Designed by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy and his firm Denniston, the immaculate 299-room establishment has won applause globally for its fresh take on luxury, reaching third spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels List 2023. 

_Pool

Enveloped in a constant dialogue between Thai-design and world-class hospitality, the Four Seasons Bangkok balances sprawling courtyards full of amazing water features with an interior that boasts an art-fuelled lobby curated in partnership with MOCA Bangkok, herringbone patterned walls and bathrooms boasting Apaiser stone baths. 

_{Palmier by Guillaume Galliot}

When it comes to culinary prowess, Bangkok is fuelled by its multicultural offerings and the Four Seasons Bangkok offers some of the best. Yu Ting Yuan, its signature Cantonese restaurant by chef Tommy Cheung, has already earned a Michelin-star and promises to be a treat for the tastebuds.

From perfecting roasted meats to crafting intricate dim-sum, it’s pure joy from start to finish. For those after a taste of Europe, Riva del Fiume ushers you to Italian shores with its rustic menu, while Palmier by Guillaume Galliot serves French brasserie-style classics. 

_{BKK Social Club}

But it’s BKK Social Club that has everyone talking. Again considered one of the finest in the world (with a plethora of awards accordingly) and inspired by the nightlife of Buenos Aires, this bar has taken a slice of South American charm to create an environment of sultry glamour centred by a truly experimental cocktail menu.  

_{Executive Suite}

Being able to offer guests a type of peace and quiet rare for Bangkok while maintaining an exceptional level of service, makes this hotel more than worthy of all its accolades.  

by Imogen Clark

_{fourseasons.com}

_{Hotel Reservation: +66 (0)2 032 0887}

_{Starting price for Guest Rooms:  USD450++ for Standard Room}

_{Starting price for Suites: USD700++ for Studio Suite / USD1400++ for One-Bedroom Suite}

The post Glass stays in an urban oasis at the Four Seasons Bangkok first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

According to legend, the monastery was founded in the eighth century by Padmasambhava, the “Second Buddha”, who flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours.  

This hike was the culmination of our Bhutanese adventure, having landed at Paro Airport a week earlier, with our plane banking left and right between the surrounding 18,000-foot peaks of Mount Jumolhari. Our pilot is one of only 24 in the world trained to land here.

_{Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

We have come to explore the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled between China and India, with a population of only 750,000 living in the valleys of a country that is 99 per cent mountainous. Buddhism, the official state religion, permeates every aspect of the Bhutanese lifestyle, culture and even attire, with men wearing the traditional Bhutanese gho and women wearing the kira.

Bhutan has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 15 years, evolving from an absolute to a democratic monarchy, with the government monitoring the country’s prosperity through its “Gross National Happiness” index. The so-called GNH tracks the population’s mental well-being, education, cultural diversity, community spirit, sustainability and living standards. 

_{Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

On our one-hour drive from the airport to the capital, Thimphu, our guide explains the reason for the mandatory accompaniment of all international tourists. It’s to ensure reverence for Bhutanese religious sites, to show respect for national traditions and to protect the environment.

We check in at Pemako Thimphu, a striking hotel enveloped by the vista of the surrounding mountains. Its exterior features a traditional Bhutanese façade with whitewashed walls, intricate wooden cornices and lotus-shaped window frames. The resident Buddhist monk blesses us with a welcoming ceremony, tying a red thread around our wrists, symbolising good luck and prosperity, which we proudly wear for the duration of our trip.

_{Punakha Dzong | Photography bay Marcus Westberg}

We are perfectly located to explore this quaint city and viewing its distinctive architecture, with each building adorned with ornate colourful designs and religious symbols. We later discover that the Bhutanese style of architecture extends to all the country’s monuments, dzongs, temples and monasteries.

Thimphu is the place to purchase textiles and handicrafts, to indulge in Bhutanese cuisine and to mingle with the locals. We admire the theatrical moves of the white gloved traffic policeman in an impeccable uniform, standing in his signal box directing traffic at the city’s only roundabout. Intriguingly, there are no traffic lights anywhere in Bhutan.

