H T MAGAZINE
Luxury Living and Exclusive Lifestyle
Editor’s Note
This month, HOT Magazine takes a very satisfying little journey through crowns, coastlines, and the increasingly persuasive argument that the best way to see Thailand may involve a beautifully designed train carriage and someone else handling the luggage.
We begin in Hua Hin, where Mister National Universe 2026 brought 15 nations together for an evening of style, confidence, cultural pride, and enough camera flashes to make sunglasses feel like formalwear. By the end of the night, the spotlight belonged to Jose Carlos Paras of Boracay Island, Philippines, who was crowned Mister National Universe 2026 amid applause, green confetti, and the kind of flag-draped triumph pageant dreams are made of.
Hua Hin, with its royal heritage and refined seaside charm, proved once again that it knows how to host an international moment without breaking a sweat. The evening was polished, emotional, and proudly global, with winners from the Philippines, Spain, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam forming a court that reflected the growing reach of the competition. Yet beyond the trophies, sashes, and perfectly timed stage lighting, what stood out most was the sense of community. Families, national directors, judges, sponsors, and crew were all brought into the celebration, reminding us that a crown may sit on one head, but it is never won alone.
working toward the Kingdom’s first premium tourist train network, and frankly, it sounds like the sort of journey where “Are we there yet?” would be entirely missing the point. With European rail technology, locally assembled carriages, and bespoke interiors crafted by Thai artisans, the concept is not simply about getting from one destination to another. It is about turning the journey itself into the occasion. Think Orient Express romance, Japan’s Shiki-shima-style precision, and Thai hospitality doing what it does best — making everything feel effortless, elegant, and just a little more memorable than strictly necessary.
And then there is Phuket, the Pearl of the Andaman, looking very pleased with itself — and frankly, it has every right to. In 2026, Phuket feels less like a simple beach escape and more like a complete luxury destination, with gastronomy, wellness, yachting, culture, private villas, heritage streets, and sunset viewpoints all working beautifully together. One can begin the morning in Old Town, spend the afternoon at sea, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and still end the next day barefoot on a beach with no agenda whatsoever. That, surely, is civilisation.
Three stories. Three very Thai expressions of modern luxury: celebration, slow travel, and the art of living well.
Enjoy the issue.
From pageant sparkle, we move to Thailand’s next great travel romance: luxury rail. Under a newly liberalized rail regime, the Transport Ministry and Minor International are
"Tanya” Nakawatjidapa Editor, HOT Magazine
H T MAGAZINE
Edited and published by Thai Luxury Living. Although all materials are published in good faith and based on information solicited to us at the time of publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions that may occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced in full or in part without the previous written consent of Thai Luxury Living. All materials copyright. All rights are reserved.
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DINE DELIGHT DISCOVER
Welcome to the culinary playground of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Sip on signature cocktails at BKK Social Club, crowned Asia’s number 1 spot by The World’s 50 Best Bars, or savour the flavours of Cantonese cuisine at Yu Ting Yuan. Dive into the Italian charm of Riva del Fiume or experience the Parisian chic of Palmier by Guillaume Galliot, where every bite is a work of art crafted with passion and precision.
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Drawn by Hua Hin’s cosmopolitan charm and ideal year-round golfing climate, an increasing number of discerning golfers are choosing to make Black Mountain their second or permanent home. We are now building luxurious new 4-bedroom
two-story course-side “Twinhouses” for just 19.9M Baht and 3 bedroom pool villas for 29.9M Baht, both accompanied by two lifetime golf club memberships, so there has never been a better time to sample the renowned Black Mountain lifestyle. Visit us to play a round, or even book into one of our luxury private pool Hotel Villas for a relaxing “Stay & Play” break.
We look forward to welcoming you here soon. More info at www.blackmountainhuahin.com
HOT AROUND BANGKOK
A Family Retreat at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok
With spacious accommodations, thoughtful children’s treats, and special access pricing for Jurassic World, The Athenee Hotel creates an elegant city escape for the whole family.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, is placing family travel at the heart of the city with its Family Retreat package, available from now until 31 December 2026. Designed for parents travelling with children, the offer pairs the hotel’s refined urban setting with generous family-friendly comforts and easy access to some of Bangkok’s most engaging attractions, including special pricing for Jurassic World: The Experience at Asiatique The Riverfront.
Set within one of Bangkok’s most distinguished luxury addresses, the package allows two adults and up to two children under the age of 16 to share their parents’ room, with an extra bed provided. Breakfast is included, and
late check-out until 15.00 is available subject to availability, giving families the welcome luxury of a slower departure. With starting rates from THB 8,489++, the experience is shaped for city breaks that feel both polished and practical.
For younger guests, the hotel has added a series of playful touches that make the stay feel personal. Afternoons bring a dedicated children’s Happy Hour from 15.00 to 17.00 at The View, the hotel’s poolside bar on the fourth floor, where complimentary ice cream and popcorn add a sense of holiday fun. During the day, a cupcake decoration activity offers a sweet creative moment, while bedtime milk and cookies bring the evening to a comforting close.
Parents, meanwhile, can enjoy the easy pleasure of a retreat where children are thoughtfully considered. Days can unfold around the hotel’s lagoon-style pool, relaxed dining experi-
ences, and the calm elegance for which The Athenee is known. The balance is carefully judged: enough activity to delight younger travellers, enough sophistication to ensure adults still feel they are enjoying a true luxury stay.
Adding to the appeal, the Family Retreat package includes access to a special ticket rate for Jurassic World: The Experience at Asiatique The Riverfront, priced at THB 1,319 and inclusive of a food package at the attraction’s Fossil & Flame restaurant. It creates a seamless day out for families seeking imagination, adventure, and an easy route back to the comfort of their hotel.
Elegant, central, and warmly considered, The Athenee’s Family Retreat offers a graceful reminder that luxury family travel is not only about where one stays, but how effortlessly every generation is made to feel at home.
HOT AROUND BANGKOK
Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn Opens a New Chapter of Japanese Hospitality in Thailand
The first Grand Nikko in Thailand has made its official debut in Sathorn, celebrated with a traditional Kagami Biraki ceremony symbolising good fortune, harmony, and success.
Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn has officially marked its arrival with a grand opening ceremony that blended Japanese tradition with Bangkok’s cosmopolitan sense of occasion. The launch was commemorated with Kagami Biraki, the symbolic breaking open of a sake barrel, a ritual long associated with prosperity, unity, and auspicious new beginnings.
The ceremony gathered distinguished representatives from Thailand and Japan’s public and private sectors, underscoring the significance of the hotel’s debut. Among the honoured guests were His Excellency Mr Masato Otaka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of
Thailand; Dr Lertluck Leelaruangsang, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration; Mr Toshihiro Ogita, President and Representative Director of Hotel Okura Co Ltd; Mr Harmen Dubbelaar, General Manager of Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn; and senior executives from Fuyo General Lease, Nishimatsu Construction, and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development.
The opening represents an important milestone for the Grand Nikko brand, as it expands beyond Japan for the first time and introduces its refined hospitality philosophy to Thailand. Located in Sathorn, one of Bangkok’s most prominent business and lifestyle districts, the hotel is positioned to serve both domestic and international travellers seeking an elevated urban stay with a distinctly Japanese sensibility.
At the heart of the property is omotenashi, the Japanese art of wholehearted hospitality. More than service, it is a philosophy of attentiveness, grace, and anticipation—where every detail is considered before it is requested. Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn brings this spirit to life through meticulous service, refined design, and thoughtful guest experiences designed to create a sense of calm within the city’s dynamic rhythm.
As the brand’s first international flagship, Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn strengthens Bangkok’s standing as one of Asia’s leading luxury travel and hospitality destinations. Its arrival adds a new layer to the capital’s hotel landscape: a sophisticated urban address where Japanese precision, warmth, and elegance meet the energy of modern Bangkok.
HOT AROUND BANGKOK
Crab Paradise Returns to The Market@5 at Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai
From June to August 2026, The Market@5 celebrates the pleasures of premium crab with a lavish seasonal showcase woven into its Grand Dinner Buffet and Splendid Sunday Brunch.
