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Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach - A 'First Customer' Returns Again & Another Four Seasons That Keeps Getting Better - Dubai, the UAE - November 2024

31/12/2024

A 'First Customer' Returns

Impossible to visit Dubai without returning to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. It is another Four Seasons I stayed at before it was open to the public. In fact, their alcohol licence had not been issued when I first stayed.

The Maybach; A 'Red Carpet' Welcome; Jeff Leatham's Floral Installation & Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach sent their Maybach to collect me from The Lana, Dubai and there was a red carpet welcome waiting for me.

I was thrilled to be able to see Jeff Leatham's 'A Legacy in Bloom' to celebrate 10 years since this Four Seasons opened. I adore his work at the Four Seasons George V in Paris.

Francesco (Director of Rooms) and I had not met before but he is such a joy to chat with. After a few glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne, my name was embroidered on my napkin, it was time to go and I was then overwhelmed by gifts (eg a Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach baseball cap with my 'SGF' initials on the side; the Four Seasons coffee table book inscribed with beautiful comments from staff; the updated Zaki soft toy falcon etc).

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach keeps getting better & my visit must rate an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. I was on 'cloud nine' on the Maybach journey back to The Lana, Dubai. So proud to be the ''First Customer' of such an impressive hotel.

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The Lana, Dubai - Dorchester Collection Perfection In The Middle East - Dubai, the UAE - November 2024

30/12/2024

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Rewatching 'White Lotus' on flydubai

With Four Seasons promoting Seasons 3 of 'White Lotus', & conversations I overheard at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River that could be part of the script, I had to rewatch 'White Lotus' on the short & easy Business Class flight with flydubai.

Rolls-Royce Phantom With The Driver With White Gloves

As soon I stepped inside the vast Rolls-Royce Phantom I knew it was going to be a very special stay.

A GM Welcome At A Busy Hotel

The art deco Lana, Dubai building is reminiscent of the 45 Park Lane building and GM Richard was waiting outside to greet me, along with star Executive Housekeeper Carol.

A Suite With A Breathtaking View Of Dubai & A Media Room

My suite was so beautiful, refined and classy I almost cried. There was Pol Roger champagne on ice, an art deco chocolate camel and a chocolate model of the hotel, clothes for Issy, a cake to mark 10 years of luxury travelblog www.sifrew.com and my initials on the pillow.

The 'SF Martini' On The Cocktail List At 'Bitter Honey'

Head Bartender Lionel entered The Lana, Dubai in the 'Epic Trip Martini Challenge' with the 'SF Martini' on the 'Bitter Honey' cocktail list. It is made with a vermouth he spent a month perfecting.

This entry came a close second to Four Seasons, Amman making a martini in a moving vehicle and just ahead of Four Seasons Bangkok recreating 'BKK Social Club' in my suite on the 'Last Day of Buddhist Lent'.

The 'SF Martini' will stay on the 'Bitter Honey' cocktail list if people keep ordering it. It tastes sublime & so I am hopeful it will.

'Jara' by Martin Berasategui & Jason Atherton's 'City Social' Brunch at The Grosvenor House

I ate Basque food on the 18th floor of the hotel on my first night. The anchovies and the croquettes from Martin Berasategui were moreishly delicious.

On the Saturday I met friends for brunch. Saturday brunch is an institution in Dubai and Jason Atherton's one at 'City Social' did not disappoint. From the magician to the perfectly cooked steaks, it was flawless. My friends were the best company too.

All Happiness Depends On A Leisurely Breakfast

The food at my breakfasts at The Lana, Dubai was all sublime but meeting Charlie Thompson, from my Shrewsbury School days, again was the highlight. He is based in Hong Kong but was in Dubai for work. I was so lucky to get spend time with him again.

The Lana, Dubai must rate an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. My only criticism is the design of the rooftop infinity pool. The steps into it should be more gradual. The final large step makes it treacherous to take your 'phone, or a drink, into the pool. Tips:- the sunbeds at the pool are very close together. Ask to use the cabanas and order an 'SF Martini' at 'Bitter Honey' bar.

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W Hotel, Doha - Never Boring! - Doha, Qatar - October/ November 2024

30/12/2024

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My Halloween night stay at W Hotel, Doha, between Bahrain & Dubai, surprised even me.

The 'Epic Trip' Teddy Bear Theme

After an astonishing welcome, the W Hotel, Doha staff had taken the Teddy Bear Theme of the 'Epic Trip' to another level in my suite.

