Escape the bustling city for an evening of Thai beauty by checking out Pichet Klunchun Dance Company’s Chui Chai. The dance combines contemporary moves with Thai khon, a royal palace style.  The women, beautifully composed in ornate headpieces and shimmering gowns, flow gracefully around Pichet Klunchun, who shows off his perfectly sculpted body by only wearing jeans.

Through dance, the performers convey stories from the Ramayana, which is a religious Hindu text that explores human nature and the existence of dharma. The story follows Rama, an incarnation of the Supreme god Vishnu, who loses his wife to Ravana, the evil demon king of Lanka. Chui Chai, which The New York Times calls “gorgeous from start to finish,” truly captures the emotional journey of Rama as he tries to save his captured love.

The performance takes place July 24th & 25th during the Lincoln Center Festival at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. Find yourself wanting more after the show?  Check out some of the special promotions offered at Anantara properties throughout Thailand, or the Metropolitan Bangkok’s Bouncing Back promotion.

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After a 20+ hour flight, everyone can use a little pampering. Get a luxurious welcome to Thailand with the Metropolitan Bangkok’s Tantalizing Thai offer. Upon arrival, sip an exotic welcome drink before sitting down to a dinner for two at the new nahm – Michelin-starred Chef David Thompson’s outpost of his London restaurant – accompanied by a signed copy of Thompson’s acclaimed book on Thai cuisine. After a good night’s sleep, enjoy a healthy breakfast, sure to energize any weary traveler, before heading off to the islands or staying to explore the busy city.

Rates start at $205 for single occupancy for an overnight stay and include a welcome drink, dinner at nahm, Thompson’s signed book, one night’s stay, and breakfast.

The offer is valid August 1- October 31, 2010.

The Met Bar (left) and a Metropolitan Room.

Terms:

Rooms must be purchased in advance.  Rates are exclusive of tax, service charges, and breakfast.

Cancellation less than 72 hours and no-show will incur one-night room charge.

The offer is bookable directly with the hotel, on the website, and on GDS.

www.metropolitan.bangkok.como.bz

Tel +66 (0)2 625 3322

                           Ma hor                                             Crushed prawn curry with turmeric and coconut

The restaurant will occupy the former Cy’an and will be designed by Japanese interior architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, who also designed Uma Ubud in Bali and Aoki, a heralded Japanese restaurant in Singapore.  It will feature natural wood, including screens for privacy, and warm oranges and browns with shimmering bronze plates on tables. The space will be steeped in natural daylight and, in the evening, enriched by the soft lighting of the nearby outdoor pool.  Other features include a private dining room and terrace dining.

David Thompson is universally acknowledged as a leading authority on Thai food. Originally from Australia, he first travelled to Thailand in 1986 and moved to Bangkok a year later.  When he returned to Sydney in 1991, he opened his iconic Darley Street Thai restaurant, and, in 1995, he followed with Sailor’s Thai, which continues today.

The Thai New Year, or “Songkran Festival,” is upon us. Northern Thailand is considered to be one of the best places to watch the festival. From April 12^th-18^th, there will be lots of activities, including a three-county boat race, a “Miss Songkran” beauty pageant, and, the most anticipated, water washing! (It’s a tradition at Songkran that everyone gets soaked to wash away any negativity and bad luck from the past year.)

To bring good luck for a prosperous New Year, Anantara Golden Triangle is hosting a series of Northern Thai Khantoke dinners throughout the festival. At $100 per person, these traditional lanna (Northern Thai) dinners showcase the customs of the region in a breathtaking alfresco setting perched above the rolling hills of Thailand, Burma, and Laos.

If you want to ring in the New Year in Bangkok, The Metropolitan Bangkok is offering a Songkran Package. Stay three nights for the price of two in an oversized room and enjoy a special Songkran meal for two at Glow restaurant. Refresh after celebrating with a 20% discount on spa treatments and a 10% discount on retail products at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape.

