Sustainable Thai flavours celebrated in four-hands dinner at Dining on the Rocks

This August, Executive Chef Kien Wagner of Six Senses Samui and Chef Gongpitak (Im) Boontanaveerapat, Chef De Cuisine from Phuket's Jampa restaurant celebrate sustainable Thai flavours together at Dining on the Rocks, Six Senses Samui. Both chefs believe the best ingredients do not need much persuasion.

For two evenings only - August 13 and 15, 2026 - Executive Chef Wagner welcomes Chef Im for an exclusive four-hands dinner that highlights Thailand's produce, the people who grow it, and the stories that begin long before they reach the plate.

While Samui and Phuket sit just a few hours apart, each island offers its own distinct landscape, seasons and ingredients. This collaboration brings them together in a menu shaped by both places, combining produce harvested from Six Senses Samui's Farm on the Hill with ingredients sourced through Jampa's close network of regenerative farmers, artisans and fishermen.

Guests can expect a tasting menu that is bold in flavour yet restrained in approach, including seafood caught in southern waters, vegetables picked at their peak, as well as fruits, herbs and native ingredients presented with precision.

For Chef Kien, the dinner is a natural extension of the philosophy that guides the kitchens at Six Senses Samui. Chef Im has earned recognition at Jampa for redefining what sustainable dining can look like in Thailand. Awarded a Michelin Green Star, the restaurant is known for its wood-fired kitchen, minimal-waste philosophy and deep commitment to regenerative agriculture. These values will travel to Samui for this collaboration.

This six-course four-hands dinner will be served in two seatings each evening. As seating is limited, advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Details

For more information or to make a reservation, call +66 7724 5678 or email reservations-samui@sixsenses.com

Thailand's first dining and sky observatory opens

Source: Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. A couple admire the most powerful telescope on Phuket island.

From a grill-focused menu to guided astronomy sessions and hands-on Thai cooking classes, DARA Cuisine Phuket and Sky Observatory is poised to become the island's new go-to venue for modern Thai dining and stargazing.

DARA, meaning 'star' in Thai, celebrates the country's culinary heritage and Andaman seafarers who used stars for navigation. The new Sky Observatory is equipped with a custom-built dome and Phuket's most powerful state-of-the-art telescope, offering an intimate rooftop experience where Sky Storytellers guide guests through the wonders of the night sky.

During the day, an all-star team of Anantara chefs deliver masterclasses in Thai cooking in the show kitchen. In the evenings, diners have the opportunity to try local specialties from all corners of Thailand alongside Royal Thai cuisine.

The Southern region is represented by moohong Phuket, a slow-cooked meat dish seasoned with soy, star anise and cinnamon. From the North, khao soi curry noodle soup offers translucent river prawns served with homemade egg noodles and pickles, as well as the restaurant's signature tam ka noon mun wan – pounded young jackfruit served as a salad with sweet potato chips for added crunch. Central Thailand's complex flavours shine in miang kham khai hoy mhen, a popular snack of the Siamese court involving wild betel leaves, as well as green curry with Phuket lobster.

In the Northeastern dishes, such as the kob thod nam pla with crispy frog legs and the nam tok nuea ko kun featuring Korat wagyu beef, regional ingredients get a creative twist from Head Chef Supakarn "Hong" Lienpanich's family recipes and passion for fermentation. For those with sweet tooths, the goat cheese and honey ice cream paired with Krabi cashew praline will delight.

With an on-site fermentation kitchen, barrel-aged fish sauce cellar, and a verdant herb garden, DARA is a living ecosystem that nurtures every ingredient to its fullest potential. “DARA's culinary philosophy is simple: honour the natural taste of quality local produce and let the ingredients shine,” said Chef Hong. 

“In addition to growing our own herbs, we've partnered with ecoconscious local farms and fisheries, which allows us to adapt to the rhythm of the seasons – from serving crisp harvest in the dry months to showcasing Thailand's natural abundance when the monsoon comes.”

Details

DARA Cuisine Phuket is in Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. It is open daily for cooking classes from noon till 3 pm, for dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm.

The Sky Observatory offers drinks and stargazing from 6 pm till midnight.

