USD
An A-List Guide to Luxe Living in Bangkok
Written by Annabel Fuller
Five-star luxury, indulgent day spas and world-class entertainment – when it comes to A-list city breaks, it doesn’t get much better than Bangkok.
It’s official: Bangkok has undergone a renaissance and emerged as a luxury lover’s paradise. This vibrant city, once considered only as a backpacker’s destination, has ramped up its haute offerings. From gilded five-star hotels to world-class Michelin dining and high-end day spas, the Thai capital is far more than just a stopover on your way to the islands.
Read on for our pick of Bangkok’s most glamorous experiences.
STAY
Michelin-starred restaurants at Tower Club at lebua
If you’re someone who chases food trends and culinary excellence while travelling, then a stay at the five-star Tower Club at lebua is a must. The hotel boasts a central Bangkok location, close to many of the city’s best dining and nightlife spots. But there’s no need to venture beyond the hotel’s walls for an unforgettable feed: you’ll find not only one, but two two-Michelin-starred restaurants – Mezzaluna and Chef’s Table. If you’re feeling extra luxe, ascend to the world’s tallest gin, caviar and vodka bar, lebua No.3, for a sophisticated pre- or post-dinner tipple.
Riverside elegance at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
An award-winning oasis located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok has earned its five-star reputation for its luxury service, world-class amenities, exquisite dining and unrivalled central location. Rejuvenate body and soul at the Nemita Spa, relax in the Chatrium Club Lounge, dine on Thai delicacies at the River Barge Restaurant and drink in skyline views from the riverside pool bar.
A destination in itself: Shangri-La Bangkok
More than just a hotel, the spectacular Shangri-La Bangkok has a reputation as a destination, thanks to its superior service, incredible location and world-class amenities. This glittering high-rise boasts excellent restaurants, opulent bars and a gorgeous riverside pool. For moments of indulgence, visit the acclaimed CHI, The Spa a stunning sanctuary where you can rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. With various holistic treatments based on traditional techniques, the spa provides the perfect combination of pampering and relaxation.
Award-winning excellence at Banyan Tree Bangkok
Located in the renowned Silom/Sathon district, the luxurious Banyan Tree Bangkok is an institution of glamour and elegance. Each palatial room boasts a separate bath and shower, extra living area and seating, so you’ll feel more like you’re staying at a home than a hotel. The opulence doesn’t end there – dive into some of Bangkok’s most coveted dining experiences, including the must-see rooftop Moon Bar, perched 61 floors high with a drinks menu as breathtaking as the city skyline views. Everything you need and more is onsite, including a superb leisure centre, spacious health club, beauty spa, rooftop swimming pool and gallery.
Five-star elegance at SO/ Bangkok
A stylish sanctuary set in the beating heart of Bangkok’s vibrant arts and culture district, SO/ Bangkok promises an exhilarating stay to inspire the senses. Here, five-star luxury meets bold, contemporary design by famed couturier Christian Lacroix, with elements of French elegance, theatrical decor and modernist furnishings. Make your way up to the sparkling Club Signature lounge on the 25th floor to admire the mesmerising city skyline in between sips of specialty cocktails and bites of fine delicacies.
EAT & DRINK
Michelin-starred French-Japanese fusion at Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu
Sitting on floor 25 of the prestigious Okura Prestige Bangkok, Elements combines the artful techniques of French cuisine with the exquisite subtleties of Japanese ingredients, creating a luxurious richness that will not be forgotten. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers a relaxed, chic setting and a menu that reflects a remarkable blend of textures, temperatures, flavours and colours, to be savoured with stunning downtown views. Revel in the excitement of a theatrical fine-dining experience, complete with an open kitchen, whilst savouring each bite of its acclaimed seasonal degustation.
Thai-inspired gastronomy with a contemporary touch at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin
Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin is one of three restaurants situated inside the magnificent Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Foodies flock from across the globe for the chance to dine at this award-winning restaurant renowned for contemporary cuisine at its finest.
