Today’s pace of living and fast moving lives makes people concentrate on activities for the here and now when actually, they overlook what they have and that is situated just within their reach, which we can surely call ‘the land of happiness’.

Walking across a small narrow bridge diverted from the main road, I could see a typical Balinese style gate standing tall, to welcome all visitors to who seek a moment of clarity and relaxation at the Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah, Ubud.

Before entering its open-air lobby led by a curvy walkway, I was stunned by the rice fields situated in the surrounding vast area. Picture of local people carrying offerings or vegetables on their heads is also commonly seen in this top star property.

At every corner of the property, I could see a huge proportion of space that is dedicated to green areas where guests can surely refresh their eyes. Also, the fenceless land enhances even more feelings of freedom as though you owned this beautiful, private world.

The twenty self-contained and elegantly furnished units in the resort are individually and perfectly located where guests can enjoy their own serenity and private lives. Outstandingly, the property is wisely created to harmoniously blend with the local surroundings. Its high roofed and open air restaurant is a good spot for all the guests, including me, to take in the morning fresh air and to cool ourselves down with the white refreshing mist in the evening, while having dinner.

The breathtaking rice fields that are full of the energy of local people and located just in front, was waiting for me to step down and feel it together with the picturesque highest peak of Mt. Agung towering above us. I realized that we actually can all manage the world and slow it down if we want.

The only thing that I felt sorry for staying at the The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah was that I wish I had more time!!

The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah, Ubud is located at Jl. Goa Gajah,
Tengkulak Kaja, Gianyar, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia.
Tel: (62 361) 975 685/6

Make an online reservation at The Chedi Club

The white and pristine sandy beach of Bali’s up-market Seminyak beach lies peacefully, welcoming the restless rolled azure waves from the sea. The sound of the waves together with a cool wind soothes the soul and with a shiny sun light, creates an incredible moment of relaxation.

I stood there on the spacious balcony looking out to the distant horizon of the Indian Ocean while inhaling the fresh air before getting back to my 99 sqm luxurious space Studio Suite of the Legian, where I was spending one of the coziest holidays that people can find in the “Island of Gods”

Make Online Booking at The Legian Bali Hotel

First stepping into the hotel compound which is set in a landscaped and lush tropical garden, the smiley and helpful faces of its dedicated staff were something that made me appreciate the excellent reception and treatment I would be pampered with, during my stay.

The roomy resort that makes use of rich woods and cool marble generates the sense of a lavish and peaceful existence. The contemporary Balinese architecture, art and decorations enhance my stay comfortably in style while experiencing the senses and touches of the local culture.

I was just strolling around the hotel’s properties and pleasing myself with the combinations of luxury, local touches and natural charms within my reach. What else could I expect for such a relaxing holiday?

The big red sun was gradually setting over the ocean and Bali’s most active and vibrant night life, located right outside the hidden and serene shelter, was about to start. Now the other side of style begins.

Make Online Booking at The Legian Bali Hotel

The sound of the rolling waves against the coastline of one of Thailand’s most preferred and mesmerizing beaches on Samed Island, lull me into a deep daytime nap. My lazy day begins.

On the southern tip of the Island, far enough to hide away and indulge myself in a lush tropical garden landscaped resort, Paradee, the place where I can expose myself to sea, sand and sun, enjoying a worry free moment, where I can settle into my day-break away from the hectic work waiting for me back in Bangkok.

Save up to 75% online booking at Paradee Resort

After only a 2.5 hour drive, I found myself sitting down at the cooled Paradee Lounge at Ban Phe’s mainland for the pre-check in. Soon after that, the resort’s speed boat took me across the blue sea to the centre of relaxation and pleasure, perfectly situated by the beach and surrounded by the azure Gulf of Thailand.

I took a deep breath of the fresh, clean air to calm down and finally let go of any leftover stress that had been hanging on from the big city and looked around the area, all of which is set in a style designed to blend in with the surrounding natural environment. Yes, it is the place to do nothing but be lazy and relax.

The big red sun sinking down behind the horizon was obviously the best moment of the day’s end, supported by tranquil music while I was sitting in the Sunset Bar. The whole area was gradually getting darker, while the natural music performed by wild insect friends started, backed by a chorus by the sea waves. My eyes were slowly closing, and I drifted off to enjoying some deserved good dreams.

