Luxury Living Magazine - Issue 5 (2015)

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

LUXURY LIVING

FASHION FIX DIVE INTO SUMMER

FESTIVALS IN THAILAND A YEAR ROUND CELEBRATION

SAMUI EDITION

CITY BREAK VALAIS EUROPE'S SHANGRI LA

Thai Tonic

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Living Area: 188 sqm Land Size: 820 sqm.

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Just 200m from the beach, Oceana Residences, Koh Samui’s most exciting premium condominiums are now under construction.

An actual shot of our beach

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As 2015 unfolds before us, blooming with new possibilities and exciting untold adventures, the new year holiday season is the perfect downtime to focus on that which we wish to manifest in our futures. This edition is dedicated to these lazy summer days bursting with fresh content to inspire your lifestyle and design goals this year.

Continually striving to meet your thirst for all things fabulous in luxurious living, this edition reveals enticing new fashion and beauty segments to help you look your best at the beach this summer. From swimwear to hair-care, sizzle with style in the sun with our pick of luxury brands - all offering delivery to your door for the ultimate convenience.

The quality of our contributions in 2015 have reached higher levels than ever before. From award-winning journalist Saifuddin Ismailji comes a fairy-tale exploration of Valais: Europe’s Shangri La. For your holiday reading pleasure, we speak to best-selling authors about mindfulness; unveil an Urban Rajah’s curry diet secrets and learn about the psychologist-recommended storybook guaranteed to make your children sleep.

A new year offers us the chance to revisit the past and look upon things anew. We adore the multidimensional appeal of working with concrete and unveil the investment opportunity dripping in pop culture icons: original antique poster art. Luxury motors show off clever heat-shielding tech and unleash all the modern conveniences of today’s vehicles on some classic Porsche beauties.

In 2015 we discover, some things, such as home audio-visual automation, are best not seen, but heard from any corner of the historic £20M Elswothy Road estate in England. Yet when it comes to the best in island properties, Luxury Living is delighted to preview our latest development in our feature presentation definitely better seen rather heard.

The New Year blossoms, fragrant with the delight of new possibilities we are excited to explore with you. We invite you now to take a few moments to unwind with us and rediscover lifestyle design, island style.

Katy Thomas editor@luxuryliving.com

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CONTENT FASHION FIX

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BEAUTY BUY ME

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SUN & SEA: A Shore Thing in Samui

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HOLIDAY READS: The Mindful Way Through Stress The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep Urban Rajah's Curry Memoirs

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CULINARY CORNER: Summer Salad - Som Tam

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FESTIVALS IN THAILAND A Year Round Celebration

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INSPIRED INTERIORS

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ART OF INVESTMENT

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AQUA SAMUI DUO

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HOME AUTOMATION

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CONCRETE IDEAS IN DESIGN

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WEEKEND AWAY: Chiang Mai

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CITY BREAK: Valais: Europe's Shangri La

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Valerie Parisius Sakul Intakul Nooror Somany Steppe

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ACCESSORY NECESSITY

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LUXURY MOTORS

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THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK

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Katy Thomas Editorial Director

Antonio Doani CEO Luxury Living

Writers: Fortune Obiagbor Shamash Alidina Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin Urban Rajah Caris Cruz Jodie Oakes Saifuddin Ismailji

Photographer: Saifuddin Ismailji

Olga Apostol Sales Director

Anusart Panapoy (Jome) Head Designer

Fashion Fix:

Dive Summer Into

Laze by the pool in full glamour with bold colours, geometric prints, and glitzy shimmering fabrics.

Dive in the deep end of fashion with these exclusive SS15 looks in total beachin’ style.

V Neck Swimsuit

Artemis South Halter Neck Bikini

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Artemis South Halter Neck Swimsuit

Artemis South

Tassel Kimono And Halterneck Bikini Top

High Waisted Bikini

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Triangle Bikini Set

www.artemissouth.co.uk

Triangle Bikini

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Maxi Dress

Amoir Camaira

www.amoircamaira.co.uk

Sierra Bikini 3

Esmaya Swimsuit 1

Mya Bikini 1

Chloe Bikini 3

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Unicorn - Bandeau Cutout Malliot

Unicorn - Bandeau Cutout Malliot

Mermaid - Bandeau Cutout Malliot

LaLa Land

www.lalalandswim.com

Diamond Halter and Skinny Mini

Leopard - Twist Bandeau And High Waisted Zip Briefs

Birds Of Paradise Mini Kaftan Top

Mermaid - High Waisted Sheer Pants

Birds Of Paradise - Gathered Bird Malliot

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Salamander Marilyn One-Piece

Salamander Bandeau One-Piece

www.monaswims.com

Marilyn One-Piece In Negative Royal

Yellow Minerva Marilyn

Bjork print Twisted bandeau High Waisted Brief Marilyn In Bjork Print

Salamander Print Marilyn One-Piece

MONA

Tilia Print Bandeau One-Piece

Bjork Print Twisted Bandeau High Waisted Brief

Minerva Leggings

Minerva Bandeau One-Piece

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LUXURY LIVING Champs Elysees Swimsuit

Avenue Gabriel Swimsuit

Champs Elysees Bikini

Babylone Swimsuit

Sumarie www.sumarie.com

Saint Honore Body

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Bastille Bikini

Louvre Swimsuit

Luxembourg Swimsuit

Luxembourg Bikini

Beauty Designer DIY Skincare: MIMI sweet cheeks

Diagnosed with Rosacea, a chronic skin condition which affects 1 in 10 people, founder Jess suffered from sensitive skin all her life. She was inspired to start making her own skincare line through learning to formulate products for her own delicate skin.

MIMI

cosmetics are 100% natural, containing ingredients powerful enough to cleanse, yet gentle enough to nourish and protect even the most sensitive of skins. There are 3 Kits in the range, including a scrub, a mask and a natural treatment oil for Rosacea.

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Buy Me Luxury Living fell in love with Sweet Cheeks - Exfoliating Body Scrub an invigorating paste of salts and citrus peels you tailor to your own needs and concoct yourself, to cleanse, buff and tone like a medicinal mixologist at home.

To keep all skin looking it’s best in the sweltering Samui heat, Sweet Cheeks buffs away dry skin and drenches the your body in enriching natural moisturisers. It leaves skin so silky smooth to the touch, slipping into a bikini-ready body has never been a more pleasurable experience!

How do you use it?

Simply mix together the perfectly premeasured pottles and sachets to create your very own custom cosmetics.

Dead sea salts and orange peel to slough away the dry skin is stirred into delicious coconut and sweet almond oils plus carrot tissue extracts to brighten and soften the polished new skin beneath.

Instructions advise you to use part of the products to customize the grain, scent and consistency of the mixture to tailor the scrub to your skins particular needs.

MIMI kits employ colourful tactile ingredients and complex aromas of essential oils for a multisensory delight as you cook up your perfect body scrub in just seconds!

We love that MIMI products are only tested on willing humans and the gorgeous packaging is made from sustainable, recycled materials intended to be reusable after use.

Does it work?

Mixing yourself might sound messy, but the MIMI crew does the hard work for you. Perfectly packaged bottles and containers take the fuss out of a potential chore. Truthfully, it is fun. The texture is grainy without ever bordering on scratchy and the creamy oil base feels dreamy going on, sleek rinsing off. Cheeks, legs and even rough feet turn out soft and silky smooth with a heady fresh scent of orange, cinnamon and lemongrass oils that lingers - keeping your cheeks extra sweet all day long.

www.makeitmakeit.com

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Beauty Swim Spray Swimming in chlorinated pools is like taking a bath in bleach – drying and damaging skin and hair, not to mention leaving an awful smell that lingers. If you are tired of irritated skin, bleached and strawlike hair from swimming in your pool, finally, there is a natural solution to keep your skin and hair looking and feeling their best.

Invented by Dr. Andrew Chadeayne PhD., a former Princeton University collegiate swimmer who holds a PhD in Chemistry from Cornell, SwimSpray was formulated for him and his swimming buddies. Word travelled fast to the highest level of the sport Says Olympian Chloe Sutton, “I’m absolutely addicted to Swim Spray! My hair feels lighter now it’s no longer weighed down by the chlorine and I no longer get itchy, dry skin.

And it neutralizes chlorine from my swimsuit” Based on 100% natural Vitamin-C technology, Dr. Chadeayne had to leave his job at the most prestigious intellectual property firm in Washington D.C. to focus on Swim Spray full time. Safe to use on babies and children over 6months, Swim Spray eradicates all the problems swimming in pools leave behind, naturally.

How do you use it?

After swimming, rinse off in the shower, then apply 20-30 sprays of Swim Spray wherever you want to remove the smell and feel of chlorine. You can use it on your skin, hair and even your swimsuit. Then you simply shower normally. You need never smell like chlorine again!

Does it work?

Designed by professional swimmers and used at the most elite levels of the sport, it’s easy to see why this has become such a fast favourite. Incredibly simple to use and fast-acting, you immediately notice the lack of odor on your skin when you step out of the shower.

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Buy Me The best part? Skin no longer feels tight and stretched, hair looks and feels soft to the touch; in fact no one would know you have been swimming in a pool. Safe enough to use on delicate skin, even children and babies can benefit from this wonderful product, elimating the dangerous chemical residue chlorinated pools leave behind on their young skin and hair.

www.swimspray.com

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Beauty Arganesse Cult fad, Argan Oil has been and gone on the hair scene. Famed for controlling frizz and moisturizing hair, unfortunately early Morrocan Oil hair products also left hair heavy and a bit greasy and oily to the look and touch.

Enter Arganesse: an ethical solution with a winning secret formula. Arganesse harnesses the power of rare Argan oil and blends it with complementary ingredients to restore a lustrous gleam to lifeless locks. Better yet, it provides jobs to a working cooperative of the native women of Morocco.

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Buy Me For centuries Moroccan women have been employing traditional methods of oil extraction; cracking the shells by hand and using sharp stones to grind the precious kernel from the Argan nut interior into a paste to elicit a couple of drops of precious oil. Good things take time, and village women spend approximately 20 hours to extrude 1 litre of Argan oil.

The Moroccan government works with the women’s collectives to protect the tradition and allow the women’s groups to compete in the global marketplace and earn a fair wage. Village women are invited to work half days: with good working conditions, providing education for members and promoting communication between women’s groups in different villages, while still allowing them time to take care of their families.

The rise in women’s cooperatives has improved the female position in local society, giving them increased bargaining power with business acumen and decision making responsibility in a predominantly male-dominated patriarchy in rural Morocco. A portion of all Arganesse sales goes to these female collectives.

How do you use it?

Warm a small amount of Arganesse in your hands and distribute evenly over clean damp hair. Style as usual and benefit from it’s natural heat-protecting complex and enriching silken formula.

Does it work?

High in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, Argan oil nourishes the dry coarse hair we all suffer from swimming in pools and baking in the hot summer sun. After just one application, hair is defrizzed, repaired and rehydrated - feeling smooth and looking lusciously glossy without feeling weighed down or oily. With several repeated applications, hair feels stronger, more robust; resilient and withstands exposure to the sun. As a treatment and a styling product, Arganesse hair looks and feels fabulous, with minimal fuss and application - a little goes a long way to help hair shine. www.arganesse.com

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SUN & SEA: A SHORE THING IN SAMUI Words by: Fortune Obiagbor

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Discovered around the late 1800's, Koh Samui is an island on the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand. An early haven for fishermen, sailors, and sea traders used the island as a place to shelter from storms and high seas as they sailed across the Gulf of Thailand. Those same fishermen and sea traders, who were mainly of Chinese and Malay origin, became some of the earliest settlers. Koh Samui was known then, as it is now, for its rich natural beauty and wealth of natural resources, which include luscious vegetation, exotic fruits, and abundance of fish and other wildlife. There is a common belief that the word 'Samui' was actually derived from the Chinese word 'Saboey', which when translated means 'safe haven'.