_{Pemako Thimphu Lobby and Restaurant}

A two-hour drive eastward across never-ending undulating valleys and verdant mountain peaks takes us to Punakha, the ancient capital city. We are staying at Como Uma Punakha, where our balcony overlooks the breadth of the riverine Punakha Valley. In the morning, we follow a trail to hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a modern monastery built in 2004 to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. Afterwards, we take a river raft to Punakha Dzong, a fortress monastery and one of Bhutan’s most revered sites.

After our descent from Tiger’s Nest near Paro, we head to our hotel, Amankora Paro, and its sultry Aman spa with its specially blended Aman amenities. We luxuriate in a traditional steamy hot stone bath, infused with rosemary, to ease our weary muscles. This pristine lodge, with its minimal aesthetic and incomparable service, offers unrestricted mealtimes serving Michelin-star worthy dishes, a help-yourself bar, daily cultural activities and a same-day laundry service.

We came to explore what makes this tiny Kingdom of Bhutan the happiest place on earth. We depart feeling privileged to have experienced the uniqueness of Bhutan’s traditional lifestyle and the sense the excitement for the King of Bhutan’s plan for the economic development of Gelephu in the more accessible south of the country, which will enable many more tourists to experience this happy Himalayan Kingdom in the near future.

by Amanda Bernstein

_{COMO Uma Punakha: Valley room stays start from $695 per night, inclusive of tax and service charge. COMO offers end to end services including visa applications, guides and activities.} 

_{Pemako Thimphu: stays start from $1,020 during high season (March-May/September- November). Rates include accommodation on a B&B basis and use of hotel amenities.}

_{Stays at Amankora start from $1,900 per night, based on double occupancy, excluding taxes and fees, all meals at Amankora Dining Room, picnics en route to other Amankora lodges, in-house beverages.}

_{For more information on visiting Bhutan, see bhutan.travel}

The post Glass visits the happy Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

I imagined long, leisurely afternoons with books, perhaps a bit of reflective journaling, and minimal interruption from the outside world. Fast forward to now, and here I am, planted into a seat on a Thai Airways flight to Phuket for Banyan Tree’s 30th anniversary. Isn’t it just typical? Life has a way of reminding you that you can’t control your journey. Or at least I can’t. 

_{Banyan Tree Phuket}

As soon as I settle into my seat, the Thai Airways staff make me feel like I’ve arrived at a five-star dinner party. The kind of hospitality where you’re not even aware you need something until it magically appears. The flight, which is meant to be a marathon of 18 hours, actually feels more like a slow introduction to a transformative journey. 

Phuket has the kind of tropical scene you only see in postcards. Lush greenery, cerulean skies, and the promise of a time so idyllic, it might as well come with its own soundtrack. And my villa at Banyan Tree? Well, let’s just say the pictures didn’t do it justice or I need new glasses.

Some places manage to combine intimacy with expansion in a manner that they feel designed personally for yourself. Which they might have been. I have my name on the villa, so I can just declare it my home for the foreseeable. I’ve always wanted to briefly own a luxury holiday home in Thailand, and now I do. Even if it’s just for a few days. 

_{Banyan Tree Phuket}

The resort itself is sprawling, with 218 private pool villas, each one more charming than the last, nestled among beautifully landscaped gardens, all hugging the edge of a lagoon that looks like it belongs in a dream. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder whether you’re actually supposed to be this relaxed. But, really, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate Banyan Tree’s anniversary, especially given how much the brand has always been about giving back—not just to its guests, but to the environment and the local community.

This isn’t just a resort—it’s got a history. The idea for Banyan Tree began with Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang, who, years ago, lived in  Banyan Tree Bay and travelled all over the world when they were young and in love. Their experience sparked an epiphany: travel isn’t just about escaping—it’s about transformation.

It’s about making connections, with people and with the planet. And from this epiphany, Banyan Tree Phuket was born, with the banyan tree itself becoming a symbol of refuge. The idea was simple: a place where travellers could find shelter, feel restored, and maybe even change the world a little. If only all epiphanies could look this good.