Can’t make it to Thailand on such short notice? Head down to Kittichai in SoHo for a five-course feast in honor of Songkran. Learn the rituals of the holiday from executive chef Lulzim Rexhepi before your meal of traditional dishes from various regions of Thailand, like massaman curry and cod cooked in broth. It is $75 for five courses, including a welcome cocktail and wine pairings, and a portion of all the proceeds will be donated to Action Against Hunger. To reserve call 212 219 2000 and mention “Zagat Presents.”

Last minute for the fall…

Nantucket / As the days get shorter, New England becomes even more delightful; the water is the warmest it’s been all summer, reservations at restaurants are easier to come by, and the crowds have returned to the city.  Nantucket Island Resort’s “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” makes Nantucket an affordable fall destination. DEAL:The Wauwinet from $380, White Elephant from $280, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin from $195, The Jared Coffin House from $125, White Elephant Hotel Residences from $500

…and into the winter.

London / Interested in visiting “Olde” England?  The Metropolitan and the Halkin in London are great spots to stay when checking out Hyde Park’s fall foliage. DEAL:Book seven days in advance and receive Ultimate Savings at The Metropolitan with rates starting at £199, and at the Halkin rates from £229.  That’s almost £200 off of normal rack rates.  Valid through December 31, 2009, Sun-Thurs.

United Kingdom / Before heading across the pond, spent $55 to join The Royal Oak Foundation, the U.S. affiliate of the UK’s National Trust, and receive perks aplenty. DEAL:Royal Oak membership grants FREE entry to all UK National Trust properties.  Right now members also receive 25% off rates at the three Historic House Hotels in England and Wales as well as complimentary room upgrades. These include Hartwell House outside London, Middlethorpe Hall in Yorkshire, and Bodysgallen Hall in Wales.

Santa Fe / Escape to Santa Fe for those amazing blue skies, and stay at Inn on the Alameda, the charming inn located right in the heart of the city. DEAL:From October 25, 2009 to February 28, 2010, stay three consecutive nights and get the third night for just $24 in celebration of the Inn’s 24th anniversary.  Details here.

Riviera Maya / Missed out on Spring Break 2009?  Rosewood Mayakobá’s refined luxury is just a little different from MTV pool parties in Cancun… DEAL:The ‘3 for 2 Special Offer’ allow guests to stay an extra night…for free! Rates include breakfast and are exclusive of tax/resort fees and subject to availability/blackout dates.  A minimum consecutive two-night stay is required.  Package available now through December 15, 2009.  Details here.

Turks & Caicos / Parrot Cay says “Extend that Summer Feeling” into the winter with free nights at this private island paradise. DEAL:“4 for 3” or “7 for 5” includes breakfast and return airport transfers.   Expires December 20, 2009; certain blackout dates apply.  Rates start at $930/night and are reduced to $698/night with the “4 for 3” deal and $665/night with the “7 for 5” deal.  Details here.

Bangkok / The Metropolitan Bangkok, the Asian-equivalent to the Met London, offers chic Bangkok accommodations for under $100! DEAL:Book seven days in advance and receive Ultimate Savings with rates starting at $99. Valid through December 31, 2009, Sun-Thurs.  Details here.

Pacific to Atlantic / Start in Valparaíso and take in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Chile, spend a day transiting the fascinating engineering feat of the Panama Canal, and relish the clear blue seas of the Caribbean. Deal:Join Crystal Symphony’s 15-day sailing from Valparaíso to Miami (#0201), January 8-23, 2010, and enjoy 2-for-1 pricing with fares beginning as low as $3,620/person, plus an “All-Inclusive, As You Wish” shipboard spending credit of $1,000 per person, good toward anything but cruise deposits and casino gaming.  Details here.

Changlang Beach, Trang Province, Thailand / The early bird catches the deal at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa. There’s no better time than the present to book that flight… DEAL: From now until December 20, book 40 days in advance, get 40% off the rate of a room or suite; 30 days in advance, 30% off; 20 days, 20% off, and 10 days, 10% off. Rates start at $191 for a Deluxe Sea View Room, and include tax and service charge and daily breakfast for two. Details here.

