The SALA Experience

I've been raving about this place and quite honestly I still think about it. I am simply amazed at the Thais' creativity and flair for design. They don't try too hard and yet they get it. They just do.

From high end fashion brands like Flynow to mid-range Jaspal (not to mention Jaspal Home!) to designer label Stretsis, to boutique hotels like Indigo Pearl and of course my beloved Condé Nast Traveler awardee, SALA. The Thais have yet again outdone themselves.

 THE GATE

 

 THE LOBBY

THE ROOM

THE DAYBED

THE OUTDOOR BATHROOM

(I particularly love the Sino Portuguese patterned tiles. Oh and the chandelier- I want one in my home, though not necessarily the bathroom..)

THE LITTLE DETAILS

THE LUSH GARDEN SURROUNDINGS

THE BEACH FRONT POOL AREA

THE CHIC RESTAURANT

THE SPA

THE WELCOME DRINK

THE COOLING MISTY WALKWAY 

(with my therapist)

THE OVERSIZED TREATMENT VILLA

(There was even a tree inside the tranquil villa)

THE SUNSET

The very chic Sino Portuguese architecture, the beautiful Thai people, the world-class service, and the pampering spa escapade along with these photos pretty much sum up our sublime SALA experience.

Wow, I can't believe the week is also over. Today I have decided to stay home and spend the whole day with Le Misch. Ever since we got back, I have been extremely busy catching up with work and a lot of socials that I'm starting to miss our simple, blissful Singapore life. Makes me wonder, have we really gone home?

Phuket Holiday

We can finally tick off Phuket from our long list of places to conquer.  Known to be a party island to sea and be scene, it was a good place to spend our last hurrah before we start another chapter of our mischmashed lives. Oh, but to party was not on the agenda. Quite difficult when you have a feisty toddler in tow. Instead, we made this holiday as spectacular as it can be- for me, for hubby, and for the little one.

An awesomely kid-friendly resort, a day around Krabi and Phi Phi islands, a night at insanely chic SALA, a horrifying-turned-amazing elephant ride, the piquant Thai fare and a whole lot of good fun -- the Phuket holiday that was. 

 Villa 1403 and Thai coffee

The lovely turquoise interiors at JW Marriot, breakfast at Siam Deli, and an early morning swim

Phi Phi Island, Phi Phi Ley, Maya Bay, and the liquid paradise known as the Andaman Sea

 Island Safari, a 45-min (yes 45!!!) elephant ride, baby elephants, and Nhom our mahout

(I was totally smitten with SALA Phuket that I feel it deserves an entry of it's own. Watch out for that!)

So if you ever find yourself in this divine island (and if you happen to have kids in tow), these are our must tries:

1. Stay at JW Marriott (whatever it is you may need for an ideal family vacation, they have it covered)
2. Thai coffee at Kopi de Phuket
3. Jim Thompson (Please don't leave the island without buying anything from here. There are a handful of outlets worth checking out at Canal Village.)
4. Koh Phi Phi, Phi Phi Ley, and Maya Bay (you haven't seen Phuket if you haven't taken a dip where Leo Dicaprio did for The Beach 9 years ago)
5. Taste at Surin Beach
6. The Phuket sunset with a glass of mojito
7. Island Safari (you gotta ride these nellies, at least once in your life right?)

Now I'm not sure if I really want to tick Phuket off our places to conquer list as I am hoping we can find time to go back. 4 full days were not enough, I feel. I'm quite sure hubby and Le Misch feel the same way.

I have been awfully quiet of late due to the big move. But I'm slowly gaining momentum one entry at a time. Need to get my groove back this week! If I had a long list of to-dos in Singapore, my to-do's in manic Manila is even looonger.

So far, so good. Hope your Monday got off to a good start too!