PUBLISHED June 30th, 2022 10:00 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:36 pm
With most borders now open (we’re looking at you next, Hong Kong and Japan), travel is back in full swing, even with the increase in air ticket prices. From flash sale galore to two upcoming music festivals in Bali and Thailand, here are our top picks to fuel your wanderlust this week.
Villa Frantzén opens in Bangkok
Earlier this month, Villa Frantzén Restaurant & Cocktail Bar has opened its doors to the public in the heart of Bangkok. Brought to you by the same people behind three Michelin starred Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore, the 60-seater restaurant introduces modern, casual Nordic cooking mixed with Asian influences. Its five-course tasting menu (THB 3,500++ per person) gives diners the option of choosing their choice of dish in each category in addition to snacks and petit four. Highlights include Cured Norwegian Salmon & Beer Poached King Crab with trout roe, dill, horseradish and avocado, and Duck & Foie Gras served with raspberry “hot sauce”, beetroot, grilled roses and pistachio.
Villa Frantzen is located at No.7 Yen Akat Soi 3, Chongnonsi Yannawa, Bangkok 10120. Open for dinner daily, 5.30pm till late, reservations essential – book here. Cocktail bar open from 5pm daily for walk ins.
Hop on Centara’s Travel Unlocked Flash Sale
Leading regional hospitality giant Centara Hotels & Resorts is running a flash sale from 1 to 4 July 2022. For four days, have your pick of holiday destinations across Maldives, Vietnam, and Thailand and save up to 40% off accommodation! Participating properties include the adults-only Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in the Maldives for the ultimate in island serenity and themed entertainment resort Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne. Located in southern Vietnam, it boasts an adventure-themed water play area complete with slides, lazy river, cliff-jumping rock and pool. Beach and urban destinations in Thailand include Phuket, Koh Chang Samui, Trat, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.
Centara Travel Unlocked Flash Sale runs 1 to 4 July 2022 here.
Immersion in Mekong Delta Culture with Azerai Resorts
Luxury hospitality company Azerai has launched new experiences with a strong culinary focus to better immerse guests in the local culture their Vietnam-based resorts. At Azerai La Residence in Hue, board the property’s new Perfume River boat for a private dinner cruise featuring fine Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Situated along Vietnam’s southeastern coast, four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, is the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay, which offers a four-hour Monastery and Iconic Fruit of Binh Thuan tour that takes you to dragon fruit farm, the Ta Cu Mountain, and local salt fields.
See here for more information.
Karma Kastle Returns to Khao Yai
Karma Kastle returns for its third edition at the same magical location of MiraSierra Khao Yai from 7 to 9 October 2022. Embark on a three-day and three-night musical journey, happening in the midst of beautiful nature, just three hours north of Bangkok. The majority of the line-up features local talent, such as uprising force of underground dance culture CORNER PPL., drum & bass wunderkind DJ Dragon, and house & techno DJ DOTT. Overseas guests include Japan’s Gonno, Jane Fitz from the UK (known for her sets infused with soul and techno, ambient music and hypnotic house), and Vietnam’s Ouissam. Tickets are priced at THB 3,300.
For full line-up and tickets, see here.
Early Birders to Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Also happening sooner rather than later is the ever-popular Ubud Village Jazz Festival, taking place over the weekend of 12 to 13 August 2022. Set on the six hectares of exquisite Balinese gardens of the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), look forward to another host of exciting acts that celebrate the wide range of styles and sub-genres that Jazz music and the art of improvisation encompass. Indonesia’s Tohpati Bertiga, led by leading jazz guitarist Tohpati Ario Hutomo, Balinese Bossa band Gustu Brahmanta Ethnic Project, and South Korea’s Sun Kim are amongst the eclectic line-up. Tickets are priced at US$40 per day or US$65 for two days.
For more information and tickets, see website.
Top Image: Villa Frantzén Restaurant & Cocktail Bar