Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
Gloam Eau de Parfum / Aēsop
Aēsop introduces Gloam Eau de Parfum as the ninth fragrance in the Othertopias collection. Developed alongside its longtime fragrance partner Barnabé Fillion, the fragrance's complex tapestry of rich florals with warm spices and deep woody notes is a reminiscence of a warm breeze. Orange flower and jasmine sambac set a sweeter scene, fused with aromatic saffron and powdery mimosa, creating a beautifully balanced fragrance. Available in 50ml, the Gloam’s amber glass bottle is encased in a carton featuring artwork by Belfast-based painter Jack Coulter. Shop at aesop.com/th.
Masked Rider Collaboration Collection / Seiko
Japanese watchmaker Seiko marks the 55th anniversary of its signature Seiko 5 Sports watch with a collaboration with the iconic Japanese superhero, Masked Rider. Expect the performance watch sporting Masked Rider's signature style in the design, from the vibrant watch face with colours and patterns inspired by Masked Rider's helmet to the black leather strap with intricate red stitching reminiscent of his scarf. On the back, see a reflective glass with the Tachibana Racing logo, his symbolic design that features on his Cyclone motorcycle and belt buckle. The Seiko Masked Rider is limited to 4,000 timepieces with a running number, packaged in a specially designed box. Go to seikoboutiquethailand.com.
The Marimekko Artist Series: Landon Metz / Marimekko
Marimekko collaborates with New York artist Landon Metz for its Marimekko Artist Series, which showcases the fusion of art and fashion. Metz's hand-painting technique is integrated with advanced printing technology at the Finnish design house's Helsinki print mill to add another layer of nuance to his style. His new canvas, including women's voluminous dresses, tops and skirts, as well as bags and accessories, draw viewers in with a single large floral print in striking shades of deep blue and coral red, offsetting against an all-white backdrop. Shop at marimekko.co.th.
New Store / Swarovski, CentralWorld Bangkok
In 2022, Swarovski elevated its presence in Thailand at Siam Paragon with the opening of the first new concept store in Southeast Asia and India. Continuing that journey, the new store at CentralWorld is a place of magic and luxury. Combining the beauty of crystals with modern design, the store has been decorated in Swarovski’s signature blue coloir and is found on the 1st Floor, Court Zone C106. Upon entering the store, visitors will be greeted with an array of product displays on the distinctive octagonal shelves. This signature octagonal design evokes the unrivalled craftsmanship of Swarovski's master cutters, and is present across the store, including on the walls, product displays, and the modern Swarovski logo. One unmissable highlight is Hot Zone that showcases some of the most striking pieces from each collection. Displayed on an open octagonal table — the pieces allow customers to touch, pick up and try the products on. The designed packaging at the new store comes in five distinctive pastel colours.
JOIN
Luggage Tag-Making Class / Tentacles Workshop / April 16
Looking for an activity to get crafty during your Songkran holiday? Join Tentacles Workshop for its luggage tag-making class this Sunday. Leading the workshop is the team of Lioli Studio, who will guide you through basic leather crafting, including saddle stitching and leather pricking, in making your luggage tag with vegetable-tanned leather. A seat in the class cost B1,500 per person. Save your spot at fb.com/TentaclesN22.
Coffee Mocktail Workshop / Craft The Moment Cafe / April 17, 22
Aspiring mixologists can join Craft The Moment Cafe for a workshop, teaching you how to make eight mocktails for B2,500 per person. They will have you covered with six coffee-based mocktails and two mocktail concoctions, as well as the ins and outs of mixology, including mocktail glass selection and decoration. The rate also includes lunch. Visit fb.com/Craftthemomentcafe.
Rooftop Sunset Yoga / The Hive Bangkok / April 19
Catch a breath while exploring your body’s flow with its yoga session on The Hive's rooftop. The class will focus on working your legs and core, and you can practise your breathing while flowing through Vinyasa sequential poses. The workshop costs B300 per person and B250 for Hive members. Reservation at bit.ly/3PUsIRH.
Bar pop-up / Zuma Bangkok / April 19
The award-winning Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London recently embarked on an Asian tour and will make a pitstop at Zuma Bangkok on April 19, from 7-11pm. The bar, which is named after renowned British artist and caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, whose artwork adorns the walls of the bar and is encompassed within the cocktail menus, will be showcasing three cocktails from their new menu. The cocktail programme is led by director of bars Martin Siska and head of mixology Yann Bouvignies, who will be present at Zuma. The mixology team create their own home-made syrups and distillates within their lab. The drinks are a combination of minimalistic, but perfectly executed, textured drinks and innovative technology. Call 02-111-8999 or visit zumarestaurant.com.