For additional Information, please visit www.paradeeresort.com

Paradee Resort
Koh Samed, 76 Moo 4, Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng, Rayong 21160
Tel: +66 (0) 38 644 288

Save up to 75% online booking at Paradee Resort

ALL HOTELS in KOH SAMED HERE

After having worked hard for many years without any sign of an end, I’m no longer sure how long my tired body and heart will last. However, I am now far more aware of how valuable taking a rest-break is for today’s world of workaholic human beings.

Amidst the indifferent faces of working animals like us, I look around and find all the dull faces staring at either their computers or a big pile of papers towering upon their desks. Out of the blue, one of my colleagues speaks out “Should we go away and take a break somewhere nice? Maybe go to an island?” Silence fell! Every face is still for a moment.

Save 75% on HOTELS in KOH SAMED HERE

“Sounds good to me”, one unconfident voice said quietly. “Yes, we should go. I will join. Who else will join?” Another active voice reaffirmed, followed by many more requests to join. The atmosphere in the room had now changed. The faces were gradually becoming full of smiles. The unexpected trip begins with one important condition ‘Absolutely no work!’

“Can I get a Beer? Can I do something different from the emotionless office life?”  “Shall we lie down on the beach and count the bright stars?” “Hey, it is all up to you. It’ll be your paradise.” Somebody ended the conversation with.

Frankly speaking, I didn’t think that Samed Island was a place that offers a range of happy moments for holidaymakers to choose from. The weather is so nice, complementing the tranquil environment. Everywhere I look; people are smiling and enjoy life. I now understand why some people can walk in long distances in a day to just collect beautiful sea stones. Some people are lying down doing nothing but watching the clear cloudless sky, white waves and blue sea. The wonders of nature really can influence human beings to feel happy; all we have to do is just take the time to look at them.

The imaginations of those who have been stuck at work can easily be allured by even a small aspect of the island lifestyle. There is saying from a long time ago, that Samed is the ideal place for everyone to unpack their stresses and to refill their happiness, and this is proved through generation to generation. It is the island for ‘everyone’.

Though things have changed and modern developments can been seen today on the Island, it is the sense of the sea wind, the warm sunlight and the pristine white sandy beaches that I concentrate on. Samed is still the one for me.

“Who said we will be coming here for swimming?” “Not now, I just want to lie still for a while” The voice of answer is from some in my group. “Don’t forget to wake me up to see the stars at night”, someone else insists.

The light of the sun shines into my eyes. I get myself up and look around and see all my friends are sleeping on the beach. I know it is not because we are too drunk or because we want to inhale the pure clean air, but instead that we just want to simply feel the happiness of every single moment while we are here.

The weekend trip for us working animals finally comes to an end. Only two full days and one night, but they have been so impressive and memorable. This is something that many people tend to overlook in life. I mean taking a break is such an easy thing to do, but why is it so hard for us to make the decision to do it?

Let’s just do it!

About Samed Island

Koh Samed is located just 200km from the capital, in the Gulf of Thailand. The T-shaped island of Koh Samed is famed for its white sandy beaches, exotic coral and crystal clear waters. The island is 6.5 kilometers offshore from Ban Phe, Mueang district. Koh Samed is under the administration of Ban Phe Sub-district, Muang District, Rayong Province.  Koh Samed is both convenient and quiet. It’s a popular tourist destination for Thais as well as foreigners, for its proximity to Bangkok. Even though Koh Samed is only a few kilometers from the mainland of Rayong, the island with its ‘micro-climate’ tends to get much less rainfall than the rest of the province. The rainy season is May to September, but even then it still has significantly less rain than the other islands in Thailand.

Save 75% on HOTELS in KOH SAMED HERE

Legendary, cooking is a kind of master art; a piece of beauty which comprises of five senses - seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing and touching. Therefore, the kitchen and the restaurant are comparable to an art gallery for the chefs to showcase their cooking skills, which are great to taste and look good to all food lovers.

The Panorama is a brand new food gallery in the heart of Bangkok, located on the 23rd floor of the Pan Pacific Hotel, providing its guests with fabulous panoramic views of Bangkok’s delights (especially impressive when you witness the romantic nighttime glow of the city).

The Panorama is a contemporary Asian style restaurant designed by the renowned designing studio from Japan ‘SPIN’. The restaurant offers a range of experiences for Southeast Asian styles of dinning, which are harmoniously blended between the traditional and the modern world. Carefully selected uniquely Thai architectures have been included in the design, as clearly seen by the lotus design carved into the wooden materials used throughout the 1,300 spm interior.

