ESCAPADES | Sugared & Spiced

Amatara Spa at Regent Phuket Cape Panwa

Add: 84/1 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit, Cape Panwa, Phuket 83000
Tel: +66 (0) 7620-0808
Hours: 10am-8pm
Website: amataraphuket.com
Price: Signature Massage 2,500 THB/90 minutes
Visited: Feb 2015

In Phuket, massages and spas are pretty much obligatory. Whether you are looking for simple street side massage shops or luxurious spa facilities in five-star resorts, the island has much to offer. On the posh end of things, there is Amatara Spa at Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, a 1,650-sqm space with 8 private treatment rooms open to the ocean breeze, offering services from traditional Thai massage to specialty beauty treatments. I was lucky to spend a morning here, and it was a few hours of pure indulgence to say the least.

L1127587

L1127585

At the reception, I was offered a glass of soothing herbal tea while I filled out a simple questionnaire about my physical conditions. From the list of treatments available, I chose The Signature of Amatara Massage (2,500++ THB/90 min.) and sampled a few massage oils before settling on pure coconut oil, which is recommended for those with a sensitive skin. There are other oil blends designed to rejuvenate, energize, or sooth – whatever you need.

L1127592

I was then led to the treatment room by my very soft-spoken therapist. Now, I don’t think anyone would complain about getting a massage with this view in the background…

L1127622

Continue Reading →

2015/03/202015/08/05

[Phuket] Regent Cape Panwa

phuket

Regent Cape Panwa

Add: 84 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, T. Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000
Tel: +66 76 200 800
Website: www.regenthotels.com/EN/Phuket
Email: reservations.phuket@regenthotels.com
Prices: Premier Sea View 6,024 THB/night ~ Ocean Pool Villa 12,384 THB/night
Visited: Feb 2015

Please note that this was a complimentary stay arranged by the resort.

Regent Phuket Cape Panwa is a relatively new addition to the island’s luxury resort scene, but has already been garnering oohs and aahs from guests all over the world – and it’s easy to see why. When I arrived in the late afternoon, the whole resort was enshrouded in a soft, glowing light from the setting sun, and before I even set foot in my villa I was already charmed at the reception area – the gold-adorned pavilions, lily ponds, lush gardens, a 55-meter infinity pool, and of course, the Andaman Sea as backdrop…Yes, I’m ready to check-in.

L1127322

L1127341

L1127319

After a refreshing welcome drink, I was picked up by a buggy and escorted to my villa. Regent Cape Panwa has a total of 105 rooms and villas, starting with the 70-sqm Pavilion Rooms up to the 150-sqm Pool Villas. Regardless of size, all accommodations come with balcony or terrace with sea view, and each is loaded with amenities such as the mini-bar, an iPod docking system, Liddell bed linen, L’Occitane toiletries, and a wide selection of in-room movies.

L1127373

Continue Reading →

2015/03/182015/08/05

[Bangkok] Day 4

bangkok

Last day in Bangkok started with lunch at Nara. Consistently chosen as one of the “Best Restaurants” in Thailand by Tatler Magazine, Nara serves authentic Thai cuisine in a comfortable ambience with smooth service. The higher prices have caused its dishes to be labelled as “posh versions of Thai street food for the rich”, and it’s true that the clientele seems to be modern urbanite, expatriates, and tourists. That said, the food was delicious, and if you are looking for that in a nice setting, Nara would be an ideal choice.

L1128646

After lunch, we dropped by the Erawan Shrine, which houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu creation god Brahma. The status itself was covered up for renovation during my visit, but that doesn’t stop people from worshipping it from across the shroud.

L1128651

A quick stopover to Paris Mikki, just opened at the end of 2014 and apparently the best French patisserie in Bangkok. We tried a mille feuille and mango passionfruit chou, both nicely put together.

L1128664

Followed by coffee at Kuppa, one of Thailand’s finest coffee distributors and a very pleasant place to spend the afternoon. Other than the coffee, Kuppa’s cake display also looked quite tempting and I would’ve tried some if we hadn’t just came from another pastry shop…

L1128685

Continue Reading →

2015/03/172015/08/05

[Bangkok] Day 3

bangkok

Day 3 in Bangkok, non-stop eating and drinking started with lunch at Supanniga Eating Room (which was mediocre so no photos here), followed by coffee at the stylish Boyy Cafe (address at the bottom of this post). Opened by handbag designers Wannasiri “Boy” Kongman and Jesse Dorsey and located right downstairs of their boutique, Boyy Cafe offers coffee and apparently some pretty good dishes, though I didn’t try any savories this time. Large windows backed by shades of green, cute patterned floor tiles, pretty fabric wall panel, and industrial caged lighting. It’s a chic place.

