It was quite unusual. I stepped into an executive suite and the first thing I noticed was the selection of exercise gears in the spacious living area. What message was being relayed?

What's inside the executive Suite? Exercise equipment. Staying true to its slogan of "Live a healthy lifestyle while traveling."

Sexy, the bathroom of the executive suite

To a former gym junkie who hasn’t touched a gym apparatus in two years, it may just be the sign to get back into the fitness groove. Or to traveling gym rats, the gadgets are “served on a silver platter” so you won’t miss a workout session.

Well Hotel Bangkok has got it figured out—healthy living while on the road.

Always a "beary" warm welcome at Well Hotel

By fashioning itself as a lifestyle wellness destination, Well has managed to distinguish itself from the rest of the accommodations in its vicinity, perhaps even in the city.

“Well is a lifestyle hotel with a distinct wellness concept that caters to the health-loving guests and the new generation of internet-savvy travelers. The hotel may have 235 rooms, but it exudes the feel of a boutique hotel,” said marketing communications manager Mandy Itthikaiwan.

Through a well-curated menu of nutritious food and beverages; facilities, which include a spa, a well-equipped gym, and a rooftop salt water swimming pool; and more importantly, an offering of fitness and wellness programs, guests can indulge in a well-balanced lifestyle even when traveling.

Well-connected. Well Hotel Bangkok is situated in the heart of Bangkok on Sukhumvit 20 Road. Its close proximity to the Asok Station BTS Skytrain gives guests easy access to Bangkok’s must-see destinations or you can opt to walk to the nearby Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Benjasiri Park or the shopping malls of Terminal 21, Emporium and EmQuartier.

Welcome to Well Hotel Bangkok.

Well-set. Within the two Post-Modern architectural structures (the original structure, the Memory Wing, was renovated and the new one, Welcome Wing, was fashioned after the original) with interior design fusing the old and the new dabbed with touches of Art Deco, the hotel’s 235 rooms and suites are ready to accommodate its guest’s urban and trendy lifestyle.

Warm & stylish, the hotel's lobby

Art Deco on the lobby lift

Each room is fitted with the essential appointments both the businessman and leisure traveler need. From entertainment to bath indulgence, from in-room dining to baby-sitting services, the wealth of convenience and comfort is at the fingertips.

Sleep Well. Indeed. The executive suite bedroom.

A wealth of delights awaits diners at the Eat Well Café and Twist Bar & Bistro. The healthy lifestyle manifests on the menus of the two restaurants.

Eat Well Café highlights food therapy via Thai & Asian Fusion dishes.

Cozy. Eat well Cafe

“The culinary team believes that providing an Eat Well experience is nothing beyond using the right and high quality produce, so the team plucks the freshest ingredients from the local sources, add the local spice and herbs to create simple yet authentic, healthy and delicious Thai and Asian fusion dishes aiming to delight the taste bud of the hotel guests and Bangkok foodies,” shared Mandy.

Well Hotel Bangkok Eat Well Cafe's Thai Pomelo, Pomegranate and Chicken Salad

Ingenuously, the café had crafted a food therapy menu to ease some of the most common symptoms found in the urban dwellers—Computer Vision Syndrome, Migraine & Headache, Office Syndrome and Sore throat. They carefully select all ingredients to create anti-inflammatory food choices for the diners.

Deep fried soft shell crabs.

Among the must-try are the Quinoa Mango and Prawn Salad, Thai Pomelo Pomegranate and Chicken Salad, Salmon Red Curry with Grain Coconut Cream topped with Kaffir Lime Leaves.

The Twist Bar &Bistro is all about western delights with a French twist, as created by French Chef Gregory Caplot.

“The menu changes seasonally and daily specials with fresh ingredients are offered to surprise your tongue,” said the chef, who combines his love for the French home cooking style with the popular western classic dishes to entertain the palate.

For exciting twists on the food & beverage menu, this is the place to be- Twist Bar & Bristro

Twist Bar & Bistro's Juice Therapy: the Jet Lag Remedy created "to refresh" is made of beetroot, celery stalks, kale, cucumber, apple, carrot & ginger.

Not to be missed are the Parisienne Witlof Salad, Wasabi Tuna Tartare and the Prawn Bisque Soup with Crab Meat, Lamb Shank Provencal Stew, among others.

For the bistro’s array of delicious homemade burgers and sandwiches that includes the Farmer Angus Beef Burger with bacon and Emmental Cheese and the Le Parisien Jambon Beurre Sandwich, I got to sample the Salmon Burger, which was good.

The Salmon Burger at Twist Bar & Bistro

The pasta came with a twist— The Tom Yum Goong Pasta, which combines the tasty tom yum flavors and the creamy Carbonara style sauce. This one is delicious!

East meets West, pasta with dusion twist. Tom Yung Goon Pasta

To achieve the Well-balanced lifestyle, an oasis was customized on the top floor where guests can retreat to release pent-up energy, relax and rejuvenate after a day in the big city.

Unique in Bangkok is the salt water pool. The pool filled with mineral rich healing liquid exudes an ocean vibe in a metropolis. Beside it is a well-equipped fitness center, which can give the full-body workout one needs, and finally, there’s Well Spa, which can aid in balancing the chi while entering the state of bliss.

No ordinary pool. This is a salt water swimming pool.

Essential Oils have healing and purifying effects on the body and this is what’s special about Well Spa.

The spa offers 100% natural therapy and uses natural ingredients like ground coffee, organic brown sugar, lime, and essential oils in all treatments and massages. Well-trained therapists will custom blend massage oil according to the guest’s current condition—stressed, anxious or exhausted.

May custom blending essential oils according to my current condition: exhausted.

I needed to relax and from the menu, which includes the Jet Lag Therapy and Warm Candle Massage, I opted for the 60-minute Well Stress Relief Massage, an extremely relaxing aromatherapy massage that relieves stress and encourages restful sleep.

Destress spot: Well Spa

Chef Gregory Caplot & Mandy Itthikaiwan, Well Hotel's MarCom manager

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

Another round at the city attractions with first time visitors

When you’re traveling with a big group of Bangkok first timers you can’t help it but feel like you’re one of them, a regular visitor you may be. Such was the case I was in on the most recent visit to the Big Mango.

There were eleven of us and I think I could have taken the post of the tourist guide but no, I cannot. The best I could suggest was for the group to take the obligatory day tour of the city’s attractions, always the top on the priority list when visiting a place for the first time.

Unofficially, in Bangkok. Have to pass by immigrations to make it official.

It was more than ten years ago since my first temple tour and I must admit the revisit was like the first time. In the company of eager tourist friends, it was fun.

But believe it or not, there are some on the touristy list that I haven’t done yet. Take for example the Siam Naramit, a show that showcases Thailand’s history and culture via a large stage production with over 100 performers, more than 500 costumes and amazing special effects. It’s an impressive production.

Souvenir shot at Siam Naramit

Siam Naramit after show photo ops with the characters

Day Two was devoted to the temple visits.

Wat Traimit, where the 3-meter high, 5.5 ton golden statue of the Buddha is enshrined. History says that the statue was made in the 13th-14th century, but it was only in 1954 when it was discovered that it was made of gold. During its relocation, it was accidentally dropped causing the plaster coating to chip off and reveal its inner material.

Wat Traimit, home to the Golden Buddha

The Golden Buddha

The Grand Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam, was jam-packed with tourists and locals paying tribute to the recently departed King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Within the complex is the Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand and shrine to the Emerald Buddha. It comes toa surprise to many that the statue is only 26-inch tall, but it is carved from a single block of jade stone ("emerald" in Thai refers to the deep green color and not the specific stone).

This crowd. At the Grand Palace.

The Chakri Maha Prasat in the Grand Palace compound

The Grand Palace compound

No photos allowed inside. Oops, zooming the lens from the outside.

Details of the Ubosoth, Wat Phra Kaew's main building

A tuktuk ride is a must and it was the special ride arranged by the tour guide to the next temple, Wat Pho, number one on list of six of the highest grade of first-class royal temples in Thailand and holds the largest collection of Buddha images in the country. Renowned among the collection is the 46-meter reclining Buddha.

Quick way around the city. Tuktuk riders in Bangkok

Big toes of the 46-meter reclining BUddha at Wat Pho

Another new thing for me was the Chao Phraya dinner cruise, a tourist must-do to which the tickets to several vessels sell like hotcakes.

Dinner and entertainment was quite fun in the company of friends and other nationalities who took turns in performing. Team Philippines, unfortunately, had no willing representatives.

The Chao Phraya River cruise

The last day was designated for the elephant ride in a place off the city limits. The long drive was worth it seeing the gleeful faces of my friends riding the gentle mammal.

The joy of riding an elephant for the first time

They had to see Chatuchak and it was the next stop. A few hours is never enough in the shopping mecca, but at least they got the feel (and heat) of the place.

To cool off, the Siam Paragon was the next stop, which was a bad day to go as there was a pop group performing in the outdoor plaza and the mall was teeming with young fans. The group apparently didn’t mind it all as they were busy scouring the supermarket with edible Thai finds to take home.

Perhaps they get to see more of Bangkok on their next visit—if I can convince them to do so after enduring the heat and the horrendous traffic. I told them the BTS is the way to go next time.

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

The attraction is present. Always. There is something about W Bangkok that lures me back to the place whenever I make my way to the city twice a year.

