Our guide to strutting your stuff as an independent and gorgeous Bangkokian woman. By Saisa Amranand.

She’s hot, she’s independent, she’s successful, she’s 30-something and she’s single. More and more of us are embracing the trend of being single for longer. After all, it comes with plenty of benefits: unlimited freedom, no strings attached relationships, more fun, greater variety and more me-time. It is a wonderful state of independence. We celebrate this new breed of women, who are turning Bangkok into their very own Sex and  the City reality, with our perfect girly day out.

Girly Gossip

After a hard week at work there’s nothing better than a good gossip session with the girls over brunch. Good service, sophisticated ambience and of course plenty of sweet treats are all essential to make this the ideal way to start off the weekend.

Crepes & Co.
18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 12, 02-653-3990/1. Open daily 9am-midnight. www.crepes.co.th
For a touch of Gallic charm and a choice of more than fifty savory and forty sweet crepes, head to Crepes & Co. Catch up over a sugary crepe suzette (B270) in their cute garden or, if you don’t want your makeup running, head to the homey dining room. The stripey uniformed staff are suitably friendly and attentive enough to ensure your glass is never empty for long.

Kuppa
39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-0495, 02-663-8806. Open daily 10am-11:30pm
This spacious restaurant is a great spot to lounge and relax. Think comfy couches, cool, polished cement and floor-to-ceiling windows bathing everything in natural light. If you can, try and secure one of their comfy couches and start off the day with a Kuppa Breakfast (B250) and a glass of white wine. Then relax with a nice cup of coffee and one of the infamous desserts; try the brownies (B100) or cheesecake topped with blueberry sauce (B195).

Agalico
20 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-5857 ext. 111. Open Fri-Sat, 10am-6pm. www.agalico.co.th
Yearning for a spot of British upper class nostalgia? With their all-white tearoom, leafy garden, graceful glass gazebo, homemade scones, apple crumble and a wide selection of teas, Agalico fits the part. No Jude Law look-alikes though, we’re afraid. It’s full of charming furniture and decorative items, making it almost impossible to resist that impulse to buy something.

Secret Garden
117/1 South Sathorn Soi 5, 02-286-2454. Open daily 11am-10pm
Enveloped by an expansive garden, this simple white house hides a feminine interior, ideal for a girly get-together. With its soft pastel green walls, fagrant flower arrangements and decorative chandeliers, you couldn’t feel more girly. Make a choice between the air-con interior or the spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens. The must-trys are the desserts with favorites like the crepe cake (B95) and New York cheesecake (B85).

Minibar Royale
37/7 Citadines Bangkok, Sukumvit Soi 23, 02-261-5533. Open daily 6:30am-midnight
With a NYC “French cafe” feel, Minbar Royale is prime for a great gossip session over brunch. With a list of sparkling cocktails (B260) and sinful dishes like hash browns served with poached eggs (B180), what girl can resist? With an outside patio frequented by the upper crust of Bangkok’s young and pretty, this is the place to be seen. Minibar Royale is definitely not your hotel brunch so dress for the occassion, we’re thinking your little black dress and a long, elegant cigarette holder. Breakfast at Tiffany’s anyone?

Refined relaxation

Up to speed on the gossip? Then its time to hit the spa. What better way to spend a lazy few hours than relaxing and bonding with your girlfriends at one of these top pampering palaces. And, if they look a little pricey, just check out our DIY Spa treatments (page 16).

Spa Cenvaree
26/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-100-1234 ext. 6516. Open daily 9am-midnight. www.spacentara.com
For a spa with a view, ride up to the 26th floor of the Centara Grand, CentralWorld. This health, fitness and well-being center utilizes age-old therapies, yet technology isn’t totally ignored. The list of services (prices start from B1,800) include hydro facilities, Vichy water rain shower therapy, infrared sauna, slimming technologies as well as traditional Thai treatments. The changing rooms and the trendy nail bar are equipped with iPod docks. Step outside for a view of the city while you enjoy a manicure, pedicure and foot massage.

i.sawan Residential Spa and Club
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, 494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-6310. Open daily 6am-11pm
If half a day just isn’t enough, why not try one of i.sawan’s four full-day spa packages: purity (B8,000), energy (B9,100), harmony (B8,000) or Thai (B8,300). All grant you free use of the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and include lunch or dinner at the Breezeaway. But if a day still isn’t enough, book into one of its six residential spa cottages complete with bedroom, living room, treatment room, bathroom and a private outdoor patio.

