One of our favourite festivals of the year is back, and whether it’s an early Christmas present or a weekend away before the hectic festive period gets into full swing, Wonderfruit is sure to be four fun-packed days. The carbon neutral festival in Pattaya, Thailand, is hosting a series of arts events, musical performances and wellness sessions over the long weekend 13th to 16th December 2018, all with an eco-conscious approach. To make sure you get the most out of your weekend away, check out our ultimate guide to a luxury weekend at Wonderfruit: where to stay, what to eat, and what to do.
Where to Stay
If you thought festival camping would mean roughing it, think again. This year, Wonderfruit welcomes Camp Kerala, the boutique luxury camping company who have brought glamping to international festivals like Glastonbury and private events all over the world.
These two-person, Maharajan-style Shikar tents come with an all-inclusive food and drink package (excluding fine wines and vintage champagnes), as well as festival tickets.
The most luxurious accommodation on The Fields, Camp Kerala hosts a restaurant, bar, spa, pamper room and chill-out area, which only Camp Kerala campers have access to. Camp Kerala also boats its own luxury loos and shower areas, so you know you won’t have to wait for the bathroom each morning. With concierge service, 24-hour ‘tent’ service and complimentary wifi, you might forget you’re camping at all…
If camping isn’t your style, there are plenty of luxury five-star hotels nearby where you can rest assured of peace and privacy between your festival antics. Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa and Movenpick Siam Pattaya are both a short journey away from The Fields, and offer beautiful ocean view rooms and suites with access to pools, fitness centres and their in-house spas.
What to Eat & Drink
Aside from the usual festival eats, Wonderfruit has elevated the experience on The Fields to introduce the first Wonder Kitchen. An intimate chef’s table for 20 guests, the dining experience welcomes Chef Tam Chudaree Debhakam on December 14th, Thailand’s Top Chef winner known for her sustainable approach to fusion Thai dining; and Chef Black, of Blackitch Artisan Kitchen in Chiang Mai, serving an eight-course tasting menu abundant in rich Eastern Thai flavours. Space is limited, so book in advance.
Additionally, don’t miss out on Wonderfruit’s signature ‘Wonder Feasts’—the plant-based menu from chefs Bo Songivsava and Dylan Jones is a six-course journey in taste and texture with the culinary minds behind Bo.lan, featured on Netflix Chef’s Table.
If you’re going to be having a tipple at the festival, make sure to check out Mark Lloyd’s Zero-Waste Bar. The veteran bartender has more than 15 years experience and will be serving up delicious cocktails that use the fruit ‘from skin to seed’, with the menu changing daily based on local ingredient availability. Join the workshop to learn how to make your own conscious concoctions using anything from fruit peel to coffee grounds.
What to Do
There’s a huge selection of activities on offer at Wonderfruit, divided into five categories: art and architecture, wellness, family, farm to feasts, and of course, music.
Art & Architecture
With a focus on sustainability, this venue is a space for immersive performances and art installations. The Silent Room, an imagining of the psychological state of being in a black hole, provides food for thought, while the Camp Edible classes provide actual food for thought, focussing on the creative usage of locally sourced ingredients.
The Wonder Salon, on the other hand, is a fully stocked supply room for you to express your creativity however you see fit, with accessories, nail art, face paint and more.
Wellness
From planetary sound alchemy to Amazonian medicine healing, there are some quirky wellness concepts you might not have come across before: with experts from all over the world coming together in one space, this is a wellness wonderland for you to explore holistic therapies you’ve never even heard of.
Of course, there’s yoga a-plenty: if you’re struggling with the heat or feeling low on energy, try Yin Yoga with Angie Grgat, or grab your friends and head along to to Friendship Flow—led by three friends, yoga teachers Beatrice and Angela Lohse, and vocalist Awen, the session will involve singing, chanting and partner work to improve connection.
Talks and Workshops
Inspiring change and opening conversation, the talks and workshops are designed to get you thinking and take away practical skills after the festival.
Don’t miss Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, one of Forbes’ Creative Change Makers, talking about the ‘Landscapes of the Future,’ which explores how technology and people can create better space in urban planning in the future.
For something more wellness-focussed, schedule in Indian Ayurveda: The Healing Bath to learn more about Ayurvedic traditions that you can incorporate into your daily routine, like baths, dry brushing, self-massage and aroma oils.
Music
It wouldn’t be a music festival without a band or two, and Wonderfruit has an international selection of everything from pop to house to folk. For a dance party, check out British couple Fleetmac Wood, who reframe their namesake’s tracks with disco, techno and house remixes; and Thai-Swedish singer Sirintip, who blends R&B, electronic and jazz, for a unique and vibrant sound.
For something a little different, listen to LA-based producer and two-time Grammy-nominee Carmen Rizzo in his collaboration with the Tuvan acoustic quartet, Huun Huur Tu. The ancient art of Tuvan throat singing is transformed in this set with a fusion of modern techniques and traditional instruments.
With more than 60 musical acts, there’s something for everyone: explore the full line up here.
Find out more and buy tickets at wonderfruit.co