Hashtags: #phuket, #stargazing, #thailand, #foodies, #Anantara, #minorhotels, #restaurant, #bucketlist, #travel

Take your pick of MICE packages in Southeast Asia

Three travel companies and properties, Chōsen, The Slate and Samujana, have put together productivity programmes for businesses and workgroups that offer a choice of environments to get the best out of a team.

For adventure junkies

Source: Chosen website. A view of Bali.

Chōsen offer experiences that are ideal for teams seeking new adventures and challenges:

•  Jump off of cliffs, go canyoning, surfing, or try a cooking class
• Check into their estate in Bali or other locations including in New Zealand
• Olympic athletes, life coaches and nutritional therapists are some of the experts available to teach and guide guests throughout the week
• Healthy menus created by a private chef

Chōsen experiences are premium adventure and wellness holidays, adventure getaways, and fitness programmes edited into seven-day packages. Derived from the Japanese characters 挑戦, (sho-zen: to challenge), Chōsen combines physical, social, intellectual and emotional elements in each package. 

Chōsen has been available for select participants since 2013 and can now be experienced by curious and open-minded adventure enthusiasts in new destinations across the world. The locations include a luxury Balinese villa and a stunning mountainside location in Queenstown, New Zealand. 

 

“We have carefully researched, curated and finetuned every aspect of the Chōsen experience; from the adventure activities, nutrition and workouts, to yoga, mindfulness and even the selection process of participants.  The programme aims to challenge, change and rejuvenate each individual by pushing their boundaries both physically and mentally,” says Chōsen co-founder, John Stanton. According to Chōsen, all participants strive for excellence personally or professionally, looking to unlock their full potential or realise it once again. 

 

For wellness aficionados

The Slate, Phuket in Thailand offers a venue for meetings and inspiring incentives:

•  Dishes prepared by The Slate’s in-house nutritionist focus on the benefits of superfoods to increase productivity
•  Daily team activities like group jogs, yoga and archery

Source: The Slate. In the grounds of the hotel.

Relaunched in August 2016, the Bill Bensley-designed hotel has opened its doors for corporate meetings and incentive offerings for the modern, health-conscious business executive.

The Slate has a specially curated wellness-focused meetings and incentives package to ensure the body, mind and soul are at their optimum for collaborative meetings, creative brainstorming, and team building.

Daily menus are created by The Slate’s in-house nutritionist to include meals and snacks that are not only nourishing but encourage energy and productivity. A variety of team-bonding activities such as group yoga classes, cooking classes, and archery lessons can also be included within the experience.

A short drive from Phuket Airport, the property features multiple pools, an array of restaurants and bars, a fitness studio, tennis courts, on-site dive centre, the Coqoon Spa, conference facilities and Thai cooking classes. Core features of the three night MICE wellness package include:

• Three nights accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Three healthful and energising meals daily designed by The Slate’s head nutritionist
• One daily snack that features super foods for the brain: walnuts, green tea, acai, spinach, beets, etc.
• One daily energising cold-pressed juice
• One active team building activity

The three-day itinerary can be tailored to suit the needs of individual
requirements. Rooms start from US $200 per night, inclusive of core itinerary inclusions. A minimum of 10 rooms must be booked.

For culture seekers

Rejuvenate at Samujana’s luxury villa estate in Koh Samui, Thailand:

o Intersperse meetings and workshops with Muay Thai boxing classes, morning beach yoga sessions, a private exploration of Koh Samui's coves and beaches
o Reward the team with a Thai spa treatment, scenic golf experiences, or a day trip to neighbouring islands on a luxury yacht
o Immerse in Thai culture with an Amazing Race-style competition around the island while solving clues for prizes

Source: Samujana. View of a villa.

Surrounded by sea, sky and infinity swimming pools, Koh Samui’s hilltop location, Samujana has launched three new Executive Retreat offerings to meet the goals of any company trip.

Be it a boardroom, banquet, or cocktail party setting, Samujana boasts a mix of 25 luxury villas and outdoor spaces that can host up to 400 guests. The villas can accommodate 40 to 120 guests while the outdoor lawns can accommodate up to 400 guests for a sit-down dinner. All the lawns feature views of the sea and can be configured to fit stages or other unique spaces.

