Skip to main content

HOT Magazine, Issue 9, Volume 14

Page 1

ISSUE 9 VOL 14. AUGUST 2026

H

T MAGAZINE

Luxury Living and Exclusive Lifestyle

THAILAND PROPERTY AWARDS 2026

A CONVERSATION WITH NICK DOWNING

ANNE-SOPHIE PIC AT LE NORMANDIE

CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL


Editor’s Note This month, HOT Magazine finds itself contemplating three highly sensible questions: where to sleep in Bangkok, where to live in Thailand, and how quickly one can justify buying a yacht after wandering around Cannes for an afternoon. As lifestyle dilemmas go, we accept they are not universally tragic. We begin in Bangkok, which has been having one of those moments that makes the rest of the world sit up rather straighter. The 2026 edition of The 50 Best Hotels placed Capella Bangkok second in the world, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River third, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok tenth, and Aman Nai Lert Bangkok at number 48. That is four Bangkok properties in the global top 50, two of them in the top three, which is the hospitality equivalent of politely clearing one’s throat before taking over the room. What makes it especially pleasing is that Bangkok has not achieved this through one version of luxury. There is riverside intimacy at Capella, expansive resort calm at Four Seasons, legendary occasion at the 150 year old Mandarin Oriental, and leafy seclusion at Aman Nai Lert. The city is not simply collecting trophies; it is proving that exceptional hospitality can have many personalities, provided the service is gracious, the setting is memorable, and someone has thought very carefully about where you will drink your coffee.

H

T MAGAZINE

Finally, we head to the Cannes Yachting Festival, where 700 boats made a persuasive argument for spending more time at sea and considerably less time pretending to enjoy traffic. This year’s mood was not only about gleaming hulls and grand entrances, but about how a yacht actually feels to live on: terraces that become beach clubs, saloons that open to the breeze, solar panels, hybrid cruising, slow itineraries and the radical idea that lunch should taste better when prepared somewhere between Sardinia and a perfect anchorage. So there it is: Bangkok at the top, Thailand building with purpose, and Cannes reminding us that freedom is best enjoyed with a sea view and, ideally, someone else handling the mooring lines. Enjoy the issue.

"Tanya” Nakawatjidapa Editor, HOT Magazine

GET IN TOUCH

OUR TEAM

Edited and published by Thai Luxury

Contact us to find out how to get

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Living. Although all materials are published

the most for your advertising baht:

Michael Sushko

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.

sales@thailuxuryliving.com +66 (0)84 387 5699

info@thailuxuryliving.com

www.hotmagazine.website Follow us on Facebook for more photos & upcoming events: facebook.com/

HOTMagazineThailand

4

From hotels, we move to homes, where the 21st PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards offered a rather compelling snapshot of how people now want to live. Wellness, branded residences, multigenerational living, resort communities and design with a genuine sense of place all took their turn in the spotlight. Sansiri, AP Thailand, Proud Real Estate and a long list of developers from Bangkok to Phuket, Hua Hin and beyond reminded us that modern luxury is no longer just about square metres and marble. Although, let’s be honest, nobody has ever stormed out because there was too much marble.

HOT MAGAZINE

DEEPMIX MEDIA

deepmixmedia.com PHOTOGRAPHER

Sunya Yamaka, facebook.com/sunya.yamaka


What’s inside?

30

Anantara

Siam’s New Chapter

58

40

Cannes

Yachting Festival

Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie

68

A Conversation

With Nick Downing

78

102

Bangkok

At The Top

Thailand

Property Awards 2026

HOT MAGAZINE

5


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 Brasserie Palmier, where every bite is a work of art crafted with passion and precision.

DISCOVER THE JOURNEYS Fourseasons.com/bangkok | +66 (02) 032-0885

20260818_BPY_HotMagazine_Neen_v1.indd 1

18/8/2569 BE 10:53


THAILAND BANGKOK HUA HIN

Asia’s Ultimate Golfing Lifestyle Experience Championship Golf Course • Stay & Play • Luxury Course-side Properties Come and enjoy playing one of the most scenic championship golf courses in the whole of Asia. Voted Best Course in Thailand by Golf Digest, Black Mountain Golf Club has hosted both Asian Tour and European Tour events. 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

Tel: +66 32 618 666 Email: sales@bmghuahin.com www.blackmountainhuahin.com

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

THE TWINHOUSE


HOT AROUND BANGKOK

Oliver Wells Takes The Helm At Two Bangkok Marriott Properties The hospitality leader has been appointed Multi-Property General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 and Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection. Bangkok's Sukhumvit hospitality landscape has gained a new multi-property leader with the appointment of Oliver Wells as General Manager of both Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 and Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection. Effective 1 September 2026, the role places him at the helm of two distinctive addresses, each serving a different rhythm of the city. Wells brings broad experience across commercial strategy, operations, leadership and market positioning, with a career shaped by Thailand's hospitality scene. His background spans business development, team building, events and guest experience, giving him a rounded perspective on how hotels succeed in competitive urban and resort markets. His hospitality career began in Phuket, where he developed experience across both commercial and operational

10

HOT MAGAZINE

functions. He later moved to Bangkok as Multi-Property General Manager of a specialist networking and conference organisation, further strengthening his interest in leadership, team development and the creation of memorable events. In 2018, Wells joined JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa as Director of Sales, later becoming Director of Sales & Marketing. Over eight years at the resort, he played a central role in reinforcing its reputation as one of Thailand's leading luxury and MICE destinations. During his tenure, the property was named No. 1 Best Beach + Island Resort in Thailand at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific for three consecutive years. His work at Khao Lak also included involvement in major strategic initiatives, including the 2022 opening of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites and the development of the 27-acre JW Garden in 2024. His achievements earned several accolades, among them the Marriott International Elite Award for Sales Special Achievement Leader

of the Year in 2023 and recognition as a Top Performer in 2025. In Bangkok, Wells will guide two properties with complementary personalities. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 offers contemporary comfort and convenience for business and leisure travellers in the heart of Sukhumvit, while Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection delivers a more boutique experience inspired by the creative character of Thonglor. The appointment brings together commercial discipline, operational understanding and a strong sense of destination, qualities that should serve both hotels well as Bangkok continues to attract travellers seeking ease, individuality and polished service in the city.


HOT AROUND BANGKOK

TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards Returns To Bangkok Taking place at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok on 26 October 2026, the awards will celebrate restaurants and culinary talent shaping Thailand's gastronomy landscape. Thailand's culinary world will gather at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok on 26 October 2026 for the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026, an evening dedicated to recognising the restaurants, chefs and hospitality talent helping define the country's place on the global gastronomy map. The awards arrive as TOP25 Restaurants expands its international presence across Asia, following the inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026 and a series of new regional partnerships. For Thailand, the platform places renewed emphasis on gastronomy not only as a dining culture, but as a driver of tourism, destination identity and international visibility. Launched in Bangkok in 2017 as the world's first AI-powered restaurant guide enhanced by human expertise, TOP25 Restaurants has evolved from a pioneering guide into a broader gastronomy tourism platform. Its Thailand programme has recognised culinary

excellence across destinations and communities, from Bangkok's internationally regarded dining scene to Phuket, Southern Thailand and beyond. The 2026 edition continues that evolution, spotlighting restaurants and culinary personalities whose creativity, authenticity and commitment contribute to Thailand's rich dining landscape. Hosted in one of Bangkok's most established luxury hotels, the ceremony will bring together chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, tourism representatives, food personalities and distinguished guests. Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants International, described the awards as a way to amplify Thailand's culinary excellence on the global stage while connecting outstanding restaurants and chefs with opportunities in gastronomy tourism. The event, he noted, will celebrate the people and establishments shaping Thailand's culinary future, while inspiring travellers to discover the flavours, stories and hospitality that make the country exceptional. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok provides a fitting stage for the occasion. Set

in the Ratchaprasong district, the hotel has long been associated with polished hospitality, dining and prestigious events. General Manager Sascha Lenz said the hotel was honoured to host an evening dedicated to recognising the people and restaurants behind Thailand's gastronomy culture. The wider context is clear. For today's travellers, discovering a destination increasingly means discovering its food: the markets, ingredients, traditions, restaurants, chefs and stories that bring a place to life. Thailand is particularly well positioned within this movement, with a culinary culture that connects heritage, agriculture, community, creativity and hospitality. Award recipients will be revealed during the ceremony, with further announcements on categories, participating restaurants, guests and programme details expected before the event. For the restaurant industry, the evening will recognise achievement. For Thailand's tourism community, it will celebrate one of the country's most resonant international assets: its extraordinary culinary culture.

HOT MAGAZINE

11


HOT AROUND BANGKOK

The Silk Road Introduces A Two Hour Dim Sum Lunch The Athenee Hotel's Cantonese restaurant now offers a weekday unlimited dim sum experience led by Chef Cheng Kam Sing and his team. Dim sum is at its best when the table is lively, the steam baskets keep arriving and every plate invites a little conversation. The Silk Road at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok has introduced a new two-hour unlimited dim sum lunch, bringing together Cantonese classics, signature creations and generous sharing in the heart of Wireless Road. Priced at THB 1,190++ per person, the experience is prepared fresh to order by Chef Cheng Kam Sing and his dim sum team. The selection moves from traditional favourites to distinctive new signatures, spanning steamed, baked and deep-fried specialities, vegetarian

12

HOT MAGAZINE

options and silky rice rolls. Highlights include har gow with crab meat and salmon caviar, crab leg and prawn dumplings in yellow curry, and truffle xiao long bao, alongside the familiar pleasures that make Cantonese lunch such a convivial ritual. The format is designed for leisurely meals, family gatherings, business dining and groups who prefer to taste broadly rather than choose narrowly. To complete the meal, each guest may also select one appetizer, one soup, one rice or noodle dish and one dessert, giving the lunch the structure of a full Cantonese dining experience while preserving the generous spirit of unlimited dim sum. The Silk Road has long been one of Bangkok's more elegant settings for Cantonese cooking, located on the third

floor Epicurean Hub of The Athenee Hotel. This new lunch offering reinforces the restaurant's appeal for those who appreciate variety, craftsmanship and the pleasure of dishes arriving fresh from the kitchen throughout the meal. The two-hour unlimited dim sum lunch is served on weekdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm, excluding public holidays and festive occasions. Price: THB 1,190++ per person. Location: The Silk Road, 3rd floor Epicurean Hub, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. Marriott Bonvoy and Club Marriott members receive a 10 per cent discount. Marriott Bonvoy Earn and Redeem are applicable.