Just as Koh Samui is known to be an idyllic holiday spot in Thailand, it is all about the beaches. This is a tropical island destination with warm, clear and calm water that laps the sands of countless beachfront accommodations. To separate the best from the rest, here is a round up of our favourite beaches in Koh Samui;

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Silver Beach Silver Beach is a 250m - long tropical beach paradise set in a charming little bay facing northeast, located just north of Lamai Beach, at the foothills and cliffs separating Lamai from the more popular Chaweng area on the east coast of Koh Samui. Also known as the head of Thong Takhian (which means 'the beach of the Ta-khians Trees'), Silver Beach hosts four long-established hotels and restaurants; Crystal Bay Beach Resort, Silver Beach Resort, Thong Takhian Resort, and Crystal Bay Yacht Club which occupy the full length of the beach. Nevertheless, any visitors, even those not staying at one of the hotels, are free to access this tranquil strip of sand which offers some particularly good sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Other available facilities include sea-kayaks and two beach body massage parlors offering a wide range of massages, treatments, manicures and pedicures.

Ang Thong Marine National Park Ang Thong Marine National Park is a treasure trove of pristine shores and exciting activities; the very name, 'Ang Thong’ in Thai, means 'bowl of gold'.

Here discover a prestine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls, lakes and hidden caves to explore. Established in 1980 and covering an area of over 80% of the entire archipelago, Ang Thong National Park is a protected area of more than 100 square kilometers of land and sea.

It is also home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures.

Hiking, snorkelling, sea kayaking, sailing, diving, and simply relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches are all equally enjoyable at Ang Thong. Arrival to Ang Thong is by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. For visitors wishing to spend the night, there are simple bungalows and camp tents available for rent at the Park Headquarters on Koh Wua Talab, where a restaurant can be found as well. Though often busy with day-trippers in peak season, the Ang Thong islands are a postcard-perfect image of tropical paradise that calls locals and guests from around the world to Koh Samui.

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Choeng Mon Beach Choeng Mon Beach is another wonderful beach in Koh Samui. Much more up market that its neighbour Big Buddha, Choeng Mon is made up of a series of bays on the northwestern tip of the island, which are dominated by a handful of three to five star resorts. Most of the activities of places like the White House, Q Signature and Tong Sai Bay are kept in-house, meaning that apart from a few tailors and local restaurants, there is not a lot going on outside the hotels. Still, when guests can have their own private beach as offered by Tong Sai and the Peninsula, there is not a great deal of incentive to leave either.

Chaweng Beach For visitors who love activities, Chaweng Beach is recommended for you as the most famous and busiest of all beaches in Koh Samui.The sand is white, soft with a scenic backdrop of jungle trees.

This activity-filled beach is lined with luxury accommodations. It can be quite busy and noisy due to a high concentration of shops and restaurants allowing visitors the convenience of not needing to go far for any reason. Most clubs and bars are concentrated in and around Chaweng. This is where one can find most groups of young people staying on the island, yet families and older citizens are found having fun there too.

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Lamai Beach The second most famous beach in Koh Samui is Lamai Beach. It is a nice soft sand beach marked by distinctive smooth boulders and calm waters. Less crowded and therefor more accessible, Lamai is much quieter than Chaweng with slightly less amenities... except bars. There are a great number of seaside bars and restaurants to keep any tastebuds happy. The visitors here are a mixture of all types, young, old, family, couples and groups with a heavy French influence - demonstrated most obviously by the proliferation of excellent French bakeries.

Crystal Bay Beach Crystal Bay Beach is known as the best beach in Thailand on Koh Samui. This small magnificent beach has crystal clear water with the best snorkeling on the island.

Beautiful granite boulders and lush tropical jungle provide the perfect backdrop to this absolutely delightful beach. This is how Thailand is meant to be, a welcoming, safe and relaxing beach in an exotic location. Crystal Bay is handily located between the main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai and just 25 minutes from Samui Airport. The beach has only a handful of resorts and no public access, giving it an exclusive private beach feel. Even better, you can check the weather and how busy the beach is on any given day by viewing a live webcam visitors can log on to here: http://www.samuiwebcam.com/crystal_bay_koh_samui.html

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Koh Samui has a stunning natural coastline and many beautiful bays, coral reefs and white sand beaches. It has more that enough activities to keep all members of the family happy; shopping, snorkeling, diving, spa, massage, restaurants, bars, and night clubs and even water parks for the children. For a tropical holiday, where sun, sea and sand are a pre-requisite Koh Samui shores are sure to never disappoint.

MEDICAL SHIATSU COSMETIC SHIATSU DEEP TISSUE TREATMENT PREGNANCY MASSAGE

AKA KURO (Shiatsu Samui) 7/6 Moo 6, Meanam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand 84330

E-mail: contactus@shiatsusamui.com Mobile: +66 (0) 937 648 807, +66 (0) 937 648 810

Holiday Reads: The Mindful Way Through Stress By: Shamash Alidina

From the best selling author of "Mindfulness for Dummies" comes a timely new book, helping us to navigate our way through the challenges of the New Year with a mindful approach.

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Mindfulness is both a set of techniques and way of living that makes you more focused, calm and creative. The approach includes not only meditations but also offers a way of paying attention to your everyday activities, making yourself more centred, grounded and balanced.

" Mindfulness meditation differs from other meditation techniques because it focuses on your present moment experiences rather than repeating a mantra in your head or visualising yourself in some distant relaxing place. " Mindfulness can help you reduce stress by developing a new level of awareness of: »» the thoughts that trigger your stress »» the emotions (yours and others') that can bubble into conflict »» the physical signs that your body is excessively stressed »» the behaviours that might be contributing to heightened stress as well as those that help you relax What better time to try out mindfulness than as we enter a brand new year! There are many ways to learn – why not check out the mindfulness-based stress reduction approach?

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as an eightweek mindfulness course originated in 1979. It is usually done in a group setting with an MBSR teacher and has now been completed by hundreds of thousands of people.

MBSR is the most well-researched mindfulness system in the world and the latest exciting brain science is showing benefits include more powerful immunity, improved communication, reduced stress and an improved ability to focus.

When Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and colleagues at the UMASS Medical School designed MBSR, the goal was to make the benefits of traditional Buddhist mindfulness meditation accessible in a secular way to people suffering from chronic pain and other long-term health conditions. The program was designed to include not only mindfulness meditation but also yoga, models about stress, group discussion, and different ways of integrating mindfulness into daily life.

The aim of MBSR is to teach a range of different mindfulness exercises and meditations to help reduce your stress in the long term. It also offers a chance to explore mindful attitudes and values so you can meet future life challenges in a way that reduces, rather than increases, your stress.

Finally, MBSR offers a new way of living so you can notice and take pleasure in the simple things in life that we all take for granted, and, in doing so, focus on what’s going well in your life, not just what’s going wrong -no matter how bad things seem to be.

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One example, Sarah, was suffering from lots of stress due to a recent divorce and the challenge of looking after her mother. She turned to mindfulness in the hope of finding some peace.

As Sarah began to practice mindfulness exercises, she became more aware of how wild her mind was. All kinds of thoughts, many unconnected to what she was attempting to focus on, entered and exited her mind at random. She also noticed how negative many of these thoughts were: "‘I’m useless" and "What’s wrong with me?" as well as "I can’t cope with this job and all the other stuff going on." These thoughts kept going around and around in her head. Through mindfulness, she learned to step back from the thoughts in her mind so that they gradually had less of an impact on her feelings of stress.

Sarah soon felt less tired at work due to an improved ability to focus, and so managed to work more efficiently and leave the office earlier.

In the evenings, when she got home from work, she did a short mindfulness exercise. This helped her shift out of work mode and be more calm and relaxed at home. She learned not to feel so guilty when doing nothing--just sitting down and resting, or playing with her son, was okay, she realized. In fact, it was essential.

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Everyone has a wild mind. We all overreact to the demands of our lives when stretched to our limits. Our world collapses in on itself and we lose empathy for others who are struggling as much as we are when stress has us in its grip. Fortunately, we need not lose hope that things can get better. Sarah's story illustrates that, with practice, mindfulness can slowly and steadily soothe your mind and heart, positively nourishing all parts of your life. It’s a bit like gentle rain soaking into a land of drought. The rain is mindfulness. The drought is the constant doing of modern living.

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To get your New Year off to a kick start, here are a few mindfulness exercises from the mindfulness-based stress reduction program for you to try out: »» Mindful eating – take a small piece of fruit and take about five minutes to savour it. Go through each sense for a minute and cultivate a feeling of curiosity. Notice the exact shades of colour of the apple, take time to enjoy the scent, close your eyes to become aware of what it feels like to hold this small piece of food in your hand. Rejoice in the delicious range of flavours as you slowly chew, then eventually swallow the fruit in your mouth. This process gives you a great introductory experience of what mindfulness is about. »» Mindful body scan meditation – lie down on your back with your arms and legs stretched out. Take up to 30 minutes going through the sensations in your entire body, from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Your mind will wander off to all sorts of thoughts hundreds of times. Each time you notice that, acknowledge and bring your attention back to whatever body part you were focusing on. »» Mindful walking – The next time you’re walking to work, the shops or wherever you’re going, try this exercise: just focus on the process of walking and breathing. So take off your headphones, set aside your mental to-do list and just walk. Notice the feeling in your feet as you take each step. Bring a sense of inquisitiveness. Which part of your foot touches the ground first?

How fast are you breathing? Do you breathe from your nose or mouth as you walk? Are your shoulders or jaw tense as you move? Just being aware of this bodily experiences cultivates greater mindfulness and can be a welcome change to the constant rushing of our lives. »» Mindful breathing – Simply take a few minutes everyday to feel the physical sensation of your own breathing. Each time your mind wanders off, gently and kindly bring your attention back to the breath. Sounds overly simple, but can be tremendously soothing with practice. And you can do the exercise anywhere, so it’s even more portable than your phone – you can’t leave your breath at work when you’re going home!

The Mindful Way Through Stress by Shamash Alidina is published by Guilford Press www.shamashalidina.com

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Holiday Reads: The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep

By: Carl-Johan ForssĂŠn Ehrlin

Recommended by psychologists and therapists around the world and translated into several languages, this remarkable children's storybook makes bedtime a guaranteed success story for children and parents alike. Safe and innovative enough to use night after night, Carl-Johan ForssĂŠn Erhlin is singlehandedly saving parents from bed-time battles all over the globe.

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Author Q & A 1

What inspired this story?

I was driving my car, tired and a little zoned out and then suddenly the entire bedtime story and all its magical techniques came to me. Even the characters that would be in the story came to me in that blink of an eye. I had my mother next to me, sleeping while I was driving. I woke her up, she grabbed a pen and a napkin that she wrote down everything on that just came to me. In that moment I knew that I had to write this book. When I came home I started to work with the book and wrote the storyline on a whiteboard. After that it took me 3 and a half years to perfect the words and sentences, in order to have the effect I was looking for, to help children relax and fall asleep. I receive emails everyday from parents who are telling me that it has saved their family and that they now finally can get some sleep! Every time I read those emails I still think it’s unreal, that my book can do that for families all over the world.

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2

This story is advised not to be read near drivers – does it work on adults too?

Adults with skills in communication and psychology have the possibility to “undo” what I suggest to the children’s minds to do with the help of the bedtime story. However, even if you are aware of the techniques and the way I give suggestions to the listeners mind, your brain will suck it in if you are busy with driving and unable to filter the information that you’re receiving.

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How did it come to be recommended by psychologists and therapists?

It started with me wanting to have some feedback from a psychologist before I published the book. Based on his skills and his analysis of the book he was sure that The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep would help children who need help to relax in the evening. After that I’ve been in contact with more professionals in the area. They too have tried it and even contributed with their knowledge when translated it to their languages. Some psychologists and therapists have emailed me and told me that they like the book and would like an adult version as well!

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What is your background prior to becoming an author?

I studied psychology, leadership, communication and pedagogies for six years at Universities, and now I have applied for more courses again. I also took a lot of other courses outside the school, to broaden my skills. As I studied, I also started my company, where I helped people to grow, get rid of phobias and to improve their leadership skills, all whilst I was writing my first book, Create Your Future. Today eight years later I mainly focus on my books, teaching communication at University and helping managers when time allows me to. I’m also a parent now and spend a lot of time on being there for my boy and my wife.

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What techniques are used in this story to help the child to feel sleepy?

