Is this Tasmania's ultimate luxury getaway?

Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania's ultra luxe retreat, has a new signature accommodation offer.

The Saffire Jewel Private Villa is being promoted as "a rare sanctuary where the grandeur of nature meets the intimacy of home".

The new villa is close to completion with bookings open.

From its location overlooking Great Oyster Bay, the Jewel Private Villa is said to "enjoy a sense of complete seclusion with 800m² of beautifully unhurried space, three master suites, expansive living spaces and a sunlit outdoor terrace with infinity pool and jacuzzi, all opening up to one of the most breath-taking views in the country".

The villa has its own dedicated concierge and private guide, the option to dine in residence, and experiences included in the tariff.

Think luxe touches like a private wine cellar, in villa breakfasts and your own fire terrace with views of The Hazards.

Stays at the Saffire Jewel will commence from December 2026. You can book at https://reservations.saffire-freycinet.com.au/ - but be warned, prices start from $25,000 a night for up to six people.

That includes all meals and drinks - and some little surprises. I hope to report back once it is open. 

Where to enjoy Tasmanian wines with a touch of sea spray

 

There are few better gourmet experiences than enjoying a glass of wine with some freshly shucked oysters while taking on some spectacular water views. 

The recently opened Le Gulch wine bar in Bicheno, on Tasmania's east coast, overlooks the churning waters of the the local gulch, a natural breakwater.  

Years ago, the venue was home to the Blue Waters seafood factory. A couple of decades ago you could visit to enjoy a roasted crayfish paired with Apsley Gorge wines. 

Now the venue has re-opened in the space known as Bicheno Winery, used for winemaking by Apsley Gorge owner Brian Franklin, who is known for producing outstanding Burgundy-inspired pinots noir. 

The Le Gulch Wine Bar is operated by Myles Franklin, son of Brian, together with business partner Shelley Bickerstaff, a wine industry veteran. 

There is a super chilled coastal vibe with a small but thoughtful selection of wines by the glass, from French rosé to Tassie bubbles and local labels like Freycinet Estate, along with current and back-vintage Apsley Gorge releases. 

The snack menu offers oysters, cheese and charcuterie plates, served, when we visited last week, by a charming French hospitality operative. Local beers and spirits are also on offer. 

"We are ready to welcome a new generation of guests to experience the magic of this east coast location and catch up with old friends," Myles Franklin says. 

It would be all too easy to settle in for a long session here. 

Summer opening hours are Wednesday-Thursday 3-8pm; Friday-Saturday 1-8pm and Sundays 1-6pm. 

You'll find Le Gulch at 54 Waubs Esplanade, Bicheno. See https://www.legulch.com/

Old meets new at a hip new Shanghai address

Shanghai is one of the most fascinating cities; Hyatt's Andaz is one of the hippest hotel brands.

Put the two together and you have Andaz Shanghai ITC, which opened this week.

Located in the heart of Shanghai's heritage district, the new hotel is part of one of the city's newest landmarks, the soaring ITC Xujiahui complex.

So think spectacular views from upper levels and a design that drew on the theme of nostalgia, referencing numerous iconic Shanghai sights, tastes, sounds and smells.

The Xujiahui district has a storied past and was at the forefront of development when Shanghai opened up to the outside world.

Motifs of the city's past, and present, can be found in the luxe rooms, restaurants, the rooftop bar and the open, neighbourhood-style corridors.

There are 267 rooms and suites offering floor-to-ceiling views.

There is a variety of accommodation options, many offering outdoor terraces, Nespresso coffee makers, Byredo Eleventh Hour amenities, made for Andaz.

Three culinary options are The Rooftop Bar; The West Wing, a European/Shanghainese deli and wine bar and he East Wing (above) with daytime buffets and classic Shanghainese dishes in the evening.

There are also opening offers for World of Hyatt members valid for stays from February 10 to May 2.

I've added it to my "to visit" list. It joins the brand's Asian debut property: Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, in the city.

For more information, or to book a reservation, you can visit the Website.

Iconic Twin Towers still pulling in the crowds

Malaysian tourism authorities are placing one of the world's most spectacular buildings front and centre of their 2026 marketing.

