The World of Hospitality Issue 23 2017 | Page 66

66 the World Of Hospitality AKARYN Hotel Group In Praise of the Pachyderm: akyra Manor Celebrates the Majestic Elephant As the national symbol of Thailand, elephants are beloved and cherished by all, with thousands each year travelling across the world to see them. Catering to this in a sustainable way AKARYN Hotel Group has launched a signature activity at akyra Manor Chiang Mai, where guests can interact with this magnificent animal whilst contributing to its conservation and welfare. Meeting ‘Mosha’ will be a highlight for many on this day trip outside Chiang Mai. ‘Mosha’ means ‘star’ in the Karen language and is the name of the three- legged elephant living at the pioneering Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital (FAE). Sadly, Mosha stepped on a landmine near the Burmese border when just seven months old and she became the first elephant in the world to receive a prosthetic leg. She’s the founding inspiration of Elephant Parade® who provide continued structural support to the FAE. The day will end with a chance for guests to get creative at the Elephant Parade®, by designing and painting their own model elephant to keep and treasure; an activity sure to thrill all the tiny travellers to Chiang Mai. Here guests can explore the museum to learn about pachyderms, enjoy the story books and movie room. They can also take a tour the Elephant Parade’s artist studio headquarters and meet talented local artists. The day trip runs from 8am to 4pm and is THB 3,900 / £91 per person (minimum two person), the price includes round-tip transportation, lunch at a local Thai restaurant by the river and elephant souvenir Website: www.andBeyond.com painting with a sunset cocktail around the elephant installation on the Rise Rooftop Bar at akyra Manor. T he profit from this new package will be donated to the Elephant Hospital in Chiang Mai and to AKARYN Hotel Group’s Pure Blue Foundation. akyra Manor Chiang Mai is a five-star, intimate and exclusive all-suite luxury hotel, each suite created around a courtyard-within-a-room concept. Situated at the heart of the charming city of Chiang Mai, on the popular street - Nimmanhaemin Soi 9, known locally as 'coffee street'. Guests can take in the chic boutiques, galleries, bars and coffee shops, then return to the sanctuary and warmth of Thai hospitality and the Rise rooftop bar as well as Chiang Mai's best new restaurant, italics.