_{Banyan Tree Phuket}

The lagoon, where this beautiful oasis now sits, was once an abandoned tin mine. Imagine the transformation—a scar on the earth turned into a thriving ecosystem. It’s proof that with a little vision and an awful lot of hard work, even the most unlikely places can be turned into something magnificent.

The first day is an immersion into everything Banyan Tree does best. I hop on a bicycle on my way to the meditation centre, pedalling past the immaculate golf course. I feel like I’ve stumbled onto the set of The Blue Lagoon and they just happened to let me in. This place isn’t just a resort, it’s a kingdom. And the meditation session? It’s not so much about clearing your mind, it’s more about letting the serenity of the place sink in. By the time I’m finished, I’m practically an oracle. Or at least, I can pretend to be.

_{Banyan Tree Phuket}

The second day brings volunteering at a local school. I’m impressed by how Banyan Tree’s commitment to the community goes beyond the standard corporate “donate a few thousand pounds” kind of thing. No, here it’s about rolling up your sleeves and investing time and effort into the community’s future. After the school visit, we go for a boat trip to the islands where they filmed James Bond.

Naturally, I half expect Sean Connery to pop out from behind a rock, but alas, it’s just us and a lot of beautiful scenery. The islands, though—good grief. The towering limestone cliffs rise out of the water like nature’s own jagged skyscrapers. You almost expect a helicopter to swoop in and whisk you off to your next adventure.

By day three, the place is starting to work its magic on me. The monks arrive early in the morning for a traditional alms-giving ceremony, and there’s something so peaceful about the whole ritual. The saffron robes, the quiet procession—everything about it feels grounded, connected to something bigger than ourselves. It’s a moment of calm that you didn’t realise you needed, and yet here it is, reminding you that travel is also about gratitude.

_{Banyan Tree Phuket}

What’s truly impressive throughout these few days is the balance between luxury and purpose. Banyan Tree Phuket isn’t just about pampering you with a 5-star massage or a sunset cocktail. It’s about making sure that luxury doesn’t come at the expense of the community or the environment.

From supporting local artisans to running beach clean-ups, Banyan Tree is deeply embedded in the fabric of Phuket. And their Community Seedlings Project, which trains and employs underprivileged students, shows they’re investing in the future, not just their bottom line.

_{Banyan Tree Phuket}

By the end of my stay, I’m left with a sense that Banyan Tree Phuket has done what the best kind of places do: it’s shifted something inside me. It’s not just about indulging in luxury; it’s about connecting to a place in a way that feels meaningful. I’m not just a guest here; I’m part of something larger, and it’s a rare thing to find a place that makes you feel this way. I’ve realised that, sometimes, the best trips don’t just leave you relaxed—they leave you a little bit better. 

by Adina Ilie

_{Thai Airways International operates 2 daily flights from London Heathrow to Phuket via Bangkok. London to Phuket return, from £1,019 pp all in, in economy class, and from £4,663 pp all in in Royal Silk class. Book at www.thaiairways.com}

_{Banyan Tree Phuket is located at 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay,Amphur Talan Phuket, Thailand 83110. For more information you can email phuket@banyantree.com}

The post Glass experiences luxury with purpose at the Banyan Tree Phuket 30th Anniversary first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Sirru Fen Fushi Aerial View}

The first thing I hear after leaving the plane is blissful silence, broken only by waves gently crashing into the shore and hermit crabs scuttling across the beach. We are greeted with fresh coconuts and an overwhelming feeling of tranquillity, as if time on the island has a life of its own. Green flora, turquoise waters of the lagoon and sugar-white beaches – what more could one need?

_{Water Villas}

The resort’s minimalist décor seamlessly complements the untamed beauty of the island’s wilderness. As we’re chauffeured towards our villas beneath the canopies of the jungle, I take in the sandy hues, wooden beams and rustic rope accents that effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a perfect barefoot luxury destination. 

Despite the seemingly small size of the island, Sirru Fen Fushi offers ample privacy in the different accommodation on offer – jungle, tented and overwater villas. Each villa comes with its own private plunge pool, allowing the option to spend my time getting over my unavoidable jet lag. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the tropics, I find myself a prime spot to watch the sun slowly explode with orange and pink hues before finally setting behind the horizon.

