Footlocker’s launch, a new MRT line, and more! 

EAT & DRINK

Maison Mizuki (pictured above)

Named after a fictional Japanese whisky connoisseur and itinerant adventurer, Mizuki, who travelled to Scotland, Ireland, and finally settled in Paris; Maison Mizuki is nestled in the lobby of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit and promises to take guests on an “unparalleled sensory voyage” featuring the best in whisky, cocktails, and sushi. The luxe restaurant highlights their six signature cocktails that follow different landmarks in Mizuki’s travels, such as their Sayuri, a coconut and Sayuri Nigori sake-based concoction that pays homage to Mizuki’s adventures in Thailand. Their artfully-curated menu of fresh sushi has scrumptious and must-try signature dishes like their Salmon lava roll, and their Usuzukuri, which is comprised of red seabream with Ponzu sauce. Facebook:@MaisonMizuki

 

Tibet Gate

Standing tall in Sukhumvit Soi 33 is a two-storey, bright yellow shrine to Himalayan cuisine. Covered in hundreds of prayer flags, you walk through large maroon gates to enter the cornucopia of food, drinks, and entertainment that is Tibet Gate. Steamed or crispy pan-fried momos are their most popular starters, with paneer, shogo, and Chinese chive filling options. Another signature dish is Thentuk, a simmering hand pulled noodle soup piled high with meat, herbs, and vegetables. Owned by a Tibetan family, Tibet Gate has a vision that is clear throughout every aspect of the restaurant, offering meditation classes on Sundays, live Tibetan shows and music on weekdays, and an all-day happy hour drink menu which diners are sure to enjoy. Open from noon till 11 PM. Facebook: @ tibetgate

Gaze Cocktail Bar 

Stargazers and space lovers will feel right at home at this upscale bar in Thong Lo, located at Major Tower. Gaze offers décor that transports its guests to the centre of a starry night, with a dimly-lit interior illuminated by splashes of purple LEDs and warm table-top lamps. The roof is adorned with countless shiny ‘stars’ to complete the spectacle, while the bar area itself sits on a jagged rock resembling a giant asteroid. All their cocktails are based on constellations, such as the Egypt in September which is based on the history of Canis Major. It contains a whisky base, Egyptian-inspired inclusions of mango and strawberry juice, followed by cherry wine, apricot, and a foamy white caramel topping. Instagram: @gazebar.bkk 

 

Araksa Tea Room

The Sanskrit word ‘araksa’ means to protect and preserve, a commitment which is clear the moment you walk into this tearoom. The flooring is made of reclaimed wood and the walls are made of bamboo, handwoven by the Akha hill tribe in Chiang Mai. This theme continues into the artwork, ceramics, and even the tea specialists who all have hill tribe origins. The teas served here are all organic with a wide selection which includes delicate white tea, relaxing green teas, fragrant oolongs, aromatic black teas, and other herbal infusions. You can enjoy these teas with their homemade pastries, as part of their tea pairing menu, or in their signature tea-based cocktails. Facebook: @araksatearoom 

Japanish

A new F&B concept brought to you by the team behind Finch, Japanish is another entrant into Sukhumvit Soi 11’s bustling gastronomic scene. The perfect marriage between contemporary Spanish restaurants, upscale izakayas, and local sushi haunts, Japanish is a respectful fusion of both cultures, reflected in the name itself. Using only premium ingredients and optimal techniques to elevate the best of Spanish and Japanese flavours, the restaurant serves ‘tapas’ style sharing bites such as their Mushroom croquetas, as well as sashimi, sushi rolls, and other nibbles. Make sure to check out their tipples, which include Japanese craft beers, as well as both Iberian-inspired and Izakaya-inspired cocktails.
www.japan-ish.restaurant

Birdies Hot Chicken

If you’re looking for a nostalgic fried chicken fix, Birdies Hot Chicken is a new Indian-owned hotspot in Phrom Phong, serving comforting homecooked dishes paired with cold beer for that quintessential pairing; as well as champagne for those feeling a little more bubbly. Their small plates include tempting options such as their everything ‘parker house’ roll & chicken butter and their Burrata, sesame, chilli appetiser; but of course, the stars of the menu are their fried chicken dishes, which come in a variety of preparations, three different flavours (naked, hot honey, and spicy), and an array of delicious and moreish sauces. Instagram: @birdiesbkk

Casia

Bringing “French finesse to the heart of Siam,” Casia is the newest offering from Chatrium Grand Bangkok, the elegant and sprawling property on Phetchaburi Road that recently opened its doors to the public. Helmed by Chef Jerome Bondaz who’s won much acclaim for his contemporary techniques in some of Europe’s top restaurants, Casia will be serving refined French-Mediterranean cuisine as well as a wine list of some of the finest wines in the world, curated by a true connoisseur. Delicacies to look out for include their Bresse pigeon and their indulgent Langoustine, a tartar with tomato confit, fresh transparent jelly, and sturgeon caviar. www.chatrium.com/grandbangkok/dining/casia 

