Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel deals to indulge in.
STUFF
Pride collection / Swatch
Swatch knows how to celebrate Pride Month in style. This year, the Swiss watchmaker rolls out a vivid series of wristwatches that takes a design note from the pride flag. Each New Gent model appears in one of the bold colours that make up the iconic flag, complemented by a minute hand engraved with each shade's meaning; think red for "life", orange for "healing", yellow for "sunlight" and green for "nature". Cleverly and subtly making a statement is the watch's symmetrical seconds hand symbolising equality. Among other pride-themed watches, the violet colour, dubbed "spirit", is Swatch Pay!-enabled, allowing wearers to make contactless payments by simply flicking their wrists. It costs B350 extra than the regular models, which are priced at B3,000. Go to swatch.com/en-th.
'The Little Mermaid' collection / Pandora
Equally buzzing with the excitement of Pride Month is Disney's live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" — and the latest brand to put its spin on the trend is Pandora. Dive into this whimsical underwater tale through a jewellery collection that pays homage to the story's most iconic characters: Princess Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula. Comprising charms, rings and earrings, the highlight includes the golden seashell charm that can attach to a necklace chain to resemble Ariel's magical shell necklace received from Ursula when she traded her voice for human legs. Check out pandora.net/en-th.
Pride manifesto / Leisure Projects
Leisure Projects weaves the story of the Irish playwright Oscar Wilde in its pride collection, dubbed "Pride Manifesto". The green carnation takes centrestage, channelling the iconic queer flower through print designs and floral colour-wise as a nod to the symbol of liberation in the Victorian period — where Wilde and a handful of his friends wore the distinctive flower, which subtly hints that you’re into men, on their lapels to the premiere of his comedy Lady Windermere’s Fan in 1892. The transmen artist and drag queen Gigi Ferocious, alongside androgyny models, are joined on the photoshoot while sharing their journey of self-expression on the video campaign. See and shop leisureprojectsbkk.com.
New collection / Bally
Swiss luxury brand Bally is reopening its retail space at Emporium Department Store with a new design. The warm, ambience-led space features the new Bally logo, showcasing men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories. Inspired by Swiss luxury, the new vision translates into neutral colour palettes, setting the scene for a mix of organic and contemporary furniture styles, which are artfully balanced with contemporary design touches. The Bally Spring/Summer 2023 collection is also in the store. The visual language in the collection is an emerging and evolving Swiss elegance in the context of modern luxury. Bold printed leather, classic tailoring, striking evening wear and washed denim all serve as highlights. Visit bally.com.
Capsule collection / Cos
In celebration of queer club culture and the safer spaces they provide, this Pride, Cos presents a limited-edition T-Shirt capsule featuring unique designs created with four iconic club experiences worldwide; Horse Meat Disco, House of Yes, Sink The Pink and Churros con Chocolate, continuing to support LGBTQIA+ communities internationally so that everyone can feel respected, safe, and seen. Embodying the creativity and individuality of each collaborator, international music festival headliners, Horse Meat Disco’s T-shirt features a bold and colourful disco design representing the community coming together through the love of disco and dancing, while New York-based House of Yes, a space dedicated to connection and creativity, offers a powerful heart-shaped design with interconnected lines to represent love while creating something unique and beautiful. Alongside this, legendary UK collective and advocates of self-expression, Sink The Pink, share a playful Queen of Club’s design — a beautiful representation of their legacy, and Spain’s festival of fun, Churros con Chocolate, recreate their iconic poster designs, which illustrate dress-up and their flamboyant guests. The collection will be in stores at Siam Paragon, EmQuartier and Iconsiam, as well as online at th.cos.com.
JOIN
Edible wellness market / Patom Organic Living / June 10-11
Thong Lor's Patom Organic Living has joined forces with World Animal Protection Thailand to host the "Edible Wellness" market this weekend. The peaceful garden at the café will come alive with laughs and conversations shared by Mike Yang of Kindness, a food tech startup, and Sirilak "Jung" Mahachanthanaporn, a health guru and owner of juice-delivery Pukpun, with a live band amping up the ambience. Expect activities and vendors that let you experience an "edible wellness" lifestyle. Join them at fb.com/patom.organics.
Asai Play Art Fest / Asai Bangkok Chinatown / Until June 15
Asai Bangkok Chinatown, is not holding back in setting the stage for an art fest. "Asai Play Art Fest" returns for the second edition until June 15, presented with the concept of "All about eARTh". Discover artworks by 28 emerging artists displayed in hotel rooms, showcasing upcycling and sustainable designs, with a highlight including a gigantic lantern made from recycled sacks exhibited in the hotel's courtyard along with mesmerising light mapping. Get a seat at workshops like watercolour and paper art classes, while the Play Around market this weekend is where you can explore an array of artworks and crafts, as well as food from Jam Jam. Tickets at bit.ly/ASAIPlayArtFest2023.
Journey to Healing / Stoned & Co. Thailand / June 10
Fashion, food and wellness brand Stoned & Co. Thailand is collaborating with Sound Of Santi to celebrate Global Wellness Day by hosting a full-day event. If you're looking for me-time, there are a series of activities to take part in. Think of a CBD yoga class for B600 per person, combing the benefits of CBD oil with yoga and a five-sense sound bathing session with Sound Of Santi and Karmafly for B1,800 per person. At the sesh, you'll experience deep relaxation by immersing yourself in the healing frequency. Unleash your inner artist at a fluid art paint bar with dinner for B1,990 and groove through the soulful music by DJs till late. Visit fb.com/stonedandcothailand.
Exquisitely Yours Wedding Fair / St. Regis Bangkok / June 17-18
The “Exquisitely Yours Wedding Fair” will be a two-day event in The St. Regis Bangkok’s Astor Ballroom from 11am-7pm on June 17-18. Attendees will experience the fully-decorated Astor Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the picturesque Royal Bangkok Sports Club. Couples can meet with photographers, photo booth providers and light and sound professionals. Exclusive privileges are available with a minimum spend of B650,000 nett, including a complimentary night for two Deluxe Rooms. Couples with a minimum spend of B550,000 nett receive complimentary light and sound decoration fees. Couples can relish an exclusive pre-wedding experience at a special price from Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie from Switzerland. Engagement ceremony packages starts from B90,000 nett for 50 guests and B99,000 nett for an engagement Thai wedding ceremony. Call 02-207-7777, email BKKXRcatering@marriott.com or visit stregisbangkok.com.
Cancer Care Charity Fun Run / Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui / June 24
Run, jog or walk to raise awareness and funds for cancer research with the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and The Thai Red Cross Society at the “Cancer Care Charity Fun Run” on June 24. The event will begin at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Research Centre at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. Registration begins at 6am on the day, followed by a group warm-up, before the event kicks off at 7am. Donations to participate are B500 per person, including an event t-shirt, breakfast box and a chance to win prizes in the lucky draw. Call 077-243-000 or email cancercare.kohsamui@fourseasons.com.
EDM Fight Night / So/ Bangkok / June 10
S0/ Bangkok will host the “EDM Fight Night”, elevating the very well-known original SO Pool Party to the next level. Enjoy the pool party and EDM beats from guest DJs, the highlight of which is 8 Live Fights in collabo with Kru Dam Fight. The party will be held on June 10 at The Water Club from 2-9pm. Tickets are priced at B999 nett, including a drink, while pool side VIP packages are priced at B12,300 nett for five people and include a private table in the VIP sunken area, a bottle of Belvedere, Tanqueray or Johnnie Walker Black Label, six mixers, two bottles of Belleville Brut Sparkling and five drink vouchers. The top tier package is only available for two tables at B23,000 nett for a five guests, and include a private table in the VIP sunken area, a bottle of Belvedere Mangnum , 10 mixers, two bottles of Belleville Brut Sparkling and five drink vouchers. Call 02-624-0000, email h6835-fb2@so-hotels.com or visit bit.ly/3IUdl9i.
