CENTURION ESCAPES The Appeals of the Off Season There’s nothing wrong with the buzz of the smart set – indeed, there are many wonderful things about travelling comme il faut – but the otherworldly peace of discovering places at more unexpected times has its virtues as well, says Rob Crossan, who profiles a handful of surprisingly engaging summer destinations FRESH PERSPECTIVE 1. Thailand C ome June and July, Thailand has a secret climate phase known only to the truly savvy traveller. Dismissed as the monsoon season, there is actually a dry spell that can run for many weeks at this time of year. It’s a period when crowds are low, yet the sun still radiates happiness on, among other places, Trisara ( trisara.com), the familyowned, super-luxe Phuket hideaway that’s recently undergone a massive renovation, adding new residences, spa treatments and restaurants to burnish the beguiling, all-villa resort’s impressive credentials. Meanwhile in Bangkok, the Mandarin Oriental ( mandarinoriental. com/bangkok) looks its shimmering best as well in summer, and there are few more genteel ways to enjoy the Thai capital than to start the day on the outdoor Riverside Terrace for the sumptuous buffet breakfast before taking the hotel’s own boat across the river to the teak-wood spa building to indulge in a lemongrass treatment. Farther along the Western side of that lazy, slow moving river, The Peninsula Bangkok ( bangkok.peninsula.com) exudes tranquillity amid the urban maelstrom with its three tiered outdoor pool the perfect place to find quietude on another typically sun-scorched afternoon. For a true feel of a more traditional Thailand, take the riverboat on Saturday mornings which gently chugs out to the Guan Yu, a 300- year-old Chinese temple, for a yoga class. ◆ The Peninsula Bangkok UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS WITH FINE HOTELS & RESORTS CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM/FHR
Trisara Phuket Experience true privacy at one of Phuket’s most luxurious pool-villa resorts, set on an idyllic secluded beac Wrapped in a tropical forest, Trisara’s 60 ocean-facing pool villas and 2-8 bedroom residences embrace a quiet private beach on Phuket’s west coast, just 15 minutes from Phuket Airport. Inspired by Thailand’s rich heritage, rooted in timeless tradition and bound to nature, Trisara offers sincere, generous experiences that celebrate spiritual and physical wellbeing and encourage moments of reflection and connection. Trisara’s pool suites and villas are designed with generous spaces, rich interiors and thoughtful details. Each villa offers a sense of total privacy and spectacular views of the Andaman sea and sunsets, ranging from one bedroom to the spectacular and secluded four-bedroom, two-pool residence. Dining at Trisara is all about connecting with the community. PRU brings the farm to the table, foraging and harvesting from Trisara’s own farm, Pru Jumpa, while Seafood at Trisara serves authentic sea-to-table cuisine inspired by local “mamas”. Don’t miss the iconic Sunday Jazz Brunch, or to experience a poolside barbeque in the comfort of your private pool villa. JARA Spa is inspired by a century-old spiritual ficus tree at the heart of the resort, offering unique treatments inspired by traditional Thai medicine, as well as indulgent experiences such as the Trisara Royal 6-Hand Massage and holistic kinesiology. Activities include sunrise yoga or venturing into a Muay Thai boxing ring, while Trisara’s secluded beachfront is perfect for watersport, and a dedicated jetty in the high season allows guests to discover world-heritage site Phang Nga Bay onboard a luxurious yacht. 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand trisara.com
