Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Thailand was recently deemed by popular tourism website, Tripadvisor, the Travelers’ Choice 2014 winners for being one of the top 25 destinations people love to explore. After being there in February, I completely see why. The country promises adventure from its white sandy beaches to its ancient temples, music venues and eccentric markets.
It was such a pleasure visiting the green paradise that my husband Sam and I could not wait to go back.
The closest I’ve come to going to back to the tropical country, was indulging at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa sea & spa’s Thai festival celebration … and I didn’t have to dip into my vacation fund to do it.
Songkran At Sofitel was a sight to behold. Women were dressed in traditional attire, bejewelled from head to toe carrying jasmine-bud necklaces for guests. It went beautifully with my colourful green and purple dress which I picked up in a market in Phuket, Thailand.
I smiled as they rubbed white powder on my cheeks and then washed my hands with flowery smelling water before heading to Saraya restaurant for the buffet which smelled intoxicating. I was greeted by another friendly hostess and she wrapped an authentic Thai sash around my shoulders. The men were wearing them around their waist.
While the dance troupe was exciting and entertaining, my mind was on other matters… the food. I’m a huge fan of Thai cuisine and could not wait to sample the massive spread featuring crab fried rice, pad-Thai and curries. I was overcome by nostalgia when I took a giant spoonful of green chicken curry, reminding me of my evenings dining in the little shacks down Patong beach. I eyed the coconut sticky rice dessert but my tummy could not take anymore. On my way out, I was handed a Thai recipe cookbook which meant I can now make my own curries at home.
I am thankful to Sofitel for giving me the chance to relive my Thai experience. It truly brought a smile to my face.
