by helipadonheels

An Unforgettable Hotel Experience in Bangkok

Confucius asserted, “Wheresoever you go – go with all your heart”. It is quite a thought and advise to take and while I actually went with all my heart to this property- I even came out with my heart filled with beautiful experiences and memories which are going to stay with me forever! In short, this was not just any visit or stay in a hotel- it was one where I felt cherished and cared for throughout!

The property I am referring to is a sister hotel to the award winning 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, and is located on Sukhumvit Soi 39 in Bangkok called the 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok. It enjoys a wonderful location as it is situated only a short distance from the upscale and fashionable shopping district of Emquartier/Emporium.

The architects for the property are Palmer and Turner from Bangkok, with Interiors by P49 Design and Landscape by Wabi Sabi Studio. 34 exquisitely appointed suites opened their doors earlier in April this year. And lucky me, just late May- I got the opportunity of experiencing the magic at their Sukhothai Suites.

The check-in procedure was extremely smooth and exclusive as my suite check-in happened at the Leonowens Club where we were even treated to a refreshing and colour-packed welcome drink.

In no time, we were guided to our suite and I have to admit it that I had a jaw-dropping moment- the minute I stepped into my suite and what made it even more special was a welcome note and platter filled with goodies.

As I looked around, I unravelled all about my home for the next two nights! Some of its features included a private butler service, maxi bars with wine cellars, user friendly mood lighting, high ceilings, large walk-in wardrobes and stunning marble en-suite bathrooms with chic circular baths complete with built in TV.

They even reckon that the sleep experience is of the highest standard and the spacious balcony was the ultimate chill zone, complete with the traditional 137 Pillars House signature rocking chair and an over-sized day-bed for two, with superb view of the Bangkok skyline. The balcony was a true blessing for a person like me who loves to sometimes just disconnect and relax!

137 Pillars Suites features the 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts signature Leonowens Club, the Jack Bain’s Bar and Cigar Divan, and the exquisite Nimitr specialty restaurant featuring Thai favourites with a molecular twist as well as Western delicacies created by their Group Executive Chef and Culinary Artist, Peter Marx from Sweden. A meal here is a must. We dined here once and not just enjoyed the true beauty of the restaurant but thoroughly loved every bit of our meal as well. It was quite an experience I must say!

Their Bangkok Trading Post Restaurant is an all-day dining bistro and deli appealing to local residents and guests, serving Western and Asian favourites as well as freshly baked breads, connoisseur coffee and specialty beverages. I was told that both the restaurants were designed and created by Bangkok’s chic design couple Sophie Beghin and Faun Israrena na Ayudhya of Santhaya Associates.

And this is not it, staying in the suite comes with even more added benefits. One need not use the common pool, instead I had an amazing time swimming in their rooftop infinity edged pool. Also, an exclusive gym facility is available for the suite guests! The 27th floor has chic late check-out and early check-in pods and separate shower facilities in the event that suites are fully booked.

Trust me when I say that there wouldn’t be a dull moment when staying here. The NITRA spa and wellness center with a separate yoga and meditation sala offers activities including aerial flow yoga, tai chi, reiki and dance. Their Golf Studio seemed rather fun and interesting. Others services include 137 signature dining and picnics by design, a personal shopping service and guide, privately curated and customized tours, tennis and golf practice putting and chipping with personal trainers for both on request, kids’ corner and meeting space.

In case you want to know how to get here, then here are the details… You could get to the Emquartier/Emporium shopping complex through the BTS Skytrain/MRT underground trains and then you could get a pick-up scheduled in their complimentary London Cab, affectionately known as Louie.

Also, since the property name reflects residences, here is why- 137 Pillars Residences Bangkok houses 179 private residences offering bespoke facilities for leisure, business and long stay guests including the use of their stylish, customized London Cab.

Lastly, I can’t thank 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok enough for the most spectacular stay ever! The staff here was the most helpful, caring and accommodating… I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast each day and have to mention that one cannot afford to miss trying their waffles for breakfast at Leonowens Club!