The soft toys were sown onto the robe, slippers and baseball cap. I will wear the latter to New Year's Eve on the 30th floor of The Barbican tomorrow evening.

Halloween Night in Coya, Doha

I have eaten in Coya, Mayfair but I think my Peru inspired food on Halloween night in Doha was actually better.

A Breakfast Surprise

I left breakfast with shakshouka on my shirt only to bump into Brydon Nelson from Social Media. He is a fellow Doha legend and it was such a nice surprise to meet him.

I am sure the photos below will justify W Hotel, Doha's '6 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. It is a tribute to the W Hotel, Doha staff and their unbelievable work (eg the towel art; the panda attached to my suite key etc) that a trendy/ fun, rather than uber luxury, hotel achieved such a high score.

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Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay - A 'First Customer' Returns & This Four Seasons Has Got Even Better! - Manama, Bahrain - October 2024

28/12/2024

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A 'First Customer' Returns!

It was 2016 when I last visited Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay. I stayed at this hotel before it opened to the public and am officially their 'First Customer'. This Four Seasons, therefore, had to be part of the 'Epic Trip'.

I have to mention Greg Pickle, Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay's first GM. A true gentlemen who has been taken from us too soon.

The Disappointing Qatar Airways First Class Lounge in Doha

I wanted a perfect start to my return and so booked Qatar Airways First Class, to enable me to drink Krug champagne in their First Class Lounge in Doha.

The lounge is on an impressive scale, see my photo of the 'waterfall', but they no longer offer premium champagnes, 'phone charging points are inconveniently placed and the food is only OK.

It did not help that I was hassled by 'phone calls to give up seat 1A while in the lounge. On the plane it turned out the seat behind me was empty, so there was no good reason for Qatar Airways to ask me to change seats.

A Welcome Could Not Have Been Better

I thought a Bentley might collect me but a beautiful Rolls-Royce was waiting. I spent the short journey watching shooting stars on the Rolls-Royce's ceiling.

Krug Champagne In My Suite

After my moans about the Qatar Airways First Class Lounge in Doha, I was overjoyed to find Krug champagne in my Four Seasons suite in Bahrain.

Memorable Breakfasts From Heaven

Meeting Muslem again made my first breakfast; my room service Bahraini breakfast was made even better by the card that came with it and I was near tears at my final breakfast being presented with Gracy, handmade by Gracy. It was another hotel where I am far from a regular guest.

A Pool With No Children And Meeting Ash & Mel

The 'Adult Only' pool could be deeper but is a perfect oasis for relaxation. Also loved meeting Ash & Mel in that pool.

Fabio & 'CUT Bahrain' By Wolfgang Puck

The steaks at 'CUT Bahrain' by Wolfgang Puck were sensational and the views of Manama mesmerising. Cannot say enough good things about that bar & restaurant. Ate there twice & drank in the bar on all three evenings.

My latest camel soft toy had to be named after Fabio, the Manager of 'CUT Bahrain' who lent me a Wolfgang Puck champagne glass to drink my Krug from 'proper glass' in my suite.

Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay must rate an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. The lack of a Hermes bedspread in my suite, & my food at Re Asian Cuisine being smothered in sauces, almost lost 'a teddy' but the Rolls-Royce & Krug champagne meant a perfect score.

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The Sukhothai, Bangkok - The Perfect End to the Thailand Leg of My 'Epic Trip' - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

28/12/2024

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Hope everyone had as good a Christmas as me. My first London Christmas could not have been better. I am so grateful to Graham, Clare & family for including me in their special day and their perfect gifts. Also must thank 45 Park Lane for their generous & unique gifts and The Dorchester for my breakfast in The Barbican on Christmas Day.

The Legendary Sukhothai, Bangkok

The Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday brunch had to end the Thailand part of my 'Epic Trip' and I also wanted to, finally, swim in their pool. I, therefore, booked a two night stay and was so glad I did.

My Suite with a Stunning Bathroom/ Dressing Room & Japanese Toilet in the Guest Bathroom

I had been allocated one of the hotel's recently refurbished suites. Think you will agree, from my photo, that the bathroom/ dressing room is impressive.

Aspects of The Sukhothai, Bangkok remind me of The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, which is a very good thing.

Khun Pack, A Pink Weekend Financial Times & The Sukhothai, Bangkok Pool

Khun Pack brought me a pink paper copy of The Weekend Financial Times in the pool. The Sukhothai, Bangkok has another green Thai swimming pool.

The Famous Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday Brunch

I already devoted a post to The Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday brunch in 2018 and think the quality of the food may have got even better, if that was possible.

