| 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
The 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 Click here for more information about Mom
Tri's Boathouse or here for a photo gallery of Mom
Tri's Boathouse | 