Wishing this property great success always as they deserve every bit of it!

Best,
Sonali

09.23.16

by helipadonheels

HIGH ON HOTELS: 137 Pillars House,Chiang Mai

Well, for all those who have been waiting for the latest post in our “High on Hotels” section- the wait is over!!! And we are certain that you would be quite pleased with what is coming your way… Thailand is a favourite with many of us, and this time around we have explored a beauty in Chiang Mai called 137 Pillars House. Towards, the close of this post- we are certain that you would agree that it is a beauty with a difference! Here is all that we found out…

Q: Why a stay here would prove to be the most memorable one?
A: In addition to the naturally gracious Thai hospitality, exquisite cuisine and sensational spa treatments, the boutique experience at 137 Pillars House is unique due to its rich colonial history as it is built around an original teak homestead that dates back to the late 1800’s which has been lovingly restored. It evokes an experience that goes back to a bygone era which is still evident throughout the house. As the winner of the coveted Travel + Leisure’s Best Resort in Asia Award which is voted by the readers, this perhaps is a testimony to its memorability; together with its high year round occupancy and a high percentage of return guests.

137 Pillars House Chiangmai , Thailand 17-1-12

Q: What all facilities would you find in the room?
A: 137 Pillars House has 30 suites all of which are white, contrasting with the rich wooden teak homestead and furnished with rich Jim Thompson silks and fabrics in a deep green, a vibrant red or a dark teal. Suites have high polished wooden floors, black and white mosaic tiles in the bathroom, a deep soak standalone claw footed bathtub, outdoor showers, large verandahs complete with the signature 137 rocking chair and exquisite furnishings throughout, with stunning orchids and bespoke amenities. Modern comforts and a contemporary interpretation of colonial design that marries the old and new.

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137 Pillars House Chiangmai, Thailand 18-1-12

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Q: Elaborate on the facilities in the hotel for in-house guests?
A: The hotel houses the Jack Bain Bar, Wine Cellar and Dining Room among others. Recreation facilities include the Spa, Gymnasium and Swimming Pool. The hotel’s cooking classes are very popular and guests find it hard to stop at just one spa treatment! Although an intimate footprint guests can immerse themselves in the resort with in-suite dining, multiple dining areas and cuisine options, spa, wellness programs and classes.

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137 Pillars House Chiangmai, Thailand 19-1-12

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Q: A must try restaurant in the hotel and why?
A: The hotel has two restaurants and they both offer different experiences, one with Thai food which is hugely popular worldwide and which most guests want to experience and keep coming back for more (as well as doing the cooking class so they can recreate their favorite dishes when they get home for their family and friends). Palette – a intimate dining experience for up to 20 people, also exhibits local artworks and offers exquisite western food options and daily specials, using organic ingredients.

137 Pillars House, Chiangmai, Thailand 20-10-12

Q: Please throw some light on the USP of the hotel?
A: Rich Colonial History, gracious Thai hospitality, bespoke experiences such as- delicious cuisine, the spa –actually hard to name just one. Also, a great location in an historic area of Chiang Mai and within literally 5 minutes walking distance of upmarket boutiques, galleries and restaurants along the river. Personalized guest experience with all guests assigned a butler who remains in touch with guests both on property and off property. Thoughtfully designed, spacious suites and balconies offering guests a “private residence feeling” instead of a guest room. It is an Oasis in the city or even, a Sanctuary in the city.

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Q: Could you share a little about the connectivity of the hotel?
A: Guests who stay in a hotel of this caliber prefer to use the hotel transportation, but the hotel is easily accessible by those who want to use the local tuk tuks and other local transport options.

Q: Further to the earlier question, what is the easiest way to get to the hotel from the airport?
A: By hotel limousine which even has free wifi and is a seamless, relaxing and elegant way of getting in and out.