Beaver Creek / Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s Technique Week deals for this ski season include accommodations, individual training by Ski Ambassadors, ski evaluation with video analysis, lift tickets, ski rentals, 15% discount on treatments at Allegria Spa, two dinners, two après ski parties, and take home amenities. ***New this year: book by November 15, and you can upgrade the lift ticket to an Epic season pass for $599, which gives you unrestricted (no blackout dates) and unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Heavenly.

• Week One: December 9th-13th, 2009. 4 Nights, 3 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,299 per person or $3,899 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $2,799 per person or $4,699 for two people (double occupancy)

• Week Two: December 13th-18th, 2009. 5 Nights, 4 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,899 per person or $4,699 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $3,199 per person or $5,399 for two people (double occupancy)

• Week Three- January 6th-10th, 2010. 4 Nights, 3 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,799 per person or $4,299 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $3,199 per person or $5,099 for two people (double occupancy)

To book a Technique Week, call Hotel Reservations at 970.827.6634 or e-mail resbeave@hyatt.com

At Park Hyatt Toronto, they offer inSPArational meetings, which merge meetings and the spa. Whether companies are coming into the hotel for a long day of meetings and want some spa breaks, or if they are coming in as a treat for their staff, we have great options for them. Companies can choose from a wide-range of spa inspired treats including: Mandarin inspired coffee break with yoga stretch, spa inspired lunch, aromatherapy turn down service in guestrooms and of course, spa treatments at Stillwater Spa. The special offer is complimentary appetizers or breakfast for groups coming into the spa (minimum spend amount applies). This allows them to relax and be taken care of!

Park Hyatt Seoul has seen the trend of “spa meetings/spa dates” at the Park Club (Park Hyatt Seoul’s spa and fitness center), which are taking over more traditional business lunch or dinners. Park Club offers an early hour discount program (which is 20% off from 10 AM to 3 PM) on weekdays and guests can also use fitness studio, swimming pool, sauna with no extra charge.  The hotel is located in the financial district, directly opposite the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center. Park Club is located on the 23^rd floor and offer a tranquil atmosphere, and urban oasis with stunning views of the central city. The citrus bar right next to the spa treatment rooms serves healthy organic food and beverages, to enjoy them after the spa treatment.

Metropolitan London brings the COMO Shambhala philosophy into meetings and events with the ‘Vitality Meetings Package.’ 

• Rooms have a simple design for less distraction and all offer ample natural daylight.
• Most rooms offer built in equipment and the backup of a Techno Butler for a stress free event.
• Guests are welcomed with high juice berry shots and fresh fruit macaroons, to ensure there is a charged start to the day.
• Snacks are healthier, with dried fruits, nuts, sandwiches, smoothies, and ginger tea infused with Manuka Honey.
• The lunchtime Vitality Tray ensures quick smooth, lunch service with cuisine from the COMO Shambhala Spa Menu.
• We promote spa treatments, including Jet Lag massages – perfect for event attendees who have travelled long distances.
• The Spa Team is on hand to provide short, revitalizing treatments during breaks.
• There is a yoga channel on the hotel’s television system and yoga mats in all rooms.
• Private yoga classes can be arranged for event attendees, which could make for an interesting and stress relieving break.
• COMO Shambhala Cuisine is also available in all areas of the hotel – Room Service, Breakfast and in the Lounge.

Metropolitan Bangkok’s Glow is a perfect restaurant for meetings/events with COMO Shambhala Cuisine.  Event attendees can start the day with Wheatgrass Shots, from Glow’s own Wheatgrass Garden.  The Metropolitan Bangkok also offers Yoga Stretching Classes complimentary to guests each day – a perfect stress reliever.

