If you're in the mood for some French fare, then head down to Balzac Brasserie. From August 9 to 12, you can get your hands on specially created National Day Specials by chef Jean-Charles Dubois such as traditional roasted Angus beef tenderloin rossini with truffle mash ($48) and pink Champagne sabayon with sautéed strawberries ($16). There's also pan-seared Atlantic sea scallops with Singapore-inspired chilli sauce ($28). The specials will be available for both lunch and dinner.

Cherry Garden presents a six-course menu ($88/person, min. two people) on August 9 inspired by local dishes. Highlights include Singapore Sling diced lobster sautéed with vegetables, bak kut teh and Singapore-style stir-fried egg noodles with shrimp and char siew. End your meal on a sweet note with a dessert trilogy that includes Bandung syrup ice cream with crispy rainbow toast.

Just for the occasion, Equinox Restaurant's chef de cuisine Lee Bennett has crafted a seven-course menu featuring dishes including wild mushroom consomme with quail tortellini, and Angus beef fillet and braised shoulder with pan-seared foie gras. It’ll set you back $187, but the view’s breathtaking. If you’re into wine, your first bottle of house white or red goes for just $47.

Want to stuff yourself silly? Then Greenhouse is just the spot to do it. On top of their usual impressive spread of chilled seafood, Asian and Western dishes, cheeses and desserts, the good folks are throwing in luxed up local faves like lobster laksa, crayfish popiah and of course, the quintessential chili (Alaskan) crab. Lunch is $56 and dinner goes for $66 (only available on August 9).

For those who want to indulge without going overboard, be sure to head down to One-Ninety for lunch ($47) on National Day. You’ll find an assortment of starters like poached Maine lobster salad, ox tongue with salsa verde, and a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, as well as a dessert buffet that includes lemon curd trifle, passion fruit pavlova and macarons for the sweet-toothed.

For a view of Marina Bay, OverEasy is a good option. Indulge in a three-course set dinner ($42/person including coffee/tea; minimum spend of $98 per pax will apply for reservations) and choose from dishes including braised lamb shank or chilli crab burger. For dessert, peanut butter mousse should do the trick. Available through the 31st of August.

If you’ve yet to pop by Peach Blossoms since their million-dollar facelift, their six-course set menu ($47 per person; minimum two people) is the perfect excuse. Look forward to dishes such as double-boiled sea horse soup with Chinese herbs, marinated soy chicken accompanied by Singapore chili sauce and National Day fried rice with shredded chicken in sweet and sour sauce. Available through August 31.

Alternatively, head to Rocks Urban Grill + Bar for a beautifully crafted three-course menu ($80) only available on August 9. Expect items such as scallop carpaccio and steak tartare.
 

1. The Grumpy Pig

Gary Wang has overhauled KIN Cafe and transformed it into a chilled-out venue serving pork-based snacks with a side of hip hop.

2. The Sailor's Fish and Chips

If you're craving the flavor of traditional Australian fish and chips, give this new chip shop on Yongkang Lu a go.

3. Le Sheng

Is there anything Laris can't do? Le Sheng is his foray into Shanghainese food, and he's done a great job.

4. Bikini

That storefront on Yongfu Lu below El Coctel? It's now a snack bar specializing in hot dogs and Spanish tapas from El Willy.

5. Bounty X

If you still haven't tried the Rhumerie Bounty's foray into bistro fare, give it a go this month.

The COOK's Turkey Hamper
Order a gourmet turkey to take home from Kerry Pudong's The COOK. Choose a small, medium or large turkey and it get sides like Chestnut, Liver & Raisin Stuffing, Giblet & Cranberry Sauce, Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes, a whole Pumpkin Pie, plus other Christmas desserts. Pick up your order at The COOK Deli Bar after three days, or they can deliver it to you. Bookings start now, pick-up starts November 14th. Prices start at 1,280 RMB.

Taco Mama’s Mexican Thanksgiving
Go south of the border this Thanksgiving with burritos stuffed with roast turkey, stuffing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and gravy with cranberry salsa, all for the bargain price of 69 RMB. Feeling flush? Add a Waldorf salad and pumpkin pie for an extra 30 kuai. If you really want to push the boat out, tag on some wine from EMW. 

