2017-09-29

Sri panwa Phuket @ A Tropical Escape In South Phuket

While there’s an abundance of luxury resorts to choose from in Phuket, Thailand especially many of them appeal to the weekend hoppers for a staycation with sun, sand, sea which all comes together, mylifestylenews explores Sri panwa Phuket over a weekend filled with some unexpected discoveries.


Our pick up was right on time and made a good impression to begin our stay with Sri panwa. Passing through the main gate entrance at the base, we were driven to the reception going uphill along those narrow slopes while the sea view gradually emerged by looking through forestry trees which surrounded the entire resort. Perched high atop Cape Panwa, the Southeastern tip of Phuket and definitely away from the touristy tracks, the resort occupies the Cape Panwa peninsula in its entirety and commanding one of the best uninterrupted sunset views from its reknown Baba Nest infinity rooftop bar. Sri panwa offers what you need while taking a break escaping to a tropical paradise to unwind, relax and do absolutely nothing and to have a slow paced agenda of a not so typical hill side resort stay.



Once we stepped out from the vehicle, we were ushered one floor below for our check-in. The small claustrophobic reception immediately became a turn off especially when there are few other guests’ arrival and departure simultaneously. In such a proclaimed luxury resort, you will be expecting a majestic view with a spacious lobby and eye-catching interior fit out to impress. You need to stretch your neck to spot those little islands dotted along the Andaman Sea’s horizon. It was to our disappointment that there is zero wow factor, with tree branches blocking part of the not so much of a infinity sea view but polluted roof top tanks and jetty demolished your  paradise imagination especially during low tide with muddy sands and rocks scattered along the beach front.


Our two-bedroom family suite ocean view pool villa was reserved weeks before the arrival yet the check-in still takes more than 20 minutes to complete. An in-room check in would be more personal and save time and to avoid unnecessary documentation. With other guests checking out and poor communication between the front desk staff, the buggy service was another further delay to ferry us higher up the hillside to settle us in our villa.


The villa looks smaller than we thought despite the 350 sqm in size featuring two bedrooms on one level separated by an open air living area with a kitchenette (without cooking pot or pan), outdoor dining space, sofa bed, sun lounges and an infinity pool with partly blocked panoramic sea views. The Mini bar is stocked up with daily replenishment of local beers and sodas as well as small bite snacks on a complimentary basis.



Our room with partially sea view.



Designed to offer both a chilled out and party ambience, the villa’s surrounding common areas provides surround sound entertainment systems and iPod preloaded vibe music to add moods. The system in our villa was in poor quality with broken speakers transmitting irritating music when it is played. The outdoor shower area could be another alternative exotic add-on facility in the villa but due to the unclean standing shower area loaded with falling branches and leaves, we thought it was best to stay with the indoor shower and bath instead. With that thought in mind, quality assurance check is definitely lacking here.

The room’s interior embraces the essence of tropical contemporary design and is rather comfy and spacious, integrating its natural jungle and ocean surroundings with modern comfort and living. High wooden ceiling, extra King size bed, his and hers dressing area, roomy indoor shower, sino-Portuguese tiles motif and cozy lighting that calms the mood in harmony.

After unpacking we headed to the resort main swimming pool for further relaxation. This 25-meter infinity-edge lap pool has plentiful modern, chic sun lounges as well as cabanas for more intimate and further chill, with a separation of the top pool that provide a water fall effect to the lower deck pool which is ideal for the family. Live DJ spinning latest top hits as well as lounge chill music from time to time while you are soaking the sun from the isle of Phuket.

You may make a grand entrance to the main swimming pool


The main swimming pool provides plentiful sun lounges to relax


The top level of the pool creates a waterfall effect to the lower deck pool which is ideal for family


Sun lounges aligned by the poolside



Another intimate corner by the main swimming pool for your own privacy


Another Beach Pool located at the other side of the hill is more tranquil and intimate. The infinity pool is smaller in size yet cozy, surrounded by lush tropical forest with a different sea view to gaze upon. There is also a stairway access to the small secluded beach when the tide is low.



The Spa retreat is another alternative on the to-do-list for further indulgence and well being and we managed to book ourselves at The Cool Spa for a relaxing escapade.


Baba Nest would definitely be the first choice for sunset cocktail, unfortunately it was closed for refurbishment during our stay. The Sunset Bar - one floor below Baba Nest was the alternative during the upgrading work in progress, the view was not as good as it should be in comparing Baba Nest that offers a 360 degree panoramic view. The open concept washroom with lily water pond features attracts little frogs jumping to the floor, and while it is nice to be close to nature, having them in the toilets can be quite a frightening experience to some.



View from the Sunset Bar


The food & beverage concepts here are rather confusing, with the choice of different selections carrying the name Baba to lead, which has three locations, thanks to the settlements by the Indians, Hokkien Chinese & Portuguese in the early 1800’s. With the old & new sharing common goal over time, the relationship within the settlements was imminent. “Baba” was the name given to male offspring & “Nyonya” to the female. These children were the result of different people, cultures, ideas, philosophies & tastes coming together & creating something truly unique. Hence, the food & beverage outlets come with the name Baba Poolclub, Baba Hot Pot, Baba Fun, Baba88, Baba Nest, Soul Food @ Baba Dining Lounge and so forth.



