Be Merry
By Lifestyle+Travel
Because it is the festive time of the year, no matter where you are, the celebration rings at the heart. From the sandy shores of Vietnam and Bali to the beachfronts of Thailand’s most popular getaways and Yangon, Meliá Hotels & Resorts is getting festive with a range of holiday offerings for all ages.
Thailand
Christmas Eve in Meliá Koh Samui is special as Santa will be dropping by The Breeza Beach Restaurant & Bar with gifts for the kids during the buffet dinner that runs from 7 pm to 10 pm and features various live stations. To ring in the new year, Meliá Koh Samui is hosting a Glitz & Glamour-themed gala dinner buffet beneath the stars on the garden lawn at Koko Kitchen. With live entertainment, laser shows, a fire dancing performance, and prizes on offer through a lucky draw, the evening will be one to remember.
Heading North, Meliá Chiang Mai will be offering sky-high parties, a lively buffet, a four-course dinner, and a special ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ with sweet and savory treats this holiday season. Santa Claus will visit Laan Na Kitchen during their ‘Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet,’ and the 22nd floor Mai the Sky Bar will host a ‘Christmas Eve R&B Night’ with live music. On Christmas Day, Mai Restaurant & Bar will serve a four-course Northern Thai set dinner, and upstairs at Mai the Sky Bar, there will be a ‘Christmas Day Pop-Rock Night’ with a performance by Ripeye from 8 pm to 11 pm.
Vietnam
At Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, the festivities begin with a party to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree. Throughout the month, there’s a host of activities for families, including Christmas ornament coloring and a Christmas biscuit workshop. Santa will make an appearance on Christmas Eve from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Breeza Restaurant. On Christmas Day, Breeza will be the location for a barbecue night featuring lobster, prawns, and steaks. On New Year’s Eve, they’ll offer a Mediterranean-themed à la carte menu, followed by a countdown party on the beach from 10:30 pm with a DJ, fire dance, and other performances.
Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh is set to light its Christmas tree on December 10th with a party for guests. “Santa in Town” will be held at the Lobby Lounge from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and will include canapés and mulled wine along with live piano, carol singing, and cookies for the kids. All Meliá Vinpearl properties, spread throughout the country, have tree lighting events planned along with festive and indulgent feasts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year too.
On Christmas Eve at Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh, there will be a pre-dinner cocktail party at Elyxr Garden from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm with Spanish sangria, signature cocktails, and canapés, along with live music and a magician for the children. The Christmas-themed buffet at Merkado will include international fare and free-flow beer, soft drinks, and juices.
Several properties have special kids’ classes throughout the month of December, including Meliá Vinpearl Hai Phong with workshops for children each Saturday, with the theme changing each week. Little ones can try their hand at activities like cupcake decoration and gingerbread decorating.
At Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc, on Vietnam’s largest island, there will be a Lobster New Year’s Feast from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm followed by a New Year’s Eve party from 9 pm till after midnight with a DJ and live music, delicious cocktails and mocktails, and an official countdown to start off 2024.
In addition to bountiful meals planned for the festive season, Meliá Da Nang has a few unique offerings, including a Festive Afternoon Tea at Cape Nao Beach Club, with Christmas-themed treats, from December 23rd – January 2nd each day from 1 pm to 4 pm. There’s also a Family Pool Party planned for December 30th, which is free to in-house guests, and runs from 2 pm to 5 pm with poolside tropical cocktails, fun games, and lively music from the DJ.
Bali
It’s full steam ahead for Christmas in Bali with a range of festive activities, including Meliá Bali’s very own Meliá Express train. The festive form of transport is available for rides during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, kids can enjoy a Christmas party from 3 pm to 4 pm and a movie night from 6:30 pm. There’s also a Christmas choir serenading diner during the Christmas Eve buffet at El Patio. A special someone along with his elves is set to visit in the evening. Christmas Day brings more magic (literally) with a magic show at 11 am followed by a Santa Parade at noon. New Year’s Eve promises to be just as festive at the property.
Yangon
Meliá Yangon is getting into the Christmas spirit early with a Christmas Choir every Friday from 6 pm to 6:30 pm starting December 1st, as well as on Christmas Eve. The central city hotel will also have a range of sweet treats available for purchase, including decadent gingerbread houses, yule logs, and Christmas fruit cakes throughout the holidays. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the culinary team will offer delicious feasts, including a Christmas Eve buffet dinner and a Christmas Day brunch.
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By Lifestyle+Travel
Hua Hin Jazzical Festival 2024: Where Jazz Meets Culture
Celebrating the blissful breeze as the unforgettable tunes return to Hua Hin once again this year. On December 21st, the much-awaited Hua Hin Jazzical Festival 2024 returns to captivate jazz lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. This grand event will take place at the Hua Hin Convention Centre, 1st floor, Bluport Hua Hin, bringing together internationally acclaimed jazz artists and cultural showcases for an unforgettable evening. Organized by Bluport Hua Hin, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Moscow, the festival highlights a remarkable lineup led by Igor Butman, a globally recognized Russian jazz artist and National Artist of Russia. Butman, alongside the Igor Butman Quintet, featuring some of Russia’s most talented rising stars, will grace the stage with stunning performances. Butman is celebrated for his excellence as a conductor of the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, which earned the National Artist Award in 2021. His return to Hua Hin after a highly successful previous performance promises to leave audiences mesmerized. Complementing the headliner are Thailand’s finest jazz musicians, who will bring their unique artistry and surprise performances to the stage. Together, they promise an exceptional musical journey, celebrating the fusion of global and local talents. A Cultural Extravaganza The Hua Hin Jazzical Festival 2024 isn’t just about music. It offers a deep dive into Thai culture, showcasing a variety of traditional art forms. Audiences will be treated to Thai Cultural Performances, such as the Khon (Thai mask dance) and Thai classical dance, accompanied by live traditional instrumental music. These curated performances are a testament to Thailand’s rich heritage, adding a unique dimension to the festival. Ms. Vajee Klomkliang, Executive Director of Hua Hin Asset Co., Ltd., emphasized Hua Hin’s legacy: “Hua Hin is globally recognized for its musical heritage, having hosted legends like Benny Golson, The Yellowjackets, and Kenny G. This year’s festival celebrates the city’s vibrant jazz scene while honouring Thailand’s cultural richness. It also marks 126 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Russia, a milestone of cultural and artistic exchange.” Celebrating Music, Culture, and Community The festival aims to enhance Hua Hin’s appeal as a tourism hub, stimulate the local economy, and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for arts and music. Alongside the stellar performances, attendees can explore an array of food and beverage booths featuring Thai and international cuisine. These offerings, set against the backdrop of live jazz under the night sky, create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment. Key Event Information Date: December 21, 2024 Time: Starts at 18:00 Location: Hua Hin Convention Centre, 1st floor, Bluport Hua Hin Tickets: 4,500 / 2,500 / 1,800 / 800 Baht Purchase Tickets: https://bluporthuahin.gosalepage.co/lfa-dlgr-mxw Don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic celebration of jazz and culture. Hua Hin Jazzical Festival 2024 is where music, culture, and community come together to create magic. Celebrate under the stars and witness the birth of a new chapter in Hua Hin’s legendary jazz legacy! For more information Tel: +66 (0) 32905 111 Facebook: BluportHuaHinOfficial Line Official: @bluport
By Lifestyle+Travel
Discover the Education Excellence at BASIS Bangkok’s Exclusive Open House on October 26, 2024.
BASIS International School Bangkok invites families to join the Open House event on Saturday, October 26th, 2024. Parents and students will have the exclusive opportunity to experience real classroom environment and engage in interactive workshops. BASIS International School Bangkok is the 35th school in the BASIS Network from the United States. The network has been developing their specialized curriculum for more than three decades and has earned its reputation as one of the best school networks in America. BASIS offers classes from Nursery through to Grade 12, delivering a rigorous academic program that emphasizes limitless student potential. The curriculum prepares students for future challenges and global competitiveness. Many BASIS students go on to attend top universities worldwide and contribute as highly skilled professionals in the global community. BASIS Bangkok is committed to being “Locally rooted, globally connected”, to striving for excellence while integrating its curriculum with the local context, instilling Thai values alongside its internationally recognized standards. It’s no surprise that BASIS Bangkok has become one of the leading international schools in Thailand. Beyond the academic excellence, BASIS Bangkok provides an exceptional learning environment and top-quality facilities that inspire a love for learning and help students discover their personal interests. The school carefully selects expert teachers with subject-specific knowledge and creativity, driven by the belief that every child can excel. BASIS International School Bangkok is ready to welcome visitors at its exclusive Open House, where you can tour the facilities and learn why BASIS students love coming to school every day. You will experience the innovative classrooms, equipped with modern conveniences, and interact with two expert teachers in each class—SET (Subject Expert Teacher) and LET (Learning Expert Teacher)—who work together to nurture creativity and prepare students for the future. BASIS Bangkok’s Exclusive Open House 📅 Saturday, October 26th, 2024 🕑 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM Sign up here!: https://bit.ly/3XQK73f More information ☎️ 02-415-0099 📩 admissions@BASIS.ac.th LINE : @BASISAdmissions
By Lifestyle+Travel
100 ULTRA LUXURY THAILAND 2025
Lifestyle and Travel Media has teamed up with Silver Voyage Club to launch "100 ULTRA LUXURY THAILAND 2025" a special publication dedicated to luxury tourism in Thailand and the Middle East. In an effort to reassert Thailand's leadership in the luxury tourism market, Lifestyle and Travel Media and Silver Voyage Club held a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony for a special collaboration project: "100 ULTRA LUXURY THAILAND 2025" This special edition will, for the first time, compile a list of the top 100 ultra-luxurious high-end tourism offerings in Thailand. Mr. Amarin Kocharat, Director of Lifestyle and Travel Media, a renowned publishing company in the travel industry with over two decades of expertise in the luxury market, provided details on this special collaboration project: “Thailand has always been a top global destination, offering unparalleled natural beauty, warm hospitality, and attentive service. No matter where you go in the country, there is always a five-star accommodation, fine dining, spas, and a wide selection of the finest services, all carefully curated. Featuring the top 100 ultra-luxury hotels and hospitality services will further emphasize the high potential of Thailand's luxury tourism, aligning with world-class standards.” Mr. Jakkapan Rattanapet, Group CEO of World Reward Group, which operates Silver Voyage Club and offers Luxury Lifestyle Management & Concierge Services—a customized service with personal assistants for managing reservations, including hotel accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, limousine services, and private jets—added: “We are witnessing the growth of the luxury market in Thailand, which is becoming increasingly popular among foreign travelers, especially those from the Middle East. They represent the group with the highest average spending rate per trip in the world and are always seeking unique and luxurious travel experiences.” The special edition of "100 ULTRA LUXURY THAILAND 2025" will feature a top 100 list of luxury hospitality services in Thailand, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, and other lifestyle services such as limousines, yachts, and private jets. This special publication will be available in executive lounges of five-star hotels in Thailand and the Middle East. For more information, please contact Lifestyle + Travel Media or send inquiries to amarin@lifestyleandtravel.com.