Magic of Friendship

It’s been a while. Of course, last two years or so have been hard on pretty much everyone. There has been loss, grief, worry, anxiety, uncertainty and so much more. But there has been some growth within wherein we all can say that life happened and taught us so much that we all in some sense evolved a bit, grew up a bit and maybe expanded our hearts, even if a bit. 

But what I intend to write is not so much about this phase but more about what kept us going, what gave us some relief, what bought some joy and gratitude and what gave us strength. I think in some way it was friendship. Just that pure and simple intention to see your closed ones to re-live the good old times. Fact established that friendship does make your life richer and in many ways you feel your family has expanded when you add your chosen gems to it.

Today, in particular I want to dedicate this post to one such gem. No it is not her birthday or any such day but because I feel I haven’t said it enough to her.

And now when I am beginning to write, I am exactly not sure on when am I going to stop.

Together we are stronger, happier and have done magical things. We came together to start a blog because we wanted to voice our experiences and likings and later she became wiser and took a more conscious approach to living something I aspire for but she always encouraged me to continue to blog. Together we did so many events and at such a young age featured in a leading daily, worked with some leading brands. Together, we turned Amsterdam red as we did a girls trip when many would just plan but we made it happen and she encouraged me to do Istanbul solo something I proudly flaunt today. Together, we ticked off bucket list things- like watching a grand slam live. Together, we went for night-outs like no man’s business and created so so many memories whether it was hitting Diwali fleas or checking out spas or new restaurants in the city. You don’t get such friendships every now and then! So it’s best to value and treasure and build on the ones you have!

Yes, we witnessed our heartbreaks together, but it was each other that reminded of the silver lining in such a closure. If this isn’t life’s true richness then what is?

At each other’s weddings we confidently wore the hosts hats because the responsibility came from the heart and didn’t need a badge.

Yes, physically we did move apart but the bond only stayed strong and intact for who would wish for it to be otherwise. We don’t talk so often because we both hate talking on the phone but when do – it is just the same. But why take this little gesture of picking up the phone for granted because sometimes we just need to do it!

To remind someone of their strengths, the good times, the opportunities ahead and just to say I am there. So, to my special one, I want to say- you’re very wise, you’re very brave, you love unapologetically, you put others first, you’re so smart, you’re ultra fashionable, you’re so pure, you’re truly valued and loved. Also, a little strict sometimes :p And if I haven’t said it enough- I will now that I would want a soulmate like you in lifetime after lifetime. Here’s to making memories after memories and always creating magic!

P.S. if you truly value someone and feel you haven’t expressed it enough, just go for it and do it today.

Decluttering is the Way!

If there is anything lately that I have become obsessed with, it has to be the act of decluttering. I have to be honest, for me- it is an extremely rewarding and therapeutic experience. 

If you have been sitting on the fence and just procrastinating to dig deep to wisely organize all your essentials, here is a quick guide.

1. Approach it Right- Don’t think of it as a task whereas consider it to be an activity which will make both your mind and room or house pleasant and beautiful. It may seem like a lot of work, but if organized well- your days ahead will be much easier and peaceful as finding things you need wouldn’t be so hard.

2. Step by Step- Don’t set unrealistic goals wherein you empty out all your cupboards one fine day and crowd your bed, sofa and every possible spot. You will exhaust yourself in no time and feel overwhelmed and irritated. To truly enjoy this exercise, take a step by step approach wherein you can start with one shelf or one drawer or one cupboard.

3. Think, Segregate and Organize- At the moment a stapler may be coming out of your hair accessories or those safety pins would finally be found tucked under heaps of sheets, so it is essential to think, segregate and organize category wise. Break it down to basics. For instance:

a) Clothing- Make some sort of demarcation for-everyday casual clothes, formal shirts and dresses, Indian wear, night suits and so on.

b) Essentials- Underclothes, socks, hair clips and so on

c) Accessories- Bags, Shoes, Belts, Jewellery etc

d) Beauty- Makeup, Extensions, Styling tools and so on

While you organize your shelves, think about what you need often and make sure that those things are placed somewhere easily accessible.

4. Playing around with the Extras- This is an extremely important step. Now, there would be items which you haven’t used in years but keep hoping you will wear it someday. The chances are slim that would actually wear it now because if you had to, you would have. You have several options in hand depending on the condition of the item. You can either sell it on one of the many such portals, donate for a cause, pass it on to a cousin or friend or in the case it is brand new then do not hesitate but keep it for gifting purposes.

