The Art of Slowing Down: Thailand, Done Differently

When you picture the perfect escape, what comes to mind? A luxury hotel, scenic views, palm trees and pools? Perhaps a relaxing spa treatment or two, with plenty of indulgent, guilt-free eating because, well, you’re on holiday? Or maybe something a little more adventurous, somewhere filled with culture, nature and unforgettable experiences? Whatever your idea of switching off looks like, carving out the time to actually plan it all is a task in itself. With our days seemingly getting shorter and life moving at speed, a proper reset feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity. And as another year closes out, it’s hard not to wonder what difference seven days of relaxation, restoration and everything in between might have made.

Now, back to that perfect escape. How does Thailand sound? Already one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, it remains a favourite for travellers in search of a change of pace. Yes, like many places, it offers the picturesque tropical escape, but there’s much more to Thailand than beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. Rich in culture, traditions and experiences that encourage you to embrace a different way of life, it’s a destination where Thai hospitality extends far beyond its five-star hotels.

For those wanting to explore a little bit of everything, Bangkok and Khao Lak make a great combo for experiencing two very different sides of Thailand. Bangkok makes the perfect starting point, with its non-stop energy, culture and incredible food scene, while Khao Lak provides a complete change of scenery. Think nature, white sandy beaches and serenity. The excitement of the city followed by the calmness of the countryside is exactly what makes this seven-day itinerary work. So, skip the hours of planning. Here’s a tried-and-tested itinerary covering where to stay, what to do and how to experience Thailand a little differently.

Why don’t we factor the flight into the holiday itself? The journey is just as important as everything that comes after it, so choosing the right airline and cabin can make all the difference. After all, starting a trip on the wrong foot is hardly the way to kick off a much-needed escape. EVA Air’s Premium Economy is well worth considering for those looking for extra comfort without the Business Class price tag.

Imagery: EVA Air

EVA Air helped introduce Premium Economy to commercial aviation back in 1992, so it’s fair to say the airline knows a thing or two about the cabin. But what does the upgrade actually get you? More spacious, comfortable seating with extra recline, bigger touchscreen monitors, complimentary drinks, multi-course dining and HUNTER amenity kits, along with a few welcome extras, including pillows, blankets and slippers. The complimentary standard Wi-Fi also deserves a mention for being refreshingly reliable throughout the flight.

The service was another highlight. Cabin crew were friendly, attentive and went above and beyond to make the journey comfortable, allowing the excitement of the getaway to finally kick in.

Now, picking the right hotel in Bangkok should be easy, but with such a vast hotel scene, deciding where to stay can be a challenge. So, what better place to spend two nights than Capella Bangkok, ranked No. 2 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list?

Aside from its long list of accolades, the The Capella brand prides itself on its commitment to local culture, human connection and personalised experiences, with an approach to hospitality that goes beyond the usual luxury hotel formula. With wellness and cultural traditions also central to its philosophy, it felt like a fitting choice for a trip centred around slowing down.

Set along the Chao Phraya River, away from Bangkok’s busier districts, the hotel offers a welcome retreat from the city’s constant buzz. First impressions? Peaceful. The lobby, with its beautiful marble, wooden and gold finishes, sits beside a pond stretching along its length. There’s no traditional check-in desk. Instead, you’re welcomed into a living room to enjoy a drink while the formalities are taken care of. It’s this thoughtful approach that sets the intention for the trip: to slow down, relax and enjoy the experience.

Imagery: Capella Hotels/Capella Bangkok

The Riverfront Premier King room is equally impressive. Alongside all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel, there’s a walk-in wardrobe, a large bathroom with a bathtub and a private balcony with a daybed. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river are one of the room’s highlights, letting in plenty of natural light and making the space feel inviting. It’s also a lovely view to wake up and fall asleep to.

Imagery: Capella Hotels/Capella Bangkok

Imagery: Capella Hotels/Capella Bangkok

As tempting as it is to spend the entire stay in the room, Capella has lots more to experience, including a list of wellness activities and ‘Capella Curates’ experiences. One of these is a longtail boat journey along the river, which provides a different perspective of Bangkok and a nice alternative to the city’s busy roads. Along the way, you can hop off at some of the city’s most renowned temples and get a feel for the city’s history and religion.