_{Deluxe Beach Sunrise Villa with Private Pool}

Throughout the day, the resort brims with a range of enticing activities. From lounging by the infinity pool, majestically stretching across the width of the island, to water sports, dolphin watching cruises and visits to the Colorarium – an underwater art gallery and coral regeneration project.

Guests can also unwind at the spa’s indoor and outdoor wellness spaces or participate in meaningful conservation initiatives organised by the resort’s Sustainability Lab.

_{Beach Sunrise Villa with Private Pool}

What sets Sirru Fen Fushi apart from other Maldivian resorts is its nine-kilometre-long coral house reef stretching along the sunrise side of the island. Accompanied by the on-site marine biologist, we venture out for a snorkelling tour.

Floating through the crystal-clear waters, we spot majestic mantas and schools of brightly coloured fish scattered along the spectacular landscape of the reef. To my excitement, we also spot one of the turtles inhabiting the area swimming in the distance. 

_{Sunset Water Villa}

The evenings are an indulgent affair, offering a variety of dining experiences to suit every preference. For a casual atmosphere and diverse culinary options, we visit the all-day buffet at Raha Market. Themed cuisine nights, beach barbecues and live entertainment make it the buzzing spot in the heart of the resort. 

_{Kata Japanese Restaurant}

Craving a more exclusive setting, we explore fine-dining options like the seafood-themed Azure or my personal favourite, the Japanese-inspired Kata, nestled on a wooden deck overlooking the southern side. Enjoying the most delicious selection of sushi, sashimi and black cod we admire the backdrop of the jungle and the uninterrupted views of the spectacular sunset. 

After packing my bag on the last day, I take one final stroll around the island, capturing its idyllic beauty. Sirru Fen Fushi is undoubtedly one of those rare gems that look even more stunning in person than in photographs. Its calming atmosphere, picturesque vistas and natural decor are a testament to how seamlessly it coexists with the island’s wildlife – a perfect destination to reconnect with nature. 

by Olga Petrusewicz

_{Rates start from $1,200 (approx  £965) in a Beach Sunrise Villa on a half board basis.}

sirrufenfushi.com

The post Glass reconnects with nature at Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Nestled between the Sal River and the Arabian Sea, the resort sits in the south of the state and across 49 acres of lush greenery. With more than 2,000 coconut trees, a botanical garden and an orchidarium, the resort opened with the aim of preserving and presenting the beauty of Goa’s rich flora. 

_Miri

Stretched along the pristine sands of Mobor Beach, the resort has 160 guest rooms and 46 suites, all overlooking the lily dappled lagoons. With the river beckoning in each new day, those fortunate enough to see the early hues of the Indian sun can witness the soft Goan light bounce across the green estuary, while the other side of the hotel will wait to see the blazing sunset unfold across the sea.

_{Nature Walk}

With Goa’s landscape so rich in tropical biodiversity, the resort has centred its offerings around its land, from celestial dining under the stars in a private pod to a guided nature trail with the hotel’s chief nurturer and horticulturist to organising picnics for the family. What’s so evident is its embrace of the slow life, just like the name ‘susegad’, meaning the art of calm, an integral part of the state’s culture in slowing down and enjoying life from a more relaxed perspective.  

_{Celestial dining}

Taking in the diverse natural delights is as important as the luxurious side of the resort, and here at the Goan outpost the blend of ethereal rainforest and faultless service offers an experience that will take you from dawn to dusk with a serene ease.

by Imogen Clark

_{Room rates at The St. Regis Goa Resort start from 350 USD per night marriott.com}

The post Glass takes in the sunrise to sunset at The St. Regis Goa Resort first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Encompassing the best of modern style and architecture, the hotel showcases its ground-breaking design with its multiple awards, including the RICS award won earlier this year. With its sleek, refined and contemporary styling, the Murray is set within the Hong Kong business district, catering for global entrepreneurs and the business traveller.

The Murray – Park view

Guests can enjoy a luxurious space with amenities that include a top of the range smart TV and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as a stunning view of Hong Kong, which by night lights up as a picturesque display of city streets and skyscrapers.