Shibari exhibition / 6060 Arts Space / Until June 26
“Shibari's Impulse: The Science Of Binding To The Art Of Bondage”, curated by Panu Boonpipattanapong will open at 6060Arts Space. The opening is on June 10 from 1-7pm. The meaning of “impulse” is translated to Thai raeng kratun, which could mean the impulse to return the heartbeat back to normal. On the other hand, impulse could mean “the instinctive drive of feeling”. This impulse may be caused by external incentives. The incentive from touching by humans or objects. One of the objects that is used for impulsing feelings are ropes, which are used for complicated and unique tying, bonding and weaving called shibari. Shibari is beyond the perceptions of bondage that people have about it. It could even mean freedom or the emptiness of pure consciousness. This exhibition focuses on the impulse through the art of shibari, by two shibari artists — Petcharada Pacharee and Pakanat Rattanabangruay, and five guest artists — Tom Potisit, Sophirat Muangkum, Tanapol Kaewpring, Pisut Srisuwan and Nattapol Pattananithiboon, who recreate the identical art in their own styles through the knot and weaving of shibari. Visit FB.com/events/1412543136265286/?_rdc=1&_rdr.
STAY
Westin Social Club / The Westin Grande Sukhumvit / Until June 30
Elevate your city escape to new heights at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit with "Westin Social Club", where guests can enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a Premium Deluxe room for a rate starting at B6,350 per night. Enjoy a sumptuous stay with daily breakfast and a Westin social clun hour, including signature drinks and snacks from 5-8pm at Zest Bar & Terrace. The hotel also guarantees the late check-out until 4pm and a 25% discount on spa treatments at Vareena Spa. Go to bit.ly/43rk6HQ.
7th Anniversary Package / Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach / Until Sept 30
The five-star sanctuary on the secluded northwest shore of Phuket is celebrating its 7th anniversary with a special package with seven amazing benefits and an exciting social media competition with seven prizes. Guests who book a minimum three-night stay will be treated to daily breakfast for two people, a complimentary resort activity, a 60-minute Thai massage for two, one-hour of free-flow drinks every day at Big Fish Bar, one romantic beachfront dinner, roundtrip airport transfers and a 20% discount at all restaurants and bars. Booking period is until June 17 with stays until Sept 30. For the contest, pick your favourite postcard from the hotel’s Facebook page and share it on your social media to win dreamy dining experiences, sublime spa treatments and even sensational stays! Prizes include a two-night stay in a Two Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa; a two-night stay in a Deluxe Pool Access Room; a two-night stay in a Deluxe Room; a 60-minute Aromatherapy Massage at Quan Spa; a set menu at Big Fish Bar, the chic beachside restaurant; a set menu at Andaman Kitchen; and a set menu at Mama’s Kitchen. Each prize is valid for two people. This contest is open until June 30 and the lucky winners will be revealed on July 7. To enter, visit fb.com/phuketmarriottnaiyang. Email phuketmarriott.reservations@marriott.com or visit phuketmarriottnaiyang.com.
Bed and Brew / Four Points By Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 / Until June 30
If you're considering booking just one night at Four Points By Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15, pause and rethink your decision. Amidst the city conveniences, the downtown hotel offers a daily glass of beer from its BeerVault. With the "Bed and Brew" package, guests can enjoy a delightful combination of a comfortable bed, a delicious breakfast and the ultimate treat of winding down with a chilled mug of the hotel's signature beers after a long day. Starting from B4,700 per night, the package is bookable by June 30 and valid for stays until Aug 31. Visit bit.ly/3oJUXJF.
Re-opening / InterContinental Bangkok
The InterContinental Bangkok has finally re-opened, after a multimillion-dollar renovation and makeover. Located directly adjacent to BTS Chidlom, the hotel is walking distance to main lifestyle shopping locations. The hotel re-emerges infused with artistic nods to the beauty of Bangkok’s magnificent palaces and cultural attractions, as well as the city’s famous skyline, offering 381 all-new luxury guestrooms, including Club InterContinental rooms and a range of suites. The lobby's remarkable centrepiece, a chandelier inspired by the intricate Phuang Malai garland, welcomes guests. Throughout the hotel, walls and ceilings showcase Thailand's heritage and culture with traditional floating flowers and renowned kranok patterns, which trace back to the Sukhothai kingdom; while carefully placed modern abstract and local artisan artworks convey the spirit of the Thai welcoming ceremonies. Even the Grand Ballroom pays tribute to Thai traditions with a chandelier inspired by the elegant attire of traditional Thai dancers. Dining experiences include SoCal, Espresso, Fireplace Grill and Bar, Balcony Lounge, Humidor, Summer Palace and Butter. Oasis is the rooftop pool, while Spa InterContinental offers Harnn body and Elemis facial treatments. Infinity Fitness is a 24-hour state-of-the-art centre. Room rates start from B9,000++ for a Classic Room. Call 02-656-0444, email intercontinental.bkkhb@ihg.com or visit intercontinental.com/bangkok.
