Its prime location in Thonglor provides easy access to trendy cafés, boutique shops, nightlife, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking an authentic Bangkok experience.

ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN FOR INTERCONTINENTAL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT

When we arrived, we were brought up directly to the lounge for check-in. As we were booked to stay in a Premium room, we had access to the Club InterContinental Lounge on the 31st floor,

The check-in process for premium room guests at the Club InterContinental Lounge was basically an opportunity for us to taste the hotel’s signature welcome drink – the ‘Thonglor Secret’.

This special non-alcoholic mocktail with a pineapple base. What was interesting was its “origin” story.

A QR code accompanying the mocktail piqued my curiosity, and of course, I had to discover the story behind the drink, which unveils where the pineapples come from, and the drink’s meaningful connection to local culture.

SKY-HIGH SANCTUARY ABOVE THE STREETS OF BANGKOK

Our room offered a serene escape from Bangkok’s bustling streets. Spacious and elegantly furnished, it featured modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a smart entertainment system, and luxurious bedding. Large windows provided a view of Thonglor’s trendy streets below, perfectly balancing the energy of the city with the calm of our private retreat.

I highly recommend opting for the Premium guestrooms if possible. In addition to club lounge access, rooms are larger at 42 square sqm and come with a freestanding bath, whereas classic rooms are between 34 – 38 sqm with twin bed options.

INTERCONTINENTAL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT CLUB LOUNGE

The Club InterContinental Lounge is open for suite and premium room guests. Located on the 31st floor, guests with access can utilise its meeting spaces and enjoy all-day refreshments,

CURATED CULINARY TREATS AT THE CLUB LOUNGE

Open daily from 6am to 10pm, Club InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a sanctuary of exclusivity in the heart of Thonglor, one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighborhoods. This premium lounge elevates the hotel experience with a suite of privileges designed for discerning travelers. Mornings start with a sumptuous breakfast, featuring a buffet spread of freshly baked bread, pastries, cold cuts, and seasonal salads. Guests can also choose from an a-la-carte menu that combines authentic Thai breakfast dishes with international favorites, all while enjoying spectacular city views.

In addition to daily breakfast, there is complimentary afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with canapes, ensuring a well-rounded foodie experience for guests staying in premium rooms or suite rooms.

FROM SHAKSHUKA TO MEXICAN HUEVOS FOR BREAKFAST

The breakfast at Club InterContinental Lounge is a global culinary journey, reflecting the international heritage of the InterContinental® brand, founded by Pan American Airways’ visionary, Juan Trippe.

Guests can enjoy a wide array of egg preparations, each inspired by a different part of the world. While hotel lounges often serve smaller portions than main restaurants, the selection here is impressively diverse and expertly executed.

From the rich, buttery Rührei (German-style scrambled eggs) to the bold Mexican huevos rancheros with salsa and black beans, the breakfast menu spans flavors from across the globe. Guests can also enjoy an Italian Frittata with asparagus, a hearty Spanish Tortilla with potatoes, Middle Eastern Shakshuka in spiced tomato sauce, or the classic Benedict Royale, served on an English muffin with house-cured Scottish smoked salmon.

For those seeking authentic Thai flavors, the lounge serves traditional options like Thai green curry with rice, comforting rice noodle soup with pork or beef, and the iconic Mango Sticky Rice. International favorites such as pancakes, French toast, and smashed avocado on toast ensure every guest finds a morning indulgence to suit their taste. Health-conscious travelers can enjoy Thai herbal drinks, including pandanus, lemongrass, ginger lemonade, and aloe vera, each rooted in centuries-old Thai wellness traditions.

THEMED AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon tea at the lounge is another global culinary tour = presenting flavours from international cities across four seasons. Starting at 2.30pm, afternoon tea is served on a three-tiered “bird-cage” silver stand. The Spring menu takes inspiration from London and Tokyo, Summer presents a tasty Pina colada chia seed pudding reminiscent of Miami, Autumn is a Bangkok-favourite: Tapioca pudding and Winter is savoury mini Cuban sandwiches.

Additionally, available daily from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at AVA Brasserie and THE LOBBY, non-hotel guests can also discover the enduring spirit of InterContinental’s heritage which pays tribute to the luxurious hospitality that Trippe envisioned for travelers around the globe. There is an Aviation afternoon tea experience that embodies IHG’s legacy, introducing first-class journey through flavors and sophistication. Taste the hotel’s signature coffee and tea blends, a unique blend in partnership with Thai artisans, Each sip is more than just a moment of refreshment; it’s a journey into the heart of luxury.

