SHE soaks, not showers, and that's former model-actress-MTV Asia VJ Sonia Couling's secret to looking fabulous.
The Thai-British beauty was in town recently to promote Olay's Total Effects range of skincare products. She is its spokesman in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
She is now based in Bangkok and is the co-owner of SiamTube, a video-sharing website that also offers video content for mobile phones. Her business and soon-to-be life-partner is Paul-Dominique Vacharasinthu, 34.
Couling, 33, travels within Thailand once a month and outside it every two months, and it's always with her fiance. The inseparable pair will be getting married on Sept 8 in Vacharasinthu's hometown of Corsica, France.
Which are the best three hotels you've stayed in?
The Four Seasons Maldives, Kuda Huraa, which I visited about two years ago, is one of them.
The food and view there were fantastic. It also has such a great spa - it's set on an island of its own and you sail over in a wooden dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) from the main island.
A night's stay at the resort costs between $700 and $1,000.
Another good one is the Sri Panwa, located in the southern end of Phuket in Thailand. The service there is excellent and the room itself is like a paradise. The setting and the view of the ocean and the sunset are all so beautiful. It costs between US$900 and US$2,000 (S$1,371 and S$3,048) for a night's stay.
The Casa Del Mar Corsica in Porto-Vecchio, France, is absolutely romantic, with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Plus, my fiance is Corsican so that makes it special.
The resort has a private beach, yacht mooring, heated outdoor infinity pool and a spa with four massage cabins, a hammam, gym and relaxation rooms in an area with wide, dominating views of the sea. It costs between US$800 and US$3,000 per night.
What about the worst?
Before I travel, I do a lot of research and check on the hotels. I read the reviews of travellers who have been there, and that really helps. So I'm thankful to say I've not been in any bad hotels so far.
What hotel facility can't you do without, and why?
Spa and room service.
I like to relax so a hotel has to be my home away from home.
I don't take showers, only baths and jacuzzis. I have a chromotherapy jacuzzi at home with lights that can change to 16 different colours, and I'm addicted to it.
So a good bathtub and spa are important.
Ever had any scary encounters in a hotel?
Not in the hotel I was in but the one right next door.
I was in the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok a couple of months ago when someone tried to kill himself by jumping out of the balcony in the next building.
I did not see it happen. I only saw people crowding around the man and the ambulance wasn't there yet. The man didn't die but he broke his leg and a few ribs.
What's the best hotel restaurant you've ever eaten in?
The Palm Beach restaurant in Palm Beach Hotel, Ajaccio, in Corsica. It's a small boutique hotel with excellent seafood and service. The restaurant is right on the beach and it's absolutely gorgeous. I was there in May this year.
What do you look for when booking a hotel?
Location, value for money and a great ambience.
I don't like big hotels. I prefer small and cosy boutique hotels - it doesn't have to be very luxurious but it must have a good ambience.
I don't mind if it's expensive but it must give value for money.
Be honest now, do you ever cart home hotel freebies?
Yes, of course. The best are from the Four Seasons Hotels because they use Bulgari products. I like to put these little soaps in my guest room at home so my guests can use them.
