Exotiq Luxury Lifestyles

08/02/2024

Phuket’s quieter side offers miles of deserted beaches, wide horizon sunsets, quality dining, with an emphasis on seafood and some very special boutique resorts. No one does it better than the SALA Phuket, so take a walk on the mild side up to Mai Khao as described in the latest edition of exotiq. https://exotiq.online/a-serene-stay-in-the-shade-of-the-sala/

15/01/2024

Swimming 122km, in 15 days, around Phuket, who could be crazy enough to do that?

Well, let me give you the answer. The story of Grant (Axe) Rawlinson came across my desk the other day, and I thought, why on earth would anyone want to do that? Until I kept reading the story of The Million Baht Swim, and realised he's more bonkers than I could've imagined.

Axe, a new Phuketian, (who previously had the insane idea to PEDAL BOAT the Bay of Bengal, yes you read that right) took on the challenge of being the first human-propelled and powered machine (and he is a machine) to swim around the island for the cause of Good Shepherd Phuket Town, a charity aiming to upskill and train those who never had many of the basic privileges that we all take for granted, from basic literacy skills and on, until they're able to command the respect they deserve as well as protecting them from trafficking and exploitation.

SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort hosted an epic finish line party to receive Axe back to shore and even after swimming a swimmer's marathon everyday to get there, we were all glad to see he could muster a smile, and of course you would after doing so much good work

For a great cause in Phuket and something to support, check out The Million Baht Swim which by the way has smashed its goal and just gone and done over 1.1 MILLION BAHT !! Bloody well done Axe and go have a well-deserved rest, not sure we'll be seeing you at the beach for a while... Donations are still open if you'd like to support please check out the page, or even directly offer support to the Good Shepherd Phuket Town.

A great Phuket-based story to hopefully put a smile on your face on a Monday, and support a good cause.

for more information
The Million Baht Swim
Good Shepherd Phuket Town
and all the best,
- Angus H, Editor of exotiq magazine

12/01/2024

Hello everyone and Happy New Year from exotiq magazine!

Why so late you may ask? Well, behind the scenes, exotiq has been doing everything it can to get Issue 19 written and ready to be released in February, and I am happy to say the colour proof is at the printers as we speak!

Phew, stress over, anyway, anyone wanna go for a drink?

Every issue of exotiq is a new journey with new people, taking on new places and new partnerships. For this issue, we really pushed ourselves to the limits through all the holiday merriment to make sure this next magazine eclipses the previous ones (as every new issue shall aim to do!).

For our High season issue, we explored new areas on the Island. Up at Mai Khao, we ventured around Turtle Village (and some actual turtles too) and listened to the quiet shoreline away from, what can sometimes be a loud central and southern Phuket. Not that I’m against the noise at all, oh no. Catch Beachclub was positively bumping when I visited a few weeks ago to check out the new renovations going on there, and a lot of the new restaurants in the area had me asking for seconds - when I could get a table. In this magazine we attempted to travel the whole island, venturing from north to south and departing for dive trips down at Chalong Pier, stopping off at Patong, Kamala, and Bangtao along the way.

This next issue features a newly designed fashion-focused section we can’t wait to show you, with clothes that’ll make your jaw drop (for the quality and price…), but this should fit in with all the other newness going on in Phuket. A lot of your familiar favourites have had to take up refurbishments to keep up with all the new kids on the block that are starting to show up and wow does it make my life, and Phuket, fun.

A very exciting time to be in the world of Phuket tourism. Hotels are swamped and people are waiting in lines to get to theme parks, shows, restaurants and more - but for where to go this high season, Issue 19 has it all.

here's a little teaser of the cover and what's to be found around the luxury hotels on the island, give it a read if you see one and let us know what you think!

Happy New Year, and Happy High Season!

All the best,

- Angus H, editor of exotiq magazine

13/12/2023

Aulis Phuket.
On Sunday night, Exotiq had the pleasure of savouring dishes crafted by the internationally acclaimed chef, Simon Rogan at Aulis Phuket in The Iniala Beach House resort. Known best for his 3-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume in the Lake District, Simon's culinary artistry has garnered worldwide recognition which people fly the globe to experience. From Michelin stars in Hong Kong, a new opening in Malta and his re-designed London chef’s table, to topping La Liste 1000 and The Good Food Guide, the anticipation for this dining experience was palpable.

Where is it?
Situated just north of the bridge, Iniala Beach House resort offers more than just 6 ultra-luxury, exclusive villas (as featured on Architectural Digest), a private beach, and breathtaking sunsets off Natai's west coast; it's home to Aulis Phuket, Rogan’s newest 15-person chef’s table, and his first foray into Thailand. The journey was surprisingly brief, a mere 45 minutes was all for an extraordinary three-hour evening feast of the finest food and wine.