The live band & singer were fabulous & there were even fellow guests who were also at Amanda Hyndman's leaving party at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park.

Leaving is Difficult But 'Tippy Saved The Day'

I arrived very late & left early. Packing at 4am was not my best idea. Tippy had a card from the staff for me and checked my suite and so prevented me leaving some of my Japanese teddy bears that have so many memories attached to them. A true Bangkok heroine.

Qatar Airways Business Class. No Qsuites - Despite Booking and Rebooking

I booked a Qatar Airways plane with Qsuites and, when that plane was changed, rebooked and paid more fees for a plane with Qsuites, only for that plane to be changed again. Despite these irritations, the lounge and congee on the plane were good.

The Sunday brunch, & my recently refurbished suite, at The Sukhothai, Bangkok would have rated '6 teddies' but Tippy's actions rates a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. She prevented me leaving Igor & Paula, from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo & Four Seasons, Tokyo at Marunouchi, behind. Tip: talk to Chef Frederic at The Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday brunch.

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Four Seasons Tented Camp - Breakfast With Elephants & Blessings From Buddhist Monks - More Dreams Come True - The Golden Triangle, Thailand - October 2024

16/12/2024

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A Warning

Must start this post with a caveat that I am far from the usual guest of the Four Seasons Tented Camp in The Golden Triangle. It is really aimed at treking/ outdoor people with a large budget.

It is, therefore, even more astonishing that I had a dream stay.

A Dramatic Arrival

You arrive by fast boat and I was thrilled to be feeding elephants before I knew what was happening.

My Blessing Bracelet

There was a blessings ceremony with Four Seasons staff when I first arrived and I arranged for a second ceremony, with a Buddhist monk, later in my stay. I am still wearing the threads from all this and it is a memento that makes me feel very proud.

Breakfast With Rescued Elephants

It was enchanting to feed elephants at breakfast each morning. Watching the calfs scratch themselves again trees is an image I will never forget.

Sunset Cocktails With Camp Manager Poy

There were sunset cocktails with Camp Manager Poy in a private area with views of Myanmar & Laos. Loved talking to her about Tokyo etc

Restaurant & Bar Director Filippo & Sticky Rice With Black Truffles

I had high expectations of the food & drink at The Tented Camp and the food on the second & third evening was legendary. Wonder if I will ever eat sticky rice with black truffles again.

Restaurant & Bar Director Filippo, like Camp Manager Poy, helped to make my stay a true dream. Mr Sharp's 'Golden Rule' is very much alive and well at The Tented Camp.

A Royal Tree Planted In My Honour

Still find it unbelievable we planted a tree, associated with the Thai Royal Family, in my honour that I will be emailed updates about,

The Four Seasons Tented Camp in The Golden Triangle rates a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. A Four Seasons Resort where food, drink, massages etc are included might have rated '8 teddies' but the cumbersome double zips in my 'tent' mean '8 teddies' score cannot be awarded. Tip: if you have difficulties with anything, say something (eg I did not want to leave by boat & so a car was arranged).

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Four Seasons, Chiang Mai - Where It All Started! Chiang Mai, Thailand - October 2024

14/12/2024

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I wrote the first post of this blog at Four Seasons, Chiang Mai, when Michael Branham was GM. When I found out Sean Mosher would be the GM for my second stay, I was overjoyed. He ensured I had an unbelievable time at Four Seasons, Sayan in Bali 10 years ago.

A Welcome Like No Other: Magical Four Seasons, Chiang Mai

A bouquet of exotic flowers, water buffalo and '10 Years' written in flower petals. I had forgotten quite how remarkable Four Seasons, Chiang Mai is.

The Same Villa With Its Stunning Private Pool and Sunset Cocktails With Sean & His Management Team

The numerous welcome gifts at my villa were overwhelming & I quickly had to join Sean & his management of Anthony (the Resort Manager) and Ashok (Director of Rooms) for sunset cocktails.

We had such fun talking about hotels, Chef Gaggan Anand etc. Sean ended saying he had never met a customer with so many fascination hotel stories and the feeling of admiration was mutual.

Chef Alvin Is A Genius & Chef Naruchit's Thai Food Exquisite

All the food I ate at Four Seasons, Chiang Mai was first class. From breakfast on the terrace, to Chef Alvin making my favourite dish of crispy pork with cauliflower, to his unbelievable steak and recreating my breakfast of 10 years ago at my Pool Villa. He richly deserved his promotion after my stay.

The Thai dinner Chef Naruchit prepared for me was unbelievable. I have never eaten sticky rice with mango like it.