Also, make sure to reduce your paper load, duplicate or expired items. Do trash items which are screaming to find their place nowhere else but in the bin.

5. Reward yourself- Yes, after much hard work and distribution you may realize you need more of something- so do explore your options but make sure to first organize all what you have before you purchase more.

6. Lastly and most importantly, while you feel lighter and see some space around you after the above activity- respect it and try to not overcrowd your closets or make a mess of them as you are well aware of all the sweat that goes in getting the stuff organized. 

Ultimate Spa Experience at Urban Oasis Spa

My trip to Thailand will always be incomplete without a pampering session at The Oasis Spa. Hence, this time around too I had to make sure that I indulged in my favourite treatment and got my husband to experience a worthwhile spa journey at The Oasis Spa too.

 Urban Oasis Spa in Thonglor

The cherry on the cake had to be the fact that we got to try an all new branch of theirs which is extremely plush and modern. Without making any bones about it, I have to say that when you talk about luxury spa in Thailand, The Oasis Spa definitely is a strong brand to trust and reckon with!

Soon after you walk-in for your appointment, you will be asked to fill in all your details specifying the pressure points and other important information which the therapist must know before starting your treatment. They offer you a welcome drink as you complete the formalities and are then guided to your spa room. The room is well equipped with a shower and other essentials. I had opted for the King of Oasis Massage while my husband went in for Lanna Secrets.

Lanna Secrets is all about the ancient time-honored techniques of Northern Thailand where they re-open blocked energy pathways which cause fatigue and weariness. Relief begins when acupressure is applied during a Traditional Thai Massage followed by Thai Herbal Hot Compresses which dissolve soreness and further releases energy. Finally, an Aromatherapy Hot Oil Massage adds further relief. My husband felt thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated post the treatment which lasted for two hours.

King of Oasis is one of their signature two hour treatments where one feels majestic by the end it. This stress-buster treatment combines Thai massage techniques with Aromatherapy massage. It begins with a Thai Herbal Hot Compress placed along the strong muscle lines. Then a Hot Oil Massage stretches the muscles to reopen the body’s energy pathways, enhance circulation, increase energy levels and promote overall health and well-being.

I have to say, it was the best decision we made to start our Bangkok holiday with The Oasis Spa and we were so glad to have gone back after all these years. Also, they follow all Covid-19 related safety protocols so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest. On completion, we took a quick shower and sipped some tea and yes, clicked lots of pictures for it is a gorgeous property.

Until next time, thank you The Oasis Spa! Cannot wait to be back again already!

More on Maldives

While my Instagram account was bombarded with posts of my Maldivian holiday thought why not blog about it too!

Hence, I finally decided to pen down my experience which was everything fabulous and memorable.

  1. So, first things first-Maldives is not at all boring if you plan your trip well. I feel you should plan to stay for four days and maybe increase the duration only if you are opting for hotel hopping.
  2. Choosing a good hotel is a must since your entire holiday is all about enjoying your hotel and making the most of the services and activities it has to offer. We chose to stay at Joali and we absolutely loved it.
  3. Make prior bookings- This is an advise you shall definitely thank me later for. Whether its the spa, their specialty restaurant or water sports- all these mostly keep busy with the in-house guests so to be able to enjoy these services at your convenience- it is best to make prior reservations.
  4. Definitely opt for personalized experiences such as a private screening or private meal by the sea.
  5. Meal plan- Basis how cost effective you want to make your trip, you should look into this aspect. Many hotels give an excellent all inclusive deal which works out more economical. But if you want a more personalized experience- then take each day and each meal as it comes.
  6. Clothing & Essentials- Before leave you will definitely check on the temperature but of course you’ll need a lot of beach wear and lounge wear. But make sure to plan your clothing well as the fabrics must be soft and soothing! Also, you would want to click lots of pictures against the beautiful natural backdrop so don’t hesitate in dressing up! And whatever you may forget but don’t forget to apply a good sunscreen. It is also very important to keep yourself well hydrated.

You are not alone!

Recent times have been extremely harsh, brutal and challenging. There is immense fear reference one’s health, grief of losing close ones, anxiety of what the future holds and just way too many such emotions. But we all must accept and acknowledge the fact that we are not alone in this! Each one is fighting some or the other battle, some of them may be visible while others may not be. Life has been anything but normal and it is most important now more than ever before to protect our menatl well-being.

