Recently in Thailand Category

Peter Turco is a writer, editor, and lately an aspiring drummer when he's not working on the marketing team at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. This month, he writes about his first trip to Asia, where he recently traveled to Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok.

Sawadeekaap! If Singapore is for beginners, then Phuket is Asia for the Pampered and Spoiled. Butlers and porters and drink shufflers and coffee fairies take care of every little thing, just like they did in Singapore, but Singapore was still a business trip and it was still a city. And while there were some exciting moments -- like having fish nibble dead skin off my feet -- it wasn't a vacation.

So we took off for Phuket. The hotel sent a car to pick us up and speed us to the silty sands of Laguna Beach where we checked in at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket. We were greeted with a wristband of fresh flowers, a delicious welcome fruit drink, and, thankfully, two small towels to wipe the sweat soaking our collars mere seconds out of the air-conditioned back seat (sissies). If I haven't mentioned the oppressive humidity, I'll note it now... it's seriously humid.

White sand beaches, indigo lagoons, and lush coconut groves make Phuket one of the most desirable and exclusive vacation destinations on the planet, but that doesn't mean it's out of reach. The Sheraton Grande Laguna, Phuket is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next six weeks, so it won't take much to find yourself in the midst of a Thai paradise. This exquisite Luxury Collection property has every conceivable activity and amenity, from Asia's longest freshwater swimming pool - a 323-meter serpentine pool that winds through verdant tropical gardens - to an 18-hole golf course that inspires and challenges golfers of all levels. Families with children will get a kick out of the resort's VIK (Very Important Kids) club, which provides daily entertainment, games and crafts, and even a baby elephant exhibit for in-house guests ages 4-12. Grown-ups, meanwhile, will love the Loy-Krathong Lounge, a chic tropical watering hole with excellent views of the water, expertly-made cocktails, and live entertainment, perfect for those sexy sunset experiences. Of course, the Sheraton Grande Laguna, Phuket is just one of dozens of participating properties this week, so check the list to find the destination of your dreams.

Peter Foreman is the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Sheraton Haikou Resort in China and thelobby.com's expert on the region.

One of my favorite countries, Thailand is now so much easier to explore right from your desktop thanks to Starwood Preferred Guest. With the introduction of Destination Thailand, plan your escape. Whether you are exploring the sacred temples of Bangkok, the crystal clear waters of Phuket or the once small fishing village of Pattaya, uncover the wonders of a country that offers more than meets the eye.

My insider tips include the pool at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. It’s a hidden oasis and a welcome slice of luxury in a city that never stops.

Private infinity pools are but one of the luxuries at the ocean front villas at the Sheraton Pattaya Resort. With clear, unsurpassed views across the Gulf of Siam (pictured) along with separate lounge and dining areas and sundecks, you will especially enjoy the open plan bathrooms with their large terrazzo bathtubs and rainforest showers.

Bangkok is one of the world's most exciting cities, and its downtown area is a frenzy of activity at all hours. In such a chaotic atmosphere, it's good to have a peaceful sanctuary to rest your head at night, which is where the luxurious Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok comes in. This five-star destination for business and pleasure is located in the heart of Bangkok's prime shopping, restaurant, and entertainment district, but it's a world away from the hustle and bustle of the streets. It's also one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to enjoy the best of Bangkok's wild and mild sides. There's so much to see and do in the Thai capital, from Thai kickboxing matches to the Grand Palace and everything in between, but when you've had enough sightseeing for the day, head back to the Westin and let the pampering begin. The Vareena Day Spa offers relaxing and reinvigorating treatments of all kinds, and boasts luxury treatment rooms, couples spa suites, a hydrotherapy bath, Vichy shower room, and much more. And if you can't decide whether you'd prefer a cocktail or a dip in the pool, have both at the swim-up bar. When it's time for dinner, Kisso Japanese restaurant serves some of the greatest sushi in the city, and Zest Piano Bar is the place to go for some live music to round out the evening. Bangkok is just one of many Starpicks destinations this week, so check the list and let your travel imagination run wild.