Hollywood dreaming

lebua at State Tower’s Hangover Suite is one of a kind, and a perfect place to throw a Hollywood dinner party.

I arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport mid-morning and am immediately greeted by a driver sent from lebua at State Tower. He takes my luggage and ushers me into a fully air conditioned blacked-out limo – a welcome relief in Bangkok’s steamy 37˚C heat. lebua at State Tower is set a little way off the road in downtown Bangkok, and as the driver turns into the driveway I can see the somewhat understated entrance, which surprised me because at 63 storey’s high, the hotel is far from understated. I later ask the doorman why the entrance is so modest. “It keeps the hotel’s entrance a secret – more exclusive,” he explains. As I wander through the doors, the lobby is opulent yet very trendy – the crowd is young and very cool. Within seconds I’m whisked up to the Hangover Suite, named after the eponymous movie. lebua at State Tower was thrust into the spotlight when the much-awaited The Hangover: Part II, graced movie screens back in 2011, since the aerial views used in the movie were all shot from the impressive heights of the rooftop Sky Bar. Located on the 56th floor and part of the hotel’s all-suite Tower Club, the Hangover Suite is made up of a master bedroom, one double and one smaller double, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a lounge, four balconies, walk-in wardrobes, plus exclusive entrance to the Tower Club’s private lounge on the 52nd floor. If ever there was a place to hold a party, this would be it. Checking in and signing the disclaimer forms that exempt the hotel from responsibility should I fall off one of the balconies took all of five minutes, and then I was left alone to explore. The décor in the suite is fairly neutral – lebua aims to wow with its use of space and lighting, leaving the rooms as a blank canvas. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with Bvlgari amenities and the two larger doubles have balconies with sweeping views of the Bangkok skyline and Chao Phraya River below. The best views come at night, when the smog clears and the city lights up. I race around the rest of the suite – the brown lacquered dining table has ample space to sit eight comfortably, which immediately starts me thinking about hosting a dinner party. The kitchen, complete with breakfast bar and serving hatch, is ideal for the in-house chef to rustle up a treat if you opt for in-room dining. The lounge area, complete with a wide-screen TV and surround sound would be perfect to create a sophisticated atmosphere, and the extra guest washroom takes care of practical issues. All in all, the ample space coupled with the unrivaled views makes it the perfect venue for a dinner party; the only missing factor being the other seven guests. The public areas of lebua are all equally outstanding. The three Dome restaurants offer unrivalled cuisine and have become popular places to be seen among Bangkok’s trendy set. Breeze on the 52nd floor, which I can look down on from my suite, is a truly unique concept – the food is Asian fusion, the view is of Bangkok’s skyline and the atmosphere is super cool. The glass sky-bridge, which is suspended mid-air above the outdoor restaurant, is the ultimate catwalk, leading to a viewing station at one end. It’s the light show that sets this venue apart – the bridge changes from cool purples and blues to hot pinks, contrasting with the plain white decor. Take the lift to the 63rd floor and you emerge in an ultra-cool bar. I wander out of the doors and into a huge outdoor bar and restaurant. In the far corner I can see the illuminated round Sky Bar; in front of me is the super-romantic Sirocco restaurant. The glowing gold dome of State Tower is behind me and the Oscars-style illuminated staircase guides me to the bar. Guests staying in the Hangover Suite are entitled to a Hangovertini – a mixture of whisky, vermouth and other white liquors designed exclusively for the cast and crew of the film. It’s delicious, if a little too drinkable. When I get back to the suite, the maid has turned down the room and softened the lights. I step out onto the spacious balcony for one last look at Bangkok at its most beautiful; the light shimmering all around me. I jump into the enormous bed in the master bedroom, snuggle into the luxury goose down pillow (my selection from a choice of nine) and close the blinds and the party sounds of the Sky Bar drift away. Remark - Enjoy our luxurious new range of bath amenities by Acca Kappa.  

Points Miles & Martinis - My 5 Favorite International Cities to Visit

by http://travel.usatoday.com I received an email from a reader who was in the initial phases of planning an international trip (on frequent flyer miles of course) but hadn’t yet picked out a destination.  The reader asked if I could recommend my personal favorite cities in the world to visit.  I definitely love making lists so I was happy to take on the challenge of selecting my top 5. It is very rare for me to want to go back to an international city that I have already visited.  While I love most every international city I visit, it takes a little something extra to interest me in returning at the expense of visiting a new city.  These 5 cities have achieved that level.   In no particular order, here are my top 5 international cities that I recommend interested travelers visit. 1. Berlin, Germany My favorite European city is the German capital of Berlin.  The city offers a wide range of experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.  The history alone is enough to make this a world class city worth visiting. It is amazing to walk the grounds where so many important world events have taken place.  Furthermore the architecture, the green city parks, and modern art are qualities to be greatly admired. For better or for worse, Berlin is a city full of unique thinkers and I believe this shows through in their city. Personal highlights: The Reichstag, Brandenburg gate, Museum Island, the Tiergarten, the beer! 2. Kyoto, Japan I can confidently say Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.   For over 1000 years, Kyoto stood as the capital of Japan.  As an American, that concept is extremely tough to grasp.  Walking through today’s Kyoto you can’t help but appreciate the incredible commitment to and feat of preservation this city represents.  There is a certain peacefulness and tranquility about Kyoto which exists throughout every square inch of the city. Personal highlights:  Endless temples and historical treasures, Philosopher’s Path, Bamboo Forest, Geisha spotting, Gion, Overwhelming natural beauty. 3. Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok is a tough city to describe.  I don’t find the terrain to be especially unique.  The skyline is not as picturesque as its Asian counterparts.  It is not a the cleanest or most efficient city in the world.  The real beauty that I find in Bangkok is the atmosphere.  The city is buzzing with activity all day everyday.  During the day you have an infinitely long list of historical attractions to keep you entertained while at night the party atmosphere takes over.  The nightlife is incredible.  No matter who you are, where you come from, or what time of day it is, you will certainly find new friends to celebrate with and have fun. Personal highlights: Drinks on top of the Lebua at State Tower, Cheap and delicious Thai cuisine, Backpacker’s party atmosphere, Nightlife, Street markets 4. Cape Town, South Africa My favorite city in Africa is most certainly Cape Town.  Cape Town offers something for everyone.  Ocean seeker? Got it.  Mountain seeker? Got it. Wine seeker? Got it.  History seeker? Got it.  Adventure seeker?  Got it.  The list goes on and on. In my mind, Cape Town shares the title for the most naturally beautifully city on earth, along with #5 on this list. Personal highlights: Day trips to the Stellenbosch wine region, Cage diving with Great White Sharks off Gansbaai, Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, Robben Island 5. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil My favorite city in South America is Rio De Janeiro in Brazil.  As mentioned in #4, I believe Rio De Janeiro shares the title for most naturally beautiful city on earth.  The juxtaposition of the mountains and the ocean is truly stunning. I was fortunate enough to experience a concert on the beach with 200,000+ of my newest Brazilian friends.  Rio has a certain buzzing vibe that is hard to describe but will surely leave you happy you came! Personal highlights: Driving up to see Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Live concert on the beach