Itineraries can be created that will not only meet business objectives but also foster team bonding and lasting memories. Team-building activities can include racing around Koh Samui in teams, solving a series of clues and instructions that will lead them to a final prize, or a private cooking class. Activities to challenge employees to step out of their comfort zone to achieve new goals include Muay Thai boxing classes, morning yoga and pilates sessions as well as a pop-up circus school.

Incentives can include pampering spa treatments, a golf day, or day trips by luxury speed boat to visit the islands of Ang Tong National Park, an group of 42 islands in the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand.

Samujana amenities include private villa hosts, local and international cuisine from top, private chefs, an all-weather tennis court (floodlit) and access to nearby water sports. VIP transportation can be provided to all of the hot spots on the island, including the famous walking street at Fishermans Village.

Beauty and relaxation programmes can be experienced in the privacy of the villa, while exclusive charters can be made with a choice of various sailing and motorboats to water-ski, picnic on hidden beaches, snorkel, sightsee or just for pure sailing pleasure.

posted from Bloggeroid

The all-new Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach opens its doors

Source: Marriott International. The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach.

Marriott International has opened the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach. The 180-room resort was completely refurbished.

Located on Nai Yang beach, considered a scenic area of Phuket, the 180-room resort is surrounded with tropical vegetation and lush green forest within the Sirinath National Park. It is a 10-minute drive from Phuket International Airport and adjacent to the old town of Nai Yang.

Karl Hudson, Area Vice President, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia & Japan of Marriott International said, “We successfully opened Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa in March and are delighted to welcome this Phuket resort under our flagship Marriott Hotels brand. This recent addition of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach increases our total portfolio in Thailand to 18.”

“Phuket welcomes approximately 12 million visitors per year, mostly tourists from European and Asian countries. Phuket is one of the largest contributors to Thailand’s tourism industry, bringing around THB200 billion to the country each year,” said David Ippersiel, General Manager of the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach.

Guest rooms are designed in two styles; traditional Thai with relaxing earth tones, or a contemporary décor. Luxury Pool Villas are also available.

The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach is ideal for meetings and events. Its 126 sq m ballroom and function rooms all feature natural daylight. The Andaman Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant, features a wide array of dishes whereas the beachfront Big Fish Restaurant & Bar serves fresh seafood. Guests may also choose to enjoy afternoon tea in the open-air lobby lounge.

Interested?

The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach is at 92 Moo 3, Baan Na Tai, Naiyang Beach, Tambol Sakoo Phuket 83110.

An opening offer is available till 31 October, with rooms starting at THB3,499 per room per night. Book

Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong is the first Hyatt Place in SEA

Hyatt and Boutique Corporation have announced the opening of Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong on the island of Phuket, Thailand. The 161-room beachside hotel marks the first Hyatt Place hotel in Southeast Asia, and features the Hyatt Place brand’s casual atmosphere and practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.

“Thailand continues to be an important market for Hyatt, and Phuket is one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations where demand from both leisure and business visitors continues to grow,” said David Udell, Group President – Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong is the second Hyatt-branded hotel in Phuket, and we believe the hotel will exceed guest expectations and provide them with everything they need while visiting this beautiful island in the Andaman Sea.”

Said Prab Thakral, President and Group CEO, Boutique Corporation: “We plan to expand and add more hotel developments in Phuket to the company’s portfolio. We are confident that Hyatt Place Patong, Phuket will gain loyal travellers through the exceptional guest experience and excellence in service and food and beverage offerings for which Hyatt is known.”

Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong offers:

• Guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and relax, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper. Ten specialty guestrooms offer ocean views and balconies overlooking the Andaman Sea
• Free Wi-Fi 
• A complimentary hot breakfast available daily in the Gallery Kitchen
• Odds & Ends programme for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free
• Meetings Spaces offer more than 400 sq ft of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space
• An infinity-edged pool with wading area 
• 24-hour StayFit Gym featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens and free ear buds

Interested?

Make a reservation. Receive a 20% discount off the standard rate for booking by 24 July 2016 for a stay till 31 July 2016, with the booking at least seven days prior to arrival. Booking requires a full, non-refundable prepayment at the time of booking. Participating hotels include the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort and the Hyatt Place Phuket Patong.

The Park Hyatt Bangkok is expected to open in late 2016.

GrabTaxi launches GrabCar service in Phuket

Source: GrabTaxi.