Turkey-to-go @ Dakota
As well as their eat-in Thanksgiving menu, Dakota are offering the chance to enjoy their festive fare in the comfort of your own home. Get a whole turkey plus three sides, stuffing, gravy, corn bread and cranberry sauce for 1,280 RMB. Reserve three days prior to pick up date, and get a 200 kuai discount if you order before Friday November 18.

Turkey to Go @ Party On
Catering firm Part On has a wide array of festive fare this year, catering for small dinners right through to big parties. Email small family dinner or a big office party. Choose from whole herb-roasted turkeys with cranberry sauce and homemade gravy, maple glazed ham, chestnut stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Email [email protected] for details.

Thanksgiving Takeaway @ Boxing Cat Brewery
The two downtown Boxing Cats are offering three packages this year. Pay 688 RMB for a holiday ham with spiked pineapple chutney, 1,088 RMB for a 7-8kg butter roasted turkey with cider gravy and cranberry apple relish, or 1,288 RMB for a butter roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, chestnut, sausage, cinnamon apple stuffing,cider gravy and cranberry apple relish. Reserve by November 20th. Call 6431 2091 for the Yongfu branch, 6426 0360 for the Sinan Mansions.

Turkeys @ St. Regis
Hotel chef Jens Heier will be cooking up fresh turkeys (238 RMB per kg) and glazed bone am (208 RMB per kg), with Boston cream, blueberry, pumpkin and apple pies to round off your festive feast. 

Dinner sets delivered @ FIELDS
This popular organic delivery service is offering deep-fried Norbest turkey, country-style stuffing, glazed carrots, pumpkin soup, homestyle gravy, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie in a set that serves 10-12 (1,800 RMB). Add a honey roasted ham for 2,900 RMB to serve around 15 people. On your lonesome this year? Chicken dinners are also available.

1. TECHNOW - The Austro-German Techno crew MUSHIDO returns with a special Halloween edition of their increasingly popular TECHNOW event. Entry is 100 RMB at the door, with 2 free drinks. Presale is 80 RMB with a limited edition Technow gift package with Alpha mix CD, and 2 free drinks

(MAO Livehouse, October 28th @ 10pm)

2. The Haunted Terminals - Shanghai's only airplane-themed bar takes off with some scary fun. Entry is 50RMB  for ladies + 1 drink, and 100RMB for guys + 1 drink. Prizes for the best dressed.

(D10 Departure Lounge, October 28th @ 10am)

3. CarnEVIL - Barbarossa turns spooky with a special Halloween party. Expect welcome shots, face painting and more, with no cover charge.

(Barbarossa, October 29th @ 9pm)

4. Not-So-Scary - I Love Shanghai is throwing a costume party for Halloween, with prizes for the best outfits. Pay 100RMB for open bar from 8pm-midnight, or 150 RMB until 2am.

(I Love Shanghai, October 29th @ 8pm)

5. Halloween Anniversary Party - Head over to the Cat in Sinan Mansions to help them celebrate their first anniversary. 150 RMB gets you free flow on microbrewed beers, red and white wines, and six special Smirnoff Halloween themed cocktails until 11pm.

(Boxing Cat, October 29th @ 7pm)

6. Thriller - Scare yourself silly at The BREW, with great deals on microbrews plus prizes to be won. 

(The BREW, October 29th @ 8pm)

7. Halloween Party - Windows Too is offering giveaways and drinks specials to augur in another Eve of All Hallows.

(Windows Too, October 29th @ 8pm)

8. Halloween Rock Tribute - Yuyintang pays homage to rock this Halloween, with tributes from local bands The Fever Machine, Friend or Foe, X is Y, Moon Tyrant, Rainbow Danger Club and Boys Climbing Ropes, Fire in the Hole! and Les Semi-Croustillants. Entry is 40 RMB at the door.

(Yuyintang, October 29th @ 9pm)

9. Psyloween - The Shelter turns psychedelic with Magic Garden and electronic DJs Gotama, Pete, Solaris and Kodama spinning transcendental tunes. Entry 40 RMB.

(The Shelter, October 29th @ 10pm)

10. Born to be Alive - There's always one venue that throws an "anti-Halloween" party, and this year it's Cube. If you don't like ghouls, this is the event for you.

(Cube, October 29th @ 7pm)

and one more that looks like fun...

11. The Fat Lebowski - The Fat Olive is holding a Halloween party like no other, with bowling, Xbox, and crazy snacks all night.

