BANGKOK NOI THAI PLUS

Right next door is the Flower Market – mostly for serious gardeners and city-dwellers. The dishes at Or Tor Kor market are punchy with spice and packed with flavour Karen Anand And if you really want to try something new – they even serve crocodile meat! Whether you’re in the mood for fresh juices, new-age desserts, or bubble tea and smoothies, there's something for everyone, and it’s very affordable. Hundreds of food stalls, including an artificial floating market, offer lots of interesting things to buy and eat (just avoid weekends when it gets too jam-packed). Now, I must admit, these large air-conditioned malls with international brands are neither new nor exciting for seasoned travellers, but Icon Siam's Food Court in the basement is an absolute revelation! It’s like Harrods on steroids – I've never seen anything quite like it. I decided to visit Icon Siam, the big fancy mall that opened in 2018, mainly to buy some Nespresso capsules. Easily one of the best city hotels I’ve stayed in for a long time!Ī shopper’s paradise: Icon Siam to Or Tor Kor MarketĮveryone seems to shop in Bangkok and I can understand why. To me, Capella perfectly balances the effortless class of a grande dame with the charm and personality of a boutique property – catering to the “discerning, spirited traveller who who appreciates refinement with a side of whimsy”. The seasonal changes in the menus keep things fresh, and Chef Davide, Mauro’s right-hand man, is always there to ensure a memorable dining experience.

Seasonal changes in the menus at Michelin-starred restaurant Côte by Mauro Colagreco keeps things fresh Karen Anand They offer 5, 7, or 9 course menus, and they even serve the first two options at lunch.

I also liked the fact that I didn’t have to do a long tasting menu like many fancy establishments insist. Michelin restaurants in the West have become outrageously expensive so this is a great opportunity to have a world-class experience without breaking the bank.

BANGKOK NOI THAI PLUS

A huge plus is the Michelin-starred restaurant Côte by Mauro Colagreco, the genius behind the famed Mirazur, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant that was once ranked the No.1 in the World's Best 50 restaurants. They can tailor-make the spice level of the dishes, and you can choose to dine indoors or outdoors, taking in the charming ambience. But the real gem was their Thai restaurant, Phra Nakhon, overseen by the lovely Chef Kannika. The food at Capella is stunning, with an enormous breakfast spread that includes a buffet and various local, Japanese, Chinese, and international a la carte options. And let’s not forget the jaw-dropping 1000 sq metre spa.Īn offering from Capella’s Thai restaurant, Phra Nakhon Karen Anand The smooth airport transfers in a Mercedes S Class somehow managed to tame Bangkok’s notorious traffic, and the boat shuttle to Icon Siam was a real plus.

The complimentary add-ons, like pressing, Cin Cin happy hour at Stella, and having a personal ‘culturist’ – a cross between a butler and concierge – made my stay even more special. The elegant decor, great service, stylish spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor areas, and the thoughtful touches like stunning flower arrangements, exquisite Wedgwood crockery served at Japanese high tea, and the leather and brocade lined tote bags in the room added a touch of luxury. The average room size alone is equivalent to a junior suite in most hotels! I can’t stop thinking about my villa – floor-to-ceiling glass walls allowed me to gaze at the serene Chao Phraya River amidst the bustling city. It was recently voted the No.1 Best Hotel Brand in the World and No.1 Best Hotel in Bangkok by Travel + Leisure World. The hotel is an urban sanctuary of sorts, with river-facing villas, surrounded by lush gardens and outdoor plunge pools. In bustling Bangkok, you’ll crave a stay that’s both conveniently close to everything yet provides a luxurious escape from the city’s chaos. Capella is an urban sanctuary of sorts, with river-facing villas, surrounded by lush gardens and outdoor plunge pools Courtesy: Capella Hotels & Resorts

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