THE attraction is present. Always. There is something about W Bangkok that lures me back to the place whenever I make my way to the city twice a year.
In a city as dynamic as Bangkok, where the Thais and tourists seek the new and exciting, establishments like W Bangkok constantly dish out its thrills on the plate, in a glass, and in its interior design in the most unique and modern way. W’s creativity is endless and this is what people go back for.
From the list, I find the seasonal therapies of Away Spa quite addicting, the cuisine quite teasing on the palate, the taste lingering, and the rooms stimulating. In a recent visit to the Big Mango, I had a big serving of the trio, occasions that called for wearing a hat and the Muay Thai gloves.
This time around, a Studio Suite
It was the Cool Corner Room in 2013, and three years after it was the Studio Suite. Yes, this is one of what sweet dreams are made of.
Although all of the 403 guestrooms of W Bangkok are styled with the international jetsetter in mind appointing each room with state-of-the-art technology and amenities, and fusing it with elements that speak Thai meets modern design, each room category — Wonderful Room, Spectacular Room, Cool Corner Room, Studio Suite, Fantastic Suite and Marvelous Suite — bears a unique touch of playfulness.
The triangular-shaped Studio Suite opens up to a 64-square meter space that I can do somersaults in. A king sized bed dressed in the signature bed cover printed with Thai dragons in a boxing match and over it, oversized Muay Thai gloves resplendent in its gold sequined form. Patched on the pair are “lights” and “out”, an apt statement for a firm bed wrapped in crisp white sheets promising a good night’s rest. Sleep won over me as I got “knocked out” the moment I rested my head on the pillows.
Marking the word sexy with an exclamation mark is the huge bathroom. It has a double vanity, separate shower and toilet and a free standing oversized bath tub by a large picture window that offers a view of the city (or you getting framed for the city to see).
As much as I didn’t like to leave the room, the “queen” is calling for high tea.
Teatime at The House on Sathorn
“Should I wear a hat?” I asked my host, to which she replied, “Not necessary.”
The Courtyard of the 126-year old mansion was the setting for the mid-afternoon social.
“It’s a delightful place for afternoon tea,” said Rung Wongwitdecha, the W’s assistant director for marketing communications, referring to the open space at the heart of the neo-classical structure built in 1889 during the reign of King Rama V.
“In this setting, guests can enjoy this soothing mid-day tradition with a menu featuring sweet and savory favorites all complemented by fine TWG teas.”
Afternoon tea began with a refreshing sorbet of the day, followed by traditional scones with homemade marmalade, jam and Devonshire clotted cream. Pastries included nutella mini muffin, coconut financier and chocolate praline cake. Three tarts were on the menu, Macanese egg, caramel chocolate and strawberry thyme panna cotta, while Mandarin crème brûlée and Salacca fruit macaroon cake lend fruity, citrusy notes to each dish. Roasted nut tart, black-sesame cheesecake and a salted caramel éclair completed the menu’s sweet temptations.
Savory treats included Tandoori chicken mini wraps, mushrooms-truffle mascarpone croissants and ocean chili Alaskan crab bao sliders.
This new addition to Bangkok’s culinary destination happens daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aside from teas to accompany the nibbles, guests can also enjoy a glass of Chandon Sparkling Wine and a Mini Moët and Chandon, for a few more baht.
It was charming as it was filling. The English may schedule supper late in the evening but I’m skipping the meal as I’m ready to give in to my addiction.
Muay Thai at Away Spa
Who would have thought the Thai national sport would end up on the spa menu of Away Spa?
“We want you to experience relaxation with a kick with the Muay Thai-inspired treatment. It’s an original therapy of W Bangkok AWAY Spa and designed to give energy to look good, feel good and kick it all night. Or whenever you need that extra surge of fighting spirit,” said Nisha Lane, spa manager.
Based on the essentials of Muay Thai, they created four therapies: the Mongkon (head band) Head Massage, Prajiat (arm wrap) Hand and Arm Massage, the Kaad Chueak (hand wrap) Body Scrub and Wrap, and the Boxer’s Massage.
“You’ll be getting the 60-minute Boxer Massage,” and explained the concept of the therapy, “Muay Thai fighters are massaged before a fight to prepare them physically and mentally. This therapeutic massage is great before or after sport, exercise or any vigorous activity that can take a toll on the body, say about a long night of partying or perhaps a hard day of shopping. Plus, we give you a free pair of Muay Thai pants!”
Therapist Andy Phachara, who has ten years of experience as therapist, described the massage.
“Its combination of the ‘triple S’: Stroke (Swedish massage), Stretching (Thai massage technique) and Stimulate (Muay Thai technique), and will use oil mixed from sunflower base oil with a few drops of Camfur oil.”
Like any good massage, I was knocked out in the few minutes of the therapy. That’s my gauge to how good a massage is.
A couple of nights in a chic suite, tea at a historic mansion and an hour of bliss at the spa, what else can one ask for? I can’t wait for the next “bout” with W Bangkok.
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle and travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com and www.jeepneyjinggoy.com.