By RAMA GAIND

The Seatran Ferry quickly picked up speed leaving the terminal from Donsak as I watched the soaring white statue of Buddha fast disappearing behind us, crossing the Gulf of Thailand, to Koh Samui.

The vessel glided across the waters heading for Thailand’s third largest island with a population of 50,000 and an area of 228.7sqkm. The journey was just over 105 minutes.

The eyes on the horizon revealed, in the distance, cliffs around the sea featuring a growing warren of buildings of every size and description. Among them were resorts with distinctive five-star furnishings, exquisite cuisine and matchless views that took your breath away.

One such destination, Hansar Samui, just 10 minutes from the airport offered the true essence of Thai hospitality. A stunning 74-room beachfront property, it is truly a cool oasis in the centre of a tropical stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters of Koh Samui’s upmarket Bophat Bay.

The location is superb and centre stage is the shimmering, infinity-edge saltwater swimming pool, just a few steps from the beach. Tranquil surrounds. Wow!

It’s aptly named: Hansar is from Sanskrit and means happiness and joy. The concept, philosophy, location and service are a perfect fit aimed at ensuring that guests have a happy, enjoyable and memorable sojourn. Hansar Samui is about living life in full colour and finding joy in every moment.

After the check-in formalities were over, another surprise was in store being escorted to my spacious room. The accommodation provided a front row seat to the idyllic island life as every room had unobstructed sea views and private balconies.

Chic custom furnishings and amenities balance the design’s natural touches with a modern flair. Walk-in rain showers and free-standing tubs were additional highlights of the Hansar Samui experience.

Delectable evening

Feeling refreshed, the time was right to partake of canapés and sunset cocktails at the elevated Chill Lounge before ending the day at the resort’s signature restaurant – H Bistro. Here it was a delectable evening as executive chef Stephen Dion showcased his French Mediterranean culinary specialties in addition to some Thai delicacies.

He creates a unique and memorable epicurean experience for resort guests where they can appreciate the authentic tastes.

Carefully selected fresh Maine lobsters and oysters are flown from Canada, Japan and France. The menu is complemented by a hand-picked list of international wines and champagnes, reflecting the resort’s commitment to creating a truly epicurean experience.

An array of dishes including turbot and pork were delicious, but it was the desserts that appealed to all: pineapple ravioli, pistachio crème brulee, warm chocolate-melted cake with vanilla ice cream, cheese cake and pannacotta. Divine!

Compliments were flowing thick and fast for Stephen.

Hansar hospitality

Nothing but the best will do for Hansar Samui. General manager Indra Budiman, displayed a passionate enthusiasm for Hansar hospitality, elaborating on the wide range of activities, both in the resort and around the island.

Mr Budiman, with extensive experience in the hospitality industry spanning 18 years, pointed out that Stephen Dion focused on combining the right array of simple textures and flavours with the finest ingredients which were sourced worldwide, while still ensuring value-for-money.

It was at his suggestion that our group was taken on an escorted sightseeing tour. It takes about two hours to drive around the island, with the north and east coast ideal for swimming; it was well worth the trip.

Highlights included a visit to see the 15m high Big Buddha; beautiful, long white sand Chaweng beach; scenic point at Kao Hua Jook Pagoda; Lad Koh, a lookout point with spectacular views; and no visit is complete unless you go to Lamai Beach to see the grandfather and grandmother rocks. Amazing work from mother nature!

Fisherman’s Village

A leisurely stroll down the quaint cobblestone ‘walking street’ adjacent to the resort, is the vibrant Fisherman’s Village, with its antique wooden shopfronts, chic cafes and atmospheric seaside bars including the Bondi Aussie Bar & Grill.

Going to the Friday night market, strolling down the Fisherman’s Village walking street was not only a chance to meet fellow Indians, but also an opportunity to pick up some wonderful souvenirs.

