Southern Thailand’s premier cooking school has just launched a locavore foodie experience titled ‘Glimpses into Local Life’ wherein guests are invited to get their hands dirty and go foraging, fishing and harvesting with the Chef. 

The Sarojin Director Kate Kemp says, “Our guests are increasingly interested in experiencing a more authentic sense of real Thailand experience coupled with a more ‘hands on’ and educative experience, hence thought it would be fun to up the ante on our cooking classes and invite guests to ‘catch and gather’ ingredients for their desired dish as well as cooking it and enjoying dining in an extraordinary location. The Khao Lak and Phang Nga region is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood and produce that is grown here in the local community by farmers we have been supporting for years. This new program offers guests the chance to engage in the food process from ‘the wilds to the plate’ and, in addition to seeing where and how things are harvested, they also get the chance to interact with locals that have lived here for generations.”

During the Locavore Foodie Experience, guests will visit the following places:

• Baan Nam Kem
• A prawn farm
• A fish farm
• Swallow nest house
• Various fruit, vegetable and cashew nut farms – widely commercially grown in this area and often processed by hand using traditional farming methods.

Baan Nam Khem is located 20 minutes drive north of The Sarojin. This small coastal fishing village is the gateway to the endless waterways leading though spectacular untouched mangrove forest. The shallow inter-tidal reaches that characterise the mangrove wetlands offer refuge and nursery ground for juvenile fish, crabs, shrimps, and mollusks. Mangroves are also prime nesting and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species in Thailand. For instance, there are over 500 species of birds recorded in the mangrove areas. Additionally, crab-eating monkeys, monitor lizards, sea turtles, and mud skipper fish live in the mangrove wetland. Guests are taken line fishing onboard their own traditional longtail boat where snapper and grouper along with other local fish can be caught. With your fresh catch you continue up the Takuapa River for your Thai Cooking Class with chef by Takuapa Riverbank. Learn how to prepare your fresh catch for the plate and enjoy lunch safari style and a glass of wine in the great outdoors

The package also includes luxurious accommodation at The Sarojin in a Garden Residence, return transfers from Phuket International airport by luxury car with cold towels and refreshments served for 2 persons as well as all day al carte breakfast with sparkling wine served for 2 persons.

The Sarojin’s ‘Locavore Foodie Experience’ package starts from THB 102,400 which is approximately AUD $3,413 for 2 persons, inclusive of all taxes, and is available all year ‘round.

For further information on The Sarojin or to book one of the special promotional packages that are available from 6 March – 30 April 2011 and 1 May – 31 Oct 2011, please visit: www.sarojin.com

– ENDS –

About The Sarojin

‘World Luxury Hotel’ Award Winner 2007, 2009, 2010* at the World Luxury Hotel Awards; Winner of “Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel” 2008,2007, 2006 at World Travel Awards; Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2010, 2009,2008; “Overall Winner” at the Thailand Green Awards 2010; The Sarojin is internationally renowned as one of the finest resort properties in Asia. Designed in a contemporary Asian style and beautifully set on an 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach in Khao Lak, just a 55 minute drive north of Phuket Airport, the five-star resort boasts 56 deluxe residences set within ten acres of grounds leading directly onto the beachfront. Each guest room features its own private garden and ‘sala’ sundeck, couples’ baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat; while other complimentary facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre and mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards.

The Sarojin’s name is inspired by the mythical Lady Sarojin, the daughter of a prominent Thai nobleman who was regarded as the perfect host and whose household became famous for its hospitality. The Sarojin’s goal is to reflect this legacy by providing an experience that is reminiscent of staying at a friend’s private estate. The hotel’s team of personal guides delight in creating tailor made experiences, along with the elegant and inspired ‘Imagineer’ who offers the ultimate personal concierge service for hotel guests. Tranquillity is guaranteed as no children under the age of 12 are permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

*The World Luxury Hotel Awards are the most exclusive luxury hotel awards, setting the benchmark for world class facilities and service excellence. The Awards were established to recognise hotels that have taken the extra step and differentiated themselves from ‘good hotels’ to ‘exceptional hotels’.

