EAT, PRAY, LOVE
EAT at nahm, at The Metropolitan Bangkok
On 13th August, EAT, PRAY, LOVE — the New York Times’ bestseller, written by American author, Elizabeth Gilbert — hits cinema screens in a movie adaptation starring Julia Roberts.
The movie is based on Gilbert’s journey. Aged 32, she appeared to have a perfect home, husband and successful writing career. But all was not as it seemed in Gilbert’s marriage. She upped and left, divorcing her husband and travelling the world for a year in search of happiness. She spent four months in Italy, eating and enjoying life (EAT), four months in India trying to find her spirituality (PRAY), and ended the year in Bali, where she was to discover love and balance (LOVE).
COMO Hotels and Resorts is now offering guests an opportunity to taste some of the nirvana Gilbert describes in three new packages. The offers can be combined in a perfect EAT, PRAY, LOVE itinerary — the most complete experience is a 10-day trip incorporating Bangkok, Bhutan and Bali — or taken as individual trips for the time-conscious travellers.
EAT celebrates the energy and cuisine of Thailand in a three-night stay at The Metropolitan Bangkok. David Thompson, the Australian-born chef who won the first Michelin star for Thai food at his restaurant in London, opens nahm, Bangkok, in July. One dinner is included as well as a healthy breakfast each morning at GLOW, which specialises in organic, life-giving COMO Shambhala Cuisine. Guests will join a cookery class at the legendary Blue Elephant Cookery School, a 3.5-hour session (morning or afternoon options available) including a visit to the ‘Bang Rak’ morning market followed by the preparation of a four-dish meal. EAT costs US$750 per package (single occupancy) and US$1,020 (double occupancy). Rates include airport limo transfers, 10% service charge and 7% government tax.
PRAY is a four-night package at Uma Paro, inspired by the spirituality of all-Buddhist Bhutan. The
PRAY at Uma Paro
experience includes up to eight hours of Yoga, morning puja (worship) at a local monastery, a one-hour meditation session and two-day walk through the Paro Valley including a visit to Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery. The second excursion comprises a visit to the Chele la Pass and trekking to a nunnery. Afterwards guests have the opportunity to freewheel back to the hotel by bike, accompanied by one of Uma Paro’s expert guides. When it’s time to kick back, guests can take advantage of a traditional Hot Stone bath followed by a COMO Shambhala Massage. Further benefits include daily breakfast, one picnic and 15 per cent off all further wellness treatments, with single traveller prices starting at US$2,658 and double occupancy at US$4,516, including all taxes.
LOVE at Uma Ubud
LOVE takes us to Bali, where Gilbert was to prove successful in her quest. In a three-night package, guests can experience some of the island’s inherent romance, staying at Uma Ubud, this pretty, jungle-wrapped resort presenting the perfect opportunity to spend time reappraising your happiness. The package includes a day trip to see a healer, a guide map to the sets featured in the movie, and a cleansing ritual at Tirta Empul, a local water temple. Breakfast, airport transfers and a relaxing 60-minute COMO Shambhala Massage are also featured, with package prices starting at US$740 (single occupancy) and US$840 (double occupancy).
All three offers are available from 1st August 2010 until 31st July 2011. Bookings during certain black-out periods will be subject to a per night surcharge and upon availability. Itineraries combining Bhutan with and/either Bangkok and Bali will be coordinated by Uma Paro’s experienced, English-speaking travel agency personnel who can also book flights and the necessary entry visas for Bhutan.
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