Seafood lovers have reason to return to Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai this season as The Market@5, the hotel’s international buffet restaurant, brings back “Crab Paradise” from June to August 2026. Set within one of Bangkok’s most dynamic dining addresses, the limited-time promotion transforms the restaurant’s generous buffet experience into a celebration of premium crab, contemporary culinary flair, and indulgent weekend dining.
Created by the hotel’s culinary team, “Crab Paradise” highlights the natural sweetness and versatility of crab through a series of refined dishes that move confidently across global influences. King Crab on Ice offers a clean, luxurious beginning, with firm, naturally sweet crab legs paired with
Thai seafood dipping sauce. The experience continues with King Crab Pasta, where freshly prepared pasta is tossed in a rich signature sauce and finished with generous pieces of succulent crab meat, while Kani Miso Donburi brings a Japanese accent through creamy crab miso, king crab, and salmon roe layered over rice.
The menu also embraces comforting creativity. Crab Crepe Gratin draws on French inspiration with creamy sauce, melted cheese, and delicate crab meat, while King Crab Quesadilla gives the promotion a contemporary Mexican twist. Soft-Shell Crab Futomaki and Avocado Roll add crisp texture and freshness, and King Crab and Sweet Corn Chowder delivers velvety warmth with every spoonful.
During the Grand Dinner Buffet, served every Saturday evening, guests may select one signature crab dish per person from Kani Miso Donburi, King Crab Pasta, or Crab Crepe Gratin, while
enjoying unlimited servings of other featured crab creations throughout the evening. The Splendid Sunday Brunch, offered on the first and fourth Sunday of each month, expands the experience into a relaxed four-hour weekend occasion, combining premium seafood with the restaurant’s wider international spread.
Beyond the crab showcase, The Market@5 continues to present its “Thai Street Food Reimagined” concept, blending global street food inspirations with Thai favourites, sushi and sashimi, teppanyaki, braised abalone noodles, signature crab curry, braised beef, and oven-fresh pizzas. With its lively food truck concept, stylish bar, handcrafted cocktails, and lavish dessert selection, “Crab Paradise” adds another delicious reason to gather, indulge, and savour Bangkok dining at its most generous.
HOT AROUND BANGKOK
Summer Palace Celebrates Grouper Season with Cantonese Finesse
From 1 August to 30 September 2026, InterContinental Bangkok’s acclaimed Cantonese restaurant presents a refined seafood festival dedicated to red and pearl grouper.
Summer Palace at InterContinental Bangkok has long been admired by devotees of Cantonese cuisine for bringing the authentic flavours of Hong Kong to the heart of the Thai capital. This August and September, the award-winning restaurant turns its attention to one of the sea’s most prized delicacies with a special Grouper Festival, celebrating red and pearl grouper through a menu designed for sharing, appreciation, and elegant seasonal dining.
In Cantonese cuisine, grouper holds a particularly cherished place. Its firm white flesh, gentle sweetness, and succulent texture make it ideally suited to both delicate preparations and more expressive sauces. At Summer Palace, the kitchen treats the ingredient with
the restraint and precision it deserves, allowing the fish’s natural character to remain at the centre of each dish while drawing out depth through classic Cantonese technique.
The festival begins with refined appetisers that set a graceful tone. Half-smoked grouper with osmanthus flower sauce offers a fragrant opening, balancing subtle smokiness with floral sweetness, while steamed grouper with egg white and Hua Diao wine brings a softer, silkier expression of the fish. Together, they reflect the elegance of Cantonese dining, where texture, aroma, and balance are as important as flavour.
The main courses move into richer territory, offering a generous range of preparations suited to family gatherings, business entertaining, and leisurely meals among friends. Poached whole grouper with pickled cabbage, Sichuan, and chilli sauce brings gentle heat and complexity, while braised grouper with
bean curd, tofu, crispy pork belly, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms layers the dish with savoury depth. Other highlights include deep-fried whole grouper with ginger, onion, and soy sauce, and whole grouper boiled in chicken stock with radish and Chinese celery—a comforting preparation that speaks to the soul of traditional Cantonese cooking.
The centrepiece is a whole grouper served two ways: wok-fried fillets with vegetables and steamed belly meat with black bean chilli sauce. It is a dish that captures the festival’s spirit beautifully—refined, generous, and deeply respectful of the ingredient.
The Grouper Festival Menu is available at Summer Palace from 1 August to 30 September 2026, for lunch from 11.30 to 14.30 and dinner from 18.00 to 22.30. Prices start from THB 1,288++ per dish.
HOT AROUND BANGKOK
K by Vicky Cheng Elevates the Weekend Brunch Above Bangkok
Launching 27 June 2026, the MICHELIN Selected rooftop destination introduces a refined monthly brunch of modern Cantonese signatures, unlimited dim sum, free-flow drinks, and live music.
Bangkok’s brunch scene gains a polished new skyline ritual with the debut of K’s Signature Brunch at K by Vicky Cheng, the MICHELIN Selected modern Cantonese restaurant perched on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire. Launching on Saturday, 27 June 2026, the new monthly experience brings together the elegance of Chinese dim sum culture with the relaxed sociability of a contemporary urban brunch, all framed by sweeping views across the capital.
Created through the culinary lens of celebrated Hong Kong-born chef Vicky Cheng, the brunch opens with a trio of welcome plates: Marinated Egg with Oscietra Caviar, Eggplant & Tomato Sal-
ad, and Salt & Pepper Tofu. From there, the experience moves into comforting soups, including Hot & Sour Soup with Crab Meat and Fish Maw, and a fragrant Coconut Chicken Soup, setting the tone for an afternoon of refined abundance.
At the heart of the brunch is an unlimited selection of dim sum and bites. Handmade Har Gao Shrimp Dumplings, Abalone Siu Mai, Spinach Crystal Dumplings, Char Siu Barbecue Pork Buns, and Salted Egg Custard Buns showcase the familiar pleasures of Cantonese craftsmanship, while crispy taro puffs with smoked duck, Mapo tofu spring rolls, pan-fried turnip cakes, and Ham Sui Gok with black pepper beef add texture, depth, and playful modernity. Additional unlimited dishes, including Sichuan chicken wings, stir-fried green beans with Chinese olive leaf and minced pork, and seasonal vegetables with ginger sauce and Sakura ebi, broaden the table with generous flavour.
For the main course, diners select one of K by Vicky Cheng’s signature dishes, from K’s Signature River Prawns and Stuffed Crab Shell with Chinese Olive Leaf & Garlic to the acclaimed Char Siu Barbecue Iberico Pork. A choice of rice or noodle bowls follows, before petite desserts such as Mango Pomelo Sago with Coconut Ice Cream, Mango Mochi, and Salted Egg Custard Bun bring the afternoon to a sweet close.
Live music from a singer and pianist at K’s Tea Bar adds a graceful social energy, while optional two-hour free-flow beverage packages include Prosecco, wines, cocktails, and, for the premium tier, Taittinger Champagne. K’s Signature Brunch is priced at THB 2,480++ per adult and THB 880++ for children aged 4–12, and will be staged on 27 June, 25 July, and 29 August 2026 from 11.30 to 15.00—an elevated monthly gathering where modern Cantonese dining meets Bangkok’s glittering skyline.
HOT AROUND BANGKOK
A Regional Thai Culinary Journey at Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Airport
Chon Som All Day Dining introduces a rotating dinner buffet that celebrates the flavours, traditions, and distinctive regional character of Thai cuisine.
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is bringing the richness of Thailand’s culinary landscape to the table with the launch of its Daily Rotation of Regional Specialties at Chon Som All Day Dining. Available as part of the International Dinner Buffet every Sunday through Thursday from June, the new dining experience offers travellers and local residents a flavourful journey across the Kingdom without leaving Bangkok’s eastern gateway.
The concept is rooted in Thailand’s extraordinary regional diversity, where each part of the country expresses its own identity through ingredients, technique, spice, and balance. Rather than presenting Thai cuisine as a single familiar category, Chon Som’s rotating programme gives each evening a clear
sense of place—moving from the refined comfort of the central plains to the bold energy of Isaan, the aromatic depth of the south, and the soulful traditions of the north.
