Shake it up baby!

Cuba and the Dominican Republic are oceans away from Thailand, but Holiday Inn Pattaya could bring them closer together on the dance floor.

The hotel welcomes the Year of Dragon with a "Latino Grooving" party at Havana Bar on January 21. You don't have to be fluent in Latino to shake your hips and move your feet for Merengue, Salsa, Bachata and Reggaeton. Visit www.facebook.com/HavanaBar.Pattaya.

Vintage in Phuket

If Patong Beach doesn't turn you on, perhaps vintage and classic cars can rev up your libido. Phuket, one of Thailand's best beach destinations, is throwing a party for car buffs on January 22. Spruce up your antique and give it a spin in the Phuket Classic Car New Year Trophy. You will drive along an exciting route, take some relaxing breaks to eat and chat, and there will be an ultimate championship. You'll also enjoy some funny games and test how good (or bad) you are in a vintage car. Brand-new cars, exotic cars and all wheels are welcomed. Call (084) 734 2711 or visit www.ClassicCarClubPhuket.com.

Up and away to Sri Lanka

AirAsia is now flying direct flight daily between Bangkok and Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. The flight, on a new Airbus A320 with a capacity of 180 seats, departs Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6.25am and arrives at Colombo at 8.35am local time. The return flight leaves Colombo at 9.35am and lands in Bangkok at 2.15pm. Colombo is famous for cultural and religious sites - Temple of the Tooth of Buddha, for example. For details about special introductory fare, visit www.AirAsia.com.

Winning duo at St Regis

St Regis Bangkok hotel brings art to the dining table, if not the kitchen, with its "Meet the Artist" celebration. Until Saturday, January 14, renowned visual artist Aliadi Cortelletti and world-class Italian cuisine promise to lift your soul and your taste buds. Cortelletti is transforming Viu restaurant into her personal atelier and creating original works of art while guests enjoy a special four-course menu of world-class Italian cuisine created by chef Leonardo Concezzi. For a table, call (02) 207 7801.