STAY

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

Sitting strategically on a picturesque island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas provides luxurious tranquillity with a pristine beach over a kilometre long, open to snorkelling, longtail boating, beach barbecues and breathtaking sunsets. Its spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted sea views or pool access, ranging from 90 to 190 sqm. In comparison, the penthouses are spread over two storeys, floating above an infinity-edge pool, and its grand pool villas present a peaceful lagoon environment or an active beachfront setting to balance the island rhythm. Explore, immerse, and embrace the resort’s surrounding paradise. Facebook: @anantarakohyaoyai

 Lacol Khaoyai – A Chatrium Collection

Set to open in September, Lacol Khaoyai – A Chatrium Collection is an opulent resort in the heart of Pak Chong District, and is a collaboration between Chatrium Hospitality and Korkiert Khaoyai Company Limited. With 125 keys ranging from their Deluxe Mountain View rooms to their capacious 2-Bedroom Family Suites, the resort features eye-catching, Thai-inspired designs while drawing on modern comforts, and is only a stone’s throw away from Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sprawling property will also be home to two restaurants, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and the Varin Wellness & Spa section, which will have signature treatments, a Japanese-style onsen, a salt therapy room, and aqua beds. https://lacolkhaoyai.com

Courtyard By Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20

Providing a more comfortable and convenient place to rest and relax in the centre of the capital’s most vibrant commercial and lifestyle district is Courtyard By Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20. The family-friendly hotel combines innovation with style and comfort, offering guests the flexibility to work or relax. It includes the lively Reap Factory restaurant, the Twenty & One, a hybrid coffee shop and wine lounge, and the Cool !t Pool Bar. From its all-day dining restaurant to the rooftop fitness centre, the hotel facilitates a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Facebook: @CourtyardBangkokSukhumvit

Villa Suasana  

Banyan Hua Hin is presenting its new bastion of sustainable modern living, Villa Suasana, pool properties especially designed for individuals, couples, and families who want to experience “a sense of freedom.” Suasana is the Balinese word for ‘atmosphere’ and in all these villas, which range from 137 to 227sqm and sit on plots of 435 to 816sqm, an ambience of peace, privacy, and cosiness is carefully curated. The two- and three-bedroom villas all have sustainability at their core, with integrated eco solutions spanning solar panels, highly-insulated walls, a salt-water pool, a smart home automation lighting system, and more. For those seeking an active lifestyle, the villas are nearby the world-class Banyan Golf Club, True Arena Sports Center and Hua Hin’s city centre. The gated community is also home to an international-standard healthcare facility, Be Well. Until 31 August, Banyan Hua Hin is running a limited-time offer for new homeowners, who will receive two complimentary Segway Ninebot electric scooters. www.banyanthailand.com

 

Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection

Continuing the art of storytelling for travellers seeking unique and authentic experiences from the Autograph Collection Hotels, Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection is centrally located in Soi Sukhumvit 53. Locally referred to as Paidee Madee, this particular luxury boutique hotel’s name translates to wishing a pleasant arrival and journey. From its design to its service, the hotel is a brilliant blend of residential charm and the vibrancy of Soi Thong Lor. Whether it’s the classic and contemporary culinary influences of Ekkaluck Bangkok or its aesthetically stunning suites, the hotel provides a sophisticated cosmopolitan experience, leaving guests feeling better than they arrived. Facebook: @MadiPaidiBangkok

VISIT

MRT Pink Line

The MRT has now opened free trials of its Pink Line this September and October, before its official commercial debut in November. The line spans 30 stations, from the Ministry of Public Health station to the Min Buri station, which will be connected to the MRT Purple Line. A project which has been underway since 2016, this opening comes on the heels of the MRT Yellow Line’s opening, an optimistic sign for further connectivity through public transportation systems in Bangkok, much needed during a time when traffic in the city seems worse than ever. www.mrta-pinkline.com

Foot Locker Thailand

World-renowned sportswear and footwear retailer, Foot Locker, is finally coming to Thailand this September. Known for hosting some of the best international sports brands, such as Nike, Reebok, Air Jordan and more, the store in Bangkok will also be featuring Thailand-based brands among its wares. Set to debut its physical store in Siam Center, the brand has already advertised a range of job openings ahead of time, as well as some of its most exciting promotions, during which participants will have a chance to win a pair of black-and-white Nike Dunk Low shoes or an Exclusive Pass to join the Foot Locker Thailand Sneak Peek Party on 31 August. Facebook: @footlockerth