Untitled Document Home
Chef & Hotel Profile
Publisher's Page
Gift Guide
Travel Adventures
Epicurean Events
Health Minded
Spa Baby Secrets
Sips
Book Bites
Culinary Coup
Sense of Style
Kids Kaleidoscope
Tinsletown Tidbits
Wheels
Radio Show & Links
Contact Us

JetBlue Airways
Eurail
Eurofly
Pearl Seas Cruises
WeatherReports.com


ISLAND HOPPING IN THAILAND

By Bonnie Carroll

    Walking into the lobby of the W Retreat Koh Samui is like taking a giant step into the unexpected blissful world on Samui; it's as though you are looking through an open window to MGM heaven. The first thing you see is the Woobar, where guests enjoy signature cocktails and small plates in floating booths setting on an exquisite infinity pool that visually merges into the ocean horizon. A DJ, perched on a floating silver crown, provides relaxing entertainment until the early hours each evening, while guest sample signature cocktails and share travel adventures.

    From check-in through departure, you get the W 'anything you want – any time you want it' treatment, including instant pick-up and delivery on carts driven by attentive staff members. The suites are chic and exquisite hide-a-ways, with their own private pools, double level accommodations that include every imaginable bath and entertainment amenity. The ocean views from these luscious accommodations are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable visit. General manager Brian Seagrave is a charming host who is always available to assist guests, along with Jean Narongligh, operations manager.

    Meals can be ordered from room service or taken in the Kitchen Table Restaurant, where the breakfast buffet can be savored in-doors or on the outer patio with panoramic views. The W buffet offers a nearly endless selection of anything a guest could want. The chef will also happily prepare any special requests. The 'bigger than life' W French toast with passion fruit butter is addictive, and is a favorite at the resort. Lunch and dinner are also served in this destination, on your villa patio, as well as at the W beach location, which is a sensational dining area for real ocean lovers.

    Dinner on the beach, especially for romantic occasions or larger group dinners is beyond outstanding, and coordinated by talented chef Robert Conte, the resort Director of Food & Beverage. The setting is island balmy, with family style presentation, and parties here always end with some awe inspiring fireworks display. The fire performance we were privileged to see left us speechless.

    A spa day at AWAY Spa in W Retreat Koh Samui is the experience you have been waiting for, and one that will linger on in your memory long after you leave Thailand. Each massage is suited to your needs, and begins with a beautiful rose petal foot bath and massage. Guests are also given a refreshing miniature glass of water and orange juice before their treatment. My hot stone massage was given by an extremely well trained therapist, and was so welcome that I actually fell asleep on the table.

    The spa building is a separate facility and features comfortably chic waiting rooms, where guest enjoy quiet moments before their scheduled appointments. The spa menu includes a variety of signature treatments, including the renowned Thai massage, as well as hot stone and sports massage therapies. They also feature a spa food and beverage menu for guests who which to enjoy a healthy bite while in the spa. I was surprised to see that the spa health cocktails often include chia seeds, which are generally included in the daily diet of most Asian people for intestinal cleansing and protein balance. The treatment rooms are immaculate and beautiful in design, providing a totally relaxing and private destination to immerse yourself in pure bliss.

    The hotel offers professional business conference facilities and suites to accommodate large or small groups, and will facilitate any special requests for services. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to leave the W Retreat property, however, golf, water activities and tennis are available nearby and the hotel will arrange for needed transportation for guests. The private W beach is quiet and beautiful, and a delightful respite to enjoy a W picnic box with friends or family. Samui has a lovely airport, where flights from Bangkok arrive and depart daily. The waiting area and prominade of upscale shops make waiting for a flight quite a pleasant experiece. Travelers are provided complimentary snacks and beverages.

    Koh Samui is located on the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand. It is the second largest island after Phuket in the gulf of Thailand; surrounded by sixty other islands, with an annual tourist population of over 1.5 million. The white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees have become a major vacation attraction to visitors from around the world. The origins of this island go back to 1687, when it first appeared on Chinese maps.

    Many guests enjoy taking day trips to nearby islands for lunch, scuba and snorkeling. A relaxing two hour trip on the Lomprayah Ferry or speed catamaran to the small island of Koh Tao “Turtle Island” offers a delightful day trip to swim in the warm ocean, savor the sun on their pristine beaches and merge with the beauty of Koh Tao. Coincidentally, Koh Tao is a breeding ground and preserve for Hawksbill and Green Turtles, and the island was recognized as one of the best scuba diving centers on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand in 1990. There is a restaurant that serves a variety of lunch favorites and beverages, as well as lounges by the waters edge where servers are available to take orders.

    Koh Phangan Island, a long time favorite of back-packers in the 70s & 80s, and currently the college crowd who love 'full moon parties' is attempting to attract a more sophisticated traveler by offering more upscale accomodations and activities for tourist visiting the island, including meditation and health programs. The Haad Son Resort and Restaurant offers a full sized swimming pool and patio, where massages and meals are available, as well as a charming restaurant and lounge on the beach that is a romantic spot at sunset.

    Thai Airways fly to Samui from Bangkok daily, and the service is charming on these short flights, as it is on long flights to Bangkok from major cities in the US. Savoring the 'happiness of Thailand' aura on Thai Airways and having an openness to the probability of a life changing experience in Thailand is most assuredly on the menu for guests arriving at W Retreat Koh Samui. Khop Khun Kha! www.thaiairways.com, www.wretreatkohsamui.com.