Apart from the distinguished design, the Panorama projects itself as ‘A Culinary Theatre’, where notable chefs from all over the world come to showcase their cooking specialties in the open ‘full view’ kitchen situated right in the middle of the restaurant. Hence, the guests can enjoy very special dishes which Chef Van Remoortel promises to provide for many world-class menus, and actually have the rare opportunity to see a world-class chef ‘in action’.

The Panorama can accommodate 222 people, with 3 bars and library lounges where guests can drink and relax on the luxuriously soft sofas. Besides these main areas, there is also an exclusive room that provides its guests with the highest levels of luxury and a private corner for them to be entertained by a world-class jazz band every night.

The special touch that runs throughout all of the menus at the Panorama is the use of ‘best of the best’ ingredients, which are selected from the all over the world, for instance; lamb from Colorado, salmon from Scotland, veal from the Netherlands and last but not least, Japanese Matsuzaka.

When the night arrives, the ‘Panorama’ Bangkok is yours!
For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2632 9000

Story & photo: Bundit Pinyowattanacheap

Bali is nothing but pure paradise. A paradise that amazes me every visit with its blend of contrasts: rich cultures, blue waves, golden beaches, active volcanoes, green rice fields and numerous tourist services. Amid overwhelming foreign influences, it is amazing how the Balinese manage to harmonize the balance between this merger of civilizations.

These same amazing characteristics are what rouse me to catch the first flight from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which is only four hours from Bangkok to the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. It’s time to explore the island’s enchanting contrasts.

Cultural Enriched

Sitting at the core of the archipelago’s landscape of Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country. Balinese culture, which is partly a creation of Hindu influences that are believed to have been introduced to the island at the beginning of Christian era, has flourished distinctively and irreplaceably. Blending into local styles through long timelines, Hindu-Balinese dignities are quite clearly reflect through every aspect of people’s lives, from simple daily routines to sophisticated architecture and worship.

Balinese rituals can be assembled into two types: Hindu-Balinese and traditionally religious ceremonies. There are five signature religious ceremonies that are conducted throughout the year; Dewa-Yadnya - is held at family temples begging for god’s blessing, Pitra Yadnya - for the ancestral souls, Ngaben – which is a cremation tradition, Manusia Yadnya - including a tooth-filing ceremony and weddings, and Resi Yadnya - for giving offerings to holy persons or servants of god. You only have to be Balinese, or to have lived in Bali for at least a year, to learn every all the main ceremonies and the traditional reasoning behind them. Ceremonies are regularly seen at temples on religious days marked on local calendar. Among varieties of different worship procedures, the most visible signs on a daily basis are the offerings of rice, salt and flowers in bamboo leaf trays found everywhere, positioned delicately in front of houses and on the walk ways. The Balinese people give offerings to god everyday for the hope of holy blessings.

Each Balinese community owns at least one temple; therefore it is not difficult to believe that on the island, without any exaggeration of numbers, there are more than ten thousands temples. Passing through the gates of the Besakih Temple, the largest temple on the island which is set upon the slope of Mount Agung, an active volcano, you are greeted by the sight of the Trinity shrines dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu gods, all wrapped beautifully with vivid-hue clothes and flowers. One positioned on the bank of the Beratan Lake near Bedugul is often referred to as the heavenly beautiful Ulun Danu. The temple on the end shore has picturesque pagodas bursting out from the water, complimented with a stunning misty and mountainous backdrop; it is an incredible tribute to water goddess and nothing less than a real miracle. The ancient Taman Ayun Temple - famed for its symmetry, beautiful gardens and ponds - was built back in 1632 during the Mengwi Dynasty to host mainly sacred and leisure activities. It sits on the high cliff of Tanah Lot, which is believed to be the supernatural work of 15th century priests. Nirartha, is the ancient black-stoned Tanah Lot Temple, one of seven sea temples along the coast, including Uluwatu Temple, devoted to the guardian spirits of the ocean. Tanah Lot is also a must-visit spot for allowing yourself to be memorised by some of the most visually pleasing and romantic sunset scenarios on the island.