Thailand has always been a great value for travelers, and now more so than ever as luxury hotels and resorts are offering free nights and advanced booking discounts on accommodations, from the beaches of Phuket, to the mountains of the Golden Triangle, to the heart of Bangkok.  So what are you waiting for?! Beat the rush and book ahead to take advantage of these incredible savings in the Land of Smiles…

Ultimate Savings at the Metropolitan Bangkok

The gist: Save up to 62% off nightly rates for a City Room; 60% off a Studio Room, and 53% off a Metropolitan Room with a two night minimum stay.

Fine print: Rates are subject to a 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

Nightly rates: $99 for a City Room; $119 for a Studio Room, or $150 for a Metropolitan Room.

Offer valid until: September 30, 2009.

Early Bird Discounts at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa

The gist: Book 40 days in advance and receive a 40% discount; 30 days in advance for a 30% discount; 20 days for a 20% discount, and 10 days for a 10% discount.

Fine print: Receive complimentary daily buffet breakfast for two for reservations made more than 10 days in advance.

Nightly rates: Rates begin at $199 for a Deluxe Sea View room.
Offer valid until: December 20, 2009.

Seven nights for the price of five at Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa

The gist: Book five nights and receive two additional nights complimentary and daily breakfast for two.

Fine print: Take advantage of the Early Bird special and book more than thirty days in advance to receive one complimentary aromatherapy massage per person.

Nightly rates: Rates begin at $466 for a private Pool Villa.

Offer valid until: July 31, 2009.

Free night and dining and spa discounts at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

The gist: Book more than 50 days in advance for two nights in a room or suite and enjoy a third night complimentary.

Fine print: Receive daily buffet breakfast for two and 25% off meals at the resort’s restaurants and spa treatments.

Nightly rates: Rates begin at $253 per night for a room; minimum stay of three nights required.

Offer valid until: December 12, 2009.

Free night at Anantara Koh Samui Resort & Spa

The gist: Book three nights in a room or suite more than 30 days in advance and stay a fourth night free.

Fine print: Includes a 25% discount at the resort’s restaurants and spa treatments.

Nightly rates: Rates begin at $166 from now until July 15. From September 1 to December 26, nightly rates start at $199.

Offer valid until: July 15; September 1 to December 26, 2009.

Click here for all special packages from Anantara. For a list of Metropolitan Bangkok offers, click here.

Park Hyatt Zurich outfits guests of their luxury suites with a specially designed yoga mat, three DVD’s with various exercises, a Martin Case produced Music CD and the book “Emotional Yoga” from Bija Bennett. The YogaAway program offers 45-minute of yoga routines, available in three categories, namely The Workout: Feeling Great Again; Stress Reduction: Feeling at Home; and Finding Focus: Feeling Clarity of Mind. The program is ideal for those who need to de-stress and recuperate after a long day of travel, sight-seeing, or sitting in meetings. It’s the perfect beginning to a great night’s sleep.

White Elephant Hotel in Nantucket outfits its beds with Gayle Warwick’s 100% organic cotton sheets. Guests will sleep better (and longer!) knowing they are giving back to the environment while catching their zzz’s.

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York  offers guests the opportunity to arrange a meditation session with the spa to promote relaxation, preparing the mind, body, and spirit for a deep sleep. If you’d rather have a massage than say “ohmmmm,” try the Jet Lag eliminator massage.

COMO Hotels and Resorts place emphasis on wellbeing in travel, creating a stress-free environment for guests, promoting relaxation and a good night’s sleep. Some examples include:

 - COMO Shambhala essential oils: the six oil blends include ‘calm’, which is a very calming blend. This oil can be used when having a massage treatment in the spa and will help you relax and prepare you for a good night’s sleep.

 -Yoga plays a key role at all the hotels and resorts. They offer daily complimentary Yoga classes at all resorts and the Metropolitan Bangkok. The two London hotels (The Halkin and Metropolitan London) have Yoga mats and also a Yoga channel on the TV. Yoga helps to calm, relax and center the mind – the essentials for a good night’s sleep.

 - All properties offer a separate menu with healthy COMO Shambhala cuisine, because often heavy meals eaten while traveling cause indigestion making it difficult to relax and get to sleep, which is especially true after landing at night after a long flight.