HOT AROUND BANGKOK

137 Pillars Bangkok Brings Sustainable Hospitality To Life For Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026, the Sukhumvit hotel presents a one-day experience of mindful travel, creative reuse, wellbeing and responsible dining. Sustainability in hospitality is most persuasive when it becomes something guests can feel, taste and take part in. For Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok is placing that idea at the heart of the guest experience with Take a Pause and Live Well, an immersive day of sustainable living, connection and wellbeing on Sunday, 4 October 2026. The Green Globe-certified hotel will serve as an official event hub for Bangkok Climate Action Week, organised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, with a programme designed to show how responsible travel can move beyond back-of-house practices and become part of a more thoughtful way to live. Running from 8.30am to 3.30pm, the intimate full-day experience is limited to 15 participants.

The morning begins with Get to Know Sustainable Travel, a knowledge-sharing session exploring the many layers that make responsible hospitality meaningful, from a hotel's physical foundations and operations to the culture, people and experiences that shape each guest journey. It sets the tone for a day that treats sustainability not as a slogan, but as a series of practical, human choices. Creativity follows with a two-hour Dried Flower Frame workshop, where recycled and repurposed flowers are transformed into decorative pieces to take home. The activity gives materials a second life while inviting participants to slow down and consider the beauty of reuse. Lunch at Bangkok Trading Post continues the theme with a nourishing meal prepared by the hotel's culinary team, accompanied by a playful sourdough painting activity. The afternoon turns inward with Exploring Mind and Emotions, a workshop by Healhouse, a certified spirituality and psychology consultant.

Blending psychology and spirituality, the session explores the relationship between thoughts, emotions and wellbeing, introducing practical techniques for emotional regulation, self-awareness and everyday balance. The day reflects the contemporary appeal of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, whose urban retreat in Sukhumvit-Phrom Phong combines refined hospitality with a strong sense of place. Through this curated experience, the hotel positions responsible hospitality as something both personal and shared: a way of connecting more consciously with oneself, with the city and with the wider world. All proceeds, after deduction of costs, will be donated to the Marine Life Conservation Foundation to support marine conservation efforts. Reservations: 02 079 7000 or LINE Official Account @137pillarsbangkok. More information: click here

HOT MAGAZINE

13


HOT AROUND BANGKOK

The Langham Custom House Reveals Its Culinary Cast Opening in December 2026, the restored riverside landmark will bring together leading chefs, pastry talent and cocktail craft across four distinctive dining and drinking venues. When The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok opens this December, its restored riverside setting will be matched by a food and beverage programme shaped by some of the region's most compelling culinary talent. Set within the historic Custom House complex on the Chao Phraya River, the 75-key luxury heritage hotel is preparing to become not only a place to stay, but a new social address for Bangkok. The collection will span four principal venues: Roi Chak Sam, a contemporary Thai restaurant; The Cotton Room, an all-day destination for breakfast, afternoon tea and a modern Indian concept; T'ang Court, The Langham's celebrated Cantonese dining experience; and Crowntail, a multi-zone cocktail bar overlooking the river. Together, they frame the restored landmark as a place for mornings by the water, refined lunches, celebratory dinners and late-evening cocktails. At Roi Chak Sam, Chef Thitid "Ton" Tassanakajohn will create a contemporary expression of Thai cuisine from the

14

HOT MAGAZINE

second floor of the Northern Heritage Building, once home to the country's Import & Export Department. Inspired by the Glorious Era of Siam and royal banquet menus from the reign of King Rama V, the restaurant will bring rare seasonal produce, local ingredients and modern technique into conversation. Its name, meaning "three from a hundred", references the three per cent import duty once collected at Custom House. The Cotton Room will occupy the ground floor of Custom House, wrapping around the Arrival Hall, Butler Salon and Grand Staircase. Inspired by the cotton trade that once passed through Bangkok's ports, the venue will move through the day, from a la carte breakfast with river views to The Langham's signature Afternoon Tea led by Executive Pastry Chef Prot Stitpittayayut. For lunch and dinner, Chef Garima Arora, chef-owner of two-MICHELIN-starred Gaa, will bring a concept rooted in Indian culinary heritage and shaped by Bangkok's contemporary energy. T'ang Court will extend the legacy of the original three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant at The Langham, Hong Kong. Located in the Southern Heritage Building, formerly the Second Post and Telegraph Building, the Bangkok

outpost will be led by Executive Chinese Chef Ricky Lin Quoping, whose cooking will focus on Cantonese barbecue specialities, handcrafted dim sum, premium seafood and wok-fired dishes. Three private dining rooms will make the restaurant equally suited to business meals, family gatherings and special occasions. Crowntail will bring another kind of theatre to the riverfront. Led by Bar Manager Tom Hearn, whose experience includes Vesper in Bangkok as well as KOL Mezcaleria and The American Bar at The Savoy in London, the bar will span an indoor bar, Riverside Pavilion, rooftop Two Spot bar, outdoor terrace and private pier. Named for Thailand's Crowntail Betta, it promises vivid character, local ingredients and polished tableside moments. Executive Chef Phukvarun "Golf" Watchmon will oversee the broader culinary direction of the property, drawing on more than 15 years in senior Bangkok kitchens. With restored heritage architecture, river views and a culinary programme rooted in both craft and context, The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is setting the table for one of the city's most anticipated openings.


HOT AROUND CHIANG MAI

A New Lanna Retreat At InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping The city resort will reveal its second phase in late 2026, introducing pool-access rooms and suites inspired by the heritage of the Mae Kha Canal. InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping is preparing to complete the next chapter of its transformation, with the reveal of Khlong Mae Kha Village in late 2026. The second phase will introduce 49 new guestrooms, including Pool Access Rooms, Club Rooms and Suites with private balconies, deepening the resort's evolution from a beloved city landmark into a refined urban escape rooted in Chiang Mai heritage. Designed by Architects 49 Limited, the new accommodation draws inspiration from the historic Mae Kha Canal, one of Chiang Mai's most evocative waterways. Arranged as a tranquil cluster

of three-storey houses, the extension brings a resort-style rhythm to the heart of the Old Town, balancing urban convenience with the softer pace of Lanna living. The architecture takes its cue from traditional Lanna wooden homes, reinterpreted through clean contemporary lines and floor-to-ceiling views. Ground-floor accommodations will open directly to the pool, while upper-level residences will feature generous decks and selected outdoor hot tubs, creating a more private sense of open-air relaxation.

curated craftsmanship will celebrate Lanna arts, with Thailand's Golden Chomphunut accents adding a warm, luminous character to the interiors. Guests in the new wing will enjoy Club InterContinental privileges, including deluxe breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. With the completion of this second phase, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping will further express its connection to Chiang Mai's living culture, offering a contemporary resort experience shaped by heritage, craftsmanship and a graceful sense of place.

Water is central to the story. Reflections of sky and pool are designed to animate the facade, creating a subtle visual link to the Mae Kha Canal and its place in the city's past. Inside,

HOT MAGAZINE

15


HOT AROUND HUA HIN

Festive Celebrations By The Sea At Hua Hin Marriott Christmas and New Year at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa will bring together beachfront dining, family buffets, intimate dinners and a countdown party on the sand. Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is setting the stage for a sparkling festive season on Thailand's golden gulf coast, with a programme of Christmas and New Year celebrations running through late December 2026. From generous family buffets to romantic seaside dinners and a beachfront countdown party, the resort is shaping the holidays around food, music, sea air and a sense of occasion. Christmas will unfold across the resort's dining venues from 24 to 26 December. At Amber Kitchen, festive buffets will bring together roasted turkey, prime beef, Christmas gammon, seafood on ice and seasonal desserts, with lunch and dinner options designed for

16

HOT MAGAZINE

families and groups. Siam Bakery will offer a more relaxed Christmas buffet setting, pairing roasted turkey, Australian Angus beef, crispy pork belly, whole roasted Norwegian salmon and handcrafted desserts with free-flow wine and beer.

and sashimi, premium meats and live cooking stations, alongside entertainment and activities for younger guests. Big Fish & Bar will offer a four-course dinner with Hokkaido scallops, caviar, snow fish, lobster tail and wagyu striploin.

For a more intimate celebration, Big Fish & Bar will present a Christmas Eve four-course dinner by the sea, with a refined menu featuring Norwegian salmon, Oscietra caviar, Hokkaido scallops, king crab and beef fillet Rossini. Couples can also choose a private beach cabana dinner on 24 or 25 December, while larger families and groups may gather for a private Christmas mini-buffet on the Beachfront Terrace.

As midnight approaches, the celebration shifts to Hua Hin Beach for the resort's countdown party, with drinks, DJ music and the ocean as the backdrop. An early-bird offer gives 15 per cent off selected Christmas and New Year dining for bookings paid by 15 November 2026, adding another reason to plan the season beside the sea.

On 31 December, the resort will move into New Year's Eve with dinner celebrations at Amber Kitchen and Big Fish & Bar. Amber Kitchen's buffet will feature seafood on ice, foie gras, sushi


HOT AROUND KOH SAMUI

Banyan Tree Samui And Banyan Tree Krabi Retain Two MICHELIN Keys Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi have once again been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys by the MICHELIN Guide to Thailand, marking the third consecutive year that both resorts have received the distinction. For hotels, MICHELIN Keys are the hospitality counterpart to MICHELIN stars for restaurants, recognising properties that deliver far more than an elegant stay. Two Keys are reserved for what MICHELIN describes as “an exceptional stay,” distinguished by character, design, service, and an experience that lingers beyond departure. The recognition follows an anonymous inspection process and reaffirms Banyan Tree’s place among southern Thailand’s most compelling luxury hospitality names, with both resorts expressing the brand’s Sanctuary for the Senses philosophy through nature, wellbeing, and a strong connection to place.