In a city as dynamic as Bangkok, where the Thais and tourists seek the new and exciting, establishments like W Bangkok constantly dish out its thrills on the plate, in a glass, and in its interior design in the most unique and modern way. W’s creativity is endless and this is what people go back for.

How can a single letter be so exciting?

From the list, I find the seasonal therapies of AWAY Spa quite addicting, the cuisine quite teasing on the palate, the taste lingering, and the rooms stimulating. In a recent visit to the Big Mango, I had a big serving of the trio, occasions that called for wearing a hat and the Muay Thai gloves.

This time around, a Studio Suite.

It was the Cool Corner Room in 2013, and three years later it was the Studio Suite. Yes, this is one of those "sweet dreams are made of."

Welcome to my humble "abode"

Always a winning move on my list: handwritten welcome notes

Although all of the 403 guestrooms of W Bangkok are styled with the international jetsetter in mind appointing each room with state-of-the-art technology and amenities, and fusing it with elements that speak Thai meets modern design, each room category— Wonderful Room, Spectacular Room, Cool Corner Room, Studio Suite, Fantastic Suite and Marvelous Suite— bears a unique touch of playfulness.

Home for a couple of nights. W's shot of the room

My shot of the Sudio Suite. Wide enough for a couple of somersaults.

The triangular-shaped Studio Suite opens up to a 64-square meter space that I can do somersaults in. A king sized bed dressed in the signature bed cover printed with Thai dragons in a boxing match and over it, oversized Muay Thai gloves resplendent in its gold sequined form. Patched on the pair are “Lights” and “out”, an apt statement for a firm bed wrapped in crisp white sheets promising a good night’s rest. Sleep won over me as I got “knocked out” the moment I rested my head on the pillows.

W Bangkok's signature sequined Muay Thai gloves & sparring mythical dragons printed over the bed cover.

Marking the word sexy with an exclamation mark is the huge bathroom. It has a double vanity, separate shower and toilet and a freestanding oversized bathtub by a large picture window that offers a view of the city (or you getting framed for the city to see).

Define sexy. Studio Suite bathroom. W's official shot.

Sexy redefined (char!).

As much as I didn’t like to leave the room, the “queen” is calling for high tea.

Teatime at The House on Sathorn.

“Should I wear a hat?” I asked my host, to which she replied, “Not necessary.”

The Courtyard of the 126-year old mansion was the setting for the mid-afternoon social.

“It’s a delightful place for afternoon tea,” said Rung Wongwitdecha, the W’s assistant director for marketing communications, referring to the open space at the heart of the neo-classical structure built in 1889 during the reign of King Rama V. “In this setting, guests can enjoy this soothing mid-day tradition with a menu featuring sweet and savory favorites all complemented by fine TWG teas.”

Afternoon tea began with a refreshing sorbet of the day, followed by traditional scones with homemade marmalade, jam and Devonshire clotted cream. Pastries included nutella mini muffin, coconut financier and chocolate praline cake. Three tarts were on the menu, Macanese egg, caramel chocolate and strawberry thyme panna cotta, while Mandarin crème brûlée and Salacca fruit macaron cake lend fruity, citrusy notes to each dish. Roasted nut tart, black-sesame cheesecake and a salted caramel éclair completed the menu’s sweet temptations.

Savory treats included Tandoori chicken mini wraps, mushrooms-truffle mascarpone croissants and ocean chili Alaskan crab bao sliders.

The sweets..

...and the savories

This new addition to Bangkok’s culinary destination happens daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aside from teas to accompany the nibbles, guests can also enjoy a glass of Chandon Sparkling Wine and a Mini Moët & Chandon, for a few more baht.

It was charming as it was filling. The English may schedule supper late in the evening but I’m skipping the meal as I’m ready to give in to my addiction.

Muay Thai at AWAY Spa?

Who would have thought the Thai national sport would end up on the spa menu of AWAY Spa?

“We want you to experience relaxation with a kick with the Muay Thai-inspired treatment. It’s an original therapy of W Bangkok AWAY Spa and designed to give energy to look good, feel good and kick it all night. Or whenever you need that extra surge of fighting spirit,” said Nisha Lane, spa manager.

A new addition to the spa menu- Boxer Massage, a Muay Thai-inspired therapy. Sunflower oil with a few drops of Camfur oil is warmed before application.

Based on the essentials of Muay Thai, they created four therapies: the Mongkon (head band) Head Massage, Prajiat (arm wrap) Hand and Arm Massage, the Kaad Chueak (hand wrap) Body Scrub and Wrap, and the Boxer’s Massage.

“You’ll be getting the 60-minute Boxer Massage,” and explained the concept of the therapy, “Muay Thai fighters are massaged before a fight to prepare them physically and mentally. This therapeutic massage is great before or after sport, exercise or any vigorous activity that can take a toll on the body, say about a long night of partying or perhaps a hard day of shopping. Plus, we give you a free pair of Muay Thai pants!”