The food. Oh my gosh, the food.
The menu, a testament to Rogan’s farm-to-table philosophy, showcased hyper-local ingredients, with 90% sourced from nearby farms. From caviar and oysters to Thai Wagyu steak that melted in the mouth, each dish exuded elegance. An array of cooking techniques are shown off in each course, with food smoked, hung, aged, grilled, emulsified and a few other things I didn’t understand and created flavours I could barely comprehend.
The Aulis Phuket experience extends beyond exceptional cuisine; Rogan's star-studded team ensures meticulous attention to detail, from hospitality to the curated soundtrack, elevating the entire experience.
- Angus H

For more information:
https://www.aulis.co.uk/aulis-phuket
Open Wednesdays - Sundays for dinner
6,000THB++ (Thai Baht) per person

04/12/2023

Hello from exotiq everyone, Phuket has recently been a whirlwind of awards, events, and all 'round excitement and exotiq has had the honour of being present at some of these private shows, presentations and luxury events.

Most recently, luxury was at The Pavilions Phuket, where they partnered with luxury lounge-wear brand siamesedreamsofficial to showcase a stunning under-the-stars fashion show in support of Seeds of Change
The Phuket-based fashion brand looked to blend the Pavilions’ distinguished characteristics: the iconic bamboo that lines their driveway and resort, and the feelings of comfort and homeliness at a Pavilion pool villa. The fabric was made from sustainable (incredibly soft) bamboo fabric, with a lifelike print of bamboo and fireflies in artist Verdillon's realistic watercolour style. Shirts, shorts, robes, and camisoles were all on sale to support Seeds of Change in their constant endeavour to provide the underprivileged with practical skills to bring the opportunity for a better life.

Exotiq watched the best of the best-looking strut their stuff in an intimate lounge venue, sporting the most stylish of PJs, emphasising their versatility and feel, with a plush king-sized bed to complete the scene.

A four-course feast at Italian restaurant Alto, was where Chef Mangani hosted a masterclass featuring an amuse bouche, a wine pairing, cocktails and canapes which kept us all adequately fed and entertained, with the DJ seeming to find his groove as the night went on.

The event lingered late into the night and it truly felt like I was starting to live in a Siamese dream, the lights dimmed, the music rose, and the dancing of the dreamy model team didn't stop. The evening concluded with a silent auction for a host of luxury goodies from boat trips to pool villa stays, all in support of The Seeds of Change charity cause.

The Siamensis Dream capsule collection is out now, check it out! Soft, stylish, and easy fitting. Overall it was a great time and experience and Exotiq is truly grateful to have been invited to, and attend, the exclusive event.
With more and more happening in the World of Phuket luxury, Exotiq looks to be at the forefront to bear witness to these incredible events and how they will shape the luxury landscape of Phuket.

-Angus H, Editor of exotiq
For more information:
https://siamesedreams.com/
https://seedsofchangephuket.com/
https://www.pavilionshotels.com/phuket

24/11/2023

“Phuket has become even more exotiq this November with the arrival of the beautifully crafted Exotiq magazine. Thanks to the 100 plus luxury hotels on the island who now proudly feature Exotiq as a guest room amenity in their premium bedrooms and suites. Here’s a brief look back at how Exotiq arrived at some of our brilliant distribution partners.”

27/10/2023

After a 3 year hibernation, Exotiq comes back to life with Issue 18…. Just arrived in Phuket.

26/07/2021

Can you tell what are in this colorful, healthy, flavour-packed, addictive dish?
There is quite a few traditional versions of this Southern Thai Rice Salad or “Khao Yum Pak Tai”
This one is my favorite coz it’s pinkish 🌈🥰✨💖 🌸with Siamese ruby pomelo and torch ginger flower petals. I know.
Just the sound of it makes you anticipate the aromatic floral bite that will burst and bloom with sweet tangy juicy citrus, blending so well while taming the spicy herbs. It’s oh so divine. Until I tell you about the sauce key ingredient, Nam Budu. 🥊😎🎁

Come discover the wonders of Thai cuisine at BrassWok Thai Cooking Private Class in Phuket.
www.BrassWok.com

12/12/2019

OPERA MEETS POP ON CHRISTMAS DAY!
Silavadee Samui turns up the volume on 25 December with an operatic six course dinner. Don't miss it! https://www.exotiq.com/agenda/2019/12/10/opera-meets-pop-christmas/1575910800

06/12/2019

You don't need rose-tinted glasses to be wowed by this new Bangkok hotel. Exotiq reviewed it in the current edition:
https://lnkd.in/fgK8yTe

Rosewood Bangkok, the architectural marvel that sits elegantly in Bangkok’s downtown commercial and shopping district, an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. With easy access to the expressway, the hotel is reachable within forty minutes from the city’s two airports, even during...