During their stay, guests can also take full advantage of the luxury facilities on hand, including a vitality pool, encompassed by stylish greenery and sleek modern design. Across from the pool stands a romantic and scenic spa, The Wellness, providing a range of treatments from massages to beauty rituals, promising a sanctuary of holistic calm and ensuring deepest relaxation and peace for every patron.

The Murray – at Popinjays

The multiple restaurants and rooftop bars boast to be some of the best fine dining experiences the city can offer. Providing European cuisine at Popinjays and The Tai Pan, and expertly made Cantonese dishes at Guo Fu Lou, The Murray ensures diners of all tastes will be satisfied.

Located in the hotel’s warm and inviting lobby, the Murray Lane bar offers opulence and sophistication, with a wide range of premium artisanal spirits and small plates to please the taste buds and satiate the urge for a cocktail.

The Murray – the Arches

For those who enjoy a luxurious setting, fine dining and deep relaxation, the Murray Hotel is a perfect fit. Providing an essential break-away to the dynamic and bustling city of Hong Kong, the hotel acts as a sanctuary of calm and tranquillity in a serene and contemporary setting.

A total of 25 storeys of grandeur and modern design, The Murray is perfect for travellers seeking a rest from the pace of the city where you can indulge in the comfort and excellence offered by the hotel.

By Emma Hart

The post Glass experiences sophistication and charm at The Murray Hotel, Hong Kong first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

It is little exaggeration to say, on walking into the open-air lobby of Banyan Tree Krabi for the first time, that the view is mesmerising. Gazing out at four towers of limestone rock in a shimmering sea – karst formations that have become the visual signature of Krabi – the vista seems too serene and dreamy to be real.

_{Beach at Banyan Tree Krabi}

_{Banyan Tree Krabi pool}

The beauty of the Andaman coast is no secret, but Banyan Tree Krabi, on a quiet beach and close to a national park, enjoys a niche location which protects it from being sandwiched between other resorts.

Untypically for Banyan Tree, there are villas as well as suites and all accommodation comes with its own pool and faces west for sunsets and entrancing views. A longtail boat is available for boat trips to Koh Hong and the volcanic lagoon in the centre of the island.

_{Dining Birds Nest}

_{Banyan Tree Krabi’s own longboat, The White Pearl}

Southern Thai cuisine, with spicy tastes relying more on local herbs than chilli, is rightfully the focus of the resort’s restaurants and the head chef is dextrous at making vegetarian versions of classic dishes like pad thai and massaman phak, plus a wonderful phad phak boong fai dang with a vegetable oyster sauce.

Bird’s Nest restaurant deserves special mention, not because it serves bird’s nest soup (it doesn’t) but due to its unique location, reached by a one-minute ride in a funicular: three tables, each in the form of a private and cosy nest that looks but doesn’t feel like it is perched on the side of a cliff. The space is as intimate as one could get and a ‘nest’ (also available for afternoon tea), with one of its four set menus should be booked as early as possible. 

_{Poolside at Trisara}

Picture a tiny rocky islet off the coast of Phuket with a solitary palm tree, a real-life rendition of the cartoon desert island where pirates or a shipwreck leave someone marooned. It is clearly visible at the resort Trisara, which like the islet, offers maximum privacy but goes hand in hand with luxury; with rescue coming in the form of treatments at Jara spa, superlative culinary experiences, wellness activities and an international airport fifteen minutes away.

Parts of Phuket have been spoiled by excessive development, making Trisara’s super-spacious villas, each with a pool and veranda, a precious retreat from the hurly-burly further down the coast. The setting is gorgeously tropical, landscaped with coconut and fishtail palms, walkways bordered with brightly coloured flowers and a surrounding green canopy of trees. 

_{The approach to Jampa}

_{Views from Trisara}

The dining scene excels and the care devoted to its farm-to-table philosophy is confirmed by a visit to Trisara’s organic vegetable, herb and free-range egg farm. At the time of writing, Phuket has only one Michelin-starred restaurant – Trisara’s Pru – and Executive Chef Jim Ophorst presides at its open kitchen for dinner (Tues-Sat) and lunch (Fri-Sat). Trisara’s garden also provides Chef Dingen with ingredients at Jamba, a serious contender for becoming Phuket’s second restaurant with a Michelin star.