L1128466

L1128461

L1128464

L1128475

Continue Reading →

2015/03/162015/08/05

[Bangkok] Day 2

bangkok

Day 2 in Bangkok, woke up early for coffee and breakfast at Rocket Coffeebar (address at the bottom of this post). This popular cafe now has three branches in Bangkok, and I went to the original one on Sathorn Soi 12 as it is conveniently located at a 10-minute walking distance from where I was staying. Time-pressed, I simply ordered an ice latte with cinnamon bun, though friends have told me that the egg dishes here are real hits.

L1128104

L1128119

I’m not really big on visiting tourist attractions, but I figured I shouldn’t leave Bangkok without taking a look at the Grand Palace. This complex was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) from 1782 to 1925, and though the present monarch currently resides at Chitralada Palace, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, so expect huge crowds even early in the morning. Still, it’s worth the visit.

L1128219

L1128194

Continue Reading →

2015/03/152015/08/05

[Bangkok] Day 1

bangkok

First day in Bangkok, greeted by the city’s notorious traffic. Tip: in times like this, it’s much easier to take the BTS sky train system.

L1128102

First meal, lunch at Kalpapruek. Apparently everyone in Bangkok knows this institution and has been there at least once in their life. What we ordered: beef salad, green curry, stir-fried morning glory, fish cakes, beef with basil, and of course, thai iced tea. Delicious food, affordable prices, pleasant setting, highly recommended. See address at the bottom of this post.

L1128024

After lunch, an easy stroll along the streets. There were roasted bananas everywhere!

L1128099

Continue Reading →

2015/03/142015/08/05

[Phuket] Sri Panwa

phuket

Sri Panwa

Add: 88 Moo 8 Sakdidej Rd., Tambon Vichit, Phuket 83000
Tel: + 667 637 1000
Website: www.sripanwa.com
Email: chill@sripanwa.com
Price: [pool suite] 22,400 THB/night ~ [5-bedroom villa] 188,000 THB/night
Visited: Feb 2015

Please note that this was a complimentary stay arranged by the resort.

So the reason of my Phuket trip was actually to attend one of my best friends’ wedding. The big day took place at Sri Panwa, a breathtakingly beautiful resort perched on the island’s southeastern coast. I saw the below photo (courtesy of the resort) on my friend’s wedding website, and needless to say that I was in love with this place before I even set foot in it. Dotted amidst the coastal forest, Sri Panwa offers a seductive collection of 52 villas, each with a glass-boxed bedroom that extends right into private infinity pools. A few of the villas, such as Villa 11 where the wedding couple was staying at, boasts an uninterrupted 300° views of the Andaman Sea. There are of course private beach, spa, pool, club, cooking school, games room, gym, tennis courts, jogging and biking trails, yacht fleet, library, free WiFi, limousine service…

baba nest Photo credit: Sri Panwa

But let’s take a step back and start from the check in. We arrived at Sri Panwa on wedding rehearsal day, and everything was so pretty that we didn’t know where to look first. From the varying shades of blue to the lush, tropical green, every angle was picture-perfect.

L1127643

At the reception, we were offered a welcome drink to freshen up from the perpetual Phuket heat and humidity.

L1127647

Then, a buggy escorted us to our villa, tugged quietly in this secluded surrounding.

L1127809

We stayed at Sri Panwa’s one bedroom luxury pool villa (37,400 THB/night), which is about 260 sqm in size with its own infinity swimming pool, jet stream Jacuzzi system, outdoor rain shower, steam room, ocean view pavilion, and ultra spacious bedroom and bathroom. There are also smaller options, such as the pool suite (100 sqm, 16,800 THB/night), mega options like the 5-bedroom pool villa (2,000 sqm, 188,000 THB/night), as well as residence villas for sale if that’s something you are considering…not in my budget, alas.