Sense and Spirit Spa
6/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Phrom Phong. 02-664-7447. Open daily 10am-8pm
An ideal spot to stop off after a long day of shopping and cleanse your soul with one of its body scrubs. The Aroma Salt Scrub (B1,200), exfoliates and smoothes your skin with a mixture of water, aroma salt and yoghurt. The Oriental Body Scrub (B1,200) incorporates turmeric and tamarind which help to whiten and polish the skin. You can also experience the anti-bacterial properties of green tea, with their Green Tea Body Scrub (B1,200).

The Oriental Spa
48 Oriental Avenue, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-439-7613. Open daily 9am-10pm
Relax by the river in this traditional golden teakwood house offering  Ayurvedic treatments. Unwind with the Urdwangam (B2,650), an Indian head massage that stimulates your vital energy points and sharpens your five senses. Then try the Vasthi (B3,300), a localized heat treatment to relieve back pain combining warm oil and a massage. The 14 private suites come complete with shower and steam room and some also have a Jacuzzi and sauna. 

Stop the Clock

While a spa can help you relax and rejuvenate it can’t keep you looking your very best. That’s when a trip to the beauty center is in order to ensure you are all prepped up and ready to party the night away.

TRIA
998 Rimklongsamsen Rd., 02-660-2600. Open daily 7am-10pm
Overflowing with a variety of beauty treatments and therapies, TRIA can help pamper and preen your tired body and soul. Get glowing with its Blossom Renewal Brightening Facial (B4,000). The vitamin C solution brightens your complexion and seaweed nourishes your skin. To roll back the years, opt for its Marine Beauty Anti-Aging Facial (B5,800). Caviar marine proteins and oils are used to reduce visible lines and wrinkles. Or try the Defying Eye Wrinkle Treatment (B2,200), anti-oxidant formulas that firm, hydrate, refine and tone the skin around your eyes.

VitalLife Wellness Center
Bumrungrad International, 210 Sukhumvit Soi 1, 02-667-2340. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm
Famous for its anti-aging expertise and strategies, VitalLife Wellness Center’s VitalLife Introduction Package (B5,800) tries to slow down the aging process. This includes an anti-oxidant test and a biophysical assessment so they can gain a better understanding of your bodies condition and identify ways of tackling those harmful age-inducing molecules.

APEX Profound Beauty
3/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Phrom Phong, 02-664-8613/4. Open daily 10:30am-9pm.
www.apexprofoundbeauty.com
APEX’s Holistic Beauty (B5,000) certainly isn’t superficial and shallow, it gets right down to the cell. Using the latest technology, this treatment can evaluate problems such as skin allergies and rashes, dull skin, insomnia and a weak immune system. Procedures include Live Blood Analysis, where a sample of your blood undergoes microscopic examination, and Blood Chelation, which removes toxins in the bloodstream to improve circulation. Other treatments include homeopathy and, for those who long for a sexy pout and wrinkle free visage why not try the Volumize Lips and Skin Fill-Up Treatments (B10,000) or even a spot of botox (B8,500).

Take Care Nail Spa
2/F, Marketplace, Thonglor Soi 5, 02-392-9690. Open daily 10am-8pm
If you want to get your nails done while indulging in some hiso spotting, Take Care Nail Spa has two prime locations at Marketplace and J Avenue in Thonglor. With ultramodern foot spas, adjustable massage chairs and the very latest nail polish colors, it’s no wonder it’s so popular so book in advance. Aside from the standard mani and pedi (prices start from B250) try the paraffin treatments (B400) designed to keep your hands and feet super soft.

