'Glamping' in Kirimaya
MANILA, Philippines – It is true, the darkest night brings forth the brightest morning. It is pitch black except for a few stars that are twinkling behind some clouds. Not a soul is awake in this beautiful misty nature camp as I fervently wait for the crack of dawn, for the sun to rise at Kirimaya, a luxurious boutique resort north of Bangkok, Thailand.
Who says one must fly to the posh private game reserves in South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya for glamour camping (or “glamping” for short)? Right here in the Southeast Asia Region, sublimely sophisticated lodges or safari campsites surrounded by rolling vineyards provide the rustic lifestyle one so desires. An easy two-hour drive from Bangkok, one can camp in Kirimaya’s five-star luxury tented villas with a spectacular backdrop of the expansive Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which endemic and endangered animal species call home.
A very comfortable flight aboard Thai Airways brought us to the City Of Angels. From the state-of-the-art Suvarnabuhmi International Airport, our group of 25, led by my gregarious siblings and their spouses, my nephews and nieces, hopped on a bus that whisked us off to our heavenly sanctuary: Kirimaya Resort & Spa. I thank the Tourism Authority of Thailand led by Khun Prakit Pririyakiet, Khun Porntip Makornpan and Thai Airways GM Nivat Chantarachoti for recommending this paradise to us.
Soon as we arrived at the resort, we were mesmerized by the romantic yet wildly adventurous sight of sparkling clear waters, lush fragrant greenery, regal mountain views and majestic cumulus clouds that seemed to kiss the sky. Beyond an elaborately arched doorway with carved teakwood panels was the al fresco lobby made of hardwood and bamboo. The lobby was perched against a backdrop of ponds filled with water hyacinths, lotuses, and the versatile vetiver. Each step seemed like poetry in motion. We stood in awe and thanksgiving, humbled by such beauty and grace. And, would you believe, we were all speechless for a change?
Being the exclusive travel director of the clan, my heart smiled knowing I had chosen the perfect family vacation place. It is my joy and passion to travel but it is most gratifying when my wanderlust is shared with my family. Our daily lives may pose such hectic schedules and endless appointments but we can grow to be much closer to each other if we take the time and purposefully plan for it. We certainly agree with French philosopher Simone Well who believes, “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”
Later on, we look back to the gorgeous destinations where we created such beautiful memories and treasure the bonds that were fostered in these breathtaking locations. If it were a film, this would be the setting where the scene in a mountain lodge, cool crisp air kissing our faces, feeling on top of the world, where you can cast your cares to the wind and experience the exuberance of peace and joy that radiates from within.
Thailand has over the years become among my family’s favorite destinations, which probably explains my international media award as “Friend of Thailand.” This time we decided to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind and indulge in the fresh realm of Khao Yai, Thailand’s premier natural park. Its evergreen hills, dairy farms, shopping outlets, dynamic outdoor activities and charming vineyards beckon as you experience a natural escape that is refreshingly innovative.
“Kirimaya,” which means “illusion of mountain,” suitably describes the distinctly refreshing character of our choice resort. It is definitely one of the region’s best-kept secrets but it is high time that it be shared. It is camping in the most luxurious style, Robinson Crusoe living in pizzazz and élan! One simply couldn’t ask for more.
Opened in December 2004, Kirimaya is a member of Design Hotels, selected for its creative style and outstanding design. A member of the prestigious Kiwi Collection, the resort features 52 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites, and four unique tent-villas. Its 52 rooms and four terrace suites offer a sensual, spiritual and naturally elegant definition of space, combining modern comforts with exotic designs and chic Asian touches with a wealth of natural materials such as earthy woods, and silks.
Our tent-villa was the most privileged in “glamping” experience. The villas are built with treated canvas with polished bare concrete floors, sliding canvas panels, and sensuously flowing curtains that separate spaces. The villa has its own private indoor spa pool which my young nieces and nephews immediately turned into a bubble bath party venue. The tented outdoor deck by a lake was the perfect setting for my sister Michelle’s midnight routine — that of snacking on an international spread of goodies which included home-cooked adobo flakes, assorted samosas with mango chutney, goose liver pâté with port wine among others! Savoring these epicurean treats from the dramatically stunning villa while admiring the equally magnificent view of the panoramic alpine vistas is simply nirvana. Camping in luxury and style has never been more divine!
The Kirimaya experience includes discovery of exciting wildlife excursions, wellness at the exquisite Maya Spa, culinary adventures, and the exhilarating challenge of an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Bounty from the resort’s organic gardens goes into delectable dishes gastronomically prepared at the Acala Restaurant — the resort’s main dining pavilion, patterned after a northern Thai wildlife observation tower. Open on three sides, it seems to float on the on-site lake and provides a scenic view of the golf course. The Mist Bar located above Acala is an intimate and cozy place for afternoon and sunset cocktails while the Safari Chic style T-Grill Restaurant offering regional and à la carte fare located in the golf Clubhouse, is impeccably rustic in design and exotic in ambiance.
The rich nature and cooler climes of Khao Yai make it a popular weekend resort for locals and expats alike. Khao Yai features the ideal climate from November to February. Although day temperatures run between 23-28 C°, during the star-strewn evenings, it can drop down to an exhilaratingly cool 11 C°.
We all converged at the deck of our tented villa and played team games thoroughly planned by my youngest sister Yvonne. The judges and coordinators among us were well briefed on the rules of the game and there were special prizes prepared for the winners. After a hearty lunch of duck curry and phad Thai in the safari style encampment, we headed to the glorious fruit stands outside the resort and indulged on Thailand’s freshest produces including delectable giant langkas which my Ate Jaqui fell in love with during the trip. Imagine the hilarious scene when we checked into the resort, a bellhop trailing behind Ate Jaqui, pushing a trolley with only her 11-kilo langka in it!
We also went shopping in the fabulous outlet stores near the resort and purchased sportswear, clothes apparel at value for money prices. We stormed the nearby mall, Tesco Lotus, ate in our favorite MK hotpot Restaurant and had Swensen’s ice cream to our hearts’ content.
Later that night, under a canopy of twinkling constellations, we boarded safari jeeps and explored the “nightlife” in the national park. It was a very cool evening and we screamed in delight as we spotted elephants, hedgehogs, deer and peacocks among other residents of the wilderness. There was this lonesome deer that kept following my only brother Mark around. Eventually, Mark grew so fond of the deer, he wanted to keep it as his pet! As we were leaving the national park, we spotted a huge elephant slowly crossing the road. We were told by our guide it was auspicious to spot an elephant crossing the road. Smiled upon by divine favor, we felt truly blessed.
The last sunset in Kirimaya, my nieces noticed a colorful kite hanging against a cerulean sky. The kite pushed away the morning haze, freely flying over the expansive Khao Yai mountain range and the Takhong reservoir, a farmland of striking patchwork of yellow, green, and brown fields. Soon, night ensued, this time a full moon illumined all in its path. Under this giant glowing orb on a spectacular night, we embraced total serenity and calm. We thanked the Lord for the blessings of family ties that bind and the glamour of camping in Kirimaya, our new treasured find.
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For more information about Kirimaya Resort & Spa, please call +6644426000, or logon to its website at www.kirimaya.com.
Thai Airways fly to Bangkok daily. Please call district sales manager Malu Dueñas at 817-5442/812-4744 for reservations.
