32 MIX AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 http://www.mixmeetings.comwww.mixmeetings.comthemes
RAISING THE
BAR IN
THAILAND
Groups will adore
sundowners at this
selection of rooftop
bars in the Land of
Smiles. Ed Peters
goes in search of
a cocktailelephant Bar and Opium terrace,^
Anantara Golden triangle
Where? Overlooking Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, an hour’s
drive from Chiang Rai airport.
Why go? There’s a real sense of calm and tranquillity at this very
northern outpost, and few better places to take it in than the bar
with its three-country, two-river vista and multi-item drinks menu.
Chilies rather than opium infuse some cocktails, while food can be
delivered from any of the resort’s restaurants.
For groups This is a resort that might have been made for
groups, with elephant stables right next door, cooking classes and
a spa providing plenty of opportunity for fun teamwork. Thai box-
ing, boat trips, farming rice, touring coffee and tea plantations and
digging into the area’s opium history are other options.Baba Nest, sri Panwa, Phuket
Where? At the southern tip of the island.
Why go? Few hotels around the world can boast a rooftop bar
and pool quite like Baba Nest, with its commanding views over
Cape Panwa and out to sea. The emphasis is strictly on chilling,
with an expanse of deep cushions and low-rise tables to
aid lolling.
For groups Baba Nest works well as an informal cocktail or light
dinner venue. Burriots, tachos, nachos and other Mexican tapas
(with obvious parallels to Thai cuisine) make up the menu, while
the surroundings have inspired some outstanding cocktails: the
chilled or frozen Sri Panwa – Belvedere vodka, apple and lime – is
deservedly popular, while there are also plenty of bubbles and an
intriguing Japanese “Pimm’s” made with sake.1