Let’s keep this between you and me
It’s not always about running away. Zipporah Gene explains why Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi redefines the meaning of the ultimate relaxing staycation.
I’m standing on the balcony.
Below me, the sun is setting and seems to pull all sorts of colours out of the ground; a magnificent tapestry of light and half lights. The air is crisp but warm and somewhere between checking in, exploring the grounds, and entering my room; I’ve fallen in love with this place.
I’ve forgotten just how much beauty can come from stillness and silence – just being here, draped in it all, is incomparable to anything I’ve done in the last few days to relax.
When I heard of its location, near the main airport motorway, I was expecting to be surrounded by the roaring of engines. But being here now, I find it hard to believe that I’m so close to the airport and even more surprised to find out that I’m still closer to the city centre.
Bangkok can get exhausting.
That same joie de vivre that draws countless people to this place, that seductively entices so many to stay, can also, quite quickly and viciously burn you out. I would be a liar if I told you that I, myself, standing here, looking out into the seemingly endless expanse of green, wasn’t burnt out. I am.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the sights, the sounds, and the crazy, never ending unfolding dance of this land of smiles. I love this city. But we all need a break. Even from the things we love.
I’ve taken the usual excursions to Hua Hin, enjoyed short stints in Phuket, escaped to islands and even fled to the north; only to come back.
It’s a viscous cycle that after two long years of effort, long queues, and endless waiting – has finally started to take its toll on me.
The rooms here are enormous.
At 42sqm, they’re more like self contained suites, all with views facing the perfectly manicured golf course below.
Shower culture is wasted on me and the sheer size of their bathtub has me all aflutter. I need this.
I dip my toe in, lather myself up, sink back and clear my mind. Punctuated only by the sound of distant songbirds, the silence that was, at first, a little unnerving doesn’t take long to sooth me – to calm me.
It’s not always about running away.
For me, the proximity to town means that I can leave, knowing that should I ever urgently need to, my life is only a quick 35 minute journey.
I know I won’t. But sometimes, just knowing you can, makes that world of difference. It’s not always about running away. The simple act of ducking out for a day or two, can definitely make a world of difference.
The hotel hasn’t been here long, but already they’re rewriting the rule book on what it means to provide 5 star service. With an on site spa, daycare, two restaurants and home to one of Bangkok’s most prestigious golf courses – there are more reasons than you could possibly ever imagine to visit.
The spa, fittingly titled Explore, is currently located on the second floor, in a masterfully reconverted suite. This temporary location, although breathtaking in its own right, is moving to a new, larger and more glamorous location. This brand spanking new venue houses 12 intimate treatment rooms and will cater, top to toe, to all of your rejuvenating needs. What’s more, because they work in collaboration with the famous Thai brand, Harnn, will be offering a whole host of exclusively crafted re-energising spa treatments. The menu, reads like a charm and caters to body and soul. If you get the chance, try their signature Swedish massage, which is a beautiful eclectic blend of Eastern and Western massage techniques. There’s talk of a salon as well, and I personally can’t wait for its opening at the end of next month.
It’s an entire sensory experience here, so where would we it all be without taste. Luckily, the two in house restaurants cover even the most finicky and fussy eaters fantastically.
Favola, is a classical Italian eatery that I was lucky to have tried last year and am still obsessed with. The chef, Marco, is a wonderfully passionate Roman that will make you fall in love with him, and with each bite. The venue is intimate, rustic and has two gorgeous private rooms worthy of the proposals that have happened in them.
The other restaurant, Latest Recipe, is a gorgeous buffet and a la carte styled affair – with a twist. All the food is made to order, and you can watch the magic unfold from their lively and vivacious open kitchen. As a self- confessed glutton, I tried everything; each dish is as delicious as the last, but if I had to narrow it down, I would definitely recommend the crabmeat salad, the slow cooked prawns and the deconstructed Boston cheesecake. These really stood out as the winning flavours of the night, but I’m certain you’ll find something you have to have more than one serving of.
That’s the thing with this place, you leave knowing that when the city gets too crazy, or life starts to rush forward as it so often does, you can always come back. And pause.
Zipporah Gene is a freelance journalist, writer, and self professed frequent stuffer of face. When she’s not writing for various magazines and newspapers, she’s on: shedoesliving.com.
For more information and reservations please call: 02 118 7777 or visit: www.lemeridiensuvarnabhumi.com/cuisine
