Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
The Summer Collection / H&M Home
H&M Home channels the joy of summertime through vibrant colour combinations and patterns in its home decor collection. Dominating the summer range is a series of colourful tableware, including plates and platters that enhance your appetising with a pop of tropical palette alongside shell-shaped serving bowls. The cushion covers have undergone a seasonal update, featuring lively prints of palm trees and flowers. Also, expect a line-up of stylish beach essentials, ranging from striped beach bags to check-printed and hammam-inspired beach towels. You can't go wrong with curvaceous vases and striped candles for a playful touch to your space. Shop at th.hm.com.
Spring/Summer 2023 Collection: Sweet Souvenirs / Maison Kitsuné
For the Spring/Summer season, Maison Kitsuné set out to "Explore Everywhere", a series of collections drawing inspiration from an odyssey to a world that deserves to be discovered. Each destination corresponds to a part of Kitsuné's fashion accents, and in the case of the third and last stop, it is related to where the brand originates: the City Of Light or Paris. Through the “Sweet Souvenirs” collection, the Maison translates Parisian chic into a complete summer wardrobe by collaborating with the Hotel Olympia. The range comprises souvenir t-shirts illustrated with collages of ice cream and postcards, resort shirts with pool prints and embroidered hotel slippers in the form of espadrilles that exude summer influences mixed with the colour codes of preppy sports clubs. Nodding to the utilitarian aesthetic, these garments are complemented by a patchwork. Among the accessories are a baseball cap and bag sporting the new Maison Kitsuné crest. Visit ppgroupthailand.com.
Disney's Villain Icons / Lego
Hold on to your money tight, Diisney's diehard fans. Lego has just revealed another collectable set to celebrate Disney's hundredth anniversary. Following the special releases, including the balloon house from Up and Disney Minifigures, the Lego Disney team is gearing up to launch a new set paying tribute to the evildoers of classic Disney films. Resembling as a bookend of fairy tales, the 1,540-piece Lego set features brick-built VHS cases referencing “Aladdin” and “Sleeping Beauty”, a videotape of “The Little Mermaid”, a book from Belle's library representing “Beauty And The Beast”, a Queen of Hearts playing card for “Alice In Wonderland”, the poison apple that curses “Snow White” and Captain Hook's pocket watch from “Peter Pan”. Some of the elements have a hidden cabinet, serving as a lair for supervillain mini figures, including “Maleficent”, the Evil Queen, Gaston and Genie Jafar. Stay tuned at lego.com.
JOIN
Ceramic Glazing Workshop: Glaze & Shine / Dusit Gourmet, Baan Dusit Thani / May 13
Why settle for a basic mug when you can sip your morning fuel from a cup that screams "I'm fancy!"? Join a ceramic workshop at Dusit Gourmet, Baan Dusit Thani, where you can learn the art of pottery and ceramic glazing to create a one-of-a-kind ceramic mug. The class costs B950 per person, which includes a complimentary drink. Book Now at bit.ly/3GU998G.
Basic Sourdough for Beginners / Joyrukclub Thailand / May 13-14
Step up your breakfast game with a loaf of homemade sourdough making at Joyrukclub Thailand. For B6,000 per person, the two-day course have you covered with the ins and outs of bread-making, starting from the fundamentals of sourdough, including measuring and sourdough starter making and maintenance, to hands-on and taste-testing sessions. Save your spot at fb.com/JoyRukClub.
Ocean Sensory Bottle / Bambini Villa / May 13
Let your little ones learn about the life below the surface at "Ocean Sensory Bottle". This Saturday, head to Phrom Phong's Bambini Villa for a kid-friendly workshop where your kids can recreate a maritime environment in a bottle. A seat in the crafty class costs B200 per person. Go to fb.com/bambinivilla.
Cocktail pop-up / Akoya|Star Lounge x Kumiko, V Villas Phuket / May 18-20
MGallery Hotel Collection’s V Villas Phuket is welcoming Chicago’s award-winning Julia Momosé of Kumiko, No.25 on the 2022’s World’s 50 Best Bars list, to showcase her cocktail innovations at the hotel’s rooftop Akoya|Star Lounge from May 18-20. Offering 360° ocean and night sky views, Momose will showcase her innovative mixology style recreated with Thai ingredients and Asian-focused spirits. Momose’s cocktail pop-up starts at 6pm. Call 076-630-939 or visit vvillasphuket.com.