The hotel’s blended coffee is by Sarnies consisting of beans from Honduras Whiskey Barrel-aged, Thailand, and Myanmar. For tea, guests can also try the special Thonglor Tea Blend by Char Flower Tea, a local flower tea brand based in Thailand.

COCKTAIL & CANAPES WITH SUNSET VIEWS 

Throughout the day, the lounge offers all-day premium teas, coffees, and juices, providing the perfect spot to unwind or catch up on work in a serene setting. The staff are always on hand to assist with any needs, whether it is to make restaurant reservations or booking a Japanese-Thai inspired spa treatment at THE SPA by HARNN., the hotel’s in-house spa.

Guests with access to the lounge can also enjoy sundowners and canapes from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. There are complimentary cocktails (and mocktails), and a wide variety of spirits and wine.

There is a variety of pastries available, and they also serve up a hot plate of savoury finger food, which pairs well with the drinks. For those wanting something lighter, or seeking vegetarian options, there is also a good variety of salads and fruits

THOUGHTFUL AMENITIES

Additional benefits include complimentary pressing of clothes. We also loved the thoughtful motion sensors for lights in all the rooms, as this helps ensure convenience and energy efficiency. The sensors automatically illuminate the space as you enter, reducing unnecessary energy consumption when the room is unoccupied. It is these small, considerate details that enhance the overall guest experience.

INTENTIONAL FLEXIBILITY

To provide guests with restful stays, each room features an iHome PowerClock Glow, which utilizes a combination of light and sound therapy to create a calming environment, helping guests drift off with ease.  Additionally, there is a unique Sleep Well Program curated to induce relaxation and promote sound sleep which also offers guests a pillow and pillow spray menu,

Envisioned to transform the InterContinental guest experience, there are some ‘Intentional Flexibility’ initiatives to help travellers adjust to different sleep times while on the move. We had complimentary access to the Timeshifter app, which helps mitigate the effects of jetlag based on circadian science. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned scientists, Timeshifter provides tailored recommendations based on algorithms to provide suggestions to app users to follow pre and post-trip to help reduce the disruption to the body’s internal 24-hour circadian clock, which in turn regulates how the body rests and adjusts to changing time zones and improves overall wellness.

Additionally, guests can enjoy a menu of wellness cuisine specifically designed to counter the body’s natural response to travel, offering a holistic approach to combating travel fatigue.

InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit is a sanctuary for the discerning modern traveller, offering a sophisticated blend of traditional Thai craftsmanship and modern international influences. And what’s not to love about the convenience of the hotel location, just a short 5 min walk to the Thong Lo BTS station, and to some of Bangkok’s most outstanding eateries.

With 241 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the hotel effortlessly weaves cultural richness into a contemporary setting, making it a perfect destination for those seeking luxury intertwined with authentic local experiences.

The hotel is located within walking distance to the Thonglor BTS station,

5 Things to Do in Thonglor, Bangkok

1. Explore Trendy Cafés and Coffee Spots – Sip specialty coffee in chic cafés tucked along Thonglor’s bustling streets.
2. Dine at Gourmet Restaurants – Enjoy Thai fusion and international cuisine at some of Bangkok’s most celebrated eateries.
3. Discover Bangkok’s Nightlife – From rooftop bars to hidden speakeasies, Thonglor offers a vibrant evening scene.
4. Shop at Boutique Stores – Browse local fashion, design shops, and artisanal boutiques for unique finds.
5. Experience Local Culture and Art – Visit galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and cultural hubs showcasing Bangkok’s creative energy.

The post Stylish Stay at InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

The quiet of Koh Samui might have been unnerving to visitors intent on getting a tan by day and painting the town red by night. But it was all well and good for me, as I’d come here mainly for rest and relaxation. And to experience one of the most serious detox programs in the world.

HOW TO DETOX

The multi-awarded Absolute Sanctuary has become a by-word among fervent believers in detox therapy for its no-nonsense cleansing programs. It’s also well-known for its effective cocktail of juices and raw foods, and its variety of Pilates classes and yoga classes to complement the food and treatments.

RESORT WITH A MISSION

In fact, the Absolute Sanctuary is so focused on its cleansing experiences that you won’t even see the beach on your stay unless you actually make a point of doing so. You’ve got to be up early for the 7 AM power walk by the beach with a guide who accompanies you there and back on foot.

