Making a warm and cosy trip

Destinations may be the first priority when people make a trip, but Ploy Chariyaves also weighs accommodation as a reward of travelling.

The well-known writer has just launched her latest pocket book entitled "Sleeping Pretty". Among the more than 10 books that she has written and translated, this new one is her fourth in the travel genre.

The 295-page book encompasses the columnist's splendid outings during a span of a couple of years. Ploy's expedition plan has never been vacant longer than three months, even though she credits herself as a traveller who loves staying at home. Her agenda included both holidaying and work.

Among the numerous destinations she visited, Ploy mentions 10 cities across the world in her new book.

Other than speaking directly about travelling, the veteran author always reflects on her trips through different themes, such as tasty desserts in "So Sweet", shopping in "Lifestyle Shopping Guide Hong Kong", a trip of two people in "Twice the Fun" to magnificent places of stay in "Sleeping Pretty".  

"There are abundant travel books on the shelves," Ploy said. "I myself have written many travel articles and books. To make it more attention-grabbing, I like to set themes for my books."

Do not judge the book by its cover. The sweet-lime front cover and the sugary name do not translate into a romantic journey.

"'Pretty' doesn't refer only sweetened. For me, it varies from impressive, comfortable and homey."

The 39-year-old writer said she once gave little importance to lodging. While travelling, she used to stay with her relatives or in rooms that never cost more than £10 (Bt670).

But finally, she learnt that a good accommodation is not only a sweet reward, but also benefits her work as a conceptual designer. She also runs her own business, Urbanista Concept Studio, a consultancy that comes up with new business concepts.

Her clients include Dusit Thani's Devarana Spa, Royal Porcelain and Krungsri GE Card.

"I like travelling, but I also enjoy staying at home. When I take a trip, I usually find a nice place to stay overnight where I feel warm and comfortable, like I do at home. However, the room's decoration should be very different from my place."

Ploy's travel duration is always longer than two weeks. But, she says, stylish choices of hotels, where she spends only one or two nights during the whole trip because they are mostly quite pricey, are like a bonus on trips .

"However, high-priced and well decorated hotels don't guarantee comfort. For me 'Sleeping Pretty' refers to a place that provides utmost relaxation and motivates one to learn more about the city."

The 10 chapters talk about many styles of architectural design and interior decoration. From maximal, eclectic to minimalistic, readers get to enjoy histories and tips told in the immensely engaging style of Ploy.

And of course, "Sleeping Pretty" still maintains Ploy's unique style of giving in-depth information and updating people on the latest trends. "I found that trend and style are not slovenly. They always reflect the economic, stylistic and social status of each time."

The writer said each chapter covers attractions, traveller's guide, food choices, accommodation and decoration styles related to every place she has stayed in. The end of each chapter contains a variety of interesting information on the environment, health, music, books, designers and architects related to a place.

The astonishing photos and motivating essays in the book take readers for a slow walk through Belgium's Antwerp, a wonderful breakfast in London, a stroll along Italy's Positano, an enjoyable, healthy culinary experience of Laos' Luang Prabang, through a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes in Chiang Mai and an experience of wild outdoor activities in Rachaburi.

Ploy said Google helps her find nice places to stay.

"I consider the location as a priority. But I've never searched for 'hip' hotels. Actually, I felt a bit tired of it. For me, hip doesn't matter. What touches me is a highly individual concept that comes together through warm

service," Ploy, who has a master's degree in tourism management from Austria, said. 

The author said being open-minded always brings new

experiences.

"I don't like minimalistic style. It feels dry, empty and cold. Finally, I learnt that the heart of minimalism should promote ultimate relaxation and environmental balancing. I've provided more information  in the book about minimalistic style and two architects who truly realise what minimalism is."