Focus On: SO/Bangkok

Bangkok is the dynamic capital and largest city of the exotic country of Thailand.  It’s a city of contrasts, combining modern with classic and east meets west: contemporary high-rise buildings and ancient Buddhist temples co-exist; shopping is revered in both street markets and upscale retail shops; and the choice of delicious gourmet dining options range from street food to ritzy restaurants.

So/Bangkok is an innovative masterpiece of a hotel in a prime location in the heart of Bangkok across from Lumpini park offering a stunning view in the middle of vibrant city. Upon entering the hotel, one can’t help but smell the delicious fragrances by Neo Scent https://www.neoscent.com/

The artistic design was inspired by Bangkok’s contrasts. The urban designed property itself is set on site with 137 ancient pillars which echo Bangkok’s past.

The reception and lobby sits on the 5th floor.  At 6:30 nightly there is a candle ritual that was borrowed from French culture whereby there had crime been in village and everyone participated in this ritual which reduced crime, therefore SO/Sofitel brought it here to Bangkok and added Thai dance to the custom.

The themed accommodations of the 237 rooms and public spaces is spread among 30 floors which are created around the Five Elements of Fengshui philosophy: Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire.

Each element was envisioned by five different reputable Thai designers with the building itself designed by a Thai award-winning architect, resulting in a hotel that reflects urban living.  Every detail is thought out, even the unique uniforms worn by the staff are made by a renowned French fashion designer.  The elevators lift us like a time machine through the eras; and the rooftop takes us into the future.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Architect Smith Obayawat is a well-known guest lecturer and leading figure in the Association of Siamese Architects known for his distinctive architectural designs of boutique hotels, commercial properties and exclusive country clubs across Thailand and beyond. Obayawat fuses form with function, creating a structure of contemporary sophistication. He designed the high rise building with an angle to give spectacular views of both Sathorn road skyscrapers and Lumpini park.  He created a solid foundation base adding floor-to-ceiling windows in a moving mosaic pattern to portray a statement of art and design. SO/Bangkok presents two facades on both major roads. The tower, with differing metallic shades and shifting glazed and solid panels, creates the sensual illusion of curves. This carefully engineered modern marvel plays hosts to the Five Elements, including four elements in the elevators reflecting the room styles.

METAL – PURITY AND MODERNITY 

Somchai Jongsaeng of Deca Atelier is famous for his philosophical approach in creating spaces which reflect their locales.  He made the Metal element rooms representing the buildings surrounding the park simple, with soothing colors and textures in immaculate spaces that are bright and welcoming through their different shades of white and sleek metallic details.  Jongsaeng’s rooms allow guests to relax from the frenetic Bangkok with black stainless doors opening onto a purity of light and transcending time and space.

WOOD – ELEGANCE AND TRANQUILITY

Nithi Sthapitanonda, IA49 Design Founder and President of 49 group, takes a multi-disciplinary approach to design, drawing inspiration from Thai heritage homes. The wood element reflects the trees in Lumpini Park.  He designed the Wood element rooms with different forms and types of wood creations. Wood and featured lighting interact with soft textures to create space as art. The signature adornment is a hand sketched old Siamese mural bringing an overall sense of calmness contrasting with the bustling city outside.

EARTH – WONDER AND ENRICHMENT

IAW Co Design Interior designer Vitoon Kunalungkarn has been the driving force behind Bangkok’s most chic properties, and now looks back to the roots of humanity, exploring Thailand’s wonder to create a cocoon of earthly comforts.  The Earth element rooms by Kunalungkarn is inspired by the soil of Lumpini Park and are grounded in simplicity, in tune with Mother Nature.  They are decorated with Thai primeval wall paintings set against a ravishing blue that makes the rooms come alive.

WATER – SOPHISTICATION AND CALM

Pongthep Sagulku of August Design is known for his aesthetics of sleek clean lines and timeless designs and has received numerous accolades from the Association of Siamese Architects. Drawing inspiration from Bangkok’s unique skyline, he has set the stage to soak in the views of the city in the water element rooms. Dark pantone establishes the elegance, the stillness and mystical water. When guests dim the room, the floor-to-ceiling windows, framed by white-veined black marble walls and floors, provide views of Bangkok’s amazing skyline from either the bed or the massive onyx soaking bathtub.

FIRE – INDULGENCE AND FLAIR

Rujiraporn Wanglee of PIA Interior, the visionaries behind many of Asia’s award-winning designs, was assigned the Fire element, representing the sun.  No guest rooms use this element, but rather it’s incorporated into public areas and restaurants to create dynamic space for social interaction and movement with a sense of warmth, energy, and playfulness. PIA brings the “Bangkok” to SO/Bangkok. Drawing on the city’s rich past and revolutionary age to create inspiring spaces, the firm put soul into each iconic restaurant and meeting space. A fusion of the elements creates a vision of the city’s future. The iconic Red Oven restaurant has a show kitchen representing the people’s passion for culinary arts and a symbol of the fire element.

TECHNOLOGY

All rooms are well-equipped with Zafiro in-room entertainment solutions connected to large LED TV screens that offer an unprecedented range of media entertainment and guest services at the touch of a button. Additional amenities include broadband and free wireless internet access, a large personal safe, minibar, and complimentary tea and coffee facilities. SO/Bangkok goes 100% smoke free to help keep the world green.

WELLNESS

The hotel features two floors of wellness experiences for ultimate pleasure and comfort. An infinity pool on the 10th floor captures an unobstructed view of Lumpini Park.

The Water Club is a playful, fun venue for tasty snacks and refreshing drinks, as well as hosting pool parties and evening happenings.

Nearby, Solarium offers a beautiful garden terrace with comfortable seating, and serves as a multipurpose outdoor haven for social gatherings.

SO/ FI, also on the 10^th floor is a full-service fitness center where everything has been engineered to maximize guests’ wellbeing, from iconic design to high-tech equipment with a personal trainer on staff.

SO/ SPA, located on the 11th floor, is a luxurious center of well-being themed as a mythological forest that invites discovery and exploration.  Each treatment room is named after a pond.  SO/ SPA offers a wide-ranging selection of the most effective health & beauty treatments for a deep rejuvenation.

DINING

So/Bangkok has a selection of innovative restaurants and bars that showcase the best in refined dining in a variety of relaxing environment, including “The Box” for private dining with a special view.  The hotel uses straws which are eco-friendly.  Made from corn starch, they hold up better than the paper straws.

RED OVEN, WORLD FOOD MARKET is a Market-Style Restaurant on the 7th Floor, featuring a wide array of cuisines reminiscent of market-style food with a contemporary twist.  Its breakfast buffet is like none other I’ve ever experienced, including gluten-free options.  There are live cooking stations, including the signature “Red Oven” stove, and three distinct styles of seating.

MIXO, LIQUIDS AND STORIES on the 9th floor, with a view of Lumpini Park, is a venue for socializing and observing the life of Bangkok with the city backdrop. All furniture is moveable on 9th floor reception and becomes an event venue.

PARK SOCIETY takes full advantage of its 29th-floor location, and capitalizes on its panoramic view of Lumpini Park and the city.

Hi-SO. Photo courtesy of SO Sofitel BangkokHI-SO, PARTY AT SKYLINE is an open-air terrace and bar which has a program of exciting events featuring specialty cocktails and regular DJ-fueled parties, including a Pool party – every last Saturday of the month.  One side is the Pool and the other side, a solarium. Steps lead up from the 29th floor to 30th – a rooftop venue.

CHOCOLAB in the Lower Lobby, is a dedicated chocolate delicatessen with an open kitchen where a variety of chocolate creations are made and displayed for either eating in or takeaway.

CLUB SIGNATURE – 25th FLOOR

Club Signature is the luxury lounge located on the 25th floor. A masterpiece of art and flair, the lounge is the creation of the renowned French designer Christian Lacroix, mixing French and Thai sensibilities together with imaginative patterns, rich texture and vibrant colors.  Lacroix is known for his dramatic creations for Hermes as well as his own haute couture line, lifestyle products, accessories and perfumes.  He designed the unique uniforms used at So/Bangkok as well as on Air France and stage costumes for The Metropolitan Opera in New York.  Lacroix also designed the mobile art piece in Street Lobby, as well as the vases and pillows used in each room, which differ by the room’s element.