I do seminars about the techniques in the book, because they are so useful and powerful in all areas, especially when you need to influence your child to finish supper or go to bed, or when leaders want to spread some positive spirit in the company just by the way they communicate. If someone wants to learn the techniques, analyze the Bold and Italic parts of the book, and a pattern will soon emerge. Also I get the child involved in the story by letting the characters tell them to relax and that you’re both tired. I focus all sentences (except some in the beginning that needed to be there) on relaxing and falling asleep. All focus is on what to achieve, not what to avoid.

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How do language patterns affect our interpretation of words?

I use some loop holes that the brain has, especially when you’re young, that help the child relax even more and fall asleep. An example of that is: I’m not tired right now and want to yawn.

Since the brain have trouble with executing a “not” thing, it instead tries the other parts of the sentence, so for the brain the action to execute instead becomes: I’m tired right now and want to yawn. Just because I helped the brain focus on what is should do, it helps the child to fall asleep.

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The pictures accompanying the story are simply lovely - can images be overstimulating before bedtime?

One of the toughest parts of making this bedtime story a reality was how to layout the book, since we don’t want the child to get excited by pictures and get stuck on details. So we decided to make simple pictures that strengthen the message in the story. So if they look at the pictures they need to signal sleep as well, depending on how far they have read in the story.

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When is the best time to put children to sleep?

That’s up to the parents to decide. All children are different and no one knows their child better than the parent. It is good though if the child have spent its excess energy before reading the story, or listening to the audio book.

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What other tips do you have for optimal bedtime reading?

Some children are more audible than visual, so they prefer to listen to the story without looking at the pictures, then the audio book is a good method, also some parents think it’s a bit tricky to get involved in the story and perhaps using different voices for the characters, so then the audio book is perfect as well. Some children prefer when parents don’t read the child’s name in the story. The most important part that I tell parents is that my book and its instructions are just suggestions on how to read the book. Pay attention to how your child responds and then adapt and have fun with the book. I know one parent who noticed how his boy got more relaxed on one part of a page, so he read the same part over and over again until the child fell asleep.

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What was your favourite bedtime story as a child?

Probably the Swedish story about “The man with the red apple”. It’s about an apple and how it get passed between people and travels the world by mistake and finally ends up in the same area as it left. A good story that stimulates the imagination.

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What has been the most rewarding part about publishing this book?

Every time I receive an email from a parent who tells me how The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep has helped them, it fills my heart with gratitude and joy.

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Who is your favourite character in the book and why?

If I have to choose one it would probably be Uncle Yawn, since he’s a magician and helps people with his magic.

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What advice do you have for parents and children about approaching bedtime as a positive experience?

It’s important to keep your child in a positive state regarding sleep, if you want your child to be able to relax and fall asleep by itself without crying. That means; no fighting, no authority, just use the energy the child has and focus it on how it can use it to relax and fall asleep.

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Anything else you would like to share about your experiences in producing this storybook?

Every day I wake up and think that I’m living in a dream. How can a small town man from Sweden like me help children and families all over the world to find balance and harmony in their lives? I fell really humble about the fact that this and future books that comes out of my fingers into the script, will continue to help the world. Today The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep is available in seven languages, and soon four more including Chinese and Japanese.

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Holiday Reads: Urban Rajah's Curry Memoirs By: Urban Rajah

The Urban Rajah extols the health benefits of a curry diet for improved immune systems, better moods, reducing heart disease, cancer and Alzheimers, increased metabolic rate and higher energy levels. Luxury Living spoke to the Urban Rajah exclusively about his delicious new book where reveals his secret recipes for health and vitality

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Author Q & A LL UR

LL

UR

LL UR

How are Indian curries different from Thai curries?

Generally speaking Indian curries tend to use a base masala mix of onion, garlic and ginger to which we then layer ground and whole spices.

Indian curries tend to have a thicker sauce unlike Thai curries which tend to be thinner and start off with aromatic spices such as lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste and then layer ingredients on top freely mixing vegetables, seafood or meat together. Indian curries however tend to be either meat, fish or vegetable based i.e. vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

Name some key spices we should be buying fresh from our local markets and how they differ from dried? Tell us what we should be looking for when we buy these to ensure we get the spices at their best?

Dried spices or herbs are generally the poorer relation to fresh ingredients. So wherever possible (in curries) I’d always hunt down fresh curry leaves, ginger, chillies, coriander and fenugreek leaves, they always add a depth of flavour and freshness which simply leaves dried versions swaying in their wake. For me, the golden rule about fresh spices and herbs is the freshness and perkiness of their colour i.e. if coriander is looking a little sorry for itself and contains a number of brown or flowery leaves rather than a distinct bright green leaf shape, move on and insist on a fresh bunch. Or with ginger, it should be firm to touch rather springy or soft and fresh curry leaves should have a strong green sheen rather than a dullish brown palour.

During holiday season, its common to suffer a sensitive stomach, how can we eat spices safely without upsetting our tummies?

It’s an obvious thing to say, but eat freshly made food and where possible avoid the hotel buffet which has possibly been sitting around for a while and kept artificially warm encouraging pathogens to incubate.

So, eat where it’s busy and you can see the food being made…some of the best examples can be seen and tasted at street food stalls. Here the food is made in front of you, steaming hot and you’ll probably join a queue of hungry people. Be kind to your tummy however and eat food with positive probiotic properties such as yoghurt or a yummy Indian lassi…there’s a reason why people in India enjoy a lassi and eat plenty of curd…it’s so good for the gut. You could also tuck into food containing powerful spice commandos which are great for digestion such as vegetable dishes with asafoetida. If you’re not used to spices in your diet, start off with aromatic curries using cardamom, fennel, cumin rather than chilli and tomato centred dishes.

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LL UR

LL UR

LL UR

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What is your all-time favourite / fallback recipe and why?

That’s a hard one…and an easy one to answer. I don’t have one, however if I’m just cooking for myself I’m a sucker for the comfort of a dal recipe with a freshly sautéed tadka (a mix of onion, ginger, green chilies, mustard and cumin seeds) sprinkled and stirred through the dal. It’s simple honest food, but it’s so nutritious and packed full of flavour, scooped up with a fresh hot chapatti, it’s a bowl of happy wellbeing!

If you want to impress, you always cook...?

I had some friends over recently and I dished up a series of sharing plates, which judging by the leftovers (there weren’t any) seemed to hit the mark. They devoured salmon tikka pakoras rinsed in lime, spice crumbed carpaccio, a Mauritian tempura of aubergine known as gateaux brinjal and aloo tikki potato cutlets all aided and abetted by a kachumber salad made with finely diced tomato, red onion and cucumber dressed in an alluring citrusy number. We finished the evening off with a seriously indulgent mango and beetroot crème brûlée.

Tell us how you got involved with the charity you support in Chennai's slums and how you stay active with the organisation?

I was travelling in India and met a friend who was going to Chennai who suggested I spend a few days with him and some friends who were looking at some healthcare and education projects in Chennai’s slums. I was captivated by the sense of hope, determination and warmhearts of the families living in the slums and how just a little help and support goes a long way. Now whenever I run my charity supper clubs, Cash n Curry we tend to raise enough money to fund a doctor, nurse or teacher for most of the year. I’m hoping to travel to see the projects next Spring.

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LL UR

LL UR

People often opt for takeaways as the easy option, can you recommend a quick meal when we are short on time and energy?

Usually when we’re short on time and energy we tend to opt for dishes that comfort us rather than providing the energy we lack.

So here’s a couple of nutritious, spice packed healthy options.

Kingfish curry, has three simple steps; creating a spice paste in a blender, mixing a curry sauce and then poaching some kingfish steaks. In total the whole cooking process should take no longer than 20 minutes. It’s packed with goodies such as ginger, garlic, chillies, turmeric and tomatoes…. what’s not to like (recipe on following page)

How can we get the most out of a "curry diet" for our health?

Indian food is largely based on the Ayurvedic system and for good reason. The key principles are centred on how to use spices to complement and balance your body’s needs. So when you’re thinking about making Indian food make sure you use recipes containing a mix of turmeric, coriander, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, chillies or paprika. They’re fantastic at boosting the immune system, charging up your metabolic rate, fighting free radicals and great at keeping the common cold at bay!

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URBAN RAJAH’S

‘KING FISH CURRY’

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INGREDIENTS:

- 1kg king fish steaks or similar firm fish steaks

SERVES 4–6

For the curry paste - 5 large tomatoes - 5 green chillies - 50g fresh coriander leaves - 1-2 fresh birds eye chili.

For the curry sauce - 5 tbsp olive oil - 8 green cardamom pods - 4 bay leaves - 1 tbsp garlic paste - 1 tbsp ginger paste - ½ tsp cayenne pepper - 2 tbsp ground coriander - ½ tsp turmeric powder - ½ tsp dried fenugreek leaves, finger-crumbled - 175ml water - Salt

HOW TO MAKE KINGFISH CURRY Creating the paste is easy: simply blend all the ingredients together. In a pan large enough to poach the fish in a single layer, heat the oil over a medium temperature and sauté the cardamom pods and bay leaves for a minute until they’ve darkened in colour. Add the curry paste to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes, then drop in the rest of the ingredients, stirring and seasoning well.

Carefully layer in the fish and poach for 10–15 minutes on a low heat until the fish is firm enough to flake (test with a fork). Gently stir and add a little more water if necessary to avoid the mix sticking, then simmer for a further 5 minutes. King Curry packs a wicked aromatic punch and it’ll fill your senses with the Karachi coastline.

Credit: Urban Rajah www.urbanrajah.com, Urban Rajah's Curry Memoirs, Headline, £15.99

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Som Tam,

also known as green papaya salad is a stunning dish in Thailand and not just in the Northeastern part of the country (Isaan) from where it originates. Most Thais have the feeling that the best Som Tam does not come from fancy restaurants, but a local street vendor, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. Throughout Thailand, and especially here in Samui, Som Tam is a staple street fare. It is served fresh and easy to prepare with a wonderfully layered yet clean taste.

There are many different variations of the famous Thai green papaya salad; some include fermented fish, raw crab or salted preserved eggs, yet the classic sweet and sour version is simply known as Som Tam Thai.

SUMMER SALAD

CULINARY

‘SOM TAM’

CORNER

Words by: Fortune Obiagbor

This summer salad is the perfect traditional delicacy for both locals and visitors, and addictive to the point one begins to wonder how it can be prepared. Here is a great chance for one to learn a real Thai recipe and a show-stopping, summer-cooling salad. First of all, let’s bruise thin papaya strips with garlic, chilies, palm sugar, lime, and fish sauce. The recipe goes thus:

COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES. DIRECTIONS: Roughly crush a small handful of unsalted peanuts with a mortar and pestle. Set aside. Wipe the mortar and pestle clean.

Melt palm sugar in a small pan at low or medium heat, adding 2 tbs of water. The cooking process should form shiny and thick syrup. This makes it easier to mix the sugar with the salad.

Peel raw papaya (green and firm to the touch, not soft or orange) shred it with a shredder or cheese grater to thin strips and soak them in cold water while you prepares the rest of the salad. This makes the papaya crunchier and gets rid of any excess starch from the Swede.

Cut the green beans into one-inch pieces. Throw away the endings.

Take the chilies and peeled garlic and give them a gentle bash with mortar and pestle, though bits and pieces is still to be seen and not a puree.

Add the shrimp and continue bashing.

Add the crushed peanuts and mix well.

Add the shredded papaya and continue bashing, but not hard. Just enough so the mixture soaks up the flavors. Use a bigger spoon as a support tool that way you can shift the salad in the mortar and it does not fall out while bashing and mixing.

Add the liquid palm sugar, tomatoes, beans, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Continue to lightly bash, shift with the spoon and mix a little more.

Serve on a dish or bowl and sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top. Ready to eat!

of saturated fat. Each serving of the traditionally prepared salad contains 3.5 milligrams of cholesterol, or 1 percent of the 300 milligram daily limit recommended for healthy adults.