Geared up & ready for my bout with bliss. I got knocked out, of course.

Therapist Andy Phachara, who has ten years of experience as therapist, described the massage.

“It’s combination of the ‘triple S’: Stroke (Swedish massage), Stretching (Thai massage technique) & Stimulate (Muay Thai technique), and will use oil mixed from sunflower base oil with a few drops of Camfur oil.”

Like any good massage, I was knocked out in the few minutes of the therapy. That’s my gauge of how good a massage is.

A couple of nights in a chic suite, tea at a historic mansion and an hour of bliss at the spa, what else can one ask for? I can’t wait for the next “bout” with W Bangkok.

A pleasant place for afternoon tea. At The Courtyard of The House on Sathorn with the W bangkok communications team, Fah & Ring.

W Bangkok AWAY Spa's Andy Phachara, therapist, & Nisha Lane, spa manager

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

Odd. That’s how it feels for a tourist to have visited Hong Kong in 1996, revisited several times and haven’t been to one of the island’s famous attractions- the Victoria Peak.

A travel neophyte at an age when shopping was on top of the priority rather than cultural exploration, I entered Hong Kong on the sale season. It was ‘the’ shopping destination in Asia where everything—from Giordano to Louis Vuitton—can be snagged at a lower price than its counterparts in the region.

Even with a trip to The Peak included in the tour package, I didn’t show up at the lobby at the appointed time. It was just too early in the morning and I refused to get untangled from the warm envelope of the comforter. Poor tour guide, the countless calls to the room were left unanswered.

The skyscrapers of Central & the Victoria Harbour framed

Ocean Park was the top attraction then. I made it there. The thick-lipped, giant garoupa made an impression.

I’m not a fan of roller coasters and thrill rides but I made it to Disneyland four years after it opened in 2005. In the company of adult friends, the ride in teacups and small boats that cruise along the “small world’s” river was awesome. That’s as much excitement as I can take.

Twenty years later, I finally made it to The Peak. Am I the only tourist who has frequented Hong Kong and not seen the place? Perhaps.

If Ogie, a good friend from college & resident of Hong Kong, didn;t suggest we head to Victoria Peak, I wouldn't even think of visiting the place. It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to traverse Lugard Road, semi-circular walking path that follows the contour of the hillside.

I was on my annual birthday escape and I pinpointed Hong Kong as the destination, not seeing the place for the past seven years. It was intended purely to rest, a staycation at the Marco Polo Hongkong hotel, after making a million steps in Taipei, Kyoto, Tokyo and Bangkok 60 days prior to the visit.

Oftentimes, having no itinerary works best. The “just get lost” and spur of the moment decisions can produce the most fun moments. It was on a moment like this that got me to see Victoria Peak.

After walking through SoHo, Causeway bay and other areas in Hong Kong island, and still got time to spare, my good friend suggested we head to The Peak.

“It’s a good time for a walk in this cool weather. Hong Kong is a beautiful sight at night seen from the top,” Ogie said.

Victoria Peak is Mount Austin, aka The Peak to the locals, is the highest mountain in Hong Kong island that offers a magnificent panorama of Central, Victoria harbor and the surrounding islands. It’s the view the residents of the upmarket residential area get to enjoy.

The original 19th century residents were transported via sedan chairs until the funicular railway was built. It would have been a treat to hop on the 120-year old ride but we opted for the bus at Central.

To see Hong Kong’s panorama, the viewing deck with telescopes of the anvil shaped Peak Tower can be a nice spot, however Ogie had a better plan that included a bit of exercise via Lugard Road.

The anvil shaped Peak Tower. Its roofdeck is one of HK's best viewing decks

Lugard Road, named after Sir Frederick Lugard, governor from 1907-12, is a 2.4-kilometer, semi-circular walking path that follows the contour of the hillside at The Peak. Several points along the narrow path offer stunning views of the city.

Just in case you need directions

Ogie has walked the path several times with visitors in tow. It was my turn for the relaxing evening walk that took an hour to complete. Along the way I was able to bear witness to the bright lights of the dynamic city from the higher ground.

View of Hong Kong from The Peak

Yep, Hong Kong is exciting as it was on my first visit 20 years ago. The place is more expensive in this era though so no shopping for me, I just enjoyed the cuisine, the hospitality of Marco Polo Hongkong hotel, the company of a good friend and a few new sights to add to my list, which The Peak is now part of—finally.

Lugard Road's narrowest pedestrian path is 2 meters wide & some areas are open to vehicles

To get to Victoria Peak: Take bus 15C from Central Pier 8 or walk from MTR Central Station Exit J2 to take the Peak Tram from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road; or, bus 15 from Exchange Square bus terminus (near MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D); or, minibus 1 from the public transport interchange at MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit E.

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.