Sunday begins in the Central Region, with beloved Thai classics such as Tom Yum River Prawn, Chicken Satay, and Pork Panang Curry—dishes that capture the harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours for which Thai cuisine is so admired. Monday shifts northward, highlighting the region’s distinctive warmth and depth through favourites including Khao Soi, Sai Oua, Nam Prik Noom, and Kaeng Hang Lay, each dish reflecting the character of Thailand’s mountain provinces.
On Tuesday, the spotlight turns to Northeastern Thailand, where Isaan’s vibrant flavours take centre stage. Som Tam, Larb Moo, Grilled Pork Neck, and traditional Isaan Sausage bring the region’s unmistakable combination of heat, herbs, smoke, and freshness to
the buffet. Wednesday continues the journey to Southern Thailand, a region known for its bold aromatics and intensity, with dishes such as Gai Golae, Kaeng Lueang, and Kua Kling offering a taste of the south’s richly layered culinary heritage.
Thursday concludes the weekly cycle with “Best of Thai,” a curated selection of guest-favourite dishes representing all four regions. Combined with Chon Som’s wider international buffet selection and relaxed all-day dining atmosphere, the rotation creates a rewarding dinner experience for those who appreciate both variety and authenticity.
For travellers in transit, nearby residents, or diners seeking a fresh way to explore Thai cuisine, the Daily Rotation of Regional Specialties offers a generous, accessible, and satisfying celebration of Thailand—one region, and one evening, at a time.
HOT AROUND BANGKOK
Bistro M Brings a Taste of Italy to Sukhumvit Park
From 1 July to 30 September 2026, Bistro M at Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok celebrates Italian comfort and conviviality with its seasonal “Gastro Italiano” menu.
Bistro M at Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok is inviting diners to savour the warmth and simplicity of Italian cooking with the launch of “Gastro Italiano,” a limited-time seasonal menu available from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Designed for sharing among family, friends, and colleagues, the menu brings together comforting classics and contemporary favourites in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of Bistro M & Bar.
Italian cuisine has long held its place as one of the world’s most beloved culinary traditions, admired for its honest flavours, quality ingredients, and ability to turn even a casual meal into a social occasion. At Bistro M, that spirit is expressed through a thoughtful se-
lection of dishes that feel familiar, satisfying, and generously composed—ideal for business lunches, family gatherings, easy evenings, or a leisurely meal with friends.
The experience begins with approachable antipasti and small plates made for the centre of the table. Mushroom Arancini offers crisp golden risotto balls filled with savoury mushroom notes, while Baked Mac and Cheese delivers creamy, comforting indulgence suited to diners of every age. For those who prefer to graze, the Antipasti Platter brings together Italian-inspired delicacies in a relaxed, shareable format.
Main courses lean into both coastal freshness and hearty comfort. Seabass Puttanesca channels the bold flavours of southern Italy, balancing fresh fish with the briny, aromatic character of a classic puttanesca preparation. Chicken Parmigiana brings a beloved favourite to the table, layered with rich tomato
sauce and melted cheese, while Fillet Mignon Penne Truffle offers a more indulgent expression, pairing tender premium beef with truffle-infused pasta for a dish that feels polished yet deeply satisfying.
To close, Granita Ice Cream offers a refreshing nod to one of Italy’s iconic frozen treats, bringing a light, cooling finish to the meal. Available daily from 11.00 to 23.00, with dishes starting from THB 250 net, “Gastro Italiano” adds an easygoing Italian rhythm to Sukhumvit Park—one built around flavour, comfort, and the simple pleasure of gathering well.
HOT AROUND HUA HIN
July Indulgence by the Sea at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
From Atlantic mussels and Italian-Thai flavours to caviar paired with Champagne, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa turns July into a month of refined coastal dining.
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is inviting guests and local residents to savour July by the sea with a trio of culinary experiences designed for relaxed indulgence, social dining, and elegant evening celebration. Set directly on Thailand’s gulf coast, the five-star resort brings together fresh seafood, international flavour, fine wines, and Champagne-led luxury across its signature dining venues.
Throughout the month, Big Fish & Bar presents “Atlantic Black Mussels Creations,” a beachside showcase of fresh black mussels sourced from the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Available from 1–31 July 2026, the promotion offers four distinctive mussel pot preparations inspired by global coastal kitchens. Diners can enjoy the
French classic moules marinière à la crème with white wine and herbs, a fragrant Vadouvan curry layered with warm spices, a Thai red curry with coconut milk served alongside crab fried rice, or a more contemporary pasta bowl enriched with spicy ’nduja butter. Served in the restaurant’s stylish seafront setting, each dish is priced at THB 1,095++ and available from 17.00 to 23.00.
On 24 July, Amber Kitchen welcomes the return of its popular “Italian-Thai Buffet,” a lively East-meets-West dining experience that pairs two beloved culinary cultures with premium Italian wines. The spread moves generously from homemade pizzas, freshly prepared pasta, imported cold cuts, and artisanal cheeses to Thai salads, stirfries, and curries. Priced at THB 1,399++ per person, the evening includes buffet dining and a curated selection of five Italian wine labels, served from 18.00 to 22.00.
The month reaches its most luxurious note on 30 July with the “Caviar & Bubbles Exclusive Dinner” at Big Fish & Bar. This refined five-course journey pairs four premium caviar varieties with sparkling wines and Champagne, beginning with an amuse-bouche trio and continuing through Huso caviar with cold-smoked Norwegian salmon tartare, Baerii caviar with snow fish fillet, and Kaluga caviar with Australian Black Angus tenderloin and king crab.
A dessert of Oscietra caviar with vanilla panna cotta, red currant, calamansi gel, and hazelnut tuile brings the evening to an elegant close.
Priced at THB 2,995++ per person, including five glasses of bubbly, the dinner offers a sparkling finale to a month devoted to the pleasures of coastal dining.
HOT AROUND PATTAYA
Alexander Lopez Takes the Helm at Meliá Pattaya Hotel
A seasoned hospitality leader with deep experience across Europe and Asia, Alexander Lopez brings a refined international perspective to Meliá’s 234room Pattaya address.
Meliá Pattaya Hotel has announced the appointment of Alexander Lopez as General Manager, marking a new chapter for the 234-room property in one of Thailand’s most energetic seaside destinations. Located in the heart of Pattaya, within easy reach of Bangkok, the hotel opened in February last year and continues to build its position as a contemporary urban-coastal retreat for both domestic and international travellers.
Of Swedish and Spanish heritage, Lopez arrives with substantial luxury hospitality experience across Europe and Asia, most recently serving for more than two years as General Manager of W Koh Samui. Prior to that, he held
senior leadership roles at W Maldives, where he joined as Resort Manager before stepping into the role of Interim General Manager. His appointment brings to Meliá Pattaya Hotel a leader who understands both the operational discipline of international hotel brands and the nuances of Thailand’s evolving luxury travel market.
Lopez’s hospitality journey began after studying Hotel and Hospitality Management at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, one of the industry’s most respected institutions. His career started at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel in 2009, before expanding through senior roles in Spain, Switzerland, China, the Maldives, and Thailand. His experience in the Kingdom spans more than a decade and includes key positions at W Koh Samui, Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort in Koh Samui, and The Westin
Siray Bay Resort & Spa in Phuket.
Beyond individual hotel leadership, Lopez has also contributed to wider brand and industry development through his participation in the W Hotels Global Brand GM Advisory Board and the Marriott International Rooms Advisory Board APEC. That blend of strategic brand insight, operational leadership, and regional familiarity positions him well to guide Meliá Pattaya Hotel through its next phase of growth.
For Meliá Hotels International, his appointment reflects confidence in Pattaya’s continued appeal as a destination for leisure, business, and lifestyle travel. With Lopez at the helm, Meliá Pattaya Hotel is set to further refine its guest experience, combining Spanish hospitality warmth with Thailand’s natural sense of welcome and the energy of a city that continues to evolve.
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Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Wins 2026 Signature Award
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has long stood apart as one of the capital’s most celebrated addresses. Set along the Chao Phraya River, the hotel is more than a place to stay; it is a living part of Bangkok’s story, a landmark where history, hospitality, dining, and riverside glamour come together with effortless grace. Its recognition with the 2026 Signature Award for Best Hotel Dining Destination: Bangkok feels both richly deserved and perfectly timed.
