Summer sojourns in and out of Thailand

Bangkok Post

16-07-2025

With the onset of the monsoons, coupled with the heat in the Thai capital (and yes, we are talking about the weather, for once), it is time to experience the onslaught of milder summer. Guru By Bangkok Post lists places where you can chill in the cool summer breeze.
Opening this month is the largest beach club in Phuket at Laguna Phuket. It is designed to enhance the beach club experience and celebrate the island's laid-back lifestyle in an inclusive way for guests of all ages.
Located along the longest shoreline of Bang Tao, Rava Beach Club will be Phuket's largest beachfront venue, welcoming every generation. Families can look forward to sun-soaked days by one of three stunning infinity pools with one dedicated pool for the tots, unwinding in cabanas or indulging in coastal-inspired cuisine made with local ingredients at Master Grill. Children will be entertained at the dedicated "Young & Fun" area, while adults can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails at the bar or soak in live music while watching the island's most magical sunsets.
Tri Vananda, the wellness and sustainability community, has completed its Vana 4 show villa, unveiling the community's most expansive residential design to date. The 780m2 villa offers two-storeys featuring soaring 6.7m ceilings and four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, all offering panoramic views of the lake and pool.
The villa's layout includes a dining area with kitchen island and pantry, along with an additional living space on the upper floor. Traditional features such as a Thai kitchen and staff quarters provide cultural authenticity and functional practicality. Outdoor amenities feature a 20m pool with expansive front pool deck maximising the lake vistas, as well as a convenient drop-off canopy.
Located within Tri Vananda's 600 rai of lush forests and lakes in Phuket, the Vana 4 villas benefit from convenient transportation connectivity.
Azerai La Residence
Azerai La Residence in Hue, a luxury heritage hotel in Vietnam's former Imperial capital, invites guests on a sacred journey to some of the region's most celebrated religious sites as part of an exclusive new two-night stay package.
The 'Ancient Capital Pilgrimage Package' showcases central Vietnam's deep spiritual heritage with a half-day tour in which guests immerse themselves in time-honoured rituals and receive divine blessings and guidance. The outing begins with a visit to Kim Dai Pagoda, where guests will join morning chanting and engage in a tranquil tea-time conversation with the head monk. The excursion heads to Khai Dinh Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece that blends Vietnamese and European influences.
The next stop, Hon Chen Temple, is nestled on the banks of the Perfume River. This sacred site honours both Champa and Vietnamese deities through elaborate royal ceremonies and folk traditions. The Hue Nam Temple Festival, a pilgrimage to Hon Chen Temple, was recognised by the Vietnamese government as part of the country's 'Intangible Cultural Heritage'. The day concludes at Nam Giao Esplanade, a revered site where Nguyen dynasty emperors once performed annual Heaven and Earth ceremonies.
Fairmont Udaipur Palace
Nestled in the Aravallis, Fairmont Udaipur Palace in India blends the grandeur of Rajputana heritage with modern elegance, making it the perfect destination to experience the romance and richness of Rajasthan.
Rooted in the distinct architectural style of Mewar's great fortresses, Fairmont Udaipur Palace rises above rock and marble, chattris and courtyards, stepwells and terraces as a masterpiece sculpted to celebrate design, culture and the natural flora and fauna of the destination. Guests enter through the grand Raj Dwar, a dramatic fortress gateway flanked by cannons, setting the tone for a grand arrival into the palace.
From the soaring dome and royal chandelier of the Palace Lobby with the virgin hills in the backdrop and valley views to the shaded elegance of Panther Patio, the palace has three interconnected wings: Surya Mahal, the Sun Palace, bathed in golden morning light, Chandra Mahal, the Moon Palace, cool and contemplative and Agni Mahal, the Fire Palace, where glowing torch-lined corridors and flickering hearths evoke the power and presence of eternal flame.
Guests can choose from Fairmont Rooms, Signature Rooms with plunge pools, Luxury Rooms with garden or courtyard views, and an array of suites including the Fairmont Suite, Maharani Suite and the Maharana Suite. The palace also features a collection of specialty suites, including the Rajputana Suite, the Regal Mewar Suite, and the showstopping Jewel of Udaipur Suite with pool and terrace. At the pinnacle of luxury are the Royal Maharaja and Royal Maharani Suites, each featuring private pools, expansive terraces and bespoke detailing fit for modern royalty.
