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Nestled onto Kata Beach rests The
Boathouse, a boutique resort praised by the international press
as "Simply the Best!". It may also be the most romantic.
Designed by the owner, noted Thai architect ML Tri Devakul, The
Boathouse is more than a boutique resort with 33 rooms and three
suites. The international acclaim has come because of the international
menu, excellent service and world class wine cellar which is regularly
presented with the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine.
"Mom Luang Tri opened The Boathouse primarily for people who
prefer not to stay in hotels," states General Manager Louis
Bronner. "He designed and built major hotels on Phuket including
the Club Med, Le Meridien Phuket and Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht
Club but for The Boathouse, he designed a resort for his family,
friends and valued guests which would provide more personal service."
Mr. Bronner has built a career in the hospitality industry entertaining
society's elite.
The Boathouse has the most expansive views of sunset over the Andaman
Sea. Every afternoon, guests can relax and enjoy a cocktail while
watching the day end when the sun descends into the water. Then
it's time for a memorable dinner. In the background, the Boathouse
Band, led by jazz and blues singer, Bonnie Anderson, provide the
perfect accompaniment for a long, satisfying meal.
Executive Chef Tamanoon Punchun created the celebrated menu which
can be found no where else on Phuket.
He constantly explores how to combine Western cuisine with Thai
spices and herbs.
Last year, The Boathouse released a compilation of Chef Tamanoon's
favorite recipes in the first Boathouse Cookbook with photography
by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni and introduced by respected writer William
Warren. The recipes were developed in the popular Boathouse weekend
cooking classes where guests learn the essentials of making a Thai
soup or curry. Students prepare a full course Thai meal, including
spicy salad, main course and dessert, before sitting down and enjoying
their creations together.
"I would describe The Boathouse cuisine as based on French
recipes using Asian flavors," explained Chef Tamanoon. "Each
year I travel in Europe and study the cuisine of a different region.
Recently I worked in three different Relais & Châteaux in various
regions of France where the foods and methods of preparation are
all different. I brought back an exciting new selection of recipes
for my customers at The Boathouse."
He also invited Maître Cuisinier at Le Château-Hotel Le Prieuré,
Jean Noël Lumineau, to The Boathouse to present two weeks of fine
French cuisine. This distinctive celebration of French cuisine was
held during the same period as the Baan Kata Artsfest, a festival
of music, art and food, held at ML Tri's nearby home which overlooks
Kata Noi.
For the past six years, ML Tri has invited members of the Bangkok
Symphony, led by ML Usni Pramoj, to present a concert of classical
music. The weekend event also includes a cocktail reception. The
art chosen for this year's Artsfest, were traditional scenes of
historic Thailand
painted on wood by a group of artists from Chiang
Mai. The Artsfest was directed by Boathouse GM, Mr. Bronner,
who supervises all events around The Boathouse and Baan Kata.
A visit to Mom
Tri's Boathouse is always full of surprises. Just off the lobby
is The Boathouse Art Gallery, Phuket's primary venue for artists
of all mediums. Curator Lori Ashton organizes stimulating shows
each month which showcase the works of both established and emerging
painters and weavers with what she thinks will delight both local
residents and guests to The Boathouse.
Recently, she co-ordinated a textile show, Woven Textiles of Thailand,
which demonstrated the various styles and techniques of weaving
in different regions of Thailand. During April, she chose to hang
a mixed medium show of a young Thai artist, Chalit Nakpawan who
creates large, unrestricted acrylic abstracts.
The Boathouse also has a boutique visible from the lobby of textiles
for sale, silk and cotton clothing and highlighted on display, the
jewelry of Patrick and Printemps Wal, whose bright, spontaneous
bead bracelets and necklaces were spotted by Japanese designer,
Kenzo, and used in his Paris show this year.
ML Tri Devakul also established the Chao Phraya River Club Literary
Society where each month, published writers and local residents
read from recent works to a capacity crowd who enjoy the lively
monthly meetings.
Adjacent to The Boathouse, still facing directly onto Kata
Beach and the Andaman Sea, is a newer restaurant, the Gung Café,
developed by ML Tri and managed by The Boathouse, for those wanting
a more relaxed ambiance for dining on fresh seafood.
"The Gung Café offers Boathouse service but in a more informal
atmosphere. We invite guests to try any of the wonderful rock lobster
recipes or other seafood entrees which are original Boathouse recipes,"
invites Mr. Bronner. "We also have a surprising menu of fun
cocktails such as the The Gung Viagra which is certainly unique."
The Gung Café is part of Lobster Square. Again ML Tri has designed
a collection of boutiques which offer high quality handicrafts.
In Spirit House, designer silver jewelry and fine silks adorn the
shop as well as miniature spirit houses which make a perfect gift
or reminder of a visit to Phuket.
Gourmet delights as designer salads and sandwiches and select wines
are offered in The Little Lobster and ML Tri has recently opened
an art gallery in Lobster Square as his continued commitment for
supporting the arts on Phuket.
The Boathouse provides visitors to Phuket with a glimpse of "Simply
the Best" that a visit to Thailand can offer.
The Boathouse contact details: (66-76)
330 015
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