touchpoints, such as the Defining Moment, where guests are invited to the Terrace to experience a new interpretation of a daily Klong Yao (Long Drum) ceremony. Devised by The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, the drum beats signal the start of evening celebrations. 

There are morning sessions of Terrace Chi taichi, set against the backdrop of the lawns and lakes of Lumpini Park; new-generation tours of the One Bangkok Art Loop, as well as Golden Hour cocktails inspired by stories from Bangkok’s rich heritage.

“As the first Ritz-Carlton property in Bangkok, we bring old traditions and culture  to life through imaginative, immersive experiences, including performances, activities, and artistic journeys,” said Tina Liu, the hotel’s GM. 

“Our stays are designed to create memorable moments that resonate with our guests, paying homage to Thailand’s ‘cultural bloom’ – the evolution from its graceful past to its exciting future.”

VITIS Wine Bar & Bistro introduces festive lunch menu

VITIS Wine Bar & Bistro has a festive lunch menu available on weekdays till 31 December. 

Start with the VITIS signature small plate of chilled tomato, paired with ocean trout, and edamame and fish consomme. 

Choose between three different mains, consisting of Challans duck, line caught fish or stockyard Wagyu striploin. 

End on a sweet note with a classic dessert, chocolate and cherry. 

The venue can accommodate up to 40 people, with a maximum of 32 in the main restaurant, and up to eight in a private dining room. 

Details 

The lunch costs S$128 per person. 

Call or email to make reservations at:

VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro
7 Fraser St, #01-46/47, DUO Galleria, Singapore 189356

+65 8823 3993
vitis.sg
reservation@vitis.sg

Monday - Friday
Lunch: 12 pm to 2:15 pm (last seating)
Dinner: 5 pm to 10:15 pm (last seating)

Saturday
Dinner: 5 pm to 10:15 pm (last seating)

Closed on Sundays

Book ahead to enjoy the best deals at Chatrium Hotels & Residences

Source: Chatrium Hotels & Residences. The Chatrium Riverside Bangkok.

Chatrium Hotels & Residences is running an Advance Saver promotion under which guests who book at least 30 days in advance unlock special rates.

The promotion offers a choice of a room with breakfast or a room-only package at:

 Chatrium Grand Bangkok
 Chatrium Riverside Bangkok
 Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok
 Emporium Suites by Chatrium (Thailand)
 Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi
 Chatrium Royal Lake Yangon
 Chatrium Niseko Japan
 Lacol Khaoyai – A Chatrium Collection (Thailand)
 Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection
 Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection
 Maitria Hotel Rama 9 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection 

Chatrium Grand Bangkok is ideal for connoisseurs of Thai elegance and modern luxury, while Chatrium Niseko Japan offers an Alpine retreat in Hirafu Village. Meanwhile, chic and contemporary Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 is located in Bangkok’s vibrant Sukhumvit district. 

The Advance Saver Room with Breakfast promotion at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok begins at THB9,600*. Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi and Fitness Centre access are included, in addition to daily breakfast up to two registered guests.  In-room welcome amenities include Thai traditional and modern snacks, both sweet and savoury, and a welcome non-alcoholic minibar. Capsule coffee is replenished daily.

Details

Book stays at https://www.chatrium.com/offers-promotions or https://www.maitriahotels.com/offers. 

*Rates are based on single/double occupancy and are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

Subway UAE adds Daqoos Series to menu

Source: Subway. Subway UAE has teamed up with Excellence Hot Sauce to serve up nostalgic UAE flavours in every bite.

Subway UAE has localised its menu for the first time ever through a partnership with Excellence Hot Sauce (Daqoos, دقوس).

A celebration of Excellence Hot Sauce and crushed chips, typically Chips Oman, is at the heart of the campaign, termed The old days, served fresh: Daqoos Series. The decades-old signature heat, crunch and tang elevates street food across the region.

The lineup features three creations:

- Fresh & Furious, with crispy chicken bites, Excellence Hot Sauce, and crunchy chips 

- Wahed Sub Laham (literally "(give me) one beef sub"), combining tender beef Philly steak, melted cheddar, Excellence Hot Sauce, chips, fresh vegetables, and ranch dressing

- Fery Good, Fery Nice (Dynamite Chicken), a side dish starring crispy Dynamite Chicken bites enhanced with Excellence Hot Sauce and chips.

"The beauty of this campaign lies in its ability to take something deeply rooted in local culture and give it a fresh, contemporary perspective," said Ibrahim Hasan, Regional Head of McCann Content Studios – MENA.

"Subway UAE proves that with the right approach, global brands can tell local stories with authenticity and impact." 

Mahmoud Mneimne, Marketing Director for Subway UAE said: "Our goal was to craft an experience that captures the soul of UAE cafeteria culture while offering a fresh and innovative take. 

