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Akaryn launches luxury multi-location family holidays in Thailand
Boutique resort specialist Akaryn Hotel Group has come up with a new way for family groups to discover Thailand with a collection of ‘stress-free’ trips, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket, which put child friendly activities and experiences to the fore. Specifically designed for a family vacation, the Family Fun Getaway packages include convenience-oriented add-ons such as a free extra beds, free meals from the Kids Menu for children below six years old as well as babysitting services and kids clubs. Not to mention a range of what the Akaryn describes as “pleasure-oriented components” for parents. "we came up with exclusive itineraries that allow families to share fun-filled activities in all our fabulous destinations" “Having two young sons myself, I understand the joys and challenges of family travel,” says Akaryn Hotel Group’s founder and managing director, Anchalika Kijkanakorn. “It’s not always easy to keep everyone happy, so we came up with exclusive itineraries that allow families to share fun-filled activities in all our fabulous destinations. Each property has adapted the family fun getaway concept to suit their location’s unique attractions and highlight the special experiences they are known for,” she adds. Family Fun Getaway packages and pricing Aleenta Hua Hin The Green & Natural Package is available for THB 3,000 (USD 100) per family, including up to two adults and one child below 12 years old. This package includes a visit to the luxury resort’s own organic farm, where parents and kids can discover the wealth of health benefits derived from local herbs and plants. Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa The Local Discoveries Package is available for THB 6,000 per family including up to two adults and one child below 12 years old. This includes family excursion to experience the area’s local heritage and attractions. As well as, a visit to the nearby turtle sanctuary, particularly popular with children and teaches them the importance of protecting marine life. akyra Beach Club Phuket The Beach Lifestyle Package is available for THB 3,000 per family, including up to two adults and one child below 12 years old. This holiday includes family yoga, pizza making classes and more. All set against the striking backdrop of the Andaman Sea. akyra Manor Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/nl-94xFWaLc The Local Art & Creativity Package is available for THB 3,500 per family, including up to two adults and one child below 12 years old. This program includes bicycle hire for the whole family as well as painting and pizza making classes akyra Thonglor Bangkok & akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok The Urban Activities & Attractions Package is available for THB 3,000 per family, including up to two adults and one child below 12 years old. Available from both of the companies Bangkok locations, this experience includes free BTS sky train day-pass cards, free entry voucher to Imaginia Playland -- a high-tech, interactive children’s play zone in the nearby Emporium shopping and entertainment mall.
Akaryn founder: “running a boutique hotel in Thailand is not the most viable proposition”
Richard Cohen, The Lab and Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Akaryn Hotel Group Following a career in the high-paced, pressurised world of international finance in London, Anchalika Kijkanakorn decided to ditch her stamping ground in Hampstead, one of the UK capital's most exclusive addresses, for the more laidback setting of a Phuket beach, in Thailand. It was a simple plan for a simple life: open a well-designed independent hotel and relax her way into comfortable retirement. However, somehow along the way, the incorrigible high-achiever managed to unleash the concept of boutique hotels into Thailand as the founder and MD of the Akaryn Hotel Group, become chair of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), found the environmental protection organisation Pure Blue and make her way on to Forbes Asia magazine’s list of most influential women in the region for 2015. Inside a garden villa at akyra Beach Club Phuket Now Akaryn has announced it is teaming up with the Pure Blue Foundation, Bangkok fitness brand Lab to remove all single-use plastics from Akaryn properties by 2020. I met with the super-sharp boutique hotelier at the Akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel to discuss the sustainability campaign and to discover how everything changed. After ten years in Europe, Anchalika spoke about how she had become disenchanted with her financial career and needed to change things up: “I’d had enough. I wanted to go home and start my own little hotel on the beach, where I could have a cocktail or two, talk about world politics with my guests and retire - well, that was my idea.” The reality was different from the dream and once she got home to Thailand, Anchalika soon realised that she would need more - namely, another property - to achieve the security she wanted to settle down: “What I was planning was just a little bit too small for my retirement so we had to expand really quickly. Soon after the first one, we were looking for a second hotel. "I needed to figure out a way for boutique hotels to compete with 300 or 400 room hotels" "Then I had realised, in terms of scale, running a boutique brand or hotel in a field of monstrous competition like Thailand, is not the most viable proposition. This is even more true now, when you have all these buyouts and consolidation between the giants of the industry - like Accor, Mövenpick – which creates even bigger and more monstrous entities you have to compete with. "I needed to figure out a way for boutique hotels to compete with 300 or 400 room hotels - and I have been trying to retire ever since." Pure Blue Perhaps the reason Anchalika is still going strong is her passion for the environment. In her capacity as founder and MD of AHG’s charity organisation Pure Blue, she is able to address the marine conservation, environmental and sustainability issues that are close to her heart. This is a mission that has seen Pure Blue become involved with projects including coral reef restoration, and marine turtle conservation, as well as working on a variety of community initiatives to raise awareness of the threats facing marine ecosystems. Concerned about the threat of plastic waste to the ocean, the charity now concentrates its powers on eliminating single-use plastic at origin and is working together with AHG properties through the introduction of some rather stylish reusable stainless steel water bottles. "We have managed to make all this mess in such a short period of time" “The Akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel is taking the lead on this initiative by becoming the first new hotel in Asia to launch without single-use plastic in its rooms or food and beverage outlets. This will be soon followed by Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, which is on track to be free of single-use plastic by August 2018. "It is relatively young problem. We didn’t have plastic like we do now fifty years ago, and we have managed to make all this mess in such a short period of time – twenty years. I used to laugh at my grandmother and mother for keeping everything all their plastic bags, which would be cleaned, folded and put away to be used another time. "Even our plastic milk bottles were washed, reused and re-purposed for something else. We used to make fun of them but now, looking back, I realise they were right.” Future plans https://youtu.be/ZZPmhzHhLTA So what is she planning next? Are there new hotels or new initiatives in the pipeline? The self-described opportunist replies: "Because we are a very small company, we don’t have a business development (BD) person who goes out to all the conferences doing deals. Every single hotel we have opened so far has come from the owner contacting me after staying in properties or just through word of mouth. But that’s how Akaryn grows. "It may not be the best way; I should probably hire a BD [person]. But because we aren’t a big hospitality corporation we need to pick and choose the people we work with to deliver the right product to the market. Right now, we have two more Thailand projects in the pipeline - I can’t say where yet at the moment but they should be open in the next two years." Boutique hotels with eco-friendly credentials in APAC? We certainly think her business proposition is better then she modestly says it is.
Aleenta Resorts in Phuket and Hua Hin make it into the Travel + Leisure 500 Best Hotels
Aleenta Resorts announced that Aleenta Phuket–Phang Nga Resort & Spa and Aleenta Hua Hin–Pranburi Resort & Spa were named among the Travel + Leisure 500 Best Hotels for 2025. This prestigious accolade highlights the resorts' commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, sustainable luxury, and authentic Thai hospitality. AKARYN Hotel Group founder and managing director Anchalika Kijkanakorn expressed her gratitude over the double accolade. She said: "Being recognised among the Travel + Leisure 500 Best Hotels is a testament to our team's dedication to creating meaningful and sustainable luxury experiences. We are honored to be acknowledged alongside the world's finest hotels." Two exceptional properties Situated on the serene Natai Beach, Aleenta Phuket–Phang Nga Resort & Spa offers guests a tranquil escape with its private beachfront villas, holistic wellness programs, and innovative plant-based dining at SEASONS restaurant. The resort's dedication to sustainability is evident through initiatives like eliminating single-use plastics and sourcing local organic produce. Its recent inclusion in The Leading Hotels of the World and recognition with a MICHELIN Key further underscore its excellence in service and commitment to environmental responsibility. On the other hand, Aleenta Hua Hin–Pranburi Resort & Spa along the Gulf of Thailand is celebrated for its eco-conscious approach to luxury. The resort operates a 25-acre organic farm supplying its kitchen's produce and offers wellness programs that include yoga, meditation, and traditional Thai therapies. Its efforts in sustainability and wellness have earned it a MICHELIN Key, recognizing its unique character and high-quality service.
“Mind the Gap: Women & Diversity in Hospitality” event to be held at SAii Laguna Phuket in August
Representative Image Phuket Hotels Association, the non-profit organisation of hoteliers focused on creating a positive future for Phuket, and C9 Hotelworks, the award-winning hospitality consultancy, will continue to drive the agenda for equality, diversity and inclusivity in the hospitality industry as it hosts the second annual edition of “Mind the Gap: Women & Diversity in Hospitality”, an important and empowering conference that will address the critical issues facing women in the workplace. Staged on Saturday 31st August 2024 at SAii Laguna Phuket’s Similan Ballroom, this half-day learning event will feature a series of key talks, frank discussions and immersive workshops that will confront conventional thinking and create meaningful solutions to a range of issues. Leading the conversation will be keynote speaker Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the successful Founder & Managing Director of Akaryn Hospitality Management Services, an award-winning, wellness-focused boutique hotel management company, who will discuss the opportunities and challenges of being a “Woman Leader”. “I am delighted to be part of Mind the Gap, which is such an important summit for women in our industry. There are so many highly successful women in hospitality who are breaking down boundaries and making a positive difference. I look forward to meeting many more inspirational leaders and up-and-coming stars, exchanging ideas and sharing our stories in Phuket on 31 August,” said Anchalika. Other speakers will include prominent female executives and entrepreneurs, as well as men who are making a difference in the fight for equality. Airline pilot and TEDx speaker Christina Ho will outline why “Diversity and Inclusion is Important Today”, while Kirsten Fletcher, Australian Consul-General in Phuket, will tackle the topic of “Managing Success at Work and with a Family”, and Nikki Phinyapincha, Founder of TransTalent Consulting Group, will address the unique challenges of being “LBGTQ+ in the Hospitality Workplace”. Max Simpson, Founder & CEO of Steps, will lead a talk on how hospitality is “Leading the Way for Neurodiverse Employment”, Patteera Maneesri, Vice President of HR & Brand Culture at S Hotels & Resorts, will reveal “The Power of Inspiration” and why the industry needs female role models, and Naureen Ahmed, Founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, will highlight the relevance of “Networking and Building Meaningful Connections”. On the key topic of mindfulness, David Boucher of Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket and Paul Hawco of Banyan Wellness Academy will focus on the importance of “Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing”. An insightful panel discussion will also glean the views of three highly successful “Female Leaders in the Restaurant Industry”: Samantha Häberli, Founder of Earth House Bangkok & Plant-based Holistic Nutritionist for Soneva, Atchara Wongthai Palleros, Wine Training Manager & Sommelier at Tops Wine Cellar, and Tipaporn Phianthong, Chef de Cuisine at Banyan Group. Finally, on the subject of DEI (Diversity, Inclusion, Equity) training, Papungkron Numprasit, F&B Instructor & Supervisor in the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, Dusit Thani College, will be leading “A Short Course on How We Can Embed DEI Training For Our Hospitality Peers”. “The inaugural edition of Mind the Gap in 2022 was attended by over 100 delegates, which shows how the event captured the imagination of women and men alike. By addressing the critical issues facing women in hospitality, we can provide important input into how professionals can overcome gender-specific challenges, improve their mindfulness, achieve a positive work-life balance, and build highly rewarding professional careers. We look forward to welcoming even more guests to this year’s edition,” said Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director, Phuket Hotels Association. “Hospitality has always been an industry where women play a vital role, and this event will gather many of the most talented and successful female leaders. Sadly, it is a worrying fact that women still face challenges in the workplace and that men still command the majority of senior leadership positions. By continuing to raise these important issues, we want to keep the conversation flowing and empower the next generation of women in hospitality to create a bright future for the entire industry,” commented Viona Zhang, Deputy Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks. “Mind the Gap: Women & Diversity in Hospitality” will take place on Saturday 31st August 2024, from 13.30-17.00 hrs. The event is priced at THB 500 (payable at the door) and THB 100 for students, with all proceeds being donated to the Phuket Hotels Association’s training fund. Advanced registration is required – to book your place, please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/mind-the-gap-tickets-924164810827.
Inspiring Women in Travel – Asia calls for inspirational women to participate in IWTA Stories
Inspiring Women in Travel - Asia (IWTA) committee members at the TD-IWTA Awards 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. (From left-to-right) Chris Head, Michaela Connor, Donna Campbell, Joana Button, Gary Marshall, and Sunny Yu. Inspiring Women in Travel - Asia (IWTA), a journey that highlights the incredible stories of women in travel who are successful in their own right, is calling for inspiring women to participate. Each journey has a story and is shared as an interview which feature women from all levels of the travel industry, from prodigious top executives who ascended the competitive corporate ladder to extraordinary women at the grassroots level. “We are excited to launch the second season of the IWTA Stories,” said Michaela Connor, Peopleworks Leader at Discova and co-founder of IWTA. “We want to continue to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who are making a difference in the travel industry. These interviews will provide a platform for women to share their journey and inspire others.” The IWTA was founded by Michaela Connor and Gary Marshall, owner and CEO of TD. The inspirational stories were launched in 2021 to recognize the critical role of women in travel. The first season of the IWTA Stories featured interviews with women such as Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Executive Vice President, Sukosol Hotels and The Siam Hotel; Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Founder & Managing Director, Akaryn Hotel Group; and Liz Ortiguera, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The interviews will be arranged and conducted by the committee consisting of dedicated volunteers and will cover a wide range of topics, including the women’s career paths, their challenges and successes, and their advice for other women in the travel industry. Their journey will be published on Travel Daily Media’s website and social media channels. The stories eventually culminated with an award ceremony, TD-IWTA Awards 2023, that was held on June 24, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand. The awards ceremony was a huge success, with over 300 people in attendance. The awards honored women from all over Asia who have made significant contributions to the travel industry. TD-IWTA Awards was sponsored by Ponant Cruises, BCD Travel, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Shiji, Myanmar Airways International, Thaiger, Abercrombie & Kent, Paulaner, Regent Seven Seas, HotelBeds, TBO.com, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Air Astana, Rival, Cebu Pacific, Intrepid Travel, Campbell PR, B-Concept. Meanwhile, Cision – PR Newswire is TD-IWTA Awards’ official news distribution partner. The IWTA Stories and TD-IWTA Awards are both invaluable resources for women in the travel industry. The stories provide a platform for women to share their journey and inspire others. The events also provide opportunities for women to network and learn from each other. If you are an inspiring woman in the travel industry, we encourage you to participate in the IWTA Stories. You can nominate yourself or someone you know by visiting the Travel Daily Media website.
TD-IWTA Awards 2023 winners announced
The inaugural Travel Daily Media – Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia) Awards 2023 honoured some of the amazing women in the travel industry. The awards were presented at a gala ceremony at Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok on June 24. TD-IWTA Awards honoured women who have made outstanding contributions to the travel industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to driving positive change. The awards aim to inspire and empower more women to pursue their dreams and excel in various roles within the travel sector. “It was an incredible evening being surrounded by and celebrating the amazing women in our industry across Asia. Congratulations to all the awardees and to the outstanding line up of inspirational nominees. We truly have so many amazing women in our industry. I am immensely inspired to keep the IWTA movement moving forward. We will be hearing more stories of incredible women, round table discussions, and meeting male champions in our industry,” Michaela Connor, co-founder and chairperson, Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA). This year’s winners were selected from a record number of entries, and the judging panel was impressed by the high level of innovation and creativity on display. ALSO READ: Meet the top nominees for Travel Daily Media – Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia) Awards 2023 The winners of the TD-IWTA Awards 2023 are: Women Entrepreneurs in Travel Asia Excellence in Mentoring - Celia Lao, Vice President, GBA Aviation Association & GM – China, AirAsia Teleport Woman Foodpreneur - Pichaya Soontornyanakij, CEO & Chef, Potong Inspirational Entrepreneur - May Wang, CEO and Founder, Linens N Love Women of Corporate Social Responsibility Sustainable Development Advocate - Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer, Department of Tourism - Bhutan Community Champion - Mariglo Laririt, Director Of Sustainability, Ayala Land Hotels And Resorts Corporation - Ten Knots Group Humanitarian of Travel - Tanya Pirapokin, Executive Director, Siam Express and FCM Travel Solutions Women of the Future Tourism Innovator - Christine Galle-Luczak, Founder And Managing Director, Heavens Portfolio Tech Trailblazer - Nanki Singhachthep, Co-Founder, Avalon Analytics Forward Thinker in Travel - Rigzin Lachic, Proprietor, Dolkhar Resorts Essence of Women Positive Disruptor - Caroline Shen, Director Of Sales & Marketing, Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa Woman Synergy - Aline Boulom, Director Of Industrial Relations & Compliance, Accor Woman of Virtue - Cathy Hsu, Chair Professor, School Of Hotel And Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Women Champion in Travel C-Level Woman Champion - Vitna Achour, Human Factors Officer, Cebu Pacific Air Rising Star in Travel - Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director, Megaworld Hotels And Resort Woman of Resilience - Tracy Cosgrove, Founder, VRHTI Male Champion for Gender Equality - Mike Stewart, General Manager, Intrepid Travel Most Inspiring Woman in Travel - Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Founder & Managing Director, Akaryn Hotel Group Hall Of Fame - Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Executive Vice President, Sukosol Hotels And The Siam Hotel TD-IWTA Awards is sponsored by Ponant Cruises, BCD Travel, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Shiji, Myanmar Airways International, Thaiger, Abercrombie & Kent, Paulaner, Regent Seven Seas, HotelBeds, TBO.com, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Air Astana, Rival, Cebu Pacific, Intrepid Travel, Campbell PR, B-Concept. Meanwhile, Cision – PR Newswire is TD-IWTA Awards’ official news distribution partner. "I am in awe of the remarkable achievements and trailblazing spirit exhibited by the winners of the TD-IWTA Awards 2023. I am grateful to our invaluable sponsors, whose support has been instrumental in making the event a resounding success; the esteemed judges for their tireless efforts in evaluating the submissions and selecting the winners; and to the dedicated committee members who have worked relentlessly behind the scenes. “I would like to extend my admiration and appreciation to the incredible women who have participated in the TD-IWTA Awards 2023. Your courage, resilience, and exceptional talent have shattered glass ceilings, inspired generations, and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry,” Gary Marshall, CEO, Travel Daily Media.
Luxury boutique resort Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai opens
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai officially opens in northern Thailand. This is the third property under the Aleenta brand from Thailand-based luxury boutique hotel specialist AKARYN Hotel Group. Offering 44 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, spa and wellness center featuring tailor-made wellness programs and retreats, the resort manifests AKARYN Hotel Group’s ongoing dedication to providing authentic, premium, sustainable experiences. The spacious rooms, one-and-two-bedroom pool residences and a four-bedroom teak villa with a private swimming pool merge traditional Thai design with a soothing palette of natural hues, sophisticated furnishings and tech-savvy facilities. The four-bedroom Teak Villa is made from antique golden teak that was collected by the owner before being restored and carefully reassembled into a new structure that welcomes groups of family and friends to enjoy a traditional Thai living experience with modern comforts. Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai the resort is home to one of the brand’s signatures Ayurah Wellness Centers. Alongside complementary daily yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes, the menu of holistic wellness retreats and tailor-made programs includes: Mind Balance (5 nights from $342 per night) combining natural healing and Thai Holistic Medicine. Detoxification (5 nights from $325 per night) to address the symptoms and underlying causes of burnout. Total Immersion Yoga (7 nights from $352 per night) incorporating movement, mindfulness and coherence. Healthy Living (from $360 per night) for those living with diabetes or who may have a tendency to develop the symptoms. Self Love (3, 5, 7, 14 or 21 nights from $350 per night) to overcome personal barriers through coaching, breathing, balancing and guided meditation. Mindful Vipassana Meditation (3 nights from $304 per night) trains the mind to improve emotion, awareness, concentration and happiness. There is also an option to practise this retreat at the nearby temple, Wat Ram Poeng. Retreats are enriched by healthy cuisine and a Wellness cooking class, as well as bespoke nutritionist-led plans with full plant-based options. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai enables clients to work with a resident ‘master healer’, doctor, nurse and nutritionist to achieve optimum wellness and balance in this tranquil environment. Elevated gastronomy is available at the resort’s restaurant ‘The Garden’ which offers breakfast, lunch and a refined menu in the evening to both nourish and spoil. Menus have been curated to provide nutritious dishes that preserve the flavors of traditional Northern Thai Lanna cuisine alongside Western cuisine with a Lanna twist. The Garden refrains from using imported products and focuses on sourcing Thailand’s highest quality produce with plant-based, keto and low sugar/carb options also available. Dishes include Keto Pla Chon, Nan river chana argus fish filet served with crushed Chiang Mai avocado, quail eggs and pecan nuts, and chargrilled Jumbo River prawn with Khao Soi Angel Hair pasta, roasted pepper relish & steamed greens. At the 1892 Bar guests can relax on the balcony overlooking the resort’s spiritual blessing garden while enjoying a distinctive selection of specially curated snacks including vegan Khao Soi Gyoza and Wild Boar Teriyaki. Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Managing Director at AKARYN Hotel Group says, “After a fruitful few years with the success of the first two Aleenta Resorts, we’re excited to be launching Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai along with the addition of the holistic wellness programs, elevating the resort’s wellness offering to an unrivaled level in the region. Continuing to strive for excellence, the Aleenta Resort brand will welcome additional properties over the next few years, expanding beyond the borders of Thailand.” Aleenta, which means ‘a rewarding life’, has served as the hotel collection’s manifesto since its launch in 2006 with the inaugural Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa, and subsequent addition of Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa. Each resort is anchored upon spacious accommodations, premium design, exceptional F&B, first-class facilities, holistic retreat programs and a long-term commitment to sustainability. As the first hotel group in Thailand to go single-use plastic free in 2018, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai continues this commitment to responsible hospitality. The resort was designed from reclaimed wood as a low-rise property, built to protect the local ecosystem, topography and maximize natural features. There are many initiatives in place to source locally, recycle, conserve freshwater supplies, reduce their use of carbon-based electricity and engage with the community. Aleenta continues to seek and develop ways to further improve and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across the brand. The launch of Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is spearheaded by Swiss-born Resort Manager, Thomas Singenberger, formerly at akyra TAS Sukumvit and Okura Prestige Bangkok. The resort opens on April 6, 2023 as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World with rates starting from $220 per night for a Deluxe Balcony Room, from $330 for a One-Bedroom Pool Residence, from $500 for a Two-Bedroom Pool Residence, and from $1,116 for the Four-Bedroom Golden Teak Villa.
Discover Bangkok’s best street food and hippest hotspots with Akyra’s local adventures
AKARYN Hotel Group, Thailand’s homegrown five-star boutique hotel specialist, has launched a pair of new tours that allow guests to discover Bangkok’s vibrant street scene like a local, including a daytime foodie adventure and an evening excursion to city’s hippest hangouts. Guests have a choice of two five-star boutique hotels in Bangkok, which showcase contrasting sides of the Thai capital. akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok puts travellers in the heart of the city’s most dynamic tourism area on Sukhumvit Soi 20 – a great place to enjoy exciting culinary encounters. Alternatively, akyra Thonglor Bangkok uncovers one of Asia’s coolest urban enclaves, Thonglor, which comes alive after dark with buzzing bars and stylish nightspots. Bangkok is the world’s street food capital and akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok allows guests to dine shoulder-to-shoulder with the Thais at shophouse restaurants and street-side stalls. Equipped with a destination map of the area, keen foodies can head out and explore many popular dining spots, such as Dancing Duck Noodles, an unassuming open-air eatery on Rama IV road that serves up some of the city’s best duck noodles, and Thong Sai E-Sarn Food, which is tucked away in a secluded corner of Sukhumvit Soi 18 and focus on no-nonsense north-eastern Thai dishes, such as som tam (papaya salad) and gai yang (barbecued chicken). Alternatively, hungry guests can sample Auntie Jong’s famous fried pork and rice at the legendary Moo Tod Jeh Jong, savour Michelin-rated beef broth from a huge bubbling pan at Wattanapanit, or sample some of the city’s best noodles at Pad Thai Mae Am. Diners with a sweet tooth can then satisfy their cravings with a refreshing tropical dessert at Mae Varee, which specialises in mango sticky rice. Then as the sun sets, akyra Thonglor Bangkok will transport guests to the neighbourhood’s best bars and hidden hotpots in style, in a private tuk tuk! Simply hop in the hotel’s chauffeur-driven three-wheeler and set off for an exhilarating evening in trendy Thonglor. The driver knows all the best places to go, including the Iron Balls Distillery, with its nautical steampunk design and creative cocktails, Black Amber Social Club, a ‘50s-themed Manhattan jazz club that oozes old-world charm, or J. Boroski, which is named after Thonglor’s most famous mixologist and trailblazing bartender. Whether you’re seeking an appetising daytime discovery or an exciting evening adventure, AKARYN Hotel Group provides the perfect way to experience this captivating capital city just like the locals.
“Social and environmental responsibility” at heart of akyra expansion
Coming just a couple of days after my interview with Anchalika Kijkanakorn, managing director and founder of Akaryn Hotel Group (AHG), the Thai-based hospitality company has revealed details of its ambitious expansion plan for akyra Hotels & Resorts. The strategy will see AHG grow akyra, its current Southeast Asian inventory from four hotels and resorts to twelve by 2022. Ongoing discussions for agreements of the new akyra properties include sites in Hội An in Vietnam, Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island and the Malaysian Highlands. Other projects in the pipeline include locations within the Bali, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh markets. Anchalika Kijkanakorn Discussing the news at a press conference yesterday, Kijkanakorn said: “akyra is a hotel concept that thrives on new opportunities and innovations, so it is highly appropriate that this outward-looking brand is now planning to broaden its horizons and venture into exciting new destinations. “Our passionate belief in social and environmental responsibility is now shared by many modern travellers. All across Southeast Asia, young and young-at-heart guests are seeking smart, stylish and sustainable places to stay. Every new akyra hotel or resort will allow guests to make meaningful connections with their destination, whilst leaving the smallest possible footprint on the planet.” RISE Rooftop Bar Chiang Mai akyra currently operates four hotels and resorts in Thailand. These include akyra Manor Chiang Mai, a 30-suite luxury boutique hotel in the city’s buzzing Nimmenhaemin district; akyra Beach Club Phuket, a seafront lifestyle and “chill-out experience” with 58 suites on Natai beach; and the 148-key akyra Thonglor Bangkok (main picture), an urban retreat in the Thai capital. The most recent addition to the collection, the 50-room akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok, opened in May 2018. Many of the new akyra properties will feature the new rooftop bar concept “Rise”, developed at akyra Manor Chiang Mai, which had its official launch this week in Bangkok.
Sustainability: “Guests love the idea” says Anchalika Kijkanakorn
Anchalika Kijkanakorn With the recent opening of akyra Tas Sukhumvit Bangkok as the first hotel to launch as single use plastic free hotel, Akaryn Hotel Group (AHG) unveiled it's eco-credentials. Suitably intrigued, I spoke to AHG's founder and MD, Anchalika Kijkanakorn, to drill down into the company's environmental campaigns, how they came to be and the Pure Blue Foundation. TD: Can you give me an overview of pollution in Thailand and how it got to this level? AK: I’m not sure if I am qualified to answer this question, but if you ask for my opinion – it’s the lack of awareness from general public and the lack of interest from the government to protect and preserve our environment that is the first problem. "Part of the solution to protect and preserve" How did you personally become involved with Green issues? From the first day we set up our first hotel, we were aware that we, in Thailand, are very good at discovering beautiful nature, exploit it and destroy it through commerce and tourism. We pledge at AHG to not follow that path, to hopefully be part of the solution to protect and preserve the nature we make a living out of and not to be the problem creator. What is Akaryn Hotel Group doing to combat pollution in Thailand? Through Pure Blue Foundation, we do what we can around the area where we operate, as that’s the most effective and practical way. We work with the local community to educate the young, support the local initiatives from reef restoration to marine turtle rehabilitation to single use plastic reduction. Pure Blue Foundation at work What challenges have you encountered while ridding single use plastic from your hotels? The biggest challenge is the lack of awareness from general public. Lack of understanding why we need to stop or reduce, the usage of single use plastic. It is a relatively new habit that we started in the late 70's when plastic become a cheap and abundant commodity that is used for unimaginable amount of ways to now where it has become an inseparable part of our daily life. But herein lies the good news, it is a relatively new problem that we created and I am sure then we can overcome in not a long time. How so? Habits are formed and quitted in three weeks. So can you start to carry your own reusable bottles of water, refuse plastic bags in favour of carrying your own reusable bag, have a coffee mug when you go to your neighbourhood café, say no to straws. These are just a few easy things we can start with. "Train & Sustain" bootcamp" How will you overcome the lack of knowledge of these issues? We plan to overcome them through awareness campaigns together with the Pure Blue Foundation via #aleentareduce and #akyrareduce campaign. We are doing various activities around each of our hotels to promote the understanding including a three-day ‘Train & Sustain’ bootcamp at Akyra Beach Club Phuket in conjunction with the Lab gym and Guava Pass to get healthy and give environment a hand. Tell me a bit more about the bootcamp? The bootcamp will be from 13-15 Oct. It will involve local community in the area to create awareness and understanding.Throughout the year we will be producing and running campaigns with celebrities, opinion leaders and Facebook ads. What about withinin the hotels? At the hotels, through #aleentareduce and #akyrareduce, we are encouraging guests to take our complimentary stainless steel water bottle with them on their journey, the water is refilled for free during their stay with us. If they want to take the bottle home for a great souvenir, then they can donate THB300 to Pure Blue Foundation for the bottle. We are also training our staffs to be #aleentareduce #akyrareduce ambassadors so that they live it outside of the hotels as well. "Proud of their part in protecting the environment" What has been the reaction from guests? Guests love the idea and are very supportive. We believe that the new generation of travellers want to not only experience the new destination, but also want to feel good about they are doing it as well. Hopefully Aleenta and akyra are empowering them to do good for the environment in the easiest way by staying with us, they can be proud of their part in protecting the environment. https://youtu.be/YB1Wu42P41A From your perspective, what has the hospitality industry’s reaction been to the problem, do you think it could do more? Yes, of course more can be done. Resistance to change is always a challenge, but once you learn that change, both of habit and of practice can be easily done in three weeks, I think everyone will come around. Do you have any other eco campaigns or promotions in the future that you could tell me about? We want to maintain our energies on #aleentareduce and #akyrareduce for the next two years to ensure the biggest impact and then re-evaluate if more can be done or if we should refocus onto the next thing. But right now, this is our focus.
Akaryn Hotel Group
Bangkok, Thailand
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