Horn Bar, Dhara Dhevi
The Chiang Mai resort exemplar recently changed hands, from Mandarin Oriental to Preferred Hotels. So Southeast Asian vacation regulars will heave a sigh of relief to realise that the more things change, the more they stay the same—from the faux ‘local’ marketplaces within to the horned masks lining the bar walls above as you lounge on the couch with a signature cocktail or a horn’tini. Though, we think you should really raise a toast of tequila, the good stuff—a shot of Patron Gran Platinum for THB 2,600, and burn the equivalent on a Cohiba Siglo VI cigar to match. Because you have money to blow and taste to show (off). www.dharadhevi.com
STAY at Sofitel Paris le Faubourg
Hot off the hotplate is Simple Table Yannick Alléno, aka STAY, at this just-relaunched property. With tables in a garden patio serving urban, global comfort food—red chicken curry with cardamom rice as well as steak frites and monkfish tagine—it includes the signature Sofitel communal table and Pastry Library. Michelin three-star chef Alléno also helms the Bar du Faubourg, with pours from bespoke cocktail ‘coutouriers’ celebrating the area’s history of haute couture—with fil â fils to match the champagne-floral Christian or Moroccan citrus-spice Yves. Hotel Sofitel Paris le Faubourg, 15 Boissy d’Anglas St, Paris.
Poptails at the lebua’s Sky Bar
The Sky Bar at lebua at the State Tower in Bangkok literally serves up a dizzying drink—the venue claims to be the world’s highest al fresco rooftop bar. What can get cooler? Why, a frozen cocktail on a stick, of course, just in time for a sticky summer. Special this summer are ‘poptails’ to twirl when your knees are locked over the glass staircase—pick from a Rocky Road Martini pop with gold leaf, a Berrymania riffing on the classic daiquiri, a gin-based Clover Pop, and a premium tequila-based Pop Star rendition of the Japanese Slipper. lebua at State Tower, 1055/111 Silom Road, Bangkok. www.lebua.com/sky-bar
Amankora Bhutan’s Matsutake Season
Prized especially by the Japanese, the matsutake is likely the world’s priciest fungus in its short season—more so because it grows in the shade of a locally threatened pine tree species. But it has a happier time in Bhutan, come August, where Amankora’s four-night matsutake experience includes stays at Paro and Thimphu, matsutake menus and barbecues, a trip to Geneka village to watch the harvest, with a private guide and driver, all permits and passes, and fees for $2,662 per person. Amankora, Bhutan; www.amanresorts.com
SubliMotion’s 20-course sensory show
Multi-sensory gastronomy, the trend forecasters are calling it. Hacks like me might say synaesthesia via the stovetop. Either way, SubliMotion in Ibiza opened last summer as the world’s most spendy supper at over $2,000 for a 20-course show, with son et lumière as garnish. And its chef Paco Rancero wears, yes, a Michelin hat (or two). Yes, it sits inside a Hard Rock Hotel and seats just 12 patrons (vs 27 waitstaff) for dinner. Which is enjoyed in a micro-environment of colours, sounds, humidity even, controlled from a digital dash at Rancero’s instance. Which gives a whole new meaning to dinner theatre, or even dinner and a movie, eh? www.sublimotionibiza.com
Tartufi & Friends, Harrods
Sniff! Seems the Romans have invaded London, again. And they are tunnelling up from underground! Truffle lounge Tartufi & Friends of Rome has just emerged in the lower ground level of Harrods, with every course from starters to desserts and drinks redolent of the stuff. Italian black truffle season starts in May; though, of course, you can choose white (in any dish!) if you prefer and your pocket is well lined. May we recommend the signature £75 burger? For a souvenir, we suggest you ditch the chocolates for the truffle honey. So versatile, dahling!
Beer spa, Pilsen, Czech Republic
This brewery town may not make it to as many bucket lists, but Pilsen or Plzeñ is Europe’s joint capital of culture for 2015, alongside Mons in Belgium. It is certainly one of the more affordable items on this list, but you get bragging rights for crossing off a name many friends have yet to hear of (until now). Down in the cellars of the Purkmistr microbrewery and wellness hotel is the city’s famous beer spa, where you soak in a vat of—of course!—pilsner. Go a deux, there are even larch tubs for two, besides a barrel of Purkmistr lager to pour from at will, so the libations are not all skin-deep. www.pilsenbeerspa.cz