Walked into the Samui Armani store and Jeet Bahadur, owner/tailor of Samui Armani store, was assisted by his nephew Tej Bahadur. Owner of the Kohinoor Indian Restaurant, K.P. Pandey, was busy serving customers with help from nephew Bimlesh Kumar, Jyoti from Burma and Gopal Mahato.

The evening came to a nostalgic end with dinner at Krua Bophut where a mixed selection of songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s – from such artists as Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, the Carpenters and Frank Sinatra – brought many happy memories hurtling back.

Luksa pampering

Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Luksa Sumui spa experience – it’s invigorating!

Luksa (Sanskrit for ‘healing – health through water’) combines ancient Thai healing methods based on the four body elements of earth, water, air and fire. These need to be balanced throughout life.

A comprehensive massage is revitalising, having energy and flexibility restored to your body is extraordinary and a feeling of wellbeing is overwhelming.

It’s a pleasurable haven – and that’s not just for the senses!

Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand with accommodation in Koh Samui hosted by Hansar Samui.

DETAILS BOX

Hansar Samui

101/28 Moo 1, Bo Phut

Samui 84320

Telephone: +66 77 245 511

Email: reservation@hansarsamui.com

Visit the website at http://www.hansarsamui.com/

Getting there

Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org

Fast facts, visit: http://www.tourismthailand.org/about-thailand/

Flight details

Thai Airways International flies 42 flights a week between Australia and Thailand

with easy connections to Thai’s domestic network; twice daily from Sydney and

Melbourne, daily from Brisbane and seven-a-week from Perth (including three non-stops to Phuket). Connections are also available with Bangkok Airways domestic network.

Check out: www.thaiairways.com.au

Film Reviews

By Rama Gaind

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE: Hilarity in heartbreak is found when Cal (Steve Carell), dumped by his wife (Julianne Moore), gets a manly makeover from Jacob (Ryan Gosling) in a darkly funny ensemble piece.

In addition, Jacob finds himself falling for sprightly lawyer Hannah (Emma Stone).

An appealing cast, an incisive script and some pleasant lines stop the ensemble love examination to tumble into a banal absurdity.

Co-directors, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, save it from crumbling.  At times unbelievable, it provides intense entertainment with astute takes on infatuation and affection.

NORWEGIAN WOOD: Overlong it is, but Haruki Murakami’s novel of love and loss among Japanese students in the 1960s is a touching film.

THE CUP: Picking up in the home stretch, Damien Oliver’s moving Melbourne Cup victory gets insipid handling.

FOOTLOOSE: A lacklustre remake of Kevin Bacon’s 1984 hit, this film sees young people disobeying rules in a town where teenage dancing is banned.

THE SMURFS: kids will enjoy the antics of the little blue people in New York while parents will appreciate the gags aimed at them.

FILM REVIEWS

BY RAMA GAIND

FROM BOLLYWOOD

ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA: Zoya Akhtar is one Indian female director who is intrepid in the way she shoots, intent on presenting a wholesome cinematic experience.

“Live today as if there is no tomorrow” is a well-worn phrase that delivers with an understated emotionality in this romcom, buddy-buddy, road trip that comes together beautifully as a great feel-good film.

After Kabir (Abhay Deol) becomes engaged to Natasha (Kalki Koechlin) he goes on an extended bachelor party with his two best friends — Imran (Farhan Akhtar) and Arjun (Hrithik Roshan) — on a road trip they had actually planned together four years earlier. They go to Spain after agreeing to each pick an extreme sport: Arjun picks skydiving — and Imran is afraid of heights. Kabir chooses deep sea diving and Arjun can’t swim. Imran tops them both with the most dangerous activity of all — the Pamplona Running of the Bulls as part of the San Fermin Festival.

They discover that the point of all this risk-taking was to help them confront and overcome their fears. By realising that the sweetness of life was in the face of death, each man achieves a personal breakthrough.

Arjun makes a strong emotional connection with their diving instructor, Laila (Katrina Kaif), who instantly recognises his airs as defensiveness. She makes him realise the importance of being “free”.