We missed our wake up call on our first morning in Sri panwa which was set at 9.15am and the following morning call came 15 minutes earlier. Not only with poor greetings but with no second call offer to follow, seemingly, the telephone manners do really need more supervision with listening and communication skills.



Breakfast is served at Baba, the only outlet that caters for the breakfast. With limited seats during the peak hours, be prepared to be seated at the nearby bar area that is away from the main restaurant. The buffet is well spread with a good combination of local Thai delicacies and international supplies of pastry. If you fancy some bubbly in the morning, Italian prosecco is ready for unlimited pouring. Service was attentive yet a little slow in response, so be patient for the delivery after you have placed any order.



Staff uniforms are peculiarly numbered 8 on sport polo T-shirts with shorts, which is simply too casual and nothing resembles any Thai culture or heritage for image branding. Front desk service standards & consistency needs improvement not only to understand guests requests, but to react accordingly.  With their latest opening Baba Beach Club hotel at the northern tip of Phuket on Natai beach Phang Nga area featuring a new chinoiseries design element concept,  the resort needs upgrading not only from the wear and tear in Sri panwa that begins to show sign of age, the front line staff is more on its priority to get rid of the mind-only-my-own-business service attitude.




Tried & Tested:
Location: 4/5
Design & Decor: 3/5
Room Amenities: 3/5
Food & Beverages: 3/5
Housekeeping: 2.5/5
Service: 2/5
Value For Money: 2.5/5
Experience: 3/5

 88, Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, 
Vichit, Muang, Phuket Thailand
Tel: +66 7637 1000


Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.

LOEWE AW2017 Men Advertising Campaign


LOEWE AW2017 Men Advertising Campaign was unveiled during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris from 19 through 25 January on over 500 of the city’s dark green news kiosks. In one of the images, model Max Overshiner is photographed by Steven Meisel wearing a full black leather look in front of a suspended cloud-like structure made by M/M (Paris) from over 9,000 coal-coloured silk ribbons. As in previous seasons, the selected images will also be on view on a billboard outside of LOEWE’s left bank atelier at 76, rue Bonaparte, facing St. Sulpice cathedral. Creative direction by Jonathan Anderson and M/M (Paris).


The second image is a clear shot of the new bucket-shaped Lantern bag in tan calf, whose bottom part has been submerged in gold silicone paint to achieve a simultaneously precious and worn effect.


A third image, a still life by Meisel titled ‘Flowers (December)’, continues LOEWE’s special collaboration with the photographer, depicting a vivid bouquet in a golden vase emerging from the dark. Taken from a series of 12 colour photographs inspired by Constance Spry - the British educator who revolutionised flower design in the mid-20th century - the image is included in a limited edition calendar available in select LOEWE stores and online.

Photography by:
Steven Meisel

Styling by: 
Benjamin Bruno

Product photography by:
Cristiani-Toubiana

Lehmann Glass Introduces New Range Of Wine Glasses

Lehmann Glass, France’s tirelessly innovative glassware producer introduces a new range of wine glasses available in Hong Kong. What sets Lehmann Glass apart from other glassware producers is the depth of the company’s design collaboration with leading sommeliers, Masters of Wine and France’s grand wine, spirit and champagne estates.
While aesthetic appeal is important, Lehmann Glass designs are driven by the tasting experience. Based in Reims, the company has worked closely with the great Champagne estates for the last 30 years to innovate approaches to Champagne and sparkling wine tasting. Breaking from the confines of conventional flute glasses, Lehmann Glass has redefined the champagne glass to enhance effervescence and allow for the full complexity of aromas and flavours to be appreciated.


Jamesse
Developed with Domaine Les Crayères Head SommelierPhillippe Jamesse, this sophisticated range of blown crystal glasses features a pointed base to enhance effervescence and provide a precise starting point to swirl the wine. Elegantly light with gentle curves and a generous, spherical bowl, the designs allow the flavours and aromas of both sparkling and still wines to fully unfold and reveal themselves.


Oenomust
The result of an exciting collaboration with world-leading Master of Wine Gérard Basset, the unique Oenomust range puts Lehmann Glass ahead of the pack with its fearlessly innovative twin-curve design. The generously rounded bulb at the base allows for gentle swirling and aeration, then curves to a narrower rim which captures and intensifies the aromas.According to Basset, the design “is quite simply a flavour enhancer.”


Excellence
Simple, elegant and robust, these lead-free crystal glasses are perfect for everyday use. The Excellence range of versatile designs will enhance any wine style and situation.


Absolus
The Absolus range is the result of Lehmann Glass’s long and close collaborations with the great Champagne houses. They yearned for a glass with a pointed base to enhance effervescence, but with a wide bowl to allow for the full appreciation of their wines’ complexity. Lehmann Glass delivered with these strikingly stylish hybrid designs which will bring out the aromas in any wine, whether sparkling or still.