“To retain Two Keys in an increasingly competitive market is a significant achievement,” said Haruethai Maneerat, General Manager of Banyan Tree Krabi. “This is a reminder that hospitality today is not just about luxury. It’s about consistency, soul, and a connection to place.” At Banyan Tree Samui, General Manager Stuart de San Nicolas described the award as a tribute to the resort’s team and its deeply personal style of hospitality. “Banyan Tree Samui has always been a sanctuary, a place of stillness above the sea, where guests can find silence and reconnect with themselves,” he said. Set on Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is framed by limestone cliffs and views across a marine national park, creating a natural stage for restoration and wellbeing. Its Wellbeing Sanctuary programme, pioneered together with Banyan Tree Samui in 2021, allows guests to pair a leisure escape with

daily experiences including meditation, yoga, Thai boxing, spa therapies, nature trails, sailing, nourishing cuisine, and personal consultations. Dining remains central to the experience at both resorts. At Banyan Tree Samui, Saffron, recommended in the MICHELIN Guide to Thailand for the past two years, presents refined Thai cuisine from a hillside setting overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. At Banyan Tree Krabi, Saffron brings contemporary Thai classics to a dramatic elevated perch above the Andaman Sea, reached by electric funicular and enhanced by its photogenic Bird’s Nest tables. Both resorts have also been recognised for their environmental and community commitments, from marine conservation in Koh Samui to support for Krabi’s local fisheries and the elimination of single-use plastics.

HOT MAGAZINE

17


EXPERIENCE REMARKABLE JOURNEYS. The Swift Trawler 54 is a spacious family home on the water, perfect for long-range cruising. It offers exceptional outdoor space, ample storage, and innovations like Sleipner Vector Gen 3 fins for stability and 360-degree control. Enjoy the journey and the destination. PRIMUS MARINE | info@primus-marine.com | +66 (0) 98 825 1000

Beneteau.com

PHOTO: © JEAN BAPTISE D’ENQUIN

37 - 41 - 48 - 54


Patrick Jacobs,

An Artist With A Lens

20

HOT MAGAZINE


Grindelwald Switzerland

To view more of Patrick’s work visit, facebook.com/Fotosbypatrick.jacobs Patrick is reachable at patrickhasselt@hotmail.be

HOT MAGAZINE

21


22

HOT MAGAZINE


Grindelwald Switzerland

HOT MAGAZINE

23


24

HOT MAGAZINE


Grindelwald Switzerland

HOT MAGAZINE

25


26

HOT MAGAZINE


Grindelwald Switzerland

HOT MAGAZINE

27


TOP RATED 2026 BANGKOK TAILOR

Bespoke Elegance Tailored to Perfection Custom suits, shirts, Thai silk garments, and bespoke shoes for men and women, from the best tailor in Bangkok, crafted on the riverside inside the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

» TOP QUALITY MATERIALS » FREE STYLE CONSULTATION » FREE HOTEL PICKUP

Call: +66 86 403 0461 WhatsApp: +66 86 403 0461 info@omfashionbkk.com www.omfashionbkk.com

APPOINTMENT BOOKING


The Disco 7 PM ONWARD

31

DECEMBER

NEW YEAR'S EVE BUFFET DINNER EARLY BIRD 30% OFF THB 1,799++

THB 1,259++ / person International Buffet • 1 Glass of Sparkling Wine Live Entertainment • Disco Celebration • Countdown to 2027

12/156 Soi Mooban Nongkhae, Nongkhae, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khirikhan 77110

+ 66 32 516 888

hua.hin@nhhotels.com

@nhhuahin


Rebirth of an Icon Anantara Siam’s New Chapter

30

HOT MAGAZINE


A thoughtful transformation brings fresh possibilities to one of Bangkok’s most storied hotels, with Thai artistry, private garden retreats and a renewed sense of occasion at its heart.

HOT MAGAZINE

31


In a city continually reshaped by new towers, restaurants and ambitious arrivals, there is a particular pleasure in returning to an address with a memory. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel has been part of the capital’s story for more than four decades, welcoming world leaders, international celebrities and generations of travellers beneath its richly painted ceilings. Now, following a US$50 million transformation, approximately THB 1.66 billion, the hotel begins another chapter with its cultural identity firmly in view. The reopening celebration, appropriately titled “Rebirth of an Icon,” brought that renewed energy into focus. Hosted by William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, the evening gathered figures from entertainment, fashion, government and business. Among those attending were Taew Natapohn Phornprapha, JJ Krissanapoom Pibulsonggram, Suquan Bulakul, Tata Young, and Cindy and Byron Bishop. Guests explored the transformed accommodation and sampled familiar culinary favourites, giving the occasion the character of both a homecoming and an introduction.

32

HOT MAGAZINE


Such a gathering felt fitting for a property whose significance extends beyond the guestroom. Over the years, Anantara Siam has become woven into Bangkok’s social and business life: a setting for important meetings, milestone celebrations and dinners that become part of a family’s own history. Its renewal encompasses those shared spaces as carefully as its most private retreats. Originally opened in 1983 and designed by hotel architect George Wimberley, the property established a distinctive language of Thai hospitality through hand-painted murals, garden courtyards and an appreciation of traditional craftsmanship. Those elements give the renovation its starting point. The hotel’s guiding phrase, “Transformed. Timeless. Thai.,” finds its clearest expression in the attention paid to the art that has long defined the arrival experience.

HOT MAGAZINE

33


The lobby’s magnificent 100-metre hand-painted mural, created by celebrated Thai muralist Paiboon Suwannakudt, remains central to that experience. Originally painted to mark the bicentenary of the reigning dynasty, it has been meticulously preserved as part of the restoration. Above, 19 ceiling panels depict “Heavens in Thai Thought,” inviting attention upwards to an intricate expression of Thai imagination and belief. Preserving these works gives the transformation a valuable continuity. For returning guests, they offer the reassurance of recognition; for first-time visitors, they provide an immediate introduction to the hotel’s artistic heritage. They also establish a sense of place that carries through to the redesigned interiors, where materials and craftsmanship take precedence over passing decorative trends. All 335 guestrooms, suites and villas have been reimagined, from Deluxe Rooms to the Siam Suites, Anantara Suites and Presidential Suite. Warm teak, handcrafted details and silk accents create a residential character, with a composed palette that allows the textures to speak. Bathrooms have also been comprehensively renewed, introducing marble finishes, bespoke vanities, improved lighting and contemporary fittings. The most intriguing additions explore the possibilities of privacy in the centre of Bangkok. Set within tropical gardens, the Anantara Garden Pool Suites and Villas combine private pools with indoor and outdoor living areas. They bring the pleasures of a garden residence into an urban stay, creating space to withdraw while keeping the capital’s shopping, cultural and business districts close at hand. For a longer visit, or simply a different rhythm of city escape, that relationship between indoors and outdoors has considerable appeal. A private pool and a garden setting allow the accommodation itself to become part of the day’s pleasure, alongside the experiences waiting beyond the hotel.

34

HOT MAGAZINE


A different expression of residential luxury appears in the two-bedroom Jim Thompson Explorer Suite. Conceived in the spirit of a Thai summer home and developed through a partnership with the Jim Thompson brand, the suite brings together polished teak floors, painted panelled walls and curated artwork. An open-plan living and dining area encourages an easy flow between spaces, while a private library lends a more personal, contemplative dimension. Its character rests in the connection between Thailand’s decorative traditions and the comforts of a contemporary home. Dining remains equally important to the hotel’s identity. Across nine restaurants and bars, the collection moves from Thai flavours at Spice Market to contemporary Italian cooking at Biscotti and Japanese dining at Shintaro. Madison Steak Avenue adds premium steaks, while Guilty Bangkok brings South American cuisine to the table. Aqua Bar, recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, offers cocktails amid lush greenery. Elsewhere, the appeal is more leisurely: pastries, cakes and coffee at Mocha & Muffins; afternoon tea in The Lobby; or refreshing drinks and light bites beside the pool at The Garden Terrace. Together, these venues give the hotel a generous range of moods and occasions, from an informal pause during the day to an evening planned around dinner and drinks.

HOT MAGAZINE

35


36

HOT MAGAZINE


The renovation also renews the settings for larger gatherings. The Grand Ballroom and the hotel’s meeting rooms and event spaces have been redesigned with contemporary technology and the demands of international conferences, weddings and private celebrations in mind. Their continued importance reflects the breadth of the property’s role in Bangkok, serving residents and visiting guests alike. Wellbeing receives its own considered attention. The transformed Anantara Spa continues to draw on traditional Thai healing methods, while the Siam Sports Club introduces a Technogym-equipped fitness centre and Pilates studio. Outdoors, a Muay Thai boxing ring, rock-climbing wall and functional training zone offer more active ways to spend time within the grounds. The range allows a stay to accommodate both restorative treatments and a familiar exercise routine. Ultimately, the appeal of Anantara Siam’s renewal lies in the relationship between its enduring character and the possibilities introduced around it. The preserved murals, teak and silk retain a tangible connection to Thailand’s artistic traditions. Garden pool accommodation, redesigned gathering spaces and expanded wellness facilities give that heritage a contemporary setting in which to flourish. Bangkok has never lacked the appetite for something new. At Anantara Siam, the pleasure is discovering how much a familiar landmark still has to reveal

HOT MAGAZINE

37


The Ultimate Golfing Experience

August - September Green Fee: ฿ 2,500 Stay & Play: ฿2,995

032-618-666 Email: reservation@bmghuahin.com www.blackmountainhuahin.com


A NEW CHAPTER IN

A BANGKOK LEGEND Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie Celebrates a Remarkable First Year