    For Thai island reservations or information visit: www.royalsilkholidays.com or www. www.na.tourismthailand.org.

    ______________________________________________________________

HOTEL OPENING BITES .  .  .

Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina to Bring New Era of Luxury to Hawai‘i's "Place of Joy" and new Moscow Russia Hotel Property

The Resort Group of Hawai‘i and Canada's premier developer Westbank join with top global hotel brand to diversify O‘ahu’s tourism base
MARRIOTT MONTREAL CANADA

______________________________________________________________


HOTEL EDEN ROC FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Advent in Ticino:  the Hotel Eden Roc and its sister hotel the Albergo Carcani in Ascona invite guests to take a contemplative time-out in Ticino in the run up to Christmas Ascona, 28 October 2014 (JU) – With twinkling fairy lights hanging over the main square, a festive yet contemplative atmosphere reigns in Ascona during advent. Nativity scenes can be seen in many villages throughout Ticino over the Christmas period while in the Piazza Grande in Locarno, the Locarno on Ice event is held throughout Advent offering skaters the chance to strut their stuff on a 46-metre-long ice rink with a series of concerts providing for atmospheric entertainment in the evenings. That is reason enough to treat yourself to a short time out in sunny Ticino before the festive period and to enjoy the special atmosphere on the shores of Lake Maggiore at this time of year. With their special advent offers, the Hotel Eden Roc and its sister hotel the Albergo Carcani offer you the perfect opportunity to do just that.   

The Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona offers the pre-Christmas “Advent, Advent” special,
available from 29 November to 21 December 2014 at a price starting from 485 Swiss
francs (approx. 380 euros) per person sharing a double room for two nights’
accommodation and half board in the Marina Restaurant. The price also includes a
welcome drink in the Eden Bar, use of the Eden Roc Spa and delicious Advent treats from the hotel’s pastry chef. For more information and bookings, visit www.edenroc.ch or call the Hotel Eden Roc
directly on +41 (0)91 785 71 71. 
 
Standing on the Piazza of Ascona, the Albergo Carcani offers the ”Advent on the shores of Lake Maggiore” special which is available from 28 November to 21 December 2014 at a price starting from 246 Swiss francs (approx. 175 euros) per person for two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a glass of mulled wine with home-made Christmas pastries and one lunch in the Ristorante Carcani overlooking Lake Maggiore. For a special price of 35 Swiss francs (approx. 29 euros) per person, guests can also take advantage of the 2,000 square metres of the Eden Roc Spa in the nearby sister hotel the Eden Roc.  For more information and bookings, visit www.carcani.ch or call the Albergo-Caffè Carcani directly on +41 (0)91 785 17 17.  


2008
March 08 | April 08 | May 08 | February 09 | March 09 | June 08 | July 08 | August 08 | September 08 | October 08 | November 08 | December 08 | January 09 | April 09 | May 09 | June 09 | July 09 | August 09 | September 09 | October 09 | November 09 | December 09 | January 10 | February 10 | March 10 | April 10 | May 10 | June 10 | July 10 | August 10 | September 10 | October 10 | November 10 | December 10 | January 11 | February 11 | March 11 | April 11 | May 11 | June 11 | July 11 | August 11 | September 11 | October 11 | November 11 | December 11 | January 12 | February 12 | March 12 | April 12 | May 12 | June 12 | July 12 | September 12 | October 12 | August 12 | November 12 | December 12 | January 13 | February 13 | March 13 | April 13 | May 13 | June 13 | July 13 | August 13 | September 13 | October 13 | November 13 | December 13 | January 14 | February 14 | March 14 | April 14 | August 14 | May 14 | June 14 | July 14 | September 14 | October 14 | November 14 | December 14 | January 15 | February 15 | March 15 | April 15 | May 15 | June 15 | July 15 | August 15 | September 15 | October 15 | November 15 | December 15 | January 16 | February 16 | March 16 | April 16 | May 16 | June 16 | July 16 | August 16 | September 16 | October 16 | November 16 | December 16 | February 17 | January 17 | March 17 | April 17 | May 17 | June 17 | September 17 | July 17 | August 17 | October 17 | November 17 | December 17 | January 18 | February 18 | April 18 | March 18 | May 18 | June 18 | July 18 | August 18 | September 18 | October 18 | November 18 | December 18 | January 19 | February 19 | March 19 | May 19 | June 19 | April 19 | July 19 | August 19 | September 19 | October 19 | November 19 | December 19 | January 20 | February 20 | March 20 | April 20 | May 20 | June 20 | July 20 | August 20 | September 20 | October 20 | November 20 | December 20 | January 21 | February 21 | March 21 | April 21 | May 21 | June 21 | July 21 | August 21 | September 21 | November 21 | October 21 | December 21 | January 22 | February 22 | March 22 | April 22 | May 22 | June 22 | July 22 | August 22 | September 22 | October 22 | November 22 | December 22 | January 23 | February 23 | March 23 | April 23 | May 23 | June 23 | July 23 | August 23 | September 23 | October 23 | November 23 | December 23 | January 24 | February 24 | February 08 | January 08

2007
December007
| November 07 | October 07 | September 07 | August 07 | July 07 | June 07 | May 07
April 07 | March 07 | February 07 | January 07

2006
December 06
| November 06 | October 06 | September 06 | August 06 | July 06 | June 06 | May 06
April 06 | March 06 | February 06 | January 06

2005
December 05
| November 05 | October 05 | September 05 | August 05 | July 05 | June 05 | May 05
April 05 | March 05 | February 05 | January 05

© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved