By Rama Gaind.
Sutthaporn ‘Suttha’ Chulavachana is executive-chef at the akyra TAS Sukhumvit Soi 20 Bangkok. Photo: Rama Gaind
It doesn’t take long to become enamoured of the quintessential blend of the old and new in Bangkok. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Thailand’s capital is both dynamic and invigorating.
The city has embraced modern development with a sparkling ebullience: a picture of high rise buildings, world-class hotels offering deluxe comforts and glittering shopping plazas with restaurants serving acclaimed Thai edible specialities, as well as virtually all other delectable cuisines from the east and the west.
Amazingly, the city manages to preserve its cultural heritage. It’s known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The soaring roofs and gleaming spires of the Grand Palace and the more historic temples – Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Temple of Dawn and other evocative shrines – cast a classical halo.
One quaint feature in Bangkok is the seemingly endless array of shrines in the streets. The building styles vary, but worshippers turn to each of the shrines with different aspirations. These temples have a protective function: to ward off negative influences.
Asia’s first single-use plastic-free hotel, the akyra TAS Sukhumvit Soi 20 Bangkok offers comfort and relaxation in abundance. Photo: Rama Gaind
Despite the fact that most Thais are Buddhist, there are a substantial number of Hindu places of worship. A few are close to the Rajaprasong intersection within walking distance. Well-known is the Erawan Shrine, elaborately-decorated Hindu memorial that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu God of creation – Brahma.
Many places of divinity are also seen in the district of Sukhumvit, even one on the top floor of the akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok. I had the pleasure of staying at two, out-of-the-ordinary hotels in Bangkok, the first was akyra TAS Sukhumvit Soi 20 Bangkok where the attention to detail was exclusive.
The other was Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok. Service was special on a number of levels, but more about that next month.
Exclusive welcome
Surachai ‘Nah’ Srikaew serves mango sticky rice for dessert. Photo: Rama Gaind
The five-star akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok is in one of the hippest zones of the city. An intimate and exclusive luxury hotel, it features a strong, contemporary design, equipped with many facilities and surrounded by trendy bars, upscale restaurants, green recreation areas, value-added spas, trendy bars and many shops and malls to indulge in some retail therapy.
The welcome drink was a thirst-quenching combination of tamarind, cinnamon, orange rind and a touch of sugar – on ice. When asked, ‘Jason’ (Wuttikrai Itsaro) was quick to provide insight on the use of ingredients. It was an invigorating mix in a modish glass – complete with its own straw!
The akyra has significant design credentials featuring a flawless merger of Thai art and culture, which was evident once I settled into my one-bedroom junior suite. The stylish design combined the simplicity of natural woods with accents of modern-retro chic displayed in everything from the furnishings to the artwork, with a range of fashionable interior touches that created a distinctive identity.
The re-imagined urban accommodation at Asia’s first single-use plastic-free hotel in Bangkok was a veritable treat!
Bread-and-butter pudding, and ice coffee. Photo: Rama Gaind
Akyra’s appeal draws much from its dynamic surroundings. Situated in a popular district that exudes energy, diversity and activity, the hotel is close to two of Bangkok’s most acclaimed high-end shopping malls – The Emporium and The EmQuartier. These are within walking distance of the hotel, as are two of the city’s most attractive public parks.
The hotel is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk to two BTS Stations – Asok and Phrom Phong – for easy access to different parts of the city.
Plastic free
Hotel manager Thomas Singenberger elaborated on the aim of the Akaryn Hotel Group to become a single-use plastic-free hotel company by 2020. The akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok leads the charge in this initiative by becoming the first new hotel in Thailand to launch without single-use plastic in its rooms or food and beverage outlets.
People are now regularly seeking out responsible businesses taking care of our planet. According to Mr Singenberger, “it takes a lot of additional effort in sourcing alternative products that are competitive in pricing. We try to source products that are plastic-free, and we also try to convince suppliers to reduce single-use plastic in their delivery packaging”.
Ornate shrines are a common sight in Bangkok. Photo: Rama Gaind
In addition to stainless steel water bottles, other eco-friendly features implemented at the akyra include essential oil-based bathroom amenities presented in locally manufactured celadon ceramic containers, as well as toothbrushes and combs made from corn starch.
I was even able to catch up on entertainment in-house, by viewing the latest Hindi television serials through the Indian channel, Zee TV!
Delectable dining
Another indulgence was enjoying casual all-day dining that started at the Siam Soul Café with the signature akyra gourmet breakfast and moving into a choice of comfort food favourites including authentic Thai dishes, healthy salads, delicious pastas and delectable desserts – all served in sedate, smart surroundings.
The hotel’s sophisticated Rise Rooftop Bar serves a tempting selection of light bites, washed down with delicious craft beers, cocktails to be sipped on sun loungers or lazing in cabanas positioned around the pool taking in eye-catching views of the Bangkok skyline.
Executive-chef Sutthaporn ‘Suttha’ Chulavachana excelled in culinary expertise as I realised what she meant when by saying “it’s the little things that matter”. The coconut spicy texture of the Tom Kha Gai soup ‘awakened’ the tastebuds. The flavoursome chicken satay starters with tangy cucumber relish and a nutty peanut sauce were a delight for the palate. Even the spring rolls with free-range chicken, glass noodles, shitake mushrooms and sweet chilli sauce were tasty.
Chicken satay with savoury garnishes: a treat. Photo: Rama Gaind
I also savoured the spicy taste of the green chicken curry complemented with fluffy steamed rice. The mango sticky rice for dessert was an absolute treat!
Surachai ‘Nah’ Srikaew was a mine of information on all things cuisine; ‘Pol’ was creditable in the rooftop bar; Krisada Aoumsri made sure the sunny-side-up eggs were done to perfection; and concierge Torpong ‘Thor’ Sroykam threw some light on the 50 bells for happiness at the akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok.
Bangkok residents are soft-spoken, friendly and patient. One can’t help but marvel at the glories of the past and revel in the golden opportunities of the present. Thailand’s ‘City of Angels’ is a captivating place where possibilities are limited only by one’s imagination!
American author and lecturer Helen Keller was so right when she said: “life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”.
Rama Gaind was a guest of akyra TAS 20 Sukhumvit Bangkok.
DETAILS BOX
akyra TAS Sukhumvit 20 Bangkok
7 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Sukhumvit Road, Klongteoy, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
T: +66 2 260 0555
W: www.theakyra.com/bangkok/sukhumvit/
Tourism Authority of Thailand
T: (02) 9247 7549
Thai Airways International
T: 1300 651 960
Bangkok Airways