Bangkok binge

This is one destination that always leaves you wanting more, says Chitra Anand Papnai. There I was high in the clouds on the 63^rd floor of the Tower Club at lebua hotel in Bangkok but it wasn’t vertigo I was suffering from. It was déjà vu. Here I was sitting in the hotel’s elegant alfresco rooftop restaurant Sirocco and towering over us was the hotel’s amazing Sky Bar that seemed almost to be suspended in mid-air. From my vantage point I looked out over the city and the Chao Phraya River gleamed like silver mercury as it snaked between the city lights. It all seemed very familiar-but this was my very first time in Bangkok. The answer came quickly enough. As I reached my dinner table I heard someone mentioning the movie Hangover 2. This is where that rooftop scene was shot!” the person declared with delight, whipping out her camera. The location scouts of Hangover 2 certainly knew what they were doing when they chose this spot with its view of Bangkok. And like the stars of the movie, we had an action – packed evening. As our candlelight dinner got underway with a string of chef’s special dishes, a jazz band made mellifluous music in another corner. And the steadily growing crowd around the circular neon Sky Bar reminded us, again that this city never sleeps. The Tower Club at lebua had been written off by the travel industry when it was being constructed and it isn’t tough to imagine why. The hotel is located in the bustling Bang Rak District, which is a maze of narrow roads filled with street-side food carts. Not exactly the stuff of luxury said the naysayers. But once the building and its fine-dining restaurants got into action, all fears were put to rest. The next day I had a quick lunch at the hotel’s Café Mozu . Being a vegetarian, I was apprehensive, but not for long. To my relief, quite a few dishes were marked with bold Vs. I opted for the yam som a jay, a pomelo salad with tamarind sauce that is a mix of juicy sweet and sour flavors. For the main course I was recommended a vegetarian pad thai with mushrooms, which had a hot and sour flavor. Bangkok’s most important tourist spot is the Grand Palace but I was advised to avoid the heat and go the next morning. So, I did the next best thing and took Bangkok’s famous Sky- train to visit Siam, the city’s central shopping district. Siam is a shopaholic’s poison. Afer whetting my appetite at the high-end Siam Pargon mall, I headed, on a more realistic note, instead to MBK mall, which is filled with middle-bracket stores that are just right if you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket. Back at the hotel I was treated to a quick massage. And after that I trotted down to the nearby flea market, Bangrak Bazaar, which is right next to the Silom Skytrain Station. Traveller tip: there is scope for Bargaining here but don’t expect the prices to go down drastically.

Insider Guide: Best of Bangkok

Golden temples, addictive street food, amazing hotels and Asia's craziest nightlife. Thailand's megacity has far more to offer than you imagine

Ah, Bangkok. Beauty, modernity, chaos and decay. We wouldn't want it any other way.

So, you're in Thailand on a mission to cram the best of Bangkok into a weekend? It's a big ask -- there's no city in the world like this one -- but it can be done.

With incredible street food, world-class hotels, killer nightlife, packed markets and temples so sparkly they make your eyes water, there's almost too much to choose from.

But you're in luck. This quick guide to the best of Bangkok ensures you can at least hit the highlights on your quest for the best of Bangkok.

And, yes, gender-defying lady boys, included.

Keep in mind that hotel prices vary dramatically depending on the time of year. High season runs from October to April, while the best bargains can be had May to September.

If you've seen "The Hangover Part II," this all-suite Bangkok hotel needs no introduction.

A prominent setting in the Thailand-based sequel to the R-rated bachelor romp, lebua is actually more famous for the views from its incredible rooftop bars and restaurants than the hotel itself.
All 357 luxury suites are spacious, comfortable and offer great views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river.
Extra special are the "Tower Club" suites, which feature 330-thread-count sheets, a range of Bulgari accessories and exclusive access to the Tower Club Lounge on the 52nd floor.

There's also the Hangover Suite, perfect for a bachelor weekend in Bangkok.