With a choice of a la carte and set seasonal menus, gastronomes are treated to traditional Thai flavours with a uniquely creative twist. Don’t leave without trying the decadent Tom Yum soup for a sip of sumptuous lobster bites confined within gooey pearls that dissolve in your mouth.
Award-winning omakase at Sushi Yamazato
For an authentic omakase experience located in the heart of Bangkok, look no further than the award-winning Yamazato. Serving sushi and sashimi made from the freshest seafood from Toyosu fish market and a sizzling range of accompanying teppanyaki, Yamazato’s exquisite cuisine is presented with meticulous attention to detail. Look no further than this elegant restaurant for a renowned saké list and memorable mouthfuls.
EXPERIENCE
Shop ‘til you drop at Gaysorn Shopping Centre
Gaysorn has been a Thai landmark for over 200 years, with the Srivikorn family cultivating the country’s original downtown area into the epicentre of modern-day Bangkok. From a humble street market to the country’s first shopping mall, Gaysorn has always been at the forefront of international trade and commerce. Now a glittering retail destination, you can indulge in your luxury fantasies here – Max Mara, Comme des Garçons, and Hugo Boss to name a few.
Indulge in afternoon tea at The Author’s Lounge at Mandarin Oriental
Immerse yourself in old-world charm reminiscent of the early 1900s with an indulgent high tea at Mandarin Oriental. Sip aromatic coffee and precisely decanted tea blends as you savour delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, freshly baked scones and homemade jams. This is traditional afternoon tea with a Thai twist: don’t miss a truly unique dining experience at one of the most photographed locations in Bangkok, if not Thailand.
Watch a movie at a SUPER-VIP theatre
Redefine your idea of a luxury movie experience and treat yourself to a flick at Embassy cineplex. Indulge in unmatched exclusivity at this elegant cinema, which boasts cloud-like seats, cosy pillows and blankets and staff on-call. Don’t miss a minute with headphones that provide language options and a server waiting in the wings to bring you more popcorn. Arrive before your movie to relax in the sound-proof Heineken Room, where you can enjoy a tipple or two before settling in for a luxe movie experience.
REJUVENATE
Sky-high wellness experience at Nitra Serenity Centre
With spectacular skyline views, the five-star 137 Pillars Bangkok epitomises modern luxury and its in-house spa – Nitra Serenity Centre – is no different. Soaring high above the city centre on the 28th floor, this elegant spa ensures a restorative and invigorating experience encapsulated within sleek timber furnishings, gold accents and twinkling sun rays reflecting off the hotel’s infinity pool.
Jetlagged travellers will delight in the Sleep by Design Therapy that pairs holistic rituals with technological innovation to improve sleep recovery. The Reiki treatment is another notable choice, an ancient technique that penetrates the body’s chakras and energetic centre to balance physical, mental and spiritual health.
Indulge with palatial pampering at Banyan Tree Spa
Just when you thought Banyan Tree Bangkok couldn’t get any more luxe with its acclaimed rooftop bar, romantic restaurants and designer guest rooms, you’ll discover the Banyan Tree Spa.
Feel like Thai royalty pampered by an entourage as you enter this palatial wellness sanctuary. With an extensive treatment menu offering everything from traditional massages to soothing baths and bespoke treatments tailored to your needs, a visit to this elegantly designed spa will leave you feeling tranquil and renewed.
Surrender your senses at Suvarnaveda Wellness
The beautifully appointed Suvarnaveda Wellness spa has had visitors and locals flocking to its doors since its establishment in 2016. Its proven herbal remedies and authentic Ayurveda treatments are the main attraction, drawing acclaimed clientele from across the globe. For a truly indulgent experience, the 120-minute Royal Makeover is the wellness centre’s signature treatment – transcend into bliss with a hot oil massage, followed by a body scrub, hot compress and finishing with a lavish facial treatment.
This package is ideal for the busy traveller looking to squeeze in a traditional pampering session between sightseeing.
Discover Bangkok
Feature image: 137 Pillars Bangkok.
Looking for more Thailand inspiration? See The Best Beach Clubs in Thailand and A Guide to Thailand’s Best Islands.