Raw garlic, used as a key ingredient in the preparation of Som Tam, contains a compound called Allicin, which is responsible for the distinct garlic smell. It enters the body from the digestive tracts and travels all over the body where it exerts its potent biological effects and most importantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Meanwhile the fresh chili is famed for it’s powerful thermogenic fat-burning properties, simultaneously helping us to sweat and cool down in the sweltering Thai summer heat. Even better, the lime, tomato and beans provide hydration and high vitamin C content as well as all-important lycopene for fighting cancer.

Som tam is a delightful Thai delicacy with numerous health benefits to be enjoyed all, so indulge in guilt-free eating this summer and wow guests at your table with your authentic Thai cuisine.

INGREDIENTS: FOR 2 SERVINGS

- 2 cups of shredded green papaya.

- 2 tbs of toasted peanuts.

- 2 cloves of peeled garlic.

- 1-2 fresh birds eye chili.

- 1 tbs of dried shrimp.

- ½ piece palm sugar.

- 7 cherry tomatoes.

- Juice of half lime - 1 ½ tbs of fish sauce.

- 1-2 tbs of Thai snake beans cut into 1 inch sticks.

In Thailand, Som Tam is usually served with sticky rice and along another dish called Larb, a spicy minced meat salad with raw vegetables. If you have made the mix too hot for your palate, it is common to tone down the heat with sliced cucumber, raw cabbage or Thai morning glory, In as much as Som Tam is a tasty Thai dish, there are numerous nutritional and health benefits derived from enjoying this tantalizing treat. A typical serving of homemade Som Tam is low in calories and fat while providing protein, carbohydrates and essential vitamins containing a negligible amount

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Festivals In Thailand

A Year Round Celebration Words by: Caris Cruz

" Truly spectacular. A burst of cultural warmth, colourful settings and cheers ringing from every street-that's what Thailand's festivals are all about. From the beginning of the year until the end, the nation celebrates praise-worthy highlights for locals and tourists to enjoy. If you're planning to take a visit, why not make it on the day of a festival or two? Something glorious happens every month; so go on, mark your calendars. Step into Siam with great expectations, an open mind and the thrill of experiencing something new. "

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January:

Bo Sang’s Umbrella Festival The Umbrella Festival is a gorgeous display of brightly coloured parasols against highly decorated streets of Bo Sang. Famous for its hand-crafted floral umbrellas, Bo Sang takes pride in celebrating their skill by putting up an annual showcase. There is dancing, singing and the hailing of a muse throughout this event.

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February:

Chiang Mai Flower Festival Appreciate the fragrance and the beauty of flowers with this amazing spectacle, in a place fondly called The Rose of the North. The fresh floral whiff spreads all over the streets as delicate blooms are clasped together to create anything from small bouquets to gargantuan displays. Marching bands, sculptural floats and a beautifully smiling crowd parade the street to exhibit Thailand's bounty of blossoms.

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March:

Pattaya International Music Festival During March, the delicious ocean view of Pattaya becomes an outdoor venue for days of grand, live music. Local talents as well as those all across neighbouring countries take the stage in the middle of an audiophile crowd. It's a gathering of celebrities and fans alike, something like a home-grown Coachella. And the best part: it's free!

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Songkran Water Festival

:aPRIL

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Thailand is literally washed anew on this marvellous occasion as they celebrate their New Year rites. The magnitude of the local spirits is something to be experienced: the parades, the lighting of the firecrackers and the splashing of water all over each other to cleanse afresh for the year ahead. Songkran is among the most important festivals for Thais; it marks the honouring of elders and the prayers for Buddha's blessings as they begin their seasonal new year.

Isaan Rocket Festival The folks in Isaan used to believe that their harvest will be blessed if the gods are in love. Talk about romantic! Since then, the locals have strategized means to urge their deities into the mood. During this season, the Isaan community takes part in creating a colourful, fiery event that involves rockets and fireworks plunging into the heavens. See street parades, pageants and fairs in this merry event.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival Another music festival arrives in Thailand's annual line-up of celebrations. The Hua Hin Jazz Festival, sponsored by Hilton, is considered as a top leisure destination. The enchanting sounds are even made more splendid in Thailand's wonderful landscapes, especially the seaside. It’s a perfect treat for music lovers who are looking for something extraordinary in a memorable multisensory experience to call home about.

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July:

Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival Go on, light a candle. On this day, thousands of them will glow in Thailand's streets, commemorating the first time Buddha delivered a sermon. This is also the start of the Bhuddist Lenten period, during which locals prepare for the rainy season. There are massive, float-worthy candles that are beautifully carved; each of them making an entrance on the streets dazzling in the soft lights illuminating the temples of the towns.

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August:

Her Majesty Queen's Birthday The nation pays homage to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, known dearly as the “Mother of the Nation.� Blessed with a compassionate heart, Queen Sirikit is known for her numerous projects and charities. The Thai people return her love by making her birthday a special holiday, with the towns offering gifts of flowers and sculptures just for her. Coincidentally, this day is also considered Mother's Day in the country, which is the perfect time to show any mums you know how much you love them.

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September:

Phuket Vegetarian Festival Created specifically for the Taoist demographic, the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket is a one-of-a-kind experience. It may keep you from eating meat; however, you will instead enjoy sumptuous cuisines made of pure, organic harvests.

The celebration is filled with drums, parades and sparkling firecrackers as locals lodge within the magnificent temples.

You can also see devotees performing rites by walking over hot coals.

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Buffalo Racing Festival

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In Chonburi, buffalo races have taken place since more than a century ago. It is celebrated right after the end of the Buddhist Lent, as farmers gather together from town to town, selling their produce. Their transportation is usually a buffalo and during slow days, the owners would vie, in a friendly race, to keep others entertained. This has grown into a formal event, with jockeys riding on buffalos with reins and whips. Food stalls, amusement parks and concerts pop up around the area, making the province even jollier.

Loi Krathong Probably the most beautiful holiday Thailand is known for; Loi Krathong is a magical night of lights. The name explains it all: loi means to float and krathong are small baskets.

These sailing vessels contain a candle and are made to float on a river, sent with a wish as they slowly drift away.

With the number of krathong hovering on and above the water, the effect is a beautiful flood of light reflected against the night sky. Fireworks top off the event, along with celebrity-filled concerts and the release of candle-lit flower-filled boat offerings on waterways and fire lanterns in the sky.

His Majesty The King's Birthday Finishing off the yearly celebration is the King's Birthday.

You'll be seeing yellow as the crowd cheers "Long Live the King!" to pay tribute to their monarch. A nostalgic feeling of oriental eminence makes a surge as the King thanks his people for their love. Towns and cities host their own events, and various activities such as fireworks and concerts are held in part of the nation's celebrations. This day is also considered as Father's Day in Thailand.

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" A year-round constant celebration; Thailand is a steady source of smiles and surprises with a plethora of festivals to be enjoyed. Get drenched in the nation’s wonderful history, traditions, events and accommodations while enjoying new experiences brought about by the nation’s local holidays. "

Inspired Interiors

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Alma www.alma1938.com

Burlington Lounge Chair Soft Semi-Aniline Leather And Check Fabric From Alma

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Westbourne Chair In Grey Calf Suede With An Estate Mahogany Wood Finish From Alma

Belgravia Reading Chair With An Estate Mahogany Wood Finish From Alma

St James Ottoman With A Mahogany Wood Finish From Alma

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Chelsea Chair In Soft Brown Aniline Leather From Alma

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Kangan Arora Kites

Lover

Kangan Arora Kites Mono

Floor Story www.floorstory.co.uk

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Floor Story’s Designer Collection.

Are limited-run hand-knotted Indian rugs produced by Simon Goff, who has the aim of promoting young design talent The geometrics are by contemporary designer Kangan Arora, and the delightful unique 50s tattoo designs are created by illustrator Rob Pybus. With only 20 of each design being produced, they have the ultimate exclusive factor you are looking for on any floor.

Hello Sailor

Kangan Arora Circus

Headdress

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JVB www.j-v-b.com

Alastair Vanity

" Furniture and interior designer, Justin Van Breda, presents a polished collection of new vanity units. Departing from bathrooms as purely functional spaces, each vanity unit becomes a luxurious focal point in the bathroom. "

Evan Vanity

Flemming Vanity

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Claudia Vanity

CC Vanity 2

Daniel Vanity

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ART OF INVESTMENT ORIGINAL ANTIQUE & VINTAGE POSTERS

Colourful, dynamic, glamorous and stylish - original posters are recognised as a good art investment and an entry into collecting

As

artworks designed with a purpose, posters were the only way to reach an audience on a global scale up to the 1960s. At the end of the 19th century, posters were elevated to an art form by French artists and the standards set by these French designers raised the bar for other countries, leading to a wider acceptance of this media by the art community. Being very topical, posters absorbed and reflected the prevailing and changing art styles and fashions at a rapid pace and became part of the avant-garde art movement. Printed by the tourist agencies, advertisers, railways and governments, these silent communicators were distributed worldwide, to be displayed on the walls and largely discarded after use. Luckily some of these artworks survived and they remain as eye-catching today as they were all those years ago, still transmitting their messages with as much urgency and style.

London Underground, 1928s London Underground memorabilia has always had a strong collector base. Original London Underground posters, as one of the most visual examples, are especially sought after. The earlier examples are quite rare and, overall, Art Deco designs remain popular. This announcement poster features an elegant and stunningly simple but effective design. I love how the artist has used a clever arrangement and spacing of the lines of text to create escalator steps. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_posters/advertising_posters/london_underground__shop_in_town/PA0452/

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Pullman, 1930s Pullman was a luxury train in the USA that published a series of glamourous advertisements. The combination in this poster of husky dogs, white fur and an elegant bell just oozes Art Deco. www.antikbar.co.uk/ original_vintage_ posters/advertising_ p o st e rs/ p ullm an_ for_winter_comfort/ PA0713/

This provides a great variety of subjects for the collector so, if you are already are passionate about something, such as tennis, cars, travel or fashion, you can select stunning pieces of artwork to compliment your interest. The same applies to size, budget and style: from Art Deco to mid-century modern, you can choose posters to complement any interior decor and design theme, from modern and contemporary to the more traditional. A good way to establish what appeals to you is to visit poster exhibitions or previews at poster auctions. Books on posters, from those that give a general overview to those that focus on specific styles, may also provide some good ideas and you can browse the inventories and catalogues of dealers in original vintage posters.

Whether you’re looking for one or two posters to decorate or you’re considering starting a collection, original posters are an enjoyable investment that will bring you aesthetic dividends on a daily basis so – as with any artwork – it’s important to buy pieces that you’ll enjoy seeing on your wall every day. Original posters are a great way to add colour and an individually unique statement to any room of the home or office, including a cinema room, child's playroom and holiday retreat. They also make an ideal personal gift to match a special occasion or event and, as antique and vintage items, they are also eco-friendly.

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To Egypt, Ceylon, Burma, 1930s This colourful poster combines travel to exotic destinations with Art Deco style and steam ship cruises. The image is bright, warm and elegant at the same time and guaranteed to brighten any room, even on the gloomiest of days. This design would look perfect in an office, cocktail bar or a dining room. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_ posters/travel_posters/to_egypt_ceylon_ burma_by_bibby_line/PT0290/

Queen Mary Cunard, 1930s Big, bold and wonderful – this poster was most likely designed for display in a board room or at one of the flagship company sales offices. This powerful large poster features a majestic skyscraper panorama of New York and a beautiful cruise ship, personifying the 1930s and allure to the industrial, and yet romantic, era with great style and panache. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_posters/travel_posters/queen_mary__cunard_white_star/PT0491/

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Original poster prices vary greatly depending on the artist, subject matter and rarity (how many are known or thought to have survived). Advertising posters from the 1960s provide a good entry point into collecting as the designs are bright, bold and quirky. Cinema posters represent a good investment and it is best to stick to Oscar winners and cult classics. Hollywood stars themselves are no strangers to investing in posters: Nicholas Cage recently sold his rare Dracula at an auction for $330,000 after buying it ten years ago for $77,000.