Ah lebua

HELLO! paid a visit to the iconic lebua Hotel in Bangkok, which was also a site for the famous Hollywood flick The Hangover II. But that’s not the only thing that makes it famous…

When the wife of one of the crew members of The Hangover stayed at a lebua property in New Zealand, ( Lake Okareka Lodge), so impressed was she with the place, that when the team began scouting for locations in Bangkok to shoot the sequel to the hit Hollywood flick, she instantaneously suggested that they go with the lebua there. The movie was shot in record time, and although it’s run its course at the box – office, the hotel is still reaping. The spectacular sky-bar at lebua, Dome , is particularly sought after for the breathtaking bird’s eye view from its 63^rd floor, the part of the hotel which nestles its various restaurants and is iconic for its recognition value from the film that has been watched by audiences the world over.  From the vantage point, you can see the entire Thai capital glimmer as you sip the latest offering from the bar – the Hangovertini, which is a special martini concoction that was prepared for the crew and has become a ritual for all those who visit Sirocco, the open air-restaurant which houses the sky-bar. The Hangovertini packs in quite a punch, a definite recommendation for bad boys on the loose and girls that like to indulge in a bit of adventure.



That apart, the hotel by itself speaks for ultra-comfort enhanced by luxury of the finest variety – from Bvlgari furniture and toiletries, the spacious suites give an at-home feel once you’ve returned after a hectic meeting or after soaking in the various sights and sounds of Thailand’s capital city. Each of the suites is built in a similar fashion with an extra bedroom, a living room, a kitchenette and a spa room. The spa room is definitely a welcome addition to the cornucopia of luxurious offerings at the hotel. With a prior appointment, you can call your therapist to your suite!

The Staff is courteous and available whenever you want them. In fact, they seem to mysteriously appear out of nowhere, every time you think you’d want to beckon them for a service request. That perhaps is the most charming quality about any hospitality hub, to be served with effortless alacrity at any time of the day or night.



The food at the lebua is for those who enjoy a gourmet’s platter with meals that go into several courses. However, despite its very elite set-up, not everyone can buy luxury at their behest. Its friendly Indian CEO Deepak Ohri informs, “We have even had to refuse to dine without a prior booking.” It’s all fair in their scheme of things, which is why a confirmed lebua guest is treated as the most important person in the hotel – a king that deserves the finest treatment.

The majestic experience starts with a seven-series BMW pick-up and drop from the airport and continues throughout the stay, with minute details taken care of leaving no room to ask for more. From a location point of view, it helps that the lebua is situated in the heart of the city making it convenient to visit nearby markets and malls.



The lebua group is a fairly new set-up with hotels in New Zealand, Delhi and Bangkok. But each of their properties is marked by luxury and a commitment to give their clients their money’s worth. When in Bangkok, even if you miss staying at the lebua as a guest, make sure you visit the hotel for its unique fine dining experience at its various restaurants, Mezzaluna, Breeze and Sirocco offer a fine spread of Mediterranean, modern, Asian, Lebanese and even Indian cooking.

In any case, the hotel has fast gained a reputation for being quite the “it” destination in Bangkok- you see guests not only come dressed for an occasion when they visit the lebua, but also armed with cameras to capture moments spent at the hotel, posing many times where the Hollywood crew had! So whether it is a business meeting or a fine date night; luxury and romance can be taken to inconceivable heights here - like in the case of a “valuable” Russian guest that came in with his girlfriend and ran up an incredible bill of a few hundred thousand dollars, as he lavished her with the most fascinating gourmet gift. You can take your pick – about keeping it simple or escalating it to the heights beyond its serene sky-bar experience that makes you feel, quite literally, on the top of the world!

Mr. Deepak Ohri Chief Executive Officer lebua Hotels & Resorts

Mr. Deepak Ohri

Chief Executive Officer

lebua Hotels & Resorts



Mr. Deepak Ohri is the Chief Executive Officer of lebua Hotels and Resorts, an international luxury hospitality company. With a collection of 5-Star hotels and fine restaurants in Thailand, New Zealand and India, Mr. Ohri is now focusing on expanding the lebua brand globally.

Joining the organization as its first employee, Mr. Ohri created Bangkok’s best culinary destination – The Dome at lebua in 2004. The Dome houses a collection of stunningly beautiful restaurants & Bars such as Sirocco, Mezzaluna, Breeze, Distil and Sky Bar which are of international culinary acclaim and have won countless awards.

After the success of The Dome, Mr. Ohri rechristened the Meritus hotel as lebua, an all-suite luxury hotel in 2006. Then, he launched lebua Hotels and Resorts as a luxury hotel chain that includes exclusive properties in Thailand, an ultra-luxury lodge in New Zealand and India. He launched a new level of luxury hotel, Tower Club at lebua in 2008. The suites are located on the top floors (51^st to 59^th) featuring exclusive privileges; such as complimentary soft drinks and high speed Internet, Acca Kappa amenities as well as access to Tower Club Lounge.

With Mr Ohri’s leadership, lebua & The Dome have won over 60 world awards including Wolrd’s Leading All-Suite Hotel Award by World Travel Award, Signautre Luxury Hotel’s Award by The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA), Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Thailand by TripAdvisor, Overall Best Hotel in Asia by CNBC and Business Asia and Restaurant of the Year by The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2011-2013.

Drawing on a career that includes operational and executive roles with companies such as Kempinski and Taj Hotels, Mr. Ohri has a depth of experience in the international hospitality industry.  He also brings an entrepreneur’s innovative spirit to his role as CEO.  He has been recognized for his innovation as recipient of the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from Art of Travel and the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards’ “Most Enterprising Entrepreneur” award for 2008-2010. Mr. Ohri continues to be an admired figure in the hospitality industry and was honored as “The Best in Asia: HAPA Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year” for 2011-2013 from the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards.