(Fat Olive, 28th October @ 9pm)

Oktoberfest @ Big Bamboo

Hongmei Lu’s top sports bar is throwing a three-week Oktoberfest starting on September 17th at 5pm with the ceremonial opening of a wooden keg of Radeberger beer. Thereafter, the fun will continue at all three Big Bamboo branches with Teutonic delicacies like Weinerschnitzel with potato salad, Kohlroulade, braised lamb shank with potato rosti, washed down with German Pilsners and hefeweizen beers. Try seven types of beer for 300 RMB.

Oktoberfest @ Paulaner

Head over to Paulaner’s Fenyang Lu branch between October 14th and 20th for their annual Oktoberfest Beer and traditional Bavarian dinner. Get a three-course set menu and all-you-can-drink Paulaner beer until midnight for 328 RMB per person if you’re a party of six, but remember to book 24 hours in advance. If you can’t muster a group, there’s an à la carte menu too.

Oktoberfest @ The Renaissance Yangtze Hotel

The Renaissance in Hongqiao is putting up a giant tent for 1,400 guests and decking it out in traditional Bavarian style for the 14th Shanghai Oktoberfest. The event runs September 14th until September 24th, and 288 RMB gets you the full shebang on weekdays. Tickets are 368 on weekends, and Sunday and Monday are Ladies’ Nights. Get your beer and snacks between 6pm and 10pm.

1. Rosa Gallica

This attractive florist shop in the Ferguson Lane complex sells fresh blooms as well as house plants and floral paraphernalia.

Ferguson Lane, 376 Wukang Lu, near Tai'an Lu

2. Caojiadu Flower Market

Tucked away between high rises, this sprawling flower market stocks every imaginable flower, bouquet and receptacle.

1148 Changshou Lu, near Wanhangdu Lu

3. Au Nom de la Rose

This French Concession flower shop is a go-to for scented blooms.

122 Jianguo Xi Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu

4. Hongqiao Bird and Flower Market

If you live out west, get your flowers on the cheap at this market. Get a bird too, if it takes your fancy.

718 Hongjing Lu, near Hongsong Lu

5. The Graces Floral

Posh blooms abound at this west French Concession florist, along with wreaths and bouquets.

Room 101, Building 5, Lane 288 Huaihai Xi Lu, near Panyu Lu

6. Annie's Florist

This flower store near Xintiandi is run by Annie Wang, an experienced florist who gets her goods from New Zealand and Yunnan.

264 Madang Lu, near Zizhong Lu

7. Secret Garden

Pudong residents should head to Jinqiao Carrefour to stock up on flowers.

1/F, Jinqiao Carrefour, 185 Fangdian Lu, near Yanggao

8. Wan Qun

If you want something that lasts a bit longer, head to Wan Qun for fake flowers.

406-1 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Fuxing Lu

9. Carpe Diem

Another French Concession gem, Carpe Diem has a great selection of blooms.

Lane 120, Tai'an Lu, near Xingguo Lu

10. Boutique de la Fleur

Posh Sinan Mansions has its very own flower shop in the shape of Boutique de la Fleur.

Sinan Mansions, 531 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu

1. The Sonnet Song Cycle

Hate weddings but like love? Try this literary and musical meld at Twocities Gallery. Washington DC-based pianist and composer Burnett Thompson comes back to Shanghai with an evening of Shakespeare’s sonnets set to music. It is part of the Silent Shakespeare project that’s hosted events at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, the Goethe Institute, the Shakespeare Theatre, and the National Arts Club in New York. Shanghai jazz singer Coco Zhao will also be appearing. Free entry. Doors close at 7:30 pm.

2. TECHNOW - 2011 Launch

Forget the Wedding March. Austro-German techno-heads MUSHIDO are playing at MAO Livehouse this Friday, and it’s going to be big. Tickets 100 RMB on the door, including two drinks. Presale 80 RMB including a limited edition Technow gift bag and two drinks 2x free drinks.

3. Shanghai Vice @ Bar Rouge

Nothing says summer quite like the annual re-opening of Bar Rouge’s terrace. As ever, they are holding a party to celebrate. Typically, the theme is “Vice”. Dress code for guys is “fresh dandy”, and for girls “sleek demoiselle”. Okay… Tickets 100 RMB on the door. Starts 10pm.

4. Never Mind The Royal Wedding, Here's Some Bollocks

Doyen of the city’s bars (and rival publications), Ned Kelly is throwing an anti-monarchy party down at Cotton’s on Xinhua Lu from 6pm. Free entry. 