Austin Reed Air Force, 1940s Austin Reed was the official supplier of British Air Force uniform and even kitted out Sir Winston Churchill. This poster is a great combination of military might and Art Deco design. Bold and dynamic, it links both wars by alluring to the earlier aircraft from World War One in the background with the latest fighting machine, the Spitfire airplane, in front. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_posters/war_posters/austin_reed_air_force/PW0071/

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Britain by Clipper, 1948s Clipper was a luxury aircraft that served the Atlantic route in the 1940s and ignited the passion for long haul travel. This classic image of a Royal procession in London was designed to attract American tourists to visit the UK by plane. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_posters/travel_posters/britain_by_clipper_pan_american_world_airways_ panam/PT0523/

Skiing posters have always been popular with collectors and sport enthusiasts. The affinity of people to certain resorts and the fact that some areas are more desirable and expensive than others are reflected in poster prices. Swiss posters remain the most valuable, with French posters closely behind and Austria closing the top three of the most popular ski poster destinations. On average, if you were to look at the results of the annual ski poster sale at Christie’s, prices have risen nearly 30% per annum in the last nine years.

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St Moritz, 1950s This is a rare and quite an unusually designed poster for a ski resort, as it does not feature any snow, skiers or mountains. The simple and elegant mid-century modern design on the black background with the red ski gondola really makes a statement and would look great in a luxury chalet. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_posters/ sport_posters/piz_nair_ski_region_switzerland/PS0330/

Art Deco posters, especially those featuring steam trains and cruise liners, are very sought after and the demand for more exotic destinations is on the increase. Particular lines and vessels carry a premium with the most famous ships and trains commanding much higher prices.

Certain poster artists such as Mucha, Cassandre, Toulouse Lautrec, Cappiello and the Stenberg Brothers have a devout following and their prices tend to start at the higher end of the spectrum, achieving good results at auction.

Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961s This original poster features a cult film, an iconic star and a classic poster design. The movie posters for Breakfast at Tiffany’s are very much sought after and this original Japanese version is no exception. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_posters/cinema_ posters/breakfast_at_tiffanys/PC0286/

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Le Mans, 1963s Le Mans is one of the most famous car races in the world with a devoted following.

This dynamic and stylish image of a red Ferrari is enough to get anyone’s heart racing. www.antikbar.co.uk/original_vintage_ posters/sport_posters/24_heures_du_ mans__1963/PS0056/

Condition is also an important factor in price appreciation, although minor defects can be skilfully restored by a professional.

Overall, posters that feature trains or planes and mountain scenes appeal to a wider collector’s market and tend to be in good demand. We suggest focusing on strong stylish designs by well-known artists as these posters are more likely to continue achieving high prices in the long term. It’s also always advisable to buy from a reputable dealer or auction house.

For those looking to start a collection, the London-based online gallery, AntikBar, offers worldwide delivery, poster restoration, collection advice, consultancy and search on demand services for collectors, individual clients and interior designers. www.antikbar.co.uk

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From the multi award-winning luxury developer of Aqua Samui comes‌

Aqua Samui Duo LUXURY LIVING

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The ultimate in loft-style living, these opulent geometric designs reveal the latest in luxury lifestyle architecture by Gary Fell.

Dramatic awnings and sculpted open platforms breathe balmy sea breezes in from the Gulf of Thailand at Chaweng Bay. Interior spaces unfurl up to 230sqm of modern city chic, with an idyllic island twist. Furniture and fittings, not to mention all the construction materials used, are only of the highest level – with an attention to detail in the finishing. All designed to blend organically with your seaview and tropical garden life rife at your front door.

Harmonious living environments offer indoor and outdoor entertainment with dining; ensuring the best experiences at home can be shared in comfort and style. Watch the blazing sunrise and sunset or revel in a midnight swim moment close to the engorged full moon in complete privacy and tranquility.

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Unrivalled on Samui, this thrilling new development can be owned with two or three bedroom options available. Starting from as little as 5.9Mthb, these eye-catching designs will be sure to move quickly at this price. Close to the airport, international hospitals, golf clubs and countless restaurants and beaches - prime position is something of an understatement.

" Move into Samui’s most stunning luxury villas from an award-winning architectural team that delivers on excellence. "

From Aqua Samui comes

AQUA SAMUI DUO: The next level in luxury living.

Contact Information: Telephone: +66 (0)77 952 288 Website: www.luxuryliving.com E-mail: aquaduo@luxuryliving.com

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HOME AUTOMATION Elsworthy Road

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IS HOME AUTOMATION THE NEW BLACK?

With a market value of £20M, this property sits firmly in the ‘super prime’ range. This delicately decorated, large Edwardian property near St John’s Wood in London, comes complete with an impressive array of technology of lifestyle electronics, to simplify and automate home living. This property features a full Crestron audio-visual system, lighting control, CCTV and an awesome 108” cinema, installed by specialist integrator, Clearsphere.

This home perfectly demonstrates how with sensitive and intelligent design, top-of-the-range technology can successfully interweave with any character building - even those which hold such heritage. The house was originally built in the early 1900s by renowned developer, William Willet Junior, a house builder who invented daylight savings time and Great-Great Grandfather of Coldplay lead singer, and husband to Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin

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The impressive 6 bedroom property was acquired by London property development company, St James’s Real Estate, who in 2011, took it upon itself to embark on an ambitious redevelopment programme that would see the entire property remodelled, doubling the floor area through the addition of a large subterranean extension to include pool/spa, cinema, gym and staff quarters.

To bring this Edwardian beauty into the modern era, they had to ensure the successful integration of the latest technology however, for this St James’s Real Estate needed an experienced and skilful technology partner. Alistair Ingram, Director of Clearsphere, comments on this unique project: “The refurbishment of this property saw an extensive interior and lighting design implemented. We worked closely with the team involved to create a solution that delivers on the immersive experience technology can offer, without negatively effecting the stunning heritage of the building. The Crestron kit we discreetly installed, allowing for minimal impact on the carefully thought out design. As well as looking the part, the high quality of the components ensures an exceptional level of performance, fitting for this type of property.”

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The comprehensive lighting scheme features 106 lighting circuits, offering a range of dimming options in each area of the property. Beautiful coffer lighting illuminates several areas of the home, including the master bedroom, spa, cinema and living room.

Control of the lighting comes from 47 personalised key pads, touch panels, remotes and from the Mobile Pro app installed on a number of iPads around the home. The touch panels and iPads have the ability to alter lighting scenes, giving the homeowner the option of tailoring the scenes to their preferences without having to call an engineer.

To complement the lighting control, integrated curtain and blind automation are included in the home. 17 electric roman blinds and four electric curtain rails are controlled through the same solution. By utilising the available daylight along with controlling the levels of artificial light, the owner ensured there is no light wasted and that costs are kept down.

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The cinema room is often the place where smart home technology can really shine, and although there was a budget to adhere to, this one is no exception. Here the solution was to install a 7.1 surround sound speaker package, including front speakers hidden behind an acoustically transparent screen and in ceiling speakers for the sides and rear.

To complete the cinema experience, the room includes a large 108� screen and a JVC projector.

DigitalMedia supplied video to five televisions around the property and the cinema. The owner can choose from many sources: Two Sky boxes, a Blu-ray player, two Apple TVs and the CCTV feed. Clearsphere also prewired a further ten DigitalMedia zones, to future-proof the installation if an expansion of the system was required.

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For a state-of-the-art audio experience, in total, 16 areas of sound were installed around the home, all of which can play a number of different sources including Crestron’s own media streaming device. This technology brings internet streaming capabilities and AirPlay into the smart home system. Crestron’s Sonnex provided amplification though in-ceiling speakers, creating a discreet yet powerful solution that all music lovers can enjoy.

On such an outstanding property, security is paramount. The comprehensive CCTV system consists of 6 cameras that cover the perimeter of the building and the main entrance hall. The feeds from the CCTV cameras are streamed directly to the TVs via the DigitalMedia system as well as to the touch panels. There are two external entry points and five internal entry points. This allows the homeowner to see who is at the door, without having to get to the front entrance.

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Andrey Shachkov, Director of St James’s Real Estate commented:

“ Clearly experts in their field and really took the time to understand our brief and propose a solution that worked for us…this design work, documentation and overall management of the AV install was exemplary. Thankfully, ClearSphere were happy to accommodate changes and adjustments throughout the process and saw challenges as obstacles to be overcome. ”

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Kit List »» DM-MD6x6 DigitalMedia matrix »» Crestron lighting control »» 47 C2NI keypads »» Electric blinds and curtains »» MLX-3 remotes »» TSW-750 touch screens »» iPad interface »» Crestron CH-HRMOT4-D4 Channel DIN rail motor controller »» 16 Sonnex zones »» Sonnex SWAMP-24x8 and SWAMPE-8 audio expander »» Crestron NSP-1 media streaming www.crestron.com

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" Concrete feature walls bring a robust, understated beauty to any room, curating spaces that ooze cool "

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CONCRETE IDEAS IN DESIGN The

w o r d concrete o f t e n conjures up connotations of dull, grey industrial surfaces that are better left on the Soviet bloc than in the place you call home. Yet modern designers are falling over themselves to bring the beauty of concrete into the world of interior inspiration. Remember the exposed brick fad that made it big in the New York scene in the nineties? Well brick is out and warehouse style living is in. There are so many great things that concrete can bring to the table, not only can it be aesthetically incredible in its finish but the practicality of living with concrete is designed to make the luxury of living easy.

Words by: Jodie Oakes

Play with your environment From concrete floors to concrete feature walls, workbenches and even kitchen or bathroom splash back surfaces, there are many ways in which savvy and stylish homeowners can bring a touch of concrete creativity into their living space. Beautiful living in the modern world is about bringing aspects of your environment into play, curating spaces that ooze cool and perfectly blend the outdoors with the indoors. Concrete is a dream material to achieve these ends, especially when contrasting with natural ingredients in the design such as rough hand hewn timber, light airy pine or even a dash of stainless steel.

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Zen fashion or rustic living spaces Concrete floors are becoming big news with modern architects seeking something a little more innovative then the tired and tested tile and wood. The dull finish of concrete has been blown out of the water and you will be delighted to find that polished concrete floors gleam like gold and can bring unexpected warmth and a glow to any room. Those who choose concrete floors will find a whole new colour palate opens up - another benefit of concrete - being a blank canvas for you to dream up your designs. Deep hued terracotta’s in rustic kitchens, pale creams flecked with gold in spacious high vaulted receptions and even a cozy wood coloured finish on living spaces boasting plush

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oversized armchairs and roaring open fires reinvent the standard for hearth and home. You can see that using the strength of concrete in your home isn’t just restricted to

modern and minimalist buildings.

Placed against Zen like furnishings and bright splashes of modern art, concrete stands out in true contemporary fashion.

" Another reason to simply fall in love with concrete is the fact that it is so remarkably tactile, it lives and breathes texture; polished or matt appearance, it can either blend harmoniously into a room so that it simply disappears before your eyes or it can stand out significantly depending on how you want the room to feel "

Tactile and truly unique Homeowners who adore something different don’t have to draw the line when it comes to concrete by sticking rigidly to floors.

Concrete feature walls can bring a robust, understat-

ed beauty to any room and concrete work surfaces in the kitchen have us drooling with delight. Concrete is such a malleable material that when using it to create concrete walls, etched patterns, rough textures or simply a smooth glassy finish all become options on the drawing board. Concrete work benches in the kitchen or even concrete trough sinks in the bathroom are not only incredible durable but quirkily unique. Make no two pieces the same when working with this architectural wonder to form a se-

ries of individual style statements. Concrete and its strength, combined with the comfort and ease it affords when it comes to cleaning are other essential factors not to gloss over. Another reason to simply fall in love with concrete is the fact that it is so remarkably tactile, it lives and breathes texture; polished or matt appearance, it can either blend harmoniously into a room so that it simply disappears before your eyes or it can stand out significantly depending on how you want the room to feel.

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Natural warmth and understated simplicity You don’t even have to go all out when it comes to concrete in interior design; even just bringing touches of concrete into your world can bring out hints of raw luxury and industrial inspiration. Think about a concrete island to finish the timber kitchen, a concrete polished bathtub in a mute pale grey and cream ceramic bathroom or even hanging lights above the dining tables crafted from concrete. Even these small touches can be enough to bring simplistic warmth and an understated modern edge to your living space, one that radiates pure design style. For those who adore changing their living space, time and time again, concrete is a material that can grow and easily adapt to your choice of changes. Opting for neutral designs in the colour palate will mean that even when it comes to transforming the room or interior design you don’t need to worry about splashing out to change the floor or surface as it already seamlessly blends.