Speaker, Lecturer and Writer:

A celebrated speaker on luxury and strategy, Mr. Ohri was invited to participate in the prestigious Forbes Global CEO conference both in 2008 and 2009. He has been a guest speaker in many events including the 2008 Cityscape Asia Conference in Singapore, the Worldwide TRI*M Conference organized by TNS in New York (2009), and The Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit in Los Angleles (2010).  In 2011, Mr Ohri was a speaker at The Ecomony Hotels World Asia conference in Singapore, (REFEM) Conference in New York, the WTTC 9th Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Brazil and Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit in Switzerland. Thus far in 2012, Mr. Ohri was a speaker at the World Travel and Tourism Council in Japan and Macau Tourism Forum in China.

A recognized expert in hospitality, Mr. Ohri has lectured at leading management schools including the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) & ISB Hyderabad, INSEAD and Harvard Business School. He is a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council and serves on an advisory board of Singapore’s Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management.

Finally, Mr. Ohri is a columnist on Luxury and Travel for the Financial Express Newspaper in India. His weekly column is entitled, DEELUXE. All articles are posted on his blog.



About lebua Hotels & Resorts:

A luxury hotel chain with properties in Bangkok, New Zealand and India, lebua Hotels & Resorts is internationally acclaimed for its innovative business strategies and use of cutting edge research and technology.  Rated within the top 1% of companies in the world in terms of Customer Satisfaction by TNS research¹ (TRI*M Index), lebua's business management strategies have been the active point of discussion in several top business schools including Harvard, Kellogg, INSEAD, NYU, Columbia and IIMs. Currently, it is being considered as a case study for the Harvard Business School.

Right from its beginning, lebua has shaped the luxury accommodation and dining scene in Bangkok. With its restaurants rated among the world’s best, lebua has broadened its horizons with plans to expand into Europe and the Caribbean with a luxury period property just outside of Paris and an all-suite luxury boutique property in Saint Martin as well as hotels in India.

Service

What exactly is good service? A dictionary definition of service is the action of helping or doing work for someone. The word service was first used in the 13th century, and yes - the word originated from the Latin word servitium.

In lebua, service with a smile is our prime objective; everyone endeavors to do their utmost best. Take a look at the video below to feel the warmth extended Limousine at lebua at State Tower

Alex Holzer, our mixologist - through his creations in Distil and the Skybar is a service that is infused in innovation.



Through concerted efforts spanning two countries now (lebua Bangkok and lebua New Delhi), Chef Frank aspires to heighten the culinary experience for guests at lebua. This is his service - one that we can enjoy from our table when dining in The Dome. Read a snippet of his efforts here.



For the front desk crew, their role is a pivotal one as guests meet them first. They are like the brand ambassadors of lebua. I spoke to one of them and to him - service is about listening to the needs of the guest - no matter how unusual it may sound, one must show empathy and go beyond the call of duty to meet or exceed the request.



With such enthusiasm and commitment across the board, it is no wonder that lebua is an award winning hotel in Bangkok.

No helipad? Strange!

By Aishik Barua, Jet Wings, India

It might not have a helipad but it is the most sought-after 5-star hotel in Bangkok. Not without reason, of course.

It felt strange to stand on the balcony of my suite on the 56th floor and see other hotels at a distance with helipads on their terraces.  After all, helipads in hotels are now defunct in Bangkok.  lebua Bangkok, though, never felt the need to build a helipad  on their terrace. They do not do special favors. If you had asked for the last table at one of their packed restaurants before the Prime Minister of Thailand did, then you can safely bet that the last table will be yours.

Amidst the busy district of Silom, lebua at State Tower stands tall three restaurants, three bars and a spa. The suites are lavish and plush but have a cozy aura. Normally, every suite has a  master bedroom and a children's bedroom, both with attached bathrooms, an in-suite spa room, where you can ask for a soothing physical­ therapy session during official working hours of the day, a kitchen  with a stocked refrigerator, and a work space separating a small dining  table for four from a spacious lounging area.



The three gourmet restaurants have very different delights to serve. Mediterranean, modern European and a host of other cuisines are there for you to choose from. The M-level, also known as the Mozu floor, spreads out a buffet on select days of the week and serves the most delicious seafood. Especially delectable are the shrimps. A-la-carte you can select from an array of Lebanese, Thai or Indian dishes. You must try the spicy-hot Tom Yam Goong soup and the traditional Phad Thai. They are mouth-watering, to say the least.

Seven hundred and fifty staff members from 18 nationalities work round the clock at the hotel to make your stay pleasant and comfortable. In whatever state you might leave your suite, you will always come back to a neat and tidy place-that's how efficient they are.



Hangover 2 was shot at the hotel. The bar shown in the climax of the movie, Sirocco, is one of a kind, residing at the edge of the terrace garden on the 64th floor. A jazz band plays at one of the elevated corners beside the top of the stairs. At night, the whole area looks like a set straight out of a James Bond movie.

A contradiction of sorts, where sophistication meets casual comfort and a movie-like grandeur is complemented with a quiet demeanor, lebua Bangkok creates just the right balance for guests hether they are on a holiday or an official tour. That is a tough atmosphere to create but lebua makes it look rather easy.

An Angel in My Soup

There’s something rather magical about a stay at the Lebua, Bangkok, where fine dining has been perfected to a performance art in a city of  angels. Aekta Kapoor takes a culinary journey into opulence.

Wide stairs, which seem wider because there are no walls to bind them, begin from the sky and descend seemingly into theBangkok skyline. Two steps down, you stop giddily – the panorama of the city vyingfor your attention, the Breeze rummaging through your hair and sounds of a live band floating six hundred feet above the ground into nothing. Gathering your wits, you descend lower and find yourself welcomed into Sirocco, the highest al fresco restaurant in the world, one of the gems on offer at the Dome, Lebua Hotels & Resorts, and one of the most sought-after dining destinations in the Thailand capital.
As dusk turns into a twinkling night, the lights of Krung Thep, also called the‘city of angels’, shine above the darkening Chao Phraya River. Your five-course Mediterranean meal turns up one delight after another, and you linger over the Your Mediterranean meal turns up one delight after another, and you linger over the absolutely perfect hand-rolled potato gnocchi served with roasted butternut squash and king- oyster mushrooms.