The ‘Capella Curates’ list also includes ‘A Moment of Meditation’, a conversation with Buddhist monk Phra Ajarn Prasert that focuses on life, breathing techniques and mindset. A conversation that, in hindsight, sounds pretty straightforward, but one we rarely have, particularly with a monk who has spent years putting these methods into practice.

The spa, morning yoga classes and facilities such as the pool and gym are more reasons to get you out of the room. Dining is another highlight, with each restaurant feeling like an experience in itself, from Thai dishes out on the riverfront at Phra Nakhon to two-Michelin-star fine dining at Côte by Mauro Colagreco. To end the evening, Stella, the hotel’s stylish, Art Deco-inspired cocktail bar, is perfect for a nightcap.

The Bangkok part of the itinerary is all about calm, culture and enjoying a few of life’s luxuries.

Imagery: Capella Hotels/Capella Bangkok

After three days exploring Bangkok, it’s time for a change of scenery: Khao Lak. A Bangkok Airways flight to Phuket, followed by a private transfer, takes you to the second hotel on the itinerary, The Sarojin.

Now, Bangkok introduces the art of slowing down, but The Sarojin is where you really put it into practice. Khao Lak’s first luxury boutique resort, The Sarojin has a touching backstory. Founders Kate and Andrew Kemp were developing the property when the devastating 2004 tsunami struck. Determined to complete the project, they rebuilt while supporting their staff and the local community, eventually opening the resort in 2005.

Today, the property stands as a testament to the people behind it. Its 56 residences are named in honour of the 53 original team members who stayed and helped rebuild the resort. Think The White Lotus, set amongst tropical forest with a stretch of beach and an open-air reception overlooking a lotus pond. Aside from the wow factor, there’s an immediate sense of privacy and complete calm.

Imagery: The Sarojin

Every residence at the resort has its own unique features, from private pools to gardens, with the Jacuzzi Pool Suite being the highest category. Spacious and private, with its own living area, outdoor shower, jacuzzi and everything you’ll need for a relaxing stay, it’s the perfect home away from home.

Now, of all the things to look forward to at The Sarojin, breakfast might not be the first that comes to mind, but it’s certainly at the top of this itinerary. It’s one of the things The Sarojin does particularly well, and with breakfast served until 6pm (which is unheard of), there’s no need for an early wake-up for fear of missing out. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a world of difference.

Imagery: The Sarojin

You might want to spend your first day at the resort relaxing, but if you’re eager to get out and explore Khao Lak, The Sarojin offers a range of experiences, from scuba diving at the Similan and Surin Islands’ national parks and complimentary bikes to get around town, to bamboo rafting along the river. With a strong emphasis on community and local initiatives, activities such as mangrove tree planting are also available to take part in.

Back at the resort, activities range from pickleball and Thai cooking classes to yoga sessions supporting the local community, with proceeds donated to local causes. You’ll absolutely want to schedule in time for the pool, a beach day and a treatment at Pathways Spa, because we can’t forget that moments of relaxation are at the top of the agenda. Even a short walk around the property, discovering the wildlife and nature, makes a great way to wind down.

The level of service at The Sarojin is hard to overlook. Staff go out of their way to make each stay feel personal, with small gestures such as remembering names and preferences and taking the time to check in on how the stay is going. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds to the experience.

Imagery: The Sarojin

Imagery: The Sarojin

Back to the dining, because outside of breakfast, The Sarojin has plenty of options both on and off the resort. Ficus offers a casual setting in a panoramic restaurant at the centre of the property, while The Edge, set at the entrance to the beach, is an open-air restaurant serving Thai cuisine. But there’s one experience that’s an absolute must if you’re able to snag a reservation: The Sarojin’s Candlelit Jungle Waterfall Dinner.

Picture a private table beside a waterfall, surrounded by hundreds of candles, with a tasting menu prepared by The Sarojin’s Executive Chef Gogh. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will easily be one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Four nights at The Sarojin gives you enough time to enjoy the resort, immerse yourself in nature and explore a little of Thailand’s quieter side. After the culture and energy of Bangkok, it’s a great way to close out the itinerary.