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Seamless maintenance for fuss free living Foot traffic on concrete floors and use of surfaces becomes a thing of the past when dealing in concrete in the home. The ease of maintenance and core durability makes cleaning a dream without the need for heavy deep cleans that can come with carpets, tile and wood. Perfect for allergy sufferers and maintaining hygiene, especially for those with young children.The heady combination of aesthetic wonder, choice of finish, seamless maintenance and the fact that you make a lifetime investment with minimum fuss seals the deal when it comes to bringing concrete into your home to make the perfect design statement.

Environmentally conscious In the modern world where we are hurtling towards the future and our earth is ever precariously hanging in the balance, it is time to take a step back and consider the implications building has on our planet. Remain conscience-clean about using concrete - as a green material it works wonders when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint on the globe. Not only will a stunning concrete floor bring sustainability into play but one investment should last your home a lifetime, reducing the impact of waste. In the summer concrete floors stay cool, quenching the heat of your feet and in the winter they retain the warmth of the room, cutting down on the costs and impact of central heating and air conditioning.

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WEEKEND AWAY: CHIANG MAI A TRAVELER'S PARADISE. Words by: Fortune Obiagbor

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AWAY In searching for a perfect leisure location in Thailand, Chiang Mai is a one stop for a memorable weekend away. Tourism has gradually transformed this once sleepy area into a travelers’ paradise whilst still maintaining it's provincial charm. In 1774, the then Lanna King with assistance from Siam drove the Burmese out of the Lanna Kingdom, effectively becoming part of Siam in 1892 whereupon the Lanna Kingdom was dissolved and centered on Chiang Mai. By 1932, the whole Chiang Mai area officially became known as Thailand.

written as "Chiengmai" or "ChiangSometimes mai", Chiang Mai is the largest most culturally significant city in northern Thailand and is the capital of the Chiang Mai Province. The name "Chiang Mai" means “new city� and was so-called as the new capital formed to succeed Chiang Rai in the Kingdom of Lanna. Chiang Mai has since become an increasingly modern city attracting a large number of visitors from all over the world. Positioning itself strategically as a cultural epicenter, it is applying for creative city status with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization due to the historic importance derived from proximity to the Ping River and major trading routes.

Chiang Mai is situated in northern Thailand some 700km north of Bangkok with various ways of getting there. From Bangkok, it is a 70 minute flight, or 11 hours by bus, and 12 hours by overnight train. From Koh Samui, a direct flight takes a little under 2 hours.

Another more scenic option by train is the most affordable means. Chiang Mai's train station is located on the eastern side of town and like the airport, is no more than a 10 minutes ride to the city center. There are a minimum of six trains daily from Bangkok to Chiang Mai from 8.30am till 10.00pm. Likewise at least six trains daily from Chiang Mai to Bangkok from 6.30am till 9.00pm. Journey time varies 12 to 15 hours depending on the number of stops. Train fares are as cheap as 300THB ($9USD) for a third class upright seat to 1,350THB ($40USD) for a first class sleeper, which offers the comfort of your own private cabin.

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PLAY

Attractions and tourist activities in Chiang Mai, whether you are the adventurous type who loves outdoor activities or a cultural epicure who loves to experience the finer things of life, a holiday weekend in Chiang Mai is sure to satisfy all. The Warorot Market is a must-visit for shopaholics and food lovers as it offers a wide range of varieties of ready-to-eat meals, local snacks and all kinds of fresh produce. A large section of the Market features inexpensive goods such as clothing, fashion accessories and personal care products. Targeting mostly Thais, Warorot Market is a great place to get a feel for the local life. The three-storey building is close to the river-side and easy to find, just at the end of Chong Moi Road, east of the moat and north of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

After a shopping filled day at Warorot Market, a boat cruise on one of Chiang Mai's Scorpion Tailed Boats is perfect to feel the sea-cool breeze and calm the nerves. There is no better way to connect with the history of Chiang Mai than on a peaceful cruise down the Ping River. Along the way, one will see classic architecture, glittering temples and a tour guide will explain about the local trees and plants.

The boat trip takes about an hour including a visit to an old fascinating settlement called Wiang Kum Kam, believed to be an eighth century Mon ruins.

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Chiang Mai

is mostly famous for its artwork. Resident artisans and local art pieces are available to visitors and for those keen to take a piece of Thailand home with them, we recommend the famous art gallery named La Luna. This magnificent art gallery was established in March 2004, with countless eye-catching and colorful paintings on display inside making the place consistently vibrant and lively. Most of the art pieces at La Luna are contemporary and abstract paintings aimed at promoting arts from the Asia and Pacific regions, as well as encouraging local artists. Aside from showcasing paintings, La Luna is renown for also displaying posters, photos and pottery. A visit to the gallery is always possible but only by advance appointments, so timely planning is required.

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STAY Hotel accommodations in Chiang Mai are especially designed to suit the luxurious tastes of her visitors; up to standard, safe and secure and offering maximum comfort.

Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai is among the most highly rated. It is a deluxe “city resort” distinctively styled and designed with inspiration taken from its Northern Thailand location. Situated in a peaceful, and beautiful landscaped setting, the hotel offers a large free-form swimming pool surrounded by local plants such as frangipani, bamboo, ginger and lotus ponds, creating a pleasant and relaxed resort ambiance. Conveniently located close to the bustling activities of Chiang Mai's famous Night Bazaar, and just a 10 minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport, this resotel also enjoys close proximity to fascinating museums, cultural curiosities, and Chiang Mai's many temples, shops and boutiques.

The rooms

are tastefully furnished with cozy throw pillows and mood lightning including a daybed ideal for quiet moments of relaxation with hi-speed wifi for total modern convenience. Special touches such as local celadon tea sets, Thai silk pillows, bed runners and artwork gives the space a distinctive Chiang Mai charm. Visitors can head to Kad Kafe at dinner time, a place named after the local word for "market" where one will find a delicious international spread that includes Thai, Indian, Chinese and European specialties. After a sumptuous meal, Visitors can make their way to CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel for some pampering and indulge in a traditional Thai massage or even head to the pool bar for an exotic tropical nightcap. For more information on this enchanting sanctuary in Chiang Mai’s Shangri-La Hotel, visit www.shangri-la.com.

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CITY BREAK VALAIS EUROPE’S SHANGRI LA Words & Pictures by: Saifuddin Ismailji

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" Sculpted into photogenic excellence, the Pennine or Valais Alps forms the largest concentration of high peaks along the European Alps (192,000 km2), stretching over 1,200 km from Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany into France on the West, through Austria and Slovenia in the East of the continent Europe. Tiny settlements appear like pieces of puzzle-block floating in the clouds, each at varying altitudes, describing a different ecology on a conflux of French and German culture - side by side converging on the indigenous Valaisan community. "

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It’s an early morning flight to Zurich on the Swiss International Air Lines. On arrival, within the Zurich International Airport complex, it is easy to find the way to the railway terminal and board the train fated to my destination in Valais. Sion is the capital of Valais and the main junction to interchange regional mountain trains in the direction of a host of mountain valleys.

From Sion, the St. Bernard Express climbs to Martigny and Le Chable and from there, Verbier is a short drive by car. A popular holiday resort and ski station - Verbier borders the Bernese Alps, Graian Alps, Lepontine Alps and Po plain, with its highest point Monte Rossa at 4,634 meters.

Come winter, Verbier and its surrounding 4 Vallees, namely: Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Tzoumas, Thyon; with 412-kms of ski runs (the largest ski area in Switzerland) on just one pass, transforms the area into a veritable wonderland.

In the summer, these places have a magical green appeal, which lure visitors into exploring nature trails. There are a number of vantage points that showcase the picturesque snow covered Grand Combin peak (4314m). The cable car climbs up the interchanging terminal at Col des Gentians and visitors continue the final lift to the Rooftop of the Western Valais at Mont Fort (3,328 meters) - the highest mountain in the 4-Vallees region. From the top, heavenly views of the snow capped mountains, glaciers and glacial lakes, including the Matterhorn peak or Mont Cervin (4478 m) and Mont Blanc (4810 m) come into view. W-Verbier Hotel and Spa is the newest five star luxury abode in the center of Verbier mountain resort.

From Verbier, a rewarding travel experience would be a short surface excursion to St. Bernard Pass, which sits on the historic border point of Switzerland and Italy.

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" At the top of St Bernard Pass at 2,469 meters, behold the spectacular view of the bowl-shaped mountain valley and reservoir in a dramatic sunken landscape. "

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On the day I arrived, we experienced the most bizarre phenomenal weather as sunshine faded out into dark skies, with thunder and strong wind blowing, followed a heavy downpour of sleet – and sooner than anyone could have imagined - the sky cleared up with an eye feasting sight of a double rainbow in the distant horizon.

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A more usual approach to Champex Lac would be taking Simplon railway line to Martigny, interchange Martigny-Orsières train from Sembrancher to Orsières and finally a short bus ride to Champex-Lac. A piece of heaven on Earth, this beautiful French speaking village, rich in alpine flora and fauna at 1,470m reverberate tranquility abound the lake environment. At the lake front and in close proximity, there are quaint eating places and charming environmentally friendly accommodation, ranging from 4-star hotels and hotel-apartments to country inns and Swiss chalets.

" The luxurious Porsche Cayenne S hybrid car drove us to Champex Lac that appeared sitting in the lap of Mount Combin with views of Mont Blanc massif. This must be the best kept secret of Switzerland – a perfect romantic getaway, located on a plateau between Le Chatelet and Le Catogne. "

Road journeying on the Yellow Bus from Sion winds through lush rolling hills be sure to stop at Haute Nendaz - the Country of Beisses, above the Rhone valley.

While you may wander along refreshing nature trails, or hit the well marked tracks and go cycling - extreme thrill seekers should go for an adventurous para-glide high above the valley. Nendaz offers fine dining indulgence at restaurants like Mont Rouge. The Chef’s passion for innovative gourmet cuisine, caters everything from meats, smoked salmon and assorted cheese to lip-licking desserts – all served up with a touch of artistry in the presentation. A must-do in Nendaz would be taking a walking tour of the old village. As if floating on a page torn out of a history book, back in time mid 1400 AD; the monuments and old houses bear witness the tale of this old town through the thick and thin of time.

Soon after dusk, hang about till late in the evening in cozy restaurants and discotheques where you can dance, swing and stomp your feet to pop and rock.

Another lovely activity in Nendaz is the chair lift ride to Tracouet, the high point of valley. Fortified with a 360 degree mountainous fence, Nendaz appears like a huge bowl of salad dotted with pieces of soya bean. On the top, hikers and bikers enjoy leisure time by the picture perfect site of Lake Tracouet with a dramatic backdrop of snow capped mountains.

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Back to Sion, travelling on the unique Matterhorn Gotthard train (MG Bahn) staying its course to Zermatt - the car free mountain resort (1,620 meters) in the central, German speaking part of Valais. Zermatt is the place to discover delicious regional recipes.

There is a surfeit of high-end restaurants in Zermatt - among the more recommended are Alex Grill Restaurant (Alex Hotel) and the restaurants at La Ginnabelle Hotel, Walliserhof Hotel, Grand Zermatterhof Hotel – to mention but a few. The interior of the Alex Grill Restaurant highlights impressions of the Matterhorn peak on tainted glass that adorn the walls in an extremely rich setting. From a variety of culinary delights on the menu, there is the chef’s recommendation starting with the Soup of the Day deliciously seasoned in local herbs and spices; followed by the main course prepared with a whiff of Valaisan flavor and finally the rich chocolate dessert. After an appetizing meal, the top chef – Frederick Fischer attended the table. “I lavish care and attention on products and recipes that invite you to enjoy the excellent, noble, authentic, original, traditional and modern elements of the Valais cuisine”, he said. Frederick is the author of his book: ‘The Fine Cuisine of Valais’ in German and French languages.