Q: For all the prospective guests and shopping lovers, please tell us about the closest shopping hub to the hotel?
A: Literally around the corner from the hotel is a renowned artisan store -Villa Cini showcasing the best of Thai silk products, ceramics and weaving (bespoke handbags, lifestyle items) then, vintage and traditional Thai sarongs at Fai Sor Kam and Sop Moei Arts for handicraft items. The street offers wonderful colonial era architecture.

Q: Lastly, if one got back at 2 am to the hotel, what is it that one would get to eat?
A: Currently the kitchen closes at 11.30pm and re-opens at 5.30am as there has been no demand in the last 4 years of operation – but this is also under review to consider some menu options to be made available at such hours.

Pictures Courtesy: 137 Pillars House

08.31.16

by helipadonheels

HIGH ON HOTELS: KC Resort & Over Water Villas

Hey! So for those who were waiting to know all about yet another exotic destination, the wait is finally over. This time around we are sharing all that we have unravelled about this gorgeous property situated in a paradise called Koh Samui- KC Resort & Over Water Villas. Knowing about this place has only pepped up our love for Thailand. When you shall read this post, you shall know exactly what we are talking about…

Q: Why a stay here would prove to be the most memorable one?
A: Feel on top of the world from the exclusive paradise retreat KC Resort & Over Water Villas as you admire the views of Chaweng Bay, the stunning sapphire Gulf of Thailand and tropical Matlang Island. The luxury hillside hotel is a romantic hideaway nestled amongst lush nature with exotic accommodation, a sublime infinity-edge pool and elegant dining venues in the sky.

Q: What all facilities would you find in the room?
A: Each room has king size bed and sofa, large bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and rain shower. The rooms are equipped with in-room technology such as 42” LCD satellite and cable TV. Each room also disposes of air condition, in-room safe, minibar, complimentary tea and coffee facilities, bathrobes, hairdryer and complimentary wi-fi.

Q: Elaborate on the facilities in the hotel for in-house guests?
A: In our resort you can experience infinity swimming pool, fitness center, the View restaurant, Wine lounge, Panorama bar, Mayang Sari spa, Sauna and Steam room.

Q: A must try restaurant in the hotel and why?
A: The View restaurant offers a relaxing retreat for those who seek a definitely different dining destination. With a fresh new concept, and an innovative team of chefs, you can experience home-crafted cuisine like no other, taking simple food to another level. In keeping with the spirit of home-crafted cuisine, much of our produce is locally sourced and a selection of cured meats and breads are crafted in-house for use in the restaurant. Tasty flights are also on hand with a selection of three progressive wines, aptly paired with tasting bites.

Q: Please throw some light on the USP of the hotel?
A: KC Resort is situated on Koh Samui’s most exciting beach, the resort offers tranquility and unforgettable scenery just minutes away from soft white sands and the lively Chaweng Centre, a hotspot for shopping, dining and dancing.
The divine accommodation includes our signature range of over water villas designed with relaxation and indulgence in mind. Offering a total of 95 rooms, suites and villas all guests are pampered with a full range of modern in-room amenities.

Q: Could you share a little about the connectivity of the hotel?
A: On Koh Samui Island, there is no public transport but only taxi. We provide daily shuttle service to the Chaweng beach, which is located in the center of Koh Samui. Shuttle service operates 4 times per day and it’s free of charge for all in-house guests.

Q: Further to the earlier question, what is the easiest way to get to the hotel from the airport?
A: The easiest way to get to KC Resort is to book airport transfer provided by hotel or take outside taxi. We are located only 10 minutes away from the Koh Samui airport.

Q: For all the prospective guests and shopping lovers, please tell us about the closest shopping hub to the hotel?
A: The closest shopping mall “Central Festival Samui” is situated in the heart of Chaweng and its only 10 minutes from our resort. This mall describes itself as “the most complete and largest lifestyle shopping complex in Samui”.

Q: Lastly, if one got back at 2 am to the hotel, what is it that one would get to eat?
A: Our resort take last order at 22:30, however around us you can find many restaurants and small shops which you can reach within walking distance.