Abhay is the group’s anchor, Farhan’s prankster is full of beans and Hrithik’s transformation from an uptight, money-hungry stockbroker to carefree wanderer is a refined act.

The catchy music and score is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with meaningful lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

Zoya Akhtar is an expert storyteller with a visual sense that has no dialogue, giving enough details to make an impact and revealing enough backtrack story to make her characters complex without overwhelming the plot.

MAUSAM (Season): An old-fashioned romance underlies this eternal journey of love between Harry and Aayat, spanning 10 years, that loses its appeal over nearly three hours.

The love blossoms between Harinder Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and Aayat (Sonam Kapoor) against the backdrop of several political events: 9/11 terror attack, Mumbai bomb blast, Ayodhya dispute, Kargil war and Gujarat riots. The world seethes to the fury and gives way to the violence, but it’s disconcerting to see that the couple constantly struggle to be together.

The film has a refreshing start, with plenty of atmosphere enhanced by Shahid’s boyish optimism and Sonam’s bashful femininity. Shahid, as an Indian Air Force pilot, looks dashing and Sonam was more enchanting with her native innocence than a diva persona.

Binod Pradhan’s cinematography captures it all concisely with sweet music by Pritam.

However, Pankaj Kao’s screenplay lets it down as does first-time director Pankaj Kapoor who loses control with sluggish, temperamental pace which even overseas backdrops in Scotland and Switzerland could not compensate.

Doesn’t live up to expectations.

MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN (My Brother’s Bride): The heart guides this Bollywood movie, and the singing, dancing and settings, including the Taj Mahal, are stunning.

The lively, good-natured romantic musical comedy gives up it plot in the first 10 minutes and the remaining 130-plus are spent weaving your way through many plot twists and turns, amid an excess of pleasant musical numbers making for lots of fun to the end.

Debut director Ali Abbas Zafar strings it all together fairly well.

In another romantic film, Katrina Kaif enacts her lively, spunky, rockstar babe role with ease, as against the mellowed Imran Khan.

Kaif carries the film on her agile shoulders, displaying a range in her acting for the first time. Her lively, energetic, rock star babe role has been enacted with ease. While she might have overdone the act int some places, you really can’t ignore it because that is what the character of pretty Dimple is all about – animated, impulsive, nonchalantly unafraid, amusing and spirited.

Music by Sohail Sen is good. Cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee catches the eye.

By Rama Gaind

A six-month quest for a small cabin bag ended, unexpectedly, when I was in Sydney – staying at the Vibe Hotel Rushcutters.

Overlooking Rushcutters Bay Park and the Cruising Yacht Club Marina, the hotel is also surrounded by Sydney’s most exclusive shopping and nightlife spots.

The options are endless: chill out and stay up late in Kings Cross, Double Bay, Paddington, Woollahra and Potts Point or escape the action and head to the rooftop swimming pool which has been voted among the ‘Top Five’ pools in Sydney.

However, first things first and unwinding in the one-bedroom suite with king bed and sitting room was essential.

It was very tempting to unwind, but I got distracted by the magnificent birdseye views across Rushcutters Bay, the countless number of boats and yachts moored in the marina and beyond. People were walking in the park below, dogs were making the most of their daily exercise and the nearby oval was beckoning football enthusiasts.

Overlooking the treetops you could see beyond the bay to Darling Point, Edgecliffe, Elizabeth Bay and Double Bay in the distance.

It was also tempting to laze away a few hours over a meal at the Curve Restaurant, but I had another mission on my mind – small hand luggage.

My hunt took me within 10 minutes of the hotel from Bayswater Road, uphill to Kings Cross, into Roslyn Road (catching my breath!) at its intersection with Ward Avenue.

Some more walking, uphill, turning corners, across a pedestrian crossing, into a small shopping centre where Macleay Street was on one side and Darlinghurst Road on the other that opened up a whole new world in Potts Point.

It was here, turning left,  among an endless row of shops that the 16-inch cabin bag on wheels surfaced. What’s more, the price didn’t leave a dent in the pocket either!

