A THAI-RIFIC PARADISE THAT'S SHANGRI-LA BANGKOK

My clearest memory of Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok was the exquisite Thai dinner at the Salathip restaurant by the Chao Phraya River. It was possibly one of the best meals I had in Bangkok, partaken in ornate and elegant surrounds juxtaposed against expansive river views. The evening was memorably topped off by mesmerising classical Thai dance performances and an unexpected fireworks show.

A decade later, we found ourselves revisiting the posh hotel and immediately felt at home thanks to the effusively warm welcome accorded by Shangri-La’s friendly guest relations team. The floral centrepiece facing the main entrance – an impressive, toweirng cluster of birds of paradise – was a sight to behold as were the profusion of white and purple Phalaenopsis orchids found throughout the lobby.

After a speedy check-in process, we were whisked up to our beautifully appointed room. Due to Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok’s prime location along the River of Kings, the 802 guestrooms and suites proffer dramatic river views or sweeping vista of the city. We were stoked to discover our room flaunted a breath-taking view of the Chao Phraya River and the constant stream of activities along the waterway.

We naturally gravitated towards the tastefully designed bay window seat with plate glass window throughout our stay; a vantage point to lose ourselves and soak in the spectacular river view unfurled below us. I daresay this feature alone won the day and sealed the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok as our fave haven of choice in the City of Angels.

When it comes in-room amenities and facilities, we were bowled over by the ‘pull out the stops’ approach of the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok. Liveried in a distinct palette of earthy and mossy shades, the room’s modernity is accentuated by noticeably Thai decorative and soft furnishing touches like the eye-catching artpiece above the bed and the intricately carved cabinetry of the window seat.

Complimentary in-room WiFi and broadband internet access, 24-hour satellite TV, coffee/tea making facilities, a fully stocked mini bar and a marble bathroom with long bath and separate shower were par for the course. Happily, we found everything in tip-top working order and became so accustomed to all the creature comforts that we were reluctant to leave such a relaxing haven.

Special mention must be made of the extra pillows and blanket provided inside the wardrobe. We slept like babies thanks to the climate control air-condition and firm yet ultra-comfy bed. Even the pillows’ height and firmness met my expectations as I sometimes had trouble catching forty winks due to overly squishy pillows. Being the bookworm that I am, I was also delighted to find a bookmark alongside an orchid at turndown. It was a memento I cherish and is being put to good use now.

 

Since I had to catch up on some work during my stay, the spacious executive desk and ergonomic chair were a real boon and scored top marks from me. The reading chair was a dreamy spot to devour the pageturner I brought.

Exploring the hotel at our own pace, we discovered The Health Club is superbly well-equipped. Fitness buffs need not forgo their daily exercises as the essential workout machines and equipment in addition to tennis and squash courts are provided onsite. We love strolling around the two swimming pools too. Encircled by lush greenery and flourishing shrubs, the pools were obvious magnets for sun worshippers and water babies. Tired muscles and stressed out souls will find therapeutic solutions at CHI, The Spa.

Opened in March 1986, the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok has remained an oasis of luxe tranquillity among the world’s discerning business and leisure travellers. Following the success of the initial 673 rooms in the Shangri-La Wing, the more exclusive 129-room Krungthep Wing opened in August 1991.

A harmonious blend of contemporary Western designs and graceful Thai motifs is noticeable throughout the hotel. We came across quite a number of hidden nooks and pragmatic corners bearing mythical carvings, abstract installations and opulent furnishings.

   

River tours from the hotel’s pier are possible. There is a regular schedule of the boats, to ferry guests to Bangkok’s historic sights such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn and the Royal Barge Museum. Romantic dinner cruises are available too - do check with the helpful concierge for updated information during your stay.

For reservations and information, please contact Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, tel: 66 2 236 7777 or email: slbk@shangri-la.com

COMING SOON: Reviews on Breakfast at Next2 Café and Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge

PROSPERITY BLOSSOMS AT XIN CUISINE

Tradition rules the three Prosperity Set Menus at Xin Cuisine this Chinese New Year with cherished festive specialities topping the list. Priced at RM1,388 nett, RM1,688 nett and RM2,188 nett per table of 10 persons, the CNY celebratory set menus will be available until 2 March 2018.