Jamba enjoys a truly bucolic situation, in harmony with the complex but delicate dishes, many vegetarian, brought to your table. Completing the constellation of fine restaurants and befitting its Mediterranean-style identity, Cielo is footsteps from a beach (effectively a private one) and brings a flavour of southern Europe to its menu. Trisara is not a desert island but being marooned here is something you could wish for.

by Sean Sheehan

_{For more information, see banyantree.com/thailand/Krabi, trisara.com and prurestaurant.com} 

_{EVA Air flies non-stop from London Heathrow to Bangkok with fares starting from £728; to book, see evaair.com}

The post Glass experiences the quiet luxuries of Southern Thailand first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Having just undergone an extensive renovation to its rooms and seen the creation of two additional dining experiences, it has cemented itself as a luxury haven in the area. 

_Poolscape

Spread across an impressive 49 acres of bustling, fertile greenery, fears of loud tourism are quickly quietened – the aim is to put guests into relaxation mode, and it does just that. With the surrounding wildlife, waterfalls and plantations taking centre stage, all 46 suites immerse you into the beauty of nature, with interior choices also utilising local Goan materials like rattan, wicker and thread work in the design. 

_{Club Beach Bar | Photography by Ralf Tooten}

The Lagoon Grand Deluxe and Conservatory Premier rooms, in particular, have been renovated, enhancing already tasteful furnishings and offering panoramic views of the coast or the meticulously manicured gardens. Meanwhile, the attentive and discreet St. Regis Butler Service has maintained its aura of effortlessness, accommodating guests’ every need. 

_{Manor Pool Suite}

Discerning gastronomes will have their cravings satiated in one of the hotel’s many dining outlets. Prior to the revamp, Susegado, The Manor and The Drawing Room had already made their mark. Susegado is a beach-based seafood grill restaurant that utilises the fresh catches of the day, while The Manor exercises the same ethos of focusing on freshness by sourcing seasonal ingredients that boast the flavours of the area. Those who miss the delights of the UK while abroad should look no further than The Drawing Room’s triumphant Afternoon Tea with its great selection of bite-sized treats.

_Oliveto

But St. Regis’ newest opening is worthy of indulging the most in. Miri is your classic multi-station hub for all-day dining – perfect for all the family. From grilled salmon and sushi spread to classic pasta dishes and a dessert offering, all will have you loosening your belt. But it’s the Sunday Brunch that deserves a mention for going above and beyond with a spread so extensive, one plate just isn’t enough.

Oliveto is the latest culinary offering, a charming Italian eatery that overlooks the sprawling, redeveloped poolscape, which is also a newly designed space.

_{Nature walk}

The resort’s St. Regis Spa is a place to settle your nerves and take a complete break from everything after a day poolside or on the beach. Beckoning guests to unwind and rejuvenate, the plethora of wellness rituals and Ayurvedic treatments immerse all your senses in a sea of calm as the spa seamlessly integrates healing practices into its programme.

Designed to be more than just a destination, The St. Regis Goa Resort is an experience. Balancing the extravagance of luxury with the serenity of India’s way of life, this resort is a testament to finding equilibrium everywhere you go.

by Imogen Clark

_{Room rates at St. Regis Goa start from 350 USD per night marriott.com}

The post Glass experiences an Indian summer in winter at The St. Regis Goa Resort first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Exterior of Pan Pacific Orchard}

As I make my way to the Forest Terrace, one of four open air sky terraces, the sense of being in a tropical forest is enhanced by the cascading waterfall. I’m staying in the beautiful Pan Pacific Orchard’s Premier Balcony Room overlooking the dynamic cityscape, its luxuriousness exemplified by the Diptyque amenities in the bathroom. As part of the hotel’s central motif of sustainability, there was also a filtered water dispenser accompanied by an array of reusable bottles made from ocean-bound materials. 