Visit Malaysia's newest promotional material puts the the Petronas Twin Towers in the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur as the top place to explore.

Not only are the Petronas Twin Towers among the tallest buildings in the world - creating global recognition for Kuala Lumpur and all of Malaysia - but the complex hosts several attractions, including the Suria KLCC shopping mall, located between the two towers.

Other attractions include the Esplanade (Lake Symphony), Petrosains Discovery Centre, KLCC Park and Aquaria KLCC.

So some visitors come for the views; others for the shopping: offering high-end designer boutiques and multiple food outlets.

Built in the 1990s, the dramatic twin towers reach an impressive height of 452 metres and were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004.



Visitors to the Twin Towers can visit the Skybridge and the Observation Decks for sweeping views of the city and beyond - and after dark the buildings are lit up.

An aerial bridge connects the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors, making it the highest two-storey bridge in the world.

In the area surrounding the Twin Towers, a selection of nearby hotels await, including the W Kuala Lumpur, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.

Visitors looking for a gourmet experience can enjoy meals at famous spots like Madam Kwan's, NZ Curry House, Dewakan, Beta and Hide. 

For locals or anyone familiar with the city, public transportation is affordable and easy on the LRT or MRT.

After exploring, KLCC Park has green spaces and benches on which to relax.

The Petronas Twin Towers also often host special events and exhibitions including those highlighting Malaysian culture and heritage at the Petronas Twin Towers Gallery.

The country’s first concert hall, The Petronas Philharmonic Hall, was built specially for classical music and is the home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

See https://www.malaysia.travel/ and https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/ 

Lyvin Melasti adds a new luxe option in Bali

Done Kuta, Legian and Seminyak?

Looking for somewhere brand new to stay in Bali?

How about Melasti Beach, located in the Ungasan area on the southern coast of Bali?

It is about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and is situated along the Bukit Peninsula, an area known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches.

Recently opened Lyvin Melasti is set high above the beach and is a boutique collection of villas and suites that claims "a refined new take on barefoot luxury, where minimalist architecture, sweeping ocean views, and heartfelt hospitality converge across four levels of cliffside serenity".

The property features 18 ocean-facing villas (each with private pools) and 20 ocean-view suites that will launch in December.

Designed by co-founder and product director Victoria Sokovykh, Lyvin Melasti features locally sourced Sulawesi marble floors, custom teak furniture, soft neutral tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Each villa is positioned to capture 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean

“We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive - a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection,” says Sokovyhk.

“Everything is intentional, but never overdone. It’s a place to breathe."

Set within a three-hectare estate surrounded by forest, the Lyvin Melasti complex includes a pond at its centre, with planned walking trails that invite slow strolls and quiet moments in nature.

The resort offers nanny services for family groups.

Coming soon: a signature restaurant by Tiga Bule (scheduled to open in December), and a wellness spa (2026).

I've added Lyvin Melasti to my list of places to visit next time I am in Bali.   

See https://lyvinproperties.co/melasti

Marnong Estate shines with wine and food

Marnong Estate is a rising star of the Sunbury wine region close to Melbourne Airport. 

With a winemaking team led by talented Alex Beckett, upmarket accommodation and two eateries it is very popular with Melburnians in the know. 

I’ll post a story on the whole project soon but I was invited to join Beckett for lunch on Friday and thought you might like to see some of the photos from La Vetta, their Italian-accented eatery with spectacular views on the vineyards. 

No room for dessert! 

# The writer was hosted by Marnong Estate.

Fancy a Sunday session on the Hobart waterfront?

Hobart continues to embrace winter with luxury waterfront hotel MACq 01 Hotel warming things up with its new Sunday sessions: Sundays @ The Story Bar.

On the edge of the River Derwent, The Deck offers a front-row seat for golden-hour gatherings, with glowing fire pots, live local music from 4-7pm, and sweeping views as the sun sinks behind kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

Locals and visitors can gather and sip on The Story Bar’s signature cocktails, inspired by the legendary characters featured behind MACq 01’s 114 hotel room doors and graze on a tailored Sunday menu of casual bites designed for late afternoon lounging.