The Whispering Angel rose wine only adds fuel to the enchantment of sitting in the open air, 64 floors above a breathtaking urbanscape, with elegant jazz for company.

It’s like dining with the stars, not just under them.

It was this very charm of Sirocco that compelled Warner Bros to shoot scenes from the film  Hangover 2 here. According to Deepak Ohri, CEO at lebua, the five-day visit by the Hollywood team of over 400 movie professionals was perfectly choreographed down to the last detail. “They would vacate our restaurants at sharp 5 p.m.,” he marvels, “no matter how much equipment was strewn about just five minutes prior.”

To pay tribute, the hotel now offers a Hangovertini, created by Alex Holzer, mixologist at The Dome, using the formula, “vitamins + minerals + antioxidants + bit of alcohol” (see box on the next page for its recipe). Not only is this drink one of the hotel’s bestsellers, so is the Hangover Suite located at the Tower Club, a three- bedroom sprawling 266-square metres space with four separate balconies to savour the Bangkok skyline from different angles and a whole host of complimentary luxury services. But fear not if you can’t get a booking – the hotel still has 357 other suites to offer, and a staff of over 700 from 18 countries at your disposal, including in-suite masseurs who bring soothing spa music along with their sweet-smelling oils.



Located in the heart of Bangkok at the corner of Charoen Krung and Silom roads, and just a few minutes away from the city’s most popular attractions and markets, the lebua is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a luxury collection in which member hotels must embrace an extensive 1,600-item annual quality assurance programme. The luxurious rooms here offerbreathtaking vistas of the Chao Phraya River and come with kitchenettes, home-entertainment centres and Bulgari amenities (coming in April: amenities by Acca Kappa) in all bathrooms. The high-end suites in Tower Club also offer complimentary mini-bars, along with access to the super-elegant Tower Club Lounge, where you can sip coffee from gilded cups as you view the cityaround you from an opulent vantage point.

Fine dining is, in fact, refined to an art at the Dome – a collection of super exclusive fine-dining experiences The rooms offer breathtaking vistas of the Chao Phraya River and come with kitchenettes, home-entertainment centres and Bulgari amenities (coming in April: amenities by Acca Kappa).
The high-end suites also offer complimentary mini-bars and Internet including Sirocco, where per head costs start from THB 4,300 excluding taxes for a tasting menu. The Dome is also home to the startlingly innovative Mezzaluna, a ‘modern European’ restaurant headed by celebrity twin chefs Thomas and Mathias Sühring. With a formidable background in haute cuisine, the German duo create a new menu every evening using the latest in culinary technology and the finest seasonal ingredients from around the world.



Mezzaluna entrenched itself firmly on the global epicurean landscape when it held a ‘million-baht dinner’ in 2007, a gourmet extravaganza that was ‘invitation by request’ only for a few of the world’s who’s who and lauded as the world’s most expensive dinner. The event was the grand finale of the Epicurean Masters of the World PartII, a one-of-its-kind ourmet festival that saw several Michelin Star-awarded chefs congregate under one roof. The six-course tasting menu at the Mezzaluna includes unexpected ingredients such as ‘forgottenvegetables’ from around the world topped with freshly grated winter truffles from Europe, and kumamoto oyster servedwith cauliflower, sea lettuce, turmeric and dashi. With wine pairing, the price for one person’s meal starts from THB 6,900,excluding taxes.
For those in a mood for more Asian fare – after all, you are in the strategic fifteenth-century capital of the historic Siam – head to Breeze on the fifty-second floor of the Tower Club. Dig into Chinese savouries created by executive Chef James Ho and his team, against the backdrop of a 25-metre high neon-lit sky-bridge.



Else, you could always have a drink at Distil or the Sky Bar, such as the 62 Gun Salute – a peg of which could set you back INR 35,000 – or wines that go up to THB 2 million perbottle. “A Russian billionaire flew in for one evening recently and ran up a bill for USD 100,000 – that’s been the most anyone has ever consumed in one meal,” recalls Ohri, who was the hotel’s first employee and has been here since. Despite their rather exclusive clientele, Ohri insists the rules at the Dome apply to everyone, no matter who they are or what they are willing to pay.



“Sirocco has twice refused entry to the prime minister of Thailand because they wanted table for 16 to 18 persons, and we don’t do large gatherings,” he says. “Another wealthy client once offered a million dollars to hire  one of our restaurants for an evening – and that was just the cost of the food – but wesaid no.” Later in the evening, we observe a

HAVE A HANGOVERTINI Shake together a peg of Scotch whisky, 1 oz Zen green-tea liquor, 1 oz green-apple juice, 0.3 oz Martini Rosso, and0.2 oz rosemary-infused honey. Pour in a Martini glass and garnish it with a rosemary sprig.couple being turned away from Mezzaluna because they are in shorts and T-shirts. “The dress code at the Dome is very strict,” informs Kanokrat Kirkland, the amiable director of public relations. Internationally acclaimed for its innovative business strategies and use of cutting-edge technology, the lebua Hotels & Resorts chain – with propertiesin Bangkok, New Zealand and New Delhi – has been rated within the top 1 per cent of companies in the world in terms ofcustomer satisfaction by TNS research. Interestingly, it started only as the Dome group of restaurants, and then developed a hotel at the same location when clients demanded a place to stay. It now also features Café Mozu, an all-day diner.