Opened in 1876 as The Oriental, the hotel has spent nearly 150 years welcoming royalty, writers, dignitaries, artists, and discerning travellers from around the world. Few hotels can claim such a deep connection to their city. From its early days as a riverside refuge for international visitors to its present position as one of Asia’s most iconic luxury hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has continually evolved while preserving the spirit that made it legendary.
Dining is central to that legacy. The hotel’s culinary offering is among the most refined and complete in Bangkok, with each venue presenting its own distinct mood and sense of occasion. Le Normandie by Anne-Sophie Pic brings world-class French fine dining to the river, combining elegance, precision, and creativity in one of the city’s most prestigious dining rooms. For Thai cuisine, Baan Phraya offers a beautifully considered interpretation of local flavours, while The China House channels the glamour of 1930s Shanghai with style and confidence.
The experience continues across the property, from the international appeal of Lord Jim’s to the timeless afternoon tea tradition of The Authors’ Lounge. Riverside Terrace captures the magic of Bangkok evenings beside the water, while Ciao Terrazza adds an Italian note to the hotel’s impressive culinary range. Across the river, venues such as Terrace Rim Naam and Sala Rim Naam further connect guests to Thailand’s cultural and dining traditions.
No mention of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok would be complete without The Bamboo Bar. Opened in 1953, it remains one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric cocktail and jazz destinations, a room where heritage, music, and old-world sophistication still feel wonderfully alive.
Receiving the 2026 Signature Award for Best Hotel Dining Destination: Bangkok affirms what generations of guests have already known. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is not simply a hotel with outstanding restaurants; it is a complete dining journey, one shaped by history, service, setting, and exceptional culinary craft. Elegant, enduring, and unmistakably Bangkok, it remains one of the city’s finest expressions of luxury hospitality.
Patrick Jacobs,
An Artist With A Lens
Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin, Thailand
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Discover Palm Avenue 4 & 5, an exclusive residential gem nestled in a tranquil location just a short 10-minute drive from Hua Hin`s vibrant center, a 3-minute drive to one of the most scenic championship golf courses in whole Asia, the Black Mountain Golf Course. With meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising quality, these exceptional residences offer an unrivaled lifestyle experience. Palm Avenue boats 7 distinct villa design, all energy efficient, featuring large, covered terraces, along with amenities that would expect in a development of this stature.
Thailand’s Next Great Journey
Thailand is preparing to transform one of its oldest travel assets into one of its most alluring new luxury experiences. Under a newly liberalized rail regime, the Transport Ministry and Minor International are working toward the Kingdom’s first premium tourist train network, a concept designed for discerning travellers who believe the journey should be every bit as memorable as the destination.
With European rail technology, locally assembled carriages, and bespoke interiors crafted by Thai artisans, the project is far more than a transport upgrade. It is a confident statement of intent. Thailand, already celebrated globally for hospitality, beaches, resorts, cuisine, and wellness, is now looking to compete in another rarefied arena: the art of slow, elegant travel.
The ambition places Thailand in distinguished company. Luxury rail has always carried a particular romance, recalling an era when travel was glamorous, unhurried, and beautifully dressed. No name embodies that spirit more than the Orient Express, the legendary service that once connected Paris with Istanbul and became a symbol of intrigue, sophistication, and cosmopolitan glamour. Its modern revival continues that legacy with curated dining, design-led cabins, and itineraries that feel less like transport and more like cinema in motion.
Japan offers another compelling benchmark. The Train Suite Shiki-shima presents a very different expression of rail luxury, one defined by precision, restraint, and exquisite detail. With elegant suites, observatory cars, refined dining, and deeply immersive scenic journeys, it is designed not to move passengers quickly, but to create an intimate and almost ceremonial travel experience. Like the Orient Express, it proves that true luxury on rails is not about speed; it is about curation.
Minor’s proposed Thailand concept appears to draw from both traditions while adding something distinctly local. According to reports, the company plans to import engineering expertise and blueprints from European partners, while handling assembly and interior craftsmanship domestically. That detail matters. It positions the train not as a copy of an overseas model, but as a showcase for Thai luxury, Thai artistry, and Thai hospitality in motion.
There is also smart business logic behind the glamour. Thailand has increasingly looked toward higher-yield tourism, attracting travellers who spend more on private services, exclusive experiences, fine dining, wellness, culture, and multi-day itineraries. A luxury train fits this ambition beautifully. It can connect destinations beyond the usual tourism circuits, encouraging guests to discover lesser-known regions while supporting local hotels, restaurants, markets, artisans, and cultural attractions along the route.
William E. "Bill" Heinecke Chairman Minor International
For Minor, the move feels especially natural. The group’s Anantara brand has already built a strong reputation for refined Asian luxury, and rail offers a new stage on which to extend that philosophy. The message is clear: luxury should be immersive, culturally rooted, beautifully serviced, and memorable from the moment the experience begins.
What makes the idea so compelling is how naturally it suits Thailand. This is a country that already understands service, atmosphere, design, cuisine, and the emotional side of travel. A luxury train is not an alien idea being imported wholesale from abroad; it is a fresh canvas for strengths Thailand has long possessed.
In a world where travellers increasingly seek stories, texture, and a sense of occasion, Thailand’s premium rail journey could become something far more meaningful than a new way to get from one place to another. Done well, it may prove that in Thailand, the ride itself can be the destination.
AI, The Intelligent Advantage
When ChatGPT appeared in late 2022, artificial intelligence moved from the specialist world of engineers, data scientists and technology companies into the hands of ordinary users. Almost overnight, people who had never written a line of code could ask an AI system to draft an email, translate a message, summarise a document, suggest a marketing idea or explain a complex subject in clear, simple language.
At first, much of the fascination was experimental. People asked it to write poems, plan holidays, create recipes or answer curious questions. Yet beneath the novelty was something far more significant. For the first time, artificial intelligence felt accessible. It was no longer an abstract technology hidden inside search engines, financial systems or large corporate platforms. It had become conversational, responsive and immediately useful.
In just a few short years, AI has evolved from a subject of curiosity into one of the most important business tools of the modern era. Today, it can help companies write, research, organise, translate, analyse, automate and communicate with remarkable speed. More importantly, it can help businesses of almost every size become more productive, more efficient and more client-focused.
That last point is essential. AI is not only for technology companies. It is not reserved for global corporations with large budgets and dedicated innovation teams. Used intelligently, it can support hotels, restaurants, real estate agencies, clinics, retailers, schools, law firms, consultants, manufacturers, tour operators and small family-run businesses. In many cases, the greatest benefits come not from dramatic reinvention, but from improving the everyday tasks that quietly consume time and energy.
Most businesses lose hours each week to repetitive work. Emails must be answered, enquiries sorted, customer questions repeated, reports prepared, staff instructions written, reviews monitored, documents summarised and follow-up messages sent. None of these tasks may seem especially large on their own, but together they create a constant drag on productivity. AI can help reduce that burden.
For a hotel or resort, AI can assist with guest communication before, during and after a stay. It can draft personalised pre-arrival messages, answer common questions, translate guest enquiries, summarise online reviews and identify recurring service issues. A manager can quickly see whether guests are praising the breakfast but complaining about check-in delays, or whether certain room types are receiving repeated comments. Instead of reading hundreds of reviews manually, the team can use AI to find patterns and act more quickly.
In restaurants and cafés, AI can support menu writing, staff training, social media captions, customer replies and promotional planning. It can help create descriptions that make dishes sound appealing without becoming exaggerated, generate ideas for seasonal offers, or prepare simple training guides for new team members. For owners who are already balancing suppliers, staff, bookings and customers, this kind of support can be quietly transformative.
Real estate is another natural fit. Property agencies can use AI to draft more polished listings, translate property descriptions for international buyers, organise buyer requirements, prepare follow-up emails and summarise market information. A villa, condominium or commercial property can be presented with greater clarity and consistency, while agents spend less time on routine writing and more time building relationships with serious clients.
For clinics, wellness centres and healthcare-adjacent businesses, AI can help explain services in plain language, prepare appointment reminders, answer frequently asked questions and support internal administration. Naturally, professional medical judgement must remain with qualified experts. But many client-facing tasks around education, scheduling and communication can be made smoother and more consistent.
Retail and e-commerce businesses can benefit in equally practical ways. AI can write product descriptions, suggest campaign themes, help segment customers, draft responses to common enquiries and summarise sales trends. A boutique selling fashion, homeware, jewellery or skincare can use AI to maintain a more polished digital presence without requiring a large marketing department.
Tourism operators can use AI to create sample itineraries, respond to enquiries in multiple languages, suggest package variations and prepare destination information. A travel company can offer faster, more personalised service, while still relying on human knowledge to refine recommendations and add the local insight that makes a journey memorable.
Professional services may be among the biggest beneficiaries. Accountants, lawyers, consultants, architects and agencies all handle large amounts of information. AI can summarise meeting notes, prepare first drafts, organise research, turn long documents into key points and help teams prepare client briefs. It does not replace expertise, but it can make expertise easier to apply.
Manufacturing, logistics and operational businesses can also gain from AI in less visible but highly valuable ways. It can assist with standard operating procedures, maintenance checklists, internal reports, supplier communication, inventory summaries and process analysis. In businesses where small delays and repeated mistakes have real financial consequences, improved organisation can make a measurable difference.
The greatest misconception about AI is that it is mainly about replacing people. In most well-run businesses, its better role is to support them. AI is most valuable when it removes low-value repetition, allowing people to focus on judgement, service, creativity, problem-solving and relationships. A receptionist who spends less time answering the same basic question can give more attention to the guest in front of them. A sales team that spends less time drafting routine follow-ups can spend more time understanding clients. A manager who receives clearer summaries can make decisions faster.
There are, of course, sensible limits. AI can make mistakes. It should not be trusted blindly with legal, medical, financial or sensitive information. Businesses need clear guidelines on privacy, accuracy and approval. The most successful companies will not simply hand work over to AI; they will use it thoughtfully, with human oversight and a clear understanding of where it adds value.
This is where the real opportunity lies. AI is not a single product to be purchased and forgotten. It is a new layer of capability that can be applied across many parts of a business. The first step is often to look carefully at how work is currently done. Where is time being lost? Which questions are asked repeatedly? Which documents take too long to prepare? Where do clients wait unnecessarily? Which tasks are important but constantly postponed?
The businesses that answer those questions honestly will be best placed to benefit. They may discover that AI can improve customer service, strengthen marketing, reduce admin, support staff training, organise information or reveal patterns that were previously hidden in plain sight.
AI is no longer a distant future. It is already present in the tools people use, the searches they make, the messages they write and the systems businesses rely on. The companies that thrive will not necessarily be the largest or the most technical. They will be the ones willing to use this new intelligence with clarity, discipline and imagination.
At its best, AI does not make business less human. It gives human qualities more room to shine. It helps teams respond faster, think more clearly and serve clients with greater consistency. In a competitive world, that may be one of the most elegant advantages of all.
Each High-Quality Villa Comes Standard With;
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» 10-meter-wide road
Highland Villas 3 Final Opportunity
With only 4 plots remaining, this established phase is now in its last chapter. For those who want to secure land in a proven community with a strong track record, Highland Villas 3 represents a rare, ready-now opportunity.
Highland Villas 4 New Release — Now Selling
Highland Villas 4 launched with 20 plots, thoughtfully planned for elegant villa living in a low-density setting. Plot sizes range from 566 m² to 993 m², with prices starting from 9.45 Million Baht.
Opportunity is narrowing at Highland Villas 4, with only 7 exclusive plots remaining on the market.
Let’s Go Phuket: The Pearl of the Andaman, Polished Anew
There are destinations that change by reinventing themselves entirely, and others that evolve by deepening what they have always done well. Phuket belongs to the latter. Thailand’s largest island has never lacked beauty: the sweep of the Andaman Sea, the soft theatre of sunset over Promthep Cape, the vivid streets of Old Phuket Town, the quiet coves that still reward those willing to wander beyond the familiar. Yet in 2026, Phuket feels newly assured,
less simply a beach escape and more a complete luxury destination, shaped by gastronomy, wellness, design, yachting, culture and a renewed appetite for meaningful travel.
Long celebrated as the “Pearl of the Andaman,” Phuket remains one of Thailand’s most magnetic holiday addresses. Its beaches are still the opening argument. Patong continues to draw those in search of energy, nightlife and
a sense of spectacle, while Kata, Karon and Nai Harn offer a softer rhythm. For travellers seeking more discretion, Kata Noi, Ao Sane, Freedom Beach and the cape-side pockets of Panwa retain the pleasure of discovery. The finest days here are often uncomplicated: a morning swim, a long lunch under palms, a late-afternoon drive toward a viewpoint where the sea turns silver and the sky begins its nightly performance.
What has changed is the sophistication surrounding that simplicity. Phuket’s luxury hospitality scene now extends far beyond the classic resort formula. Amanpuri, the original Aman, remains a landmark of quiet tropical elegance, while Trisara, Rosewood Phuket, Banyan Tree, The Surin and a growing collection of private villas continue to position the island for travellers who value privacy, space and highly personalised service. The modern
Phuket guest may arrive for the beach, but increasingly stays for the villa chef, the wellness programme, the yacht charter, the design-led suite, the curated cultural excursion and the sense of being looked after without intrusion.
Wellness, once treated as an attractive resort extra, has become central to the island’s appeal. Phuket now speaks fluently to travellers interested in longevity, movement, nutrition, recovery and
Let’s Go
emotional restoration. Spa pavilions, holistic retreats, Muay Thai training camps, yoga studios and medical-wellness clinics all contribute to a landscape where health is approached with both Thai grace and international polish. At its best, Phuket wellness is not severe or clinical; it is warm, sensuous and restorative, rooted in herbs, touch, sea air and the natural luxury of time.
The island’s culinary identity has also matured beautifully. Phuket was recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy in 2015, and that honour feels increasingly deserved. Its food culture is distinctive, shaped by Thai, Hokkien Chinese, Malay and Peranakan influences. In Old Town, the pleasure lies in moving between restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés, family-run restaurants and heritage kitchens where recipes carry generations of memory. Dishes such as moo hong, Hokkien mee, khanom jeen with crab curry, fresh seafood and southern-style curries give Phuket a flavour unlike anywhere else in Thailand.
Fine dining has added another layer. PRU at Trisara, Phuket’s Michelin-starred restaurant, continues to champion local ingredients through a refined, deeply considered lens, while its farm-driven philosophy reflects a broader movement toward sustainability and regional provenance. Elsewhere, restaurants such as One Chun, Raya and Blue Elephant Phuket keep heritage cooking firmly in view. The result is a dining scene that can move elegantly from a white-tablecloth tasting menu to a deeply satisfying plate of local noodles, without either experience feeling less essential than the other.
Old Phuket Town remains one of the island’s most atmospheric pleasures. Built on the wealth of the tin-mining era, its narrow streets are lined with pastel shophouses, carved doors, tiled floors and graceful arcades. Thalang, Dibuk, Krabi and Phang Nga roads reward slow exploration, particularly in the morning before the heat gathers or in the evening when cafés, galleries and boutiques begin to glow. This is where Phuket’s multicultural history is most visible, not as a museum piece, but as a living neighbourhood of food, commerce, worship and design.
For those drawn to culture and spirituality, the island’s landmarks remain compelling. The Big Buddha, seated high in the hills, offers one of Phuket’s most memorable panoramas, looking across Chalong Bay and the island’s green interior. Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most revered temple, remains a place of colour, devotion and intricate craftsmanship. Viewpoints such as Promthep Cape, Windmill Viewpoint and Khao Rang remind visitors that Phuket is not merely a coastline, but a landscape of hills, bays and shifting perspectives.
Beyond land, Phuket’s marine life is again part of its growing prestige. The Thailand International Boat Show returned to Phuket Yacht Haven Marina in January 2026, underscoring the island’s role as a serious yachting hub in Asia. From Phuket, the Andaman opens generously: Phang Nga Bay with its limestone karsts, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi with their slower island rhythm, the Racha Islands for clear-water day trips, and, in season, the Similan and Surin Islands for some of Thailand’s most celebrated diving and snorkelling.
