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NOVEMBER 2013
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HEMISPHERESMAGAZINE.COM
MILAN, ITALY
Chateau
Monfort
DESIGNNOTES:
Located on the banks of
the Chao Phraya River, this 407-roomprop-
erty is a sprawling complex of restaurants,
bars and shops, shaded by a garden of palm
trees. The overall design is crisp and clean,
but the walkways and bridges that connect
various parts of the hotel retain a wonder-
fully old-fashioned feel.
WHAT’S NEW:
The Manohra Cruise, a three-
course meal on a meticulously restored
wooden rice barge, shouldn’t be missed. As
the barge dri s up and back down the Chao
Phraya, you’ll see temples, palaces and the
muted glow of downtown Bangkok, all to
the accompaniment of local delicacies.
ROOMWITHAVIEW:
The Deluxe Premier
Riverfront rooms overlook the wide
Chao Phraya. From your private balcony,
you’ll be able to see down through the
thick fronds of the palms and over to the
opposite banks of the river. Just don’t
open the doors without first a aching the
magnetic screen—the mosquitos will be
waiting for you.
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL:
The Chok Dee (or
“Good Luck”) is a cooling blend of dark rum,
coconut milk and pineapple juice, with a
splash of triple sec. It’s the perfect tipple
a er a long, hot day on the crowded streets
of Bangkok, and a pre y good poolside
accessory, too.
BACKSTORY:
Milanese architect Paolo Mezzano e built this
splendid family palazzo in the early 20th century. Opened as a
five-star hotel last year, it offers aristocratic levels of comfort
in Milan’s gorgeous Monforte district, with acres of fashion
boutiques on your doorstep.
DESIGNNOTES:
The décor here is a slightly surreal update
on 18th-century opulence. Oversize pumpkin seats, twisted
lamps and ornamental birdcages crop up among its 77 pre y
rooms and suites. The color scheme varies among rich greens
and luminescent blues, lilacs and burnt oranges. You’ll see
what looks like dinnerware sca ered on the wall in one spot, a
vaulted brick ceiling in another.
BEST PLACE TOHANGOUT:
An ornate Eberhard clock ushers in
aperitivo hour, as cocktails are served beneath the magnificent
cupola of Bar Mezzano e. For those seeking a less potent
pick-me-up, the Rubacuori restaurant features an
Alice in
Wonderland
–style tea room and cozy dining areas.
UNEXPECTED TREAT:
The Amore e Psiche spa boasts such
features as “Emotional Showers” in a “suggestive and charming”
environment, but a lot of the real post-shopping therapy takes
place in the adjacent wine-tasting room.
ROOMWITHAVIEW:
For a sense of the romance of Milan, with
a li le urban bustle thrown in, choose a room on the side
overlooking the palazzo, where, from your balcony, you’ll get a
clear view of the old-fashioned wooden trams ra ling past and
other aspects of the district’s varied street life.
STAY
Anantara
BangkokRiverside
Resort &Spa
BANGKOK, THAILAND
