Vol 5, No 21:
Bangkok's Top Suites and its Best Hotels
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Check out our DGAE Library featuring:
Insider reviews of unique experiences from VIP supercar tours of Italy, treks to see the Polar Bears, safaris in Africa, Cuba by private jet and previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seaboard Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Mozart, Crystal Symphony, Norwegian Breakaway, Celebrity Edge, and Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
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Banwa is the latest, uber-luxury private island
Private islands are a hot trend as they ensure guests the ability to completely customize the experience without having to work around the needs of other customers. Think Richard Branson’s Necker Island in BVI or David Copperfield’s private island retreat in the Bahamas.
Bangkok has a plethora of high-end, luxury hotels, all made better by the warm and friendly hospitality that is the signature of the Thai people.
It has also become a dining hot spot, scoring nine restaurants on The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers.
In this issue, we reviewed the top choices of Travel + Leisure readers and the inspectors from Forbes Travel Guide. To go along with their insights, we spotlight the top suite in each of their picks for the best of Bangkok.
I hope all of your travels are amazing!
All the best,
Doug Gollan
Founder/Editor
dougollan@dgamazingexperiences.com
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Table of Contents
A. Private Aviation Headlines
B. Before You Buy Reports - Jets, Yachts, Villas
C. The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers
Bangkok's Best Hotels and Top Suites
1. lebua at State Tower
2. The Siam, Bangkok
3. The Peninsula, Bangkok
4. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
5. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
6. St. Regis Bangkok
7. Past Executive Security Reports
8. Jet Card Insider Reports
9. Best Of DG Amazing Experiences Library
A. Private Aviation Headlines
1. Arbitrator approves $6 million JetSmarter settlement
2. Nicholas Air adds Challenger 300 jet card
3. Jet Linx partners with Southwest to boost the pipeline of pilots
4. DashJet folded into Exec 1 Aviation
5. JetSet Group adds a trans-Atlantic jet card
6. Dumont names new COO
7. Prive Jets partners with UHNW security firm
8. Delta Private Jets gets a new boss (again)
9 Former Dumont execs open new jet card brokerage
10. NetJets, Flexjet, VistaJet - Comparing the branded large cabin options
11. Is NetJets worth the price?
Jet Card Buyer’s Tips
1. Buyer’s Tip #1 Know the company behind your program
2. Buyer’s Tip #2 Fixed rates or dynamic pricing?
3. Buyer’s Tip #3 Do I need guaranteed availability?
4. Buyer’s Tip #4 Make sure your program’s Primary Service Area matches your flight
5. Buyer’s Tip #5 What you need to know about Peak Days
6. Buyer’s Tip #6 Roundtrip and one-way pricing
B. Before You Buy Reports
1. Before you charter a superyacht
2. Before you rent a villa
3. Before you charter a private jet
4. Before you buy a jet card
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C. The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers
With the help of our friends, we’ve curated a list of 143 restaurants in 60 cities around-the-world that each has memorable views, cuisine to match, and are all located on the top floors or rooftops of leading hotels.
In other words, if you are on a tight schedule, don’t worry about fighting traffic. Dinner (or lunch) is just an elevator ride away, like your private jet, saving you time. For the entire list, click here.
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In this issue, we look at the hotels Travel + Leisure and Forbes rank as best in Bangkok, and then we take you inside the top suites at each hotel.
And don’t forget the great restaurants. The Thai capital scored nine restaurants on The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers.
1. Lebua at State Tower
Voted by Travel + Leisure readers as the top hotel in this uber-competitive market of luxury properties, the magazine says of lebua at State Tower, “This year’s winner stands out for its location in one of Bangkok’s tallest high-rises, which makes it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails on the rooftop Sky Bar.”
It continues, “From here, the entire city stretches out in all directions. The guest rooms, meanwhile, attract readers who value space — standard rooms clock in at a huge 710 square feet, which would make them suites almost anywhere else.”
T+L editors add, “As you’d expect from one of the highest hotels in Asia, the views are a big selling point. And while Lebua doesn’t have the secluded garden setting of other Bangkok hotels, amenities here include an expansive swimming pool and a spa, where travelers can enjoy traditional Thai massages.”
The hotel is also known for its fine and fun dining. Sirocco and Breeze offer al fresco rooftop dining with breathtaking views of the city, while Mezzaluna is one of only two restaurants in Thailand to have earned two stars in Michelin’s first two years of rankings in the Kingdom. Its Chef’s Table restaurant opened earlier this year is led by Vincent Thierry, who oversaw three-star kitchens in Hong Kong and Paris.
The Hangover Suite
If you want to retrace the footsteps of the guys from the Hangover movie, you can choose this suite, however, it is identical to the Three Bedroom Tower Club lebua Suite in layout encompassing 2,863 sq. ft, with four balconies, two king bedrooms, one twin bedroom, two full baths and a guest bath, plus large living room and dining area. The differences are the furnishings, artwork as a tribute to the movie, and free daily re-stocking of the minibar plus as many Hangovertinis as you can imbibe.