Mental health has long been neglected, in turn causing many of us to suffer in silence. We got talking with the experts at Goodlives, who are working tirelessly to make mental health treatment accessible and affordable. They connect people to the right therapist and also spread mass awareness through various means.

In this conversation, we stressed on questions which maybe bothering many of you, for instance-when should one opt for therapy? We truly hope this article proves to be helpful.

Helipadonheels: What are the most common queries with regards to mental health which are pouring in?
Goodlives: Covid-19 has been the biggest trigger for many. The second wave has been more hard as the complications have been severe. Most questions revolve around how to cope with lockdown, covid-related stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, fatigue. The transition from being outdoors everyday with no worries on social distancing, to being in your home 24/7, alone or with family, is something that’s been most asked for counseling. Also, regarding the uncertainty of this pandemic and how it’s affecting future decisions (career, academics, family etc)- this is also another aspect where help is being mostly asked.

Helipadonheels: What are some of the basic few steps each one of us can take in current times to ensure our mental well-being?
Goodlives: We can take care of ourselves and others in some basic ways:

  • Firstly, keeping a routine is vital for providing structure during these times of uncertainty.
  • Having nutritious food (adding fruits and vegetables) and having meals on time. Water intake is also important. Skip the processed drinks and have a glass of natural juice instead.
  • Choose a specific bedtime and wake-up time. Try to keep it consistent
  • Engaging oneself in some physical activity. You don’t need to follow rigorous workout sessions. Whatever is your comfort and convenience is important.
  • Remember to unplug. Excessive consumption of news and screen time is unhealthy for both body and mind.

Helipadonheels: What are the habits which one should use as indicators for seeking help?
Goodlives: If you experience any of the following emotions or feelings to the extent that they interfere with life, therapy is needed:

  • You might feel like you have too many things to do or too many issues to cope with. You might feel like you can’t rest or even breathe. This overwhelming feeling is the biggest sign.
  • Everyone feels angry at times. Seeking support to deal with these feelings may be a good idea when they don’t pass, are extreme compared to the situation, or if they lead you to take violent or potentially harmful actions.
  • It’s normal to worry about things from time to time, but when worry takes up a significant part of your day or causes physical symptoms, therapy can help you deal with it.
  • Losing interest in usual activities, the world around you, or life in general can indicate mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
  • There is lack of appetite or even overeating.Fatigue can cause you to sleep more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
  • Losing hope or motivation, or feeling as if you have no future, can indicate depression or another mental health condition. Feeling hopeless from time to time, especially after a period of difficulty, isn’t uncommon. But when it persists, it may lead to thoughts of suicide.
  • Many people feel better when they’re able to spend at least some time alone. But, if social withdrawal has become a habit, then it’s time to check-in.

Helipadonheels: Lastly, if someone isn’t feeling their usual self how can they reach out to your specialists and how does the process work?
Goodlives: Goodlives has been operating on a very effective level on this aspect. Whenever you need to reach out for therapy, you just need to go to the website. There is no need to fill up a form. The right therapist is matched according to your needs. Confidentiality is absolutely maintained. And then the therapy session begins in the comfort of your room. We do not only have talk therapy, we also have expressive art therapy like music, dance and drawing. The sessions are continued consistently, as long as the client and therapist seems fit!

To all those reading this one, know that there is light after the tunnel and that you are not alone!

The Solid Type!

The Bold Type has been trending on Netflix for a while now and chances are slim that you would have missed watching the series! Though at different stages in life, one has been hooked on to the “Sex and the City” and “Gossip Girl” series, post which one is always hesitant whether one will take to another series through and through!!! I will be honest, initially it did require a bit of an effort but now I am clearly hooked to it. So much so that I got inspired to write about it as well.

Well, most of these shows though invite enough eyeballs and fans, there is always a section of society that comes up with harsh criticism. Though I am yet to come across pieces on, “The Bold Type” but I am sure there would be someone dissecting it left, right and centre. I don’t necessarily have a problem with that but I feel a fun watch should be taken in the spirit it is intended to cater. There are definitely some bold instances and personalities in the series but so are they in real life too. Also, it touches upon and openly discusses about some important issues, for it is the “BOLD” type!

Let me focus on what I enjoyed and loved the most as I am currently just nearing the close of Season 4!