Tour of Planet Earth 2023 / Bruno Major / Aug 13
Bruno Major is returning to Asia this August for a tour. The British singer-songwriter has confirmed the tour via his official website, and has launched his new single “We Were Never Really Friends”. Major’s “Planet Earth” tour will see the “Nothing” performer in Japan, South Korea, Bangkok, Makati, Singapore, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur between Aug 8-20. His Bangkok concert will be on Aug 13 at Voice Space. Ticketing information surrounding the rest of Bruno Major’s upcoming Asia shows have yet to be announced. Bruno Major was last meant to perform in Asia in February 2020 but had to cancel the tour due to the coronavirus. His last shows in Asia took place in 2018. “We Were Never Really Friends” marks his first release since 2020 and is said to be part of an upcoming album, though details surrounding the record are unknown.
The World of Studio Ghibli's Animation Exhibition / CentralWorld Live / July 1 to Sept 30
Fans of Studio Ghibli in Thailand get ready to live out iconic scenes from 10 animation films namely "My Neighbor Totoro”, “Howl’s Moving Castle”, “Spirited Away”, “KiKi’s Delivery Service”, “Princess Momonoke”, “Castle in the Sky”, “Porco Rosso”, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”, “Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea” and “Pom Poko”. Over 1,890m² of CentralWorld Live, on the 8th floor of CentralWorld, will come to life as iconic scenes from the movies will be recreated in 3D installations. Fans can explore the greenery of Totoro Forest, catch a train back home with Kaonashi or sit back, relax and get some munchies at Osono’s bread shop. As a special treat, Ghibli fans in Thailand get the chance to visit the gigantic castle Laputa from “Castle in the Sky”, which will be included in the exhibition for the first time. Tickets can be purchased at thaiticketmajor.com/the-world-of-studio-ghiblis/ and Thai Ticket Major outlets. Early bird tickets are priced at B490 and are available until May 31. General tickets cost B590 and are available for purchase from June 1.
STAY
Sea retreat / Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas / Until May 31
Are you down for a tropical getaway in one of Prachuap Khiri Khan's beautiful coastal towns? The Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas are running the "Down By The Sea" package, which offers a night stay at a saving rate, plus perks including daily breakfast and a roundtrip airport transfer. Redeem a resort credit of B1,200 when staying at the Pranburi property, while a B700 credit will be granted nightly at the Hua Hin branch. Book and stay before May 31 to benefit from this deal. Visit bit.ly/419drAk for Sheraton Hua Hin 9Resort and bit.ly/41hClxH for Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas.
Tropical bliss / Kimpton Kitalay Samui / Until June 30
Kimpton Kitalay Samui gives its guests more time to soak up tropical bliss with "Extend A Night On Us". Until June 30, book your luxury seaside getaway for two consecutive nights, while your third night will be on the house. Visit kimptonkitalaysamui.com.
Bamboo Stick Massage / Anantara Spa, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel / Until May 31
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is offering a heavenly limited-time massage experience that promises to untangle your muscle knots. With the help of aromatic oils and a set of warmed bamboo sticks, masseurs will work their magic to knead your muscles into a state of pure bliss using expert stroking and rolling techniques. It also helps reduce toxins, heat and fluid retention, as well as get your circulation flowing like a champ. The bamboo stick massage sets you back B3,900 per person, which can be booked by calling 02-126-8866 or emailing spa.asia@anantara.com.
Plant pets / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
To ensure very guest’s stay is greener, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok has launched the “Plant Pals” programme, available at participating global Kimpton properties. In partnership with Brooklyn-based plant expert Christopher Griffin, aka Plant Kween, the author of “You Grow, Gurl!”, Kimpton Plant Pals is available upon request as part of its Kimpton Stay Human experiences. The Plant Pals programme offers six different types of plants that guests can have delivered to their room. In addition to the two Plant Kween handpicked selections, the hotel has also sourced plants locally to showcase Thailand’s signature tropical charms. The six plants available include: Fiddle-leaf fig, which symbolises abundance and good luck, attracting good fortune and wealth; Chinese evergreen, which brings good luck and prosperity; Zanzibar gem, which helps purifying the air and is commonly known in Thailand as the fortune tree; Marble queen, which removes dark energy, also known as the money plant; Snake plant, an indoor plant which helps filter air; and the Indian rubber tree, which represents wealth, good luck and fortune. Call 02-056-9999, email book.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com or visit kimptonmaalaibangkok.com.