_{Terrace Lap Pool}

If it already couldn’t sound any better, a Happy Sleepers programme is on offer to all guests staying in the hotel’s suites, Pacific Club Room and to Pan Pacific Discovery members. Included is a bunch of therapeutic and sleep-boosting amenities and activities. The experience is 100 per cent worth it and even after only a two-night stay, I felt so much more well rested.

_{Beach Club Loft room}

Dining was another delight. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Mosella, serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Peruvian twist amid floor to ceiling windows and, you guessed it, even more greenery.

I’m just in time for the set menu that treats you to three generously-sized dishes, with choices such as tomato gazpacho, barramundi and a 28-layer cake. I decide upon the salmon tataki ceviche to start, which includes red pepper mango salsa, salmon roe, burnt orange, tahini, and mint.  

_Mosella

The mushroom and truffle risotto followed for mains, and finally the banana and miso chocolate for dessert, including Guanaja 70 per cent chocolate mousse, miso chocolate soup and caramelised banana.

Each and every flavour brought a fresh twist to the table and left me wanting more. With a satisfied palette and a warm sensation in my stomach, I made my way back up to the room to put the Happy Sleepers programme to the test.

by Alicia Tomkinson

_{The Deluxe Room starts at SGD 460+ per night}

_{For more information visit Pan Pacific Orchard}

The post Glass goes green in the Garden City at Pan Pacific Orchard first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

My first port of call, the Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa on the island’s southwestern tip, lay against the backdrop of Le Morne, a spectacularly rocky mount that was once a hideout for fugitive African slaves and is now a Unesco World Heritage site.

A reminder that Mauritius was once a thriving slave colony, it was visible almost everywhere you looked, serving as an enduring symbol of the quest for freedom. 

_{Royal Palm Resort}

You can climb it, if you’re fit, but I preferred to remain at sea level and sample the delights of the dazzling white sands and turquoise waters 550m below, not to mention the surrounding coral reef. I was not disappointed.

As the hotel group to kickstart Mauritius’ tourism industry more than six decades ago, and home-grown to boot, Beachcomber has snapped up some of the best spots on the island and knows what it’s doing in terms of delivering to all-comers in a pristine environment, and keeping it that way. 

_{Le Morne, Dinarobin} 

With around 2km of beach, an 18-hole golf course and extensive landscaped gardens dotted with 172 colonial-style rooms and suites plus five pools (in addition to the main one), crowds are never a problem and the resort has that pleasing I’ve-got-the-place-to-myself feel, ensuring a relaxed and tranquil stay. As for food, you’re spoilt for choice with four restaurants offering both gourmet and casual dining.  

_{Fine dining at Royal Palm}

However, with the Indian Ocean at your feet there’s a lot more to do than lounge about. Early one morning, in my swimsuit and armed with mask and snorkel, I clambered on to a boat with other guests in search of dolphin pods. 

As soon as their fins were spotted slicing through the water, the boat sped ahead and we jumped in to view them underwater, doing so several times over. This is what is termed “swimming with dolphins” though in my case it was dolphins swimming away from me as I was too slow to keep up. Still, it was one of those exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experiences that could only be rounded off with a trip to Donarobin’s excellent spa.

The car journey to the north of island passed by ubiquitous sugar cane fields and sleepy villages, interrupted by a visit to the Beautiful Hands project, part of Beachcomber’s corporate social responsibility arm in which artisans, mostly local women, make products for the tourist market.

We were en route to the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, the group’s jewel in the crown, located in the crescent moon-shaped and fashionable Grand Baie area, not far from the bustling capital Port Louis.  

Ocean suite

Opened in 1985 and nicknamed The Grand Dame, the hotel has had a face lift along the way and continues to press all the right buttons for sheer style and superlative service. From the sumptuous lobby to the elegant suites and their designer accessories, the place simply oozes luxury and comfort.

And what better way to enjoy breakfast than to have it served on your balcony as you survey the gently lapping sea directly below? Needless to say, gastronomic delights await at the three restaurants compliments of executive chef William Girard, while you can wind down at night to the mellow sound of live soul jazz in the circular lounge bar.