Or else you take the shuttle to a designated area for a day in the sand. As for the sea – you are in one of Asia’s top beach destinations, after all – the resort is inland so you will only see a sliver of it from the top suites.

LIFE AT ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY IN KOH SAMUI

Otherwise, life at this spa is confined to a modest property – modest, as far as luxury Thai resorts go, that is – with a busy treatment center and a Moroccan-inspired restaurant where most diners will probably be feasting on fruits and leaves, if they are eating at all.

DIETS FOR DETOX AND LOSING WEIGHT

The hub of activity is a large swimming pool with an adjacent bar that serves raw juices all day from 7 AM to 9 PM. This pool is really lovely especially at the end of the day. 

Meanwhile, the juice bar is Absolute Sanctuary’s main lifeline as most guests are on restricted diets. So only coconut juice, raw juices and shots of wheatgrass mixed with enzymes and nutrients are allowed. So this is where everyone congregates to make small talk and to compare notes on kilos lost – because many do lose weight here.

A SERIOUS DETOX CENTER

This resort is not a pampering spa nor an especially luxurious haven. But it’s succeeded in making its guests happy. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with positively palatial bathrooms. And the service is warm and friendly. Moreover, the entire resort is designed with enough pretty and exotic touches. You’ll see shades of Northern Africa and the Middle East, and these will make you think of anywhere else but Thailand.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

But few guests have booked a stay here to holiday in a typical Thai beach resort. Most are intent on getting on the fast track to good health. They have done their due diligence, including searching online for phrases like “best detox” via Google. 

So almost everyone here has arrived with a mission: to detox, to lose weight, or to get a physical makeover. For these, this spa perhaps offers the most effective and best value detox packages.

Read more articles on yoga, Pilates and detox retreats in Travelife Magazine.

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Anantara Vacation Club Phuket in Thailand

Immediately, smiling
attendants bearing orchids and cold drinks came to greet
us, and thus began our one-week family holiday
in Thailand.
Anantara is a famous name in the international hospitality industry,
with luxury properties all over the world. 

Anantara Vacation Club Phuket in Thailand

But the
Anantara Vacation Club, a unique shared ownership
concept, is a relatively recent offering, and the Anantara Vacation Club Phuket (AVC Phuket) is brand new. Having stayed at
other Anantara resorts before, all with good memories,
we decided to try this new resort in Phuket without hesitation.

Anantara Vacation Club Phuket in Thailand

We entered the  Anantara Vacation Club Phuket (AVC Phuket), a large property filled with a
hotel building on one side and villas in neat
rows. When we reached our two-bedroom
villa with a private swimming pool, I was
amazed by its spaciousness as well as by its
excellent contemporary design. 

Anantara Vacation Club, Mai Khao, Phuket

With 260
square meters to enjoy, it suited our needs
completely. In fact, it’s the kind of villa I’d
want to own, if I had the chance. The Anantara Vacation Club Phuket (AVC Phuket) villa had one bedroom on each
side and a combined living space with
a long kitchen counter and an equally
long solid wood dining table in the
middle. 

Anantara Vacation Club Phuket in Thailand

From here, we had a view of
our pool. Meanwhile, our two bedrooms
each had a bathroom, and the master
bedroom – which also had a sliding door
on one side that opened directly onto the
swimming pool – had a massive bathroom with a high ceiling that’s larger than most
hotel rooms. Every feature of our villa
was luxurious, tasteful, and extremely
comfortable. 

Anantara Vacation Club Phuket in Thailand

Of course, Annika loved the 34-square
meter swimming pool, with one end
practically flowing into the master
bedroom. This was where we began and
ended each day, with me doing my daily
exercise laps, my husband reading a book
on a floater, and Annika splashing around
everywhere.

Anantara Vacation Club Phuket in Thailand

In between, there were enough activities
to fill our days. Annika attended the Jakka
Children’s Club which offered lessons and
games all day, including a rock-climbing
tutorial and a batik painting class with fun
and friendly instructors.

The spa at the Anantara Phuket

Meanwhile, I took these opportunities to fit in some much
needed “me time” at the spa of the Anantara Resort next
door, the sister property of AVC Phuket. The award-winning
spa of the Anantara Resort, set amidst a jungle
with lily ponds and giant ferns, is simply wonderful, and
it was here that I had one of the best energizing massages
I’ve had in my life. 