"We're proud to have created something that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, reflecting the vibrant community we serve."

The limited-edition menu is available across Subway UAE outlets. It is complemented by a limited-edition merchandise collection designed by Waggish. Inspired by Dubai's street vendor culture, the line includes hoodies and stickers that combine street-style aesthetics with Subway's branding.

Explore

Watch an associated video from Subway UAE's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC6zj0avy6f/

Waggish's Instagram channel is at https://www.instagram.com/waggish.ae/

Harnessing romance story-telling to boost sales

Research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School has linked romance-themed storytelling and the increased likelihood of making impulsive purchases.

Highlights of the research include: 

- Tourists exposed to romance-themed storytelling are more prone to impulsive buying compared to those in non-romantic settings.

- The effect is driven by a reduced sense of personal control that stems from an internalised belief that "romance is uncontrollable".

= Colour plays a crucial role: blue backgrounds enhance the impulsive buying tendency in romantic settings, while red backgrounds mitigate it.

The study, led by Professor Lisa Wan Chun-ying of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at CUHK Business School, could present new opportunities for tourism marketers to enhance visitor experiences and boost consumer spending, the university said.

Titled Harnessing romance: The effect of exposure to romance-themed attractions on tourists’ impulsive buying and published in Tourism Management, the 2023 study involved 820 participants. Some participants were shown images of a medieval bridge which came with a love story, while others were told a romance-neutral story about friendship related to the bridge. Those exposed to the romance theme were more likely to make impulsive purchases compared to those under the non-romantic condition.

Elevate everyday experiences with the Samsung Galaxy A16

Source: Samsung. The Galaxy A16 5G in Gold. The Galaxy A16 features a body that is 7.9 mm thick, and has a 'key island' design for improved grip.

The Samsung Galaxy A16, now available in Singapore, features larger screens, enhanced designs, and improved reliability. Available in 5G and LTE versions, the Galaxy A16 offers immersive visuals, a sleek look, as well as secure and reliable experiences with Samsung Knox, all at an accessible price point.

The Galaxy A16 has an improved, sleeker design, with a body measuring 7.9 mm in thickness—down from 8.4 mm in last year’s Galaxy A15. Rounded corners and a linear camera lens layout are design highlights, while a 'key island' design contributes to an easy and intuitive grip. The device has an IP54-rating* for dust and water resistance. 

Streamlined bezels further emphasise the 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display. The display is a notable upgrade from last year’s 6.5" screen on the Galaxy A15. Super AMOLED provides true-to-life colours and sharp clarity, which is ideal for watching videos, gaming, or browsing content. 

Under the hood, an advanced octa-core processor ensures smooth performance for high-quality videos, games, and multitasking. Users can stay connected throughout the day with the 5,000 mAh battery and 25 W Super-Fast Charging capability.

The device is secured by Samsung Knox, Samsung’s defence-grade, multilayer security platform. Samsung Knox Vault is also integrated into the Galaxy A16, providing high-level security to protect private, personal data such as user passwords and secrets from hardware-based attacks such as voltage glitches, temperature tampering, and laser interference.

Camera-wise, the Galaxy A16 is equipped with a versatile triple lens, headlined by a 50 MP main sensor. Along with a 5 MP ultra-wide and 2 MP macro lens, the Galaxy A16 ensures every shot is detailed and vibrant. A 13 MP front camera, offers visual details, sharpness, and more accurate colour rendition for selfies.

The Galaxy A16 will receive six generations of One UI and Android OS updates, as well as six years of Samsung Security Maintenance Releases (SMR). 

Details 

The 5G version is available in Gold, Blue Black, and Light Green, while the Galaxy A16 LTE is available in Grey, Black and Light Green.

Model	Colour	Built-in Storage**	Recommended retail price (including GST)
Galaxy A16 5G	Gold, Blue Black, and Light Green	8 + 128 GB	S$318
Galaxy A16 LTE	Grey, Black and Light Green	8 + 128 GB	S$288

 

The Galaxy A16 is available for purchase in Singapore at selected telecommunication operators (M1, Singtel, Starhub), and also via the Samsung Online Store, Samsung Shop App, Samsung Experience Store, Samsung Official Stores on Lazada and Shopee, as well as major consumer electronics and IT stores. 

From 15 November to 31 December 2024, consumers who purchase the Galaxy A16 will receive a complimentary 25 W power adapter worth S$38, while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

*Galaxy A16s are rated as IP54. Based on lab test conditions, the device is sprayed by 10 l of fresh water per minute for 5 minutes at all angles. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time due to normal wear and tear.

**Actual user-accessible internal memory is less than specified total memory due to storage of the operating system, the software used to operate device features, and other built-in applications, and may vary after software updates/upgrades.