GrabTaxi, a regional on-demand transport mobile app, has launched its latest partnering service in Phuket, Thailand. Offering a premium and personalised ride experience, GrabCar aims to make commuting in Phuket hassle-free especially for tourists who visit Phuket.

Tourists can book a GrabCar and will be picked up at their doorstep in minutes, allowing them to explore the sights and sounds of Phuket safely and conveniently with a few taps on their smartphones.

As GrabCar operates on the same mobile platform as GrabTaxi, it ensures a seamless commuting experience for users. The same app can also be used in five other countries; Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, so travellers can expect consistency in the service.

GrabCar patrons will be ferried in premium cars such as a Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana or Honda Accord. GrabCar is also the only mobile app-based service to offer advanced bookings. Passengers can book a premium car up to two hours and no more than seven days in advance, which is especially popular for rides to the airport.

"GrabTaxi and its new partnering service GrabCar brings peace of mind and convenience to users. These two aspects are particularly important for tourists looking to have memorable holidays in Phuket. With GrabCar, they have an efficient, and a quick and convenient way of getting around safely," said Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong. "I hope that all green plate taxi drivers will join GrabCar to offer quality service."

Khiri Travel shares the secrets of Phuket

In Phuket for business and with a little time on your hands? Gonzalo Gil Lavedra, Phuket branch manager of Khiri Travel Thailand, says that there are great experiences, old town insights and food experiences to be had.

"It's the quiet, unheralded attractions and people away from mass tourism that make me glad to have found a new home in the South," he says.

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre at the Khao Phra Taeo forest reserve is worth a visit, he said, drawing on the company's unusual destinations and innovative itineraries. The centre rehabilitates gibbons that have been used as photo props for tourists. "Here they are gradually re-educated in nature's way and released back into the forest. This is one of the most successful projects in the world with many rehabilitations over the last 20 years," he said.

Hiking in the Khao Phra Taeo forest park in the island's last surviving rain forest can be magical, he added. The forest is home to hornbills, macaques, and snakes. The oldest rain forest in Thailand is in Khao Sok, a few hours' drive away. The highlight of a guided tour by Khiri is Cheow Lan Lake, with towering peaks, green waters and raft houses. 

Source: Khiri Travel. Khao Sok rainforest.

For sand and surf, Lavedra suggests hiring a long tail boat and visiting the island of Koh Yao Noi from the local pier at Bang Rong in northeast Phuket. "The whole magical vista of Phang Nga Bay opens up, with its towering limestone outcrops rising straight from the sea," he said.

If it's just the beach, Lavedra says Thai Muang, one hour north of Phuket in Phangnga province, is your destination. "People always ask for long deserted beaches. This one fits the bill perfectly. It is a protected area. Sea turtles come here to lay their eggs from December to February," he shared.

If you have less time, there's still lots to see in Phuket town. Lavedra says the fresh market in Rassada Road at 7am is bustling with action, while the oldest pharmacy in town, Nguan Choon Tong Herb Shop (look for the sign, "Oldest Herbs Shop") along Thalang Road will customise medicine or tea based entirely on natural products. 

Coffee at I 46.

Enjoy a cup of black coffee, at the family-run cafe I 46 in Krabi Road. "This is the best chance to see a Chinese shophouse from the inside, and to have a chat with the ever-accommodating proprietor, Khun Nong. He will gladly tell you about the adventures of his great grandfather who came to Phuket in the mid-19th century and made his way as a tin banker. The family still lives in the same house after all these years," Lavedra said.

Five great places to eat that most visitors miss include the Arun Roti shop, also on Thalang Road. "It is one of the best places on the island to try some chicken roti. Those with a sweet tooth should try roti with banana and sugar," Lavedra recommends.

Boorat Dim Sum on Chao Fa Road opposite Dao Rung School and behind Rassada market is the oldest place for the Southern Thai Chinese-influenced cuisine. "Come early as they open at 5 am. By 9 am the shop is mostly sold out," Lavedra says.

For dinners, try Ang Sea Food. "The prices and atmosphere are agreeable and nearly all the patrons are Thai. The tom yam seafood is very popular. It's open from 5pm on Phuket Road near the Bang Niew Chinese temple," Lavedra advises.

Bang Pae Seafood, off the road that leads to Bang Rong pier, is another meal possibility. "Imagine sitting in front of a mangrove forest in Phuket with a view of the ocean and a backdrop of casuarina trees. The local seafood salads are unique to this area," Lavedra said.

Last but not least there is the Raya restaurant in New Deebuk Road for the traditional experience. "As you step in to the restaurant you feel transported to a bygone era. The decor has not changed in the last 60 or so years and the recipes are a living example of the best traditional Southern Thai food. Not to be missed is the crab curry," Lavedra said.

Develop beach bodies at Phuket's Kata Rocks with 2015 New Year Workouts

Phuket’s futuristic luxury resort Kata Rocks has launched a 2015 New Year Workout Plan promising “beach bodies”.

Priced at THB10,000 (US$305) a day, the programme at one of the most cutting-edge fitness facilities in Thailand is led by elite personal trainer and fitness instructor Callum McGregor, an ex-British special forces Commando, strongman competition winner and military power lifter specialising in strength, fitness, weight loss and toning.

“If you are looking to get that beach body you have always dreamed of, improving your health, fitness and quality of life then I can help you achieve these goals with guaranteed results,” he pledges.Professional personal trainers, high-tech exercise machines, boot camps and muay thai boxing along with a nutritional meal programme are part of challenging three-, five- and seven-day regimes. The private one-on-one VIP personal trainer sessions start with an early morning detox juice programme with weight-loss training, followed by fitness classes at a beach boot camp.

After a carefully-monitored healthy lunch, guests enjoy a 60-minute massage at the resort’s Infinite Luxury Spa.

Sundown classes in muay thai and cross fit exercises complete the daily personal training.

Additional workouts are also encouraged at Kata Rocks’ gym, which features the LFConnect app to navigate through PowerPlate resistance exercise stations and LifeFitness elliptical cross trainers, stationary bikes and running treadmills.

*Pictures from Kata Rocks.

Emirates spells out procedures for Thai travel

Emirates has announced that its services to and from Bangkok, Thailand continue to operate as normal, but asks passengers to allow extra journey time in getting to and from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport because traffic congestion is expected. 
 

Emirates counter area at Changi Airport in Singapore.

"Please visit the emirates.com website to check the status of your flight before departing for the airport," the airline said in an operational update on its website.
 
EK passengers and Skywards members who have tickets issued on or before 22 May 2014 to travel to and from Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT) and wish to re-book; request a re-issue; or cancel their tickets will have associated charges waived if they booked to travel between 22 and 29 May 2014, inclusive, said the airline.

The following applies for ticket changes:

Re-booking shall be made onto an available Emirates flight to the same destination for travel on/before 10th June 2014 and in the same booking class. This will be at no additional cost to the passenger and if required, the validity of the ticket may be extended.
 
Re-booking shall also be permitted for the return journey within a 10 day period after the original flight date in the same booking class and at no additional cost to the passenger provided the maximum stay requirement of the fare used is maintained. If required, the validity of the ticket may be extended.
 
However, only one free of charge change is permitted per ticket, and re-routing onto other airlines is not permitted.

The following options are available to passengers who wish to cancel their trips:
 
Fully unused tickets – A full refund may be offered.
Partially used tickets – Refund of the residual amount after deduction of the applicable one-way fare for the utilised portion. Alternatively the residual amount may be converted into an eMD* for future travel on Emirates, valid for one year from the date of issue.

Skywards Reward tickets - Skywards members who wish to refund their tickets (for travel booked between 22 May and 29 May 2014 inclusive) may do so without any cancellation charges. Expired Miles will be reinstated in the member's account.

Skywards reward tickets which are unutilised or partially utilised can be re-booked to the same destination in line with commercial ticket policy at no additional cost to the member. Service fees and difference in miles will be waived off.

The options outlined above are; however, not available to passengers travelling on tickets issued as a part of an inclusive tour by a tour operator or travel agent. Such passengers should be requested to contact their respective tour operator or travel agent for reissue or cancellation.
 
*eMD, or Electronic Miscellaneous Document, can be used to purchase additional travel or services from Emirates or can be exchanged for a refund at any Emirates office, but are only valid for a year from the date of issue and must be used or refunded within that period. According to the current statement, the eMDs issued may be used for future travel on Emirates valid for one year from date of issue.