Great location

The parkside location of the Vibe Hotel in Rushcutters Bay was just perfect and the choice of activities was incredible.

It’s near high fashion outlets in the midst of Double Bay boutiques; a short taxi ride and you’re in the CBD to partake of the delights of shopping in Pitt and Castlereagh Streets; the craft markets of Paddington are not far away; or for something more leisurely eastern suburbs beaches beckon you for brunch with Bondi Beach and its iconic lifestyle only minutes away.

Sydney is an easy city for shopping, provided you know what you want. The precincts can be clustered together and joined by pedestrian malls and walkways, but the cosmopolitan choices are varied.

One of the most beautiful buildings on George Street is the Queen Victoria Building that was opened in 1898. It has been faithfully restored in celebration of a bygone era.

Much smaller, but another beautiful building is The Strand, also on George Street and it houses some of the best Australian fashion labels.  From here you make your way through to Pitt Street Mall, a pedestrian zone flanked on all sides by the cream of international designer labels together with other mainstream Australian fashion houses. Check out the new Westfield Mall in Pitt Street.

Harbourside Shopping Centre is where you have a feast of shopping, food and fabulous water views.

If you visit this month, then check out the Crave Sydney International Food Festival until October 31. It  celebrates Sydney as a global dining destination enhanced by regional New South Wales produce and wine.

The 2011 festival will again prove Sydney is the place to be for food lovers in October, with the launch revealing an exciting line-up of superstar chefs, a spicy South American theme and hundreds of city and regional events.

Choose to stay at the Vibe Hotel Rushcutters where appealing, vibe-rant colours, stylish rooms, great location, relaxed atmosphere, fresh dining options and cocktails can kick-start a fun-filled sojourn!

Rama Gaind was a guest of Vibe Hotel Rushcutters.

WHERE TO STAY

Vibe Hotel

100 Bayswater Road

Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011

Tel: (02) 8353-8988

Email: vhrs@vibehotels.com.au

www.vibehotels.com.au

By Rama Gaind

It was attending Floriade 2011 that prompted a visit to the nearby National Gallery of Australia, in Canberra: I wish I’d gone there much earlier.

For walking through and getting an insight into the works of one of Australia’s greatest artists, Fred Williams, was an eye-opener.

The exhibition ends in the nation’s capital on November 6, 2011.

Fred Williams: Infinite horizons showcases a major review exhibition of one of Australia’s most influential and much-loved artists.

The director of the National Gallery of Australia, Ron Radford, said: “Fred Williams is surely Australia’s greatest and most innovative landscape artist of the twentieth century. His paintings defined a new way of viewing and understanding the Australian landscape. Williams position in our visual culture is of immense importance”.

According to exhibition curator Dr Deborah Hart, the exhibition which features more than 100 works of art provides an “insight into Fred Williams’ unique take on the Australian environment”.

“It includes major international loans from the Tate in London, and numerous works from Australian public and private collections, many of which have not been displayed publicly before,” she said.

Visitors will see a stunning range of Williams’ iconic paintings inspired by the unique Australian landscape from Upwey in Victoria to the Pilbara in Western Australia and Weipa in North Queensland, along with surprising lesser known portraits of family and friends.

The exhibition features a wide range of Australian subjects including expansive views of deserts, mountains, beaches, rainforests and bushfires, as well as, more intimate studies of wildflowers, mushrooms, birds and insects. Among the works that have never been publicly shown before is the marvellously illustrated China sketchbook created during a visit by Williams to China in 1976.

The exhibition highlights his strength as a landscape artist and includes important oil paintings and luminous gouaches that reveal his distinctive approach.

Fred Williams created a highly original way of seeing the Australian landscape, often combining a feeling for place with an emphasis on the abstract. Although best known as a painter of the dry landscape, this retrospective reveals that he was also a remarkable painter of water, of seascapes, ponds, creeks, billabongs and waterfalls.