August is a month to mark in the calendar, full of festivities all over Valais region. Early in the morning, visitors will swarm the Gornergrat Bahn station (Zermatt) to witness one of the most magnificent festivals in the country: the Gornergrat Alphorn Festival.

The unique slow speed cog-wheel rail, the Gornergrat Bahn, climbs up till the end of the line at Gornergrat, next to the 3100 Kulm Hotel – the highest hotel in Switzerland at 3,100 meters.

More than 5000 international visitors and folk music fans gather at the spectacular auditorium of nature at the base of the Hotel. Last year dressed in traditional Swiss costumes, 508 alphorn players blew to enter the Guinness World Record with the sound of the world’s longest playable alphorn (47 meters) reverberating the valley with the views of some of the most heavily glaciated peaks. This is a unique music festival: a mesmerizing experience of music, dance and entertainment on a stunning mountainous backdrop.

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At the greatest natural amphitheater on the Earth, nature’s art pieces put on show 28 (of the 76) four thousand meters peaks, abounding in rich biodiversity of high alpine lakes, an array of flora and fauna, and the entire Gorner Glacier area (57 kilometer square), the second largest in the Alps. The highest point in the region: Monte Rosa Massif (Dufour 4,634 m) is a sheer magnificence, in the surrounds of icy peaks including Dom (4,545m), Weisshorn (4,506m), Matterhorn (4,478m); a sight that reveals one of the most spectacular scenes amidst the wilderness, in the form of rock, scree and glacier.

A significant attraction in Valais is the Spa Village Leukerbad. From Sion, it is a short train ride to Leukerbad followed by a road journey aboard the Leukerbad Bus. The location of Leukerbad in itself (1,411m) makes it a natural wellness resort to improve health of the lung with an intake of balanced oxygen rich fresh air.

First explored in the 13c AD, historians claim that life giving thermal water in Leukerbad dates back to Roman-Helvetian times around 2nd century AD. Today, Leukerbad’s prized gift to visitors is this same healing thermal water, originating from a thermal aquifer and comprising calcium sulphated water with increased sodium, strontium and iron content, with remarkable fluoride levels. Among the many hotels that siphon this thermal water into the indoor and outdoor pools, Regina Terme Wellness Hotel is among one of the oldest establishments to offer self catered accommodation. Spacious rooms feature a kitchenette and a large balcony to enjoy the view into the valley of massive steep mountains in the distance. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, both with thermal water and the spa area offers therapeutic massage treatment performed by a certified masseur. The restaurant offers a palatable menu including regional and international cuisines, offering you the option to select a health diet comprising of white meat (fish or chicken), salad and a variety of vegetable soups.

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Given a choice of 30 thermal pools scattered around the village, Luxury Living highly recommends the Walliser Alpentherme & Spa (Europe’s largest and most luxurious high altitude alpine wellness, beauty and thermal spa), Leukerbad Therme (www.leukerbad-therme.ch), Les Sources des Alpes Resort (partnered with Dr Burgener Spa) and Revitalzantrum. While in the Valais region, it would be unwise not to board, what it is said to be “the most loved railway journey on the Earth” - The Glacier Express. The slowest Express Train in the world, The Glacier Express is fitted with large panoramic windows to enjoy the slow winds through the three cantons of the country: Valais (initiating from Zermatt), Uri and Graubünden - to the end of my line at St. Moritz.

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Travel Notes: - Swiss International Air Lines: www.swiss.com LX 4301 Depart Bangkok 00:45 / Arrive Zurich 0715; LX 181 Depart Bangkok 13:05 / Arrive Zurich 19:30 - Swiss Flexi Pass www.swisstravelsystem.com - Travel Information www.valais.ch

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Spotlight On: Valerie Parisius Of Art, Healing and Wanderlust Words by CARIS CRUZ

Art is a journey. It is about getting lost and finding a way. It is about determining answers to humankind's many questions. It is the realization of feelings and experiences, a transformation of the soul.

And just as cells slough off from the human body to recreate new ones, art is always changing.

Artists, to be specific, are always changing. Humans are creatures of movement, and they can either take a step forward or a step backward.

Valerie Parisius certainly took a leap into the unknown.

An art and business professional who worked with Alexander McQueen, Tony Cohen and Coulisse, Valerie’s ambition of becoming a fashion guru is slowly taking ground. However, working under the spotlight ruffled her zeal. Observing rules, limitations and critics, her dream slowly confined itself into a box until it could not freely move.

In 2011, a wanderlust pushed her to abandon her fashionable lifestyle to jump into new places. Accompanied by a travel diary, Valerie dived into unknown lands and finally discovered serendipity; in the form of art. Nature embraced her and has conveyed inspirations in a language beyond words.

Each of her travels was a quiet, meditative voyage towards healing. New atmospheres, new people and new adjustments shut down her inner critic.

Drawing each revelation day by day, she learned to be forgiving and accepting of who she is inside and what is all around her. Since then, Valerie has clung to her travel diaries in her transformation as an artist.

Her travel diaries, in return, became a witness to her metamorphosis. "My illustrations show a very intimate landscape of my inner world", she discusses. Her range of emotions, aspirations, her exploration of colors and movements, all depicted within the lines and the scribbles on every page.

Little did she know that these little seeds will grow into bigger, blossoming trees. From tiny scribbles, Valerie is creating inspired, vast murals for the public to see.

"My work is about freedom and the joy of being alive," says Valerie. And true enough, both aspects are evident in her brightly coloured works. The flow of the lines, the brilliance of the tones, the beauty of emotions; there is no constriction. There is no limit.

Valerie’s artworks are now featured in public spaces, books, home decors, bags and accessories. By this, she intends to inspire every onlooker to let go, embrace nature and appreciate life to its fullest.

" My illustrations show a very intimate landscape of my inner world "

www.valerieparisius.com

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Spotlight On: Sakul Intakul An Exploration Of Floral Architectures Words by CARIS CRUZ

Numbers are perfect things. In the world of engineering, each aspect must be calculated precisely, up to the smallest point. It is a profession that highlights faultlessness, a title bearing excellence.

" Emptiness is luxury "

Sakul Intakul brought a perfectionists eye to bear when he switched professions. From dealing with numbers, he dropped his dull-colored blueprints to start assembling Thailand's beautiful tropical flowers. Inspiration from nature can be credited to his love for his hometown, Thonburi, a rural province covered in lush trees.

When an Ikebana, a Japanese flower arranging school, opened in his office building, Sakul decided to give it a shot- a shot that launched him onto a whole new career path.

His unusual placement of flowers, mixed with his practices in engineering, gained him a name in the flower arranging community. Sakul loves forms, frameworks, shapes and geometry; little blooms coming together as solid monuments that clamor for attention. The distinct Japanese air that inspired his creations is evident: simple yet poetic. But to emphasize the Thai soul, he makes use of native floral species for his craft.

Publications both locally and abroad sought after his work, whilst elite events feature his massive floral sculptures as a highlight in elegant settings. But Sakul has gained his biggest fan in form of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit, for whom he has lovingly arranged flowers for the past ten years.

What sets him apart from other floral artists?

Other than his intriguing ingenuity, he knows how to use space to underline his work.

"Emptiness is luxury," he believes.

By this principle, installations pop out against a wide vacancy, gaining the focal point of the onlookers. This knowledge he shares in his book, The Art of Living with Tropical Flowers, which highlights the beauty of Thailand’s native blooms.

Engineering architectural visions in bouquets, highlighting nature’s beauty in a contemporary flavor; Sakul Intakul’s journey with flowers is an adventure worthy of mentioning. His walk goes on, a brave discovery of what human hands can reveal from the earth. www.sakulintakul.com

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Spotlight On: Nooror Somany Steppe The Queen Behind The Pot Words by CARIS CRUZ

" Noroor's cuisines are gastronomic visuals that could easily pass for miniature sculptures " She is the heart of Blue Elephant, a chain of high-end restaurants featuring international cuisines exploding with authentic Thai soul. But Nooror Somany Steppe saw her life differently when she was younger. Nobody had the slightest idea she would become one of the most renowned chefs in the world.

As a young girl, Nooror was not a fan of cooking, yet at 9 years old, she was already cooking rice over a charcoal stove and pounding curry paste. Despite having the skill, she lacked the love for the craft. But her ideals changed, year by year, until it was thoroughly swept upside down when she stepped onto a foreign soil.

It was in Belgium where she met her husband, Karl Steppe, with whom her life began again. She started out as an accommodating housewife, offering their antique shop clients her homemade meals. Her fares were a hit, and she decided to take one step further by opening her own Thai-inspired restaurant, L’ Elephant Bleu (Blue Elephant) in 1980. It was a name expressing the full flavor of her nationality; blue represents the Thai flag's royal color, whilst the elephant is the country's national animal.

Nooror's cuisines are more than fares for the stomach; they are gastronomic visuals that can easily pass as miniature sculptures. The arrangement on each plate emphasizes harmony and balance along with the flavours of each dish. There's a distinct zingy thrill that lingers on the tongue; a signature taste of Thailand.

Blue Elephant lived up to its brand of concocting royal gourmet meals. Bright ceramic plates filled with further vessels and baskets of specialty dishes are a sight to see, appealing to both sight and stomach.

Each part of the menu yields the fresh origins of the food, tickling one's palate with handpicked vegetables, meat, fish and fruit.

The kitchen as her territory, Nooror, however, has an expansive colony with the growth of her modest brainchild. Blue Elephant is slowly taking over the globe, with branches in London, Paris, Lyon, Moscow, Malta, Beirut, Kuwait, Jakarta and Bangkok. She now extends her upscale line of gourmet spaces with La Portes des Indes, a Brussels-based restaurant that serves Indian dishes.

www.blueelephant.com

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If you’re looking for a smartwatch, the experts at Wareable.com have recommend the Moto 360:

Moto 360 With stylish looks, a circular face and wireless charging, the Moto 360 has become a premium, high-end option in the Android-wear market.

Other than being a watch, its main job is to act as a partner to your smartphone, offering an array of notifications and handy shortcuts, from calls, texts, emails and social updates from Whatsapp or Facebook. What’s more, Google Fit keeps track of heart rates and step goals for a complete picture of your health and activity.

The LCD screen may be behind its competitors in terms of brightness and definition but the superb build quality and great price make the Moto 360 one of the most attractive smartwatches on the market.

It feels like a watch rather than a gadget and with the newly introduced range of metal bands and a champagne gold finish to its line up, Motorola have injected some much needed chic into the range.

FINEST SEVEN With a career history which includes designing for Prada, New Zealand born designer Jesse Stevens has a specialised understanding of eyewear. This brand holds at its core that there are 7 key elements in eyewear production: components, lenses, materials, colour&finish, design, comfort&fit and manufacture.

FINEST SEVEN eyewear incorporates the very best of these elements.

Zero 1 White Gold

Zero 4 Tortoiseshell

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Acc

Zero 2 Yellow Gold

ory

www.finestseven.com

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moto360.motorola.com

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Aida Red

Appassionata Boutique

Appassionata Boutique combines the creative vision of Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, an interior designer with an eye for beauty and luxury with the traditional workmanship of the Ribichini family who design and produce the range of beautiful handbags that Appassisonata sell.

Carlotta Black

The family have been making leather goods since the early 1900s and have designed and produced handbags for brands, including Gucci, Prada and Bottega Veneta, meaning that Appassionata Boutique can offer this impressive level of quality at a fraction of the designer price.

Andrea Ribichini sits at his workbench, carefully weaving leather by hand, producing an exquisite, elegant range of handbags for Appassionata Boutique. Using Italy's finest leather, this local artisan is hard at work in his ancient workshop on the outskirts of a medieval town in the region of Le Marche.

Caterina Clutch

Every detail is taken into consideration, from the quality of the leather sourced in Florence, to the choice and mounting of the fittings. Each individual handbag is lovingly handmade using the same traditions passed on to Andrea from his father and grandfather before him.

www.appassionataboutique.com

Ludivica Dark-Mid Brown

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LUXURY MOTORS Autofarm ships to Asia

B

ackdate Autofarm 911 provides unique blend of modern conveniences and classic looks

UK Porsche specialist Autofarm has recently supplied its first ‘backdate’ 911 to Asia in Hong Kong.

