… continued from “A Journey with Emirates Part 1 of 3”.

Post dinner at the world’s biggest Emirates Business Class and First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport, it was time to board the Emirates A380 Airbus to our final destination: Bangkok.

The first flight of the day was very relaxed in Business, where I got all my work for the day done. I love to work on planes – because that’s the only time, where you are not disturbed by calls, messages or emails (if you leave the WiFi switched-off, as I do).

Boarding the second flight of the day was quite exciting with an upgrade… to a private suite at First Class. After a quick drink and chat at the Emirates Bar & Lounge in Business Class it was time to sleep. A beautifully designed space with total privacy was waiting for me: a seat that turned into the most comfy bed, a tea and a good night movie (The Dressnaker). That’s what I would call: „Suite Dreams“.

Waking up to the first rays of sunshine, cotton candy, „breakfast in bed“ and relaxing morning music, the day couldn’t start any better on the A380. And guess what: in First Class Emirates offers its passengers an exclusive spa shower, so you get off the plane fresh and re-energized. So did I!

Landed in Bangkok and arrived at Asia’s finest heritage hotel „The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok“, also known as „The Oriental Hotel“ in Bangkok the „Suite Dreams“ continued…

On the occasion of the The Oriental’s 140 year celebration I was invited by the Mandarin Oriental Group to spend some days at this magical Oasis, where you experience a quality of service, that you have never experienced before! A hotel that has a staff per room ratio of 3,5 : 1 and an wellbeing factor of 200%!

The Oriental hotel has been – for over 140 years – the home of the extraordinary, legendary and famous personalities from all over the world. Royal families, writers, rockstars, actors, models and singers… (to get a bit more insight on some fun stories, the Head Concierge told us during our stay, read my colleagues interview for GQ Germany here – in German.) There is no other hotel in Asia that has such a legendary heritage as „The Oriental“ in Bangkok.

For it’s 140th anniversary the luxurious hotel’s historical Author’s Wing and the famous Garden Wing were completely refurbished. One of the major highlights is the Grand Royal Suite: over 315 square meters of pure luxury occupy the whole1st floor of the Author’s Wing. The Grand Royal Suite is now Bangkok’s biggest hotel suite with a one-of-its-kind interior design. Stunning river views included!

Besides my passion for Thai food, I am very fascinated by Thai tradition, by their spiritual history and relaxation rituals, yoga and meditation. So, the Mandarin Oriental organized a visit at the famous Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn) for me. At the impressive temple, I got to meet a monk who gave me his blessings and the famous Buddha Sacred„Sai-Sin“, also known as the gift of peace and tranquility. Sai-Sin is a white thread, that he knotted around my left wrist. It is there to protect the person that is wearing it and to bring luck – and it did! (Some say you should wear it until it falls off. Thais say, it should be worn for at least 10 days – and kept at home afterwards).

After the temple visit I went back to the hotel by a boat, straight to The Oriental Spa: a place of pure relaxation and serenity. At the spa an Indian lady was waiting for me for a private yoga and meditation session. Even though, I am quite familiar with the yoga practice and meditation, she showed my techniques and rituals, I have never seen before. This session was a true inspiration and so impressive yet so relaxing. After a light and healthy lunch my next appointment was waiting for me: at The Oriental Private Spa Suite, a lovely Thai lady welcomed me for a 90 minute signature treatment: a softer and more relaxing version of a traditional Thai massage, which was the best massage ever. AND: I have never felt more ZEN than after that day!

Now I know, why this hotel is internationally called the „best hotel in the world“ and has also been rated with 5 stars by FORBES Travel Guide. Its 324 rooms, 44 suites, 9 restaurants, 2 pools and luxurious spa facilities offer A truly unique hotel experience and simply the best service in the world! Please note: I have never said this sentence about a hotel before! 🙂

5 days passed so quick and it was time to leave for the next stop: 24 hours in Dubai. Stay tuned for Part 3 of my Journey with Emirates, where I will introduce you to the Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah Dubai, the VIP Lounge of Burj Khalifa and also announce some great news. 🙂