Having redefined the landscape of luxury hospitality in Thailand, Lebua has gone the lebua is a member of Preferred Hotels suites also offer complimentary II, a one-of-its-kind gourmet festival that bottle. “A Russian billionaire flew in for one Pour in a Martini glass and garnish on to win several awards and its business strategies have become the active point of discussion in several top business schools around the world.

But business is the furthest from your mind as you take your morning coffee out to the spacious balcony in your suite,and gaze out at the vista below. The sun is just starting to come up but the city has never completely gone to sleep. The highways buzz with traffic 60 floors below you, vendors have begun their business of the day, and the river is abuzz with cargo boats. A gentle breeze picks up, bringing with it sounds of a multi-cultural city with a plethora of languages. The day ahead stretches out replete with luxurious delights. Who would ever want to say goodbye?

The World's Best Bars With Views

BY Sarah White, Contributor from  Forbes Travel Guide



You can sip a drink anywhere, but if you like your martinis with a splash of panorama, read on. We rounded up ten great bars with incredible views, from vistas of Alpine peaks to glittering cities and mega- monuments. Check out our favorites to find out where to meet for drinks when you want to impress—and be impressed.

Sky Bar at Sirocco, The Dome at lebua Bangkok

The view: The bar provides a vertigo-inducing panorama of the capital city sprawl and Chao Phraya River from the 63rd floor. Dare to step up to the chest-high transparent acrylic walls that separate you from thin air.
The scene: Mediterranean restaurant Sirocco—which claims to be the world the highest alfresco eatery—is located on an adjacent open-air patio. Nightly live jazz drifts up the graduated terraces toward Sky Bar, where a round, glowing bar subtly changes colors and anchors the lounge platform jutting out over

We ranked 8th

Evidence of hotels and the hospitality industry have been recorded far back ever since biblical times. As with the passing of time, we have gone from economic and low cost to plush and extravagant. In the Roman era, the first hotels were nothing more than private homes opened to public. Most, unfortunately, had poor reputations. The increasing numbers of travelers encouraged the hotel owners to start catering to the pleasure and leisure travelers in an effort to encourage visitors. From that point on, a surge of hotels flooded all the major cities and expanded to the rest of the world. Today, we have a plethora of big and well-known brands like Westin, Marriot and Hilton available in capitals circling the globe. What comes with these prominent hotels is the prevailing and committed enthusiasm to serve guests to the highest level possible.

For the upper echelon of society, luxury is the key to it all. It has gradually become an essential part of established top tier hotels serving the elite high-end customers or guests since 1790s. Voltaire once said, “Luxury has been railed at for two thousand years, in verse and in prose, and it has always been loved”.

Nothing can describe the high-end side of this industry better than his quote. High net worth travelers and the la haute société nowadays seem to look for more than paid lodging on a short-term basis or a place to spend the night in a new city away from home. Especially when there are many hotels that offers the same services and facilities within a five kilometer radius. Many travelers view them as an integral part of a getaway experience. Travelers can choose a hotel that is as much a selling point as the destination itself. This is the reason why luxury hotels are constantly ranked accordingly to the satisfaction of guests and third party organizations such as Tripadvisor, Elite Traveler and Business Asia Magazine.



Lebua is ranked 8^th in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Thailand for 2011 by Tripadvisor. Tower Club at lebua, the all suite luxury hotel has quickly established itself as one of Bangkok’s finest hotels, winning several awards and accolades in a short period of time after its grand opening. The suites of lebua have made it to the list of 101 best suites in the world by Elite Traveler for two years in succession. It has also been voted the Best New Hotel in 2006 by the readers of Business Asia magazine in conjunction with CNBC, Asia Pacific.



Tower Club at lebua is located on Silom Road and is within easy access to business and shopping districts of Bangkok. In terms of dining options, the restaurants at "The Dome" include the illustrious "Sirocco" with its famed "Sky Bar". An open kitchen steals your heart at "Mezzaluna".  Distil with an open air cigar terrace lounge and an oyster and sushi bar serves only the best. Breeze is accessible by a dramatic glass sky bridge from the 52nd floor and serves Authentic Asian flavors. Cafe Mozu on the mezzanine floor promises the best in International cuisine and offers Lebanese and Indian dishes as well. With these facilities and restaurants, there is no surprise that lebua once again, is a trend setter and defines the luxury landscape in the Bangkok scene.

Sky High (Sirocco & Sky Bar)

Sky high

The open sky.

A cool drink in your hand.

The city of Bangkok beneath you.

It's time to unwind.

As we sat at our table dose to the edge of the terrace, I looked at the majestic dome of lebua at State Tower, Bangkok shining with many bright lights, thestail"5 leading down from the foyer to the seating area, the Sky Bar situated almost at the edge, the dinner tables decorated with cutlery and candles and the jazz band playing at a comer. Sirocco looks like a grand set straight out of James Bond movie, where quaint traditions meet chic modernity.

On the 64th floor, under an open sky, the pleasant Breeze is as soothing as the faint humdrum of activity going on around you. Light conversations over glasses of Hangovertini (lebua's signature drink with a scotch base, especially concocted to not give you hangovef5 the next morning) and the five-course meal prepared especially by the chef-de-cuisine, Chef Rick Gonzalez,

Is quite an experience? Wines, selected from some of the best cellars across the world, adorn the bar menu, while some of the best Mediterranean dishes feature prominently on the platter. While a dish of king oyster with battement squash and king oyster mushrooms is absolutely delicious, you cannot miss the main course from the

Chef's Non-vegetarian Tasting Menu. The Australian grained boneless rack of lamb with spatula, a variation of spiced comet and dijonnaise jus is something you might have never tasted. For the green lovers, there is also ample to choose from the Chefs Vegetarian Tasting Menu.

