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Ritz-Carlton Reserve for Krabi

The idyllic Phulay Bay in Krabi, southern Thailand, serves as the backdrop for the RitzCarton Hotel's new brand, The Reserve, scheduled to open in March.

"A RitzCarlton Reserve is for travellers seeking to discover a singular location and a peerless resort that offers guests an exotic, handselected 'hideaway' destination," says Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. "Phulay Bay in Thailand is a natural choice for the first resort."

Ritz Carlton Reserve is a hideaway 54villa and pavilion boutique hotel with unspoilt views of the towering limestone karsts. The opening rate for Phulay Bay, A RitzCarlton Reserve, will be US$1,500 (Bt52,600) for two nights.

Piling on the pounds

Thai Airways is changing its baggage policy to America and Canada with effect from Monday.

Passengers travelling in Royal First Class will receive a free baggage allowance of two pieces of a maximum of 32 kilograms each, while travellers in economy class can load two pieces of luggage (23kgs/each).

The charge for extra baggage exceeding the above allowance will be charged at US$119 (approximately Bt4,200) per piece effective  January 1.

Royal Orchid Plus Gold Card members will enjoy the privilege of one extra baggage on top of the regular allowance in any class of travel.

Raja Orchid gets a makeover

Khon Kaen's Raja Orchid has been refurbished and rebranded Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid to target leisure and business travellers to northeastern Thailand.

The 293room hotel has been under the Sofitel but will now be managed by Pullman.

Like Sofitel, the Pullman brand is part of Accor - a French hospitality group. Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid is the second of its kind in Thailand. The first is Pullman Bangkok King Power.

Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid offers a range of renovated facilities including guest rooms, a new business centre with meeting rooms, the addition of Teppanyaki grills to the Sushi Bar, and the expansion of the bakery.

Shaken, not stirred

For beer lovers, any pub with a view is okay for a pint or two in Phuket. Cocktail fans, however, should be sure to check on the Banyan Tree Phuket, which is home to Num, winner of this year's Thailand Bartender Contest. Num beat more than 48 contestants with his Siam Sun Rise.

The competition was held recently at Siam Paragon and the winner will be heading to England early next year to take part in the World Bartender Contest.