The Real-life ‘Downton Abbey’ Is Being Listed On Airbnb
By Lifestyle+Travel
Highclere Castle – the home of Downton Abbey – is now available for a once-in-a-lifetime stay available only on Airbnb. For one night only, Highclere Castle will open its doors to two guests, giving super fans an opportunity to immerse themselves in the iconic location of Downton Abbey, and learn what life might have been like for the Crawleys.
Guests will be treated like royalty during their stay, with the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon inviting their guests to join them for an exclusive evening of cocktails in the Saloon followed by a traditional dinner in the State Dining Room, being waited on by Highclere Castle’s own butler. After dinner, coffee will be served in the Library before the guests retire to one of the principal bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom and views over 1,000 acres of rolling parkland.
Before departing the next day, guests will enjoy a delicious breakfast prior to a private tour of Highclere Castle’s extensive grounds. The Castle itself covers 100,000 square feet and has a total of 300 rooms. Throughout the property, the rooms are opulently decorated and furnished, with each detail providing a unique insight into Highclere Castle’s history. Fans will get the opportunity to explore iconic rooms, such as the Drawing Room, or relax in one of the Gallery bedrooms, following in the footsteps of kings and queens.
In celebration of the motion picture event Downton Abbey, booking for the listing will open on October 1, 2019 at 12PM BST.
Lady Carnarvon, Host on Airbnb comments: "It's an absolute privilege and pleasure to call Highclere Castle my home and I am delighted to be able to share it on Airbnb for a truly unique stay. Highclere Castle has been in the Carnarvon family since 1679 and has an incredibly rich history. I am passionate about the stories and heritage of Highclere Castle, and I am looking forward to welcoming our future guests."
Hadi Moussa, General Manager for Northern Europe Airbnb comments: “We are thrilled to be able to offer fans the ultimate Downton Abbey experience through this once-in-a-lifetime-stay at Highclere Castle. At Airbnb we are passionate about offering unique and unforgettable travel experiences to our community, and we are certain that guests will have a magical experience while staying on the iconic location of Downton Abbey.”
Booking details:
To view Highclere Castle – home of Downton Abbey – on Airbnb, visit airbnb.com/downtonabbey
Highclere Castle is only available for a one-night stay for up to two guests on November 26, 2019 costing £150 inclusive. Reservation opportunities will go live on October 1, 2019 at 12PM BST.
To celebrate this special offering, Airbnb will be making a donation to The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
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
Discovering A Lifestyle Destination
Discover the newest landmark in Bangkok through the launch of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store, a true lifestyle destination for discerning travelers. The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store in One Bangkok's new retail zone, The Storeys, marks a significant milestone for both the iconic brand and this landmark destination in Bangkok. Spanning an impressive 550 sq.m. with a distinctive duplex design, the Lifestyle Store offers a refined blend of elegance and cultural touch. Its stylish, contemporary layout creates an experiential shopping journey, combining retail, dining, and cultural heritage. The spectacular event started with the arrivals of guests, including top executives from One Bangkok, Thai Airways, Central Group, Siam Piwat, EmQuartier, and top luxury hotels. Dignitaries such as Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and ambassadors from the United States, France, and Germany also attended, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable Thai celebrities, including Anntonia Porsild, 1st Runner-Up of Miss Universe 2023, Kamonwarai ‘Pailiu’ Prajakrattanakul, and actors from Studio Wabi Sabi — Katsamonnat ‘Earth’ Namwirote, Tharathorn 'Oat' Phumpothingam, Methaphat ‘Tonliew’ Chimkul, and Saranvut ‘Pie’ Nittayasuthi. The elegant yet contemporary fashion show, titled Bangkok Dreaming, embodied the essence of the brand in high style. Showcasing a collection of 42 captivating looks, the runway featured renowned Thai models, including Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane, Miss Universe Thailand 2015 Aniporn ‘Nat’ Chalermburanawong, and top models Cindy Sirinya Bishop and Apasiri Nitibhon. The styling reflected a journey through contemporary Thai lifestyles, with casualwear inspired by quintessential Thai settings, from tranquil beaches to the vibrant streets of Yaowarat’s Chinatown. The event also marked the launch of the AQUASILK collection, the brand’s debut in men’s swimwear. At the launch event, guests explored an extensive range of Jim Thompson products, savored delicious Thai bites from Jim’s Terrace – the brand’s first integrated F&B outlet – and enjoyed the Silk Exhibition, which showcases the rich history and craftsmanship of Jim Thompson’s renowned silk products. Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store is located at One Bangkok, G Floor, The Storeys.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.