Amari Pulse

We recently asked one of our guests who stayed at Amari Orchid Pattaya and Amari Atrium Bangkok to share their experiences. Read on to find out what they liked most.  

The Land of Smiles
I can answer the question why people keep coming back to Thailand again and again! Nowhere else can you find such amazing value for money and still maintain great quality and service.

Here, people are so hospitable and so caring; I can see why they call it the Land of Smiles. I have always felt the same about Thailand and my recent stay with Amari in Bangkok and Pattaya was further proof of this!

Pattaya
Amari Orchid Pattaya is a fantastic hotel, offering impeccable service, professional staff and lots of things to do for the guests. If you’re tired after a long flight – you can relax yourself at Breeze Spa.

If you’re hungry – there’s amazing food at one of the hotel’s restaurants. If you’re bored and want to have some fun – ask the hotel’s concierge and they will organize any tour, any sightseeing trip that you want, and for your kids there’s a great Kids Club.

My Ocean Tower room had a very nice design and interior, in room bathtub feature included, and also an amazing panoramic view! But of course you should not stay in the hotel all the time when there is so much to see and do outside.

The hotel’s location is great, right in the middle of Pattaya, very close to the beach and the main shopping centers, pubs and bars. My stay at Amari Orchid was one of the highlights of my trip to Thailand this time.

Bangkok
Before returning home, I decided to make a stop-over in Bangkok, staying at Amari Atrium. My trip was both business and pleasure, and I think Amari Atrium is a great hotel for stays of both kinds. But also if you travel with family or kids, it will be a very comfortable place for you to visit.

On Sunday they do a fantastic family brunch at Cascade – which I was also very lucky to try. I saw parents enjoying great food – and tranquility, whilst their kids were entertained by doting staff, busy cooking, making pictures or being amused by the very characterful Chef!

In the evening we went to Mingles for a cocktail tasting– they have a wonderful cocktail menu, I definitely recommend the Margaritas!

Goodbye?
I think one can never be tired of Thailand. As for me, I’m determined to come here again – and again! And I’m sure that every time I come, I will be staying with my favorite Amari!

We asked the Executive Chef of Joe’s Restaurant in London to write about her recent experience at Amari Orchid Pattaya’s 2nd annual Gourmet Festival at Mantra Restaurant and Bar.

My name’s Maria Elia and I am a chef from the UK. Here’s a little bit about me…

I’m totally in love with cooking and have been since I was four years old (quite a few years ago!!). I used to finish nursery school and visit my parent’s restaurant where I’d sit and watch my dad cook. My love affair with cooking has blossomed ever since.

Last March, I travelled to Thailand to take part in the second Pattaya Gourmet Festival. I’d first been there fifteen years ago where I spent eight weeks travelling around the country. It was my first introduction to Asian food and I have been fascinated by their culinary offerings ever since.

This year’s event was a fantastic week-long celebration of great food and wines. It was such a great experience to meet the other chefs: Steven Snow from Australia, Chan Kam Yuen from Hong Kong and the very handsome Yannick Ollivier Cayrol from France! We shared a prep kitchen and got along famously.

Throughout the week, we each created dishes and canapes for various wine tasting dinners. I served seared scallops with soutzouki (a spiced Greek sausage) and watermelon with an oregano raisin dressing as a third course. It matched the Sauvignon Blanc beautifully.

The Grand Finale dinner was a great success. All four guest chefs along with Kai the Amari Orchid Pattaya’s Executive Chef cooking a course. I prepared the sixth course: Rabbit three ways with a Greek twist!

It was a perfect way to end a spectacular week and all of us were sad to say goodbye to our wonderful Thai chef assistants- who couldn’t have helped us more.

The service at the Amari Orchid Pattaya is second to none, we were so well looked after. My room was luxurious, modern and spacious- overlooking the beautiful garden and pools. One of most favourite thing about the hotel- the scent of fresh Jasmine flowers everywhere!

I had the most amazing adventure and was thrilled to be part of the festival. I learnt a lot and my taste buds were totally inspired!

Thank you Amari for being the most perfect hosts

Find out more about Mari Elia at www.thisismariaelia.com or follower her on Twitter at @thisismariaelia.com

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