As someone who is fascinated by tattoos, I couldn’t help but notice a beautiful traditional one — of two tigers — on the arm of a lady who was seated next to me on a flight from Singapore two years ago. Shortly thereafter, we began swapping stories and pictures, the former sometimes being far more interesting than the tattoos themselves. Strangely, this is how I heard of The Siam in Bangkok for the first time — because of the studio within it that specialises in Sak Yant, an ancient art of tattooing.
Curated with care
The collection of South East Asian antiques at the 39-villa property is outstanding. It is not difficult to see that each piece is unique, like it was selected by a very discerning and passionate collector rather than an interior decorator. My interest in the antiques of the region had begun during the two years I lived in Philadelphia — I spent most of the winter months staying warm inside its Museum of Art, which has the most stupendous collection from South East Asia. As it turns out, founder and creative director of the hotel group, Krissada Sukosol, is an avid collector, and has housed his personal collection there, including an Ayutthaya Buddha and a carved teak wood sofa. There’s also a collection of rare, first-edition hardbacks on old Siam and Asia, and Neolithic pottery pieces.
California-born Bill Bensley, who lives and works in Bangkok and Bali, designed The Siam. He has seamlessly integrated western contemporary chic with traditional Asian accents in the three-acre grounds, reminiscent of Thailand’s Art Deco period, making it one of the most unique hotel projects he’s designed — the others being properties for large chains such as the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and St Regis.
Walking through history
Each villa has its own private garden, pool and terrace. One of the most luxurious is Connie’s Cottage, a century-old house from the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, that was dismantled, transported downriver and reconstructed on the property. Staying there brought back fond childhood memories of visiting Cochin (the harbour city in Kerala) with my mother, who rummaged around in antique shops and warehouses looking for “an old wooden house”. After several visits, we collected enough planks and pillars that were gradually reconstructed into an ancient tharavadu -style cottage in our garden in Coimbatore. Even the Chon Thai restaurant is housed in a series of old wppden Thai homes, so walking through the hotel is like a journey through history.
Charming views
The Deco Bar & Restaurant is very Gatsbyesque. Its luxuriously high ceilings, which have the most incredible pendant lights, reminded me of the Art Deco style of the Atlas Bar in Singapore. Black and white dominate the palette of the interiors. The long, monochrome-striped infinity pool juxtaposed alongside the bluish green Chao Phraya River creates a very interesting vista from the hotel’s terrace.
Despite being located in the heart of Bangkok, in the Dusit District, The Siam is a haven for health and wellness, offering classes in yoga, Ayurveda, meditation and Reiki. Even the home-style meals — featuring Pad Thai, Tom Yum and Chicken Padan — are prepared from the highest quality organic produce. I indulged in a full tea with pastries at the café after an evening yoga session.
Stepping out of the rooms, you feel like you’ve walked into a conservatory. The high glass ceilings of the hotel’s courtyard house some of the most majestic tropical palms and ferns.
Staying at The Siam was a magical experience, mostly because of the unique design elements bringing together the best of the East and the West, and also because of the impeccable service and hospitality.
Best time to visit: November to February. Priced at ₹16,000 per night. Details: thesiamhotel.com
This column is a fortnightly round-up of high design in boutique hotels