Creative spirit of nature / Joali Maldives / April 14-18
The art resort, Joali Maldives, is hosting the Imagi-Nature Art Festival, from April 14-18, in collaboration with art consultant Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek. This innovative project, which harmoniously blends art and sustainability, offers creative collaborations with famous artists from around the world. Curated for adventurers, dreamers and storytellers, Imagi-Nature presents an opportunity to fully experience art in all its glory. Channelling the natural splendour of Joali Maldives, each immersive artwork is created to engage, ignite and free the imagination. Guests across all age-groups, including children, are invited to interact with eco-conscious installations across the beautiful island. A line-up of special events awaits on World Art Day, April 15. Art lovers can follow the festival via the hashtag #ImagiNature. Visit joali.com/joali-maldives.
STAY
10th Anniversary Offer / Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit / Until June 30
Let's raise a glass to Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit for its first two-digit anniversary, and here is the good part about it: the hotel offers a temping staycation deal. The urban getaway has breakfast included and privileges include a 10% discount on F&B, 20% off spa treatments, and a late check-out at 3pm. Visit bit.ly/3KJSYNz.
Well-Being Package / Le Méridien Bangkok / Until Dec 31
Silom's Le Méridien Bangkok has recently been added to the onsen list and offers a two-night wellness stay package, enabling guests to chillax with an hour in the onsen and an hour of massage. With the "Wellbeing" package, guests can relax in an executive round room, which features a circular bed that has been proven to enhance sleep quality and ease pent-up stress. The package includes club benefits, daily breakfast and a "Comfort Welcome" set comprising a selection of fragrant floral tea and delicious Thai sweets. The stay starts at B7,920 per night for two guests. A minimum stay of two consecutive nights is required. Go to bit.ly/3nXRCpu.
Beach Break Package / Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa
Enhance your tropical getaway at Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa by adding on the half-board Beach Break package. Book a minimum stay of three nights and indulge in barefoot luxury experiences, including a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, daily breakfast and a Thai dinner set for two guests. Explore the island with a complimentary tour, choosing either the fisherman village or the Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai). The package also includes roundtrip airport transfer. Booking at salahospitality.com/chaweng.
Pullman debuts / New Pullman Singapore Orchard
Pullman Hotels & Resorts recently debuted in one of the world’s most iconic gateway cities with the Pullman Singapore Orchard. Located on Orchard Road, the modern and stylish hotel will allow guests to balance business and leisure in this vibrant destination. Surrounded by retail malls, leading fashion labels and global brands, Pullman Singapore Orchard will put guests in the city’s commercial heart. MRT Orchard and Somerset are moments away and Changi International Airport is a 20-minute drive. Guests can enjoy a fully contactless check-in via the hotel’s mobile app and digital room keys. The 326 innovative, fashion-inspired rooms and suites come in nine configurations, ranging from the Classic Rooms to the Presidential Suite, and are fully automated. In addition, a selection of 18 Club Residence Rooms will offer access to the Archive Club, a multi-purpose executive lounge with pockets for work, relaxation and social interaction. Families are welcomed with guaranteed inter-connecting rooms. The hotel is also home to Eden Restaurant, serving diverse Asian flavours and cocktails that pay homage to Asian traditions. The Atelier Lounge is where travel meets style and the art of the food and drinks is celebrated with tasty bites. The first-of-its-kind in Orchard Road, the P.S.O. Beach Club offers guests the chance to relax and space to perform at their best, with ambient music, cozy cabanas, sun beds, a striking pool and a swim-up pool bar. Visit pullmansingaporeorchard.com.
EAT
Japanese springtime / Kinu By Takagi, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok / Until May 31
With a new menu inspired by the Japanese spring, Kinu by Takagi at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok showcases the best seasonal ingredients from various region in Japan, including the wagyu beef from Tottori. Chef Norihisa Maeda has created a 10-course kaiseki dinner that captures the essence of Japanese springtime through the delicate flavours of each dish. Each presentation is garnished with touches of spring and some touches of cherry blossoms, or sakura, can be found which symbolises Japanese springtime and rebirth. The main course, served with corn and mushrooms, celebrates Tottori wagyu, regarded as the best wagyu beef in Japan. At Kinu by Takagi, Japanese spring has finally arrived. The five-course lunch is priced at B4,000++ per person and the 10-course dinner is priced at B8,000++ per person. Call 02-659-9000, email restaurants-mobkk@mohg.com or visit mandarinoriental.com/bangkok.
White asparagus season / Red Sky, Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Until April 30
Red Sky, the rooftop restaurant and bar at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, has launched its new seasonal menu featuring the white asparagus. Each dish is showcases the seasonal ingredient. Start off with Poached white asparagus in a light citrus sabayon or a Silky white asparagus soup with pan-seared foie gras and sesame whipped cream. For something a bit more substantial, there is the White asparagus and Maine lobster salad with Italian basil, mayonnaise and tomato salsa; White asparagus fricassée with truffle mashed potatoes, golden chanterelles, and the White asparagus meunière with giant tiger prawn in a lobster sauce. Dishes being at B950++. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
Degustation menu / Rossini’s, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Executive chef Gaetano Palumbo crafts a modern four-course Italian menu, perfect for a special occasions or simply for sharing with a loved one. The “Chef’s Degustation Menu” at Rossini’s, will highlight the finest local, seasonal and imported ingredients, cooked to perfection and presented in a romantic setting at Rossini’s, which is designed to resemble a Tuscan villa. The menu includes two enticing antipasto appetisers, pasta dishes, two original main courses from land and sea, and a choice of two innovative desserts. The meal at the Line Shop is priced at B4,200 nett per couple. Visit rossinisbangkok.com.
