A Town in Heaven

text and photos by rick

"In the early 1900's, King Rama IV of Thailand envisioned a wonderful utopia -- a "town in heaven" he called Dusit Thani. For over 60 years, it has been the inspiration for all we do."
Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, Founder, Dusit International.


Here in Manila, it took two years to fully renovate the Dusit Thani Hotel as it is called now. Two years of work that culminated in December of 2007. And the results, are a calm oasis of Asian hospitality and luxurious splendor. "It's the ultimate in guest comfort," beamed General Manager Grassmann about his hotel's renaissance.

The Lobby Lounge places you squarely behind the spiral staircase where you can grab a light snack in quiet anonymity. That is until one of the hotel's lovely chanteuses serenades you with timeless ditties of love and peace.

The Devarana Spa (pronounced te-wa-run so don't ask me why it is spelled as such), located on the second floor, is like a retreat to some peaceful sanctuary where the mind and the body are pampered before they go for healing.














Dusit Thani has six restaurants that offer varying cuisines for its multi-ethnic clientele. There's Tosca for that great European cuisine from sunny Italy. And there's the Benjarong Royal Thai, a Japanese restaurant, Fiesta San Miguel that has an on-site beer brewing plant and is a swinging place for young lovers and music fans, Basix for the more common American-type food, and of course, the aforementioned Lobby Lounge.
































































Fruits in a barrel. Fresh for your fantasy and ecstasy.














The Japanese garden was hitherto unavailable for hotel guests to stroll around and unwind. To guarantee his hotel's commitment to guest comfort, Grassmann, who is from Germany, reiterated, "We only have one goal in mind. And that's finding your peace on this slice of heaven on earth."


Thanks to Mr. Grassmann for the tour.