2. The Siam, Bangkok
Travel + Leisure says, “The Siam is a beautiful, amenity-rich hotel designed by Bill Bensley that is equal parts compound and oasis on the river. During your stay, watch a movie at the private cinema or explore the hotel’s antiques collection. Full-day lessons are offered at the authentic Muay Thai boxing gym, and dinner at the Chon Thai restaurant is not to be missed.”
Connie’s Cottage
The 1,800 sq. ft. Connie’s Cottage is a century-old traditional Thai teak house chosen by the well-known American Silk tycoon, Jim Thompson for his best friend, Connie Mangskau that has been transformed into a rustic Thai pool cottage.
The venue offers an air of romantic mystery, layered with historical charm, without sacrificing in the least on comfort and convenience. There’s butler service plus a shuttle boat between the hotel and Bangkok’s central Sathorn pier.
3. The Peninsula Bangkok
Travel + Leisure says, “Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the spacious rooms at The Peninsula (especially those on higher floors) offer guests stunning views of the River of Kings and the Bangkok skyline. Beat the Bangkok traffic by using one of the four ferry boats that shuttle guests between three different piers nearly 650 times each day.”
The Peninsula Suite
The 3,885 sq. ft. offers 34th-floor river views. Appointed throughout in an array of Thai silks, antiques, Oriental carpets, crystal chandeliers, and teak wood floors, guests arriving by helicopter are whisked via the exclusive Paribatra Helicopter Lounge directly from the rooftop helipad.
The Peninsula Suite has a master and guest bedrooms, walk-in closets and a butler's room. The dining room seats up to 10 people and an expansive landscaped terrace offers the option to entertain under the stars.
4. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
T+L says, “It would be a shame for any visitor to come to Bangkok and miss the splendor of the Mandarin Oriental. For more than 135 years, this Travel + Leisure favorite hotel has been at the center of Bangkok life. The 339 rooms and 35 suites are spacious and elegant and enhanced by lush surroundings and serene riverside locale. The Authors’ Suites pay tribute to the long list of literary greats who have been long-time clients of Bangkok’s Grand Dame.”
Oriental Suite
The 4,047 two-bedroom Oriental Suite is a penthouse with a large terrace offering river views. Situated on the top floor of the hotel enjoy over 600 sq. ft. of outdoor space, a private dining room seating up to 12, an entertainment room, multiple sitting areas, and kitchen.
5. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
The 5th rated Bangkok hotel according to T+L readers, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort also gained four stars from Forbes, which notes, :It opened in 2015 (it took over the building from the Four Seasons), the hotel already feels settled into its plush surroundings, exuding a classic, timeless feel.”
Two-Bedroom River View Chao Phraya Suite
The 1,250 sq. ft. two-bedroom suites feature contemporary Thai décor. There’s a dining area with kitchenette and wine cooler that flows into a sunlit lounge with a multimedia hub. The master bedroom offers a king bed adorned with Thai artistry and rich silks, while the second ensuite bedroom is configured with twin beds, perfect for families or small groups.
6. St. Regis Bangkok
Not making the T+L top five, but 5-star rating from Forbes, The St. Regis Bangkok is marked by its patterned furnishings and carpeting, white-marble surfaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Forbes notes, “Textured walls, patterned high-back furnishings, and smooth white marble define the chic Asian style of the Bangkok hotel. Its high-ceilinged lobby features a sophisticated color palette of purples, blacks and grays, with oversized black metal candles to one side of a plush lounge area.”
It adds, “Extravagant décor and gilded appointments are found throughout The St. Regis Bangkok’s public areas — areas that during the evening are more often than not also buzzing with hi-so clientele clamoring for tables at food and wine hot spots like Decanter, JoJo, and Viu.”
The Owner’s Penthouse
On the 44th and 45th floors, The Owner’s Penthouse Artistic is a three-bedroom residence features floor-to-ceiling windows throughout and on the balcony, a private 7-meter infinity pool that overlooks the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
Overlooking Bangkok’s Sukhumvit, a private dining room can seat up to 16 guests. A fully equipped modern kitchen can be stocked to order. A wine room offers a fine selection of old and new world vintages specially chosen from our cellar by the house sommelier.
In each of three bedrooms is a king-sized bed. The master bedroom incorporates a study area with an oversized CEO desk, while an en-suite walk-in closet leads to the marble bathroom, where you’ll find a large freestanding bathtub and a separate custom shower.
Bespoke 24-hour St. Regis Butler service means two personal butlers ready to cater to your every need. From packing and unpacking to serving in-residence breakfast to making arrangements for a fully-catered dinner party, make your list. |
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Seven hot superyachts for charter this Summer
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We checked in with Northrop & Johnson’s top brokers to find out which superyachts are hot for the charter market this summer, and in our report are eight picks for both Europe and North America. For each superyacht, you’ll find a summary of length, builder, launch and renovation dates, capacity for guests, number of cabins, range of rates, where each boat will be based for the winter season, minimum charter length, captain as well as a list of toys. Read more...