Thailand’s multi-award winning 56 boutique residence, The Sarojin, is celebrating the ancient Takuapa Old Town Vegetarian Festival by launching a special Vegetarian Celebration Package for guests to enjoy this October. The package, which honours one of Thailand’s most fascinating traditions, will provide guests with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement of the festival, which is designed to purify mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and meditating during the nine-day festival between 8th-16th October 2010.

The Sarojin’s newly introduced six-night Vegetarian Celebration Package will include a guided visit to Takuapa Old Town to see the Vegetarian Festival’s colourful day-time procession, where visitors will find colourful religious parades, traditional ceremonies and magnificent lantern displays. Guests can also enjoy a Thai cooking class with chef at the local Takuapa riverbank for two people. In keeping with the festival, cooking classes can be vegetarian-themed for guests wishing to purify mind and spirit by abstaining from meat intake. Other highlights include a second guided tour to experience the Vegetarian Festival’s closing night celebrations; return airport transfers by luxury car; and accommodation for two inclusive of a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine in the resort’s luxurious guest residences which boast private gardens, ‘sala’ sundecks, intimate couples’ baths, rainfall showers, plunge pools, relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat, and more.

The Old Town Takuapa Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar when it is believed that the festival’s sacred ceremonies will bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a nine-day vegetarian or vegan diet and perform ancient rituals for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.

The Sarojin’s Vegetarian Celebration Package starts from THB 69,900, approximately AUD 2,330 for two people for six nights and is available from 1st to 20th October 2010.  www.sarojin.com

Notes to Editors:

One of the finest resort properties in Asia, The Sarojin excels in offering exceptional tailor-made experiences ‘Just For Two’. The resort’s attentive ‘Imagineer’ offers the ultimate concierge service and uses his expertise and in-depth knowledge of the surrounding area to create unique experiences for hotel guests, including Thai cooking classes with Executive Chef Jui by jungle rivers, waterfalls and secluded beaches. In addition, the ‘Imagineer’ can create the most romantic private dinners ‘a deux’ in extraordinary surroundings. Why not enjoy a candlelit dinner at a jungle waterfall or a romantic banquet on a secret white sand beach by the shimmering Andaman Sea? The limits really are guests’ imaginations as to where they’d like their table set.

The Sarojin also specialises in arranging exclusive tours to some of Khao Lak’s rural areas where guests can get a unique ‘Glimpse of Local Life’ and experience a taste of Thailand that cannot be found elsewhere. Memorable excursions include visits to a traditional freshwater prawn farm to see how fresh seafood is produced for human consumption; trips to a nearby cashew nut plantation to learn about one of the most integral ingredients in Thai cuisine; and local swallow nest tours to see how bird’s nest soup, one of Thailand’s most popular delicacies, is made.

The Sarojin’s reputation as a gourmet’s paradise is further enhanced with two stylish restaurants, Ficus and The Edge, which serve a delectable range of Asian and contemporary Mediterranean dishes that are freshly prepared by a team of innovative chefs.

Small in size but mighty in authenticity, the lodge was also placed 3rd out of 25 finalists in the BEST AUSTRALIAN SPA category.

Founders and Owners of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Terry and Cathy Maloney said of the award: “It is a privilege to be awarded BEST LUXURY ECO TOURISM in the world category by the discerning travellers and followers of Luxury Travel Magazine. This prestigious award recognises the efforts over the past 15 years of developing a truly authentic and experiential travel destination in Australia. To be selected by the consumers from such an outstanding collection is most humbling”.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is nestled in the world’s oldest rainforest. Authenticity of the Yalanji Rainforest Aboriginal culture and the experience of peaceful tranquillity set the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa apart from any other resort. It is renowned for the nurturing ability to help guests find peace of mind, body and spirit with pure, raw ingredients from the surrounding rainforest.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa has appointed The Unique Tourism Collection to represent the property in Australia. The Unique Tourism Collection is a Sydney-based company which represents prestigious tourism clients from around the world.