07/11/2019

WEAVING LIFE INTO FABRIC.
Khon Kaen artist Nilraya Bundasak's experimental creations using textiles result in rich, colourful art. Enjoy more at: https://www.exotiq.com/2019/11/07/weaving-life-fabric/1573117816

03/11/2019

Diving the Similan Islands is extra special from this classic phinisi live-aboard. Check-out our story in the latest edition of Exotiq. https://www.exotiq.com/2019/11/02/all-hands-deck/1572662916

Thailand’s coast is blessed with some of the region’s best diving locations, both within the Gulf of Thailand and off its western coastline in the Andaman Sea. The famous diving destinations you may have heard of: the Similans, Surin and Koh Lipe are all located in the Andaman Sea, so we headed ...

01/11/2019

Discover an exclusive Samui villa estate operated by Elite Havens. Sitting atop the thriving Bophut Hills neighbourhood on the island of Koh Samui, Panacea Retreat offers....https://www.exotiq.com/2019/10/29/island-hillside-luxury/1572348057

31/10/2019

A mega villa on Koh Samui, diving the Smilians, walking Phrom Phong, touring southern Thailand, the jewel of Krabi and much much more in the new edition of Exotiq, out now in print and online.

30/10/2019

EXTREME SMOKED SALMON. Celebrity Chef Jeff Tan, of London’s famed Hakkasan Mayfair Restaurant, visits the new InterContinental Phuket’s Pinto Restaurant to present a fusion Chinese menu over the first weekend of November 2019. For more visits: https://www.exotiq.com/agenda/2019/10/23/gourmet-chinese-cuisine/1571817204

20/09/2019

A GOLDEN LAND. This is how Kipling referred to it: "Then, a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon, a beautiful winking wonder that blazed in the sun, of a shape that was neither Muslim dome nor Hindu temple-spire…" See which country he was talking about in the latest edition of Exotiq:

https://www.exotiq.com/2019/09/20/golden-land/1568964691

11/09/2019

Smörgåsbord of Samui Seafood
A little bit of everything on a plate at Zazen Restaurant on Koh Samui https://www.exotiq.com/2019/09/11/sm%C3%B6rg%C3%A5sbord-samui-seafood/1568168693

05/09/2019

HAUTE HEALTH & HEALING. Finding a new star when the field is filled with so many shining overachievers is not easy. And when that field is 'Thailand', and the discipline is 'Wellness', it's near as dammit impossible. So we were well impressed by the quality and originality we found at Asaya. Read our story: https://www.exotiq.com/2019/09/05/haute-health-healing/1567680772

28/08/2019

AN OFFER YOU CANNOT REFUSE! Fit for the Don himself, check-out this red Sicilian prawn dish from Chef Gaetano Palumbo at Bangkok's Rossini's Restaurant, part of our Standout Seafood Season: https://www.exotiq.com/2019/08/28/offer-you-cannot-refuse/1566962359

28/08/2019

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT. We take a trip down Bangkok's ever changing River of Kings. Starting in total luxury at the Siam, we end up at Sathorn Pier. Jump aboard here: https://www.exotiq.com/2019/08/28/river-runs-through-it/1566950930

The Chao Phraya River’s illustrious history goes back centuries. The famed River of Kings not only served as a royal route for transportation and sources of sustenance but still connects Bangkok with the rest of the country.

14/08/2019

Thailand is rightly celebrated for its spa and wellness culture, and foremost amongst the brands specialising in this area is HARNN. Also an operator of hotel luxury spas, HARNN launches its Legend of Organic body and face oil range. Read our story in Exotiq:
https://www.exotiq.com/2019/08/14/legendary-lotions-potions/1565754171

12/08/2019

Some good news for Hong Kong! Mango Tree brings an ancient Ayutthaya experience to Victoria Harbour following a spectacular makeover at its Elements restaurant. Read about it in Exotiq here: https://www.exotiq.com/news/2019/08/06/hong-kongs-iconic-thai-restaurant-gets-makeover/1565024400

Mango Tree Elements, the upscale waterfront restaurant in Kowloon’s Elements Mall, has been revamped by Mai Chongchaiyo of Steve Leung Hospitality in a style that blends classical and contemporary design. Mango Tree Restaurants Worldwide, the leading Asian restaurant operator, has collaborated wit...

04/08/2019

Old timers will recognise this amazingly located resort as the Chedi. Now known as the Surin Phuket, we were lucky to review this laid-back oasis on the Andaman Sea. https://www.exotiq.com/2019/08/04/find-sophisticated-fun-and-food-sun/1564908391

02/08/2019

The Green Season edition of Exotiq is out. With a stunning Panjarat Polpluek portrait dripping-off the front cover we take a watery look at the best Thailand has to offer. View here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/ecab69a4-b666-4fe4-8648-5ac07f50887f