Despite the intense influence of modernization, the Balinese preserve their traditional culture and traditions, particularly so in the village of Tenganan in the East of Bali and Penglipuran village near Denpasar, which was originally founded in the 13th century. To explore the Balinese arts and crafts, it is highly recommended for all tourists to visit Ubud: a living exhibition of Balinese culture. The small town in the middle of the islands with only 8,000 inhabitants has become a heavenly cultural-tourism destination for several years, thanks to its rich of exquisite traditions that synchronize colourful outfits with the original architecture lining every single road. Thanks to its location at 600 meters above sea level, Ubud enjoys cooler temperatures that make it far more comfortable for visitors to stroll around the town on foot. Ubud is home to numerous art galleries, craft houses and cultural performance shows. Music, dance and the dramatic arts of Bali are closely related. Among them are five main dance varieties, perhaps the most popular two are Barong (lion dance) that narrates the story of good and evil through performance of fable lion-like creatures, and Kecak (monkey dance) that illustrates the story of Ramayana epic, performed by a group of men in chorus. It is interesting to me to know that, in fact, Kecak was the creation of the German artist Walter Spies during the 1930s, growing from a strong passion for Hindu rituals.

Despite the fact that you can reach the whole Ubud by foot, locals will recommend visitors to travel a little further to outskirt areas for a real picture of emerald-green terrace paddy fields spreading over hilly slopes, and agricultural villages spotted all over the hillsides too. This is a picturesque view of almost untouched tradition, and well worth a little extra travel.

Natural sanctuaries

Different people have different dreams and requirements for their travels; while some - me for instance - prefer to feel soft, fine sand slipping in and out of their toes while the waves wash over their feet, some may simply enjoy taking a deep breath, while others are looking to go trekking adventurously amid greenery forests and getting back to natural. As a true paradise, Bali has it all.

Maybe it’s thanks to the Hindu gods that Bali has such striking geography, with mountainous landscapes and two active volcanoes. Mount Agung and Mount Batur are situated right in the middle of the island. 1917 was the year of Batur volcano’s most recent explosion, which caused some destruction to the Ulun Danu Temple, now located on its north-eastern slope in order to move the temple 900 meters farther from the core. As the highest point of Bali rises to a height of 3,014 meters, Balinese regard Mount Agung as the replica of Mount Meru in Hindu belief. After having slept peacefully for about 120 years, Mount Agung finally burst into a full blown eruption in 1963, killing approximately 1,600 people and leaving around 86,000 people homeless. But incredibly the lava missed the Besakih Temple, despite the temple being on the slope, the lava flowed by and missed it by only a few yards. It is believed by locals that on that terrible day, the gods surely must have been protecting their sacred place.

Down from the highest point are unspoiled rain forest areas that help to hydrate the island and purify the air. This is where adventurous trekkers hail as ‘the sanctuary’. With its prosperous natural reserves, adventure tourism can combine elephant trekking, rafting, mountain cycling, tree tops and trekking tours altogether

On the hilly slopes, heading down to town find a coffee shop or restaurant offering picturesque views of the surrounding scenery. I came across one exotic coffee shop named Buana Amertha Sari, hidden under the lush canopy of a tree, serving up luwak coffee with a view of terraced rice fields and the diverse surrounding rain forest. What is luwak coffee? It is a special coffee here. The coffee farmers feed civets with coffee beans. The beans, then, travel through their digestive system until they exit. (Please feel free to imagine if you have a strong a stomach) Farmers later collect those intact beans from civets’ faeces, then roast and ground them just like regular coffee. It is believed that this weird process produces very tasty coffee; it has such a rich coffee taste that it can cost you as much as 1,000 Baht a bag.

From the highest point, travelling down through lush green woodlands, slopes lead to cliffs, shores and beaches in every direction, creating almost unlimited opportunities for remarkable scenery. Farther to the deep blue sea, Bali also possesses fabulous diving sites at Nusa Penida, Padang Bai, Cemeluk, Penuteran and Candi Dasa, which give divers a full selection of dive sites. Divers can take on easy relaxed shallow water dives, or opt to explore more difficult underwater terrain. However whatever the choice or skill level, all will be blown away by the stunning underwater gardens and marine life that Bali serves up to its underwater explorers.

Highly contrasting geography dresses Bali differently for the many different climates and temperatures that exist around the island. For example, I felt I had good reason to where a jacket when I was on the Mount Batur, where temperatures were cool and misty. But after only half an hour drive down to our beachfront hotel, it was perfect weather to strip back to just wearing shorts. That may explain why locals and Asian tourists enjoy staying here, with comfortable cooler air around inner land areas or on a rise plateau, whilst western tourists can enjoy sunbathing on the beach, working on that perfect tan with a cocktail nearby for refreshment.

Beaches, where the grooves are

In the southern part of Bali Island lie soft sand beaches that show off their different characteristics. Southwestern beaches such as Sanur and Nusa Dua are calm and quite, and that is the reason high-end resorts and villas dominate the area. Tanah Lot cliff on the Southeast shows off unique black sand beaches and breathtaking sunset panorama. Down from that is Seminyak, a new up-and-coming stylish area with elegant restaurants and bars as well as trendy beachfront resorts.

Kuta is surfer’s central. The beach gained popularity during the 80s as it was regarded as one of the 3Ks of tourist capitals (Kathmandu in Nepal, Khaosan in Thailand and Kuta in Indonesia). Although it cannot really be compared to the white powder-sand beaches of Thailand, Bali’s waves are second to none. Waves here are (although not for swimming) perfect for surfing and other extreme water sports. Hence that they attract surfers from all over the world, particularly those from Australia as it’s almost on their back doorstep. If you can’t surf, yet those 10-meter-high waves still arouse a deeply tempting curiosity; a three-day surfing course costs roughly US $100 and you can rent equipment such as boards and wetsuits anywhere on the beach (that’s if you can’t make a deal with your surf instructor).

As a surfer’s capital, tourism drives Kuta and the adjacent street Legian. During the day, Lagian is home to fashion boutiques and cutesy cafés. As daylight fades, young Australian and Japanese travellers roam these two streets lined with mid-range accommodation, savvy restaurants and bars, not to mention the remarkable Hard Rock Hotel and Hard Rock Café where everyone stops for some photos with this place.

Regrettably, on October 12, 2002, the Indonesia’s deadliest terrorist attack occurred, destroying everything. The suicide bomber inside Paddy’s Pub and a car explode in front of Sari Club, both on Legian street. Totally consuming 164 foreign and 38 Indonesian lives within the blast, and causing an additional 209 injuries. The ground zero is now reconstructed, rebuilt as a Bali Bombing Memorial to commemorate all 202 deaths.

Only a few years later we can now witness the rebirth of Bali, together with a new day blossoming for Kuta, Legian and notably Seminyak, where all the trendy people seem to gather. Legian in recent years has welcomed many new faces, like MbarGo, ViAiPi and Sky Garden Lounge, which happen to be favourite venues for Bali’s brand new hip-hop and house tunes. Still, there are people who dislike touristy feeling areas like Kuta and Legian, for whom a visit to explore the delights of Seminyak is perfect. In Saminyak chic fashion boutiques, five-star villas and luxurious restaurants and bars overlooking the ocean are lined up ready to serve trendy clientele. The sophisticated designs of Hu’u and Ku De Ta for instance, have easily revamped this area into a place where people love to go, to see and to be seen. This is the new light of Bali.

I talked to my Balinese friend about my perception of tourism-driven cities—like Bali. I was curious how the Balinese preserve their cultural richness, while opening themselves up to the world at the same time. The answer taught me something new.  He said that what I and other tourists may have seen—he was referring to those local people who hunt for tourists and the fancy hotels or flashy bars that replicate western models—are actually predominantly contained within tourist areas. Most locals, for example in the capital of Denpasar - which is not a tourist destination - still live their own Hindu-Balinese lives, just like their ancestors did, and rarely venture into tourist areas. The main idea behind this (that I have learned), is that you need to realize where your roots are from, and hold onto your origins. If you roots are strong enough, then you won’t ever be swept along with the flow. I hope our citizens can take this to heart, even when tourism booms and sweeps through our country, there is no need to let money rot the roots of our tradition.

It’s been months now since my visit, but photos of Bali still lie there in my iPhoto album upon the coffee table. Every time I look at them with friends, it brings back good memories as I reminisce, reminding me of an island where the true enchantment lies within the differences. I now partly believe that maybe there are gods who know how often the Balinese give offerings to them so, as in return they seem to bless this island with fantastic landscapes and cultural prosperity.

Bali Fast Fact Information

Bali Island is actually one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces. This is probably the most renowned island of Indonesia, located between Java Island (west) and Lombok Island (east). It has a total area of 5,634.4 sq kilometres. From the population of 3,150,000 Balinese citizens, more than 93% are Hindus, while the rest are a mix of Muslim, Christian and Buddhists, respectively. Despite Indonesia’s Bahasa is the official language, some Balinese people speak their own language and also Tamil. Rupiah is the official currency (1 baht is approximately 300 rupiahs).

