1ST ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS GAMES 2009 - Travel News

The 1st Asian Martial Arts Games 2009 will be hosted by Thailand from 25 April to 3 May 2009 in Bangkok as well as Suphan Buri province of Thailand. Featured games including compulsory Martial Arts, namely Karatedo, Kickboxing, Wushu, Muay, Kungfu and Kurash, as well as optional Martial Arts namely, Jujitsu & Beltwrestling, Pencat Silat and Kaliripattu.This event will see the participation from 45 countries with expecting more than 2,500 competitors around the world.



http://www.tourismthailand.org/news/content-1606.html

THE BARAI WINS " SPA DESIGN OF THE YEAR "

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 2009 … THE BARAI has recently received another great accolade from AsiaSpa Magazine, winning an AsiaSpa Award 2008 in the category of “Spa Design of the Year”, a true recognition of its unique interior design, which uses the art of architecture as a visual guide while guests are on THE BARAI Journey. THE BARAI is considered the pioneer in the spa industry in terms of design concept, being the first of its kind.

THE BARAI, inspired and designed by renowned Thai architect Mr. Lek Bunnag is a journey where the art of architecture is the guest’s guide. When guests arrive at THE BARAI, they leave one world behind and enter another, where the goal of the design is to shelter them from the outside world, offering a true sanctuary of peace and pure serenity. Guests are invited to enter the delightful mystery of THE BARAI, where sunlight flirts and dances with shadows, enticing them deep into the inner sanctum, not only of the spa, but also of their soul.

As a result of the experience that guests discover while on THE BARAI journey, we know that THE BARAI uses architecture and interior design as a visual guide, affecting guests’ feelings and experiences as they realise the goal of the journey, which is a delightful feeling of peace and tranquillity deep within the inner self. Art is the defining aspect of THE BARAI architecture, which has been designed to create moods and elicit an emotional impact.

THE BARAI provides eight exclusive residential spa suites and 18 exotic treatment rooms located on more than 4.5 acres (18,500 sq m) of serene beachfront land adjacent to Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. Opened on March 1st, 2007, THE BARAI is considered not only the newest destination spa in Thailand, but also the latest addition to Hyatt Pure Spa’s family of residential spas.

Since THE BARAI opened in March 2007, we have received recognition from many leading international publications. THE BARAI was first included in the Hot List Spas 2007 by Conde Nast Traveler magazine and, a month later, on the IT LIST 2007 compiled by Travel+Leisure magazine, winning the SpaAsia Crystal Award in the category of “Best Resort Spa 2007”, and the “Best New Spa” Award at the 18th TTG Travel Awards 2007.

The awards are evidence that THE BARAI offers unique spa experiences that include luxurious accommodation, premium-quality products, treatments, services and ambience, making it the ideal option for clients who enjoy a higher level of residential spa experience.

The latest award, Spa Design of the Year at the AsiaSpa Awards 2008, will increase recognition of this very special destination spa, not only helping THE BARAI to gain a strong foothold in Thailand’s competitive spa industry, but also promoting Hua Hin in the international market as a true wellness destination and emphasising Thailand’s status as the spa capital of Asia.

“This award is considered particularly valuable for THE BARAI since it enhances our reputation, brings even greater recognition and helps increase awareness of the unique properties of THE BARAI, strengthening its positioning throughout Asia.
Of course, the award also encourages us all to work even harder to maintain and increase THE BARAI’s reputation,” said Mr. Mikael Svensson, the hotel’s General Manager, about this AsiaSpa Award 2008.

For reservations and more information, please contact THE BARAI at +66 3251 1234 or call your local Hyatt hotel, Hyatt Worldwide Reservations Centre or log onto www.thebarai.com

Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world’s premier hotel companies with properties in 45 countries, provides authentic hospitality to guests through a passionate commitment to personalized service, cultural relevance, and genuine stewardship of the environment. Headquartered in Chicago, the company’s affiliates own, operate, manage and franchise Hyatt-branded hotels and resorts under Park

http://www.tourismthailand.org/news/content-1638.html

Guide Prasat Hin Phimai, Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima

Prasat Phimai is located in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) province, about 5 hours by bus from Bangkok.
Phimai has a pleasant location, with the river Moon flowing its many branches around the town.



Construction of Prasat Phimai took place between the 11th-13th centuries A.D.
The grounds of Prasat Phimai are spacious and well kept. The principal tower (prang) is surrounded by galleries on all sites. Possibly initially built dedicated to Hindu Gods, later Prasat Hin Phimai functioned as a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary.
Phimai houses also a very interesting National Museum, where many of the lintels, found at Prasat Phimai and surrounding temples, are being displayed, some in stunning beauty after restoration.
Close to the city center is a giant banyan tree, situated in a pond. The single tree rather looks like a giant forest.

http://www.thaitravel.info/Phimai/index.htm