Opening today is The Okura Prestige Bangkok, the Japanese luxury hotel group Okura Hotels and Resorts’ first "Okura Prestige" hotel, its supreme luxurious brand. Started in Tokyo in 1962, Okura now has 24 properties in Japan, South Korea, China, Hawaii, Bangkok and the Netherlands. The Okura Prestige Bangkok covers 34 floors of the newly-opened Park Venture Ecoplex on the corner of Ploenchit intersection, facing embassies, banks and the soon-to-open Central Embassy complex.

Design
While the design and decoration of the original Okura Hotel in Tokyo reflects the humble Japanese style, The Okura Bangkok opts for a combination of classic minimal and art deco styles, seeing heavy use of dark marbles, woods, mirrors, and gilded details—pretty much a Japanese version of The St. Regis. And its infinity-edge pool on the 25/F offers jaw-dropping views over Bangkok.

Wine and Dine
Three restaurants serve up three different styles of cuisine, but only two of them are now open. Up & Above Restaurant and Bar is an all-day dining venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a view. The attached alfresco bar is an ideal setting to sip cocktails while enjoying the sunset. Housed in an origami-inspired space, Yamazato offers upscale Japanese cuisine, with chefs and ingredients imported directly from Japan. Set to open next to the pool in June is signature restaurant Elements, which will serve modern cuisine through an open kitchen.

Pampering
The Okura Spa is pretty compact with only five rooms dedicated to relaxing treatments. However, one highlight is a treatment that sees a hot bamboo stick rolled over your muscles in order to release stress. There’s also a fitness center situated right beside the pool offering a stunning city view.  

Sleepover
The Okura Prestige Bangkok comprises 240 guest rooms and suites, equipped with five star amenities, including, of course, Japanese-style automatic washlets. The room design is minimal contemporary with oriental touches like rose petal-patterned carpet.

You certainly won’t be disappointed by the great views available from every room. Hotel guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi and can choose whether to have breakfast at either Up & Above (international) or Yamazato (Japanese).

Introductory packages start from B5,800 with breakfast, through Sep 30. Or pay B6,300 for additional privileges (two choices from one dinner at Up & Above, one-hour spa treatment or early check-in and late check-out), through Aug 31.

The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., Bangkok, 02-687-9000. www.okurabangkok.com