40

HOT MAGAZINE


For almost seven decades, Le Normandie at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has occupied a special place in the capital’s dining life. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, its tables have hosted generations of celebrations, from birthdays and anniversaries to evenings whose significance lay simply in the pleasure of dining exceptionally well. The arrival of Anne-Sophie Pic brought a new creative voice to this familiar setting, connecting one of Thailand’s great culinary institutions with one of France’s most distinguished gastronomic families. Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie now holds two Michelin stars, adding another chapter to a restaurant that first opened in 1958 as Le Normandie Grill. The transformation carries particular significance: for the first time in its history, Le Normandie bears the name of a chef. Pic brings both an extraordinary heritage and a distinctly personal approach to the table. The most Michelin-starred female chef in the world, she represents the fourth generation of a family whose relationship with haute cuisine stretches back more than a century. In 2007, she restored three Michelin stars to the family’s flagship in Valence, continuing the legacy established by her father, Jacques, and grandfather, André. Valence remains the heart of her culinary world. Restaurant Pic, with its three Michelin stars, anchors Maison Pic alongside the five-star Hôtel Pic, a member of Relais & Châteaux. A more informal expression of the family’s hospitality can be found at Bistrot André, where seasonal cooking and dishes associated with earlier generations pay tribute to her grandfather and father. Together, these establishments reveal the breadth of a house equally attentive to gastronomic ambition and the pleasures of a generous welcome. Her international restaurants carry that sensibility into markedly different settings. In Lausanne, the two-Michelin-starred Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace draws inspiration from Switzerland’s lakes, Alpine landscapes and produce. La Dame de Pic Dubai, awarded one Michelin star, occupies a dramatic position within The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel, bringing her delicate aromatic combinations to a dining room above the city. Each gives her French culinary foundations a different local context

HOT MAGAZINE

41


In Hong Kong, Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic pairs her cuisine with Baccarat crystal and sweeping views from Forty-Five at Landmark. Opened in 2023, the restaurant received its second Michelin star in the 2026 guide, recognising a style that brings French refinement into conversation with Asian influences. Bangkok’s own two-star achievement places Le Normandie within this accomplished international collection, while giving Pic another distinctive culinary culture to explore. Her Parisian story has also entered a new phase. Anne-Sophie Pic Paris opened at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain on 18 September 2026, bringing her cooking into a setting dedicated to artistic discovery. The separate Utopic bar extends her interest in aroma into cocktails and alcohol-free creations, accompanied by small plates. These new addresses offer further scope for the experimentation that connects her restaurants, owever different their surroundings.

42

HOT MAGAZINE


That curiosity is central to her work at Le Normandie. Rooted in French technique, her cooking explores aroma, texture and unexpected relationships between ingredients. She describes her culinary philosophy as “Suffusion”, building and layering flavours so that an ingredient reveals qualities that might otherwise remain unnoticed. In Bangkok, this approach finds fertile ground in Thailand’s produce and its rich aromatic traditions. Her celebrated Berlingots appear alongside dishes that reflect this continuing dialogue with Asia. Blue lobster with red fruits, for example, explores the interplay of sweetness, acidity and delicacy. The intention is to give each element clarity while allowing the combination to develop gradually across the palate.

HOT MAGAZINE

43


Pic has spoken of cuisine as a universal language and of her wish for French gastronomy in Bangkok to engage with the energy of Thai culture. The team provides an important connection between those ambitions and the daily experience of the restaurant. Head Chef Tamaki Kobayashi, sommelier Edwin Cochet and pastry chef Yuko Kuwayama have worked closely with Pic in Valence, bringing continuity with Maison Pic while helping Le Normandie develop its own identity. The dining room has undergone an equally considered transformation. Design studio Humbert & Poyet has introduced a restrained palette of beige and gold, with floral motifs inspired by the peony, a personal reference for Pic. Lacquered timber arches, plaster reliefs and Jim Thompson fabrics bring Thai craftsmanship into the composition, lending warmth and detail to the room.

44

HOT MAGAZINE


The river remains its defining backdrop. Through broad windows, the Chao Phraya changes character with the hour, catching the afternoon light before giving way to the reflections of passing boats and illuminated buildings after dark. It is a view deeply familiar to returning guests, and one that gives the restaurant an enduring connection to Bangkok. The first-anniversary celebrations brought that sense of continuity to the menu. A special seven-course Anniversary Voyage, offered from 16 to 27 September, revisited two dishes from the opening menu: blue lobster with red fruits and roasted rack of lamb. Their return gave guests an opportunity to reflect on the restaurant’s first year through the flavours that helped establish its new identity.

HOT MAGAZINE

45


The anniversary also arrives at a significant moment for Bangkok’s dining scene. International chefs are committing to permanent restaurants in the capital, while Thai chefs continue to earn recognition for their own distinctive work. The result is an increasingly varied culinary landscape in which established institutions and ambitious newcomers have much to offer one another. In Bangkok, Anne-Sophie Pic is surrounded by a trusted team whose careers have long been intertwined with her own. At the helm of the kitchen is Tamaki Kobayashi, who has worked alongside Pic for nearly fourteen years and now brings her culinary philosophy to life at Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie with exceptional confidence, precision and grace. Guiding the wine experience is Head Sommelier Edwin Cochet, whose thoughtful selections add another layer of nuance to each course, creating a refined and harmonious dialogue between glass and plate. Completing the trio is Pastry Chef Yuko Kuwayama, whose elegant creations reveal a delicate balance of technical mastery, finesse and artistic sensitivity.

46

HOT MAGAZINE


At Le Normandie, that exchange feels especially appropriate. Pic’s family heritage and the restaurant’s long history provide a shared appreciation of craftsmanship, service and the importance of a memorable meal. Her curiosity gives those traditions room to develop, bringing fresh ideas to a setting that already holds considerable meaning for its guests. Nearly seventy years after the first diners took their seats above the River of Kings, Le Normandie remains a place for occasions worth remembering. Anne-Sophie Pic has given it a renewed sense of discovery, with cuisine that rewards attention and a setting that encourages guests to linger.

HOT MAGAZINE

47


Limited Plots Remaining in one of Hua Hin’s Most Sought-After Community’s

Highland Villas continues to be the choice for buyers who value quality construction, space, privacy, and a refined Hua Hin lifestyle - where modern living meets mountain air and effortless access to town, beaches, golf, and international schools.

Highland Villas 3 & 4 info@highlandhuahin.com | Eng: +66 (0) 941 497 980 | Thai: +66 (0) 969 096 393 MAP [GOOGLE MAPS] 12°35’43.4”N 99°53’38.9”E


Each High-Quality Villa Comes Standard With; » Just 2KM’s From the Black Mountain Golf Course and International School » Furniture package » 10 X 4m Swimming Pool with Overflow » UPVC Doors and Windows with Double Glazing » Inverter Air Conditioners » Hot Water Boiler Heated from Air Conditioner » X Shield Heat Reflecting Roof Tiles » Electronic Stainless-Steel Gate » Fully Landscaped » Full Chanot Land Title » No Maintenance fees » 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.

www.highlandvillas3.com


Family Escapes Elevated at Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin Resort

50

HOT MAGAZINE


HOT MAGAZINE

51


Named Best Family Resort in Hua Hin at the 2026 HOT Magazine Gala Anniversary Dinner, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin Resort brings a playful spirit to the coastal escape, pairing adventures for younger guests with thoughtful comforts for the whole family. The experience begins with the freedom to explore. Guests enjoy unlimited access to neighbouring Vana Nava Water Jungle, reached through a dedicated entrance just steps from the hotel. Exhilarating slides, water attractions for toddlers and an adventure zone offer plenty of reasons to return throughout a stay, with towels and lockers making each visit reassuringly simple.

52

HOT MAGAZINE


That understanding of family travel continues in the accommodation. The resort’s KidSuites give children their own sleeping space with bunk beds, while parents enjoy a king bed in the main room. Ocean-facing balconies and bathtubs add comfort, with miniature bathrobes and children’s amenities bringing a sense of occasion to arrival. Three-bedroom KidSuites provide further options for larger families. At Bryde’s Kids Club, a nautical theme sets the scene for imaginative afternoons. An obstacle course and ball pit encourage energetic exploration, while creative activities give younger guests a holiday world of their own. For a gentler pace, the 26th-floor Horizon Pool offers two edgeless pools that appear to merge with the distant horizon. Tea Tree Spa introduces another restorative dimension through traditional Thai massage, aromatherapy and body treatments.

HOT MAGAZINE

53


54

HOT MAGAZINE


Shared meals find an inviting setting at Plamong, where details inspired by Hua Hin’s fishing heritage lend local character to bright interiors. Live cooking stations and Thai, Italian and Western dishes accommodate different tastes. Evenings take on a more elevated mood at Stella, the rooftop Italian restaurant, where freshly made pasta, hand-tossed pizzas and tableside service accompany panoramic ocean views. On the 27th floor, THE SKY pairs Ashley Sutton-designed interiors with creative cocktails and sweeping coastal vistas. Its glass Sky Deck adds a memorable flourish to sunset drinks high above Hua Hin. The resort’s distinction lies in how naturally these experiences come together. Children have room to discover, parents can find moments of calm, and shared meals become occasions to savour. It is this thoughtful approach to time spent together that makes Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin Resort a deserving 2026 HOT Magazine Signature Award winner.

HOT MAGAZINE

55


CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL

The Art of Living at Sea

58

HOT MAGAZINE


From architectural interiors to quieter cruising, the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival offered an alluring portrait of how life on the water is evolving

HOT MAGAZINE

59


A yacht gives its designers an unusually intimate relationship with the landscape. Windows frame a view that changes by the hour; a terrace becomes a swimming platform; the most memorable room may be an open deck overlooking an empty bay. At the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, that relationship provided a compelling thread through the spectacle. Beyond the sculpted profiles and polished finishes lay a thoughtful question: how can a boat make time spent at sea more rewarding? Held from 8 to 13 September across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, the festival’s 49th edition welcomed 56,000 visitors. According to the organiser’s closing report, 680 exhibitors presented 700 boats, ranging from five to 55 metres, with nearly 150 world premieres. Such breadth made Cannes a particularly revealing window onto contemporary yachting. The two harbours gave the event complementary personalities. At the Vieux Port, motor yachts occupied the waterfront alongside marine equipment and design specialists, with around 30 power catamarans gathered in the Power Cat Village. Port Canto brought together sailing yachts, smaller motorboats and the brokerage fleet. Across the festival, 95 sailing and power catamarans underlined the multihull’s increasingly prominent place in the conversation. Among the designs illustrating this appetite for generous living space was Azimut’s Magellano 27M. Its interiors, by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi, approached the main deck as a glazed loggia overlooking the water. Pale timber across walls, ceilings and furnishings softened the daylight, while architectural elements recalled Mediterranean pergolas and patios. Exterior designer Jarkko Jämsén supplied the complementary sculptural framework. The appeal lay in the relationship between those elements: a yacht conceived for travelling, yet offering the visual calm and warmth that make staying aboard a pleasure. Architecture became a means of bringing the surrounding sea into everyday life.