One amazing recreation, which visitors will be enamoured of, is the Education Activity Room which offers interactive activities inspired by the artist’s artworks and studio providing the opportunity for visitors to engage with the artist’s creative process, influences and working methods.

Fred Williams died in 1982 leaving behind a body of work of great significance. His art has changed the way in which we view and understand the Australian landscape.

You will want to visit the gallery more than once – to see the many other exhibitions on view!

DETAILS – You need to know

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

Fred Williams: Infinite horizons

Exhibition ends November 6, 2011

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Entry is $15 adults, $10 members/concession. Children under 16 free.

http://www.nga.gov.au/williams

By Rama Gaind

Floriade 2011, which continues in full swing until October 16, is ‘A feast for the senses’ with exciting attractions set amongst a stunning backdrop of beautiful blooms in Commonwealth Park, Canberra.

To coincide with this year’s theme, Crowne Plaza Canberra is offering guests a series of floral and foodie experiences for hotel guests until October 16.

Throughout the festival, Crowne Plaza will offer complimentary afternoon tea with decorated cupcakes and hot chocolate for guests in its sunny atrium. The hotel has also partnered with local gourmet produce suppliers, including Fancy That Confectionary, Gourmet Taste Bud and Mount Majura Winery, to offer complimentary food and wine tasting events for guests.

Keeping to the floral theme, the hotel’s foyer and atrium are decorated in Floriade-inspired flower arrangements and perfumed with a refreshing botanical aroma, backed by a musical soundtrack inspired by buds and blooms.

Located near the festival site at Commonwealth Park, Crowne Plaza Canberra is the closest hotel to Floriade. To make sure guests don’t get lost on the short stroll, the hotel’s concierge desk will be equipped with maps, brochures and guides to the festival.

The hotel’s close proximity to Floriade also means revellers looking to experience the festival by night for Floriade Nightfest can avoid long taxi queues when the event closes at 10:30pm.

To coincide with this year’s festival, Crowne Plaza Canberra is offering a special Celebrate Spring package including overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast for two in Redsalt Restaurant, complimentary car parking, a two-for-one drink voucher in the newly-refurbished Binara One bar, an exclusive welcome pack and a sweet in-room treat, from $250 per night.

Take a trip to the nation’s capital and stay at the Crowne Plaza Canberra, within minutes walk to the CBD and attractions such as Questacon and Parliament House. The hotel offers spacious guest rooms with luxurious beds and lounges, swimming pool, complimentary access to the Pro-Fit Health Club with sauna, wireless connectivity in public areas and Earth Day Spa.

The package is valid for stay until October 16, 2011. For details or to book, call 138 388 or visit www.crowneplazacanberra.com.au.

Funded by the ACT Government, Floriade is in its 23^rd year and attracted record crowds last year with more than 470,000 visitors. Expectations are high again this year.

Other Floriade attractions

Make sure you capture the amazing vistas of Floriade 2011 from the giant ferris wheel or the viewing platform to fully appreciate the garden beds designs.

New attractions include From the Pantry, featuring fascinating demonstrations and presentations by well-known chefs, food experts, local producers and some of the entertainers performing at Floriade and the Kitchen Garden takes a step back in time and transforms into the Victory Garden when staff from the Australian War Memorial share the history of wartime kitchens and gardens, filled with plants and vegetables grown by Australian families during World War II.

Be pampered at Garnier World with complimentary treatments including mini massages and facials or take a ride on the 35-metre ferris wheel and be captivated by the stunning evening views of Commonwealth Park.

Visit the Carnival Stage & Bar for some laughs dished up by comedian Rod Quantock or enjoy a course of groovy tunes from DJs D’Opus and Jemist or watch live performances by Dub Dub Goose and Drum Assault while sipping cocktails at the Butterfly Lounge.

Storm of the Senses: Spectacular new lighting of the garden beds and a new lighting display will bathe the park in vibrant colour and make this year’s NightFest more magical than ever. A series of vivid light installations will transform the surrounds of the Rhododendron Gardens into the eye of a storm at Floriade NightFest from Wednesday, September 28 to Sunday, October 2. Visitors will be showered with digital rain and enchanted by a dramatic soundtrack of powerful thunder, falling rain and gusts of wind.