Besides the wines and Hangovertini, there a Variety of other cocktails you could choose from. Vodka-based Sunset 63 and Sky Cosmo are definitely for the sweet­ toothed while the scotch and tequila-based Earth is for those who like their drinks strong. A must-try is the Mimosa, a delicious concoction of champagne and orange juice. And for those who like It strong with a slight bitter taste, you must definitely call for a Desire-a mix of champagne, brandy and angostura bitters.

No matter how inebriated you feel after the amazing cocktails, dessert is a must Kirsch – Vanilla mousse with chocolate Cream and spiced sponge is to die for. The mousse with the cream creates just the right balance of a bitter-sweet taste in your palate and it lingers on for quite some time.

Just as the CEO, Mr. Deepak Ohri stated, Sirocco does actually create an experience­ one that is simply unforgettable.

Breakfast at Mozu

As I cycled faster and faster in the gym, my mind was furiously mapping short memories and thoughts, fusing them to be part of the business strategy for this quarter or piecing together an array of experiences for this blog entry for lebua. As I switched from Japanese original soundtrack for Totoro and Lahu songs from the mountains of Chiangrai to beautiful renditions in Spanish and Italian by Il Divo, I concluded the following:

There are indeed many hotels in Bangkok. Starwood alone has 8 brands here (and the only 2 cities to have all 9 brands are New York and Beijing). To stand out, is quite a task. A great breakfast buffet in a five star setting inside a five star hotel is worth it, to kick off your day. Mozu at lebua does theirs in style.

I’ve not had breakfast in all 8 brands under Starwood here in Bangkok, but I've had my fair share in almost all of them, plus other 5 star hotels. Below, briefly - are my thoughts why the one at lebua is special.

1. Mozu has a dedicated corner for Indian delicacies. And on the main buffet line, surely one or two of them are Indian cuisine, from masala potatoes to tandoori chicken.  So if you like to at least have a choice of hearty Indian selection, lebua will do justice.

2.They have soya bean milk at the Chinese corner. Say no more.

3. I like how the sausages are cooked in front of you as you order.

4. Their omelet corner is strategic, at the entrance to the air-conditioned part of the café where the main buffet line is located. And they usually have not one, but three in the ‘egg crew’.

5. Croissants are baked fresh – one can expect no less with Executive Chef Frank in command of the food repertoire in lebua

6. Homemade yoghurt, served in beaker-like jars with a story behind them.

7. There is actually a place to hang your jacket, and the service crew will do it for you. Plus points for that indeed.

Now, let me check when I am going to Mozu next. Yes, tomorrow it will be.

The Lotus Position

I have just returned from one of the most hedonistic experiences of a lifetime. Every second I spent at the Lebua hotel in Bangkok was resplendent of their decadent brand of pampering.Lebua is a Thai-French name. Le meaning 'the' and Bua,Thai for the Lotus. In Buddhist philosophy, the Lotus has extreme significance. Depictions at temples often show Lotusstems reaching out into the sky from murky pools where fish and turtles swim. The metaphor goes like this:we are all in this pit or dirt,of predators who can attack us and defeat us, but if we strive hard enough, we can rise above and beyond all this and allow our spirit to soar endlessly,where then it truly blossoms.Lebua then is quite an apt name for it is all about delivering to us the luxuiYthatwe all singularly strive for.Lebua's  CEO, Deepak Ohri, believes that LUXURY is not justfor the rich. "LUXURY is different things to different people, depending on their level of expectations. "EveiYone has a different definition and level of aspiration and to ensure that nobody goes away unsatisfied basically means setting your standards high enough to please eveybody.
But all this wasn't told to me, it was shown to me. Sirocco, a restaurant at Lebua, has undergone some changes but the location and quality of food remain high as ever, pun intended.With a view on the iconic golden dome of the State Tower, as a jazz band croons away silky somethings into the black star-decked sky, this is quite an ethereal outing venue. Not surprising to hear that many a man has gone down on one knee here.
My personal favourite was Mezzaluna.Ihave never had twins seiVe me before, and here they were,the SOhring brothers, cuisiniers in arms, handling what is arguably the finest dining experience in Bangkok.
Finally,the star in this crown was a Frenchman, Sebastien Dental,who handles F&B operations here but more importantly, he can sing to you from the wine list, each phrase almost rhyming, each description so vivid that you can almost taste it. All through my stay he ensured that eveiY wine line-up was a journey and an experience unto itself. We tasted our way through more countries and regions together than Ihave visited with my girlfriend! Somehow,Bangkok,Lebua included, still shies away from seiVing Thaiwine on their lists.I wonder why? Sebastien, at the time of my meeting him,was planning a trip to the northern winemaking provinces where he planned to taste and experience them first-hand before incorporating them into his premium wine selection.The best part, even with an in-suitespa room, my living quarters were a fraction of what one would pay anywhere in India.In short, LUXURY is an aspiration, not an alibito rob banks or break into fixed deposits.
Lebua is now all set to open in Delhi. A sneak sharing that I am indulging in is this: Sirocco 2 will be coming here, as also most of the skilled staff to put menus and service in place. The best will aIso be a fine-dining Indian restaurant to take Indian dining stratospherically high, be it cuisine, service, or setting (imagine 1,001 candles-lit rooms with reflection pools.) As Deepak shared,the restaurant is set to redefine Indian cuisine by several internationalMichelin chefs who will contribute one dish to the menu for each day and on those very days, the same dish would feature on their Michelin-rated menus elsewhere in the world.


"That is glocal,something that is not merely imported but is also worthy of being exported." Now that will be serious down-on-one-knee stuff!