L1127654

Continue Reading →

2015/03/122015/08/05

[Phuket] Kata Rocks

phuket

Kata Rocks

Add: 86/22 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100
Tel: +66 (0)76 370 797
Website: www.katarocks.com
Email: reservations@katarocks.com
Price: [one bedroom] 41,545 THB/night ~ [four bedroom] 118,700 THB/night
Visited: Feb 2015

Please note that this was a complimentary stay arranged by the resort.

When I was checking in at Kata Rocks, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. Sure, I had seen photos and videos of this luxury six-star resort prior to my arrival, but none of these really meant much until I actually jumped into the private infinity pool on the terrace of my 175-sqm villa. Soaking up an unobstructed view of the Andaman Sea and watching the sky change in shade as the sun goes down – this has got to be one of the best moments I’ve had in a while.

L1127276
L1127177

The resort, a project by lifestyle design group Infinite Luxury, is located near Kata Beach on the western coast of Phuket. Its setup ensures that all 34 of their villas have private pools with sunset views – no, not a bad idea at all if you ask me. Other facilities include oceanfront restaurant & bar, infinite luxury spa, cutting edge fitness room (which was later referred to me as “the best gym on this island” by the general manager of another luxury resort in Phuket”, library/lounge and function rooms…all very attractive, though I was happy in the pool and not ready to leave anytime soon.

L1127133

Continue Reading →

2015/02/252015/08/05

[Taipei] Qing Tian 76 青田七六

taipei

Qing Tian 76 青田七六

Add: No. 6, Lane 7, Qing Tian Street, Taipei / 台北市青田街7巷6號
Tel: (02) 2391 6676
Hours: [lunch] 11:30am-2pm [afternoon tea] 2:30-5:00pm [dinner] 5:30-9pm
Website: qingtian76.tw
Price: 350 NTD/tea set (a la carte available)
Visited: Feb 2015

A tea house renovated from an historical building, located in the quaint neighborhood of Qing Tian Street. Did not try the savories, but the coffee, tea, and pastries here are all quite lovely.

L1126924

We were seated in the sunroom area, which is bright with plenty of natural light. Additional indoor and outdoor space also available, the indoor space is especially appropriate for those with kids as the little ones are free to crawl around on the wooden floors.

L1126912

L1126906

青田洋菓子套餐 (350 NTD), Qing Tian Western Set, which includes 和三盆糖蛋糕 (rolled cake made from refined Japanese sugar), 凍生巧克力 (nama chocolate), and 翠之華 (green tea latte).

L1126874

Continue Reading →

2015/02/252015/08/05

[Taipei] WUnique Pâtisserie 無二烘培

taipei

WUnique Pâtisserie 無二烘培

Add: 台北市安和路二段184巷10號 / 10, Lane 184, An He Road, Taipei
Tel: (02) 2737 1707
Hours: [Thu-Mon] 12-7pm (closed Tue & Wed)
Price: 150-180 NTD/pastry
Visited: Feb 2015

WUnique is a small pastry boutique that sprouted in Taipei just a few months ago, in September 2014. I met the owner/pastry chef Tim Wu back in Paris at Ferrandi – we did not overlap as I had already graduated by the time he enrolled, but I had heard from my chef that Tim is a talented young man who’s quick at learning. After 5 months of pastry classes followed by a 6-month internship at Ledoyen, a prestigious Michelin three star restaurant in Paris, Tim came back to Taipei to set up his own pastry studio. He started alone, soon joined by his finacée Winnie (whom he met at Ferrandi), and they are now a total of four in the kitchen. Here are some snapshots from their early mornings.

L1126259

L1126160

Kouign-Amann in the making. This specialty from Brittany is made from croissant dough folded with layers of butter and sugar, you can imagine how good it smells when these are in the oven…

L1126205

L1126211

Continue Reading →

Category: ESCAPADES

[Phuket] Amatara Spa at Regent Phuket Cape Panwa

[Phuket] Regent Cape Panwa

[Bangkok] Day 4

[Bangkok] Day 3

[Bangkok] Day 2

[Bangkok] Day 1

[Phuket] Sri Panwa

[Phuket] Kata Rocks

[Taipei] Qing Tian 76 青田七六

[Taipei] WUnique Pâtisserie 無二烘培