60

HOT MAGAZINE


The Pearl 73 offered another interpretation of the contemporary maritime home. Bill Dixon’s exterior design introduced a sleeker profile, expanded glazing and an aft deck with folding balconies. Inside, Kelly Hoppen’s Monochrome concept explored tonal harmony, tactile materials and sculptural shapes. The combination suggested a particularly assured form of luxury, one expressed through proportion and texture. With its world debut announced for Cannes, the yacht also illustrated the value of a sustained creative partnership: exterior architecture and interior atmosphere developed as closely related parts of the same experience.

HOT MAGAZINE

61


Sunreef’s ULTIMA 88 brought a more expansive approach to waterside entertaining. Measuring 26.8 metres, the power catamaran paired a sporting silhouette with substantial living areas, including an owner’s suite extending across the full beam. Its defining feature was the Ocean Lounge, where folding sides and a broad aft platform opened into a beach club beside the water. A stern garage accommodated a jet ski and other water toys, while a separate bow retreat offered a quieter setting. Above, the customisable flybridge allowed room for dining, lounging or wellness facilities. Available with conventional power or a hybrid configuration enabling electric cruising, the design brought several versions of a day at sea into one adaptable setting. Sailing retained its own persuasive expression of freedom. German builder YYachts presented the all-new Y6, designed by naval architect Bill Tripp, alongside the latest Y7. Just under 20 metres long, the carbon-epoxy Y6 was conceived for an owner sailing alone or as a couple, with controls arranged around the helm. Below deck, three- or four-cabin configurations and the option of a dedicated office reflected different ways of spending extended periods aboard. Interior concepts developed with Danish architect David Thulstrup and the YYachts design team added another degree of personal choice. Here, the attraction was independence supported by considered design, with the owner remaining closely involved in the pleasures of sailing.

62

HOT MAGAZINE


A broader philosophy connected many of these ideas. The festival placed particular emphasis on slow cruising: shorter stages, thoughtful stopovers and a deeper engagement with the coast. Within that approach, a marina becomes a gateway to local cooking, heritage and culture, while the itinerary leaves room for weather, curiosity and an unexpected discovery. Networks of ports in destinations such as Catalonia and Sardinia illustrated how the practical arrangements ashore can support a more leisurely journey. For a luxury lifestyle increasingly attentive to the quality of time, the proposition has obvious resonance. A carefully chosen harbour and an unhurried afternoon can be as memorable as the passage itself. The Greenline 42 gave the conversation about quieter boating a practical dimension. Making its French Riviera debut following its earlier launch, the yacht combined Marco Casali’s design with a flexible cockpit and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Lowering the galley windows and opening the aft doors joined the saloon and cockpit into one sociable area, keeping whoever was preparing lunch part of the gathering.

HOT MAGAZINE

63


64

HOT MAGAZINE


Its energy arrangements were equally relevant to life aboard. Ten solar panels, capable of producing up to 4.5kW in peak conditions, fed a house battery system designed to support everyday onboard needs. An optional hybrid propulsion system also enabled electric manoeuvring and cruising at up to 6.5 knots. These details gave innovation an immediate human context: the prospect of enjoying an anchorage with less generator use, or moving gently through the water under electric power. Taken together, these designs suggest that some of yachting’s most interesting progress is happening in the ordinary rituals of a day aboard. Preparing a meal, finding a private place to read, stepping down for a swim or taking the helm with confidence all depend on decisions made long before a yacht reaches the water. Cannes gave those decisions a glamorous setting and a tangible form. The festival returns for its 50th anniversary from 7 to 12 September 2027. This year’s edition left an appealing thought in its wake: the enduring luxury of a yacht lies in the freedom it creates to enjoy the sea, and the care with which it makes that freedom comfortable.

HOT MAGAZINE

65


A Conversation With Nick Downing: The Custodian of Custom House Long before Nick Downing was preparing to open one of Bangkok’s most anticipated luxury hotels, he was a young Information Systems student working night shifts as a porter at Hyatt Regency Perth. The career path may have appeared to point towards computers, but the pull of hotel life was already quietly winning. Having travelled extensively with his parents, Downing found himself less interested in the poolside pleasures of a hotel stay than in the hidden rhythm behind the scenes, the back corridors, service spaces, and human choreography that make hospitality come alive. That instinct would become the beginning of an international career shaped by some of the world’s most distinctive hotels, from Palazzo Versace in Australia to Soneva Gili and Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives, where his understanding of luxury deepened beyond beautiful design into something more powerful: a sense of possibility, emotion, and place. Today, as opening General Manager of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok, Downing brings that perspective to a landmark project of rare significance. Set within one of the city’s most his-

68

HOT MAGAZINE

toric riverside buildings, the hotel is not simply another addition to Bangkok’s luxury landscape, but a restoration, a reinvention, and a deeply personal new chapter in a career built around hotels with soul. As The Langham, Custom House prepares to open at the end of this year, HOT Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with Downing about the path that brought him here, the responsibility of reviving a Bangkok landmark, and what he believes will make this historic riverside address one of the city’s most compelling new hospitality destinations. HM: Nick, you began your hospitality career as a night porter at Hyatt Regency Perth while studying Information Systems. Can you take us back to the moment when hotel life became more compelling than the career you had originally imagined? ND: I suppose I always knew that hotels would play a role in my life. I was lucky to have traveled extensively with my parents and always found myself behind the scenes exploring the back corridors rather than playing by the pool.


HOT MAGAZINE

69


Ultimately when Hyatt took me on full-time night shift while I was studying full time during the day, I knew I felt more at home in hotel surroundings than behind a computer. The management team at Hyatt obviously recognised my passion and supported me at every turn. The rest became history and I never looked back HM: From Australia’s Palazzo Versace to Maldives Huvafen Fushi and W Koh Samui, you have worked with hotels that express very different ideas of luxury. Which posting most changed your own understanding of what makes a hotel exceptional? ND: I have been very fortunate to work in many outstanding hotels in incredible locations. No doubt Palazzo Versace was an exceptional experience, changing the face of Australian hospitality experience being the first fashion branded hotel to open in 2000. However I suppose my experience in the Maldives truly shaped my thoughts on what heights hospitality experience can reach. From my first international posting at Soneva Gili and then opening as my first GM role opening Huvafen Fushi, it was these two resorts that really opened my mind to what was possible. HM: At The Siam Bangkok, you led a hotel defined by Bill Bensley's singular design vision. What did that experience teach you about the relationship between architecture, storytelling and guest experience? ND: There is no doubt that The Siam is an extraordinary hotel which is the result of a visionary owning family, a world class hotel designer and an incredible team. I have always said it’s easy to build a beautiful hotel; however it’s the people that truly make the difference. Many hotels look amazing but there is no soul. The Siam is extraordinary because of the combination of all, and guests are made to feel at home with real connections to the location and the people. HM: Behind every polished hotel opening are stories that guests never hear. Looking back over your career, what unexpected challenge taught you a lesson you still carry into every new project?

70

HOT MAGAZINE


ND: I could name so many challenges over my career but the critical lesson I learned early on is that it is always about people and the spirit that they carry. No General Manager can achieve success alone. It’s only through their team and the culture that they create that a hotel can be truly recognised as successful. HM: As you assemble a new team, what do you look for beyond an impressive CV, and how do you nurture genuine hospitality before the first guest arrives? ND: As we build the team for The Langham, Custom House, the mission is to create a fresh culture and entirely new connections. During our recent recruitment drive— meeting over a thousand candidates in four days—CVs were merely a starting point. A resume tells you what someone has done; the first few minutes of conversation tell you who they are. I’m rarely looking for solo superstars. I look for confidence, intuition, emotion, and people who will thrive as part of a team. Also a smile goes a long way too!

HOT MAGAZINE

71


Building genuine hospitality before opening day comes down to shared purpose and vision. Pre-opening isn't just about operational trials; it’s about aligning everyone around a common vision, fostering teamwork, and ensuring we have plenty of fun while bringing the hotel to life. HM: Do you remember your first visit to the Custom House site? What caught your imagination, and was there a particular space or detail that helped you picture its future? ND: I actually visited the site around 2013. In fact, in a previous role I was asked to consider taking the site over as a potential hotel even then. I walked through the entire site which was acting as a fire station. It was run down with floorboards missing, walls in disrepair and the outside completely worn. However I do recall walking the central staircase thinking that it would be an incredible backdrop for guests to experience. HM: Bringing a historic landmark back to life involves choices about what to preserve and where to introduce something new. Can you share a decision that captures how you are approaching that balance at Custom House? ND: That’s a very easy and obvious question which has already been debated online locally. The master plan includes complete restoration of the three historic buildings with owners, Rabbit Holdings choosing to raise the central Custom House building itself by three meters over 18 months. However the adjoining residential wing is strikingly modern in comparison. This was a very conscious decision by lead architect Smith Obayawat who explained to me early on that he wanted to ensure the original building stood proud, regaining its prominence and any additional buildings should compliment, not copy them. In fact he refers to the original buildings as the “Grandfather” and the new wing as the “Grandson” with the grandson bowing down to the grandfather. With that understanding, I believe there was simply no other choice that would have done the original buildings justice.

