Kanoo World Traveller: October 2007

Our crack squad of travel experts are ready to help you plan perfect breaks, from art in Istanbul to beach breaks in Thailand

JAMES LOHAN

James is one half of Mr & Mrs Smith, the duo who launched the hugely popular guidebook of the same name (www.mrandmrssmith.com).  He devotes his time to discovering the world's more exciting boutique hotels.

THE TOPIC: BEAUTIFUL BOUTIQUE HOTELS

I want to plan a relaxing beach holiday, but I get bored quite easily - any suggestions?

Why not go for a two-centred trip that combines both culture and utter tranquility?  Thailand is an amazing destination for this kind of trip.  You could start your escape with a couple of days in the bright light, big-city bustle of Bangkok, with a few days to admire awe-inspiring art and architecture.  A sultry, engaging cacophony of sights, smells, tastes, and heat, Thailand's capital is a wonder in itself, often resembling a gigantic, sprawling sauna, filled with old buildings, delicious street-food and gridlock.  There's probably no city on earth offering such a staggering array of affordable pleasures.  From sumptuous day-spas and exquisite dining through to ubiquitous street food and relaxing foot massage, gratification is never more than a moment away.  Stay at Siam@Siam (rooms from THB4,200-THB6,400).  This maverick, design-led luxury hotel is a bold, brash arrival on the Bangkok hotel scene, and an urban shrine to industrial chic.  Afterwards set aside some time to relish the sugar-white beaches of the tropical Thai islands.  Krabi has some wonderful places to stay and Rayavadee might just be the most stunningly located of them all as it is flanked on three sides by beaches and azure ocean.