One afternoon, Annika and I even
signed up for a mother-daughter spa afternoon. I had an
Elemis brightening facial while Annika had a bubble bath
in the spa’s outdoor tub and a kiddie manicure.

The spa at the Anantara Phuket

I also indulged in a private yoga class in our villa while
everyone else was out. My instructor would arrive everyday
with yoga mats and an MP3 player, and we would go
through a series of specific yoga poses for an hour in the
outdoor terrace. 

Meanwhile, my husband delighted in working out at the
fitness center next to the Jakka Children’s Club with a
private trainer, and in walking along beautiful Mai Khao
beach, the longest stretch of golden sand in Phuket, feeling
the breezes coming in from the Andaman Sea.

Anantara Vacation Club, Mai Khao, Phuket

Every evening also provided something
delightful. 

One night, AVC Phuket
organized a movie night by the main
swimming pool. We all swam in the pool
or sat on the lounge beds with fresh juice
drinks and appetizers as a family-friendly
science fiction film played on a giant
inflated screen at one end of the pool. 

Anantara Vacation Club, Mai Khao, Phuket

On
another evening, we joined in the fun at the
Chaam restaurant, where a colorful street
food buffet was set up in the patio, enabling
us to dine al fresco and to sample various
local specialties.

Seafood grill by the pool at the Anantara Vacation Club Phuket in Thailand

On our last evening at the AVC Phuket,
however, we arranged a special private
barbecue in our villa. There are three
options for this, and we decided on the
“Ultimate Andaman Seafood Grill” since
this seemed most appropriate for our
wonderful setting.

The AVC Phuket team set up a buffet table
and a grill right by the swimming pool, and
at sundown, the Chaam restaurant’s head
chef arrived to grill the food himself. The
table was laden with various fresh seafood
and meat, and all we had to do was pick
what we wanted for grilling. 

Pad Thai at the Anantara Vacation Club in Phuket

Then, while waiting for our choices on the grill, we helped ourselves to salads and cold dishes from our own buffet table and dined on a lovely table by the pool.

“I love the Anantara Vacation Club,”
Annika exclaimed that night, as we feasted
on an entire sea bass stuffed with special herbs by the master
chef. “Can we come here again next year?”
We all smiled at each other. We were
certainly all in agreement on this point.

The post Happy days at the Anantara Vacation Club in Phuket appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

Chiva-Som organized a party just for me today, for being a loyal guest for about 15 years.

The other day, at the Chiva Som International Health Resort in Thailand, living a Travelife, I was asked to go to the library at 2 PM for a get-together.

I was told there would be a thank you event for me, for being such a regular client of Chiva Som over the years.

I’ve been going for 15 years, way before Chiva Som became famous worldwide for being the best health spa in the world, although I’ve not gone as much as I would have wished.

Still, I tried to find pockets of time here and there, as I figured that some times are better than no times at all.

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THEY SURE KNOW 

HOW TO KEEP LOYALTY

And the other day, Chiva Som organised this party just for me. It was very touching.

Many luxury travel-related companies organise loyalty events for their regular clients.

THE VENETIAN SOCIETY COCKTAIL PARTY

OF SILVERSEA

Silversea, for instance, which is the top cruise company in the small-cruise ship category, also organises a cocktail party, called the Venetian Society cocktail party, for all its regular or repeat clients on the ship for that particular cruise.

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This is the only cruise line I’ll take on a private holiday, by the way, and so I’ve clocked up a respectable number of days on Silversea –– or at least, enough to get unlimited free laundry.

Then I meet all these other cruisers at the party who have done something like a cumulative total of 2000 or 3000 days onboard Silversea — no, this is not a typo — and that really goes to show how far I still have to go.

PARTY FOR ONE

As for Chiva-Som, they simply asked me to be at the library at 2 PM for a loyalty party.

I thought this was going to be a party with other guests, but it turned out that I was the guest of honour and the whole lovely party was just for me.

Click here to see more photos

from this surprise party

at Chiva Som in Thailand

The delicious chocolate cake even had my name on it.

I also got a lovely present from them, of an aroma oil burner.

This way I can take home a little bit of Chiva Som with me when I leave Thailand, on just another wonderful adventure in my never-ending, and never-endingly eventful Travelife.

Click here to read about

world peace and Chiva Som

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