We danced from the mountains to pristine beaches in the south island and hoovered street food, sporting mountain-grade backpacks. TOFTravels content on @ToFoodies that was oh so easy to create on-the-go, opportunity came knocking again. Bangkok pictures are above. The journey starts below… Wow. Sukhothai would be a first timer for me. The spice market is must-stop for picking up new pantry stables like butterfly pea flower, fried garlic, saffron, and any spice under the sun. There is simply so much to explore. The lobby and rooms fit the theme oh so well with baroque, feathery, marbled, bejewelled and touches. I can only imagine how invigorating a morning swim must be here. Bangkok is a dense and lively city that takes over each of the senses. But it really was the service and tiny, little details that made this place so special to me. 2. Lunch was also epic, looking out, knowing you’re eating just feet away from where everything has grown.

Amidst the rice paddies and mountains lies this heritage resort, complete with a castle moat. 3. At both dinner and breakfast, the selection was positively towering and the chef just started sending some of his greatest hits to the table. My room had a walk out patio entrance to a lavish pool that is so expansive, it could never be crowded. I could spend a lot of time in that lobby! Everything you need is walking distance and the room had a fun design with an optional bathtub window/glass wall into the bedroom. Thank you for the gorgeous gift of a handwoven star! It is currently hanging on my wall and looking v. v. cute. Especially for the price point, this groovy hotel is quite accessible while offering a boutique hotel experience. The pool area follows that same groovy theme, this time with a funky, striped twist. 4.!! Thailand always knows how it’s done but the breakfast bar here was frankly, shocking. Both are sky high on some of the highest top floors, but the views are stunning and worth a wait. It was tart perfection with pop rocks-like textured mousse on top. Choose your own adventure. My friend’s cocktail came bubbling in a takeout container – so inventiveness is big here! What a time to be alive. Not for you, though; guests get first dibs on the stellar cocktails and views. P.S. There are so many amazing temples to visit and it’s breathtaking how you could be puttering around and stumble up such beauty. From the soaring floral displays and live piano player in the lobby, to the decadent brunch buffet and palatial pool, this is surely a treat yourself stay.

The street can be quite busy during the day, but the area quiets down at night, after businesses close for the day, so street noise isn’t a problem. The airport is about a 30-minute drive away, and the hotel has free parking. The exact style varies from category to category, but all rooms have a clean-lined decor, muted earth tones, stone tile floors in living areas, and light wood accents. Airport transfers can be arranged. All rooms get lots of light through the large windows. Bathrooms are similarly sleek and large, with limestone tile throughout, soaking tubs, bathrobes, and walk-in rainfall showers. Suites have separate living areas and dining tables, and some of the larger ones have full kitchenettes. The roof terrace infinity pool deck is lined with lounges and sitting areas, and there’s an adjoining kids’ pool; it’s worth noting, however, that the pool doesn’t seem to be heated. In addition to the kids’ pool, there’s also a kids’ club. There are a number of meeting and event spaces, as well as an extensive, fully equipped business center. The lounge itself is sleek and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Adjacent to the pool area is a large, modern fitness center, and the hotel also has a tennis court, complete with instructors with whom guests can book lessons. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

The luxurious rooms have private balconies with views over the city’s rooftops, and some of the suites even have kitchenettes and dining areas. Despite its sitting areas, the lobby is not a place where guests hang out; the pool’s dark-wood sundeck, with its many loungers and cushioned wicker sofas, is a livelier spot, although it’s worth noting that, as a general rule, the hotel often feels quite quiet. A fountain and greenery in the driveway make it feel less starkly urban. The only time the hotel feels crowded is at breakfast, when there’s often a line for a table; many guests complain of slow service. The surrounding area has little of interest for tourists, and the closest skytrain station is more than a 10-minute walk away; taxis are readily available but not always cheap. The street can be quite busy during the day, but the area quiets down at night, after businesses close for the day, so street noise isn’t a problem.