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Crystal Esprit is perfect for groups up to 64
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Crystal Esprit sits in the wide gap between chartering a superyacht and even the smaller luxury cruise ships that take 200-300 passengers. There are 91 crew and 62 guests, and the passenger areas are spread across four decks.
Explore hidden harbors and out of the way island beaches, swim to shore, splash out on wave runners, water toys and your own private submarine. Crystal Esprit is a 5-star floating resort for just 62 guests. You even can charter the entire yacht for celebrations or meetings. Read more…
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Tour Italy Like a VVIP By Super Car
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1000 All’ Ora combines its insider auto industry connections with the best of Italian luxury experiences. They arrange everything from hotels to restaurant reservations, sourcing the specific supercar types you want and accompany your group providing VVIP service.
They will also video your experience, including filming by drones, providing you with a memorable look back at your adventure. They arrange factory tours and behind the scenes visits to wineries, ateliers and museums. Below is a sample four-day itinerary, but in the end, they will do whatever you want, wherever you want in Italy. Read more…
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| Takeovers in The Bahamas, Costa Rica and Panama |
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Sometimes you want to take over the entire place. In this issue we look at three private resorts, visiting The Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Panama. Each provides the privacy and personalized service that comes with your own residence, but offers more than a typical villa, and is perfect for friends, family and special events such as wedding and even corporate retreats. Read more…
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| A billionaire’s private island resort in Fiji |
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Laucala Island in Fiji was once the playground of publishing mogul Malcolm Forbes. Now owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, it is a private island resort with just 25 oversized villas bringing together high luxury and South Pacific romance in a playground of soft adventure, and even an 18-hole golf course. Each villa is different, designed with an eye to traditional Fijian style and all come with private pools set amidst the palms of coconut plantations, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush green mountains. Read more…
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Why Waikiki is back as a luxury destination
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Waikiki is back as a destination for luxury travelers. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach has joined the Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, and Trump International as 5-star options. But the real change is that both Waikiki and Honolulu have become a destination fit for foodies, adding to the increasing quotient of luxury shopping. Most importantly, and often overlooked, a quick drive to the other side of Oahu and you will find deserted beaches, hiking, biking and all sorts of soft adventure on par with Hawaii’s outer islands. Read more...
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Five stunning villas in Los Cabos
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Located next to One&Only Palmilla, Del Mar Los Cabos is a luxury gated. Expansive homes up to 12,000 sq. ft. are built to the highest standards of construction, and you have your own butler and private chef. Elegant Mexico handles all pre-arrival planning and concierge services. You get your own golf cart, Club Ninety-Six beach club and kids club access, Club Espiritu fitness club and spa, Offsite activity coordination services, in-residence spa services, 24-hour gated security, and 24-hour emergency medical response are all included. Read more...
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| Luxury on the Bund in Shanghai |
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If you are visiting on leisure or have extra time, or this is your first time coming to Shanghai, The Peninsula should be at the top of your consideration set. It also has a board meeting room with stunning views of The Bund on the west bank Huangpu River. The area is notable for its beautiful waterfront buildings, many of which have been restored. If you are doing a product launch, there is some nice rooftop space, indoors and outside. Read more…
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| Fine and Fun Skyscraper Dining in Bangkok |
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lebua at State Tower in Bangkok has become the epicenter of Thailand’s move to award-winning internationalizing, with 2-star Michelin restaurant Mezzaluna, Breeze, Sirocco, and soon Chef’s Table under the direction Vincent Thierry of the 3-star Michelin Caprice in Hong Kong. Of course, the nightlife is not restricted to restaurants with a multitude of specialty bars from The Flute A Perrier Jouet and Alfresco 64, a Chivas bar, lebua No. 3, with its caviar shooters and of course the bar that launched a worldwide trend, Skybar (pictured left). Read more...
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Views of the lake in Geneva
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In the center of Geneva, convenient to private banks and the United Nations, Hotel D'Angleterre is a hotel with a view of Lake Leman, both from its top suites and fine dining restaurant. Part of the Red Carnation group of boutique luxury hotels, each suite and room has its own unique decor. Don’t forget to check out its new cigar lounge. Read more... |
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About DG Amazing Experiences |
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My name is Doug Gollan. I am a strong advocate of the private aviation industry. You can read my frequent coverage of private jets and luxury travel at Forbes.com.
I’ve chosen you to receive DG Amazing Experiences because I believe you share my passion for both business aviation and the best travel and luxury experiences in the world.
DG Amazing Experiences is your e-newsletter guide to the best places and experiences for private jet travelers like yourself. The content is personally selected by me with the help of some of the smartest and best travel advisors in the world. My goal is to give you a look ahead at what's new, what's hot, and the best of the best. To make it easy for you, the stories are short but detailed, and I provide plentiful links to additional, relevant information.
If you are looking for private aviation solutions from on-demand charter to jet cards, fractional and even full ownership, please visit our sister website Private Jet Card Comparisons to access our buyer’s guide to over 250 jet card programs and our exclusive on-demand charter guide. Our VIP assistance program can help you decide which solutions are optimal for you.
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