  1. New York City– Everytime I have seen the skyline or the streets of New York in the series, I have just wished to be magically transported their in no time. The buzz, the vibe and just the coolness- has been very pleasing and inviting. I too want to sashay down its streets in fancy heels and softly curled hair with coffee in a hand and on a mission to get somewhere asap!

    And yes, checking out a new bar every now and then or perhaps trying something fun and unique with my girlfriends in the city would be a big YES for me!
  2. Girl Power- I cannot stress enough how therapeutic is just being around your girls. Yes, we do love the men in our lives but the time spent with the girl gang is unmatched. Just watching that bond on the show has been a delight and has made me remember and treasure all the fabulous women in my life more than ever! Whether it is salon date together or just knocking at each other’s home post work- best time is guaranteed even doing nothing!!!
  3. Fashion and Beauty Inspiration- I will be honest I relate most to Sutton’s (show name) dressing style. But overall the series is high on some good fashion and beauty trends. I have fallen for good eye make-up ever since I have seen the gorgeous looks spotted by Jacqueline Carlyle (show name). Well, office wear gets a whole new meaning in the series and I am not complaining for I too choose to dress well to work well.
  4. The Big Boss- The show thankfully for a change shows that you can be lucky with a good boss as well. Not all of them are tyrants. And Jacqueline is just the boss you would dream off. She is confident, secure and excellent at what she does! She stands up for her employees and is just so inspirational to work with. Well, icing on the cake being she is willing to take risks no matter what!
  5. Beauty and Brains– These girls are undoubtedly well turned out but there is more to them than just that. They take some bold life decisions, don’t hesitate to not follow the herd, be change makers and yes, stand up for what they believe in.
    You may not necessarily agree with all their decisions nor did I but maybe we don’t agree with everyone all the time!

Waiting for Season 5 already!

Image Credits: The Bold Type official instagram page (@theboldtypetv)

Pondicherry Diaries

Well, I just had to break my blogging fast and what better way than to do it over a pleasant and memorable staycation!!! What makes this post even more special is the fact that it revolves around a place which both me and my husband wanted to visit for long time, i.e., Pondicherry.

And yes, our holiday was most relaxing and rejuventaing for it is a peaceful and quaint place you wouldn’t ever mind.

Our Stay

We, both opted for villa stays and because we wanted to experience as much over our short stay, hence, we stayed a night at the suite available at Villa Shanti which is also extremely well known for its food and the second night we stayed at La Villa. We learnt later that both these places have the same owner. La Villa is quieter we felt, one of the reasons being it has very few rooms but no complains as the place is very modern, clean and comfortable. Sitting out in the mornings and evenings was truly blissful.

Villa Shanti
La Villa

Eating Out

There are lots of good cafes to check out in Pondicherry. One of the most popular and loved ones is Coromandel Cafe and it does live up to all the hype as the food was great and good quality. Also, when in Pondicherry- you have to binge on crepes and croissants because they are just too yum. For croissants, we would enjoy them throughly at the breakfast offered by our villas. And for crepes, we headed to Cafe des Arts in White Town itself. For bakery items, you just have to visit the Baker Street. Another cafe we had checked out was the PY Cafe which not only is done up well but it also promotes the idea of hand-written letters and posts them for you. And while we were hungry and hunting for a place to eat, we landed up right in front of The Promenade and opted for a buffet.

Breakfast at Villa Shanti
Breakfast at La Villa

Auroville

Auroville is a beautiful story in itself. There’s just so much on offer here. And yes, there is great shopping and eating too.

Shopping

When in Pondicherry, do pick up chocolates, jams, peanut butter, mustard and such items as we did too. And yes, I picked up lots of cottons- dresses, skirts and tops and I love them all. Pottery from Pondicherry is famous too.

This was my take, now I am waiting for yours.

Love,
Sonali

ON GRATITUDE

Today, I am getting back to writing for my #LoveLife series and would like to share about the concept/attitude of gratitude.

I have to say it first up, having a heart of gratitude is having the key to a happy life. Over the years, I have realized that most of us have this tendency of focusing on things we do not have. For instance, seeing the glass half empty instead of seeing it half full. However, if the focus changes to what we have or who I am- it truly can become a game changer! We shall wake up each morning feeling genuinely grateful for the little things such as the delicious home-cooked dinner we had last evening or the amazing weather in the morning or even looking forward to dressing up for work or most importantly, feeling healthy!

