Bangkok’s riverside Charoen Krung district is dwelling to one of many metropolis’s most hanging and design-focused motels. 4 Seasons Resort Bangkok at Chao Phraya River spans a tiered sequence of cascading buildings woven by courtyards of reflective swimming pools and water options, with 299 rooms and suites, six eating places, a Michelin-recognised culinary providing, an award-winning vacation spot bar, and City Wellness Centre. It lately earned the #14 spot within the inaugural World’s 50 Greatest Motels listing and was awarded two Michelin Keys, a significant milestone as one of many first motels in Thailand to obtain this prestigious recognition. With river views at each flip, rotating up to date artwork installations and a severe foods and drinks programme, you have got no doubt one of many capital’s most unbelievable city resorts. The Luxurious Editor lately stayed, learn on to find extra about why that is considered one of our favorite luxurious motels in Bangkok.
Background & Idea
Having opened in late 2020, the 4 Seasons Resort Bangkok at Chao Phraya River marked the model’s extremely anticipated return to the capital after a five-year hiatus. The unique 4 Seasons Bangkok, situated within the metropolis’s central Ratchadamri space, was a longstanding favorite for over a decade, and its departure left a notable hole within the metropolis’s luxurious resort scene, which this riverside property confidently fills.
4 Seasons Resort Bangkok sits on the coronary heart of a 14.2-acre Chao Phraya Property growth, which additionally consists of the ultra-luxury 4 Seasons Personal Residences and neighbouring Capella Bangkok. 4 Seasons Resort Bangkok at Chao Phraya River was conceived as greater than only a resort, the property is a multi-sensory expertise formed by the imaginative and prescient of inside architect Jean-Michel Gathy of DENNISTON. Working in shut partnership with Thai artist Pongsatat Uaiklang (Khun Dong) of Dong Sculpture and the Museum of Up to date Artwork (MOCA) Bangkok, Jean-Michel Gathy has created a vacation spot resort which interweaves cultural references and up to date Thai artwork all through.
Verify In
Arrival feels cinematic. Water installations information you from the street-side entrance to the hovering entrance courtyard, the place towering, Thai Cupboard Sculptures stand. Their interlocking black and gold varieties pays homage to historic carpentry methods. A centuries-old banyan tree stands on the coronary heart of the round arrival area framed by comfortable uplighting and surrounded by completely manicured mounds of shrubbery. The tree affords a second of stillness and grounding, a symbolic gesture of shade, shelter and Thai hospitality.
From the second of arrival, a plethora of door workers are readily available to greet you with a standard Thai wai (ไหว้) as your suitcases are relieved, and by some quietly spectacular magic, your title repeated as if welcoming again a well-known returning good friend. As you might be ushered alongside to the arrival courtyard on strategy to the reception, be aware of the dramatic wall artwork to your right-hand aspect. Designed by Khun Dong underneath Gathy’s conceptual steering, impressed by the swish motion of Thai materials, the art work showcases white elephant patterns, a revered image of energy and prosperity in Thai tradition.
At reception, look overhead the place a sculptural chandelier of cascading leaves seems to drift, catching the sunshine in comfortable movement. Whereas the counter’s folded kind echoes conventional Thai textiles, complemented by a vibrant wall piece behind that picks up the colors of nightfall on the Chao Phraya.
Artwork
Past the reception and arrival courtyard, artwork is woven all through your entire resort expertise. By corridors and within the lounge areas, you’ll encounter daring summary canvases by main Thai up to date artists, many sourced in collaboration with MOCA Bangkok, whereas sculptural glass varieties and curated objects positioned on low tables and sideboards add a tactile counterpoint, encouraging pause and appreciation.
A number of larger-scale installations act as centrepieces. The Contour of Chao Phraya River, with its sweeping gold accents, traces the river’s serpentine course from the town to the Gulf. Close by, Life Reflection captures the glow of a riverside sundown in sculptural kind. Whereas The Water Hyacinth set up, a collaboration between Gathy and Khun Dong, is equally evocative, remodeling a once-overlooked floating plant into an emblem of sustainability and craft.
