For many The Siam is a good enough reason for travelling to Thailand. Here you can enjoy incredible pampering along with all the must-see sights of Bangkok, making this hotel experience far more than a gateway or stopover. It is a genuine holiday in itself but, being such a treat, it requires a generous budget.

Location

What sets The Siam apart from any other luxury city hotel in Bangkok, petit or grand, is its bespoke philosophy and outstanding attention to period design. It also benefits from a fabulous location on the Bangkok side of the Chao Praya River, close to the Krung Thon Bridge. The hotel is located in an historic district with a wealth of cultural attractions, including the Vimanmek Teak Palace Museum and Dusit Zoo, while you can take a cruise on the hotels private barge to the Grand Palace, or even to a golf course.

It is a little outside the city’s main shopping area, which is another reason it feels more ‘exotic-urban’ than ‘city-urban’, while the concierge will organise an air-conditioned limo, within minutes, to take you, not only on a shopping spree, but to wherever you desire. However, for us, the best way to enjoy the sights is on their ‘Bangkok by Cruise’ barge, which sets off from their private jetty.

Suites and Villas with pools – blow the budget

The Siam houses 39 suites and villas. Every one is dreamy and some are even dreamier still, especially the villas with pools. All have super-sized beds, made into twins if desired, and are individually styled. Art deco with an almost plantation vibe is the theme, along with gorgeous oriental artwork, covetable antiques and earthy textures in wood, stone, leather, brick and wool. The bathrooms are vast with walk-in showers and freestanding ceramic tubs with lashings of spoiling body and bath treats.

Ebony, ivory and chocolate brown dominate the palate while geometric designs are complemented and contrasted by the dizzying plethora of soaring tropical plants and shrubs inside the central atriums and in the lush gardens. I have never seen a private display of such healthy, towering leafy wonder as here. Once holed up in The Siam you really do feel transported into a bygone Thai fantasy, and it feels more tropical than city. The soundtrack of songbirds and rainforest frogs together with the nostalgic tunes from the likes of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong or Ella Fitzgerald really does create this sense of ‘Oh What a Wonderful World’.

Overall style (xxx factor)

The hotel was conceived by the most celebrated names in the hotel and design industry – Bill Bensley and celebrity Krissada Sukolol Clapp. When Krissada chose Bensley to share his vision he knew that the combination would be inspirational. It is, as they describe, a ‘large work of art’. Every aspect, corridor, public space, exudes a sense of sprawling serenity, in uncomplicated yet totally uncompromised style. It reflects subtle grandeur without ostentation but wants for nothing.

Cuisine

There are several options here and all are of an extremely high standard. We chose to dine at the renowned Chon Thai Restaurant - beautifully situated within three 19th century Thai Teak houses. We had some truly delicious Siam signature dishes, while a gentle river breeze softened the heat and the sun set crimson over the Chao Phraya River. It’s very special here; in fact so special that it sets the scene for many romantic proposals. We witnessed one, on bended knee, complete with musicians, rose petals and a very, very large sparkler!

The Opium Spa – a wellness sanctuary that takes you into another world

Like the hotel the spa oozes exclusive, sensual appeal. We didn’t have time for a treatment or a fitness/pilates/yoga session but it all goes on here, in a remarkably relaxing and scintillating environment. Some stay here treating their time as a spa or wellness break due to the cultural spirit and rejuvenating bespoke programs they have created. ‘Follow your Bliss’ is their philosophy and the Sodashi products are pure elixir.

In brief

Our stay was just that – too brief. We left gagging for more, wishing we had indulged in more of their divine offerings, but we did vow one thing – to return.