More flight / Qatar Airways / June 22 to Oct 28
The award-winning airline will commence its fifth daily flight from June 22 to October 28. The additional flight brings the number of flights from Thailand up to eight per day, joining four existing daily flights from Bangkok and three daily flights from the holiday island of Phuket. The expansion will offer even more convenience and flexibility for travellers to connect to more than 160 destinations in Qatar Airways’ global network. Visit qatarairways.com/th.
EAT
King of Barolo / Rossini’s, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit / June 9
Embark on an epicurean adventure to Italy on June 9 with Gianni Gagliardo aka the “King of Barolo” at Rossini’s. The beverage dinner will be a five-course menu crafted by executive chef Gaetano Palumbo. His culinary delights will be complemented by some of the finest vintages in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Gagliardo will be a special guest at the event to personally introduce his hand-selected premium beverage. The dinner is priced at B3,500++ per person (food only) or B4,500++ for the full premium beverage pairing experience (five glasses). Visit rossinisbangkok.com/specials.
Summer truffles / Red Sky, Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Until June 30
Red Sky launches its new menu showcasing summer truffles. Experience a range of exciting dishes such as the Low-temperature egg, potato and saffron foam, summer truffles for B780++ or the Wagyu beef tartare, Piedmont hazelnut, summer truffles for B750++. Not to be missed is the Fresh tagliolini pasta, beurre noisette, Parmesan and summer truffles for B850++ and the Chargrilled octopus, broccoli, burrata cheese and summer truffles for B1,250++. Another star is the Pan-seared veal tenderloin, crispy sweetbread, and confit potatoes, summer truffle for B1,950++. The seasonal menu is available from 5pm-1am until June 30. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
New menu / Flash Coffee
Flash Coffee, the tech-enabled coffee chain, announces its exquisite Brazilian House Blend as the new standard for all coffee-based drinks, along with the introduction of seasonal beans at selected stores. It is also unveiling a fully revamped menu featuring 17 exciting drinks such as Palm sugar latte, Matoom Americano and Matcha macadamia soy latte in celebration of its third anniversary in Thailand. The seasonal blend is available for all coffee-based drinks for only B15 at selected stores. Call
Dragon Boat Festival / Pagoda Chinese Restaurant / Until June 30
Savour the flavours of the Dragon Boat Festival this month at Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. A special promotion showcasing Jiaxing zongzi or traditional rice dumplings with two fillings will be available. The “Premium Meat Filling” (B280 nett per piece) is packed with pork belly, dried shrimp, dried scallop, Chinese pork sausage, roasted duck, shiitake mushroom, chestnuts, salted egg and mung beans, while the “Sweet Filling” (B180 nett per piece) includes taro, taro paste, chestnuts, mung beans, red beans, Chinese jujube paste, lotus seeds and gingko nuts. Both versions are presented in an attractive individual green box, creating a delicious solo snack. Two “Zongzi Gift Box” options are available, the first features four meat fillings for B1,288 nett per box, while the second contains two meat and two sweet for B1,088 nett per box. Call 02-059-5999 or email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com.
Crafty creations / Craft, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / Until Sept 30
Craft adds international favourites and healthy vegan options to its menu, putting diversity at the forefront for all patrons. Led by chef Patinya " “Gun” Srithong, the new dishes are in the all-day breakfast, healthy salads, burgers, wraps and sharing bites in a variety of flavours and textures from different parts of the world. There’s the fiery Breakfast kaprao wrap, Súp măng cua, Tuna tataki, Wing master wings and Ojingeo bokkeum. The cafe also debuts Crafty Creations that guarantee to quench your thirst this summer with five new drinks available until September 30. Visit bit.ly/PRCraftMenuEN.