The day I arrived, the warm and sunny weather was suddenly swept aside by a tropical downpour. That didn’t deter me from trying my hand at canoeing – the waters here are sheltered and I guessed the rain would stop as quickly as it had begun. Sure enough, by the time I was done, the sun was its usual blazing self and I just had to have my dose of vitamin sea to cool off. There was no other word for it than blissful.

by Angela Cobbinah 

_{Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury}

_{Seven nights half board in a Junior Suite at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, for two adults starts from £2,750 per person sharing. Price includes return economy flights with Emirates, various complimentary land and water sports, and private transfers in Mauritius. Departs  September 5 2023, price subject to availability. Call Beachcomber Tours on 01483 445 610 or visit beachcombertours.uk}

_{Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa}

_{Seven nights half board in a Junior Suite at Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, for two adults starts from £2,430 per person sharing. Price includes return economy flights with Emirates, various complimentary land and water sports, and private transfers in Mauritius. Departs December 4 2023, price subject to availability. Call Beachcomber Tours on 01483 445 610 or visit beachcombertours.uk}

The post Glass enjoys pure bliss in Mauritius with Beachcomber Hotels first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

_{Park Hyatt Kyoto exterior}

Calling upon the Japanese design philosophy of teioku-ichinyo – meaning garden-house oneness – the scenic getaway has been constructed to mirror the hotel’s abundant, biodiverse surroundings.

In ancient times, houses in Japan were built with soil floors and thatch roofs in order to intertwine one’s daily life with Mother Nature. Merging building and garden, the Park Hyatt Kyoto has alluded to this timeless philosophy to ensure guests have a calm, restful stay.

_{King Bed View Deluxe room}

Upon arrival, I noticed the design choices immediately. With each guest room window carefully framing the ancient Yasaka Pagoda as a centre-piece, guests are guaranteed to feel immersed in the cultural capital.

The hotel feels incredibly private and quiet. Guests are guided down winding paths to their rooms, which are located 500 feet away from the main reception area. Takenaka architects worked alongside famed landscape architect Yasuo Kitayama in order to make the place a true structural chef d’œuvre.

_{Higashiyama House suite}

While residing at the hotel, I opted to visit its new signature restaurant, aptly titled Yasaka. Utilising French techniques to create new variations of teppanyaki, Chef Koyama Kentaro takes local ingredients to innovate traditional Japanese dishes with his Western experience – I was particularly fond of the Omi beef fillet finished with egg yolk sabayon.

_{Tea Lounge}

Kyoto is a beautiful city steeped in history and tradition, offering an array of cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip there, the Park Hyatt Kyoto is an ideal place to unwind and relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

by Sophie Richardson

_{For more information visit Park Hyatt Kyoto}

The post Glass relishes in the natural allure of Kyoto at the Park Hyatt first appeared on The Glass Magazine.

Keen to discover the impressive addition to the area, the hotel boasts 147 rooms and 20 suites, all carefully designed by Layan Architects + Designers of Melbourne, Australia. 

_{The Ritz-Carlton}

Upon entering The Ritz-Carlton, its interior was the first thing I noticed. Blending refined contemporary luxury with the art Hakata-ori – a traditional Japanese textile which has been produced in the Fukuoka prefecture for over 700 years – the surrounding cultural history became a staple woven throughout the establishment. 

From the walls using historic textiles to the lighting fixtures that emulated specialised weaving machines, the beauty of craftsmanship is at the core of The Ritz-Carlton. However, it doesn’t stop there. 

_{Club Lounge dining room}

The culinary offerings encapsulate the same desire to bring the outside in. Offering both Western and Japanese cuisine across four restaurants and two bars, my favourite was Genju. Centred around bringing the three finest traditions in Japanese cuisine – kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki – to our plates, seafood and meat were elevated across numerous courses served on Arita porcelain. 

_{Library Lounge}

Whether you’re more of a foodie and hope to centre your visit around trying delicacies or prefer more of a cultural endeavour with visits to museums, The Ritz-Carlton brings the richness of Japan to each guest. 

by Sophie Richardson 

For more information visit ritz-Carlton.com

The post Glass gets a first class experience at Ritz Carlton Fukuoka, Tokyo first appeared on The Glass Magazine.