A Spiritual Ganesha Ceremony

On my second/ Last evening I was part of a 'Ganesha Ceremony' that is being developed for guests. Ganesha is lord of new beginnings and can remove obstacles. The ceremony involves chanting, bells & candles. I was given a flower that I eventually released onto the Thames in London. Hope it helps the people I prayed for.

Four Seasons, Chiang Mai must rate an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. There is no way my stay could have been any better. It was perfect and I treasure Issy's new outfits. The farmers were even part of my goodbye & the main pools look better green. Tips: stay for longer than two nights and use the outside shower.

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Capella, Bangkok: Cote by Mauro Colagreco - A Legendary Meal - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

9/12/2024

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Chef Mauro Colagreco has a restaurant at Raffles, London at The OWO and the meal of his I had at the Capella, Bangkok blew my mind.

It was a meal I will never forget and I cannot recommend his food strongly enough.

My dinner at Cote by Mauro Colagreco in Bangkok rates a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. Tip: go with the menu Manager Gwen suggests and make sure you chat with this great guy.

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Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Impressive Scale, A Foodie Paradise, 'BKK Social Club' & Flawless Service - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

9/12/2024

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When I visited Bangkok in 2018 I met with GM Lubosh to discuss the plans for the new Four Seasons, Bangkok, this hotel, therefore, had to be part of my 'Epic Trip'.

My Spectacular Welcome

You will see from the photos that my welcome could not have been more impressive. GM Lubosh was on a well deserved vacation with his family but Manager Simon handled it all perfectly and there was even a 'cut out' of the GM for the photos.

Walking through the hotel the monumental scale of it all took my breath away.

The End of Buddhist Lent, 'BKK Social Club' & The 'Epic Trip Martini Challenge'

All the bars in Thailand were closed for The End of Buddhist Lent on the day I arrived but 'BKK Social Club' was recreated in my spectacular suite to make me a perfect martini. Must thank Bar Manager Ferdia, and Director of Guest Experience Killian, for all they did to arrange this.

'BKK Social Club' & 'Four Seasons, Bangkok' came a close third in the 'Epic Trip Martini Challenge' for the effort this took.

Celebrating 10 Years of www.sifrew.com with 'Palmier by Guillaume Galliot', 'Yu Ting Yuan' & Champagne at The Pool

My Guest Experience person was named Dream and she certainly lived up to her name. She made arrangements just as easy/ smooth as the butlers at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

The food at Four Seasons, Bangkok could not have been better. From the super fresh scallops at 'Palmier' that were exquisite with just lemon juice, to the best balanced hot & sour soup I have ever eaten from Chef Tommy Cheung & caviar on my dim sum and fresh from the oven egg pizzas at breakfast with the most delicious fresh melon juice I have tasted. Everything was sublime.

Four Seasons, Bangkok also rates an unprecedented '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. More handrails on stairs is the only area that needs any improvement. All this is even more impressive for a hotel still so new. Sean being part of my leaving photos was the icing on a perfect cake. Tip: you must have a cocktail in the award winning 'BKK Social Club' .

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SO/ Bangkok & Christian Lacroix, A Very Special Stay - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

9/12/2024

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Christian Lacroix dressed Greta was uniquely created for me by SO/ Bangkok (their staff wear Christian Lacroix uniforms), when I lived in Bangkok for a few months after Cayman Islands, & the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok has a special place in my heart.

The replacement headdress The Dorchester created for Greta needed a more durable travel version and so SO/ Bangkok had to be part of my 'Epic Trip'.

Awesome Breakfasts, Panoramic Views & Brilliant Staff

Despite the 9th floor reception and in-door bar being closed for refurbishment, I had an unbelievable stay. Please note it is a completely separate hotel to the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.

Delicious breakfasts with stunning views of Lumpini Park, a spectacular 10th floor infinity pool & staff that were a joy to interact with.

Christian Lacroix Greta's New Headdress, My Initials on my Pillow Cases & the Financial Times

Adore Greta's new silk roses headdress, her new pink 'friend' had to be named Esther, staff were diligent printing off the Financial Times for me each day and even the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok did not embroider my initials on my pillow cases.