Terry Maloney said of the appointment: “We are thrilled to be represented by Unique Tourism Collection (UTC). We see UTC as an ideal company to represent Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa as they have the ability and reputation that will help us in communicating our unique selling points to guests who seek a safe and tranquil haven from this busy world”.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is offering tropical rainforest greetings with the celebration package for only AUD$1596, available until 31st May, 2010.

Includes (for 2 people):
• 3 nights in a rainforest spa villa 
• Daily a-la-carte breakfast
• 1 hour massage each for 2 people
• And a free bottle of sparkling on arrival

For reservations info@daintree-ecolodge.com.au or call Toll Free: 1800 808 010 (within Australia) and quote “celebration package”.

At Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, you can finally get away from it all.

Once here, most guests  don’t only choose to turn off their Blackberry; they feel compelled, for this sparkling private island in the northern Caribbean deserves full attention – the mile-long beach, the private villas opening on to the powdery sand, the healthful cuisine, the diving, Yoga and the award-winning spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay. That’s why, for 2010, Parrot Cay has launched two new couple-friendly packages to make it a year worth remembering. The ‘Babymoon’ package is designed for expecting parents to have their ‘honeymoon’ before the new arrival. It is a three-night hit of instant relaxation, and includes an indulgent 75-minute Pre-Natal massage as well as an hour-long private Yoga session and COMO Shambhala Massage. Prices start at $3,070 per couple, based on two sharing.

Parrot Cay’s ‘Romantic Runaway’ offer is for those who may be free of the kids for a long weekend, or for those who just want to steal some meaningful downtime in an entirely private corner of the northern Caribbean. The appeal of this perfect three-night  break lies in Parrot Cay’s ability to deliver a maximum experience in a short amount of time – and at a competitive price, with rates starting at $2,864 for two people, all meals included. With a couple’s massage also featured, as well as a Champagne breakfast, it’s ideal for couples seeking some good value respite under a warm Turks and Caicos sun.

Both packages include accommodation for three nights in a Garden View Room (other accommodation types are available, at an extra cost), breakfast, lunch  and dinner daily, return airport transfers on scheduled commercial flights only, a fruit bowl replenished daily, and complimentary group Yoga and Pilates classes and non-motorised watersports.

Once here, resort staff can organise numerous other excursions for couples, including some for those who like to get out and about. They include snorkelling expeditions to outlying islets, kayaking trips, diving, fishing expeditions and castaway picnics on deserted spits of sand. At Parrot Cay, guests can even dine in a private tiki hut on the beach – all available on request.

For more information email res@parrotcay.como.bz or visit the resort’s new website at www.parrotcay.como.bz

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat

PO BOX 164 Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

British West Indies

Tel +1 649 946 7788

Fax +1 649 946 7789

Email parrotcay@comoshambhala.bz

Website parrotcay.como.bz

FOR ANY PRESS AND MEDIA QUERY:

Crystal Seah, Director Marketing Communications

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +65 6304 1488

Email crystal.seah@como.bz

Chris Orlikowski, Marketing Executive

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +44 (0)20 7447 1049

Email chris.orlikowski@como.bz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Understanding COMO Hotels and Resorts: COMO Hotels and Resorts’ first property opened in 1991 – the Halkin in London’s Belgravia. The winning combination of smooth and accurate service, healthy Michelin-starred food and contemporary, understated style has since led to the creation of further properties, each different from the other while respecting COMO’s core commitments – to indulge every guest’s sense of respite, be it on a private island or a city hotel in the world’s most dynamic capitals. Currently the COMO portfolio consists of two properties in London: the Halkin an Metropolitan, London. The resort product launched in 1998 with Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. In 2002, Cocoa Island in the Maldives was born, followed in 2003 by the Metropolitan, Bangkok. In early 2004, COMO Hotels and Resorts assumed management of Begawan Giri Estate in Bali. That same year saw the opening of Uma Paro, Bhutan, and Uma Ubud, Bali. In 2005, Begawan Giri was relaunched with substantial new facilities as a top-end residential wellness retreat called COMO Shambhala Estate.

Understanding COMO Shambhala: COMO Shambhala is a health concept that has been developed in line with Shambhala’s meaning (Sanskrit for ‘peace’) manifested as centres of wellbeing at all COMO Hotels and Resorts. These include COMO’s city hotels spas, known as COMO Shambhala Urban Escapes, as well as COMO Shambhala Retreats at the company’s private islands and Uma resorts. It is a consultative rather than prescriptive approach which allows consultants to respond to guests on a one-by-one, day-by-day basis. Treatments range from Yoga to shiatsu to Ayurvedic detox programmes. They distil the best of ancient Asian traditions and, where appropriate, older techniques are combined with Western advances. Bodywork is also an essential element of the COMO Shambhala experience. At all properties, Yoga facilities are available. Guests can partake in week-long programs led by the world’s best teachers. In addition, COMO Shambhala maintains on-going relationships with key health professionals, and in 2006, created a Board of Advisors made up of experts in holistic health to help direct the company’s evolution; members include Dr Robert Thurman, Rodney Yee and Donna Karan. COMO Shambhala cuisine, available at select properties, focuses on energising and organic foodstuffs. An emphasis on raw ingredients is combined with pan-Asian influences, with menus overseen by the company’s Executive Chef, Amanda Gale. COMO Shambhala also produces a range of skin and bodycare products, COMO Shambhala At Home, made from all-natural ingredients. COMO Shambhala Active Living is the company’s resort and activewear line, launched in 2007.

Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 9th to 15th January 2010 Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and clarity of the air to lead what looks like what will be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.
In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang with lunch at Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and a picnic at Rinpung Dzong, Paro’s majestic government and monastic centre.

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at $3,227, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 9th and 14th January 2010, accommodation, return airport transfers, three cultural excursions, daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included) as well as government tax, visa fees and 10% service charge.

Please note Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.

From 8th to 14th November 2009, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay will be hosting a five-day, six-night restorative Pilates Retreat. This will be led by Parrot Cay’s popular and highly experienced resident Pilates specialist, Lynda Lippin, with the Retreat open to all, including beginners.

The Retreat’s theme will be ‘Strength Without Struggle.’ It has been planned in response to a growing demand from guests who have had the opportunity to work with Lynda over the past year and a half. Lynda, who is widely respected for her nurturing style, has been practicing and teaching Pilates for over 20 years. She owned and operated awardwinning Pilates studios in the US and trains Pilates teachers for the Pilates PhysicalMind Institute®. She is also an accomplished fitness trainer, certified by the American Council of Exercise®.

Lynda will individually assess each participant in the first days of the Retreat in order to understand specific areas of pain, tension, weakness, or disease in the body. Daily group sessions will be a blend of lecture, discussion and Pilates exercise focused on the major issues within the group. Subjects will include Pilates history, basic structural anatomy, common injuries and tension patterns, posture, and exercise lessons.

Throughout the Retreat Week Lynda will also recommend specific COMO Shambhala treatments that will benefit each guest, whether it is a calming COMO Shambhala Massage or Reiki session.  Guests can dine from a choice of Parrot Cay’s menus, including the healthy and delicious COMO Shambhala Cuisine—all designed to complement the rounded physical, mental and spiritual experience.

The Pilates Method helps to improve muscle control, endurance and correct posture while enhancing positive body awareness and body confidence. The technique, which improves and changes the body’s alignment habits, has a flexibility that works for practitioners of all standards. Pilates is now growing in popularity with men as well as women.  Physiotherapists are also now recommending Pilates, if it is correctly taught, as one of the safest forms of exercise available.  Pilates can assist the super-fit, help people suffering from pain, restricted joint mobility or even people who are post surgery. It is also ideal for women seeking to get their bodies back after childbirth.

COMO Shambhala believes Pilates should be taught in a way that fully understands each guest’s particular needs. Combined with our holistic approach to eating, exercising and treatments, the client can then experience the alleviation of both physical and emotional stress – a synergistic approach to heal and balance. The relaxing environment of Parrot Cay – a peaceful, private island – ensures this focus is maintained.

Prices for ‘Strength Without Struggle’ start at $6,026 per person (single occupancy) and $9,014 (double occupancy) including tax and service charge for six nights accommodation in a Garden Room, full American breakfast daily, lunch and dinner, round-trip airport transfers, 16 hours of group Pilates and one private evaluation session.

For further information, or to make bookings, please email susan.allison@parrotcay.como.bz.

COMO Shambhala Estate near Ubud, Bali, continues to attract leading international names in the Yoga world, the Estate’s awardwinning reputation based not only the calibre of facilities but also the specialists who recognise in this jungle location a unique opportunity to find peace and wellness.

From 10th to 16th December 2009, the Estate will be welcoming Sarah Powers, a premier, California-based teacher known for her ‘Insight Yoga’ approach. This will be the first time she has worked with COMO Shambhala.

Sarah, who has taught Yoga since 1987, interweaves the insights and practices of Yoga and Buddhism, her style blending both a Yin sequence of long held poses to enhance the meridian and organ systems, combined with a flow or Yang practice, influenced by Viniyoga, Ashtanga, and Iyengar teachings.

Sarah also focuses on preparing the mind for effective meditation. By taking time away from our busy schedules to commit our attention to our inner development, she believes all of us have the capacity to refresh the way we live our lives. She draws from her studies in Transpersonal Psychology, as well as her training in the Vipassana, Tantric and Dzogchen practices of Buddhism.

This December Retreat will begin with silent sitting practice each morning and two Yoga sessions per day. The Yin style encourages suppleness in the body’s core while invigorating chi (prana) to flow throughout the joints, balancing the organ and meridian systems. A Yang (flow-style) asana practice follows, geared toward strengthening the core while creating ease and grace in movement.

Sarah will also be engaging with students over healthful meals, which are designed to complement the Yoga practice. She has much to share, for Sarah is co-founder of Metta Journeys, a service oriented organisations that offers Yoga retreats internationally to help women and children in developing countries.  She is also author of the upcoming book Insight Yoga: Integrating Yin/Yang Yoga and Buddhist Meditation.

Other benefits of being a guest at COMO Shambhala Estate include the unique opportunity to explore a wide range of complementary treatments, from massage to Ayurveda, in a quiet and peaceful riverside location. Guests can choose from different types of accommodation including villas with pools and those with private treatment rooms.  Throughout, the emphasis is on privacy, peace, nutritious cuisine and meaningful results with a personal assistant assigned to each guest to help maximise the wellness opportunities.

Prices start at $3,515, which includes five days of Yoga instruction, accommodation, return airport transfers, daily breakfast and brunch and two dinners.

Guests staying outside of the Estate may wish to consider booking their accommodation at COMO’s sister property on Bali, known as Uma Ubud, which is located a 10-minute drive from The Estate.  Prices for a six-night stay including all transfers, breakfast and lunch daily and two dinners costs $3135 per person (single occupancy).  For other non-residents, the classes cost from $1210 (daily Yoga classes only) or $1452 (daily Yoga classes and brunch) per person.

Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 12th to 18th July 2009, Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and clarity of the air to lead what looks like what will be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.

In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a lunch at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and a picnic at a ruined fortress at the end of Paro Valley with clear-day views of Bhutan’s highest mountain, Mt Jomolhari (7,314 m).

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at $4,092, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 12th and 18th July 2009, accommodation, return airport transfers, four cultural excursions, a Hot Stone Bath and massage (90 minutes), daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included).

