Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Northern Thailand sets the tone for this dramatic, two-bedroom suite.

Foyer, living and dining spaces are panelled in teak to match the flooring underfoot. Louvres and a carved lotus cornice keep the suite feeling spacious. Hot magenta and hibiscus colours punctuate the teak walls, much like the flowers that dot the northern landscape. A Thai gilt patterned storage box greets the visitor at the entry, along with a celadon urn filled with fresh ginger flowers.

Once inside, a grouping of dark timber furniture retrieved from the antique warehouses of Chiang Mai, contrasts with an Oriental carpet so vibrant it almost glows. And the art collection unites contemporary Northern watercolours with older delicate pencil sketches, and photographs of temples and places of architectural interest.