Spectrum of colours / Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok / Until July 31
Until July 31, Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok is picking up their culinary paintbrush and crafting an afternoon tea that is as appetising to the eye as it is to the mouth. Spot a rainbow from the panoramic terrace of the Greenhouse Restaurant and Bar. But if the sky doesn’t provide one, the kitchen will. In the spirit of diversity, no colour is overlooked and novel twists on traditional desserts take on savoury bites. For B700++ per couple daily between noon and 4pm, an inclusive culinary journey awaits. Start with a Red velvet cake or indulge in a luxurious Matcha chocolate truffle or Thai tea eclair to accompany a steaming cup of tea. Call 02-079-7555, email fbreservation.vsuk@avanihotels.com or visit mhg.to/knbao.
Vibrant dining / Chao Leh Kitchen, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Make the most of your escape in Phuket with a dining experience that showcases authentic local flavors and delectable international dishes in an enchanting ambiance at Chao Leh Kitchen. At Four Points by Sheraton Patong Beach Resort, Chao Leh Kitchen reflects Phuket’s rich cultural heritage in its breakfast buffet with a spotlight on local flavours, including the signature dish, crab omelet curry, along with an extensive selection of Thai and international dishes. This morning feast is available daily from 6.30-10.30am and is priced at B500++ per person. The international dinner buffet is available every Wednesday and Saturday from 6-10pm and is priced at B999++ per person, including free-flow soft drinks. Call 076-645-999 or visit fourpointsphuketpatong.com.
Executive Dim Sum Lunch / Nan Bei, Rosewood Bangkok / Until July 31
All-you-can-eat dim sum makes an exceptional weekday lunch offering at Nan Bei, complemented with a choice of appetisers, soups and desserts. Diners also enjoy unlimited orders of Rice noodle crispy rolls with shrimp and caviar, Sichuan shrimp and pork wonton, and Chive and tiger prawn dumplings, as well as Turnip cake and Egg custard buns. The lunch experience ends on a sweet note with a choice of refreshing Chilled mango sago pomelo or a platter of juicy Seasonal fruits. The “Executive Dim Sum Lunch” is available from noon to 2pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays, until July 31 and is priced at B1,250 nett per person. Call 02-080-0080 or email bangkok.nanbei@rosewoodhotels.com.
Epic Dinner Buffet / Viu, The St. Regis Bangkok / Until June 30
The “Epic Dinner Buffet” at Viu features Italian dishes commemorate Italy’s “Festa della Repubblica”. Served every Friday to Saturday, from 6-10pm, the buffet features freshly baked truffle pizza, Australian beef stew risotto, vegetarian-friendly eggplant parmigiana and truffle mushroom cream soup with onsen egg. Pasta dishes include a choice of freshly-made pasta with a choice of pomodoro, aglio e olio, and arrabiata sauces; pasta vongole; spinach ravioli with butter sauce; and a live Parmigiano wheel pasta station. Presented alongside the Italian feast is a selection of seafood on ice and each diner also receives a whole Canadian lobster, served as grilled lobster Thermidor, grilled lobster served with fresh lemon or truffle mushroom risotto served with grilled lobster. The buffet is priced at B2,500++ per person, including coffee and tea. Call 02-207-7777, email fb.bangkok@stregis.com or visit bit.ly/VIUReservations.
Friends Of Mia — Next Gen Series! / Mia / June 14-15
Mia has announced the return of "Friends Of Mia — Next Gen Series!”, a collab that brings together emerging culinary talents from across the region. On June 14-15, the second collab brings together Mia chefs Michelle Goh and Pongcharn "Top" Russell with chef de cuisine Sheng Xiong from Singapore's Odette, and executive sous chef Arthur Leong from Meta in Singapore. The dinner is priced at B4,850++. Call 098-862-9659 or email reservation@miarestaurantbkk.com.
