High Life

HIGH LIFE 75 I n Thailand’s City of Angels, Sukhumvit Road is one of the city’s major traffic arteries, following a 500-kilometer coastal route to Cambodia. This fastest growing district in Bangkok was covered with rice fields not so long ago, but in little more than four decades has developed into a bustling central business district. When Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit welcomed its first guests six years ago, it promised to be a luxury hotel with a distinctive style and personality. While the 131-metre, 32-storey tower designed by renowned architects BBG-BBGM is a modern interpretation of an Art Deco building topped by a signature crown, the interior draws inspiration from French and Thai designs. The blend of two cultures can be seen throughout the hotel but is particularly noticeable in the lobby area, where an imposing copper arch represents La Grande Arche de la Défense, one of three arches in Paris, albeit in this case decorated using traditional Thai inlay. At the lobby, there are candles by the doors of the main entrance. In Sofitel luxury hotels around the world, ambassadors perform a nightly candle ritual which was inspired by a significant moment in French history. In 1662, during the reign of Louis XIV, Paris earned its name as the “City of Light” because it was the first metropolis to illuminate its streets with lanterns after dark, ensuring safety in the streets at night and allowing for night time outings to the theater, opera and for socializing. Today, lanterns and candles are a symbol of celebration, romance and ceremony. Each evening at 6pm in the lobby of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, the passing of each magnificent day is markedbyperformingabeautifulThai candle ritual. Guests are invited to witness this enchanting and elegantly choreographed ceremony. The lights are dimmed and candles illuminate the entranceway, reception, bar and floral centerpiece, creating a visual spectacle and a magical ambience to begin an evening.