72

HOT MAGAZINE


HM: The Langham brings its own British heritage to a building deeply rooted in Bangkok’s history. How will those two identities meet in the experience of staying here? ND: Langham Hospitality Group has long history with The Langham London opening in 1865 as the first grand hotel of its type, being the first to offer running hot water and elevators referred to as “rising rooms” at the time. It was also the first hotel to offer the “afternoon tea” experience. Just over 20 years later in 1888, Thailand’s Custom House was established as the gateway to Siam. To me, it seems like a natural fit that such an historic brand should be trusted to bring Custom House back to life and welcome the world once again. Rest assured The Langham afternoon tea will be a key feature! HM: Bangkok already offers an extraordinary choice of luxury hotels, particularly along the river. What will make Custom House the hotel a well-travelled guest chooses and returns to? ND: The Langham, Custom House has been designed to be more than just another hotel in a glass tower. With the three buildings of such rich history dedicated to dining and entertainment spaces including three restaurant concepts with incredible pedigrees, a stunning world class riverside bar with its own pier and an array of outstanding event spaces, we are confident that we are creating a destination not just for international travelers but also for Bangkok residents to return time and again. The adjoining residential wing will create a hotel within hotel experience for guests providing a level of privacy and exclusivity with only 60 rooms and 15 suites. It’s a powerful combination unlike any other hotel that should take center stage in Asia. HM: Imagine we are arriving for our first stay. Take us through the experience you are most looking forward to sharing, from our first impression to a moment we might still be talking about long after we leave.

HOT MAGAZINE

73


74

HOT MAGAZINE


ND: From the moment you walk into the intimate arrival hall, guests immediately experience taste of history with the original exposed brickwork to stunning timber beams overhead. But the real surprise is hidden just beneath your feet. When the building was raised, we carved out a subterranean gallery that showcases the original foundations alongside historic artifacts uncovered during excavation. Paired with custom commissioned art woven throughout the property, it turns a simple walkthrough into a living history lesson. Long after you check out, the memory that hopefully stays with our guests is one of true appreciation of the journey of these magnificent buildings from the original custom house facility to one of a stunning hospitality experience. HM: Having made Bangkok your home, what would you most like your guests to discover about the river and its surrounding neighbourhoods that they might otherwise miss? ND: This is something that our team of Service Stylists and key partners are working on as we want our guests to connect with Bangkok on a deeper level. Of course, guests must experience sites such as Wat Arun, The Grand Palace and other buildings of national significance. However, it’s important for our guests to find the backroads, the personal connections and the off-the-grid experiences that many visitors to Bangkok may otherwise miss. HM: When the doors finally open and you have a quiet moment to take it all in, what would make you feel that you and your team had truly done this remarkable building justice? ND: For me, the test of success is to see guests returning time and again. It’s important that The Langham, Custom House is a destination that guests cannot wait to return to and experience one of their favourite restaurants, our Crowntail riverside bar or even stay overnight. We truly want to return these buildings on this iconic site back to the people of Thailand and once again be the pride of Bangkok.

HOT MAGAZINE

75


Thailand’s Next Chapter in Exceptional Living

78

HOT MAGAZINE


From Bangkok’s luxury residences to Phuket’s resort communities, the 21st PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards celebrated the developers shaping a more considered vision of life at home.

HOT MAGAZINE

79


What makes a home exceptional is increasingly a question of how well it understands the people who live there. Wellness, thoughtful design, connections between generations and a sense of place all featured prominently at the 21st Annual PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, where the kingdom’s property industry gathered at Dusit Thani Bangkok for a black-tie gala celebrating its achievements. Presented under the theme “Defined by Excellence”, the 2026 awards recognised developments across approximately 60 categories, spanning residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use projects. Their geographical reach was equally broad, extending from the capital to Phuket, Hua Hin, the Eastern Seaboard and Southern Thailand. Together, the winners offered a portrait of an industry responding to increasingly varied expectations of contemporary living.

80

HOT MAGAZINE


Sansiri Public Company Limited secured Best Developer for the fourth time, adding Best Ultra Luxury Developer to an evening of substantial recognition. Its project awards included Best Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok) for Via 61, Best Residential Development (Bangkok) for The Monument Sathon, and Best Luxury Wellbeing Condo Development for valles Haus. The honours placed both established expressions of residential luxury and wellbeing within the company’s winning portfolio. AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited also enjoyed a distinguished evening, receiving Best Luxury Developer, Best Condo Developer and Best Housing Developer. Beon Kaset - Nawamin claimed both Best Luxury Housing Development (Bangkok) and Best Housing Development (Thailand), giving the company national recognition alongside its success in the capital. These results underscored the continuing importance of housing within an awards programme encompassing many different ways of living.

HOT MAGAZINE

81


Beyond Bangkok, regional expertise received its own recognition. Botanica Luxury Phuket Co., Ltd. was named Best Developer (Phuket), while JG Development received Best Developer (Hua Hin). Yadalong Property secured Best Lifestyle Developer (Phuket) and a further win for Villa Oliver. The distribution of honours drew attention to the depth of development activity in destinations where residential life and the appeal of a holiday setting often meet. Wellness was another defining thread. Proud Real Estate received Best Luxury Wellness Developer, alongside multiple honours for The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort and wins for Varunn Chaengwattana-Ratchapruek. Capstone Asset Co., Ltd. was recognised for Peylaa Phuket Autograph Collection Residences, adding another branded residential project to the evening’s roll of winners. Such recognition reflected the prominence of wellness-focused living and branded residences among this year’s categories. The breadth of the awards extended well beyond a single interpretation of luxury. Origin Property PCL. was named Best Lifestyle Developer and received Best Luxury Mixed Use Development (Bangkok) for Origin Thonglor World. LLAN Asset earned two honours for Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit, while Boat Pattana collected multiple wins for Sea Theatre Rawai. Villa Carte Group’s Layan Verde and VIP Property Development’s VIP TropiKa Bangtao were also recognised. Elsewhere, SC Asset Corporation celebrated wins for Grand Bangkok Boulevard Ratchaphruek-Phrannok and Cobe Ratchada - Rama 9. Asset Five Group received recognition for Cinquième Krungthep Kreetha, while AssetWise was honoured for Kave Wonderland. Central Pattana’s Baan Ninya Krabi, Frasers Property (Thailand)’s Guté Sathorn, Reignwood Group’s Reignwood Park masterplan and The Riviera Group Thailand’s The Riviera Malibu Residences further illustrated the range of projects represented.

82

HOT MAGAZINE


The evening also acknowledged the people whose leadership has helped shape the sector. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi and Family, led by Wallapa Traisorat of Asset World Corporation, received the Life Achievement Award, recognising their enduring contributions to Thailand’s real estate industry alongside TCC Group. It was an occasion to acknowledge a legacy extending beyond individual developments. Chanavat Uahwatanasakul, president and chief executive officer of Central Pattana Public Company Limited, was named Real Estate Personality of the Year for his leadership in retail and property. Proudputh Liptapanlop, executive director of Proud Real Estate Public Company Limited, received the Rising Star award, recognising her ascent and approach to wellness-focused development. Ratchayud Nunthachotsophol, president of AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited, received the Changemaker Award for his transformative contribution to the industry.

HOT MAGAZINE

83


Consumer sentiment had a place in the celebrations through the People’s Choice Awards, following public voting from 3 to 16 August 2026. The ten recognised developers were AP (Thailand), AssetWise, Central Pattana, Frasers Property (Thailand), L.P.N. Development, Origin Property, Pruksa Holding, Sansiri, SC Asset Corporation and Sena Development. This public vote brought the preferences of consumers into an evening otherwise shaped by expert assessment. That assessment was undertaken by an independent judging panel chaired by Suphin Mechuchep, CEO of Primo Service Solution, with expertise spanning architecture, engineering, law, hospitality and property. Regional panels contributed local knowledge, while HLB Thailand independently supervised the selection process. For Suphin, the new categories reflected an evolving understanding of residential needs. They encompassed branded residences, wellness-focused living, student accommodation, multigenerational housing and specialised design for marina and oceanview developments. She highlighted the thoughtfulness, precision and understanding of market needs demonstrated by the winning projects, placing quality of life and lasting value alongside ambition and scale.

84

HOT MAGAZINE


Jules Kay, managing director of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, similarly emphasised the importance of focus. “Two decades of recognising excellence clearly demonstrate that longevity belongs to those who adapt,” he said. His observations centred on developers understanding particular buyers and places, refining their expertise and integrating sustainability into what they build. “Collectively, they show that the Kingdom’s real estate future follows vision, not volume, responding to genuine demand.” For the winners, the next opportunity may be regional recognition. Eligible awardees may advance to the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, taking place on 11 December 2026 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, where the programme will recognise the Best in Asia. The Thailand results already suggest a compelling direction: homes and communities conceived with a clearer understanding of daily life. Whether expressed through a Bangkok condominium, a wellness-oriented residence or a regional masterplan, the most meaningful ambition is the ability to create places that remain relevant to the people who choose them. At this year’s awards, that relationship between design, purpose and quality of life gave excellence its most persuasive expression.

HOT MAGAZINE

85


LIGHT, SPACE AND SEA AIR Lemon Tree Comes to Market

88

HOT MAGAZINE


YACHT OF THE M

NTH

There are yachts that impress through scale, and there are yachts that impress through atmosphere. Lemon Tree, the 61.5-metre Sanlorenzo delivered in 2021 and refitted in 2025, does both with unusual ease. At 201.7 feet, she has the volume, range, and presence expected of a serious contemporary superyacht, yet her appeal lies just as much in the way she uses space, light, and proximity to the sea.

HOT MAGAZINE

89


Built in Italy by Sanlorenzo, Lemon Tree brings together exterior design by Officina Italiana Design and interiors by Francesco Paszkowski Design. The result is a yacht with a confident modern profile, softened by an interior language that feels calm, warm, and deeply liveable. Her lines are clean and purposeful, her proportions generous without feeling heavy, and throughout the yacht there is a strong sense that every area has been created for real use rather than occasional display. From the outside, Lemon Tree presents a sophisticated and contemporary silhouette, with glass, open decks, and long horizontal lines helping to reduce the visual weight of her 1,280 gross tonnes. Her steel hull and aluminium superstructure give her the strength and credentials for extended cruising, while her 11.5-metre beam allows for broad interior volumes and expansive exterior decks. She carries the Cayman Islands flag and is classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, with MCA compliance, placing her firmly in the category of yachts designed for both private enjoyment and serious operational capability.

