There's also a Zuma in the St Regis. Being from the UK you can check out the popularity of their frist branch from London. The Thai Zuma is less expensive, prices still high though, and less crowded. In the London I believe the current waiting time for a reservation is around 3 months but in Bangkok one or two days in advance is OK.

Thanks Kathie and Hanuman. Looks like we are going for Face on Friday night and Zuma on Saturday, (if we can make a reservation.)

I'll be very interested in your review of Zuma. Enjoy!

Cha Bah Beachfront Restaurant.
Last night we dined at the Cha Bah, sitting right in the sand in front of H.I. and enjoying barbecued lobster. Beautiful.
Sitting at our table with the sea gypsy village just to our left, scores of longtails bobbing around at there moorings and with a beautifu clear sky full of stars. Truly memorable.
With our meal finished we were just looking out to sea, watching the bright lights of the squid boats on the horizon and being entertained by the games of the children from the village, when we spotted a group of around three sea gypsies, fully clothed walking around waist deep in the sea. They were all wearing head torches and one was pushing aong a white box in front of him.
They started fishing.......casting out a large circular net, then slowly pullling it together and handing the catch to the guy with the floating white box. They repeated this excercise up and down the beach for over an hour. Brilliant.
That was the evenings cabaret !

I wil be interested too re Zuma. I LOVE the one in London and after Pook went to the one in BKK makes me want to go... Sigh - so many great restaurants in BKK

Anantara Resort, formerly Marriott, ten out of ten. We have previously dismissed this hotel, considering it to be on the wrong side of the river, but now realise this really is not an issue. Beautiful room overlooking the river, wonderful mature grounds and a fàbulous pool. Very friendly, helpful staff. First class all round......we will return here.

Bob will love to hear this!

Yes Kathie, I was fully aware of that as I was typing away. I know how much he loves this place. And once again........we have been completely bowled over with the whole feel of this lovely hotel..........and as much as it hurts.......Bob's right.
Only kidding Bob, I always take note of what you say.

We started this trip at The Chedi in Chiang Mai so it's time I did a review of it.
This hotel gets full marks all round. Good location for all the sights of the city, but a real haven within the grounds, that makes it feel like miles from anywhere. Instantly at check-in, I could feel my shoulders dropping to chill-out mode.
If I were to be ultra critical, the only minor negative for me, was the lack of in-house restaurants.....there's only one. But really, that's not a criticism, just an observation. I don't often gush about hotels, but this place really is top drawer. Absolutely wonderful.
Breakfast starts with a choice of cooked dishes selected from a menu and freshly cooked to order. Served by a waiter. You can then follow up with all the usual stuff and some not so usual stuff from a decent buffet.
I know that the hotel was pretty much full during our stay but it never felt it. There really is such a feeling of calm and serenity throughout the place. We found it really special and would certainly stay again if we return to Chiang Mai.
We stayed in a deluxe room, which was excellent, but if we return I will pay a little bit more for a club suite.
Afternoon tea is served with a choice of savory or sweet. Presented on lovely three tier cake stands and with a huge selection of individual nibbles. All very quaint and civilized.....just lovely.
Yes, we really liked this hotel.

Thanks for reporting Leigh. We are thinking Chedi for our trip to CM in Nov....now thinking a suite.....still lots of time left so hope a few deals pop up along the way.

Aloha!