On my way back from Sydney to London, I wanted to spend two days in Bangkok to relax. The city offers the best selection of luxury/design hotels in South East Asia, so the choice was not so obvious. I decided to try a freshly opened boutique hotel located near Siam Square, The Hansar. The word itself, means "to surround in joy and happiness". I didn't have to wait long for the prophecy to become a reality. In the tradition of Thai hospitality, as soon as I arrived the smiling staff treated me like a movie star. Anything I needed or wanted was instantly sorted out.

Hansar Bankok was designed by Singapore based WOHA. The building is a monument of iconic design rising up through the Bangkok skyline, with lush greenery cascading from the pool level on the eight floor. Ivy-trimmed edges stretch upwards into the sky, while at night, the lights from Bangkok’s city street shimmer and reflect off flashes of glass and chrome. The spacious interiors are chic and inviting with plush carpets, warm wood and soothing silk panelled walls. Sliding doors give way to the bedroom, where oversize beds feature soft feathery bedding and unique individually hand-beaded headboards by Chiang Mai artisan Kachama. Stunning bathrooms are masterpieces of elegance and space, a harmonious marriage of wood, water and stone. When I travel, I enjoy staying at a hotel that combines local aesthetic -without being cliche- and 21st Century comfort. The Hansar, member of Luxury Hotels of the World, was easily my favourite hotel experience this year!

-Yvan Rodic

Lumpini, Pathumwan 3 Soi Mahadlekluang2, Rajdamri Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand 02-209 1234