From the organised chaos of Bangkok to the undiscovered luxury of Phuket, Thailand is having its time as a hot destination to reward and reconnect groups, discovers Katherine Ross.
STAY
The urban resort-inspired Conrad Bangkok located in the commercial district offers 391 guest rooms and suites. This luxury Bangkok hotel’s exquisite dining options include both a Chinese and Japanese restaurant as well as a bar to relax. The Grand Conrad Ballroom is complete with the latest event tech including a 270-degree track with modular LED panels, and can accommodate 1200 guests.
MEET
For a garden party atmosphere in a convenient, central location, Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse has unveiled a brand new event space. The Garden at Surawongse caters for up to 150 guests and offers a lush, garden setting for seated dinners or cocktail events. Take advantage of the hotel’s 16 indoor and outdoor spaces, which can host events of more than 1000 people.
PLAY
Escape the rat race and experience Bangkok from Thailand’s highest observation deck, King Power MahaNakhon, putting you 314 metres above the ground. Groups can enjoy sunset cocktails with spectacular 360-degree views. For the daredevils in the group, take a step out onto the world’s largest glass tray.
TRAVEL
Bangkok is one of the world’s most congested cities and understanding the traffic situation can make or break your event. BMW offer presidential convoy services to combat this problem. Teamed with a police escort, you can have your delegates arrive on time in peak traffic, using local back streets that coaches would never have a chance of fitting down to avoid a traffic jam.
STAY
Located just 10 minutes from the Phuket International Airport, you will be transported to a private paradise at The Slate Hotel Phuket, complete with stylish contemporary design and personalised service. With 209 guest rooms and villas, eight dining venues including the Michelin-starred Black Ginger Restaurant, three swimming pools and an award-winning spa, The Slate will make you feel like you are in your own secret haven.
GIVE
Get kitted out in thigh-high rubber boots and take a ride in the local fishermen’s boats to the communities at Bann Bo Dan and Bann Nai Rai and take part in the mangrove planting to help stop coastal erosion and increase the income of the local people. Incorporating this CSR program into your event can help feed the village of 461 families for months.
MEET
The spectacular ocean views set the tone of the event from the moment you set foot in Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach Hotel. From pre-dinner sunset cocktails on the outdoor terrace or dinner in the highly acclaimed restaurant to dessert and latenight dancing overlooking the ocean, your delegates will have the chance to relax and unwind.
PLAY
Escape the boardroom and indulge your delegates with a full-day boat tour on the stylish Hype Catamaran featuring sunlit daybeds, professional crew and hosts, DJ and food and beverage options. You will experience a breathtaking day on the turquoise water of Phuket, visit an island for team-building activities and cruise back to shore during sunset.
EAT
The Michelin-starred Blue Elephant Phuket offers a unique ambience inside the antique Governor’s Mansion. Leading the kitchen is Chef Nooror, who specialises in southern Thai cuisine and is an ambassador for Thai cuisines and culture. The venue can be booked for private dinners and corporate events.
FLY
Thailand’s national airline, Thai Airways are committed to servicing the MICE market and offer direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Asia’s boutique airline, Bangkok Airways offers local flights between Bangkok and Phuket and other popular destinations within Thailand.
This article originally appeared in the Spring issue of Spice Magazine.
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