5. Ming’s Pretty Heroes

There’s usually something good on at Yuyintang on Fridays, and this week is no different. Come hear some music from the Netherlands from 9pm. Tickets 40 RMB on the door.
 

The casual dining scene is fickle, and many restaurants seem content to simply ride the trends, dressing up chain food fodder as something more sophisticated. Some do it more convincingly than others. And then there are those that can lay genuine claim to be setting the trends. Thanaruek Laoraowirodge, co-owner of the hip bistro Minibar Royale (established 2008), tells BK that the latest food trends hardly come into consideration when he and his partners look to open a new restaurant. “We’ve always found some hole in the market, focusing on niche areas and being different from what else is around.” Instead, he says they prefer to concentrate on mastering their recipes and getting the taste, quality and presentation of their food just right. “Always exceed the customers’ expectations,” he concludes.

Kulapat ‘May’ Kanokwatanawan, owner of the extremely popular dessert café After You (first opened 2007), puts much of her success down to being a foodie pioneer. “People will come if you’re the only one who’s doing a certain thing and doing it right,” she says. “Then again, if 90% of people suddenly started counting calories and prioritizing their health, I’d have no hesitation in reassessing my direction.”

We’ve seen it all too often, that once one restaurant starts getting popular, a slew of others quickly pop up regurgitating the same old ideas, whether it’s the décor, the menu or the drinks. “That’s just how the world is,” May shrugs. “All we have to do is maintain our standards. People keep coming back because they like the taste of our products, first and foremost. Then they tell their friends, often through Facebook and Instagram, so our clientele just keeps growing organically.”

On rival start-ups, Win Singhapatkul, owner of Wine I Love You (established 2010), says he doesn’t look at other wine bars, including the closest imitators, as competitors. “I think they’re just helping to grow the wine bar market even more. And, in fact, my restaurant is not so much in the business of selling wine; we’re more focused on the food.” Instead, he sees the mass chain Sizzler as his restaurant’s main challenger in the Western food sector.

Ask any restaurateur what the biggest challenges are to running a restaurant in Bangkok, and one of the most frequent answers is sure to be staff recruitment. Win and May both agree that it’s not easy to find skilled and dedicated staff to provide not only good service, but also fulfill the vision they have for their brand. This is because working in the food industry requires so much attention to detail. May says she faces difficulties in training up competent staff. She has to deal with each and every one of her employees, and she tells them that if they’re willing to learn, she will be there to help them. “We just can’t afford a proper training school for our staff, and we can’t teach them to simply read our mind, so, of course, instances of human error crop up all the time.” As Win explains, “Working in a restaurant is among the most tiresome jobs you can have. This is an ongoing concern for me: who would prefer serving food over, say, sitting around in a clothes shop all day?”

With two Wine I Love You branches, in Mega Bangna and CDC, as well as the popular dining spot Chocolate Ville, to deal with, you might wonder how Win manages to maintain consistency across all restaurants. Factor in that the menu features more than 300 dishes spanning a range of international cuisines, and things could quite easily become a logistical nightmare. But Win explains that some of the food is prepared in advance before being distributed to the various venues where the finishing touches are added. Not only does this save time, but it also means fewer cooks are required at each of the eateries. “I think we’re doing pretty well with our products. A cool, dark décor won’t do it alone,” he points out.

Bangkok's Restaurant Updates

Kulapat ‘May’ Kanokwatanawan, owner of After You

“Initially, I wanted to do something new with a whole different concept, but in the end I decided just to focus on After You. I have some plans to expand the franchise to places like Dubai, Korea and Singapore. I’ve had some interest, but I’ll have to find the right person who really understands the concept.”

Win Singhapatkul, owner of Wine I Love You, Wine I Love You II and Chocolate Ville

“We’re opening a new branch of Wine I Love You at A Square (across from K-Village) in Aug and it’ll be our biggest space yet. We’re also working on a new product line, possibly something to do with frozen food or tea. It should be around by next year.”

Thanaruek Laoraowirodge, co-owner of Minibar Royale, Minibar Deli and Somtam Der

“We’re opening a restaurant focusing on traditional Thai cuisine in Thong Lor soon. The recipes will come from the restaurant Krua Supanniga by Khunyai in my hotel property in Khon Kaen. As for Minibar, we’ll open another one or two branches, while Somtam Der is going to be expanded to Singapore and KL.”

Perfect for: Getting in on the Action
Panasonic Viera TH-P42UT30

• Special Feature: 3D
• Screen Size: 42 inches
• Dimensions: 65 x 99.7 x 5.2cm
3D technology has sprung out of the cinema and into our homes, and this model is one of the best for watching explosive action scenes as the backlight’s fine blinking technology reduces after-images, resulting in smooth transitions that eliminate blurring. It also offers Viera Connect, a cloud technology that lets you access apps like Youtube and Facebook plus games, video and music through your TV. B29,990.

Perfect for: A Cinematic Experience
Acer H5360

• Special Feature: Projection
• Screen Size: 67-762cm
• Dimensions: 8 x 26.8 x 19.2cm
Most of us aren’t quite at the stage where we have an actual cinema in our homes, but the home theater experience is becoming more and more sophisticated thanks to projectors like this. The Acer H5360 model can be adjusted to fit the size of your living room and is 3D-ready to add that extra dimension to your viewing. Little space is needed for the projector which, at a fraction of the price of many of large-screen TVs, could prove a real winner. B33,900.

Perfect for: The Tech-savvy Viewer
Samsung ES8000

• Special Feature: Smart technology
• Screen Size: 55 inches
• Dimensions: 134.9 x 87.3 x 25.9cm
The remote is a thing of the past with this tech enthusiast’s dream TV. Turn the screen on and off, change channels, use apps and browse the web with simple voice commands and hand motions. Use the face recognition function to log on to Samsung’s Smart Hub, which includes three new signature services: Kids, Fitness and Family Story. These mean you can play educational games with your child, keep fit (and track your progress) and also save and share your family photos, all from your TV. Add in 3D vision, a huge screen, 3 HDMI connections, 3 USB ports as well as an option to connect to your PC, and the hefty price tag is just about justified. B199,900.

Perfect for: Watching the Olympics
Sony Bravia KDL-46EX650

• Special Feature: HD
• Screen Size: 46 inches
• Dimensions: 107.4 x 65.1 x 6cm
As the Summer Olympics get into full swing, feel like you’re right there sat in the stadium. Sony’s X-Reality engine ensures a smooth image no matter how fast the athletes are moving, so you can really immerse yourself in the action. Plus with the built-in Skype feature, all that’s needed is a voice-controlled camera and microphone, and you can share all the medal moments with your family and friends, wherever they’re watching. B40,990.

Perfect for: Keeping the Kids Happy
Sony Bravia KDL-22EX310

• Special Feature: LED
• Screen Size: 22 inches
• Dimensions: 52.9 x 34.7 x 4.2cm
The enhanced color of an LED screen and the full experience of surround sound should ensure most children are kept transfixed, mouths agape (not to mention adults). Sony claim they’ve been working hard to create high-performance products that have a minimal impact on the environment, and this model uses Edge LED to significantly reduce its energy consumption—great for the planet and your electricity bill. This is also one of the cheaper televisions on the market at B9,020.

WHERE TO BUY BIG SCREEN TVs in BANGKOK

Panasonic Viera TH-P42UT30. Tripetch Power Outlet, 4/F, Central Plaza Chaengwattana, 99/9 Moo 2, Tambon Bang Talat, Bangkok 02-101-0855.
Sony Bravia KDL-22EX310 & Sony Bravia KDL-46EX650. Sony Style, 249-251/2F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-610-9664-6.
Samsung ES8000. Samsung Plaza, 218-219/2F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-610-9584-8.
Acer H5360. Acer Care Rama 3, 338, 338/1-2 Nanglinchee Road., Bangkok, 02-685-4311.

The beach club trend, swanky all-day lounge style venues, usually with a pool perched right on the beach, has been sweeping the globe for a while, first arriving in Thailand around five years ago. Leading names like Nikki Beach and Beach Republic have turned their respective stretches of sand on Koh Samui into mini party hubs visited by the beautiful and the wealthy. Yet, for whatever reason, Phuket has been a little slow to the party. Until this year, that is, which has witnessed an explosion of beach clubs on the island’s West Coast.

Benedikt De Bellis, manager of the very first such venue on the island, the 200-seat Catch Beach Club on Surin Beach which opened in 2007, certainly agrees. “The trend has well and truly arrived in Phuket.”