Phuket is not without its pressures. Its popularity brings traffic, development and the constant challenge of balancing growth with preservation. Yet the best version of Phuket is increasingly conscious of this balance. Luxury travellers are looking for experiences that feel beautiful and responsible: resorts with thoughtful environmental practices, chefs who support local growers, guides who understand the island’s heritage, and itineraries that move beyond consumption toward appreciation.
The best time to visit remains broadly November to April, when the Andaman is calmer and the skies are at their clearest. The green season, from May to October, brings more rain but also softer prices, fewer crowds and a lusher, more contemplative island. For many seasoned travellers, this quieter Phuket has its own elegance.
More than ever, Phuket rewards discernment. It can still be lively, glamorous and indulgent, but it can also be serene, cultured and deeply restorative. Its enduring charm lies in that range. Here, one can spend the morning in a temple, the afternoon at sea, the evening over a Michelin-starred dinner, and the next day barefoot on a beach with no particular agenda at all. The Pearl of the Andaman has not lost its shine. It has simply learned to reflect the light in more interesting ways.
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Mister National Universe 2026
A crown for Boracay Island Philippines
On 22 June 2026, Hua Hin once again became an international stage for style, culture, and modern male pageantry, as the eighth edition of Mister National Universe reached its grand finale. With 15 nations represented, and broadcast globally, the evening brought together contestants, national directors, judges, sponsors, families, and supporters in
a celebration that was as much about international friendship as it was about the crowning of a new titleholder.
By the end of the night, the spotlight belonged to Jose Carlos Paras of Boracay Island, Philippines, who was crowned Mister National Universe 2026 amid applause, camera flashes, and a
joyful burst of green confetti. Draped in the Philippine flag, trophy in hand and sash across his chest, Paras stood beneath the lights as the newest face of a pageant that continues to build its reputation across Asia and beyond.
The setting added its own quiet distinction. Hua Hin, long admired for its
royal heritage, refined resort culture, and relaxed coastal charm, provided an ideal backdrop for an event built around presentation, hospitality, and global connection. For a competition that blends glamour with purpose, the city offered the right balance of elegance and warmth.
This year’s field reflected the growing prestige of Mister National Universe. Alongside Paras, a distinguished International Royal Court was named, highlighting the strength and diversity of the contestants. Eduardo Hernandez of Spain was awarded the title of Mister National World 2026, while Arin Nilan Singh Kyalad of Laos became Mister
National Globe 2026. John Palo Dakras of the Philippines was crowned Mister National Earth 2026, Chonrai Sinuap of Thailand received the title of Mister National Intercontinental 2026, and Du Gia Hung of Vietnam was named Mister National Global Ambassador 2026.
Together, the winners formed a court that spoke to the pageant’s widening international presence. From the Philippines and Vietnam to Spain, Laos, and Thailand, the final lineup reflected not only physical poise and stage confidence, but also the spirit of cultural pride and friendship that has become central to the Mister National Universe identity.
The finale carried the polish and visual drama expected of an international competition. Contestants appeared in formal black and deep green, standing beneath dramatic stage lighting and the illuminated Mister National Universe monogram. The production moved with ceremony, from the crowning sequence to the formal photographs that followed, each moment carefully framed for an audience that had come to witness both competition and celebration.
The stage became a tableau of pageantry at its most cinematic: trophies catching the light, sashes arranged with precision, flags unfurled in triumph, and finalists standing shoulder to shoulder in shared recognition. At the centre of it all, Paras carried the composure of a newly crowned titleholder, accepting the applause with grace while surrounded by the men who had shared the journey with him.
Yet some of the evening’s most memorable scenes came after the crown had been placed. As the formal results gave way to a warm victory lap, the atmosphere softened into something more personal. National directors were called to the stage one by one, including representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, Portugal, Spain, and the Philippines, each joining their contestants for photographs and congratulations. Families stepped forward, supporters cheered, and the cameras captured not only the winners, but the wider network of people who make international pageantry possible.
The judges, sponsors, staff, and crew were also invited into the spotlight, a thoughtful gesture that gave the evening a genuine sense of gratitude. Pageants of this scale are built through months of coordination, travel, preparation, and quiet work behind the scenes. By bringing these contributors onto the stage, the finale acknowledged that a crown is never won in isolation. It is supported by mentors, directors, organizers, partners, and communities who believe in the young men representing their nations.
That sense of community is part of what distinguishes Mister National Universe from a conventional beauty contest. While appearance and presentation remain part of the pageant tradition, the modern male pageant has evolved into a broader platform for confidence, discipline, communication, cultural pride, and personal development. The titles awarded on the night are not merely decorative. They carry the expectation that each winner will serve as an ambassador, representing not only the pageant brand, but also the values of respect, leadership, and international goodwill.
For Jose Carlos Paras, the victory was both personal and symbolic. Representing Boracay Island, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated destinations, he brought to the stage the confidence of a competitor and the warmth of a cultural ambassador. His win was met with enthusiastic support from the Filipino contingent in attendance, whose cheers helped turn the crowning into one of the evening’s most emotional moments.
The presence of two Philippine titleholders in the final royal court, with Paras taking the top crown and John Palo Dakras named Mister National Earth 2026, made the evening particularly meaningful for the Philippines. It was a strong showing for a country with a deep and passionate pageant culture, and one that further affirmed its influence within the international pageant world.
Thailand also enjoyed a proud moment as host nation, with Chonrai Sinuap earning the title of Mister National Intercontinental 2026. His placement gave the Hua Hin audience a home representative to celebrate, while reinforcing Thailand’s role as a gracious stage for international pageantry, lifestyle events, and cultural exchange.
Under the continued vision of Mister National Universe founder Lalinlalinphatara “Tanya” Nakawatjidapa, the competition has grown into a platform that celebrates more than polished presentation. It champions international brotherhood, cultural understanding, and the belief that visibility can be used as a force for positive influence. In Hua Hin, that mission was evident not only in the final results, but in the camaraderie on stage and the warmth shared among contestants long after the competition had ended.
As the final photographs were taken and the lights began to soften, the image that remained was one of achievement and connection: Jose Carlos Paras standing tall beneath the glow of the stage, wrapped in his nation’s flag, surrounded by fellow winners, organizers, and supporters from around the world.
Mister National Universe 2026 was more than a crowning. It was a celebration of character, culture, and international elegance, staged in one of Thailand’s most beloved coastal cities. On this memorable night in Hua Hin, Boracay carried the crown, the Philippines carried the cheers, and Mister National Universe continued its journey as one of the region’s most compelling celebrations of modern male pageantry.
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M/Y Panakeia
There are yachts designed simply to move through the water, and then there are yachts created to become a private world of their own. M/Y Panakeia belongs firmly to the latter category. At 45.5 metres, this elegant tri-deck motor yacht offers the rare combination of generous volume, contemporary design, refined service, and true destination flexibility. Available exclusively for private charter, she follows the seasons across three remarkable cruising regions: Phuket and Southeast Asia from December through April, the Mediterranean from May through September, and the United Arab Emirates from October through December.
Panakeia represents the modern charter ideal: expansive, discreet, sophisticated, and deeply experiential. She is not a yacht for sale, nor is she presented as a trophy object waiting for a new owner. She is a yacht created to be lived aboard, enjoyed, and remembered, whether at anchor beneath the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, cruising between the storied harbours of the Mediterranean, or set against the striking skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
YACHT OF THE M NTH
Built by Astondoa in 2008 and refit in 2025, Panakeia carries herself with quiet confidence. Her design is defined by proportion and presence, with multiple exterior levels arranged for seamless outdoor living. The yacht’s profile is substantial yet composed, offering the kind of space that transforms a charter from a simple holiday into a complete private retreat at sea.
Her exterior decks are among her greatest strengths. The elevated sun deck features a Jacuzzi and bar, creating a natural gathering point for long afternoons, sunset cocktails, and open-air entertaining. Shaded aft deck spaces allow for more intimate moments, while open-air dining areas place guests in constant dialogue with the horizon. At water level, the beach club provides direct access to the sea, turning the ocean itself into an extension of the yacht’s living space.
Inside, Panakeia favours balance over excess. Her interiors are contemporary, calm, and architectural, with clean lines, soft textures, and a restrained palette that allows natural light and sea views to take precedence. Expansive glazing enhances the sense of volume, while the interior arrangement creates a natural flow between social areas and private spaces. The result is understated rather than ostentatious, an atmosphere of comfort, discretion, and polished ease.
