April, 2020 - Gwen Books

My glorious 2 week stay at Four Seasons Maldives at both resorts was a dream Journey. Randy Shimabuku, the GM of Four Seasons Kudaa Huraa, had me scheduled every hour of my week stay. I would bump into him on property, he would inquire, how is it going?! My reply: I’m exhausted – you have me scheduled in activities from 7 am and I have dinner with you or someone from each department every night! There was a method to his madness, I became an expert on the resort and I can advise my clients on activities and which property would suit them. Actually, I would recommend a stay at both for various reasons.

A growing update on my Coral Cage at Kuda Huraa! In January, 2018, during my glorious 2 week visit to the Maldives, I built and sponsored a Coral Cage. In an effort to propagate coral in the Maldives, the coral cages offers hope for the world’s threatened reefs. Metal cages submerged in the Indian Ocean will help regenerate battered reefs and improve protection of vulnerable coastlines from rising sea levels.

My last morning at Kuda Hura was spent building the small coral frame cage, wiring a few pieces of coral on the frame which was dropped into the seas near the Four Seasons.

This coral frame has been sponsored by Gwen Books – Lifestyle Management the label reads “Gwen Books – Lifestyle Management” It was transplanted to the Water Villa area on Jan 24 2018 with the species Acropora digitifera, Acropora intermedia, Acropora muricata, framce. Frame #KH2062 at Kuda Huraa.

You too can sponsor a frame to stimulate coral growth, the reefscape team sends photos periodically to share the coral growth.

Sponsor a Coral Cage and make a plan to visit and see the progress, do good while confined! Link for sponsoring a cage: http://reefscapers.com/coral-frame-sponsorship/

Ultimately, I would advise you to visit the Four Seasons Maldives, nothing prepared me for the beauty of the indigo seas.

Four Seasons Maldives posts:

.https://www.gwenbooks.com/2018/02/four-seasons-kuda-huraa-resort-maldives/

Four Seasons Maldives Yacht Explorer

Four Seasons Maldives Hotels & Private Island

The Siam is a rare, serene gem in Bangkok, which by contrast, is a bustling energy filled raucous city. A visit confirms a tranquil oasis, at our favorite boutique property known as The Siam. Step into your private urban sanctuary; a stunning, luxury hotel, replete with exquisite art and antiques and set amidst three acres of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya River, adjoining Bangkok’s must-see historical and cultural attractions.

To know a country is to know its cooking…

If you follow me on social media, you will know that a dear school friend shipped me multiple crates of fresh citrus during COVID 19, including a pomelo type grapefruit. It instantly reminded me of a few of my favorite dining experiences in Bangkok. One of my most enjoyable riverside lunches was at the Siam hotel restaurant, Chon Thai, a shrimp salad with delicately balanced flavors and textures, at once strong and subtle. Thai cuisine is the delicious paradox of contrast and harmony, requiring the deft, experienced touch of a master chef or an excellent recipe! Chef Damri Muksombat has honed his skills through some of the best Thai and international kitchens in the region. He previously cooked at the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Chiang Rai and was Ian Kittichai’s Executive Chef when Issaya Siamese Club broke into the top 50 restaurants in Asia in 2014.

The Siam Chon Thai Restaurant, Chef Damri Muksombat

The expert culinary team serve only the freshest, finest local produce, expertly prepared, and anchored by their respect for timeless Thai flavor’s. And with local culture and history steeped into the Thai teak wood houses that make up the restaurant, dining at Chon is always an unforgettable experience.

Chef also offers private cooking classes in a charming riverside café kitchen. One of my memorable lunches, was a simple salad of fresh shrimp on a salad bed of pomelo dusted with roasted cashews and peanuts. Chef was gracious enough to share the recipe with me..

Up Close & Personal private class with only two cooking stations per class, enjoy a truly immersive Thai cooking experience that will leave you with amazing memories to take home.

Join Chef for an optional excursion by Tuk-Tuk to the local fresh market for a first-hand look at the remarkable produce available in Bangkok’s Old Town.

Upon returning to The Siam, you will cook and then enjoy three delicious dishes of your choice. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned chef, you will never forget cooking under a traditional Thai teakwood house, overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Truly a memorable experience.

Chef's Table at Chon Thai Restaurant | The Siam Hotel, Bangkok — The Siam Chon Thai Restaurant, Cooking School

Bangkok sightseeing can begin on the banks of the river by stepping off the pier onto The Siam private boat – avoid the crowded streets and begin your sightseeing from the comfort of the private boat.

More about my visit to The Siam https://www.gwenbooks.com/2019/02/the-siam-bangkok/

A look at Bangkok https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/bangkok/-QEzc1Yl5uOJsA