Heading to the Thai capital and have a penchant for celebrity-spotting? From lauded eateries and killer spas, these 5-star hangouts have serious star quality. Increase your chances of seeing famous folk by making like an A-lister and checking into one of their Bangkok haute hotel haunts.
Shangri-La
Indulge in a luxury treatment at Chi The Spa. (Image: Shangri-La Bangkok)
With a stellar riverside location, the recently refurbished Shangri-La has climbed to the top of the city’s 5-star hotel pile. Certainly English Premier League football team, Chelsea FC, thought so when they came on a pre-season tour and booked out more than 60 of its best suites.
Happily for mere mortals, it’s not only the suites that have boastful vistas - the unique design of the Shangri-La means that every room has a river view. Other standout features include the picturesque palm tree-spotted pool area overlooking the calm Chao Phraya River, the marble-laid lobby, award-winning restaurants and the 24-floor Horizon Club Lounge.
Must try:
The in-house CHI Spa. A signature of all Shangri-La hotels, CHI’s private facilities include wet areas, sauna and steam rooms and an A to Z of therapies meaning that there’s a treatment for everyone. The ‘jasmine rice glow’ in particular is a winner, especially if you’re keen to scrub away the remnants of the nine-hour flight getting here.
Como
You'll never want to leave the suites at the Como Bangkok. (Image: Como Bangkok)
Included in “Conde Nast Traveler’s” 2016 Gold List of the world’s best hotels - one of only two properties in Thailand to appear - COMO Metropolitan Bangkok has serious star quality. Smack bag in the heart of the city, the hotel is easy walking distance to Lumpini Park and Thaniya Plaza.Not that Tinseltown star or starlet will be walking in public. The most desirable rooms out of the 169 on offer overlook the picture-perfect pool. Speaking of, the hotel amenities are enviable with afore mentioned pool, world class spa, jacuzzi and steam room.
Must try:
Nahm restaurant. A fine dining institution this is where everyone who’s anyone in the city goes to see and be seen. Aussie head chef David Thompson has called Bangkok home for more than 20 years and during his time he’s honed his knowledge of Thai cuisine, so much so that he’s penned two books on the subject.
With outlets in both London - which was the first Thai restaurant to ever be awarded a Michelin star - and Bangkok. Indeed, the food here it so good that Nahm was featured in both last year’s ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ awards and ‘Asia's 50 Best Restaurants.’ Book ahead or make sure you know someone inside.
The Peninsula
The Peninsula's is worth a stay even if just for the views. (Image: The Peninsula Bangkok)
Positioned opposite the legendary Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, the Peninsula is one of the newer properties on the Bangkok luxury hotel block.
Welcoming stars of the stage and screen, alongside the world’s political and royal power players, the 5-star treatment begins from the airport where celebs (or those with an equivalent bank balance) will be ferried to the property in one of the Peninsula’s fleet of BMW 7 series or Rolls Royce Spur cars.
Traditional, understated rooms feature marble bathrooms with large tubs, living quarters with large writing desks, and excellent river and city views.
Must try:
Spread across three levels, the Spa is one of the best in Bangkok. It’s indulgent massages and facials will cater to any celebrity’s pampering whim, but one definite go-to for those fresh off the plane is the two-hour sleep ceremony. Including a blissful hot stone massage, the ritual promises to diminish jet lag and induce a good night’s sleep.
Anantara Riverside Resort & Spa
Spread across 11 acres along the riverfront, the Anantara offers tropical resort luxury in the heart of the city. (Image: Anantara Riverside Resort & Spa)
The only tropical resort in Bangkok, this unique combination of city hotel and resort luxury is perfect for fame-frazzled celebs looking to fit in some relaxation within the urban jungle.
Comprising 11-acres spread across the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the 408 rooms in the 5-star resort feature plush Tempur-Pedic beds and enviable views. Cashed-up VIPs will check into the chichi two bedroom Chao Phraya River Suite.
Must try:
The holiday-vibe outdoor facilities, which include tennis courts, expansive health club, outdoor pool and adjoining pool bar - the perfect spot for paparazzi-free sundowners.
Mandarin Oriental
The royal suite at the Mandarin Oriental offers the ultimate in living room luxury. (Image: Mandarin Oriental)
Bangkok’s oldest and most revered hotel has a history that is peppered with celebrity guests.
Opened back in 1879, the city’s first 5-star hotel hosted the likes of the King of Siam and tPrince Nicholas II of Russia during its infancy, which set the bar for other visiting world leaders and celebrities, including Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.
This A-list contingent continues to this day with both the Queen and Prince Charles having called the hotel home, alongside the likes of Mick Jagger, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and the Beckhams.
Sitting on the bustling Chao Phraya River, the 339 rooms exude old school glamour and almost each one has a river view, allowing guests (and their entourages) to watch the steady stream of long tail boats and barges traversing the water.
Must try:
Breakfast! Widely regarded as the best brekky in Bangkok, the al fresco Verandah restaurant is a venue where even locals make the effort to brunch come Saturday and Sunday.
Feature image courtesy of Getty.
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