There will be a rotating line-up of local Tasmanian acoustic musicians, including Joel Hopson and Tony Mak, providing entertainment for Sundays @ The Story Bar.

Entry is free for all - but they'll probably expect you to buy a drink.

See https://www.macq01.com.au/eat-and-drink/

Cruise is back with a bang - and new Australian flavours

 

A celebrity hangout that often boasts the best view in Sydney has reopened after extensive renovations.

Cruise Bar & Restaurant at the Overseas Passenger Terminal offers front-row views of the Sydney Opera House and ferries heading to Circular Quay has just reopened after months of work and boasts it is "arriving with a whole new look, feel, and flavour." 

A hangout for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Justin Beiber and members of Fleetwood Mac, Cruise has been reimagined by award-winning design firm Luchetti Krelle.

So think great vistas (except when a giant cruise ship is docked) a modern Australian menu, and cocktail list showcasing Australian native botanicals.

Head chef Han Chen (ex-Amare, Felix), says his new menu features dishes like bush tomato butter mussels, pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream, and confit duck risotto with butternut squash and crispy saltbush.

The Grande Cruise Seafood Tower showcases freshly shucked Royal Miyagi oysters, Australian prawns, scallop ceviche, and scallop mousse zucchini flowers.

The drinks list from Tom Bulmer (Margaret, O Bar, Jane) highlights creations like Lilly Flower with raspberry, lilly pilly, Casamigos tequila, and hibiscus, while the Afternoon Fashion reinvents a classic Old Fashioned with croissant-washed whisky and toasted wattle seed.



Taking over the top floor is Melba’s Rooftop, a new events space named for Dame Nellie Melba - and the namesake of a storied Australian cargo ship.

“Sydney has changed a lot in the past decade, but there’s always been a place for a venue like Cruise,” says general manager John Harvey. “It’s got history, it’s got views that stop you in your tracks, and now it’s got an elevated experience to match.

“We’ve carefully curated an offering that reflects Sydney’s evolving food and drink culture. From the menu to the design, every detail has been considered to create an experience that feels fresh, exciting, and uniquely Cruise.

"This isn’t just a comeback - it’s a statement, and we can’t wait to welcome Sydney back.”

For more details and to view the full menu, see www.cruisebar.com.au

Cruise and Melba’s are a part of the C!NC hospitality group. Discover more at c-inc.com.au.

New Brisbane venue with a view goes for gold

There's a new hot spot for dining with a view in Brisbane.

The Summit Restaurant has just opened at Mt Coot-tha and boasts spectacular vistas.

The new venue is a multi-million-dollar revitalisation of the heritage-listed site overlooking the 2032 Olympic Games city.

Think a dining room in the heritage building, a brewpub-style public bar, and a veranda with those panoramic views across Brisbane and out to Moreton Bay.

The food will be modern Australian using Queensland ingredients, including Elliott Heads spanner crab, Daintree barramundi and Longreach organic lamb - alongside ingredients grown on-site.

Queensland hospitality heavyweight Kym Machin, renowned for his time at acclaimed Brisbane institution Urbane, is the driving forced in the kitchen.

 


“With this menu, we wanted to tell a story of place, showcasing the best of Queensland while exploring our diverse climates, regions and native ingredients,” Machin said.

“When you’re standing at The Summit, you can see for miles - from the city to the bay and out to the hinterland - and we wanted the menu to reflect that sense of scale and beauty.

“In a destination as iconic as this, it’s essential that we celebrate and represent the growers, producers and communities who make Queensland so special. It’s not just about great food; it’s about creating a genuine connection to this land and the people who shape it.”

Menu highlights include Goldband snapper with wild garlic and native ginger; roast duck smoked over paperbark; as well as almond-fed pork with pickled apples, and pumpkin agnolotti with candied shoots.

There will be two tasting menus ($79 and $99), while the Bar Share menu highlights dishes like goat cheese puffs, lamb tacos and beef and beetroot tartare.

Mantle Group founder Godfrey Mantle said the opening of The Summit represents a major milestone for the group.

“The Summit is one of the most unique dining sites in the country; beautiful by day
and absolutely spectacular at night,” Mantle said.

The opening of The Summit Restaurant marks the first step in Mantle Group’s broader vision for the Mt Coot-tha summit, which includes concepts for a two-level Pavilion venue, a boutique gin distillery and a cultural tourism experience that will honour the mountain’s rich history and significance.

The Summit Restaurant is open seven days from 11am. See summitbrisbane.com.au

Get ready for a new luxury hotel on Australia's Gold Coast

The Mondrian hotel brand will make its debut in Australia when Mondrian Gold Coast opens this June overlooking Burleigh Beach, an iconic surf destination.

The Mondrian promises to offer expansive rooms -twice the size of the average hotel room in Australia - along with 132 studios, 76 suites, private beach houses, and the exclusive Sky House.

The hotel's dining precinct will showcase an all-day Italian restaurant, a lobby bar, seafood restaurant, and pool club.

The 208 hotel rooms will each have views of the Pacific Ocean, Burleigh headland, or the hinterland.

The one- and two-bedroom suites will feature full kitchens, open-plan living and dining areas, laundry, and bedrooms with en suites.

Each beach house features a plunge pool and terrace with beach access from the esplanade, along with a full kitchen, living area, dining for up to 12 people, and laundry amenities.

The 24th floor hosts the Sky House, featuring three king-sized bedrooms with en suites, entertainment spaces, a private chef's kitchen, a mixologist-ready bar, an ocean-facing terrace, and views stretching from South Stradbroke Island to Burleigh Headland.

Level 2 at Mondrian Gold Coast is dedicated to wellness and fitness. CIEL Spa will feature a full program of research-driven bio-wellness treatments (ouch!) alongside restorative therapies and other treatments too frightening sounding to mention.

Guests can also recharge in the third-floor 25-metre resort-style pool and plunge pools infused with magnesium -a mineral known for its revitalising properties.

Bookings are now open with rates starting from $749 in a studio king. Which sounds a little hefty to me. Deals will doubtless become available.

# The Mondrian website boasts "Mondrian Hotels can be found in the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world". That might be a first for the Goldie.

For more info see mondrianhotels.com/gold-coast

Summer, tennis and Champagne - with sweeping views

Summer, tennis and Champagne. Sounds like a pretty nifty combo.

The Sheraton Melbourne Hotel is celebrating summer, and the Australian Open, at its rooftop Terrace Bar in Melbourne's CBD in a partnership with Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck.

So think bubbles. chef-crafted bites (I think they mean snacks), and tennis live on TV.

Running until February 28 from 3-10pm daily (tough if if the match you are watching goes late) guests can watch the Australian Open live while enjoying views of the city.

There is a daily $20 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut special, or a daily 'AO' happy hour from 4-6pm with an “Australian Open Cocktail” featuring Piper-Heidsieck.

This spritz combines elderflower, gin and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne for $20.

The Terrace Bar features a table tennis set-up (they are different sports, people), inviting guests to challenge friends or enjoy a casual game between sips of bubbly.

The Grand Slam Special is a $30 package that includes a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and s dish from a special menu (a small charcuterie board, perhaps, torched Hervey Bay ccallops:with corn pico de gallo and baby coriander; or sliced Prosciutto and stracciatella accompanied by fresh basil, olive oil, and focaccia.

The Sheraton is part of Marriott Bonvoy, the official hotel partner of the 2025 Australian Open, and is also offering special accommodation packages.

See https://www.marriott.com/offers/ace-escape-off-134135/melsi-sheraton-melbourne-hotel 

New restaurant has Indian Ocean views and a global vision

It has been described as the most anticipated restaurant opening of the year; and Gibney certainly looks the part.

The waterfront eatery has been described as 'luxurious Californian country club meets Parisian hotel lobby'.

Gibney is a sophisticated seaside brasserie and grill located in Cottesloe and overlooking the Indian Ocean.

With a capacity of approximately 160, this brasserie and grill will be formal in its approach with tablecloths, jacketed wait staff, all soft furnishings, marble, brass and high-end tableware.

The menu draws inspiration from classic steakhouses and brasseries around the globe.

“We’ve drawn inspiration from the great bistros and brasseries from the past by remaining true to what has come before," says head chef James Cole-Bowen. "Classic presentations, sauces and flavour combinations bring Gibney into the present and beyond."

So expect dinner dishes like half a Western rock lobster with curried buckwheat, vadouvan butter and fried curry leaf; and Amelia Park lamb rump with mint salsa verde, feta, olive and parsley.

The by-the-glass wine list features local stars including Cullen, Singlefile and Moss Wood, while the by-the-bottle list is impressively global in reach.

Gibney joins the Kailis Hospitality Group portfolio, alongside coastal venues The Shorehouse in Swanbourne, Island Market and Canteen in Trigg, Kailis Fish Market Café in Fremantle and the recently announced Magic Apple Wholefoods, due to open later in 2024.

See https://gibneycottesloe.com/

New eatery on Lake Macquarie unveiled

Looking for a day trip destination from Sydney?

How about heading for Belmont on Lake Macquarie and a meal at Martha, a new eatery at Belmont 16s Sailing Club.

The new 120-seat venue has just opened its doors officially and features a restaurant, bar area, and outdoor terrace with views across the lake.

The facilities have undergone a $20 million transformation.

Newly appointed Martha chef Tyler Rolfe says he is serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu that is centred around the restaurant’s state-of-the-art European Mibrasa ovens that impart smoky flavours from cooking over high temperatures and hot coals.

Entree highlights include; cast iron cooked halloumi with pickled cumquat and honey drizzle; char-grilled split prawns with Pukara Estate lemon and dill olive oil; and coal-roast cooled beet carpaccio with pistachio tarator, goat feta, cranberry and toasted buckwheat.

Among the mains are market fish with charred asparagus, heirloom tomato and piccata; La Brasa marinated chicken with freekeh and pomegranate salad; charcoal-roast Riverina lamb rack with heirloom tomatoes, mint,quinoa, tabouleh and labneh; and a Great Southern Pinnacle Black Angus pasture-fed Scotch steak

.

The drinks list showcases a mix of classic and playful signature cocktails named 'Martha & Friends.' with distinctive names like Mabel, Josephine, Madge, Elanor and Gloria.

The wine list heroes producers from the Hunter Valley alongside a selection of Australian and European producers. Some the older white vintages - like 2020 and 2021 sauvignon blancs - are, however, a bit of a worry

“Martha is set to be an incredible new dining destination on Lake Macquarie for locals and visitors to the region," says food and beverage manager Joel Simmons. "Our front and back of house team are a bunch of seasoned hospitality professionals that are passionate about great service, food, and drinks, and we are all very excited to welcome our first guests to the venue.”

Martha is open for lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday 12pm-3pm & 5pm-10pm. See www.marthadrinkanddine.com.au

Images: David Li 

Who wouldn't want to enjoy a drink or two here?

Another press release, Another rooftop bar. Meh.

But then I took a look at the images.

Chiang Mai is one place that I have not yet visited and I have added Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar to my list of has "must dos" next time I am in Thailand.

The highest bar in Chiang Mai, named Mai the Sky Bar, is perched on the hotel’s 22nd floor, with views of the Ping River to the city’s east and Doi Suthep Temple on the mountain top to the west.

Drawing on the Meliá hotel group's Spanish roots, it has a new menu showcasing a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively.

The menu features dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming.

Crafted by Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, from locally sourced raw cow’s milk from Chiang Mai, the new menu’s artisan cheese board options include ‘Forest Tail’, ‘Palazzo di Palma’, ‘Ricotta Affumicata’, ‘Saltara Machima’ and ‘San Paquanburie’ paired with coated nuts, dried fruit, grapes and other morsels.

Dishes such as the seasonal fruit platter, and ingredients including the tomato and basil used for the platter are sourced from nearby gourmet organic farm SEED as part of the hotel’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program.