90

HOT MAGAZINE


The onboard experience is centred around easy movement between interior and exterior spaces. Lemon Tree is not a yacht that hides guests away from the elements. Instead, she celebrates sea air, long views, shaded dining, and water-level living. The bridge deck is a fine example of this philosophy, arranged around a generous aft guest area with a relaxed lounge, sit-up bar, and sun lounging spaces. It is equally suited to informal days at anchor or elegant evenings under the sky, with the flexibility for al fresco dining when the setting demands a longer table and a slower pace. Walkaround side decks and glass guardrails enhance the open feeling, preserving views and allowing guests to move naturally around the yacht. An elevator connects the main deck to the bridge deck, adding an important layer of comfort and practicality, particularly on a yacht designed to welcome up to 14 guests.

HOT MAGAZINE

91


The upper deck is one of Lemon Tree’s defining features, reserved as a private owner’s retreat. Forward, the master suite enjoys 180-degree views through fullheight windows, creating a rare sense of connection to the horizon from within the privacy of the owner’s accommodation. Sliding doors open directly onto a foredeck terrace, where a pool, sunpads, and flexible open space create a private outdoor sanctuary. This is a place that can shift easily from quiet morning solitude to afternoon entertaining or a wellness-focused escape. Inside the owner’s suite, the arrangement includes his-and-hers bathrooms, a study, and a walk-in dressing room, all contributing to the feeling of a true private apartment at sea. Aft on the same deck, a sky lounge with panoramic windows opens onto a shaded deck with dining, bar, and lounging areas. The foredeck also serves as a touch-and-go helipad, giving Lemon Tree added versatility for owners and guests who value efficient access.

92

HOT MAGAZINE


On the main deck aft, Lemon Tree makes another strong statement with a large pool whose sliding covers transform the area into an expansive sunpad. It is a clever feature, allowing the space to adapt throughout the day. In one moment it is a pool terrace; in another, a broad lounging platform for sunbathing, cocktails, or simply watching the coastline pass by. Steps lead down toward the swim platform and beach club, creating a natural progression from the social heart of the main deck to the yacht’s water-level retreat. The main saloon is bright and inviting, with warm tones, contemporary furnishings, and full-height glazing that keeps the sea present even when guests are indoors. Forward of the saloon is a formal dining area, offering a more composed setting for dinners on board. Guest accommodation is also arranged on the main deck, with two double cabins and three convertible cabins complementing the owner’s suite above. In total, Lemon Tree accommodates 14 guests across seven cabins, with a crew of 16 ensuring a high level of service. A massage room adds further flexibility and can also serve as an optional guest or staff cabin if required.

HOT MAGAZINE

93


For all her deck spaces and refined interiors, Lemon Tree’s beach club may be her most memorable feature. Positioned on the lower deck and opening on three sides, it creates a remarkable connection with the sea. Folddown terraces, a generous swim platform, and broad openings turn the area into a private waterfront lounge, equally suited to active mornings and languid afternoons. This is not simply a place to store water toys or pass through after a swim. It has been conceived as a proper wellness and leisure destination. The beach club includes a fully equipped gym with sea views, a hammam, steam shower, lounge area, and dayhead. The effect is closer to a private resort than a conventional yacht beach club, with guests able to move from workout to swim to steam shower without ever losing sight of the water. On a yacht of this size, that level of attention to wellness and lifestyle feels especially compelling. It gives Lemon Tree a distinct character: elegant, certainly, but also relaxed, healthy, and deeply connected to outdoor living. Her tender setup further supports that lifestyle. Lemon Tree carries two custom-designed tenders, including a 10-metre Pascoe Open Limousine tender and an 8.5-metre Ribeye YT 811 tender with a Yamaha 300hp outboard engine. Together, they allow for comfortable guest transfers, coastal exploring, and water-based excursions away from the mothership. Performance is provided by twin 1,875hp MTU engines, driving a twin-screw diesel propulsion system. Lemon Tree cruises at 14 knots and reaches a maximum speed of 16.5 knots. At 11 knots, she offers a transatlantic range of 5,000 nautical miles, making her suitable for serious passage-making as well as Mediterranean cruising. With a draft of 3.2 metres and zero-speed stabilisers, she is designed to deliver comfort both underway and at anchor, an important consideration for owners who expect long periods of relaxed living on board. Currently lying in the West Mediterranean and offered for sale at EUR 62,000,000 exclusively through Burgess, Lemon Tree represents a compelling opportunity within the modern superyacht market. Her five-year class survey has recently been completed, adding to her appeal as a yacht ready for immediate cruising. She brings together the pedigree of Sanlorenzo, the calm sophistication of Francesco Paszkowski’s interiors, and the lifestyle advantages of exceptional outdoor spaces, a private owner’s deck, and a three-sided beach club.

94

HOT MAGAZINE


What makes Lemon Tree particularly appealing is that she does not rely on one dramatic feature alone. Her strength is cumulative. The owner’s terrace, the adaptable main deck pool, the panoramic sky lounge, the beach club, the wellness areas, the long-range capability, and the thoughtful guest accommodation all work together to create a yacht that feels complete. She is glamorous without being excessive, practical without feeling clinical, and luxurious without losing warmth. For an owner seeking a contemporary yacht with generous volume, proven pedigree, and a strong focus on life outdoors, Lemon Tree offers a persuasive balance. She is a yacht for long lunches at anchor, early swims from the beach club, shaded dinners on deck, and quiet mornings in a master suite wrapped in light. More than simply a showcase of design and engineering, she is a yacht built around the pleasure of being at sea.

HOT MAGAZINE

95


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 LAKESIDE Mabprachan 21 Pool Villas

ZENSIRI RESIDENCES JOMTIEN Central Jomtien 126 Condos / 2 Low Rise Buildings

ZENSIRI ESTATE JOMTIEN Central Jomtien 26 Pool Villas

ZENSIRI VILLAS KOH CHANG Klong Prao, Koh Chang 11 Pool Villas

ZENSIRI CONDOMINIUM KC Koh Chang 35 Condos

sales@essdevelopments.com | +66 989 785 288 www.essdevelopments.com


You already know AI is the future. The hard part is figuring out what's worth implementing for your specific business.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

That's exactly what we do. In a focused one-on-one consultation, we learn about your business from you:

An in depth, consultation, where we dig into all areas and identify where AI can make the biggest impact for your business.

Pain points — the bottlenecks frustrating you right now.

A custom Executive Report — specific tasks AI can automate, with no vague ideas.

Repetitive tasks — the work draining your team's time daily.

Quick-win tools — things you can start using immediately.

Workflows you'd like automated — nobody knows your business like you do, so tell us what you'd love to see running on autopilot.

ROI estimates — clear numbers for each recommendation.

Growth areas — especially PR and social media, where AI tools can amplify your reach without amplifying your workload. Every recommendation is built around your business specifically. Nothing vague. Just practical, prioritised steps you can act on within 48 hours.

Contact us today: hello@wedoaithailand.com wedoaithailand.com

A 30-minute strategy call — we walk you through exactly what to do next and show you solutions that fit your budget. The expensive part isn't AI. It's wasted time figuring this out yourself. You've got a business to run.


HUA HIN'S HOTTEST NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Eden Luxe

LAZ195784

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. 184m2 Interior – 3 Bed – 2.5 Bath – 548m2 land

฿ 9,990,000

LAZ 172686 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.

The Clouds

LAZ 119937 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.

Aria 4

228m2 Interior – 3 Bed – 3 Bath – 600m2 land

TLL211828

MeeDee Lux

This contemporary single-storey villa at MeeDee Lux is designed for modern resort-style living . The home features clean architectural lines and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows which create a bright, elegant and welcoming atmosphere.

฿ 10,400,000

355m2 Interior – 775m2 land– 4 Bed – 4 Bath

LAZ 197947 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.

La Felice Exclusive Villa Hua Hin

260m2 interior – 3 Bed – 4 Bath – 500m2 land

350m2 interior – 3 Bed – 3 Bath – 480m2 land

244m2 Interior – 3 Bed – 3 Bath – 728m2 land

Botanica Luxury Hua Hin

฿ 14,800,000

฿ 10,300,000

฿ 12,500,000

LAZ197141 Contemporary La Felice villa in Hua Hin featuring seamless indoor-outdoor living, private pool, landscaped gardens and close to town. Modern tropical luxury awaits.

฿ 19,900,000

+66 (0) 843 875 699 info@hothuahinproperty.com 98

HOT MAGAZINE


HUA HIN'S HOTTEST NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Baan Phu Thara Mountainside

LAZ 179385

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. 213m2 interior – 3 Bed – 4 Bath – 914m2 land

The Mountain Estate

฿ 17,483,000

LAZ 198185

Detail Khao Tao

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. 459m2 interior – 4 Bed – 5 Bath – 572m2 land

฿ 19,500,000

TLL 210179

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. 260m2 Interior – 3 Bed – 3 Bath – 660m2 land

฿ 13,400,000

+66 (0) 843 875 699 info@hothuahinproperty.com HOT MAGAZINE

99


THE ULTIMATE DAY CRUISER Primus Marine introduces the first SAY 42 Sport to Asia. Designed for versatility and comfort while staying true to SAY's precision performance DNA. WWW.PRIMUS-MARINE.COM INFO@PRIMUS-MARINE.COM +66 (0) 76601161


WEIGHTLESS WONDER Volume and Body with Micellar Technology

THE WEIGHTLESS SERIES

www.philipb.com


BANGKOK AT THE TOP How Thailand's Capital Became One of the World's Great Luxury Hotel Cities

102

HOT MAGAZINE


Bangkok has long understood the pleasures of a remarkable hotel stay. Gracious service, generous suites and memorable dining have been part of its appeal for decades, complemented by the Chao Phraya River and the extraordinary life unfolding along its banks. Today, a new generation of properties is building on that tradition, bringing fresh architectural ambition and increasingly personal interpretations of luxury to a city already rich in hospitality heritage.