EAT
Cantonese delights / Dynasty Restaurant, Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Dynasty Restaurant has launched a new promotion featuring a trio of delicious Cantonese pork and duck dishes. Order the three signature dishes to share for B850++. Drawing on traditional cooking techniques and ingredients, these signature dishes from master chef Kongsun Sae-Liang showcase this popular cuisine’s rich and complex flavours. The Char sui Cantonese BBQ pork from the Guangdong region is made with barbecued pork marinated with five spices, fermented tofu, hoisin sauce and rice wine. Also from Guangdong, the crispy pork belly is boiled and marinated with wine, scallions, ginger and Sichuan peppercorn. The belly meat is salt-crusted and roasted before a quick deep fry to finish it. For the Cantonese roasted duck (siu mei), the meat is marinated with onion, ginger roots, garlic, rice wine, five-spice powder, hoisin and yellow bean sauce. It is then glazed with a honey and rice vinegar combo before being roasted on a spit over an open fire. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
Seasonal menu / Scarlett Bangkok / Until June 30
Scarlett Bangkok’s seasonal selection features French asparagus. With seven dishes ranging from classic to contemporary, the springtime star gets prepared in a variety of European-style cooking techniques and flavours. Classic combinations include Asparagus & Parmesan (B320++) and Asparagus mousseline (B590++). The former sees the asparagus oven-baked until crisp, then garnished with nutty Parmesan, while the latter highlights the elegant sweetness of white asparagus with a dreamy mousseline sauce. The traditional Asparagus à la Flamande (B590++) is white asparagus topped with soft boiled eggs, lemon, and fresh parsley. From the grill, Charcoal-grilled white asparagus (B590++) gets the smokey treatment, paired with a velvety herb aioli. For a more modern take, Asparagus espuma & salmon (B690++) features an unctuous poached egg topped a cloud of asparagus and roses of smoked salmon. The Asparagus & hummus salad (B690++) gets a hint of Asian influence, with white asparagus and romaine lettuce served up with refreshing yoghurt and an aromatic black sesame hummus. Probably the heartiest dish on the menu, Chicken truffle supreme & asparagus (B890++), is a medley of asparagus and juicy chicken breast. Combined with Paris mushrooms, the duo are then draped with a velvety truffle supreme sauce. Scarlett’s “Spring L’Amour” menu is available until June 30. Call 096-860-7990 or Line: bitly.ws/zaVd.
Strawberry tea / The Lobby Lounge, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park / Until June 30
The Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has introduced fruitful afternoons at its Lobby Lounge this May and June, with a special Strawberry Afternoon Tea. Diners can indulge in a selection of specially crafted strawberry-themed treats, including strawberry mousse, Valrhona macarons, cream puffs, fruity yoghurt curd, chocolate strawberries and vanilla and candied strawberry scones with clotted cream and jam. These will be served alongside a series of creative savoury delights, including strawberry and brie tartine, red king crab and avocado, duck liver mousse with strawberry flakes, and ham and Gruyère sandwiches. Every guest will also be treated to a strawberry yogurt smoothie, plus a choice of two premium teas or coffees. The Strawberry Afternoon Tea is available daily at The Lobby lounge from 1-5pm and is priced at B1,189++ for two people. Call 02-059-5999 email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or book via sevn.ly/xtfgkUec.
Mouth-watering deals / Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa / Until May 31
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa will stage an exciting line-up of culinary occasions at Amber Kitchen, its vibrant all-day dining destination, and Big Fish & Bar, the stylish seafront restaurant that overlooks Hua Hin Beach. Discover delectable dishes crafted using the finest Australian lamb. The talented chefs at Big Fish & Bar will prepare premium cuts of lamb in four tempting styles. Choose from lamb rump with sautéed asparagus, pommes boulangère, black garlic, thyme and gravy; succulent lamb shoulder with spring peas, asparagus, baby potatoes and pan gravy "Niçoise"; lamb shank massaman curry with peanuts, taro, potato and vegetables; and Korean lamb chops with miso-glazed eggplant, carrot, gochujang potatoes, shiitake mushroom and bulgogi gravy. Enjoy fresh seafood and prime grilled meats at Amber Kitchen with a succulent "surf & turf" buffet every Saturday. The feast showcases seafood on ice, plus freshly-shucked oysters, sushi and sashimi, whole baked sea bass, crispy pork belly and Australian ribeye steak. A live BBQ will also offer an amazing array of seafood and prime meats, including rock lobster, prawns, squid, lamb chops, German sausages, pork ribs and more, all grilled to perfection and served with side dishes, dips and sauces. The buffet is priced at B1,699++ per person with a beverage package from B290++ per person. Call 032-904-666, Line: @huahinmarriott or visit huahinmarriott.com.
WATCH
Air on Prime Video
Premieres on May 12
From Ben Affleck, the movie reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division which revolutionised the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand. This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time. Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Matthew Maher, Marlon Wayans, Jay Mohr, Julius Tennon, with Chris Tucker and Viola Davis.
Black Knight on Netflix
Premieres on May 12
In a dystopian 2071 devastated by air pollution, the survival of humanity depends on the Black Knights — and they’re far from your average deliverymen.
Queer Eye (Season 7) on Netflix
Premieres on May 12
The Fab Five’s quest to give the US a glow up, one state at a time, continues with the new season set in New Orleans.