Veteran hoteliers clearly believe they’re the next big thing, with a beach club central to any plans to renovate decades-old beachfront resorts. When The Boathouse unveiled its new look after a US$6-million renovation this January, the legendary resort also introduced its beach club Re Ka Ta, designed by a Bali-based architect Fredo Taffin to present beach loungers with what they call the “James Bond Martini Lifestyle.” Re Ka Ta features an infinity swimming pool on the beach front, adjacent to a sun lounging area, spa and boutique.

Another example can be found on Bangtao Beach in the north of the island. After operating for more than a decade, Sheraton Grande Laguna Resort is being rebranded into the world’s largest Angsana Resort, under the management of the Banyan Tree Group. The rebranding is part of a multi-million dollar renovation, which includes the addition of Xana Beach Club. Officially opened last month, it is managed by the Attica Group, who are known for running successful clubs like Le Noir Clarke Quay in Singapore.

Obviously one of the big positives that Phuket has to offer is lots of long, sweeping sandy beaches. ”To have a beach club, you have to have a nice beach,” explains Mark Brimblecombe, of the Attica Group. “The most attractive feature of Xana is the beach itself. If you look at other beach clubs, they all seem intent on competing with Bali. But the beaches in Bali cannot compare to Phuket.”

“Phuket has always had these small bars by the beach that were made into beach clubs. But none of them are really very high-end. So we’re here to assist the hotel and make this club special. I think this is probably the first proper beach club in Phuket,” he continues.

The design of Xana is all about making the most of its sea views, with the main highlight being the 35-meter swim-up bar, the longest in Phuket, hugged by day beds, lounge seats and cabanas. As well as the setting, Xana is also looking to bring in international acts or host special events every month, aimed at attracting weekend visitors from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore and even Sydney.

With three main beach clubs, and more coming soon (Nikki Beach is set to open their Phuket branch near Bangtao Beach next year), competition will inevitably heat up. As the pioneer, De Bellis says he enjoys the rivalry because at the end of the day everybody gets something in return. “We don’t mind there being more beach clubs, we like competition. It helps us to improve ourselves. And hopefully it helps attract more people from elsewhere on the island, Thailand and overseas so that we all reap the benefit.”

Thailand Beach Clubs

PHUKET

Catch Beach Club

Phuket’s first fashionable beach club, the highlight of Catch has to be its setting on the beautiful and delightfully quiet Surin Beach. A popular night spot this place is more about partying than lounging during the day as there’s no pool to cool off in. Day membership ranges from B1,500 in summer (May-Oct) to B5,000 during peak season (Dec-Jan) but you do get complimentary food and drinks up to this value.
Surin Beach, Cherng Talay, 076-316-567. Open daily 9am-midnight. www.catchbeachclub.com

Re Ka Ta Club on the Beach

Part of the renovations of The Boathouse resort, this brand new club is currently running a special B1,000 minimum spend deal that gets you complimentary food and drinks up to this value plus access to the spa, pool and island bar. Sat overlooking Kata Beach the mood is contemporary and funky.
182-184 Koktanode Rd., Kata Beach, 076-330-421. Open daily 7am-midnight. www.rekataphuket.com

Xana Beach Club

Located on the sweeping Bangtao Beach, this club is wonderfully glamorous, from the 35m swim-up bar, and striking white décor to the regular nightlife events managed by the Singapore-based Attica Group. Minimum spends (TBA) are expected of every guest, however young, as they do not encourage small children.
Angsana Laguna Phuket, 10 Moo , Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherng Talay, 076-324-101. Open daily 9am-midnight. www.xanabeachclub.com

SAMUI

Beach Republic

Elegant and sexy with its red hot décor, Beach Republic boasts two infinity pools, regular DJs and live performances. The Ultimate Sunday Brunch Club features an impressive international buffet while entry into the club is B1,000 per day (which turns into F&B credits).
Lamai Beach, 077-458-100. Open daily 7am-11pm. www.beachrepublic.com

Nikki Beach

The Thai sister of celeb-hang-outs, the Nikkis in Las Vegas, Miami and St. Tropez, Nikki Beach offers the chance to kick back on their plush champagne beds and Nikki’s signature teepees around a free-form pool. The highlight of the week is the Amazing Sunday Brunch, offering over 40 dishes including seafood, sushi, meat carvings, and desserts though the sunsets are pretty special too. If you really like it then there are even bungalows to rent.
Lipa Noi Beach, 077-914-500. Open 11am-11pm. www.nikkibeach.com/kohsamui