The Lounge
The Lounge, which connects with the foyer and reception, faces the resort’s central reflecting pond, providing a relaxed, all-day setting with views throughout the interior courtyard and out to the Chao Phraya. Designed to really feel extra like a front room than a resort foyer, it’s an area to take pleasure in a espresso, cocktail or afternoon tea.
On choose evenings (and simply by fortunate likelihood, the primary night time I used to be staying), the Lounge corridors have been dropped at life with conventional Thai dance performances. Wearing shimmering gold and ivory costumes, dancers glide by the marble-floored hallway to the light rhythm of classical music.
Location
Situated on Charoen Krung Highway in Bangkok’s riverside Artistic District, the property is surrounded by up to date galleries, artisan shops, cafés and unbiased eating places. Being faraway from the throng of Bangkok and positioned beside the river provides the resort a resort-like ambiance, one thing utterly distinctive within the capital. Nevertheless, a complimentary shuttle boat connects visitors to the posh mega mall ICONSIAM after which on to Saphan Taksin BTS station, linking immediately with the Skytrain community. From there, it takes round 20 minutes to succeed in Siam Paragon and the town’s main retail and cultural hubs, which means you possibly can take pleasure in a serene riverside retreat together with metropolis entry on the similar time.
Backyard
The resort is anchored by a tiered central backyard of reflecting swimming pools and walkways, making a low-profile panorama that softens the encircling glass structure. Whereas elevated terraces with lounge seating seem to drift above the water.
By day, daylight dances throughout the swimming pools. As night time falls, uplighting transforms the area, drawing out the textures and contours, making a meditative calm.
Rooms & Suites
There are 261 rooms and 38 suites, starting from 50 sqm to 300 sqm, every designed with excessive ceilings and floor-to-ceiling home windows and a selection of river or backyard views. Every room and suite consists of 55-inch flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, bedside charging stations, and in-room tablets for accessing resort providers and every day exercise calendars. Twice-daily housekeeping with night turndown, same-day laundry and urgent, complimentary in a single day shoeshine, and digital newspapers through PressReader.
Rooms
Rooms are available in 5 classes, together with: Deluxe Room, Deluxe Palm Courtroom Room, Deluxe River-View Room, Premier River-View Room and Premier Balcony Room, with the latter providing personal out of doors area. Interiors are up to date, with comfortable greys, muted golds, polished woods and curated Thai artworks. Loos are luxuriously appointed with deep soaking tubs, walk-in spa-style showers and double vanities.
Suites
Suites span 9 classes, choices vary from the family-friendly Studio Household Suite and the light-filled Studio River-View Suite to the alfresco allure of the Studio River-View Terrace Suite. For extra space, the 4 Seasons Balcony and Government Suites supply enhances layouts superb for prolonged stays.
Travelling teams can go for the Deluxe River-View Two-Bed room Suite, whereas the Riverside Terrace and Chao Phraya Terrace Two-Bed room Suites present expansive out of doors areas for entertaining. On the pinnacle sits the Riverfront Penthouse, an distinctive residence with sweeping river views and the last word in privateness and exclusivity.
My Room Throughout My Keep
Throughout my keep, I used to be hosted in room 402, a Premier River-View Room. These rooms are 50 m2 and situated on flooring 3 – 11. Spacious and light-filled and taking advantage of the setting with cinema-wide home windows that body a stretch of the Chao Phraya. Interiors are calm, minimalistic providing refined Thai element with comfortable cream partitions, low-profile furnishings in polished darkish wooden, offset by deep indigo and muted gold.
The king-sized mattress, wearing white linen and signature 4 Seasons pillows, is framed by a sculpted cloth headboard and softly illuminated pendant lights. Both aspect, floating bedside tables home controls for lighting and curtains and blinds, whereas an in-room pill affords entry to resort providers. The 55-inch flat-screen TV is built-in reverse the mattress, whereas a daybed sits alongside a round desk, offering a versatile area for working, eating, and having fun with the ever-changing view.
Rest room
The lavatory feels extra like a personal wellness area than a typical resort en suite. Completed in polished black marble with comfortable lighting, the format is spacious, with jack and jill doorways that run from ground to ceiling, which might be closed off for privateness. A freestanding tub sits on the nook, throughout from it, twin sinks are set into an extended marble vainness. Facilities embrace Byredo’s ‘Gypsy Water’ toiletries, a plethora of full amenity kits in little packing containers and a neatly pressed monogrammed linen with my initials on it. Whereas a separate rainfall bathe and WC with a Japanese Bathroom add additional privateness.
Corridor
The doorway hallway consists of Built-in wardrobes to the left the place there’s ample hanging area, a baggage rack, and drawer storage.
Drinks Console
A marble-topped minibar nook is stocked with crystal glassware, a Nespresso machine, artisanal teas, and premium spirits and snacks. There’s a separate drawer for tea service with loose-leaf blends, a ceramic teapot, and 9 china cups and saucers. Complimentary Thai mango gummies are replenished every day, whereas dehydrated lime and bottled cocktail components mean you can create an impromptu sundowner or late-night nightcap. Beneath, a calming drawer holds Laurent-Perrier Champagne, craft beers, comfortable drinks and miniatures, whereas small ending touches just like the every day ice replenishing don’t go unnoticed.
Flip Down
By night, the room transforms once more. Curtains are drawn, the lighting softens, and a recent pair of slippers is positioned neatly on a mat beside the mattress. A small sleep ritual, titled ‘Soak & Soothe’, is ready out on the bedside desk (a distinct shock every night time). A laundry bag is positioned on the foot of the mattress. Particulars that transcend the anticipated embrace sun shades I omitted, set on a 4 Seasons glasses material, and a drying rack arrange for swimwear, all accomplished with out request.
Meals & Drink
Eating is a significant draw, with a number of eating places, a patisserie, and BKK Social Membership, the most effective bars in Asia.
Riva del Fiume Ristorante
Positioned riverside with three out of doors signature terraces with views of the Chao Phraya River. Riva del Fiume Ristorante is impressed by the villas of Lake Como. Delicate rose and blush tones, white marble flooring, pure wooden panelling create a heat and relaxed atmosphere. Seating strikes from informal banquettes to bistro-style tables, giving the area a laid-back, sociable air. The open kitchen brings the power of a standard Italian kitchen to life, with wood-fired pizzas and schiacciata straight from the oven, house-made pastas ready every day on the counter, and prime cuts of meat grilled over lava stone.
Throughout my go to, Head Chef Enrico Maritan and his group introduced a tasting menu that delved into the culinary soul of Italy. Seasonal produce and protected-origin components have been on the coronary heart of each plate, alongside distinctive meat and seafood sourced globally. Highlights included akami tuna tartare with Kristal caviar and bergamot formed like a fish, grilled calamari with ’nduja and bottarga, and house-made agnolotti stuffed with ossobuco and Toma del Maccagno dressed on the desk with beneficiant shavings of truffle by Head Chef Enrico Maritan himself. The Mayura M9 oyster blade steak was intensely wealthy, whereas the coconut and raspberry dessert introduced a lightweight, playful end.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served every morning at Riva del Fiume Ristorante, the place you possibly can dine indoors or al fresco on the shaded terrace. I selected outside. The buffet is intensive and immaculately introduced, combining continental classics with Thai, Chinese language and Mediterranean components. From freshly baked viennoiserie and Italian chilly cuts together with a cheese and charcuterie station to har gow dumplings, egg and seaweed soup, and grilled saba mackerel, there’s something to go well with each palate.
The à la carte menu options dishes just like the signature eggs Benedict with home-cured salmon, do-it-yourself balik salmon crepes with pickled roe, and an indulgent Mayura M9 steak and eggs. At one level, as I used to be making an attempt to steadiness my cellphone whereas consuming, a workers member quietly introduced over a cellphone stand, unprompted. It’s this considerate gesture that defines the service type throughout your entire resort.