Accommodation is provided for up to 11 guests across five cabins, supported by a professional crew of 10. The full-beam master suite offers generous proportions, a walk-in wardrobe, owner’s study, and an ensuite bathroom with bathtub, creating a private sanctuary for the principal charter guest. The additional guest cabins, configured as four doubles and one twin with Pullman bed, provide flexibility for families or groups of friends, each with ensuite facilities, individual climate control, and in-cabin entertainment systems.
Life aboard Panakeia is shaped by attentive hospitality. Her crew brings together international experience and regional knowledge, an especially valuable combination for guests exploring Thailand, the Mediterranean, or the Arabian Gulf. Whether arranging a relaxed morning on deck, a bespoke dining experience, or a day of water activities, the service philosophy is discreet, composed, and highly personal.
Dining is an important part of the onboard experience. Menus can be tailored to guest preferences, drawing inspiration from each destination while accommodating individual tastes and dietary requirements. Panakeia’s wine cellar, with more than 200 wines and champagnes, adds another layer of refinement, allowing formal dinners, relaxed lunches, and celebratory evenings to be paired with thoughtful precision.
For guests who come to the sea for activity as much as relaxation, Panakeia is extensively equipped. Her water toys include a Castoldi jet tender, two Seadoo personal watercraft, Syfly e-foils, Robosea Seaflyer sea scooters, paddle boards, kayaks, water ski equipment, fishing rods, snorkelling gear, and scuba diving equipment. The yacht’s swim platform makes access to the water effortless, supporting everything from high-energy watersports to quiet coastal exploration.
Her technical capability supports serious cruising as well as leisurely island hopping. With a range of 4,000 nautical miles, zero-speed stabilizers, Starlink yacht-wide Wi-Fi, advanced cybersecurity measures, air conditioning, and an elevator serving the lower, main, and upper decks, Panakeia combines comfort with practical sophistication. Cruising at 12 knots and reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots, she is designed for composed passage-making rather than hurried movement.
From December through April, Phuket provides Panakeia with an exceptional seasonal base. From here, she can explore the Andaman Sea’s most compelling landscapes: dramatic limestone formations, protected island archipelagos, tranquil anchorages, and culturally rich coastlines. Itineraries can be shaped around Thailand, Malaysia, and surrounding destinations, offering guests the chance to combine barefoot tropical escape with the polish of a full-service private yacht.
From May through September, the Mediterranean offers a different rhythm. Refined ports, historic harbours, secluded bays, and iconic coastal landscapes create a charter environment suited to both social itineraries and deeply private escapes. Long summer evenings, sunlit coastlines, and celebrated yachting destinations give Panakeia a natural
stage for European cruising at its most elegant.
From October through December, Panakeia turns toward the United Arab Emirates, where modern elegance meets the open horizon. Cruising the Arabian Gulf, she offers guests access to a distinctive seasonal charter experience framed by the dramatic skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, contemporary marinas, warm waters, and a sense of cosmopolitan occasion. It is a fitting third chapter in her annual calendar, extending her appeal beyond traditional cruising grounds into one of the world’s most dynamic luxury destinations.
Panakeia’s appeal lies in the way she balances space, service, and setting. She is large enough to offer genuine privacy, expansive deck living, and an impressive range of amenities, yet her atmosphere remains intimate and composed. Every element, from the sun deck Jacuzzi to the beach club, from the master suite to the wine cellar, has been considered in service of a charter experience that feels effortless.
As a Yacht of the Month, Panakeia is not simply a study in specifications. She is an invitation to live differently for a time: to wake in a quiet bay, dine beneath an open sky, move from deck to sea in a few unhurried steps, and discover three extraordinary regions from the privileged perspective of a private yacht. Whether wintering in Phuket, summering in the Mediterranean, or cruising the United Arab Emirates in the final months of the year, Panakeia offers a world apart, shaped by space, elegance, and the freedom of life at sea.
For bespoke charter arrangements and further details, please contact Panakeia directly.
+44 7770 872185
nigel@panakeiayacht.com
Women Lighting the Path: Cartier’s 20th Anniversary Initiative in Bangkok
Bangkok has long understood the language of ceremony. It is a city where heritage and modernity meet with effortless drama, where gilded temples rise beside glass towers, and where hospitality is not simply offered, but performed with grace. In June 2026, that rare combination of elegance, energy and reinvention made Thailand’s capital a fitting stage for one of the most significant women’s leadership gatherings held in the country this year: the 20th anniversary celebration of the Cartier Women’s Initiative.
Founded in 2006, the Cartier Women’s Initiative has become one of the world’s most respected platforms for women entrepreneurs whose businesses create measurable social or environmental impact. Over two decades, the programme has supported 360 women entrepreneurs from 67 countries, awarding approximately US$16 million, or around THB 590 million, in grants while building a global fellowship of founders, mentors, investors and changemakers.
Unlike many luxury-brand awards, the Cartier Women’s Initiative is not centred on fashion, jewellery or celebrity achievement. Its focus is more purposeful: identifying women whose companies address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to healthcare access, education, disability inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. It is philanthropy with discipline, elegance with intent.
For its 20th anniversary, Cartier chose Bangkok not merely as a glamorous host city, but as a symbol of entrepreneurial momentum. Thailand’s start-up and innovation landscape has grown increasingly dynamic, while Cartier Thailand had already established a women’s entrepreneurship programme in partnership with Chulalongkorn University. The city’s own character, defined by reinvention, creativity and cultural confidence, made it a natural home for an anniversary built around progress.
The main awards ceremony took place at Chulalongkorn University, drawing approximately 700 guests for an evening that was formal, celebratory and deeply international in spirit. Yet this was not a traditional awards dinner. Rather, it was the culmination of several days of programming that included Cartier Dialogues discussions, cocktail receptions, networking events, entrepreneur showcases, speeches and formal awards presentations. Guests and executives were also hosted across Bangkok’s luxury hospitality landscape, including the newly reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok, placing the event within a wider portrait of the city as both cultural capital and refined destination.
The presence of Amal Clooney brought unmistakable international attention. The human rights lawyer, author and advocate presented the top awards and delivered a keynote address, lending the evening both star power and intellectual authority. She was joined by notable figures including Cyrille Vigneron, Kiyo Taga-Witkin, Ramla Ali and Yanina Novitskaya, each contributing to a programme that positioned women’s entrepreneurship as a subject not of niche interest, but of global importance.
Thirty female entrepreneurs were honoured during the 2026 edition, sharing US$1.9 million, or approximately THB 70 million, in grants. Among the most publicised winners was Angela Ursem, founder of Food for Skin, a Dutch sustainable skincare company focused on plant-based products and low-impact production. Keely Cat-Wells, founder of Making Space, was recognised for her work helping organisations recruit, train and retain disabled professionals. Monika Shukla, founder of Humble Bee, was honoured for a business that helps women in rural India increase income through beekeeping while supporting biodiversity.
Their fields may differ, but the spirit connecting them is unmistakable. Each founder represents a refined new expression of enterprise: commercially aware, socially conscious and grounded in practical solutions. In the world Cartier has chosen to champion, success is not measured solely by growth or visibility, but by the elegance of solving meaningful problems well.
That philosophy has given the Cartier Women’s Initiative a prestige beyond the evening itself. Its alumni network includes figures who have gone on to global recognition, including Halla Tómasdóttir, a past laureate who later became President of Iceland, and Kresse Wesling, founder of Elvis & Kresse, the British luxury accessories company known for transforming reclaimed materials into desirable objects while donating significant profits to charity.
Such stories give the initiative its lasting power. Cartier, a maison synonymous with craftsmanship, heritage and enduring beauty, has extended those values into the realm of social impact. Just as a fine jewel is shaped through patience, precision and vision, the entrepreneurs celebrated by the initiative are building businesses designed to last, to serve and to improve the world around them.
For Thailand, hosting the 20th anniversary carried particular significance. The gathering brought together entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, luxury-industry leaders and international media, positioning Bangkok alongside previous global host cities and reinforcing its growing role as a hub for luxury, innovation and purposeful leadership in Asia.