It looks like a true beauty with incredible offerings to make the overall experience a memorable one, what say?

Pictures Courtesy: KC Resort & Over Water Villas, Koh Samui

08.15.16

by helipadonheels

High on Hotels: Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

Hello! So it is that time again when we further apprise you with an absolute stunning and top quality property from around the World. This time around, we shall be getting enlightened about a space that is nestled in a dream destination for many- Maldives.

Without much ado, here is all about Gili Lankanfushi… Whether you are planning for your honeymoon or that milestone anniversary, we are very sure- this property will truly prove to be breathtaking. And what’s more is that a little birdie told us that this place been the preferred choice for global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Q: Why a stay here would prove to be the most memorable one?
A: Gili Lankanfushi is an intimate coral island that has a Palm Beach with an expanse of white sand beach below a blanket of stars and a horizon beach that is overlooking the quiet bay of the resort island. With many coral gardens around, we have a habitat of marine life living in the lagoons circled around the island and house reef on the borders of azure waters of the island of Lankanfushi.

Q: What all facilities would you find in the room?
A: Here are the details:

– Large open-air living room with day beds and dining area
– Roof-top terrace with day-bed and dining facilities
– Overwater sun deck with sun loungers
– Semi open-air private bathroom with separate glass-walled shower area
– King-sized bed

Q: Elaborate on the facilities in the hotel for in-house guests?
A: The Services and facilities include:

-Friday Concept: Named after Robinson Crusoe’s loyal friend, Mr. Friday makes guests’ stay as pleasant as possible. Day or night, the Mr. Friday will swiftly answer any request in mind. Even keeping the little ones entertained with storytelling and activities while parents spend some romantic time reconnecting with each other.
-Meera Spa offering holistic treatments with facilities including yoga/meditation champa, steam and sauna rooms, as well as a relaxation area.

-Ocean Paradise Dive Centre offering PADI course and diving sessions to several dive sites including the world famous Manta Point.
-Fitness Centre
-Organic Garden
-Wedding Pavilion for celebrations of memorable milestones.

-Library offering an extensive selection of easy reading and reference books.
-Poolside offers the perfect location to soak up the sun, relax on loungers, stargazing into the night or to sit beside the traditional Maldivian fireside “Alifan Fenda”.
-Boutique shop selling authentic Maldivian items and handmade items form the resort
-Leisure activities include sunrise yoga, meditation sessions, variety of water sports, tennis court, volleyball, table-tennis, petanque, jogging, pool table, a large selection of board games, movie screenings at the Jungle Cinema.
-Other activities that can be organized upon request are guided snorkeling trips, water skiing, sunrise/sunset dhoni cruises, sandbank picnic, dolphin cruise, excursions to the capital city, private movie screenings at your location of choice and special entertainment programs for kids by our Mr. Friday.

Q: A must try restaurant in the hotel and why?
A: Our destination dining experience at locations such as One Palm is a must try, as it provides you with a unique Gili Moment and an endless choice of romantic destinations to escape to. By the Sea presents a Japanese Culinary adventure combined with breathtaking views of the ocean. Our newly refurbished and air conditioned Sushi Counter and brand new Teppanyaki Counter has only added to our guests’ culinary experience.

Q: Please throw some light on the USP of the hotel?
A: Here is an insight into the USP-

-Private Reserve: The largest standalone over water villa in the world standing at 1,700sqm featuring a private spa facility with sauna, indoor and outdoor treatment pavilion, gymnasium, private cinema on the 2nd floor of the central living area, an infinity pool, resident Mr. and/or Ms. Friday on call 24hours, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, a waterslide installed from the top deck into the coral pool. Additionally, there are also sea level sundecks with sun loungers with clear views of coral gardens and amazing marine life. Dining spaces include roof-top terraces with daybed and two outdoor dining pavilions.
-Luxury of reconnecting with nature in a natural environment with our “No Shoes, No News” philosophy, and doing as much or as little as you want at the resort.
-Mr. Friday Concept about which we shared above.
-Eco-friendly concept focusing on sustainability in all activities that we do with/for guests and internally with staff. Activities include organic garden farming, producing our own water, an in-house eco-center to recycle and reuse materials – turning them into new items, more significantly our coral line project, where our marine biologist grow these corals.
-Exquisite dining experience which includes:

Main Restaurant offering a great buffet and a la carte breakfast. Daily changing gourmet experience for dinner as well as theme nights such as Mediterranean Spice Souk, Asian Street Market and Passage to India evenings.
By the Sea presents a Japanese Culinary adventure combined with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Over Water Bar offering a casual menu that features a wide selection of fresh salad leaves from the garden, sushi. Mediterranean delicacies, daily catch of fish, imported meats as well as local spices and herbs.
The Underground Wine Cellar and Chocolate Cave.
The in-villa dining experience.
Destination dining offering a slice of paradise with an endless choice of romantic destinations to escape to.

Q: Could you share a little about the connectivity of the hotel?
A: Our Island is located 20 minutes away from Male International Airport.

Just seeing this place in pictures has been such a delight, imagine what the up-close experience would be like!

Pictures Courtesy: Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

06.24.16

by helipadonheels

Holiday with BFF in Europe.Check!

Well, this one is certainly going to be a treasured blog post as it is going to take both of us down memory lane of a summer so special with two weeks packed with laughter and fun. For few already know, that we got lucky enough to do a proper holiday together for the very first time just sometime back. Needless to say that we made the most of it in the true “bestie spirit”…

So, it all started with me taking the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Since I was entering Europe via Istanbul, I thought of just staying back for a couple of days and exploring what I have seen in pictures is pure beauty. Travelling solo abroad does give one a kick for sure. However, I did exercise wisdom and did some good amount of homework. On stepping out of the Istanbul Atatürk Airport, I hopped into a yellow taxi and had my driver take me to my hotel in the Taksim area. Well, I stayed at the Metropolitan Hotels and must share that I found my room to be very comfortable. All three dishes which I ordered at the hotel were quite well done including the Turkish style Ravioli in yogurt and tomato sauce. The first day, I decided to explore the Taksim street which is rather happening, I didn’t go big on shopping right away as I had much of the trip left and had very happily come with a mind of not going overboard with retail therapy. I landed up at this cosmetic store-Flormar and was lucky enough to get a make-over of sorts. Post which I did explore many stores and eventually, tried what I had heard so much about, the very famous Turkish ice-cream. Well, just the way it is put onto the cone is overwhelming. Next day, I was waiting in great anticipation for the pre-booked tour of mine. First up, we saw the Topkapı Palace which was one of the major residences of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years, it was truly opulent and the most amazing area of the palace was the one from where you get a splendid view of the Bosphorus. The first time I witnessed it, I just wanted the time to freeze. Up next, we headed to the beautiful Rustem Pasha Mosque post which I got off to the Grand Bazaar. It was bright, colourful and had almost never ending shops. It is here that I tried a very interesting pomegranate flavoured tea and also got myself a Turkish scent. Talking about the local stuff, since I had heard so much about it, I did try the Turkish bagel– Simit as well. So, this was about some of the stuff I did in Istanbul during my short stay of 2 days.

Further, my excitement held no bounds as I was going to be at my dream destination-Amsterdam and was going to reunite with my definite better half- Shagun. Outside the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, I waited for the shuttle to our hotel- Ramada Apollo Centre. The hotel enjoys a decent location and I found our room to be comfortable and clean as well. In Amsterdam, we walked and explored quite a bit…

Here are few experiences which gave us a high in the purest sense:

Visit to Café Winkel for one of the best apple pies we have ever had!!!
For we were missing Indian food, we headed to Ashoka-an Indian and Nepalese Restaurant and everything we ordered was rather authentic…
For what provided the perfect pump to our day was the delicious brunch at Roasters & Bakers. As they correctly say, “B&R is a New Zealand style café served with a heavy dose of Brazil.”
An experience of liqueur tasting at Amsterdam’s historic distillery-Wynand Fockink 🙂
For pure pizza lovers like us, a meal at De Pizzabakkers was so worth it!
The Canal Cruise proved to be such a beautiful way of exploring the city…
Hopping on to a quick ferry ride to get on the opposite side of the Central Station and post lots and lots of walking, we landed up at a super exciting flea market and then, at a lovely little space by the name of Fashion & Tea where a quick refreshing drink was truly enjoyable!
For those who love to indulge in retail therapy, Nine Streets has much to offer 😛
Relaxing at the urban Vondelpark…
Fries, fries and more fries 🙂

Post falling in absolute love with Amsterdam, we boarded our train to the love city of Paris for many fall in love in this city…Here are few experiences, mentioning about them is bringing a smile on my face yet again…

Watching the French Open live… This one would sure be on the bucket list of tennis lovers…
Chilling at the Little Red Door- An awesome cocktail bar…
For the luxury shopping experience, a visit to Galeries Lafayette!
Gorge on Macaroons and try as many flavours… And don’t forget to go big on desserts when in Paris!
Love and the urge to further explore the Vietnamese cuisine took us to Maison Sen.
Checking out the Eiffel Tower at night had its own charm!
A cozy space with amazing wine and a worthwhile cheese platter was on offer by Chez George’s.
Indulged in some lip-smacking Italian food at Salento!
Checking out stores after stores at Le Marais…
Louvre and Musee d’Orsay proved to be best museums pick for my first visit to Paris…
Besides at the above, quick pictures at the Luxembourg Gardens and outside Notre Dame shall be with me as keeps.
And finally, we headed to the city where my bestie resides- Berlin, a place I was truly able to explore and love like a local- thanks to these guys! Visits to the Berlin Wall, The Wall Museum, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Berliner Dom, Hackescher Markt and Friedrich Strasse were truly memorable and worthwhile…And don’t forget to relax enough at their lovely parks. And I must add that I had some amazing food in Berlin whether it was the eggs at Napoljonska, trying out pretty much World cuisine including Indonesian and Austrian at a Kids Carnival or Italian at Trattoria Toscana or Californian-style burrito at Dolores-all of it was awesome.

All I can say is that I am filled with gratitude for this dream holiday and have come back feeling richer packed with experiences of a lifetime and the assurance of having a solid relationship called friendship…

Happiness to all,
Sonali

02.16.14

by helipadonheels

Here Comes Svedka!

“I love Sweden. The entire world should be like Sweden. They all like to drink and get naked, and the women are hot. I can’t think of a better nation on the planet” -Drew Curtis

In Mr. Curtis´words, Sweden seems like the place that defines `Free-Spirited´. Well, for those of us in India who can`t travel to Sweden at the moment can get a sense of that informality and openness with the newly launched vodka- SVEDKA. The unveiling of the chic Sweden Vodka was done with a super bash at FIO hosted by Suhail Mehra, Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth. The vodka that boasts of being distilled 5 times looks pretty like this and comes in different flavours.

For many of us who might not know, it is pronounced as SWA-EKA 😉

The soiree saw plenty of elites, socialites and party regulars from Delhi such as Rohit Bal, Rakesh Aggarwal, Rohit Gandhi, Gauri-Nainika Karan, Gunjita Dhawan, Anita Bhattal, Vikrum Baidyanath, Sujata Assomull, Rakesh Thakore, Gautam Kalra, Rahul khanna and Neha Nagar amongst others.

The management which included of Jake Jacob, Vice President Asia, Constellation Brands, Rohit Mehra, Managing Director At Mohan Brothers Pvt. Ltd. Suhail Mehra, Executive Director At Mohan Brothers Pvt. Ltd commented “It is our endeavor to help redefine the beverage industry and hence this new product also we are very pleased to infuse new colors and tastes in the Indian market through introducing SVEDKA to Indian market. We hope to bring in a refreshing and vibrant change for the existing vodka aficionados”.

Here is a glimpse of the party…