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A heart of gratitude is truly an enriched and beautiful heart for it appreciates and celebrates life. And trust me, everyone loves to be around people who appreciate and are grateful. With gratitude being our foremost attitude not only do we feel good but instead we uplift the spirits of another life too! For instance, it maybe routine for mother to cook, but try and compliment her for the meal and see the big smile on her face!

Also, I feel gratitude reduces the room for complain for you try and look at the good or positive in every challenging situation as well.

Lastly, I would say always be grateful for this life, our families and friends, the person we have become and are becoming and cherishing each and every necessity of life we have been blessed with from our home where we live to the clothes we wear!

Having said this, celebrate the little things in life and you would realize that you are celebrating ever so often. Share your celebrations, involve others in your celebrations, make them feel a part of being the reason itself to celebrate. Also, always have gratitude for the things you wished to own one day and with your hard work have been able to!!!

For me, my heart wells up with joy and happiness each time I think about the trips I have made and I can’t be grateful enough for those plans having become a reality!

P.S. I have and shall continue to have gratitude for all my dreams getting fulfilled. And writing this makes me realize how about some gratitude for having the will and courage to dream itself?

Best,
Sonali

In Love with Tea all over again!

I would be lying if I’d say that I have not been a tea fan. In fact, I have always loved my tea and even more in times of rejoicing as well as during stress times to refresh myself! But my latest obsession without a doubt has been with the teas from Gardner Street which are rather aromatic and tasteful. And trust me I have never enjoyed having my tea as much as I do now. I am big time in love with tea all over again! And what is more is that these teas do come with considerable benefits as well.

SignatureMood

And then I got talking with their Brand Representative, so without any delay- here is all that they had to share…

Q: Tell us a little about each of your signature, luxury and wellness collections?
A: So, sharing some information on them-
Wellness- The blends have been created keeping in mind certain targeted problems that are faced by our consumers in their daily lives.
Luxury- Blends that are to be sipped on in leisure, while conversations with our loved ones flow into the night.
Signature- Our first line of teas which is focused on making one ingredient the hero while our whole leaf green tea and other accompanying ingredients compliment it.

Q: Tell us one rare benefit about these teas which is least known?
A: All our teas are whole leaf teas which means that they have a much higher concentration of EGCG and other antioxidants that provide all the benefits from weight loss to clearing the skin. Also, commercial variety paper teabags are composed of tea dust and fanning which is the lowest grade of tea available and is in the form of tiny tea particles. When tea is broken down into such tiny particles it loses all its nutritional benefits and often results in a brew that tastes stale and is more likely to turn bitter.

GiftingMood

Q: This one is for all those who love to host tea parties, what food goes best with your teas?
A: It actually depends on the tea-
1. Glow- Goes best with light foods like Salads, Sandwiches and unsweetened baked goods like Croissants
2. Moroccan Mint- Apple Pie, Poached Pear Tart, Fruit and Spice-based Desserts
3. Chinese Whispers- Asian food like Dim sums, Teppanyaki Rice and Vegetables, Udon noodles
4. Kashmiri Kahwa- Rich Indian foods like Biryani and Kebabs
5. Flower Power- Pancakes, Crepes, Light Salads and Desserts

Q: What are the key points to keep in mind while preparing your teas?
A: Your final cup of tea is a result of the following factors:
1. Quality of tea leaves used- Gardner Street teas are high quality whole leaf teas
2. Water temperature- For Green teas, make sure the water temperature is just under boiling temperature (85 degrees Celsius). To arrive at this, let the water come to a rolling boil, turn off the heat and then wait for 2 minutes till it cools down a little. Then pour the water over tea and not the other way around. For Black and Herbal teas (Moroccan Mint and South African Rooibos) – use boiling water
3. Brewing time- Green Tea- 2-3 minutes, Blacks and Herbals- 5 minutes
4. Quality of the water used- Make sure that you are using filtered water

Gardner Street - Gifting - Wooden Teabox

Q: For someone who has stopped by Gardner Street Tea for the first time, what would you recommend is a must try?
A: The must-try would be our best sellers: Glow, Moroccan Mint and Kashmiri Kahwa
DetoxMood

Here is hoping you enjoyed reading this post and wishing you a teariffic weekend ahead!

Love,
Sonali

 

 

 

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-chiangmai-thailand_east-borneo-suite_bathroom_1

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.

137-ph-afternoon-tea-set

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