Suite Comfort

For a relative newbie on the block, Hansar exudes a quiet confidence that spills over into its spaces, cuisine, amenities and service. Undeterred by its looming neighbours of international repute, it sits cheerfully in a leafy lane, oblivious of the 24/7 peak hour chaos of 21st century Bangkok. Enter a lobby overwhelmed by Ploenchan Vinyaratn’s 8 by 4 metre cotton and silk embroidered installation and striking frames of photographic art by Thai artists Kornkrit Jianpinidnan and Tanapol Kaewpring, before ascending to your suite of choice, for this is a hotel which offers much more than just a room with an attached bath to all its guests.

The 94 suites, aptly called Studio, Urban, Edge and Vertigo, boast a deeply Thai identity in the use of locally sourced products like the unique metallic bead headboards by Chiang Mai-based artist Kachama V. Perez, fabrics flaunting the Jim Thompson label, polished teak wood flooring and handwoven carpets. High green walls, draped with swishing tropical plants and mirrored partitions lend an illusion of greater space, aided by floor to ceiling windows and bathrooms of generous proportions.

The two Loft suites take luxury into another realm with their expansive areas, natural light, golf course view, butlers on call and elaborate five-course dinners served with an innovative culinary flourish.

Those who want to circumvent room service can settle into the casual ambience of Cafe Boca where the chef cooks up a mini gastronomic fest with fragrant jasmine rice, lemon grass-brushed snowfish, green curried chicken, Phad Thai noodles and a piquant shrimp soup. For a more intimate dining experience, head to Eve and revel in an elaborate Mediterranean menu. The restaurant, designed by a French and Thai duo was conceptualised as a special space for the way a woman would want to be treated. In keeping with the sophisticated interior showcasing subtle fittings, a muted colour palette and classic furnishings, the serving staff, whether leading you to your high backed chair or bearing salvers of truffle-flavoured asparagus, is all suited and booted too!

And what can be said of the spa? The Luxsa Spa on the 10th floor recommends no more than five hours of treatment a day and for the discerning, it could be time very well spent. Stimulate the circulation, soothe tense muscles, relieve fatigue, rejuvenate the skin, with healing therapies that unblock the chakras and revitalise the limbs. Indulge in three days of this soul and body pampering and all desires for mall-hopping and Buddha-watching may be held over for the next visit. After all, Hansar, in Thai, means ‘Happiness’!