BKK Social Membership
Named one of the best bar in Asia on the World’s 50 Greatest Bars 2023, and #12 on the earth by the famed World’s 50 Greatest Bars 2024. BKK Social Membership evokes the legendary glamour of Latin America and a Tribute to Mexico Metropolis’s Spirited Coronary heart. Lead by beverage Supervisor Philip Bischoff, who shares the artistry of mixology and keenness with bespoke cocktails that mirror the standard ingesting tradition of Latin America, mixed with native Thai touches.
The bar is impressed by the 1900s’ Artwork Nouveau motion, with a glamorous primary salon harking back to home Latin American grand structure. Two semi-outdoor courtyards wing the primary salon. One aspect is dwelling to Bangkok’s cigar aficionados, whereas the opposite affords an area to take pleasure in cocktails and Champagne exterior with Latin tunes because the background music of selection.
To enrich the cocktails, the menu options creative bar snacks and nibbles, together with tacos, ceviche, and artisanal guacamole, which is theatrically hand-prepared in a marble mortar and pestle tableside.
Yu Ting Yuan (御庭院)
Which means “Imperial Courtyard,” Yu Ting Yuan is the resort’s signature restaurant affords an immersive expertise in Cantonese delicacies. Impressed by the panorama and conventional courtyards of the nation. Yu Ting Yuan affords an interactive eating expertise the place visitors can take pleasure in Government Chef Tommy Cheung’s famend tasting menu whereas watching the cooks put together Peking duck, barbecue crispy pork, and dim sum within the present kitchen.
Palmier by Guillaume Galliot
Located on the riverfront, the restaurant affords a relaxed eating ambiance during which to take pleasure in timeless brasserie classics, elevated by Chef Guillaume Galliot. Impressed by French tropical design with hints of colonial type, the restaurant combines comfortable, pure supplies and hues with a contact of modernism. Menu highlights embrace brasserie classics akin to roasted frog legs, foie gras, Wagyu steak, and sole meunière, together with Guillaume Galliot’s signature dishes like Land & Sea tartare, sizzling & chilly onion soup, and a seafood tower showcasing the freshest seafood. The main focus is on sharing and social eating.
Chao Phraya Terrace
An out of doors restaurant impressed by Bangkok’s vibrant road meals scene, providing a “Farm to Desk” expertise. Components are sourced solely from regional elements of Thailand, with a give attention to artisanal and sustainable practices by partnerships with small farmers and family-run firms. The menu highlights conventional Thai cooking methods, together with charcoal grilling utilizing lychee wooden from Nan province and coconut charcoal from Prachuap Khiri Khan, which infuses dishes with smoky flavours harking back to Bangkok’s bustling meals streets.
Cafe Madeleine
Named after the well-known dessert, govt Pastry Chef Andrea Bonaffini introduces a brand new market providing with specialty desserts accessible in entire, mono portion, or bite-sized petit mignons. Situated on the riverfront subsequent to the pier, Cafe Madeleine offers each indoor and out of doors seating.
Wellness
City Wellness Centre is a vacation spot in itself. Throughout 2,500 sq. metres, it affords a multi-sensory expertise encompassing health, mindfulness and restoration. The spa consists of 9 therapy rooms, vitality swimming pools, an natural steam room and a heated indoor pool. Therapies vary from Thai rituals and Reiki to superior skincare with Omorovicza. Health amenities embrace a 24-hour gymnasium, lap pool, Muay Thai ring, and motion studio providing all the things from spinning to aerial yoga.
If that each one sounds too energetic, head exterior like I did to the tiered infinity swimming pools, which curve alongside the river, the place you possibly can sit again, benefit from the river views, and order a drink poolside.
Remaining Ideas
4 Seasons Resort Bangkok at Chao Phraya River has created an distinctive city resort expertise that feels each expansive and intimate. Service is private and tailor-made to you, whereas its vacation spot eating and visitor facilities supply a one-of-a-kind resort expertise within the coronary heart of busy Bangkok. It’s a resort that leaves a long-lasting impression lengthy after check-out.
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