I am sure the photos below will justify SO/ Bangkok's '6 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score, despite their 9th floor being closed. My Tips: have a drink in the open-air rooftop bar on the 29th floor, if only to watch the horrendous Bangkok traffic, & talk to SO relationship managers Esther, Teddy, Garfield etc

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Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, a Legendary Hotel Gets Even Better. The Captain Andersen Suite; Veuve Clicquot Champagne; Gaggan's New Venue; Peninsula Champagne with the MD of Peninsula, Bangkok & Lunch with Kenny Ng - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

1/12/2024

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Etihad Airways Business Class

I flew from Amman, Jordan to Bangkok in Etihad Airways Business Class via Abu Dhabi.

While I cannot say enough good things about the new Business Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi, the Business Class product in the air was disappointing.

A large chunk of plastic in my breakfast on the first flight, premixed cocktails on the second flight were too sweet; poor choice of film/ TV programmes and Armani/ Casa pillows & blankets had an unpleasantly synthetic feel. The Qatar Airways Qsuite product is far superior.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. A Bangkok Legend & One of the World's Best Hotels

From my greeting at the airport, to my white liveried driver & the lemongrass scented cold towels in the Series 7 BMW, I quickly remembered why I love & admire this historic hotel so much.

The Elegant Captain Andersen Suite

I spent my 5 night stay in The Captain Andersen Suite. Hans Niels Andersen created the building that opened as the Oriental Hotel in 1887.

The refurbishment of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok meant even the guest bathroom in my suite had a Toto Japanese toilet. The carpet in the bedroom of suite evidenced the extraordinary quality of the materials used in the refurbishment. My only issue was most of one wall in the bedroom being a mirror but maybe it will encourage me to drop some weight.

An Iconic Pool

The hotel's green & gold pool is one of my favourite hotel pools. Jeffrey, who leads the pool staff team, came to hold my hand on my first morning. I felt emotional and all this confirmed to me that this is a remarkable hotel and I am far from an ordinary customer.

Mayuree, Director of Guest Relations, & I have had so many poignant conversations by that pool over the last 10 years.

An Astonishing Stay

From my one-on-one meeting with GM Anthony; to witnessing Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand visiting Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia at the hotel; to my fascinating chat with Florian, Director of Rooms; to Chef Gaggan Anand's mind-blowing 22 course immersive food, light & sound show; to fireworks during my dinner at 'Blue by Alain Ducasse' in 'Icon Siam'; to meeting charming Peninsula, Bangkok MD Masahisa; to spending time with Sean from Lotus Arts de Vivre in The Bamboo Bar; to Kenny Ng taking me out to lunch, there were too many unbelievable highs on this stay.

With us losing two more guys from my year at Shrewsbury School to heart attacks this year, I was glad to meet with Charlie Thomson in Dubai and help Rob Clover with his move to Qatar too on my 'Epic Trip'.

I am sure the photos below will evidence why Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is one of the best hotels in the world and also convince you it rates another unprecedented '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score, despite some MO profile issues. My post about my 2018 stay explained I did not want Perrier water in my suite or cumbersome cribs. Perrier water was also an issue during my Chinese New Year stay at the Hong Kong Mandarin Oriental & became a point of humour during my stay at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid. Providing Veuve Clicquot champagne & tubes of bath products that can be taken away mitigated these issues. Tips: order a room service breakfast during your stay. Treasure my 'RS MOBKK' gift Chao; use the hotel's drivers & asked the butler service to repair items & bubble wrap items for travel. I guarantee you will be impressed.

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the luxury travel blog

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach - A 'First Customer' Returns Again & Another Four Seasons That Keeps Getting Better - Dubai, the UAE - November 2024

The Lana, Dubai - Dorchester Collection Perfection In The Middle East - Dubai, the UAE - November 2024

W Hotel, Doha - Never Boring! - Doha, Qatar - October/ November 2024

Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay - A 'First Customer' Returns & This Four Seasons Has Got Even Better! - Manama, Bahrain - October 2024

The Sukhothai, Bangkok - The Perfect End to the Thailand Leg of My 'Epic Trip' - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

Four Seasons Tented Camp - Breakfast With Elephants & Blessings From Buddhist Monks - More Dreams Come True - The Golden Triangle, Thailand - October 2024

Four Seasons, Chiang Mai - Where It All Started! Chiang Mai, Thailand - October 2024

Capella, Bangkok: Cote by Mauro Colagreco - A Legendary Meal - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Impressive Scale, A Foodie Paradise, 'BKK Social Club' & Flawless Service - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

SO/ Bangkok & Christian Lacroix, A Very Special Stay - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, a Legendary Hotel Gets Even Better. The Captain Andersen Suite; Veuve Clicquot Champagne; Gaggan's New Venue; Peninsula Champagne with the MD of Peninsula, Bangkok & Lunch with Kenny Ng - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

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