As Hanoi prepares to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of its founding in 2010, the city’s venerable relics are primed for prime time. They’ll be ogled like blossoms of fireworks - ahhh, the Temple of Literature, oooh, the Tortoise Tower - from the oldest, mossiest old gate, to the stolid exhibitions of the colonial French palaces. But quietly, subversively, Angelina is underfoot.

Angelina is the city’s newest, major restaurant, opening softly late last year, and now with a bang as she struts from the foundation of the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi.  Technically, Vietnam’s most intriguing new restaurant is an Italian steakhouse, but a great cut of beef is not the defining emblem of the Angelina experience.

More a lounge, a club, a venue for discreet liaison and high-brow association, Angelina pioneers what Hong Kong already has - a watering hole for the glitterati, and a magnet for the paparazzi. Think Mastroianni, Sinatra. Think Angelina.

The allure begins at the entrance on Le Phung Hieu Street, where the name of place in lower case letters is backlit in a lurid red that plays off the immaculate white exterior of the hotel. On the ground floor, a bar commands Angelina’s outside wall, and a stainless steel modular console commands back of the bar - an industrial flourish that says, ‘Hey, this ain’t your l’oncle’s Vietnam.”

Elsewhere on the ground floor, among the bar stools and the 26 seats, a prominent DJ stand and its Pioneer mixing board pump up the volume. A curved glass wall, bursting with cigars, channels aficionados to a room where smoke is king. But if drink’s your thing, go behold the stacks of Veuve Cliquot champagne, shielded by plates of glass.

Up one level, bottles of Bordeaux and single malts wall in a low-ceilinged lounge done up in sumptuous reds. The room seats 20 in an environment that’s all plush, and that includes a curvilinear sofa that looks like something out of a sultan’s seraglio. Walls of interactive panels pulsate with abstract light shows.

Up one more level, you’re at eye level with the chandeliers that hang over the bar. The ceiling is silver. The floors are hardwood. A neighboring function room seats 16. If there’s a dominant social aesthetic to Angelina, it’s this: That individuals crave nooks and crannies in crowded places.

“Beyond the obvious pleasures that come from the perfect cocktail, the perfect cigar, and the perfect steak, Angelina is a place for hatching schemes, for seeing and for being seen,” said Kai Speth, general manager of the Sofitel Metropole Hotel. “This is Big Hanoi.”

Angelina was a debutante April 16 when a parade of women in high-end, black lingerie modeled La Perla fashions and Hennessey slaked everyone’s thirst. It was billed as a ‘Men’s Night.’ Despite the bodyguards at the door, and the guest list, women did infiltrate the floor. But black lace prevailed; the catwalk was strut; and men had their way with the night and the Hennessey, if nothing else.

“If it can happen in Hanoi, it will happen here,” said Carl Gagnon, the executive assistant manager at the Metropole. “Trust me.”

Of course, there’s food at Angelina, as well — Wagyu Beef Fillet Tartare, Herb Crusted Lamb Rack and a Duet of Slow-Cooked Salmon and Sea Bass et al. The line-up is largely Italian, from zuppa and antipasti to handcrafted pasta to wood-stone fired pizzas. The charcoal grilled menu delivers 250-gram veal chops to 350-gram New York prime sirloin and a 400-gram t-bone.

The food is the raison d’etre at Angelina, but it’s the ambiance, and the possibility of the unexpected, that’s calling out the venue as one of Southeast Asia’s most magnificent social opportunities.

“Social networking is all the rage, whether it’s virtual or in the case of Angelina, in the flesh,” said Gagnon. “Tweet that.”

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard Showcases Wildlife Photography Exhibition by Bruce Kekule

Hua Hin Hills Vineyards together with Mr. Bruce Kekule, noted wildlife protector and American photographer, who has been in Thailand for more than three decades, is organizing a special wildlife exhibition showcasing rare photographs of the remaining wildlife found in the Kingdom’s forests.

This exhibition, while offering visitors a chance to discuss and learn more about Thailand’s living treasures, is also a call for action to preserve and protect the remaining habitat for wild animals. The photographs on show are for sale and all proceeds will be donated to support wildlife conservation projects at Kaeng Kracharn National Park.

