Travel To The Land Of Smiles For A Much-Needed Detox
Travel+Leisure India|May 2022
As the pandemic's restrictions eased up and travel resumed between India and Thailand earlier this year, RANJAN PAL travelled to the Land of Smiles for a much-needed detox.
Ranjan Pal
Travel To The Land Of Smiles For A Much-Needed Detox

FOR THE LAST TWO years, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the travel and hospitality industry. And travel writers like I have been on the thinnest end of the wedge. So, when I got an invite to travel to Thailand in February, it was like a lifebuoy being thrown to a drowning man and I grabbed at it without a second thought. Besides, who could ever say no to Thailand, the Land of Smiles?

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT, tourismthailand.org) had invited a bunch of us to witness the Thai lotus unfolding its petals after the many pandemic-imposed lockdowns. When we landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, I was impressed by the quick and efficient way in which we were processed and issued visas. Soon, we were whisked away to the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, where we were to undergo a COVID test.

As I waited for my test reports, I was ushered into a palatial suite, which featured a huge bedroom, spacious sitting and changing areas, and a bathroom with a shower and a giant soaking tub. The interiors wore bright shades of yellow, orange, and blue, and the picture windows opened to lush green gardens, a residential extension of Lumphini Park.

Once we were cleared to move around, our group caught a bus to the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, where a sumptuous lunch buffet had been laid out. I made a beeline for my favourite smoked Peking duck with hoisin sauce, and chatted with Andrea Accordi, the affable Italian executive chef. On the terrace, sous-chef Ruslan was preparing a delicious taglioni pasta in the Ligurian style, with pesto, green beans, and piennolo tomato fondue.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2022 من Travel+Leisure India.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2022 من Travel+Leisure India.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIA مشاهدة الكل
10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury
Travel+Leisure India

10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury

Travel in a luxury caravan, cook a meal with Michelin-starred chefs, chill in your private in-villa wine cellar and snorkel with seahorses-here is our handpicked list of 10 unique indulgences at some of the finest hotels across the world

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
The Sound Luxury
Travel+Leisure India

The Sound Luxury

In 2024, the sound of Kenny G has been replaced by lo-fi beats in resorts and elevators, transforming the traditional musical landscape. Ambient music has become essential for crafting the perfect atmosphere.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
APPETITE for LIFE
Travel+Leisure India

APPETITE for LIFE

Dandelion roots and pea greens, truffles and wild mountain thyme: a meal in Slovenia is like a walk in a fairy-tale forest. Sierra Crane Murdoch falls under the country's spell.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
Silk Route Revival
Travel+Leisure India

Silk Route Revival

With its luxe offerings and ease of visa-free access to several countries, including India, Kazakhstan is slowly opening doors to travellers with a whole new set of handouts beyond the exotic, explores Shikha Tripathi

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Travel+Leisure India

A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

At Raffles Udaipur, discover the art of slowing down and connecting with history, nature, and yourself.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Travel, Leisure, and Everything In Between
Travel+Leisure India

Travel, Leisure, and Everything In Between

Shibani and Farhan Akhtar share their travel dynamics, love for luxury, and why Raffles Udaipur, with its serene ambiance, is the ultimate getaway.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Basking in Opulence
Travel+Leisure India

Basking in Opulence

Lights, camera, glam. What is it about Rajasthan, especially Udaipur, that spells luxury travel like no other?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Tradition in Modern Tapestry
Travel+Leisure India

Tradition in Modern Tapestry

Waris Ahluwalia's insights on sustainable practices and the power of human connection in his creative journey reflect through his words, and his work.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Design, Diversity, and Sustainability
Travel+Leisure India

Design, Diversity, and Sustainability

Roopal Patel discusses the evolving landscape of global fashion, the power of personal style, her vision for a more inclusive industry, and the future of design in an insightful exchange with Samreen Tungekar

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Travel+Leisure India

MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

Tanya Khanijow enjoys the best of Milan with Lufthansa, from stylish shopping to tasting the city's culinary delights.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024