HOT MAGAZINE

103


The 2026 edition of The 50 Best Hotels offers compelling recognition of that achievement. Unveiled in Paris on 15 September, the ranking placed Capella Bangkok second in the world and Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River third. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok secured tenth place, while Aman Nai Lert Bangkok entered at number 48. With two properties in the global top three and four among the top 50, Bangkok’s standing among the world’s leading hotel destinations has rarely been clearer. Rankings inevitably reflect individual tastes, and the qualities that make a hotel unforgettable resist any simple formula. Yet the breadth of Bangkok’s representation is telling. These four properties have markedly different personalities, spanning an intimate riverside retreat, an expansive urban resort, a historic institution and a secluded sanctuary above a private park. Together, they reveal a city capable of delivering exceptional hospitality in several distinct forms.

104

HOT MAGAZINE


Three share a connection to the Chao Phraya, the great waterway that has carried Bangkok’s commerce and daily life for centuries. Its continuing importance gives the riverside hotels something that even the most accomplished designer cannot manufacture: a setting inseparable from the character of the city. Boats passing beneath a terrace, changing light on the water and neighbourhoods reached from a private pier make the river part of the experience throughout the day. At Capella Bangkok, that relationship is expressed with particular intimacy. The low-rise hotel places its 101 rooms, suites and villas in direct conversation with the water, with accommodation beginning at a generous 61 square metres. Seven riverside villas offer gardens and private plunge pools at the river’s edge, creating an unusually secluded way to stay in the heart of the capital.

HOT MAGAZINE

105


The property’s appeal rests partly on the balance between this tranquillity and the city beyond. Guests can withdraw into the privacy of their accommodation while remaining close to the life of Charoen Krung, with Capella’s Culturists helping them explore the surrounding area. Its first-place finish in 2024 and return to second in 2026 reflect the lasting appeal of this carefully considered approach. Next door, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River develops the possibilities of the same setting on a broader scale. Gardens, courtyards and water features shape the progression through the property, while interiors by Jean-Michel Gathy establish a composed contemporary atmosphere. Although the hotel contains 299 rooms and suites, its sequence of open spaces and quieter retreats creates a feeling of ease. That generosity of space gives the property much of its resort character. Indoor and outdoor areas flow into one another, inviting guests to move between the riverfront and more sheltered corners of the hotel. Its connection to the creative energy of Charoen Krung adds another dimension, placing contemporary Bangkok within reach of a stay that can feel comfortably removed from the city’s pace.

106

HOT MAGAZINE


Further along the river, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok brings a different depth to the story. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, the hotel has welcomed generations of writers, royalty and travellers, helping to establish the capital’s reputation for international luxury hospitality. Its place in the global top ten acknowledges an institution that continues to command attention in a market increasingly populated by ambitious newcomers. Much of its character resides in familiar rituals. Afternoon tea in the Authors’ Lounge, an arrival at the private pier and the passage of river traffic all connect a present-day stay with the hotel’s long history. These experiences endure because they remain pleasurable in their own right, supported by the attention to service for which the property is known.

HOT MAGAZINE

107


Alongside that continuity, the hotel continues to evolve. Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, awarded two Michelin stars, brings a new culinary perspective to one of Bangkok’s most storied dining rooms. It is a fitting expression of the Oriental’s enduring appeal: the confidence to introduce something fresh while preserving the sense of occasion that has drawn guests back for generations. Away from the river, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok demonstrates how another of the city’s distinctive settings can shape an exceptional hotel. Within the seven-acre greenery of Nai Lert Park, the property offers a rare feeling of seclusion close to some of central Bangkok’s busiest streets. The park provides the foundation for an experience centred on privacy, space and tranquillity.

108

HOT MAGAZINE


Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the 36-storey development combines 52 hotel suites with 39 branded residences. Suites begin at approximately 94 square metres, while a 1,500-square-metre wellness centre reinforces Aman’s emphasis on restorative stays. Its arrival in the ranking at number 48 adds a fresh perspective to Bangkok’s established strengths, showing how the city continues to attract properties with distinctive ambitions. Architecture and setting explain much of the appeal of these hotels, but service gives them their warmth. At Bangkok’s finest properties, attentiveness can feel natural and unobtrusive, allowing a sophisticated environment to remain relaxed. The quality of a welcome, a thoughtfully handled request or the ease with which a day unfolds often leaves as lasting an impression as an extraordinary suite. The city itself completes the experience. A morning beside the river can lead to a boat journey through an old neighbourhood, lunch at a modest noodle shop and an afternoon in a contemporary gallery, followed by an evening of accomplished fine dining. Bangkok allows these pleasures to coexist within the same stay, giving luxury a lively and distinctly local context. Its finest hotels each offer a different way into that world. Their individuality gives Bangkok its strength as a hotel destination, while their shared commitment to hospitality makes the city so rewarding to return to. The international recognition is deserved; the deeper achievement is how naturally these remarkable places belong to Bangkok.

HOT MAGAZINE

109


LIMITED AVAILABILITY

8 PLOTS ONLY

LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE Experience Modern Living in an Exclusive Golf Course 3 Freehold Ownership 3 Stunning Open Spaces with Breathtaking Views 3 Full Access to Amenities: Pool, Gym, Restaurant, Concierge Service 3 Exclusive Golf Privileges at Black Mountain Golf Course 3 Prime Location – 5 mins Walking Distance to Hua Hin International School, Water Park and Wellness Facilities www.sansara.asia | customercare@sansara.asia | 032 909 615


HOME&

REAL ESTATE Brought to you by

hothuahinproperty.com


HOME OF

THE MONTH Ultra-Luxury 4-Storey Pool Villa in Kamala Hills

114

HOT MAGAZINE


LIVING AREA: 2,480 M 2 LAND AREA: 1,892 M 2 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 6

466,560,000 THB

HOT MAGAZINE

115


Overlooking the ocean from Phuket’s Kamala Hills, this expansive six-bedroom residence brings together contemporary architecture, generous entertaining spaces and the leisurely pleasures of a private resort. The ocean provides an ever-present backdrop to life at this hillside villa in Kamala. Beyond broad expanses of glass and open terraces, coastal views stretch towards the horizon, framed by mature trees and tropical greenery. It is a setting that encourages a slower rhytHM: mornings beside the pool, long lunches outdoors and quiet moments watching the changing light across the water. Arranged over four storeys, the fully furnished residence offers approximately 2,480 square metres of interior space on a 1,892-square-metre plot. Six bedrooms and six bathrooms form part of an extensive layout that accommodates family life, visiting guests, entertaining and wellness with considerable freedom.

116

HOT MAGAZINE


The architecture makes the most of its elevated position. Clean lines, flat roof profiles and glass balustrades give the exterior a contemporary clarity, while successive terraces and balconies open the home towards the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw natural light deep into the living spaces, maintaining a visual connection with the sea and surrounding hills. Inside, a restrained palette is enriched by warm timber, stone accents and carefully considered lighting. High ceilings enhance the sense of volume, while bespoke cabinetry and substantial furnishings bring definition to the larger rooms. A curved staircase rises through the double-height foyer, its glass balustrade and illuminated steps creating a sculptural centrepiece. A glass lift provides convenient access between all four levels.

HOT MAGAZINE

117


The living areas offer a variety of moods. Expansive open-plan spaces, furnished with generous sectional sofas and statement chandeliers, provide a natural setting for gathering. Elsewhere, timber feature walls, stone finishes and wood-clad ceilings give individual lounges a more intimate character. With several places to sit and unwind, the home allows a lively evening with friends and a quiet retreat to coexist comfortably. Sliding glass doors extend these interiors onto covered terraces, making outdoor living a natural part of the day. The transition is particularly appealing around the dining areas, where meals can move easily between an indoor setting and an open-air table overlooking the grounds and coastline.

118

HOT MAGAZINE


Dining arrangements range from convivial round tables to longer stone-topped settings suited to larger occasions. The kitchens offer similar flexibility. Contemporary spaces with central islands, handleless cabinetry and breakfast seating serve everyday needs, while a professional-grade stainless-steel kitchen, equipped with a gas cooktop and double ovens, supports more elaborate entertaining. Together, they provide ample scope for everything from a relaxed breakfast to a carefully prepared dinner. In the bedrooms, generous proportions are balanced by softer finishes and a restful palette. Upholstered headboards, decorative wall treatments and wood flooring introduce warmth, with herringbone patterns and wide planks adding texture across the accommodation. Many bedrooms include their own seating areas and direct access to balconies or terraces, allowing guests and family members to enjoy a measure of independence.

HOT MAGAZINE

119


The principal suites extend this sense of privacy through dedicated lounge areas. Walk-in dressing rooms feature glass-fronted wardrobes, integrated lighting and central storage islands, bringing an orderly elegance to daily routines. Bathrooms continue the home’s emphasis on space and outlook. Freestanding soaking tubs and substantial built-in baths are complemented by glass-enclosed showers, double vanities and floating cabinetry. Neutral stone or porcelain surfaces create a cohesive finish, while large windows in several bathrooms frame views of the ocean or gardens. These are rooms designed to make time spent unwinding feel entirely unhurried.

120

HOT MAGAZINE


A substantial collection of leisure amenities adds another dimension to the residence. Dedicated cinema rooms feature tiered leather recliners and acoustic wall panels, creating an inviting setting for evenings at home. A games room pairs a glass-based pool table with illuminated display shelving, while the private gym accommodates both cardiovascular and strength training, with access to a terrace. Wellness spaces are equally well considered. Treatment rooms with massage beds look towards tranquil greenery, offering a peaceful setting within the home’s more secluded areas. Outside, the elevated swimming pool forms a focal point for the terraces. Mosaic tiles and an infinity-style edge complement the architecture, while cushioned loungers, umbrellas and a poolside bar encourage leisurely afternoons. Covered dining and lounge areas provide shade and space for company. A separate private terrace, furnished with an L-shaped sofa and a built-in hot tub, offers a quieter place to settle. Offered on a freehold basis, this Kamala Hills residence combines substantial accommodation with a remarkably varied setting for daily life. Its enduring attraction lies in the ease with which those spaces come together: room to welcome friends, privacy to withdraw, and an ocean outlook that lends even the simplest moments a sense of occasion. Viewings are by appointment only. For further details or to arrange a private viewing, please visit https:// thailuxuryliving.com, with reference TLL212309, or contact us at info@ thailuxuryliving.com.

HOT MAGAZINE

121


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
HOT Magazine, Issue 9, Volume 14 by HOT Magazine Thailand - Issuu