Carnival in the Park: Floriade will celebrate Latino music and dance on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3 with performances from some of the best artists from Latin America and Australia. Kick up your heels to the sounds of Australia’s hottest Latin band, Chukale, featuring stars of the Buena Vista Social Club; the unmistakable distorted riffs and funked-up percussive rhythms of ARIA nominated Watussi; the groundbreaking fusion of rock and Andean sounds of Victor Valdes & the Martinez Brothers, more than 50 parading Candombe players and much more.

TaikOz: The explosive energy of this unique performance group will be a fitting finale for this year’s festival. Floriade will be filled with the sounds of traditional Japanese, symphonic, jazz and pop music on Sunday, 16 October.

NightFest

See Floriade in a different light from Wednesday, September 28 to Sunday, October 2 2011 when Floriade NightFest will serve up five, fun-filled evenings of movies, food and wine, comedy, bustling night markets and beautiful blooms—all illuminated by spectacular lighting that will excite the senses.

Pack a picnic and head for the giant outdoor screen to watch:

• The Social Network (M) on September 28
• Julie & Julia (PG) on September 29
• Bran Nue Dae (PG) on September 30
• Chocolat (M) on October 1
• Tangled (PG) on October 2

Floriade NightFest ticket prices*

Adults (17 years and over) $25

Child (5 to16 years) $10

Concessions (pensioners, seniors

and student ID card holders) $10

Family (two adults and two children) $50

Children (4 years and under) Free

* Price per night. Transaction fees apply. Some activities around the park will incur an additional fee.

Floriade NightFest tickets are now on sale and can be booked online at www.ticketek.com or phone 13 28 49. Tickets are limited so get in

quick to avoid disappointment.

Public recognition has been given to the many ecologically-aware and community-focused projects being undertaken by the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.

The resort has been presented with the prestigious Fijian Prime Minister’s Agriculture Friendly Hotel Award for 2011 in recognition of its many sustainable commitments and community-minded projects.

According to general manager Adam Laker, the resort’s multi-faceted sustainable growth projects are all encompassing, touching every aspect of life both at the resort and beyond.

“The award is a true manifestation of the resort’s think global, act local mantra,” he says. “Sustainability is something we’re passionate about at Sofitel. All of our resort ambassadors from engineering, food and beverage, sales and marketing, through to housekeeping and our front line staff are vested in our sustainability projects on some level, so it’s an award appreciated and with relevance to every team member.”

Three primary components were important factors in the resort winning the award for 2011 – sustainable food and beverage practices, activating environmental initiatives and engineering and conservation.

Sustainable practices

The resort’s environmentally-friendly practices extend to innovative water usage and grey water recycling, promoting Earth Hour and Earth Guest Day via activities such as tree planting events in association with local primary schools.

Since the resort opened six years ago, it has also significantly increased its use of Fijian produce and now substitutes many imported items with locally sourced products, reflected on Sofitel’s restaurant and room service menus.

This has been achieved by Sofitel working closely with the local community and farmers to directly source and encourages sustainable farming practices. One such project supported by the resort is Fiji’s FRIEND initiative (Foundation for Rural Intergrated Enterprises ‘N’ Development) which assists rural villages to develop food wares and benefit from assistance in regards to production, bottling and distribution.

Another project worthy of note: Sofitel cultivates and harvests its own four-acre farm garden and nursery located behind the resort. The farm provides fresh cut flowers for guest rooms and public areas, along with produce not only for use in restaurants, but for staff to take home to their families.

For more details visit www.sofitelfiji.com.fj

* * * * *

Being conscientious, not only of the environment, but also of the need to support the community through numerous projects is a commendable gesture. By helping others, the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is also helping itself.

Moreover, it is educating many people and organisations along the way.

Such effort is laudable. It is morally above reproach, creditable and deserves high praise. – Rama Gaind