V Villas Hua Hin MGallery Collection - Luxury hotel - Ultimate Guest Shift Series at Akoya | Beach Lounge

Mark your calendars for an exciting year-long Guest Shift Series 2026 at Akoya | Beach Lounge. Headlined by star mixologists from Southeast Asia. Featuring concept-driven cocktails, unique flavour journeys, live DJ and gorgeous sunset views.

THE LINEUP — MIXOLOGISTS WITH UNIQUE SPIN

Meet the incredible mixologist headlining Guest Shift Series 2026 at Akoya | Beach Lounge. 

Watcharapong “Bank” Suriyaphan | Bangkok, Thailand | 27 – 28 February 2026 
Khun Bank is known for crafting charismatic, story-driven cocktails that explore the unique character of its base spirit. He is the Brand Ambassador for PRAKAAN and the founder of Tales of the Spirit, a multifaceted brand sharing knowledge about the culture and craft of spirits and whiskies. Khun Bank is a founding partner of  award-winning Midlife Crisis, named 12th Best Cocktail Bar in 20 Best Bars of Thailand 2023 and the winner of the Roku Gin Competition 2019.

Nontawat “Oat” Kaesod | Bangkok, Thailand | 17 – 18 April 2026

A prominent Thai mixologist and Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard Thailand, known for his dynamic presence in Bangkok’s cocktail scene. Throughout his career, he has appeared as a guest bartender at notable venues including Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar and Cactus, while leading branded experiences such as “Chivas The Blend.” Behind the bar, Oat showcases premium spirits including gin, rum, and vodka, often highlighting brands like Monkey 47 through balanced, spirit-forward cocktails and engaging guest experiences.

Thananya “Jib” Samoema | Vietnam | 26 – 27 June 2026

Deeply connected to the cuisines of Thailand (her homeland) and Vietnam (her adopted home), Khun Jib is renowned for creating exciting, fun “Siam-VIet” cocktails that draw on ingredients and influence from both cultures. A prodigy of Bangkok and Saigon’s craft cocktail scene, she gained a spot in the Top 20 in 2024 Diageo World Class National Finals and was a finalist in 2016 Diageo World Class Thailand.

Knut Randhem | Bangkok, Thailand | 21 – 22 August 2026
Brand Specialist from United Beverage. Originally from Sweden, Khun Knut has been a leading personality in Bangkok and Singapore’s craft cocktail scene since 2009, Khun Knut established the trendsetting cocktail program at the renowned Ku De Tá in both cities and pushed forward the fusion of classic and modern Asian techniques and flavours. Behind the bar, he awes with his fusion approach to spirits, stories, and signature serves.

Khunn “Milk” Thanaworachayakit | Bangkok, Thailand | 18 – 19 September 2026

The Beverage Manager at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, Khun Milk’s spirit forward, technically precise concoctions are often enhanced with unexpected savory elements like fat-washing. Khun Milk’s accolades include Regional Winner, Four Pillars Thailand 2019; Winner, Thailand Best Bartender 2016; and Winner,  Southeast Asia Bartender of the Year, Diageo World Class 2016. She also leads masterclasses on creative mixology in Bangkok and beyond.

Dicky Hartono | Bangkok, Thailand | 20 – 21 November 2026
Khun Dicky’s sophisticated alchemy has made Siam Kempinski’s Firefly Bar one of Bangkok’s must-go cocktail spots. A maestro with deep respect for tradition and an eye for innovation, he fuses classic cocktail structures with exotic, locally-sourced ingredients. Khun Dicky is the Winner of the National Hospitality Institute Oman mocktail competition in 2012; a Top 4 Finalist in the World Class Bartender Diageo Competition for the Middle East Region in 2015; and 3rd place in the Shangri-La Bartender of the Year in 2018.

Reservations are required