Please note Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.

The Metropolitan Bangkok, the hip hotel which is part of COMO Hotels and Resorts, provides three nights of accommodation for the first part of the tour, and a perfect base from which to explore the market, shop and hit the best bars and foodie haunts of the city, not to mention its own outstanding restaurants, Glo and Cy’an. 

The tour moves to The Sarojin Thailand, recently voted Asia’s best boutique hotel at the World Travel Awards for the 3^rd consecutive year, where guests will learn to cook and experience firsthand the resort’s outstanding cuisine, guided by their team of over 40 chefs and friendly staff against a stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea and the five surrounding national parks.

Elephant trekking, cruising through the jungle by ‘pleat’ boat up the Takuapa River and sea kayaking through the caves of Phang Nha Bay will await those wanting to venture out when they’re not savouring superb food or relaxing at Pathways Spa.

The Sarojin/ Met Bangkok and Sailors Thai Culinary Experience is priced from $3332,and includes return economy airfares from Bangkok, three nights accommodation at the Metropolitan Bangkok, five nights accommodation and daily breakfast with sparkling wine at The Sarojin Thailand and many other inclusions which are listed in detail below.

For bookings call Julia Enders at Travelforce on 02 – 8235 5585 or email: Julia@travelforce.com.au   http://www.sarojin.com  http://www.como.bz

8  NIGHTS MET BANGKOK / THE SAROJIN AND SAILORS THAI CULINARY EXPERIENCE – 2008

The Sarojin/Met Bangkok and Sailors Thai Culinary Experience includes:

• 3 nights accommodation at the Metropolitan Bangkok
• return transfers to/from Bangkok Airport
• a visit to Bangkok’s thriving Or Tor Kor Market
• casual riverside seafood dinner by Chao Praya River
• return airfares from Bangkok to Phuket
• 5 nights luxurious accommodation at The Sarojin for 2 persons sharing
• daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine for 2 persons
• 2-way airport transfer by private car to/ from Phuket Airport with refreshments and cold towels served for 2 persons.
• return transfers to all excursions on same said addendum
• pleat boat river safari followed by Thai lunch at the river bank. Takuapa river is situated in Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, the protection of this area is very important for conserving the natural water sources for the province. Takuapa River is one of the most important rivers in Phang Nga province. Explore this magnificent river and its beautiful mangrove forest waterways by “pleat boats”. The traditional “pleat” boats are especially designed to cruise shallow water areas and give a rare opportunity to enjoy a ‘close up’ of the spectacular scenery, fauna, flora and the local rural way of life within these waterways. Fully inclusive of safari style lunch, soft drinks and 1 bottle pb chenin blanc per person.
• cruising ,sea cave canoeing and Thai cooking class Phang Nga Bay and full day on board traditional Thai long tail boat cruise at leisure and enjoy sea cave canoe journeys in Phang Nga Bay,  beautifully located in Phang Nga Bay and 50 minutes by private car transfer from The Sarojin.  Phang Nga Bay is renowned for its many dramatic limestone islands.  These distinctive sheer rock formations jut vertically out of the emerald green water.  At lower tides, cave tunnels are exposed amongst these huge rocks, allowing entrance by sea canoes through these areas of untouched nature and into the hidden lagoons behind. Cruise further to the floating Muslim village for a Thai Muslim cooking class and lunch. This marine adventure is all inclusive of equipment, guides and fresh, cold towels.  Lunch at the floating village is fully inclusive of mineral water and soft drinks only. No alcohol is allowed to be consumed at the floating village. 
• seafood barbecue dining and cooking experience on The Sarojin beach, on the white sand shores of the beautiful Andaman Sea.
• Thai cooking class at the Edge Restaurant and farewell dinner

For bookings call Julia Enders at Travelforce on 02 – 8235 5585 or email: Julia@travelforce.com.au  / http://www.sarojin.com/