Pomelo Salad with Cashew Nuts and Mild Chili

Mezzaluna, in flight

lebua has done it again, in crafting a discerning menu for 35,000 feet above the ground! The German Twin Chefs Thomas and Mathias Suhring who run the hotel’s award winning restaurant Mezzaluna, have been invited to cook for Lufthansa’s Star Chefs fine dining program.

An infusion of East and West, with a touch of Thai flavors, every dish is epicurean indeed. Their creation will be featured on Lufthansa’s Business and First Class international flights till February 28, 2012.

Highlights from the Business and First class menus are shown below. Bon voyage appétit

Coconut and Basil Pudding with Caramelized Pineapple and

Chili Oil

Bavaria Blu Cream Cheese and Camembert with Walnuts

Coconut and Sago Soup with Mango and Green Tea Biscuit

Pomelo Salad with Cashew Nuts and Mild Chili

Sautéed Tenderloin of Beef in Oyster Sauce with Seasonal Vegetables and Jasmine Rice

Chocolate Cake with Cherry Brandy Parfait and aged Balsamic Vinegar

Top 12 things to enjoy in 2012 at Tower Club, lebua Hotels & Resorts, Bangkok

Whichever month you choose to travel, Bangkok boasts a festival or event which will have you enthralled and entertained – and the only place to stay during your visit is Asia’s recently awarded Hotel of the Year[1] (Best 10 in Asia) – lebua Hotels & Resorts.

Perfectly positioned at the heart of bustling Bangkok, Tower Club at lebua overlooks the Chao Phraya River offering guests breathtaking views – from either your private suite balcony or one of the many fine dining restaurants and bars with vistas you’ll never forget.

Whether you’re hitting the town or enjoying the hotel’s unrivalled hospitality, we’ve compiled a list of 12 superb experiences for 2012:

January – During the Chinese New Year festivities, enjoy dragon parties and be mesmerised by Chinatown’s street dancers who will be decked out in elaborate costumes. When the festivities have left you weary on your feet, head back to your hotel for an exquisite in-room massage.

February – True romantics won’t be able to resist drinks and dinner at spectacular Sirocco at The Dome at lebua. Why not wine and dine your loved one with the special packages Lavish lebua Luxury* and dinner on Valentine’s Day at Sirocco, the most romantic restaurant in Bangkok.

March – Experience Thailand’s renowned floating markets during the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Sweet Grape Fair where you can sample local produce as traders drift past on small boats in nearby Damnoen Saduak. Get your land legs back during a relaxing dinner at the multi-award winning Mezzaluna Restaurant located at The Dome at lebua, where three and six course menus are created daily.

April – The Thai New Year is all about fantastic fun – and water, plenty of it. At the official start to the Buddhist New Year the city centre will be awash with an enormous water fight – so prepare for a soaking safe in the knowledge you can then retreat to your suite at Tower Club at lebua for a more indulgent water experience in your own bubble bath, steaming hot shower or luxury pool.

May – May marks the beginning of the official rice-planting season with the Royal Ploughing Ceremony taking centre stage mid-month. Watch buffaloes lead old-fashioned ploughs into the Sanam Luang Park. Make the most of your May soujourn by combining your Bangkok stay at Tower Club at lebua with an opulent visit to lebua’s partner property on the island of Krabi – Phulay Bay.

June – Savvy shoppers know June is a great month to check out the bargains on offer during the Amazing Thailand Grande Sale Fair when the city’s shops and department stores offer substantial discounts off a wide variety of items - so don’t forget to pack an extra suitcase. Bring your bags back to your suite to put on your new outfit and be the envy of the other diners as you enjoy a glass or two at the Champagne Bar at The Dome at lebua.

July – Religious ceremonies will take place in all of Bangkok’s main temples to mark the Buddhist ceremony of Asalaha Puja Day – a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the spiritual side of Thai culture. Your concierge at lebua Hotels & Resorts will be more than happy to help organise a tour or personalised itinerary to ensure you make the most out of every minute in Bangkok.

August – Frock up for the Bangkok International Fashion Fair, which attracts leading fashion designers from the Asia Pacific region. In this fantastic free event, travellers are invited to view the very latest in clothing and accessories, and to attend fashion shows. But, before you pound the pavement in search of the hottest looks, why not boost your stamina with a complimentary high tea – available for all Tower Club guests, daily on the 52^nd floor.

September – September is dominated by the annual Mid-Autumn Festival which is celebrated by a range of traditional Chinese events city-wide. The annual Mid—Autumn Festival will take place across the city. A local favourite, the festival focuses on good triumphing over evil, and sees the night skies alight with moonlight ceremonies, candles and incense. Make the most of the views from your suite and have a lebua chef cook dinner for you and your loved one in the privacy – and luxury – of your own room.

October – During the annual Thai Beer Festival, visitors can sample some of Bangkok’s finest locally brewed beers. Top off your experience enjoying one of the signature creations from renowned mixologist Alex at The Sky Bar at The Dome at lebua. Perhaps try a Havana Pearl?

November – Loi Krathong Festival is one of Bangkok’s most famous celebrations during which boats constructed of banana leaves and filled with candles, coins, incense and flowers are floated along the waterways. Witness this magical event over a relaxing meal at Breeze as you enjoy the city fireworks along the Chao Phraya River.

December – Bangkok is a city that knows how to party, and this is never true than on New Year’s Eve. Tower Club at lebua’s Countdown Celebration packages let you be at the heart of the action, ushering in the New Year in style with a bird’s eye view of the midnight fireworks.

So, take your pick and head to lebua Hotels & Resorts, Bangkok to enjoy the best of Bangkok in the absolute lap of luxury.