Six varieties of the colourful raw fish salad will be available including Norwegian Salmon, Soft Shell Crab, Jellyfish, Baby Octopus and Snow Pear. Priced from RM80 upwards for a regular portion, the large portion costs up to RM198. We made merry with the perennial fave of Norwegian Salmon Yee Sang with an additional serving of Snow Pear (top up at RM10). As expected, the freshly shredded ingredients with assorted pickles, crisps and shredded snow pear - once stirred and tossed thoroughly - made for a great starter.

A whole conpoy (dried scallop) was the gem we uncovered from our bowl of nutritious

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Dried Scallop, Wolfberries and Chinese Herbs. The clear broth was mildly herbal on the palate, tinged with faint bittersweet notes. A salubrious soup to relish, to boost one's stamina for the anticipated festivities this CNY.

Roasts are one of Xin Cuisine's signature delicacies hence the inclusion of Crispy Roast Duck with Chinese Herbs into this year's celebratory menus. From our first-hand sampling, the meaty offering ticked all the right boxes -- from the aromatic crispy skin with a whiff of herbal woodiness to the juicy, delicately gamey meat -- the dish was on-point.

Layers of varying texture piqued our interest when we waded in to savour the Steamed Dragon Tiger Garoupa with Fresh Black Fungus & Beancurd Sheets. Known as loong fu parn, this fleshy hybrid fish proved notable for its inherent sweetness; a nice, rich canvas offset by the slight crunchiness of fresh black fungus and slippery skeins of beancurd sheet. Delicious!

Unpolished brown rice lent a healthier twist to the tasty pot of lap mei farn - Stewed Chinese Sausage with Two Varieties of Rice. We couldn't get enough of the subtly boozy nuance in the waxed sausages which were imported from Hong Kong. Diners can order the Waxed Meat Rice in Claypot separately too along with different preparations using the waxed specialities.

Should you prefer a simpler meal, the indulgent Bountiful Fortune Pot (RM388 regular, RM688 large) may fit the bill. Laden with premium goodies, ranging from abalone and dried oysters to roast pork and mushrooms, the substantial pot is an 'all in one' feast.

Although we half wished dessert could be more exciting, the Chilled Peach Resin with White Fungus & Red Dates came up to mark. Ideal for soothing parched throats and light enough to leave you walking away from the dinner table guilt-free.

A hit among Xin regulars, the Nian Gao Specials (RM13 per serving) have always been much anticipated every time CNY comes around. This year, the creations comprise Fresh Shredded Coconut Nian Gao, Sesame Rice Ball Nian Gao and Peanut Nian Gao. Our preference slanted towards the fail-safe shredded coconut coated sticky glutinous rice cake but the sesame seed-coated balls of mochi meets nian gao weren't shabby either.

Instead of the same old CNY hampers, Xin Cuisine has launched a new series of their winsome CNY New Year Gift Boxes at RM138 nett each. Backlit with soft LED lights, the four distinctive designs feature a sprig of cherry blossoms, a trio of gold fish, a pearl on a lotus leaf and a Chinese pipa/lute. Beautifully embellished with crystals, the elegant boxes come with USB port and cable can be filled with a choice of glutinous rice cake or a quartet of pineapple tart, salted egg pastry, yam pastry and red bean pastry.

 

They make fabulous gifts in conjunction with the CNY when you visit relatives and friends. Currently, the promotional price is RM118 nett per box and is sold at the CNY kiosk of Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur daily from 10am to 9pm.

For more information, call the CNY Gift Kiosk, tel: 012-399 5436 (direct line) or 03-2149 2799 (office hours). Reservations for CNY dining at Xin Cuisine can be made by calling tel: 03 2144 8750. Address: Lobby Level, Concorde Hotel KL, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL.