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Bangkok reflect the healing power of nature and the country’s culture These practices combine timeless wisdoms with natural elements offering a gentle and holistic approach to self-care have long been cherished for their soothing and restorative benefits.  a number of local beauty brands incorporate modern touches and Western influences through marketing and eco-friendly packaging offering products that balance the traditional with the contemporary where stress and fatigue are common challenges exploring Thai wellness options leads to natural healing and the chance to reconnect with timeless traditions Here are the Thai brands reflecting this beautiful heritage.  they value time-honoured Thai wellness traditions embracing the power and purity of nature that has been passed down through generations Inspired by the palm scriptures of the Tamra Phra Osot Phra Narai PANPURI crafts essentials from pressed herbs and flowers inspired by the owners’ memories of their grandmother placing jasmine petals in earthen jars the aroma of Indochine’s lemongrass is inspired by the warmth of home-cooked meals reflecting the culture and heritage of its creators.  Website: www.panpuri.com Photograph: CopennWith a minimalist concept inspired by natural scents—from earthy soils and wood to the beauty of seasonal foliage—Copenn offers a wide range of products oil burners and decorative scented candles Copenn features fragrances such as incense cones and direct incense designed to release natural aromas straight from the raw materials Website: www.copenn.com Photograph: ErbFeaturing captivating packaging Erb’s concept embraces a gardenia-inspired aesthetic designed to provide the ultimate in soothing comfort Adapted from Siamese royal court beauty secret the products are made with certified organic ingredients are featured across a diverse range of offerings from underarm toners and body oils to ambience sprays and diffusers Photograph: KarmakametSince its establishment in 1971 Karmakamet has undergone rebranding over the years to become more modern and approachable while still staying true to its core values of providing high-quality products made by skilled craftsmanship imbue their products with scents focused on the beauty of nature like dried herbs and exotic plants and flowers from various cultures The Karma and Son collection reflects this heritage capturing the essence of ancient perfumes and timeless wisdoms that continues to be passed on today Website: www.Karmakemet.co.th integrates herbs and grains from around the world into beauty products that are formulated to nurture the body jasmine and lotus are floral scents that foreigners are already familiar with and like By incorporating these traditional Thai elements into beauty products myriad solutions made with cutting-edge science and technology the brand creates a distinctive line of signature scents.  Website: Thann.info Photograph: FyneFyne–one of the first Thai brands to be sold at SEPHORA stores focuses on providing care solutions for sensitive and irritated skin making it easier to find suitable products Through carefully chosen gentle and effective ingredients the brand science-based approach homes in on better skincare offering many options for different skincare needs Website: www.fyneskin.com  Photograph: HarnnRooted in the philosophy of crafting high-quality products using natural ingredients and traditional methods passed down through generations of Thai artisans Harnn centres its creations around elements of nature the top picked products are the white mulberry extract solutions known for their moisturising benefits on the skin Website: www.Harnn.com Photograph: RatiRati’s products revolve around ingredients that are safe for the body–using food-grade materials ensures safety gentleness on the skin and effective odour control Solutions are free from irritants such as alcohol which could cause underarm discomfort and uneven dark spots This concept evolved into two standout products: Rati Natural Deodorant Spray a deodorising spray designed for feet and shoes.  Website: www.ratibkk.com Photograph: Bath & BloomBath & Bloom’s journey began with a simple desire to share the joy of self-care and soothe the mind through scents inspired by the beauty of nature Their fragrances feature familiar Thai ingredients such as jasmine creating signature aromas that promote relaxation their packaging is recyclable and crafted from natural materials reflecting their commitment to sustainability Website: www.bathandbloom.com Photograph: DivanaWitness the fusion of Oriental aesthetics and exceptional quality where ancient Thai wisdoms are integrated into the brand reflecting passion in the healing power of nature Combining the value of natural science with aroma therapy results in products crafted from pure organic matter free from harsh chemicals or animal-derived ingredients herbs and fruits – these are the prime ingredients sourced from organic farms and processors Website: www.divanaglobal.com Photograph: BsaBGuided by the philosophies of Komorebi and Wabi-Sabi BsaB has embodied beauty and nature through its products since 2006 With a focus on simplicity and true authenticity in everyday life BsaB crafts its products in the most eco-friendly way The redesigned packaging uses 100% biodegradable ink to reduce toxins in nature and is glue-free for easier recycling Their range includes concentrated pure oils It’s about bringing aromatic comfort to the consumers’ lifestyle Website: www.bsabthailand.com Photograph: Siam BotanicalsFrom lotions and balms to masks and cleansers Siam Botanicals offers a range of natural and organic products Each undergoes strict testing to meet BDIH standards earning Cosmos Organic or Natural certification Their pure botanical therapy utilises the rejuvenating power of nature with concentrated extracts from herbs Website: www.siambotanicals.com Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! instagramtiktokfacebookAbout us Contact us Inflight hospitality specialist Formia has collaborated with Bangkok Airways to introduce an amenity kit featuring products by natural skincare and spa brand Thann The aromatherapy products – Rice Extract Lip Balm Rice Extract Moisturising Cream and Signature Hand Sanitising Gel – are said to capture the essence of Thailand an eye shade and earplugs are also included in the pack Formia shared details of its latest collaboration on a LinkedIn post The kit will be available inflight and to Blue Ribbon Club lounge visitors Formia introduced an exclusive collection of amenity kits for Turkish Airlines’ long-haul Business Class female passengers in collaboration with Italian accessories brand Coccinelle Subscribe to our newsletter for critical marketing information delivered to your inbox The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to present the results of the inaugural TREX Awards A trailblazing celebration of the finest travel retail-exclusive products and other initiatives the TREX Awards recognise the critical need for differentiation within travel retail shining a spotlight on innovations that deliver unique value to travellers The exhibition is a milestone for Naos as it introduces Bioderma the reopenings mark the debut of two new design concepts each crafted to offer a sensory escape from the busy airport environment Copyright © The Moodie Davitt Report | Website by Yellowball We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website Please click on one of the buttons below to accept We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you 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customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " We’ve been buying its products for years: the natural wood-infused shower gels and whatever we can get our mitts on that’s travel size So it’s only logical that they combined its great scents and style with dollars and sense and opened a spa Within the ultra-privé and glam shopping destination The interiors are a series of low-lit rooms that are fragrant Each room is themed by inspirations tied to its product line and the design a mix of just the right doses of zen and tropical-classical Mineral tones give the space a timeless feel but the use of natural shapes and materials VIEW GOOGLE MAPS escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox Miu Miu's tie-up with Petit Bateau returns and the house's Wander and Beau bags get summer-perfect in woven leather strips you'll find an effortless summer elegance and the timeless charm of Venetian life until 18 May Special guests in the front row included Keira Knightley The singer lends her sunny aura to a glamorous collection celebrating the Versace art of living Polène’s The Leather Florist in Paris is a must-visit for its playful leather flowers (display pieces or bag charms!) — an inspired way to upcycle leather scraps Each timepiece has a dial that adopts the hues of dawn Where fluid elegance meets artisanal mastery BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) and THANN today announced their partnership to reinvigorate the guestroom beauty experience by rolling out a new amenities line in Marriott properties throughout the Americas and Asia Propelled by growing consumer demand of its customers for undiscovered high-end products Marriott Hotels selected THANN for its increasing global appeal Formulated through artful natural therapy and modern dermatological science the THANN amenities are made from high quality raw materials and botanicals and presented in imaginative packaging The partnership marks Marriott's continued dedication to improving every touch-point that allows guests to "Travel Brilliantly" at their hotels (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130925/PH86466 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130903/PH72905LOGO ) Today's world travelers are sophisticated and savvy - they expect touches of luxury that reflect their aspirational lifestyle and sense of style and exploration Marriott will offer guests a joyful and uplifting sensory experience through THANN's Aromatic Wood Collection – a line that balances Nutmeg essential oil with the sweetness of Orange and Tangerine essential oils THANN's high-end amenities will be available in all Marriott Hotels properties throughout the US and Canada by the end of October 2013 and in Latin America and Asia by the end of 2013 "Marriott Hotels is on a journey to reimagine the future of travel and THANN amenities will elevate the guest experience at our hotels," said Matthew Carroll "Our research shows that customers rank bathroom amenities among the top five most important influences on their overall guest room experience Partnering with THANN will also enable Marriott to meet another customer desire for the introduction of new amenities on a regular basis As THANN's products continue to become available in North America we are excited to be among the first to offer the brand's products to our guests." "THANN aims to offer customers a lifestyle of total wellness and in collaboration with partner Marriott Hotels we will influence both business and leisure travelers around the globe," said Tony Suppattranont "We strive to make our amenities the highest quality and are proud to be a part of Marriott's invitation to 'Travel Brilliantly.'" In addition to being featured in Marriott Hotels' guestroom bathrooms, the Aromatic Wood Collection will also be available for purchase on www.shopmarriott.com While THANN amenities are rolling out in Marriott hotels in the Americas will simultaneously roll out their Green Mandarin Collection in Marriott Hotels properties in Europe and the Middle East Marriott Hotels has recently unveiled its innovation lab "The Underground," located beneath the company's headquarters in Bethesda MD where work is underway on a revolutionary new guest room like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/Marriott) and follow us on Twitter (Twitter.com/Marriott Ltd was established in 2002 to manufacture and market natural skincare products under the THANN brand using Asian innovation THANN is a range of natural hair and skincare products formulated from botanicals derived by combining the art of natural therapy with the modern dermatological science. Providing the core ingredient for THANN's wide range of products is the Vitamin E-rich extracts of rice bran oil deriving from the Oryza sativa that unique staple of Thai subsistence for over five millennia THANN is the first brand to use Shiso extract as a key ingredient for skincare products. Unique products and imaginative packaging design have won THANN the prestigious 2005 Thailand Prime Minister's Export Award the 2005 G-Mark Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization and the 2006 Design for Asia Grand Award from the Hong Kong Design Centre. THANN distribution currently covers in 20 countries with 85 shops and 17 spas globally and recently opened the luxurious THANN Sanctuary Spa in Tarrytown Visit www.thann.info for more information and like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/thannth) Do not sell or share my personal information: MISHAWAKA — Tenants of the Kamm’s Island Apartments — an aging, former motel where the rooms are rented as efficiency units — are in the lurch about what’s next for their homes They have been without electricity since a transformer fire Sunday.   before the fire, several of them already had started receiving letters from the building’s new owners that they need to vacate the apartments by June 20 or face eviction. It’s unclear what the owners are planning for the three-story structure with about 30 rooms.  like Thann Mack and her fiance Carl Broockerd, both 60, are living on disability payments. Mack said they can’t move now because they’ve already paid rent for this month.   Mack said they pay $575 per month, including all utilities and basic cable for a single room with a kitchenette and a small bathroom. For now they are using a generator on their small balcony overlooking the river to generate electricity for the fridge costing roughly $20 per day for fuel.   Bo Hundt, said he told tenants that it’s OK for them to run generators for the next month. Meanwhile tenants do have running water and sewage service.   The city-owned Mishawaka Utilities has a new transformer that’s ready to be installed but it’s waiting on the building’s owners to replace secondary wiring that they own which was damaged in the fire, Electric Division Manager Rick Springman said. The fire left such a “big melted up mess,” Springman said, that it’s impossible to know what caused the fire be it the 30- to 40-year-old electrical unit or an animal that had crawled up into it or another cause.   Hundt estimated that it could take two to four weeks for the building owners to do their part but they apparently hadn’t hired a contractor yet He’s given them a month to install the secondary wiring or face fines or possibly the condemned use of the building.  tenants need a flashlight or phone light to safely use the darkened stairs at either end of the long balconies That makes it especially tricky for Broockerd who said he’d broken his back.  it’s depth perception,” Broockerd said “I have a hard time seeing the steps But city officials have only communicated with an on-site manager who moved out this week. That manager declined to speak with a reporter. The owners are only listed as Indiana Land Trust 750SM indicating that it’s a group of investors. County records show they took ownership in late March.   The phone number and address on the tenants’ letters leads to Berkshire Hathaway in Mishawaka. It’s unclear what role the real estate firm plays but a representative there didn’t respond to the Tribune’s email and phone call on Thursday.  The apartments are in back of the large which is riddled with its own code enforcement issues that go back to 2016. City Code Enforcement Director Joe VanNevel said the 100 Center itself has racked up more than $118,000 in fines.  The Kamm's Island Apartments, VanNevel said have seen a series of code issues over the years but they were always promptly addressed.   The apartments afford a view that Mack loves looking out of their small balcony over a river raceway at the grassy Kamm Island Park and its mature trees.  But the ceiling in Tonya Allen’s bathroom is drooping and collapsing she’s asked to have it fixed over the year that she’s lived in the unit she’s hoping her next move might be the Mishawaka Inn.  Residents said they’d been referred to the Mishawaka Inn but a clerk there said only two to three of the Kamm’s Island residents had inquired as of Thursday morning the Mishawaka Inn has only 20 to 30 rooms that are usable $300 per week and $900 per month.   The American Red Cross has also been trying to seek relief for some tenants this week.  Mack showed the Tribune several issues in her unit that haven’t been fixed: The large burner on their electric stove is loose The cabinet beneath their bathroom sink is buckled and the spout lacks any caulking. The baseboard heater in the bathroom doesn’t work.  She said they were aware of some issues when they moved in last September — under the prior ownership — but, she’d been told at the time “They were going to be fixed.”  she said, she and Broockerd hired another company to spend six hours cleaning the unit They laid their own carpet over the existing stained and dirty carpet. And they “bombed for roaches.”  “We were desperate to move away from where we were living and this was the only place we could afford,” Mack said “We figured we could clean it and make it a nice place to live.”  In his two years of living there, Jeff Buford said the management has been good about fixing things in his apartment but he’s also made some repairs himself since he used to work in construction "It’s not the best place to live,” he said you don’t need a lot of space.”  he lost his insulin when his fridge lost power on Sunday hoping it stays good. While he hasn’t received a notice to vacate yet, he said he asked for his deposit back but was told no He said he’d need it to find another place to live.   The French economy went through a period of recovery coinciding with increased cooperation among members of the European Community (EC) targeting European monetary convergence and unification French policy makers prioritized the reduction of inflation the stabilization of the French franc exchange rate liberalization of financial markets and the modernization of monetary policy making and bank regulation the firm advised the French government on the privatization of the banking group Société Générale Goldman Sachs expanded its Paris operations between late 1991 and early 1992 with the Investment Banking Division (IBD) joining the Fixed Income Futures Department when it relocated to rue de Thann on the edge of the Parc Monceau the Paris office had a team of more than 60 with expertise spanning investment banking technology and fixed income sales and trading The firm was present throughout the European process of convergence toward the single market providing strategic advice to French firms through domestic and large cross-border deals and joined the Paris Stock Exchange (now part of NYSE Euronext) in 1998 The Paris office moved to its Avenue Kléber office near the Arc de Triomphe in the fall of 2013 The EUR18.8 billion (US$24.7 billion) merger of the leading European real estate company Unibail Rodamco and Australia’s Westfield Corp in 2018 was an emblematic transaction for Goldman Sachs in France The firm co-advised Unibail-Rodamco with Deutsche Bank on this major transaction which created a global commercial real estate leader with EUR61.1 billion (US$72.2 billion) of gross market value in 27 retail markets The firm also co-provided EUR6.1 billion (US$7.16 billion) of committed financing for the acquisition which represented the largest ever M&A deal in Australia the largest European real estate M&A deal ever and the second largest M&A deal in France since 2015 founder of pioneering Thai aromatherapy and spa brand Thann reveals his secrets to building a multinational company seven life hacks on how to live well and achieve success at work founded Thann in 2002 after a stint of working in Australia Just the faintest whiff of lemongrass essential oil But as recently as 20 years ago, not many people outside Thailand would have made this olfactive association. For this, spa junkies have to thank visionary wellness entrepreneurs like Tony Suppattranont, founder of beauty brand Thann, for elevating this scent beyond tom yum soup and Thai curries. View this post on Instagram A post shared by THANN Singapore (@thannsingapore) first came up with the idea to launch a Thai-inspired beauty brand while he was working in Australia in the 90s as a marketer in companies including Cerebos and Goodman Fielder International I would see a lot of people selling homemade soaps It gave me a new perspective on how to enjoy natural products and I thought when I returned to Thailand flowers and spices to create my own brand.” he had indeed returned to his home country to create a Thai-inspired beauty and aromatherapy brand that used natural ingredients and was paraben-free – something that was unusual back then He insisted from the get-go that the focus would be on effective Asian ingredients like rice bran to create formulations that would be beneficial for the skin combined with the then-novel use of lesser-known active ingredients Thann’s products are stocked in Marriott hotels worldwide and are distributed in the amenity kits of airlines The brand currently has 60 retail stores and 16 spas in 12 countries including Japan Thann relaunched in Singapore following a 10-year hiatus flagship in Paragon also offers three different facials for customers to get a taste of Thai pampering has made his first foray into hospitality with the launch of Thann Wellness Resort in historic Ayutthaya The getaway offers what he envisions to be a “total wellness lifestyle” which comprises spa treatments fitness classes and the opportunity to spend time in nature “This wellness destination is the answer to a lot of people’s questions on how I live my life.” he spills seven more hacks to living well while achieving success at work WORK WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE – OR NOT AT ALL For the first seven years of doing business I was very stressed because I had a business partner and we had to go through a lot of discussions to make decisions I eliminated that worry by buying out my partner’s share to own 100 per cent of the company I’ve come to the conclusion that if I do not have the same understanding with distributors I do not need Thann to be everywhere in the world I need a team that works works well together and have the right chemistry my stress levels have become less and less CUT BACK ON DIGITAL CORRESPONDENCES TO MAXIMISE PRODUCTIVITY I’ve not owned a computer for ten years and I do not have Facebook or Instagram accounts I send emails on my phone – I do not write anything longer than three sentences otherwise I’ll just give the person a call I do not read anything more than half an A4 page You have to identify your ikigai – the Japanese concept for doing what you are good at what you love and what the world will pay you to do natural cosmetics and international distribution I enjoy travelling to understand consumer behaviour "You have to identify your ikigai – the Japanese concept for doing what you are good at what you love and what the world will pay you to do." – Tony Suppattranont you should not have trouble with your finances and be stressed to pay bills or to fund new shops I’ve not borrowed money from the bank for the past seven years My current favourite product is Thann’s Intensive Hydrating Facial Mask which is made with the latest sheet mask technology it is so soft it attaches to the face like a second skin I use the brand’s Aromatic Wood collection and apply Shiso Body Butter daily because my skin is super dry I probably shower three times a day but I only take cold showers I’ve been exercising four times a week with a personal trainer Exercise is my first priority and I calendar my sessions at the beginning of every week I have a dog and walk it daily at 8am in the morning I go to bed before 11pm and sleep about eight hours a night including cake and ice cream but not in huge portions I try to eat fruits and vegetables in the seven shades of the rainbow daily This sounds like a lot but is not actually if you spread it out among your three meals I believe that we do not have to achieve everything in our generation we can leave something to the next generation This is why I am happy to leave work at 4pm for my gym appointment at 4.30pm "I believe that we do not have to achieve everything in our generation we can leave something to the next generation." – Tony Suppattranont We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast Photos from the recent Grand Opening Celebration at The Castle in Tarrytown’s THANN Sanctuary and Spa L – R:  Brittney Baeriswil – Assistant PR Castle Hotel & Spa Nakano – Director of PR at Hirakawa Shoji Group RiverJournalOnline is the online publication of River Journal and River Journal North No part of River Journal or River Journal North including photos ads and text may be reproduced without the written consent of the Publisher Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Formia has revamped its THANN amenity kit for EVA Air’s Elite Class passengers and updated the bag design for Premium Economy travellers The new THANN bag for Elite Class passengers comes in a green and brown colour way and opens up flat like a book which enables travellers to hang it up and keep their toiletries in it The EVA Elite Class kit includes Rice Extract Lip Balm and Rice Extract Moisturizing Cream Formia has also updated its THANN bag design for EVA Air Premium Economy passengers is currently onboard North American routes and will soon be available on European routes Formia Managing Director Roland Grohmann said: “The distinctive new design THANN bag was customised for EVA Air and we are delighted at the success it has achieved for the airline ever since Formia’s mission is to delight its customers by providing products which That has definitely been the case with these kits and their contents We are immensely proud that EVA Air continues to place its trust in Formia with the supply of their amenity kits.” According to the global aviation trade body total passenger demand rose +3.3% year-on-year in March Asia Pacific airlines served 31 million international passengers in March The breakthrough partnership allow customers to earn 1 Qantas Point for every A$1 spent at Lotte Duty Free when they provide their Qantas Frequent Flyer membership Travel Daily Media Boost your business & benchmark against your competitors with TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – start your entry here » TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – start your entry here » Don't have an account? Register Enter your details below to create your account and get started Already have an account? Login Enter your new password below to complete the reset process Home-grown Thai wellness and luxury resort Thann Wellness Destination with the opening of its new flagship retail store in another of the country’s historic towns — Chiang Mai the store incorporates a retail shop on the first floor and the art and jewellery gallery on the second floor in a 285 sqm space on Ayutthaya’s on Phrapokklao Road said: “The opening of Thann Chiang Mai is another milestone of Thann that strengthen both brand awareness in Chiang Mai and that also adds to the existing Thailand and global network of Thann portfolios “Combining the art of natural therapy with modern dermatological science” Supapatranont continued: “As an international natural aromatherapy and skincare brand Thann believes in combining the art of natural therapy with modern dermatological science to provide visible results and we are truly delighted to have our flagship store open in Chiang Mai one of the most popular destinations for all travellers.” Supapatranont went on to close his comments with: ”Thann combines the uniqueness of the art of natural therapy with modern dermatological technology and also places emphasis on the natural restoration of physical and metal balance to enhance health and beauty from within Original products and distinctive packaging design with emphasis on using natural materials have earned several awards from various internationally known organizations.” To find out more about Thann Wellness visit www.thann.co.th Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with your clients by working with our in-house brand studio using our expertise and media reach to help you create and craft your message in video and podcast Sign up for free newsletters and get more TDM delivered to your inbox and more info about our products and services Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates -- THANN Sanctuary Spa in Tarrytown went pink by hosting a breast cancer awareness charity event that benefited Yorktown-based Support Connection a breast and ovarian cancer support organization Fiona Sanzo and Diana Piccolino attended the benefit for Support Connection at THANN Sanctuary Spa Barbara Cervoni and Fiona Sanzo socialize at the benefit manager of THANN Sanctuary Spa; Gilbert Baeriswil general manager of Castle Hotel & Spa; and Barbara Cervoni Attendees were able to receive VIP treatment; Taittinger Champagne educational seminars and hors d’oeuvres while supporting this organization Andrew Jefford salutes a region facing - and embracing - change After last week’s jaunt around Burgundy, I accompanied students on a five-day tour through Alsace.  There were surprises in store. Here are some words I never thought I’d hear – at least at this famous address in Ribeauvillé.  “I’m speaking a lot about Grand Cru,” said Anne Trimbach.  “It’s the way to go to understand the beauty of Alsace.  I know it’s a bit complicated, but it can only help Alsace.  We have such a diversity of soils and it’s the best way to understand that.”  And Premier Cru?  “Let’s hope it happens.” By the way, Anne Trimbach also pointed out how much more motivated and engaged young vineyard workers are in Alsace today compared to a decade or two ago when such labour was “just a job”.  Surely the journey towards expression, nuance and an understanding of site represented by the Grand Cru system has something to do with this? The obligatory labelling of dry Alsace wines as ‘Sec’ is on its way.  I asked Marc Beyer (who says he produces fine dry Alsace wines “for the gastronomy orchestra”) if he was happy about this.  “No,” he replied, with pained dignity.  “It should not be necessary.  Alsace wine should be dry.”  This was also what Marc Hugel had in mind when he called the coming scheme “a joke” last year. There has been some movement on closures in Alsace: both the Barthelmé brothers at Albert Mann and the Blanck cousins at Paul Blanck use screwcaps for some of their range as do co-ops like Beblenheim, and Marc Hugel says that his decision to switch to Diam corks was “the most clever decision I took in my life … The nightmare is now behind us.” My view is that all Alsace Riesling, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Edelzwicker and Gentil wines would be best bottled under screwcap.  The evolution of these Alsace whites in time, after all, relates to a kind of expansion, refinement and modulation of their fruit characters and their intricate fruit perfumes: such wines benefit most from the fruit-and-scent preservation which screwcap delivers. By contrast, I’d chose Diam corks for the texturally richer (and sometimes frankly tannic) Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, where the developmental trajectory is closer to that of the classic oaked white: a broadening of flavour and a metamorphosis of fruit towards vinosity and structural power, accompanied by creamy, nutty, mushroomy, truffle-like or meaty forms of richness.  Clean, reliable cork favours this kind of evolution. Pinot production in Alsace remains a secondary specialism (around 10% of Alsace production is red), but several producers mentioned how climate change is making ambitious Pinot production increasingly viable.  The 2015 vintage, too, broke new barriers for Alsace’s Pinot Noir producers.  If you’ve never tried Alsace Pinot Noir, 2015 is the vintage to start: here are a couple of notes, followed by a selection of the rest of the week’s outstanding bottles. Léon Beyer, Comtes d’Eguisheim, Pinot Noir 2015 Only the third vintage of the Comtes d’Eguisheim Pinot produced (after 2003 and 2009), this has poised, billowing fresh-fruit scents with vivacious redcurrant and smoky cherry on the palate: structured, deep, graceful and articulate, a complete success (and made with 100% whole bunch, too).  92 points / 100 From 40-year-old vines in Hengst, and made with 50 per cent whole bunch material in this vintage, this wine is deep red in colour, with dense red fruits and plenty of meaty richness.  On the palate, the wine is deep, dense, ringing, structured and vivid: more Gevrey in style than Chambolle, with meaty flesh and ripe tannins.  I’ve never tasted a better Alsace Pinot Noir than this.  94 Blanck, Grand Cru Schlossberg, Riesling 2014 Pure, fresh, planty and pungent scents, and a scything palate packed with bracing limey fruit.  Intense, pure, balanced and complete.  Philippe Blanck also showed us the 2008 to illustrate some of the ageing potential of this wine.  The aromas had modulated to talc and orange flower, but the palate was still racy, delicate and fine.  93 Albert Boxler, Grand Cru Sommerberg ‘D’ (Dudenstein), Riesling 2015 Jean Boxler’s 2015 wines maintain his dauntingly high standards.  The Sommerberg ‘D’, from a small parcel containing old vines planted after 1945, is a masterful wine of great intensity, complexity and energy: almost explosive in the mouth.  It is both opulent and vivacious: a typically Alsatian combination, but rarely realised with the drama and clarity of expression that you find here.  96 Cave Coopérative de Ribeauvillé, Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim, Riesling 2013 White-green in colour; orchard fruits and spring woodland scents; pure, precise, clean and dry, yet long and structured, too, from this sunny clay-soiled site.  The proof that co-operatives can make excellent Grand Cru wines, too.  90 Schoffit, Clos St Theobald, Grand Cru Rangen, Pinot Gris 2010 Aromatic creamy softness, then vivid, smoky and rich on the palate.  Dense, thick-textured and complex, with unusually vivid acidity to balance out the 37 g/l of sugar; a saline edge; then a long, almost malty finish.  Grand wine from the region’s most astonishing single site.  94 Trimbach, Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeauvillé, Gewurztraminer 2011 A richly dry Gewurz based on fruit from from Muhlfurst (this Hunawihr vineyard close to Rosacker is rumoured to be in pole position for Premier Cru status) and Rosacker itself: elegant, fine-lined and almost minty fresh in scent, with sumptuous, creamy flavours which merely hint at rose petal.  Proof that fine Gewurztraminer can be restrained and elegant.  92  Clos St Hune is an unassuming, gently sloping Hunawihr hillside vineyard with no wall around it and no church at the top of the hill (the famous label, of course, portrays an elegant fantasy).  The scents are quiet but evocative: an apple orchard; wet stones.  Perfumed and lush on the palate, yet stony and long, too, with the apple here modulating towards apricot.  Refreshing, enticing, supremely drinkable as well as intellectually satisfying.  94 Zind Humbrecht, Heimbourg, Pinot Gris 2013 A brilliant dry Pinot Gris (just 6.9 /l residual sugar) which shows how this variety in Alsace can, in the right hands, acquire the density and force of personality of a red wine.  It’s still pale, but the haunting aromas allude to meat, grain, smoke and both fresh and dried orchard fruits. On the palate the wine is salty, rich, packed with almost every fruit essence you can think of: an astonishing roar from this west-facing limestone vineyard. 95  “To make a litre of Schlossberg, you need a litre of sweat.”  Jacky Barthelmé, Albert Mann “The best wine is the one you take a second glass of.”  Marc Beyer, Léon Beyer “Wines are like children: you need to watch them closely, but not to interefere all the time.”  Catherine Faller, Weinbach Armed suspect captured after violent rampage in Tak province Heavy rains cause flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas Southern insurgency escalates, govt to crackdown on militant leaders U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project to sign on June 18 US puts sanctions on Myanmar warlord and militia linked to cyber scams Korea.net hosts networking event for Honorary Reporters Accord with Japan to protect both nations' people abroad A bilateral agreement with Japan will bolster cooperation in protecting the nationals of both nations abroad Click here to read more about the latest summit between leaders of both countries Talks with NZ seek to upgrade ties to strategic partnership Korea and New Zealand have agreed to advance talks on elevating the bilateral Partnership for the 21st Century concluded Korea and New Zealand have agreed to advance talks on elevating the bilateral Partnership for the 21st Century concluded in 2006 to a comprehensive strategic partnership Mixed boccia pair to face Hong Kong for Paralympic gold the Jeong-Kang pair will face in the final Hong Kong in mixed pair BC3 boccia 🌕 S-Tier food for Chuseok 🌕 | K-Cuisine Relay | Ep.28 Galbijjim & Samsaeknamul “Reading is so sexy!” — Headlined by The Guardian (UK)　| Balance Talk | Ep Korean German architect in Seoul seeks to innovate Hanok Grassroots group seeks to clean up trash from Jeju waters Polish capital hosts Korean cultural event at Breakfast Market Hanbok-clad children play traditional games President Yoon attends opening of Cyber Summit Korea Descendants of Korean War veterans attend event in Incheon Multicultural families attend Chuseok event Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the 79th Liberation Day Keynote Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol at the NATO Public Forum K-pop management innovation changes global music industry Korea-French friendship to drive future partnership Denmark's digital strategy to preserve global democracy 10th workshop of European Association for Korean Language Education (EAKLE) PNP launches TOP COP special class to enhance tourist safety K-Culture Extravaganza Lights Up Jozi: Korean Cultural Centre Unveils ‘Travelling Korea’ Korean Restaurant to open soon in Abuja-Envoy Jusung Gabriel Park & Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds the Vice President of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation and a former member of the National Economic Advisor Council that advises the Government on economic policy But U Tin Maung Thann is probably best known for being one of the driving forces behind the Myanmar Peace Center an organization setup to facilitate and mediate in the peace process As a member of the Union Political Dialogue Joint Committee U Tin Maung Thann will sit at the negotiation table when the peace process enters the political dialogue phase next month Frontier discussed issues ranging from inclusiveness to the NLD government and the soon to be operational joint peace fund We silenced the guns in two thirds of the conflict areas By strength of forces of the 8 signatories it’s like 80 per cent of the ethnic armed forces That decomplicates the political decisions along the Thai border It’s a different story in the States that border with China Political Chinese influence is not that significant but vested personal business interests on both sides of the border are That is the non political part of the factors affecting decision making At the very leadership level of for example the KNPP or the NMSP the leaders are old and it’s a struggle to get them to come forward and sign Or the changing political situation could influence the dynamic Support more independent journalism like this. Sign up to be a Frontier member If you look at the dynamics within the groups But the old conservative hardliners are less eager There’s mixed feelings in the organizations According to my four years experience with them time is the only medicine One thing is sure: political development on the mainland side will have a positive effect If the country opens up further and the economy develops that will be helpful for the peace process the success of this process has been the patience tolerance and the understanding on the government and Tatmadaw side Especially our chief negotiator U aung Min He is really dedicated to build understanding and trust They are finalizing the framework as we speak There are three major camps: the ethnic armed groups National League for Democracy representatives will participate in the talks On the one hand we need to stick to what we agreed in the NCA The second condition is that the next government should be in the driver’s seat to take critical decisions That’s why we proposed that there will be only a few critical things on the agenda All armed ethnic organizations will be involved Those who didn’t sign can join as observers We have urged the ethnic armed organizations to form a coordinating committee for signatories and the non-signatories The participation part is not a problem anymore the number of the delegates and the ratios That is going to be in the political dialogue framework Agenda item number two will be to formulate the guiding principles I wouldn’t call it a national convention but 500 700 or 1,000 delegates will have to go through this long process to reach a political settlement for all the political forces in this country For that reason the guiding principle part is very important The third item on the agenda will be the structure of the national dialogue We don’t plan to settle this in the first session We will combine all the proposals on structure in a package that will be discussed at the second session The first session will take maximum ten days Our responsibility is to complete the first session and pave the way for the new government to come in That will be discussed in the second session The future government will build the structure And the third government might take care of the interior My educated guess is that it will take at least 5 years before the people can feel and see the new house But they can’t yet move into the new house In the first 5 years we can reach fundamental agreements on issues like federalism In the ten years after that we will finetune everything Let me start with my own experience with discussing federalism with the ethnics But at the end the only thing that is important to them is: ‘you treat me well’ What I found out is that we have very big issue but the solutions are very simple and fundamental And I think we are going in the right direction We don’t know yet which federal design is going to be useable for Myanmar If you ask me as someone who has a bit of background in this I would imagine that the seven States can become federal States And the seven regions can be based on their geographical diversity That kind of hybrid model can be workable for us Let me clarify one thing first: there is no Bamar at all If we look at our DNA I think it would be difficult to find a pure Bamar The root causes of our problems can be found in colonial times and the minorities were isolated and underdeveloped We can start with the structural design of the federal state we can negotiate how to share the resources and the power but actually when Kachin State is peaceful things will change What I understand is that there is a USD 230 billion deposit of iron ore hidden in Kachin soil The Chinese market is sitting next to that With the current day level of stability that iron ore extraction cannot be done We need a very good political statement to have sustainable development in this country for the future generations I am not in the position to disclose details because this is a delicate matter for the transition Even Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is keeping very quiet on this is that she in principle recognizes the importance of the peace process and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – realize the importance of peace for our society So whenever they meet they discuss this core issue If there is going to be an MPC under a NLD government We recognize the donors’ role in the peace process One reason why the peace process is a success The donors have their obligations and their interests This will be a new chapter for the donors to deal with all the issues here In some other areas they will have the tone down a lot We facilitated LIFT when Myanmar was more closed off this was the first of the multi trust style funds here But the political landscape will be more open so I don’t want to limit myself to this joint peace fund This is what we have to settle in the negotiations The things we have achieved are unprecedented After the Panglong agreement the NCA is the one and only document that all the political forces can agree with We worked two years on that and built a lot of trust and understanding This document is different from the others as well This is a coordinated proposal by all the ethnic armed groups Happy is not a big enough word to express my feelings Support our independent journalism and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content and analysis Stay on top of Myanmar current affairs with our Daily Briefing and Media Monitor newsletters Sign up for our Frontier Fridays newsletter It’s a free weekly round-up featuring the most important events shaping Myanmar Publication date 15 March 2017 | 09:11 ICT A worker passes the Kampot Hydro power dam in 2014 More than 200 locals, students and NGO staffers joined together yesterday to pray for Cambodia’s rivers and to raise awareness of the potential deleterious effects of the Lower Sesan II dam and the proposed 2,600-megawatt Sambor dam. An annual International Day of Action for Rivers ceremony has taken place in Stung Treng’s Kbal Romeas village since 2015 after a community representative saw a similar ceremony in Thailand the year before and brought the idea home a coordinator for 3S Rivers Protection Network (3SPN) ceremonies also took place in Kratie province’s Koh Thnaoth village and Ratanakkiri province’s Seang Say village an alumnus of Earth Rights International’s Mekong School and a consultant on land development for NGOs said he first pitched the idea to the Koh Thnaoth community as an opportunity to “talk about how people make their livelihood off the river and how the river is connected to the people” Central to the ceremonies in each province in which locals asked water spirits to protect their rivers from the impacts of the Lower Sesan II dam and the proposed Sambor dam while indigenous Phnong people asked the spirits to preserve their river from Lower Sesan II and curse those responsible for its construction fun and relaxing spree are in the air as A-list families join Hello and BMW to embark on an exclusive road trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya And here’s our recap of the experience event – A Journey Through Heritages with BMW Luxury World The day saw 10 society families driving up the Chao Phraya river with the BMW X7 and 7 series one of Ayutthaya’s astonishing landmarks with great historical significance the group drove to THANN Wellness Destination the group were welcomed by Thitipat “Oh” Supatranon founder of THANN and THANN Wellness Destination and personal collector of ancient artefacts from the golden era of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai While the parents indulged themselves in THANN signature programmes – aroma therapy and Thai traditional massage – a facial workshop and salt therapy the children relished their time by partaking in ceramic painting Scroll through the gallery below to see more of the heritage joy ride To find out more about BMW, visit bmw.co.th https://th.hellomagazine.com/  https://www.prestigeonline.com/th/  By subscribing, you accept the terms and conditions in our privacy policy Last Updated on 28th October 2024 by Sophie Nadeau Between twinkling lights and delicious foodstuffs here’s your guide to the Thann Christmas market as well as travel tips to know before your visit Often referred to as the cradle of the Alsace textile industry even today it’s hard not to miss the gleaming modern factories when heading into Thann by car Home to a museum and a fantastic example of a Gothic church in the typical Alsatian Gothic style the best time of the year to visit is in the festive period when the town is decked out with an abundance of decorations 2024 Thann Christmas Market Dates: Friday 22nd November – Monday 23rd December Exceptionally closing at 5 pm on the 24th of December Situated in the Grand-Est, the tiny town of Thann can be found close to the borders with both Switzerland and Germany and boasts a population of just under eight thousand residents. Surrounded by swathes of vineyards, the Southern Alsace town lies at the entrance to the Alsace wine route one of the best cultural wine routes in Europe some of the best things to do in Thann include marvelling at the fantastic tympanum of the Gothic Collegiate Church of Saint Thiébaut and visiting the Museum of the Friends of Thann which is set against the backdrop of a former wheat market If you have a little more time while in Thann you might consider hiking up to Engelbourg Castle which is accessible only via footpaths and hiking trails the ruins of the historic monument date back to the 17th-century and are known locally as the ‘witch’s eye’ due to their unusual appearance when viewed from Thann I was a little apprehensive as to what we would find as we approached Thann’s centre and therefore the Thann market surrounding the Gothic architecture of the Collegiate Church (the ecclesiastical building is well a worth a visit in of itself even if the Christmas Market isn’t in town during your visit) unlike many of the other Alsatian towns we had the pleasure of visiting Thann wasn’t decked out in decorations nor were there any twinkling lights hanging above any of the roads.  we soon found a space to park up (there’s free parking throughout the town) and headed towards the historic city centre which comprises of just a handful of streets surrounding the main church and you’ll soon discover a myriad of Christmas lights and decorations including a decorated ‘tree tunnel’ to reach the first of the Thann Christmas Markets All within a couple of hundred metres of one another and surrounding the church market stalls and vendors are to be found at Place Joffre Place St Thiébaut and Place De Lattre de Tassigny Highlights of the Christmas stalls (there are around two dozen stalls in total all surrounded by a seas of Christmas trees) include several artisanal stands selling a selection of handcrafted goods and gifts there are plenty of knitted hats and scarves due to the small nature of Thann Christmas Market there are fewer options than at some of the larger Alsace events there’s the traditional Spätzle (pasta served with a creamy lardon sauce) we were delighted to discover a stand selling vegetarian pad thai as well as vegetarian spring rolls (‘nems’ or ‘rouleaux de Printemps in French) One peculiarity with the Christmas Market of Thann is the sheer number of ‘sapins’ (fir trees) dotted around the town these trees are gathered from various villages across the region (17 in total) and each represents the village in question the largest tree to be seen is that of Thann which in turn is decorated in 2km worth of twinkling fairy lights which in turn offers links to the rest of the Alsace Like every other European Christmas Market you’ll need cash to purchase most of the goods at the stalls Few chalets have card-reading facilities and so cash is essential to purchase both goods and foodstuffs (not to mention vin chaud!) This is typical for the Alsace region though luckily ATMs are available in most major towns and cities You should note that despite reading several websites across the internet which stated that the nearby town of Cernay also holds its own Christmas market there is a three-day long event during the middle of December so as not to detract from the main event in nearby Thann While you’ll largely find that people have a good understanding of English, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language, in this case, French. Bring along a French phrasebook like this one to help you get by Like many other Alsace towns, Thann is full of cobbled lanes and so be sure to wear your comfiest walking shoes! Winter in France is cold, especially in the Alsace, and so pack a warm winter jacket like this one Enjoyed reading about how to visit Thann Christmas Market Planning a trip to the European Christmas markets Want more handy information to bring with you on-the-go Our digital companion guide is over 130 pages long and is packed with detailed tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy wellness is more than just products and two-hour spa experiences Outside the THANN Store & Spa at Gaysorn Village Mall in Bangkok (Left) Checking out the THANN Aromatic Wood Collection;(Right) Discovering the texture of the THANN Oil-Free Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ with Nano Shiso Along a pathway of the THANN Wellness Destination After an afternoon of touring the THANN boutiques in bustling Bangkok we embarked on an hour’s car journey to the THANN Wellness Destination in Ayutthaya It comes as no surprise that this historical old capital of Thailand was chosen as a home for the national brand’s guests to spend some quality time for rest and rejuvenation you’ll be glad to know that the THANN Wellness Destination is just 30 minutes away from the Ayutthaya Historical Park which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 The four monkey statues at the lobby building The resort offers 46 luxuriously spacious guest accommodations which include river view suites Each accommodation is equipped with a complimentary in-room healthy drink and snack bar and of course a bestseller range of THANN’s natural skincare and aromatherapy products you will notice that plastic bottled water is not used throughout the resort All decked in resort attire as we go about the wellness activities Unlimited wellness activities for the ultimate R&R Enjoying a 90-minute Swedish massage at the spa treatment room At the heart of the establishment sits the Spa Complex Each night of stay gives you a complimentary 90-minute spa treatment and unlimited access to all wellness activities Soaking the wellness up at the aromatherapy bathhouse (Left) Lobster Phad Thai for lunch; (Right) Rice Porridge for breakfast all main meals at the THANN Wellness Destination are also part of the room charge Designed to retain natural flavours and deliver nutritious values every menu is developed to uplift the mind with its fresh ingredients dishes created for wellness does not have to be bland or boring Our tummies were treated to a feast that was pure bliss The Passion Behind THANN Wellness Destination From leading the design of the resort and conducting training for all new staff to the plating of each dish and the development of exercise routines and incredibly down-to-earth man with a passion for nature He witnessed how happy his customers were after their two-hour spa sessions and with the new THANN Wellness Destination the destination to holistic wellness will be well within reach Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] TheBeauLife is owned and operated by Clozette Group It’s life as you want it – uncomplicated and effortless