2017-09-28

Holiday Inn Bangkok - Business and Pleasure

The Holiday Inn Bangkok across the Erawan Shine on Phloen Chit road is going through a major refurbishment, especially at the front-of-the-house areas including the lobby and some of its existing food & beverage outlets together with a new face-lift to its old wing existing rooms. Yet, despite this, they still do not fail to deliver for what is already best known for its warm and welcoming hospitality and of course its prominent locale. mylifestylenews writes.


The moment we stepped in the hotel after slightly delayed pick up by the representative from the airport (knowing that our flight was a domestic arrival and we wondered why he thought our flight was from Shanghai), there are walls being covered for the renovation work leaving a hallway that leads us to the back of the building by passing through Ginger - the All-Day dining restaurant before we arrived to the temporary reception desk for check-in.


A short brief check-in or express check-in, our room was assigned accordingly, thanks to the speedy process from the warm hospitality focused front desk staff. Our standard room is more than what the basic amenities that a Holiday Inn hotel standard could possibly provide, despite our room was rather lacking natural lights coming in from the window, but the space and amenities, as well as the cleanliness of the room, adhered to a proficient standard.


The cozy Executive Club Lounge


If you are travelling on business purposes, the hotel’s cozy Executive Club Lounge offers great deals for meeting facilities, as well as a good selection of canapes and the beverage selection does not disappoint - it only makes things convenient to entertain your guest or business associate in no time.


Ginger All-Day Dining Restaurant


The welcoming entrance at Ginger All-Day Dining Restaurant


The Ginger All-day dining restaurant is our all time favorite that serves intriguing flavors, textures and colors that excite the senses, especially the local Thai delicacies section, from the street style noodles soup to the stir-fried dishes that names this restaurant. this is one of the most popularly patronized restaurants for the locals and expats coming for its buffet selection, not only is the price competitive (among the best in town) but also the variety and quality of food that fits all tastes.


The spacious Ginger All-Day dining Restaurant serves a wide variety of international and local delicacies.


The hotel swimming pool was utterly quiet and serene, as the pool is surrounded by its tall and up-rising building and designed to make it look like a courtyard pool instead and there wasn’t much noise to disrupt our pool time indulgence.


Every moment is to be fascinated when you manage to find the right timing to pamper yourself and enjoy the local hospitality that leaves you a good memory to bring home and to share with others. For just such a simple reason, you will look forward to coming back for the already known and recognized warm hospitality. We patiently await and certainly would like to come back to see the new face of this charming centrally located hotel in Bangkok in the not so distant future.



Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 3.5/5
Room Amenities: 3.5/5
Food & Beverages: 5/5
Housekeeping: 3.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5

Highlights:
 Ginger Restaurant

Pathum Wan, 971 Phloen Chit Road
Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2656 1555

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.

GIVENCHY Introduces Fall 2017 Tuxedo Capsule

 GIVENCHY Introduces Fall 2017 Tuxedo Capsule for formal occasions. Made with the finest fabrics and in accordance with the highest standards of Italian tailoring craftsmanship, these styles blend fashion-forward elegance with high-voltage tailoring and the distinctive embellishments that are the Maison’s signature.


FERRAGAMO AND I AW2017/18 Advertising Campaign


FERRAGAMO AND I AW2017/18 Advertising Campaign 

Energetic, spontaneous, colourful and engaging. These are the key words of Ferragamo and I, Salvatore Ferragamo’s AW2017/18 advertising campaign. This fresh, dynamic campaign captures consumers’ emotions and draws them into a “love affair” with Ferragamo products that never really ended, focusing on shoes and bags and celebrating, as always, the creativity, elegance and expertise that are hallmarks of the Ferragamo brand.


The artist behind the images, Swiss photographer Walter Pfeiffer, is known for leaving an indelible mark on the world of photography from the 1970s to today.

  
He has created a bold new narrative for Ferragamo, infusing the products and objects with life in a continuous dialogue of colour and perspective, playing with irony and dynamic motion to make Ferragamo products and the fashion brand’s icons immediately recognisable, colourful and fun; in one word: alive.


Pfeiffer has also brought the same personal insight to additional digital content, like the cast diaries - a mini-series starring the models on set as they improvise with the products. The results are always a clever, colourful scene of interiors in which nothing is ever static.


This is a completely new creative and photographic style for the Florentine fashion company, confirming its decision a few seasons ago to use a language suited to all modern digital and traditional communication platforms. The stars of the new campaign are Chinese and French supermodels Xiao Wen Ju and Aymeline Valade and British Kit Butler.


With the #FerragamoandI hashtag, customers are put centre stage in a new conversation between the brand, its products and their perception of them, with just the right amount of spectacle and engagement.


Photographer: 
Walter Pfeiffer


Talents: 
Kit Butler
Xiao Wen Ju
Aymeline Valade


Stylist:
Suzanne Koller

Set Design: 
Jean Michel Berlin


Hair stylist: 
Duffy


Make up: 
Lucio Pieroni