• 
• 

Suites on the sea

Centara has renamed the small, pristine island of Machchafushi in the Maldives the "Grand Island Resort and Spa", choosing it as the home for its t latest luxury resort.

Machchafushi, also known as South Ari atoll, is a 25minute trip by air and a pleasant 85 minutes by speedboat from Male. With 112 Suites and Villas, the Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa offers a unique 4 star resort experience that combines barefoot luxury with an active and varied social programme for both adults and children. The resort is scheduled to open in May.

Bungle in the jungle

Kanchanaburi's rainforest as well as its wild river and waterfalls become the battleground for weekend warriors next Saturday (February 28) as they compete for the North Face River Kwai Trophy 2009. The intrepid race is part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race series, which are held at the country's best outdoor destinations. This year's event will see 120 teams running, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking in a bid for the top prize. Visit www.RiverKwaiTrophy.com.

Shelling out for turtles

Aleenta Resort and Spa Phuket Phang Nga is hosting a dinner on March 14 to raise funds for marine turtle conservation. The dinner costs Bt5,000 per person with proceeds benefiting the Marine Turtle Conservation and Research programme in the Andaman Sea. This year, the target is set at Bt500,000 and Aleenta will be sponsoring two GPS tracking devices that will track baby turtles on their journey into the open sea upon their release from the sanctuary.

Tucked away on Pilai Beach, a 20minutes drive north of Phuket International Airport, the resort is also offering a two-night "Pampered Turtle Lover" package throughout March. The price is Bt22,700 of which Bt2,000 goes to the marine turtle conservation fund. Included is breakfast for two, plus a three-course dinner and an excursion to the sanctuary.

A living cult

Next Thursday (February 26), the National Museum Volunteers, Bangkok, hosts a lecture by Indologist Peter Sayle about Theyyam, Kerala's famous performance that often lasts several days.

Theyyam commemorates the appearance of Hindu gods on earth; when men take on the form and behaviour of gods and goddesses and allow themselves to be possessed by their spirits.

To achieve this godlike status, complicated preparations are made. Some take many years, oth¬ers take hours. The actors of this unique drama are chosen at a young age and undergo strict training in dance and martial arts, singing and in the art of mental transformation.

Admission is Bt100 for members and Bt150 for guests. Call (084) 942 1012 or email: pollneranette@yahoo.co.uk.