I was in Thailand with AirAsia last month to explore a different side of Thailand. I've been so used to all the shopping and eating in Bangkok, and beach resorts on the many islands found in the country, I was honestly thrilled to experience something different.

First things first - we checked into Renaissance Bangkok (Ratchaprasong) and my suite was absolutely divine. If I had the time, I would really just stay in the bathroom.

We also had a yoga session at the hotel's helipad at 7am with @belovedyoga (on Instagram). The session was incredible, I have never done something like that before! Bangkok at 7am was actually cloudy without the hanging sun so the air was cooling and refreshing. What an experience!

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is actually a place I've been wanting to visit for the longest time. The only reason I haven't visited it despite my countless trips to Bangkok is due to the weather and crowd. Once, I was AT THE ENTRANCE of The Grand Palace but on reflex action, my right arm raised itself and the next moment, we were on a cab and off to the malls. *sheepish grin*

I'm actually very pleased that Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has included this in our itinerary with a guide to bring us around the grounds.

The Grand Palace is spectacular. The architecture is beautiful and the details are so, so intricate. All that glitters is indeed gold.

Do note that you have to be modestly dressed to be allowed entry - no baring of shoulders (a t-shirt is the minimum) and for ladies, your bottom/dress has to be below the knees.

Women's Journey 2016 Dinner

In the evening, I headed to the Women's Journey Thailand dinner hosted by TAT. August 2016 is designated as a month for female travellers to travel to Thailand and here are some of the many beautiful ladies invited. Please also spot Poyd Treechada on the right!!


Soneva Kiri Resort at Koh Kood

Breakfast spread

One of the highlights of the trip was our luxury resort - Soneva Kiri Resort located at Koh Kood. We took a private plane from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to the private island. The journey was an hour and since we flew pretty low, I could still connect to 4G on my phone so the time passed relatively quick!

After we landed, our assigned butler, Chompoo was already waiting for us. We took a short boat ride (approximately 5 minutes from the airport) to the resort where we were warmly welcomed.

No changes was made to Koh Kood and Soneva Kiri is all about nature, untamed jungles and pristine beaches which was why I got bitten by mosquitoes less than 5 minutes on the island! Quickly asked for a mozzie repellent and I never went anywhere without it haha.

I stayed at the Beachfront Villa which was just amazing. We spent a lot of time in the villa chatting and doing nothing in particular. It was a very welcomed respite after the many activities we had in Bangkok.

If you're ever on the island, do remember to make a reservation for their spectacular Treetop Dining, a spa session (it was so good!), and try the Thai food for lunch at the bar/restaurant. Also, say hi to Chompoo for me. She is the best I have ever encountered based on my limited butler experience. Though soft-spoken, Chompoo is very sincere and we can feel that she cared for us with her heart.


Rayong Mangrove Forest

Rayong Mangrove Forest is definitely worth a visit if you're on the way to Pattaya or vice versa. Watch as the forest turns golden under the sunlight and it is the perfect place to take a picture or two because just look at how picturesque the boardwalk is!

Cheers to the end of a wonderful trip with lovely company.

Photos of me taken by @meowiie

#followmeto Jurong Point Shopping Centre

Watch the video I did with Jurong Point here

If you are wondering what am I doing in Jurong Point Shopping Centre, well, because I travel for food and shopping. I recently discover I can have all my favourite Asian food under one roof. Jurong Point has a Malaysia themed food court - Malaysia Boleh and so, HELLO THERE KL black hokkien mee! Penang char kway teow! Please also treat yourself to the Hong Kong delicacies at Mongkok (located on Level 3) and do stop by Tuk Tuk Cha for authentic Thai Iced Tea! Ahh, simple food like these make me so happy and I'm glad I don't have to fly to separate destinations to get my cravings satiated.

Thankfully, other than food, there's lots to do in Jurong Point (it's the largest suburban mall in Singapore, after all!) so you will see me popping in and out of stores after my meal. In fact, I can spend an entire afternoon in the mall because it's so huge and there is everything I need.

I thought it'll be fun to do up a shopping guide as you #followmeto Jurong Point, your next fashion destination, as I play dress up in the stores and share some of my picks since it's the GSS, also known as the best time to shop during the year.

First stop, Esprit (#01-34, JP1)!

I picked 3 outfits from the huge selection available in store. For something more formal/dressy, I don't think you could go wrong with a maxi dress (the chambray fabric was so soft on the skin btw!). Add on a straw hat and a knit cover-up for that beach vacation and there you go, additional mileage for the dress!

If you are doing casual for the weekend, my picks are the soft printed blouses and shorts or the off-shoulder playsuit. The leather selection in classic and earthy tones will add an edge to your outfit.

Other similar store alternatives I'd recommend are Uniqlo and G2000.

Moving on, located in the same wing as Esprit, is Bonia (#01-02, JP1).

Aren't those floral embellished bags the cutest designs you've seen this week?? I love Bonia's recent trendy designs. They are fun and cute and are definitely gonna make a statement with your outfits. If girly is not up your alley, opt for the safer colours and classic silhouettes!

I guess it is pretty obvious the petite cross body is my favourite of all. In fact, it was the first bag I reached out for after I entered the store!

So we've got our outfit and bag settled, it's time for the shoes.

Contrary to popular beliefs, Anna Nucci (#01-11, JP2) is not just for the brides-to-be. Personally, I feel there is a good mix of the style of shoes available for different occasions. I am not very adventurous when it comes to footwear and I tend to stick to simple designs and colours but the denim sandals with embroidered wedge stole my heart. The height was comfortable and they were so easy to walk in!

Head over to Charles & Keith, DMK and Jelly Bunny for more shoe shopping!

And for my last stop of the day, I went to browse for some accessories at Talisman's (#03-67, JP2) to spice up my wardrobe. This is the place if you are looking for a funky headgear, chunky necklace or costume jewellery.

You can also check out Lovisa on Level 1 if you are looking for accessories adorned with precious stones.

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I hope you are getting excited because Jurong Point Shopping Centre has even MORE to offer. As if >100 fashion retailers at Jurong Point are not enough, from today till 10th July 2016, there is a 10-day pop-up event known as "Wardrobe U" happening at Jurong Point, level B1 of JP1 and JP2! Shoppers like you and me can look forward to first-to-launch island wide collections and enjoy discounts of up to 75%!

The event space has been uniquely transformed into a 200-metres long walk-in wardrobe, housing the season’s latest styles. Here, you’d be sure to find fashion forward items or style staples to build your dream wardrobe.

Some of the participating brands are:

- Chomel
- The Dress Society
- Kappa
- Mitju
- Nu Jelly
- Purpur

What's more - first 500 shoppers to spend $100 ($150 at partner merchants, max 2 combined same-day receipts) at Wardrobe U retailers* will receive a $50 fashion voucher!! You're literally spending to save!

*Visit http://www.jurongpoint.com.sg/mallpromotions for more information.

Hang on, there's MORE. Get yourself in the Jurong Point lucky draw by spending a minimum of $50 (maximum 2 same-day receipts) at any fashion stores and/or Wardrobe U from now till 31 August 2016 to qualify for the fashion e-draw! Every $50 spend gives you one chance ($150 will give you 3 chances!) and ONE lucky winner will walk away with $10,000 (what!!) worth of JP gift vouchers!

If you've been eyeing that bag/dress for a while now, I hope I gave you enough reasons to shop this month :) See you at Jurong Point this weekend if you're gonna be there too! x