Bruce Kekule has been in Thailand for more than 35 years, with much of his time spent supporting and spreading the message about Thailand’s priceless wild creatures and habitats. He works with both the private and public sector to promote and gain attention of the wildlife in Thailand, locally and internationally. Through his works, Bruce has shown the world the unparalleled natural heritage of Thailand in all its beauty.

Bruce Kekule Wildlife photograph exhibition is open to the public;

August 8* - September 15, 2009.

Hua Hin Hills VineyardPrachuab Kirikan

* On August 8 and 9, 2009, Mr.Bruce Kekule will be present at the
exhibition’s grand opening in order to meet guests, as well as vineyard
visitors. He will also autograph his recently released book “Wild Rivers,”
which is available for sale from Asiabooks.

Further information for media please contact:

Parisa Chayakula / Suparat Photivichit TQPR Thailand

Tel: 0 2260 5820 ext. 121/113; Fax: 0 2260 5847-8; Email:
samui@tqpr.com, aey@tqpr.com

The new Cape Town flights will operate via Etihad’s current daily, Airbus A330, service to South Africa’s commercial capital Johannesburg.

It will be Etihad’s second destination in South Africa and its fifth on the African continent, joining Khartoum, Cairo and Casablanca.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “Etihad Airways is committed to expanding its flight network across the world and we are delighted to add flights to Cape Town to our schedule from September. In the coming 12 months demand for flights to South Africa will grow immensely, especially with the 2010 FIFA World Cup next summer.”

Etihad started flights to Johannesburg in December 2005 and it has since then established itself as one of the airline’s most successful destinations.

It is expected that the new Cape Town service will be welcomed by the South African expatriate community living in the UAE which now stands at approximately 40,000 people.

Many more South African nationals live across the Middle East region and also will be able to connect quickly and easily back home via Abu Dhabi.

It is also anticipated that many leisure travellers will fly to Cape Town with Etihad’s new service.

The city is South Africa’s premier tourist destination offering many highlights including the iconic Table Mountain and Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

Now Available at Siam Paragon

Bangkok June 23, 2009 - Casa Pagoda, the renowned home furnishing store, offering concept furniture with multiple inspirations, from neo-Zen combined with East-West influence, to ethnic chic and Parisian, is now offering the best decoration accessories at Paragon Living on the 4th floor of Siam Paragon.

Philippe Bramaz, a partner at Casa Pagoda noted that extending the product line and availability of Casa Pagoda to Siam Paragon has already proved to be very successful since it fits perfectly with the essence of Bangkok’s premier shopping destination.

Having further grown in popularity since the opening of its flagship store at Ozono Complex, on Sukhumvit 39, Casa Pagoda has claimed an enviable position among discerning home and apartment owners as well as with designers, for its beautiful and highly functional designs, combined Asian and European designs, all of which are made from the highest quality products.

Casa Pagoda travels the world to bring together an exclusive collection of accessories. “We are always in search for those special accessory pieces for our clients and Siam Paragon provides a perfect avenue for them. These magnificent pieces are included in the newly launched collection of cotton blankets, aluminum sculptures, the French country living wooden collection, and many more”, said Bramaz.

Casa Pagoda presents new arrivals every month and is now introducing its brand new arrivals, including a sofa shell Loveseat, the stunning linen sofa Girona, or the sideboard with cowhide, among many others

About Casa Pagoda

Casa Pagoda commenced its business in 2005, founded by Mr. Philippe Bramaz, a Swiss, together with an American and a Belgium Partner. With a common passion for the best in comfortable living and highest standards of quality, they established unique concept stores that have become one of the more renowned furniture venues in Asia.

Today Casa Pagoda has showrooms in Bangkok, Thailand and Shanghai, China.

Thailand: Casa Pagoda Sukhumvit is located at Ozono, 307 Sukhumvit 39, Bangkok 10110

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11 am - 8 pm

Further you can find some of our collection at:

Paragon living, Siam Paragon 4th Floor and Zen @ Central World 7th Floor

Shanghai: Casa Pagoda Taikang is located on no.15 Taikang Road, Shanghai, 200025

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am - 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11 am - 8 pm

Casa Pagoda Classic is located at No. 299, West Fu Xing Road, Shanghai, China, 200031

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am - 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11 am - 8 pm

For more information, please contact Casa Pagoda,

tel. +66 2 258 1917, fax: +66 2 662 30 14 or mail@casapagoda.com