Anastasia Beverly Hills
3/F, Eden Zone, CentralWorld, 02-613-1330. Open daily 10am-9pm
Wax, pluck, pamper in true LA style. Responsible for the hair removal of many a Hollywood A-lister, Anastasia now gives Bangkok ladies the chance to try their unique eyebrow taming treatment. The procedure (B800) comprises of hot wax and a pair of tweezers but unfortunately it doesn’t promise to be pain free. Hey it’s worth it for a more defined face, and the good news is you won’t need another session for a couple of months.

Romrawin Skin Body Rejunevation Clinic
2/F and 4/F, Central Chidlom, 1027 Ploenchit Rd., 02-655-7625. Open daily 10am-9pm. www.romrawin.com
Popular beauty clinic Romrawin has a host of skin treatments. Laser hair removal (from B5,000) is painless and, after 4-6 sessions, those unwanted hairs (wherever they may be) will be gone for good. Another treatment to watch out for is VASER LipoSelection (from B120,000). A more focused alternative to liposuction, this treatment can remove cellulite in selected areas without damaging the neighboring tissues for a more toned body, quicker and with less recovery time.

Night on the Town

Hey you’re single, footloose and fancy free so there’s nothing stopping you from rounding up your gorgeous girlfriends and heading off for a bit of man hunting. Of course, not just any man will do so we picked the top spots for those with more discerning tastes. 

Aqua
Four Seasons Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-1000. Open daily 11am-midnight. www.fourseasons.com
This open-air dining and drinking venue in the heart of a five-star hotel offers a great selection of cocktails, non-alcoholic pick-me-ups and the occasional dashing businessman to keep you happy. Overlooking a pond and a small garden, it is a perfect place for a little alfresco get-together. Low level music makes it easy to gossip away with only the quacking from the resident ducks and a handsome suit to distract you. If you’re feeling hungry, and are prepared to wait, then order something from the hotel’s respected restaurants: Madison, Spice Market, Biscotti and Shintaro.

Fallabella
100 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-5131. Open daily 6pm-1am
After falling out of favor this old timer has staged a miraculous comeback. Using its chic and chilled atmosphere to its advantage, it now has changed from an upscale eatery to the place to be on Fri and Sat nights. Split into two areas, indoors still retains the rather reserved atmosphere of old while outdoors is the place to be seen thanks to the live band playing both English and Thai songs. As for the crowd it should be right up your street—young professionals with deep pockets.

The Met Bar
Metropolitan Bangkok, 27 South Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3398/9. Open daily 4pm-2am
Known for its exclusivity, the Met Bar is reserved for hotel guests and members only. It’s no doubt that those regular members are the high-flying crowd so walk into its seductive lounge, order one of its killer martinis—Tom Yumtini (B280) or Pineapple Martini (B280)—and look your resplendent best under the soft lighting and wine-colored walls.

Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar
Banyan Tree Bangkok, South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 5pm-1am. www.banyantree.com/bangkok
Perhaps the perfect early evening spot on a dry day. Hike your way up to the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree and brace yourself for a heart-stirring sunset complete with a delicious sundowner. This glamorous open-air rooftop lounge/bar offers everything from cocktails, wine and champagne to non-alcoholic drinks. This place isn’t cheap and has a strict dress code, no torn jeans, shorts or flip-flops allowed, which means a better class of man for some sky-high romance.

To Die For
H1 Place, 998 Thonglor, 02-381-4714. Open Mon-Fri 5pm; Sat-Sun 3pm and the closing hours Fri-Sat 1am; Sun-Mon midnight
Curl up and chill in a minimalist design. It’s separated into two areas; the indoor and the outdoor. To make the most of the night, call in advance to reserve the outdoor beds but if you come for food, choose to sit inside as it saves you struggling not to drip while eating on a day bed. Tunes are kept at background level, never overpowering your witty conversation.

For a few more girlie hang outs, check out +barfly.