It also offered a more contemporary definition of luxury. In this setting, luxury was not simply a question of opulence, although the atmosphere was certainly polished. It was access to ideas, to influence, to a global conversation about responsibility and enterprise. It was the privilege of gathering brilliant women from around the world and giving their work the stage, funding and recognition it deserves.
As the evening unfolded at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok became more than a backdrop. It became part of the message: a city of movement, ambition and possibility, hosting a celebration of women who are not waiting for the future to arrive, but building it with intelligence, courage and grace.
After 20 years, the Cartier Women’s Initiative remains a powerful reminder that true prestige is not only found in what endures, but in what enables others to rise. In Bangkok, Cartier honoured not just achievement, but momentum, and in doing so illuminated a path that feels both beautifully refined and profoundly necessary.
ZENSIRI LAKESIDE
Mabprachan
Zensiri is an established property developer known for delivering distinctive residential communities in Pattaya and Koh Chang. With a commitment to design, quality, and longterm value, the group has completed more than 300 pool villas and condominiums across nine signature projects. Each development blends elegant architecture with practical comfort, creating exceptional homes that stand the test of time. Whether by the lake, in the heart of the city, or beside the beach, Zensiri continues to shape communities that reflect modern lifestyles while embracing natural surroundings.
ZENSIRI RESIDENCES JOMTIEN
Central Jomtien
126 Condos / 2 Low Rise Buildings ZENSIRI VILLAS
ZENSIRI ESTATE JOMTIEN
Central Jomtien
26 Pool Villas
HUA HIN'S HOTTEST NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Winner Pool Villa Hua Hin
Modern Winner Pool Villas in tranquil Thap Tai, Hua Hin. Single-story elegance with seamless indoor-outdoor living, large swimming pool, and two-car garage. Luxury redefined.
Aria 3
New phase launch: Aria 3 Hua Hin Villas. Award-winning luxury meets affordability. Private pool villas crafted by acclaimed builders. Experience premium living with impeccable design and quality.
Luxury Hua Hin
Reduced from 21.6M. Single-story luxury villa in exclusive Botanica Hua Hin. Three spacious bedrooms, private pool, and seamless indoor-outdoor living on 500sqm plot. Only 31 units available.
Eden Luxe
Sustainable luxury at Eeden Luxe Hua Hin. Modern single-story villas with private pools, solar panels, and outdoor kitchens. Exclusive 30-villa community blending indoor-outdoor living.
The Clouds Luxurious 244 sqm villa in prestigious The Clouds Hua Hin 3. Spacious 3-bed paradise on 728 sqm plot with freehold ownership. Serene location, modern design. Your Thai luxury awaits.
La Felice villa in Hua Hin featuring seamless indoor-outdoor living, private pool, landscaped gardens and close to town. Modern tropical luxury awaits.
HUA HIN'S HOTTEST NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Baan Phu Thara Mountainside
Eco-luxury mountainside pool villas at Baan Phu Thara. Sustainable living with solar power and premium design & construction, just minutes from Hua Hin’s international school, and the Black Mountain golf course.
Luxurious 3-bedroom tropical villas in heart of Hua Hin, just 2.6km from beach. Spacious 407sqm retreats with private pools on generous plots. Perfect retirement or holiday paradise.
The Mountain Estate
The Mountain Estate sets a new benchmark for luxury living in Hua Hin. Each villa is meticulously crafted with premium materials and finishes, offering spacious living areas that flow seamlessly into private outdoor spaces. With a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable design, the homes incorporate cutting-edge technology and thoughtful details that enhance your daily living experience.
Detail Khao Tao
AQUILA 42 YACHT
HOME
REAL ESTATE
HOME OF THE MONTH
Oceanfront Privilege in Laem Sor, Koh Samui
LIVING AREA: 1,013.7 M 2
LAND AREA: 2,277.6 M 2
BEDROOMS: 6
BATHROOMS: 7
197,500,000 THB
A rare Koh Samui beachfront estate where 96 metres of absolute ocean frontage, sunset views, and private resort living meet in quiet harmony.
On Koh Samui’s tranquil southern coastline, Laem Sor has always offered a different kind of island luxury. It is calmer, more private, and more elemental than the island’s busier resort enclaves, defined by open water, soft horizons, and the slow theatre of sunset. This exceptional six-bedroom beachfront estate captures that spirit with remarkable clarity, occupying 2,277.6 sqm of prime land with an extraordinary 96 metres of absolute ocean frontage.
The first impression is one of space and stillness. Here, the sea is not a distant glimpse or a framed view; it is the defining presence of the property. The landscaped terrace gardens lead directly to the beach, creating a rare continuity between home, garden, sand, and water. With close-up sea, sunset, and island views, the estate feels deeply connected to its setting, yet entirely private. Close to Thong Krut town, it offers the convenience of nearby local life while preserving the atmosphere of a secluded coastal sanctuary.
The villa has been designed around one of tropical living’s greatest pleasures: natural airflow. Rather than separating interior spaces from the landscape, the architecture invites the ocean breeze to move through the home, creating an atmosphere that feels light, fresh, and relaxed. Expansive openings draw the eye outward, allowing the living areas to flow effortlessly toward the sea.
With a built-up area of 1,013.79 sqm, the villa has the scale of a private resort, yet its layout remains elegant and composed. The openplan living room, dining terrace, and fully equipped kitchen form the social heart of the home, arranged to encourage ease rather than formality. A separate pantry adds discreet practicality, keeping the main kitchen refined and uncluttered.
There is also a quiet intelligence in the way the property supports daily life. A three-person elevator provides convenient movement through the residence, while extensive storage areas, a double garage, triple covered parking, fibre optic Wi-Fi, a diesel backup generator, and a deep well with filtration system create a level of self-sufficiency that is especially valuable in a substantial beachfront estate. These are not decorative luxuries; they are the foundations of effortless ownership.
The villa’s interiors are shaped by light, air, and the rhythm of the sea. Six air-conditioned bedrooms provide generous accommodation, each with its own ensuite bathroom, creating privacy and comfort for family and guests alike. One bathroom includes a bathtub, adding a more indulgent note to the private quarters, while an additional guest bathroom brings the total to seven.
The design avoids unnecessary excess, allowing the setting to remain the star. The luxury here is not only in finishes or scale, but in the way each space appears to breathe. Living areas open outward, dining becomes a sea-facing ritual, and the kitchen is positioned not as a hidden service zone but as part of the home’s relaxed coastal rhythm. It is a residence made for long stays, unhurried mornings, and evenings that begin with the sound of waves and end beneath a darkening sky.
The sea-facing dining terrace is especially compelling. It suggests a lifestyle where meals are not simply served, but experienced: breakfast in the soft morning light, long lunches cooled by ocean air, and sunset dinners with the horizon shifting through gold, rose, and deep blue. This is island living with refinement, but without stiffness.
The outdoor spaces are where the estate becomes truly arresting. A 20m x 4m infinity saltwater swimming pool extends toward the horizon, visually drawing the water of the villa into the water of the sea. It is a powerful design gesture, but also a deeply pleasurable one: a place for quiet laps, afternoon floating, or simply watching the ocean and pool merge in the tropical light.
Beyond the pool, terrace gardens step gently toward the beach, creating layers of leisure and privacy. A dedicated beachfront lounge area sits at the edge of the estate, offering uninterrupted sea views and the soothing rhythm of the waves. It is easy to imagine this becoming the home’s most cherished place: a shaded retreat for reading, conversation, sunset cocktails, or silent contemplation.
In a market where true beachfront land is increasingly rare, 96 metres of absolute ocean frontage carries a significance beyond beauty. It gives the estate presence, permanence, and a sense of legacy. This is not merely a villa by the sea; it is a private coastal domain, crafted for those who understand that the greatest luxury is often space, privacy, and direct contact with nature.
On Koh Samui’s peaceful southern shore, this Laem Sor estate offers an exceptional balance of scale, seclusion, and oceanfront drama. It is a sanctuary in the fullest sense—sunlit, serene, and deeply connected to the water it faces.
Viewings are by appointment only. For further details or to arrange a private viewing, please visit https:// thailuxuryliving.com, with reference LAZ208713, or contact us directly at +66 (0)84 387 5699 or info@thailuxuryliving. com.
