Hansar Samui, Koh Samui

Hansar Samui, Koh Samui pictures (1 of 6)

The last stop of my Thai sojourn was Koh Samui, a beautiful island off the east coast of Thailand which the whole world comes for a truly tropical vacation. Since I had developed such great liking and affiliation with Hansar Bangkok, the first leg of my sojourn, naturally I chose to stay at its sister property in Koh Samui, Hansar Samui. I mean, what could be more inviting than a luxury resort and spa situated so close to the airport (just 10 minutes away) that offers a world of island life at Koh Samui’s up-market Bophut Bay? I practically alighted from the plane and was greeted by paradise in no time.

Just like what is promised, the Sea View Room we stayed in was simply spacious, tastefully decorated and generously stocked for a thoroughly relaxing and luxurious stay. The openness of the balcony gave me a limitless pleasure of private view of the endless stretch of sun-kissed sandy beach bordered by the wind-swept turquoise waters of Bophut Bay. At that moment, I fully understood and felt the true meaning of Hansar, which in ancient Sanskrit, means happiness and joy. My happiness and joy at Hansar did not stop at the room with a wonderful view. My breakfast also came with a view. While enjoying the sumptuous spread of breakfast, I also feasted my eyes and mind on the tranquil blue of the sea in the early Samui morning. What joy!

My dining experience in Hansar Samui has opened my eyes and proven me wrong that fine dining is not quite possible during a laid-back resort stay. In fact, Chef Stephen Jean Dion, the Executive Chef of Hansar Samui, has artfully crafted a unique dining experience that bewitched, captivated and humbled the gastronome in me.

Having the privilege to quietly enjoy the exquisite Chef’s Table Extraordinaire (you can visit here for the full details of the menu) in the totally relaxing ambiance of the beachfront H Bistro Restaurant (it has been awarded as a 2011 & 2012 “Best Restaurant in Thailand” by the Tatler Magazine) was one of the best dining experiences I have had. Think of chilled Madagascar prawn and “Pink Tarbouriech” oyster Oscietra caviar with lemon cream for appetizer to Satin Grand Mariner Flavored Chocolate Mousse for dessert. What a treat! And of course sipping my passion mojito, the signature cocktail of Hansar Samui before my dinner perfected the whole epicurean journey.

To match its luxurious front, Hansar Samui is also being run with a heart, of gold. I was introduced by the resort’s Director of Operation to Hansar Samui’s organic veggie farm and aquaponic fish and veggie farm project. This project basically involves the use of the wasteland adjacent to the resort for eco-farming to produce healthy organic vegetables for the consumption of the guests and for the cooking lessons offered to the guests (imagine picking fresh, organic greens from the farm, and being served that too!). The produce is also sold and all proceeds go to the charity of the local community, including providing school bags for the local special needs school. I am very, very impressed by and ultimately proud of Hansar Samui’s noble commitment to the environment and the community.

Staying at Hansar Samui has exposed me to the less commercial, more down-to-earth and ‘real’ Samui. A leisure walk to the nearby Fisherman’s Village allowed me to understand the local people, the local life and culture better. It felt so great to have the opportunity to see the last piece of pristine real estate on this tropical island still unspoilt by the onslaught of mass tourism. Before I left Hansar Samui, I made it a point to have a total indulgence at its LUXSA Spa. I came out completely refreshed and revitalized, and ready to be back on the go.

Hence my Thai Sojourn was made entirely hassle free and enjoyable by Hansar. I began my Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Samui journey with and in great anticipation of happiness and joy, and I came back full to the brim of both. Kob khun kha.

HANSAR SAMUI
101/28 Moo1, Bophut
Koh Samui, Suratthani
Thailand 84320
Tel: +66 77 245511
Fax: +66 77 245995
Email: reservation@hansarsamui.com
Website: www.hansarsamui.com

H BISTRO
101/28 Moo1, Bophut
Koh Samui, Suratthani
Thailand 84320
Tel: +66 77 245511
Fax: +66 77 245995
Email: reservation@hansarsamui.com
Website: www.hansarsamui.com

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Hansar Bangkok

Hansar Bangkok pictures (1 of 4)

Whenever I go back to my home country Malaysia, I will make it a point to visit our neighboring country, Thailand for a dose of its amazing hospitality. I made no exception this time. The only difference was that I was not alone. So, in December, I went to Bangkok with one mission: to eat and to pray. And I accomplished it, and more, at Hansar Bangkok.

When I was on the lookout for a nice city hotel for my little boy and me on our mini escapade in the Land of Smiles, I wanted nothing but the best for the two of us. The DestinAsian’s Luxe List 2011 that showcases the best new hotels and resorts in the Asia-Pacific region came in handy for me. To be on that list, the hotel has got to exhibit a “rare convergence of style and substance that sets a place well above the rest” (DestinAsian, 2011), and there it was on the list, Hansar Bangkok, selected for its distinctive brand of hospitality. So that was how I came to check myself and Baby G into Hansar Bangkok, a beauty so close to the heart of downtown Bangkok.

Tucked in the city’s most prestigious Rajdamri Road and within walking distance to the BTS Skytrain that connects one to every major part of the city, Hansar Bangkok is a rising favorite among business, leisure travelers, and even celebs. For someone who takes first impression rather seriously in her judgment, Hansar Bangkok conquered my heart the moment I walked into the entrance of our suite, greeted by a rare interior garden wall radiant with lush tropical greenery. I could imagine how this would instantly calm the fatigued bodies and minds of those who have just gone through a day of grueling business negotiations or long meetings. And of course this would totally appeal to those who are on a leisure trip. Blending in the abundance of tropical greenery and tasteful adornment of luxurious Jim Thompson silk to the overall contemporary and modern setup, you’ll be mesmerized by Hansar Bangkok’s definition of chic-luxe.

Hansar Bangkok offers a range of suites to accommodate your budget. There are Studio Suites, Urban Suites, Edge Suites, Vertigo Suites, and Loft Suites to choose from. Some suites come with an integrated kitchenette with stovetop, fridge and built-in washing machine that can be real life-savers for those who travel with their family, like me. With so much of space in our suite, my boy had great fun romping and stomping around, exploring each nook and cranny of the sitting room and the separate bedroom. It felt so good to see him happy in a room not his own, far away from home.

Back to my first mission in Bangkok – to do food and the city. Hansar Bangkok made it so easy for me to accomplish this mission under its roof, and in style. There are four flagship dining outlets that present their own iconic culinary fares in the hotel. Hansar Bangkok prides itself in its four flagship dining outlets that present their own iconic culinary fares – the sophisticated Eve at which you are introduced to an inventive French Provençal menu, the simple Café Boca that makes dining pleasurable and uncomplicated for those who want a quick bite of a hearty gourmet sandwich or a wholesome traditional Thai meal, the swanky lobby bar Vue at which you can see and to be seen, and the zesty Zest by the pool where you grab that refreshing glass of cocktail. The highlight of my dining episode, however, was none other than enjoying the sumptuous spread of daily buffet breakfast at the outdoor terraces, under the canopy of luxuriant greenery, with Baby G squealing excitedly sighting those cute squirrels scurrying up the trees. Again, a rarity in a city hotel yet made possible only in Hansar Bangkok.

Visiting the famous Erawan Shrine to pray to the four-faced Hindu god Brahma has been a ritual in my visits to Bangkok. It was a very wise choice to stay in Hansar Bangkok since it is just a walking distance to Erawan Shrine, allowing me to take Baby G with me without any difficulty. Hence, my second mission, to pray, was totally hassle-free and accomplished with deep serenity needed in saying my prayers. The strategic location of the hotel also enabled me to achieve more than what I set out for. Not only did the mom-and-son team cruise the magical Chao Phraya, climb the majestic Wat Arun, but also scour the myriad of stores at Siam Paragon. What’s more, I even had the opportunity to check out the amazing night view of Bangkok at Red Sky Bar—one of top 10 best sky bars in Bangkok—located just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.

I have to commend the staff of Hansar Bangkok, especially the concierge, for making our stay totally stress-free and enjoyable. Simple gestures like searching for child-friendly restaurants and offering us an umbrella as we were going out for our adventures made us feel truly special. Thumbs up for Hansar Bangkok for the superb hospitality.

In Hansar Bangkok, we created many lasting memories for our short trip. If you ask me where to stay in the swanky downtown Bangkok, I’ll say, “Hansar Bangkok, of course,” with a smile.

HANSAR BANGKOK HOTEL
3 SoiMahadlekluang 2
Rajdamri Road, Lumpini
Pathumwan, Bangkok
10330 Thailand
Tel: +66 2209 1234
Fax: +66 2209 1212
Website: www.hansarbangkok.com
Blog: Hansarvue.com

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