Centara Grand: New kid on the Bangkok block

One adage that inspires me most is “We never grow older in life, we just make better choices.”

The adventure of my sojourn used to begin the minute I arrived at my choice destination. This time, it started as soon as I stepped inside the carrier that took me there. I never thought flying could be such a pleasurable experience wherein one would actually look forward not just to the destination, but to the mode of transportation as well. As far as my traveling partners and I were concerned, the celebration began mid-air.

Aboard the Thai Airways’ Royal Silk Class, the airline’s impeccable selection of films was complemented with a sumptuous meal of seared salmon with mustard sauce followed by a delightful fruit cheese with dried fruits and nuts and decadent port wine. I reclined my seat to a very comfortable position and savored my quality time by reading The Sawasdee — Thai Airways’ in-flight magazine — and my favorite inspirational book, God is my CEO. A book as well as a planner I can’t leave home without, it is my constant reminder to wisely plan my activities and goals. As I finished mapping out my personal business plan and action strategies, the plane gracefully descended and landed at state-of-the-art Suvarnabhumi Airport. Totally invigorated, I reached my destination more excited and energetic than ever.

My late father Ting Dayrit often said: “Traveling isn’t just about the places you visit, the cuisine or ambience but more importantly, it is about the lessons learned in the company you share this experience with.” What made this particular trip extra special was the loving presence of people very dear to my heart who were there to cheer for me when the Tourism Authority of Thailand gave me the “Friend of Thailand” award for international media.

Our girls-just-wanna-have-fun weekend in the “City of Angels” proved to be such a treat together with Supreme Court Justice Tita Elo Santiago, Tita Annie Bautista, my sister Michelle (whose whistle-bait figure betrays her insatiable appetite for Thai cuisine) and dear friend and photographer Mary Noah Manarang.

We stayed at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld — the newest in town — owned and operated by Centara Hotels and Resorts. The hotel’s impressive design incorporates the four “life elements” — earth, air, fire and water — shaped like a flowering lotus that towers over Bangkok’s business district. It has 505 luxurious rooms and suites, nine executive club floors and the CentralWorld mall conveniently situated within the property. No need to step outside and experience any traffic jams as you leisurely walk from your posh hotel room at Centara Grand, take the lift and, a few steps away, bask in the comfort and luxury of the CentralWorld Mall. They even have special transportation in the form of simulated golf carts to drive you to where you want to go. Previously known as the World Trade Center, the spacious and luxurious mall has just undergone an extensive facelift and is now the country’s largest shopping destination. It has two department stores — Zen and Isetan — state-of-the-art cinemas as well as hundreds of retail stores and fabulous restaurants. The city’s first entertainment center known as TK Park is located here which includes a library and multimedia station.

Gracious Michel Horn, GM of the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, welcomed us to our gorgeous home away from home. A few sunset cocktails, some freshly baked pastries and homemade chocolates later, and we were ready to freshen up in our lavish rooms as we prepared to meet ASEAN Tourism Authority for Thailand Director Prakit Piriyakiet for an evening of camaraderie and friendship.

A hearty breakfast awaited us at the Ginger, the hotel’s signature restaurant, bringing new things to one’s plate — literally. The varied flavors of Asia, from the Japanese sushi, teppanyaki and sake, through the exquisite Chinese dishes, to the rich flavors of traditional Thai dishes — all was set against a modern, trendy background. Imagine sampling the rich culture of Asia on one’s palate, seated 24 stories above the City of Angels. The Aqua bar features an even less traditional setting for the most unforgettable dining experience: a coral reef scene right in the heart of Bangkok.

The World embodies the element of fire. Also on the 24th floor, the resto offers a unique experience for diners as they watch chefs prepare fresh, sizzling specialties. Its eclectic design serves as the perfect backdrop for flavors from the five continents it brings to the table. The best thing about The World is that it is open to titillate your palate 24/7. That means whatever you’re craving, whatever time of the day it is, no matter which part of the globe you are from, you are bound to find something to satiate your most exotic tastes at The World.

The Centara Grand also features the Bangkok Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art complex fully integrated with a five-star hotel, a shopping mall and entertainment facilities. Topping it all off, the Bangkok Convention Centre has achieved the Green Globe Benchmarked Bronze status. The latest technology ensures optimum energy management for the Centre, just one of the many factors that make it among the most environmentally friendly facilities of its caliber.

Often, most of what we need and desire in life is right before our very eyes. I discovered this as I walked into the Lifestyle on 26 Fitness Center at the Grand’s 26th floor. An outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi and two outdoor floodlit tennis courts in the rooftop gardens provide an open-air experience with a panoramic view of the skyline. The newest Spa Cenvaree further glorifies this experience with its age-old therapies merged with the latest hydro facilities and infrared sauna, science-based slimming technologies and an open-air sala and nail salon. It’s simply gratifying. After the epicurean endeavors and busy activities for the quintessential traveler, this is the perfect remedy for personal wellness and wholeness.

To cap off a perfect weekend, my dear friend, TAT director Prasert Jiravanstit, 2008 TAT awardee for Best Spa, invited us to his beautiful RarinJinda Spa in nearby Grande Centrepoint. We sampled their signature hot stone massage therapy that gives you the sensation of being transported to an ethereal place of peace and tranquility. All weariness seems to dissipate as the stones come in contact with your skin in a warm caress. The gentle kneading and soothing background music “rocks” you to sweet slumber.

The sights, sounds and flavors of Thailand linger even after you have left the paradise kingdom. Your taste buds never stop craving Phad Thai noodles, Tom Yum Goong soup, sticky rice with mango, crunchy green mango with a flavorful mélange of   caramelized sugar with spicy and salty shrimps that delectably “explodes” in your mouth. Exploring new landmarks in Bangkok like the Centara Grand and CentralWorld brings much excitement and fulfillment as you find all you ever wished for under one roof. As the sun goes down, the lights come up and shine ever so brightly.

Night has cloaked the city in darkness. Not a soul is stirring except mine. I gaze at the skyline awash in a kaleidoscope of neon lights juxtaposed against flickering candles in sacred temples — timeless witnesses to a kindred culture. It is an honor to be a friend of a beautiful people and country. In this Land of Smiles, I have created priceless memories to last more than a lifetime.

I thank the good Lord, my CEO, for the privilege of it all.            

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For reservation at Centara Grand At CentralWorld please call 66 (0)-2100-1234 email cgcw@chr.co.th, visit their website www.centarahotelsresorts.com. Thai Airways flies daily to Thailand. Call district manager Malu Duenas at 812-4744; visit the website of RarinJinda at www.rarinjinda.com.

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E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.