Former beauty editor at The Daily Mail’s You magazine, Normandie Keith waxes lyrical about Thailand and shares her trek secrets to give you the low down on this tropical paradise.
When the most blessed peaceful slumber envelops me and my body is deeply at one with the universe, it is because my dreams have transported me to my most cherished and heavenly place – Thailand!
Thailand is in a word magical! Parts of it are true heaven on earth and can literally change your very being. For about the past thirteen years I have annually visited this country exploring all and submerging myself in its arts and spirituality. I have been privileged enough to travel to temples, meet with monks, watch and celebrate in the many traditional ceremonies, and marvel and wonder at true goodness and simplicity. When you keep things simple and your perspective clear, life becomes filled with a certain grace, and in the outskirts and villages, the Thai people have captured this. For me just being pulled along a dusty road by yaks is more of a body, mind and spirit treatment than any five hour western massage. Having your eyes open to real beauty and wonder inter-mixed with the rawness that Thailand still has gives one the perfect ying and yang synergy.
My home away from home, in Thailand has always been the same. I am what is known as an Aman Junkie – a great fan of the architecture and service found at an Aman hotel. Thailand’s Amanpuri is the ultimate indulgence and its tropical splendour is second to none. It is located on Phuket Island which is off the west coast of Kray Isthmus, about 890 kilometres south of Bankgok. Phuket is connected to Thailand’s Phang Nga Province by a bridge and surrounded by the crystal azure of the Andaman Sea. On the West coast, the dry season is from November to April, and the wet May to October but let me tell you, a wet day in Phuket is nothing like an English rainy day! Tropical birds are still squawking, whirling winds and huge dollops of water beat against palm fronds and bongo drum against roofs creating a passionate dance instead of the doldrums. So, if you are planning a trip and rain comes into the forecast, do not despair – you can still use your bikini while being doused with warm wetness. As for the days of dryness, the hotel offers everything that you would ever want to do from scuba-diving, water-skiing, tennis, spa (one of the best in the world, I might add), to the most sumptuous cuisine, you are spoiled to the max.
Before I became a mother I always looked admiringly on at those who had brought their children to this far-away destination. Wrapped casually in a sarong and frolicking in the kiddie pool, the tiny tots of Thailand were also in their own private paradise. The Thai people are excellent and trustworthy around children; they love and cherish them and their kind gracefulness always makes a lasting impression. I remember when one of my friends rough-and-tumble boy came back from Thailand with a newly poised manner that saw him gently bowing upon meeting someone new.
Upon my departure from the peace of Phuket, I always stop back for a few days in Bangkok. Bankgkok truly is a city to rival all cities. It’s sensory overload! In stark contrast to lapping waters, you have pulsing music, zipping motorcycles and rush-rush-rush mentality – this is good preparation for being back on terra firma at home!
Immerse yourself in the chaos of the city simply by stepping out your door but to truly embrace the city you must experience what makes Thailand so famous – the shopping. The most aesthetically exciting place to start is the Chatuchak weekend markets. With over 15,000 shops and stalls covering 35 acres you will be overwhelmed by the choices with stalls offering food, fashion, homewares, plant and even pets. Word of warning though, make sure you buy things when you see them as finding your favourite stall again will be near on impossible and always make a meeting place with friends in case you get split up.
The heat of the outdoor markets can become quite overwhelming when you are navigating the small alleyways, so to give your mind a body a break you can easily hop on the sky train and head back into town to one of the air conditioned department stores. For cheap jeans, bags and great, fake, designer clothing, MBK is the best but Emporium is also not to be missed with a huge mix of clothing labels from around the world!
When dining out in Bangkok you have a plethora of choices from the street stalls and little local restaurants to some of the most beautiful locations in the world. For a fun night out with friends I like to head to Bed Supper Club in the centre of Bangkok. While lying on gorgeous stark white linen that covers an extended bed that stretches the length of the room, you are served a sumptuous three-course meal and delicious cocktails.
Then, for a brilliant view of the city, there is only one place to go, Sirocco. Positioned on the 63rd floor of the State Tower, Sirocco offers the most stunning alfresco dining experience in an elegantly decorated atmosphere. To experience this exquisite spot you simply need to come for a drink at the bar that stretches out from the building, giving the impression you are walking on air. Take in the breathtaking vista stretching out from the river below to the end of the city while sipping a glass of Champagne and enjoying the live music from the mezzanine above.
And for some old world glamour, head to the coveted Oriental Hotel and have a night cap in the Bamboo Bar. This bar is a Bangkok legend and is the best live jazz spot in town. Sit back, relax and be transported back in time to the sophistication of colonial Asia by the gorgeous jungle interiors and men in tweeds smoking cigars
My ultimate dream destination will be and forever is Thailand. The paradise reminiscent from the movie ‘The Beach’ can still be found. One night my friends and I had dinner on a private beach surrounded by roaring bonfires; the tide had come in and so our table and chairs were slightly submerged in the water and we sat with fish swimming around our ankles as candle wax dripped onto the table and heavenly creations were barbecued and served as wine flowed. We all looked up at the clear blue sky and the stars and breathed in the moment. It was one of sheer gratitude and love of an island, a time and each other.