Summertime Platters / Front Room, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok / Until April 30
To mark the summer, Front Room is serving up savoury and sweet bites inspired by Thailand’s floating markets for lunch and dinner. Available as platters, the savoury nibbles feature Thai BBQ pork, crispy noodle, chilli powder and Thai BBQ sauce; Spring roll, tiger prawn and tom yum sauce and Marinated Thai mackerel, local herbs, basil and cumin leaf dressing. The sweet platter features seasonal Marian plum tart with vanilla mascarpone mousse; Steam mango layer cake, mango pudding, coconut crumble; and Thai banana waffle, sun-dried banana and caramel coconut sugar. The savoury platter is priced at B440++ and the sweet platter at B380++. Call 02-846-8888 or email bkkwa.fb@waldorfastoria.com.
Japanese strawberries / The Living Room, Park Hyatt Bangkok / Until May 31
Enjoy the exquisite flavours of premium strawberries sourced from the Nara prefecture in Japan, and elevate your afternoon tea experience at The Living Room, Park Hyatt Bangkok. Known for their robust fragrance, the strawberries are filled with sweet and fruity notes. Less acidic with a high sugar content, Japanese Nara prefecture strawberries boast a candy-like sweetness and have a subtle tangy and fruity taste. Relish the flavours of these unique tri-colour strawberries and dine on White Pearl (white), Awayuki (pink), and Kotoka (red) premium strawberries accompanied by a sensational range of loose-leaf tea and barista-made coffee. The seasonal Afternoon Tea set is priced at B3,000++ per person, including coffee and tea. For an additional indulgent treat, add on Siberian Sturgeon Caviar for B1,680++ and enjoy the No. 1 Baerii Caviar 7 Years 10gm. Call 02-012-1234 or email bkkph.fb.reservation@hyatt.com.
Seasonal menu / Taan, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok
Thai fine dining restaurant Taan has launched a new seasonal menu, “Cookshop”, which is a tribute to the long and entangled history of Thai cuisine and its Chinese roots. The menu showcases the true Thai flavours that have emerged from centuries of cross-cultural interaction between Thailand, China and the West. Highlights include Steamed fish in plum sauce, a take on a sour, savoury Chinese favourite, which is enhanced by smoked homemade bacon. Executive chef Monthep “Thep” Kamolsilp’s playful side comes to the fore in a dish like the "pretend shark fin soup" in which braised pork ears match the texture of the original main ingredient, served in a delicate soup of pickled mushroom, crab, bean sprout and coriander. Dessert blends the familiar and the unexpected in the form of the Sake mooncake, which combines mooncake-braised breadfruit in local sato, tea leaves ice cream, puffy peanuts and sake sauce. The 10-course menus priced at B3,190++. Call 065-328-7374, Line: @taanbangkok or visit taanbangkok.com/main/reservations.
WATCH
Hoon Payon in cinemas
Directed by Directed by Phontharis Chotkijsadarsopon
Who's in it?
Phuwin Tangsakyuen, Kunatip Pinpradab, Poompat Iam-samang, Bhuripat Vejvongsatechavat, Thasorn Klinnium, Pannawit Pattanasiri, Waratthip Kittisiripaisan and Phongsakon Michai.
What's it about?
The film’s story involves a man who travels to a village in a border region where his brother, a novice Buddhist monk, has been accused of murder. As more bodies pile up, the man questions the villagers’ blind faith in a supposedly protective dolls aka “payons”.
Why watch it?
Though the film had a successful world premiere on March 7 in Bangkok, Thai censors intervened to demand five scenes be cut and to impose a 20+ rating on the movie. The scenes that caused offense involved the monk in the movie engaging in heated arguments and accepting the embrace of an older woman, who may or may not be his mother. The rating means that viewers must be above the age of 20, thus excluding the film’s key teenage demographic.
Barry (Season 4) on HBO and HBO Go
Premieres on April 17
Created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader, follow as Cousineau (Henry Winkler) is hailed as a hero as Barry’s (Bill Hader) arrest has shocking consequences. It’s all been leading up to this — the explosive and hilarious final chapter of Barry. Stars Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Anthoney Carrigan, Henry Winkler, Robert Wisdom, Michael Irby, Fred Melamed, Andrew Leeds, Patrick Fischler and Jessy Hodges.
