I also know exactly where they'll go on those holidays: to the beach. Whether it's somewhere in their homeland Australia or a tropical spot in Southeast Asia, their destination will involve sea and sand. It's in their DNA.
With this in mind, my wife Gill and I decided our recent family holiday to Thailand would be beachfree. Instead, we would dive into the glorious grimy chaos of Bangkok, then head up to the highland, to Chiang Mai.
It was a risk, but with the help of two fabulous hotels by the Spanish-owned Meliá group, I think we got away with it!
# BANGKOK
Opened just 18 months ago, INNSIDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is located in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of On Nut, smack-bang on the BTS Skytrain for easy getting around. It's a 34-storey tower with some eye-catching features, including a rooftop bar that opens up to an infinity pool with endless views of the Thai capital. For a different view, peer through the pool's see-through bottom to LUZ, the hotel's Spanish tapas bar, one floor below.
We were in a room category called The Townhouse, which included a living room between the bedrooms. It was ideal, and fitted-out with some modern, quirky touches. I liked the Marshall bluetooth speaker, which reminded me of my (distant) guitar-playing days; Gill loved the very generous couch in the living room that she could banish me to if required; and we all loved the free minibar, replenished daily.
All the eats
Aside from an absolute ripper of a breakfast each morning at The Kites restaurant - whose soaring windows take in more of those Bangkok views - we enjoyed two special dining experiences during our stay.
Bu hikaye Expat Living Singapore dergisinin December 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Expat Living Singapore dergisinin December 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Injury-free Skiing!
You've compared the various resorts' vital statistics, après ski options and historical snowfall data, and you're ready to hit the slopes this holidays! In this first of two articles, orthopaedic surgeon and ski-tragic DR DERRICK OH gives advice on how you can prevent skiing injuries.
Braces Vs Invisalign First!
Teeth straightening for kids can achieve more health benefits than just a great smile. Here, dentist DR ALEXIA KWAN talks about the pros and cons of the two main options: traditional braces and Invisalign First.
CAN OBESITY LEAD TO HEART ATTACKS?
Maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a matter of appearance - it's a vital aspect of heart health. DR MICHAEL ROSS MACDONALD, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre, discusses how weight affects our heart and ways to manage it.
Achieving with Development Assessments
Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.
POWER WORKOUTS REDEFINED
It's easy to let fitness slide during the festivities, but keeping up your routine doesn't have to be a chore. These quick, high-burn workouts make it simple to stay active, boost your energy, and keep that waistline in check - no matter how packed your calendar gets!
TROPICAL TOWer
If you love a staycation option with strong eco credentials, try this lofty - and leafy - hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar.
A Boutique Resort in Malaysia
Inside a serene tropical sanctuary that combines contemporary design with nature.
A Guide to Lombok
As I floated on a surfboard, my instructor called out “go, chilli man!” to his friend carving along a breaking wave. He turned to me and said, “Have you tried the chillies here? They’re just like our island and our surfers: small but spicy.”
Thailand: City & Mountains
My two daughters are well into their teens, and in the blink of an eye they'll be heading off on holidays with groups of raucous friends rather than with their annoying parents.
Recipe CORNER
This holiday favourite combines the warmth of traditional spices with the rich textures of dried fruits. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!