There is also Bahaar, the all-day dining venue, Dastaan a lounge celebrating the art of storytelling, Zaika, which pays homage to bold Indian culinary traditions, The Ivory Pool Bar, which offers a tranquil sunken retreat, Celeste, an avant-garde Asian bistro, and The Alchemist, a Mediterranean live-kitchen concept.
Alma Resort Cam Ranh
With screens seemingly ubiquitous nowadays, Alma Resort Cam Ranh in Vietnam is bringing youngsters' imaginations to life in a fun and tangible setting with its new 'Kids' Themed Rooms'. The optional boys' and girls' playful room set-ups bring a riot of colour to any of Alma's oversized suites and pavilions, which all afford sweeping views of Long Beach and its buttermilk sands.
As children step into a themed suite or pavilion, they are greeted with a personalised card, a personalised welcome board hung above the entrance of a fun tent, personalised welcome cookies, colourful pillows, towel art, themed kids bedding and a kiddie float for either the private pool at a pavilion or the resort's 12 swimming pools that cascade down to the beach.
The playful room set ups complement the resort's array of family-friendly facilities, ranging from a science museum, kids club and youth club, to a 75-seat cinema and a 6000m2 water park replete with a lazy river, wave pool, slides and kids pool. Alma offers a host of activities for all ages such as cupcake-, fruit shake- and pizza-making workshops, kite-flying competitions, tree planting and virtual reality golf.
The resort also organizes the 'Hotelier Pastry Tour' program to inspire interest and creativity in baking. The program takes children to visit the bakery, learn about the baking process and try the cakes that Alma Resort's talented chefs craft for diners.
Villa Beatrice
A grand private villa, built more than a century ago as a gracious summer home, begins a new chapter. Reimagined by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and only a short stroll from Splendido, Portofino in Italy, it now stands as the bay's rarest gem. Following a sensitive restoration, Villa Beatrice spans three floors with gardens cascading to the Mediterranean shore.
Complete with 24-hour butler, chef, yoga instructor and personal trainer, plus a theatrical main terrace that hosts up to 30 guests, the five-suite villa is both a treasured hideaway. It also has a showpiece curved main terrace, an ornamented bar, a furnished turret rooftop, a private plunge pool and private sea access. In addition, hidden within the main garden, La Casetta is a Ligurian stone guest house featuring another bedroom, a second outdoor plunge pool, a vine-covered pergola and sun terrace. Villa Beatrice is available for exclusive use until Nov 2.
Aman New York
Aman New York, US, unveils 'Hamptons Connection', a seasonal offering designed to bridge its serene urban sanctuary with the ease of the East End. Serving as the ideal departure point, Aman New York invites guests to enjoy a seamless transition to the coastal shores of the Hamptons, complete with nourishing journey provisions, transportation to any destination out East and a curated selection of Aman Essentials designed to elevate the travel experience.
'Adventures On The Water' returns for another season until October, offering guests the opportunity to admire the skyline aboard a dayboat. Setting off from New York Harbour, and paired with Aman's unparalleled service, guests can choose from Aman New York's fleet of motorised yachts in collaboration with the renowned Barton & Gray Mariners Club. Itineraries can also be customised.
The new 'Adventures On The Road', available until December, are tailored cycling excursions rediscovering the city and its quieter corners. Whether riding through Central Park or along the rolling riverside of the Hudson River, each adventure is adapted to individual pace and skill, revealing both iconic sights and hidden paths alike.
Regent Hong Kong
The Steak House at Regent Hong Kong continues its international culinary collaborations this summer with Argentina's celebrated Fogón Asado. From Aug 21-23, diners can experience a four-hands dinner celebrating the art of open fire cooking over a five-course curated menu. Each evening is paired with wines from an Argentine winery: Zuccardi on Aug 21, Catena Zapata on Aug 22 and Viña Cobos on Aug 23.
The event brings together Amine Errkhis, head chef of The Steak House, and chef Sebastián Cardamoni of Fogón Asado, Buenos Aires. The menu will feature certified Argentine cuts, from slow-grilled ribeye to lightly charred entraña (skirt steak), all prepared using traditional asado techniques passed down through generations. Highlights include the Mayura rump tartare with Oscietra caviar, pine cone — smoked ribeye cap, and a dual main course of Korea Hanwoo 1++ striploin and premium Argentinian ribeye. Sides include charred broccolini and mashed boniatos, and concludes on a sweet note with a decadent pancake filled with dulce de leche.
Hotel Principe Di Savoia
This summer, Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, Italy is offering open-air lunches in the Acanto garden to relaxing aperitivos in the lush greenery of the Veranda, the hotel's outdoor spaces take centrestage. The hotel offers an exclusive boating experience on the enchanting shores of Lake Iseo.
Diners can discover a new menu curated by chef Matteo Gabrielli, featuring seasonal produce and delicate flavours. Among the new offerings, pink prawn tartare with marinated strawberries, basil gazpacho and Timut pepper stands out as a tribute to freshness. Meanwhile, the smoked lobster with potato cream evokes a sense of summer celebrated through depth of flavour. Chef Gabrielli takes on the role of grill master every weekend, offering a selection of premium meats, fresh seafood and tempting vegetarian options. Speciality dishes include Iberian pork pluma, Scottish ribeye steak, chimichurri-marinated prawns and glazed bluefin tuna.
Completing the summer offering, Il Gelato del Principe returns at all the hotel's outlets. Three signature creations by pastry chef Beniamino Passannante are designed to refresh: the classic Banana Split, the tropical fusion of the Coppa Esotica, and the indulgent Coppa Stracciatella e Caramello. Fresh and refined, they celebrate the season with lightness, colour, and perfectly balanced sweetness.
Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, US, is celebrating the summer with bespoke experiences. From the legendary pool scene, now enhanced with extended weekend hours at the Cabana Cafe, to an enchanting outdoor movie series beneath the palms. Guests can also unwind with new summer spa treatments or enjoy a time-honoured afternoon tea experience.
The pool's legendary setting is making an even bigger splash with new extended hours at the Cabana Cafe. Guests can enjoy inventive fare such as Korean-style crispy chicken sandwiches, lobster ceviche, and the popular Cabana poke bowl, while handcrafted cocktails and frozen drinks enhance the spirited setting. The hotel's popular outdoor movie series returns on July 23-24 and Aug 6-7, with a line-up of classic fan favourites and recent blockbusters. The hotel's expansive Crystal Garden provides the perfect setting for al fresco viewings, enhanced by a selection of light bites and refreshing beverages.
Inspired by London sister property The Dorchester's popular afternoon tea service, the iconic Polo Lounge will be serving traditional finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon with capers and a delicate lemon cream, with sweet selections such as pistachio choux and chocolate mini tarts. Afternoon tea is available till Aug 30.
Conrad Los Angeles
Discover the seamless blend of refined luxury and cultural energy at Conrad Los Angeles, a 305-key hotel set in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant arts and entertainment district in the US. Guests can also enjoy two original dining concepts by chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup, a sprawling rooftop terrace complete with a private pool deck showcasing stunning downtown views, and the state-of-the-art Conrad Spa Los Angeles.
San Laurel, located on the 10th-floor with captivating views overlooking the iconic Disney concert hall, takes you on a tour of flavors that find their roots in Spain but take their cues from California by highlighting the fresh, local ingredients from the Golden State. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available, where menu highlights include Lubina with mojo verde and mojo rojo, Jurgielewicz duck breast, and Wagyu flat iron from Blackhawk Farms.
The Beaudry Room offers an intimate setting for crafted cocktails and elevated bites. The hotel's expansive rooftop terrace houses a poolside escape where bold flavors and picturesque views of DTLA come together. Guests can sip on refreshing cocktails and indulge in a playful menu of handheld bites perfect for sharing.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises has taken delivery of Oceania Allura, its eighth elegant boutique ship. The 1,200-guest Oceania Allura is the second ship in Oceania Cruises' Allura Class and will be rolled out during the remainder of this year and into early 2026.
Among the tantalising new offerings on board Oceania Allura is the Crêperie, a first for Oceania Cruises serving delicate authentic French crêpes, delicious Belgian and bubble waffles and decadent Italian ice cream sundaes. Oceania Allura also sees the return of the line's beloved signature French restaurant, Jacques, named for legendary chef Jacques Pépin, the line's first-ever executive culinary director. This new iteration features refreshed menus that reflect a refined take on French classics like duck à l'orange with Grand Marnier, plus innovative new experiential dishes such as tableside preparation of hand-cut beef tartare. A dozen Japanese-Peruvian dishes have joined the expansive menu at Oceania Cruises' popular pan-Asian speciality restaurant, Red Ginger.
The Grand Dining Room on board features more than 270 new recipes, with more than 30 additions to the breakfast menu. Launching with Oceania Allura is the new Gerard Bertrand Wine Pairing Luncheon, which will provide a sommelier-curated journey through the portfolio of this celebrated French winemaker. Oceania Allura includes 26 voyages that span 92 destinations and its maiden voyage departs from Trieste, Italy, bound for Athens, Greece, on July 18.
Oceania Allura will be followed in the summer of 2027 by the line's first Sonata Class vessel, Oceania Sonata and then by her sister ship, Oceania Arietta in 2029.
Le Meurice
Le Meurice in Paris, France introduces two refreshing ways to enjoy summer. Guests can savour the Frozen Afternoon Tea by Cedric Grolet at Restaurant Le Dalí.
Until Aug 31, chefs Cedric Grolet and François Deshayes will debut a new twist on the classic afternoon tea. Known for their work with fruit, the chefs will present a seasonal interpretation with yuzu, passion fruit and coconut being carefully hollowed and filled with a silky-smooth sorbet, celebrating the bold flavours and echoing the spirit of the classic French orange givrée. Fans of Grolet's signature Trompe-l'œil creations will not be disappointed, as the summer goûter also features a treat from the current pâtisserie collection. Guests can choose from mango, flat peach, or pistachio and a wonderfully indulgent raspberry and vanilla cookie.
Angsana Laguna Phuket & Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Set within Phuket's prestigious Laguna enclave, Angsana Laguna Phuket and Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket offer a dual retreat where wellness is as immersive as the surrounding nature. At Angsana, guests are invited into a vibrant world of holistic rejuvenation from family-friendly rituals and lagoon-side yoga to the signature Rainmist Experience, a multisensory therapy that blends aromatherapy, steam and bodywork.
The Dusit Thani complements this with a Thai approach to well-being: beachfront massages beneath swaying palms, energy healing sessions, and soul-centreing nature walks along the Andaman coast.
InterContinental Halong Bay Resort
Scheduled to open in September, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort in Vietnam will debut as a new standard in refined coastal wellness, nestled among the breathtaking limestone karsts of this Unesco World Heritage site. The resort's design mirrors the dramatic meeting of sea and land, with wellness offerings feature spa treatments with Margaret Dabbs London and Sodashi.
Guests can enjoy healing facials, full-body rituals and restorative massages. Beyond the spa, a range of thoughtful outdoor experiences like archery, beach volleyball or visits to nearby fishing villages encourages a deeper connection to nature and culture.
Regent Bali Canggu
Regent Bali Canggu in Indonesia blends sophisticated beachfront luxury with deep wellness rituals inspired by Bali's rich heritage and tranquil surroundings. The resort's expansive suites and villas offer a sanctuary for relaxation, many with private lagoon access and ocean views.
Its much-anticipated Regent Spa & Wellness, will launch in October with Raison d'Etre, featuring treatments blending traditional Balinese healing with innovative therapies such as crystal energy healing and light frequency treatments to restore balance. Complemented by private pools, a yoga and fitness studio, and serene reflection spaces.
Song Saa Private Island
An eco-luxury sanctuary in Cambodia's Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa Private Island is preparing to launch its wellness concept. Known for seamlessly integrating indigenous healing traditions with modern science, Song Saa offers transformative wellness journeys in pristine natural surroundings.
The sanctuary focuses on holistic regeneration with offerings like sound therapy, herbal steam treatments and mindful nutrition, all designed to reconnect guests with nature and themselves.
The Mulia Bali
Mulia Bali in Indonesia offers a holistic wellness approach, blending the island's cultural heritage with state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities. The resort's acclaimed 'Wellness Unbound' programme caters to all levels from beginners to seasoned practitioners, integrating yoga, meditation and personalised fitness plans within a serene beachside sanctuary.
Mulia Spa features Asia Pacific's first Ice Room, hydrotherapy pools, Finnish sauna and aroma steam rooms, designed for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy specialised treatments rooted in Balinese and international healing traditions, as well as tailored nutrition and beauty services.
Ta'aktana Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo
Cradled between lush forest and the sparkling shores of the Flores Sea in Indonesia, Ta'aktana offers a soulful sanctuary where nature, culture, and wellness converge. Spanning 16 hectares of pristine 'Green Land', the resort features design-led accommodations, from elegant suites to overwater villas, each inviting deep rest and reflection.
At the heart of its wellness ethos is Di'a Spa, with a diverse selection of curated treatments, including signature rituals, traditional body wraps, and hair spa treatments to invigorate the senses and restore inner balance. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Labuan Bajo with sunrise yoga atop Salang Hill, reconnect with nature through meditative ocean walks along the beach, re-energise with aqua aerobics in the recreation pool, or participate in guided spa workshops led by expert therapists. As the sun sets, evening yoga rituals overlooking the horizon offer a gentle close to the day.
Regent Phu Quoc
Nestled on Vietnam's idyllic Phu Quoc Island, Regent Phu Quoc offers an elevated wellness sanctuary where ancient rituals meet modern therapies. Signature experiences like the 120-minute Refined Renewal, including dry brushing, lymphatic massage, and green tea body wraps, provide full-body rejuvenation.
The resort's bespoke spa journeys, including a three-day customised retreat with private consultations, Dance Flow Yoga, and nutritious cuisine, empower guests to reset body, mind, and spirit. Wellness is highly personalised, with exclusive offerings like pedi medi cure by Bastien Gonzalez and access to the Regent Club, delivering a deeply restorative and refined escape.
Tia Wellness Resort
Created to help people build strength and long-term vitality, Tia Wellness Resort in Danang, Vietnam, has launched a private retreat programme, 'Strength & Recovery'. Combining private HIIT training sessions, recovery rituals like ice baths, steam and sauna; wellness treatments and a high protein plant-based meal plan to fuel performance, the programme offers a four- or seven-night tailored retreat.
There are also two daily private workouts built around strength training, toning, flexibility, mobility and endurance. There is one HIIT power workout and one training session focused on a different body part each day. A daily recovery ritual is an ice bath amid verdant tropical plants, alternated with a private steam room and Himalayan sea salt sauna session to help soothe and repair well-worked muscles. Two wellness treatments round out the schedule with treatments such as bamboo roll-outs, deep tissue massage, Vietnamese cupping and Reiki to reduce inflammation, support muscle repair and restore balance.
Passalacqua
At Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy, time slows and nature whispers. Nestled within a centuries-old estate, the newly unveiled open-air spa treatment area in the orchard elevates the concept of 'farm-to-body' wellness with curated treatments by Seed To Skin.
The Tuscan skincare line harnesses the finest natural, organic and wild ingredients, applied through advanced molecular systems that penetrate deep beneath the surface awakening, healing and restoring. From facials that reawaken a healthy glow to deeply soothing massages that dissolve tension, each ritual is designed to reflect Lake Como's innate power to relax, revitalise and renew.
Coworth Park
Coworth Park in Berkshire, UK, has launched its reimagined spa. Designed to work in harmony with the surrounding countryside, The Spa at Coworth Park offers a slower, deeply intuitive wellness experience. The spa offers views over the wildflower meadow has been thoughtfully redesigned to reflect its natural setting. Light-filled spaces, soft textures and nature-inspired design create an atmosphere of calm and quiet elegance, while a renewed focus on holistic wellbeing.
The spa's wet facilities include a poolside thermal experience featuring a Finnish sauna, citrine-lined steam room and snow shower. The gym has been expanded and reimagined as a space for energy and clarity, equipped with the UK's first Technogym Luxury Artis line. Eight refreshed treatment rooms offer a menu of bespoke treatments in partnership with ishga, Wildsmith and Made for Life Organics. The Spa offers a range of Natura Bissé treatments. As part of the new partnership, a pop-up treatment pod, the Natura Bissé Oxygen Bubble, in which guests can breathe 99.99% pure air, will be available until Aug 31.
The hotel has also just opened Tide, a new seasonal dining concept inspired by the natural rhythms of English estate life. The menu showcases British produce from land and sea, including Cornish day-boat fish, Kentish strawberries and herbs from Coworth Park's kitchen garden.
The Standard, Ibiza
Burberry collaborates with The Standard, Ibiza, Spain, for a joyful takeover of the hotel's seasonal rooftop bar and restaurant, UP. Specially created for the takeover, a bespoke Burberry Check blends with The Standard's signature yellow resort colour. The custom design takes over UP with loungers, parasols and branded seating — and even sails the coast on Check Mate, a Burberry boat making waves along the Ibiza shoreline.
Framed by sunset views, the rooftop comes alive with weekly Burberry-curated cocktail evenings, soundtracked by guest DJs spinning from a custom-built booth. Poolside, the vibe sets the scene for golden-hour lounging. Inside, a branded photo booth in the lobby invites guests to capture their summer in style. The Standard, Ibiza, showcases a curated edit of Burberry summer staples available to buy until October 2025.