Autofarm, with over 40 years’ of building, restoring, racing and servicing Porsches, offers customers the chance to build the classic-looking 911 they always wanted with all the modern conveniences of a contemporary car. These can include push button start, automatic wipers and lights, keyless entry and upgraded engines.

Autofarm uses later galvanized body shells and donor cars that offer better rust prevention and standard features such as air conditioning. Colour and trim can also be chosen, reflecting the car’s classic heritage or something more contemporary. Despite being built on the other side of the world, customers are informed of the build progress including photos showing the car coming together. Some customers have even come to visit, tying in a visit iconic shopping centre Bicester Village, less than five minutes away as well as the city of Oxford, just twenty minutes from Autofarm’s rural workshops.

The firm is also sending more rebuild and improved engines to the region, providing expertise that is yet to develop in some parts of South East Asia.

www.autofarm.co.uk

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LUXURY MOTORS Flexi Ceramic Heatshields keeps heat at bay

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LUXURY LIVING

" Clever tech keeps cars cool! "

Thermal

management in vehicles can be a difficult issue to address. Some components, such as turbo chargers, improve in performance at higher temperatures, while other engine bay parts prefer to be kept cool.

Zircotec has developed its own variant of the humble heatshield. Dubbed, ZircoFlex, Zircotec has merged ceramic platelets with an aluminium backed foil to create a heatshield which is flexible yet less than a millimetre thick.

Ranging from the ultrathin, single layer ZircoFlex® to the triple layer, yet still very thin, ZircoFlex® III; Zircotec’s heatshields offer the end user a breadth of options to suit differing applications. ZircoFlex I can reduce surface temperatures by 64 percent, with reductions of 77 percent and 85 percent achievable for the new double (ZircoFlex II) and triple layers (ZircoFlex III).

The flexible, ultra-thin nature of ZircoFlex sets it apart from rival products; the heatshields can be bent through angles up to 180⁰ without compromising the thermal barrier. ZircoFlex can also be easily cut by hand or machine to fit very specific components in difficult to reach areas of the engine bay. ZircoFlex can then be fixed into place by using mechanical fasteners or high temperature adhesives which further extend the flexibility of the ceramic heatshields. It is widely used in Europe by classic car restorers and owners as well as racers and performance car tuners who appreciate the lightweight and performance blend it offers.

Take a glance at any F1 starting grid and you would be certain to see cars sporting ZircoFlex as part of their thermal management systems. Available from Amazon or Zircotec’s own shop at www.zircotec.com

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LUXURY poweryachttours

THE VACATION OF YOUR DRE AMS IS HERE EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE POWER YACHT TOURS FULL TIME HOSTESS GOURMET LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS (ALCOHOLIC DRINKS INCLUDED)

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THE

LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF PROPERTY IN PARADISE

Exclusive properties at exclusive prices.

The essential address book for the ultimate investor.

4 Bedrooms Sea View Pool Villa REF. ID: 4BSPV Location: Bangrak Price: (Per Night) 9,000 THB to 17,500 THB Property Details: » Living spaces: 470 m2 » Bedrooms: 4 » Bathrooms: 3 Advantages: » Stunning sea and island views » Fully-equipped modern kitchen

RENTALS

2-Bedroom Pool Villa | Location: Lipa Noi | Price: 2,500 THB to 5,000 THB per night | REF. ID: TPL204 Property Details » Bedrooms: 2 » Bathrooms: 2

Advantages » 200 m. to Idyllic Beach » Consisting of a spacious open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area

Telephone: +66 (0)80 8936771 | E-mail: office@luxsamui.com | Website: www.luxsamui.com

Luxury 2 Bedrooms Sea View | Location: Chaweng | Price: 4,850 THB to 9,650 THB per night | REF. ID: RCW2BA Advantages » Fully fitted kitchen » stunning views sea views RENTALS

Property Details » Bedrooms: 2 » Bathrooms: 3

Luxury 3 Bedrooms Sea View - Pool Villa

Luxury 2 Bedrooms - Pool Villa

REF. ID: SJV11 Location: Choeng Mon Price: 650 USD++ to 1,050 USD++ per night

REF. ID: LT064 Location: Bang Por Price: 375 USD++ to 550 USD++ per night

Property Details: » Living spaces: 364 m2 » Bedrooms: 3 » Bathrooms: 4

Property Details: » Living spaces: 153 m2 » Bedrooms: 2 » Bathrooms: 2

Advantages: » Stunning sea views » private roof deck

Telephone: +66 (0)80 8936771 | E-mail: office@luxsamui.com | Website: www.luxsamui.com

Advantages: » Large balcony » Fully furnished » Fully equipped Western kitchen » Private swimming pool

Luxury 4 Bedrooms Residence

Luxury 4 Bedrooms - Pool Villa

REF. ID: BRDVR Location: Bophut Price: 1,100 USD++ to 1,750 USD++ per night

REF. ID: LAL13 Location: Bophut Price: 525 USD++ to 925 USD++ per night

Property Details: » Bedrooms: 4 » Bathrooms: 5

Property Details: » Bedrooms: 4 » Bathrooms: 5

Advantages: » Private infinity edge swimming pool » Direct beach access » Beach Sala ideal for al fresco dining

Advantages: » Infinity swimming pool » Stunning sea views » 4 large bedrooms en suites » Poolside Sala

RENTALS

Luxury 5 Bedrooms Sea View - Pool Villa | Location: Lamai Beach | Price: 1,400 USD to 2,750 USD per night REF. ID: QLL-734353

Property Details » Bedrooms: 5 » Bathrooms: 6

Advantages » Private swimming pool » Direct beach access » Free of charge items: Sea kayaks, Paddle boards

Telephone: +66 (0)80 8936771 | E-mail: office@luxsamui.com | Website: www.luxsamui.com

3 Bedrooms Seaview - Pool Villas | Location: Chaweng Noi | Price: 19,500,000 THB

Property Details » Living Spaces: 280 m2 » Bedrooms: 3 » Bathrooms: 4

Advantages » 1km to the beach » Fully furnished with western kitchen » Private swimming pool (32 sqm) » 600 sqm plot

SALES

REF. ID: ASRSVFS

3 Bedrooms Beachfront Pool Villa REF. ID: VLABS Location: Lipa Noi Price: 25,000,000 THB Property Details: » Bedrooms: 3 » Bathrooms: 4 Advantages: » Contemporary design and convenient layout » Private pool tiled with natural stone » suitable for wheelchair-bound handicapped people » include interior finish: tiling, leveled and painted walls and ceilings

Telephone: +66 (0)80 8936771 | E-mail: office@luxsamui.com | Website: www.luxsamui.com

Luxury 2 Bedrooms Villa | Location: Bangrak | Price: 17,900,000 THB | REF. ID: PLMV56 Property Details » Living Area: 150 m2 » Total Area: 723 m2 » Bedrooms: 2 » Bathrooms: 3 SALES

Advantages » Private Pool with shady sala » Sea View » 300m to beach » Fully furnished » Gated estate with 24 hour security » High rental yield

1 Bedroom Seaview Condo

Luxury 1 Bedroom Apartments

Property Details: » Living Area: 62 m2 » Bedrooms: 1 » Bathrooms: 1

Property Details: » Living Area: 45 m2 » Bedrooms: 1 » Bathrooms: 1

Location: Bangrak | Price: 4,200,000 THB REF. ID: 1BCBB

Advantages: » Luxury interior furniture » Fully-fitted kitchen » Luxurious communal facilities

Location: Fisherman's Village | Price: 3,900,000 THB REF. ID: SAFSM

Advantages: Village just a stone's throw from idyllic white sands and a large choice of fine dining establishments and beachfront cafes.

Telephone: +66 (0)80 8936771 | E-mail: office@luxsamui.com | Website: www.luxsamui.com

Stunning Beach Land Plai Laem (1055 m2)

Stunning sea view plot (1200 m2)

REF. ID: XXH-123751

REF. ID: MLR-354236

Location: Plai Laem | Price: 22,000,000 THB

Property Details: Located in the Boh Phut hills. With a totally unobstructed view from Koh Phan Ngan to the Big Buddha.

Advantages: » Stunning sea view » Views of Koh Phan Ngan » Full infrastructure » 15 mins from Championship Golf Coarse

SALES

Property Details: One of the last opportunities to own a small piece of beachland in the desirable North East coast of Koh Samui.

Advantages: » One of the last great plots in Plai Laem » Flat and easy for construction » Centrally located but peaceful » Perfect for individual Villa or Villas

Location: Bophut | Price: 6,000,000 THB

Plai Laem Sea View Land 3.9 Rai (6,240 m2) | Location: Plai Laem | Price: 39,000,000 THB | REF. ID: MHPLL Property Details » Prime Land in sort after Plai Laem, Koh Samui » panoramic views of Bangrak bay » Sealed road and amenities close to Choeng Mon Beach

Advantages » Government concrete road » 3-Phase government electric » Government water supply

Telephone: +66 (0)80 8936771 | E-mail: office@luxsamui.com | Website: www.luxsamui.com

Thai Tonic Location: Santithani Project Property Type: Garden View Land Size: 820 sqm Living Area: 244 sqm Specification: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, fully equipped kitchen with bar-counter, terrace, 2 balconies and covered parking area for 2 cars Swiming Pool: with build in star lights and chemical free water disinfection (copper-silver-oxidation) Price: THB 8,900,000

Land for sale Location: Santithani Valley & Secret Garden Property Type: Garden and Sea View Specification: all land plots come with infrastructure: concrete road acess / electricity / water supply, located in the North of the island, only 20 minutes from the airport and ferry port, 10 minutes from magnificent Santiburi Golf Country Club, you will found our seven beachfront projects, the panoramic hillside development Santi Thani and our residental offerings of Santithani, Secret Gardens and Santi Thani Valley Price starting at: THB 396,000

Villa Seret Garden SG-4 Location: Santithani Project Property Type: Garden View Land Size: 340 sqm Specification: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, covered terrace Price: THB 4,900,000

Sales Office: Ring Road, km 42.0 8/3 Moo 5, Meanam Koh Samui, Surat Thani Thailand 84330

OK Properties land & house

More Info: www.okpropertiessamui.com +66 (0) 869 869 869 sales@okproperties-samui.com

Villa Ban Chok Laab Location: Santithani Project Property Type: Sea View Land Size: 3200 sqm (2 rai) Spacification: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, kitchen with dinning room, car park, garden sala Swimming Pool: 14 x6 m Price: THB 16,500,000

Villa ST 16 Location: Santithani Project Property Type: Garden and Sea View Land Size: 820 sqm Living Area: 258 sqm Specification: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 80 sqm living room, kitchen and terrace, fresh water tank, rain water tank Location: Santithani Project Price: THB 6,440,000 * (+ 658,000 THB for additional construction) Additional construction includes: Roof covered drive in, extra 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom

More Info: www.okpropertiessamui.com +66 (0) 869 869 869 sales@okproperties-samui.com

OK Properties land & house

Sales Office: Ring Road, km 42.0 8/3 Moo 5, Meanam Koh Samui, Surat Thani Thailand 84330

Samui Invest is your complete property development, construction and investment partner on Koh Samui. Providing the full suite of of services you require to purchase land, build real estate, and grow proÞtable businesses for resale in a thriving luxury destination. Fluent in French. English and Thai, we look forward to Þnding the perfect investment solution for you in while you are in Samui and managing your portfolio for you when you return home.

Telephone: +66 95 804 6954

samui-invest.com

• • • • • • • •

Double bedroom houses with terrace Two bathrooms 104m2 Private inÞnity pool.

Own parking area.

Land 235m2.

Ceiling height Ð 3 meters.

Each bedroom has air conditioning.

The house is fully furnished.

4.800.000 Thb

• • • • • •

Three bedroom houses with terrace Two bathrooms Private inÞnity pool.

Own parking area.

Each bedroom has air conditioning.

The house is fully furnished.

6.600.000 Thb

• • • • • • • •

Little sea view for sale in Ban Rak Electricity 3 phase Road

By Soi Lana 5 Min from Chaweng 5 min from Ban Rak Gentle slope 800 sqm 1.700.000 Thb

Telephone: +66 95 804 6954

samui-invest.com