 


In addition to cold cuts, the menu also features mixed grill skewers, croquetas, fresh summer rolls with vegetables in fresh spring roll wrap and sweet tamarind dip, and salmon tiradito with mango/passionfruit dressing, avocado mousse and pickled onion.

The dishes are designed to be accompanied by the bar’s spirits, cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers, coffees, signature teas, smoothies and shakes, fresh juices, and soft drinks.

“Mai the Sky Bar may be one of the loftiest venues in town, but we have a ground up approach when it comes to working with sustainable farmers, cheeseries, honey makers and more in Chiang Mai to ultimately support sustainable agriculture and healthier eating,” said the hotel’s general manager Marc Selinger.

As part of its “Sunset Chill and DJ Live Sessions” held every Thursday to Sunday until December 31, the bar will host a live music band from 6-8pm and a resident DJ from 8-11pm.

Call +66 52 090 600 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Meet a big city hotel with a personal touch

A good experience at check-in is often a harbinger for a good hotel stay.

So it proved at the InterContinental in Sydney last week - a five-star hotel that has recently undergone a major refurb.

The InterCon is a blend of the old and the new; a modern hotel centred around the old NSW Treasury Building that is located a couple of blocks from the ferry quays and transport interchange at Circular Quay, and a short walk from the Opera House.

 


We arrived early looking to drop our bags prior to a ferry ride. Instead, extremely slick and impressive staff at reception (above) had us on our way to our room well before check-in time, and upgraded us to a room with impressive Sydney Harbour views.

All 509 guest rooms, including 28 suites, boast views of either Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens or the city skyline.

 


The welcome letter in the room even had my name spelled correctly - which is usually only a 50% chance at best.

Throughout our stay staff were uniformly smiling, helpful and professional - very welcome and something of a rarity in today's hospitality environment.

The hotel has undergone a $120 million redevelopment in recent years, enhancing modern features while preserving original elements of the Treasury Building, which dates back to 1851.

Another heritage element is the oldest working lift in the southern hemisphere, opened around 1919. 

Recent additions include the impressive Pont Brasserie dining room (separate review coming soon) and the Bar Messenger underground dive bar.

While location is important, so is technology - and here you'll find fast and free in-room wifi, push button technology to control air con, open and close curtains etc.

Rooms feature something called a "cloud bed" (above), very comfortable and available in a range of sizes; luxe amenities and blackout curtains.

Breakfasts (including many dishes cooked to order) are served in The Conservatory on level one, while The Treasury on the ground floor is open from morning until late, serving light breakfasts, casual meals, beverages and high tea at weekends.

Aster on level 31 is a rooftop bar on the same level as the hotel swimming pool and fitness centre, while 24-hour room service is available. 

Impressive on all levels. A large hotel with a personal touch.

See sydney.intercontinental.com for more details and room rates.  

# The writer was a guest of the hotel  

 

  

This new Bangkok hotel looks a bit special

Gourmet on the Road receives a swag of press releases about new hotels.

Some are accompanied by pictures of building sites, so the media can imagine what the end result might look like when work is completed.

Others go the cheap route and employ photographers with very little talent.

The smart ones Others wait until they are on the verge of opening and send stunning render shots.

That's the case with INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the first INNSiDE hotel in Thailand, and set to open in July.

I have had previous good experiences with the Melia Group - and Bangkok, crazy, noisy Bangkok, is one of my favourite travel destinations.

Situated in the heart of Bangkok’s lively On Nut (also known as Upper Sukhumvit) neighbourhood, the 208-room INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s design draws its inspiration from some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks.

A sky-high transparent infinity pool, pool bar and a Spanish tapas bar (Melia is a Spanish hotel group) crown the new hotel’s two uppermost floors, the 34th and 33rd floors. Views await.

“Together with my imaginative team, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit would have to be, hands down, the most dynamic hotel project I’ve worked with hitherto; the buzz is palpable,” said the hotel’s general manager Aarron Nelson.

“Our new hotel challenges convention by offering the unexpected, with its endless opportunities to seek stimulus, inspiration and adventure with every step – and occasionally time to relax too.”

The hotel is a 30-minute ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Here are a few images that whetted my appetite, and hopefully yours.