DINING ON THE WATER

Take the delectable feast to the waters

SAFFRONCRUISE BY BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK

If you are a food and culture aficionado this river boat cruise appreciating Thailand’s creative legacy and the eternal magnificence of the Chao Phraya River is for you. The Saffron cruiser is contemporary and lustrous in the flair of a yacht rather than the typical transformed rice barges. The al fresco Moon Deck where one is welcomed with a cocktail echoes the Banyan Tree Hotel’s iconic Moon Bar at Vertigo, its signature circular bar lit in blue taking midpoint. Guests can opt to enjoy their meal here or in the lower deck dining area which is air conditioned, softly lit with wrap-around glass both overhead and to the side to get panoramic views of the river’s sights counting the Temple of Dawn and The Grand Palace. Traditional Thai dishes that are skilfully prepared and ingeniously presented. Additionally there is live entertainment and cultural performance.  All in all, the experience celebrates Thailand’s rich cultural heritage like none other in total panache.

BERT'SBAR AND BRASSERIE AT NEWPORT, AUSTRALIA

With The Newport’s littoral setting and gorgeous views that have been drawing locals since the 1880’s, Bert’s is evocative of the grand hotel dining of the 1930’s bringing a touch of glamour to the beaches while still retaining that local Aussie charm. As you expeditiously take off from Rose Bay Seaplane Base, you can’t help being in awe at the striking views over Sydney Harbour. The seaplane pilot travels up across Sydney’s gorgeous Northern beaches before alighting at Pittwater where a water taxi awaits to transfer guests to Newport where Bert’s is located. Enjoy a glass of champagne before gorging on decadent food focusing on fresh seasonal Australian produce. And of course you head back the same way you came.

BODUMAS ATMOVENPICK KUREDHIVARU, MALDIVES

The appeal of beachside dining and the embrace of calm Indian Ocean breeze encounter up at this romantic overwater restaurant in the Maldives. Set an on overwater marquee at the Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru posing spectacular views of the ocean and the beach, Bodumas is the go-to place to get lost in the pulsing thumping of waves, while the sun falls behind the horizon – perfect for a dreamy and cherished dinner over outstanding service. Seafood seasoned with global influences, contribute to the great experience.

SCOMA'S SEAFOOD,SAN FRANCISCO

Located on the water in a notable landmark building overlooking San Francisco Bay at the end of Pier 47 since 1965, Scoma offers diners quixotic views while serving excellent fresh in season seafood with an Italian accent. The ambiance is welcoming and old school, thanks to it being in a working 46-foot fishing boat. Pacific seafood served here is caught on small boats, and brought to the pier by local fishermen; Scoma has a detached building for treating fresh fish. The velvety clam chowder, speckled with bacon, could be a meal in itself. But the most famous dish is the petit combination Louis, a smaller version of their classic with both shrimp and the Dungeness crab. Remember to ask for a bib!

NOMA,COPENHAGEN

Positioned on a small lake just freestanding the centre of Copenhagen, Noma’s new location was previously an ammunition room facility for the Danish military. Planned by celebrated architect Bjarke Ingels, the spot's 11 buildings stretch over 60 metres from end to end, and are intended to look like an Old Danish village. After being greeted by Ali Sonko and his smile, you walk down a striking flower wizened boulevard before finally entering the restaurant. Michelin star Chef Rene Redzepi is only too mindful of the latent of his land and with inordinate proficiency amalgams them into a symphonic perfection into menus that vary according to the season.

My friend Mohit at Noma, Pic Courtesy Giuseppe

First published in ET Panache Travel 

MÖVENPICK KUREDHIVARU MALDIVES WITH GO AIR

When Go Air announced its winter schedule for Malé, Maldives, timed ahead of the upcoming holiday and wedding season in India and with fares as low as INR 9,999 all-inclusive, anyone would be enticed…so why blame me ?

NEERJA ON MY FLIGHT

Flight G8 33 took off from Delhi at 10.35 am on a Wednesday afternoon,

Bang on time and I make myself comfortable in my aisle seat, only to realize later that a window seat would have got me some better views on landing, I was flying to Maldives after all..!

Sneha Rajput on the left

I make friends with one of the flight attendants Sneha Rajput who I notice is doing her job rather passionately…it is evident that she totally enjoyed making passengers on board feel at home including little kids. She ensures I would get to enjoy the landing views and actually went out of the way to ask a passenger to exchange seats with me towards the landing, who luckily for me obliges…perhaps it is Sneha’s smile that worked its magic and also because he is newly married and much too engrossed in conversation with his beautiful wife. Go Air is a no frills flight but is comfortable and enjoyable and flight attendants like Sneha Rajput set it apart and I arrive in Malé at 02.15 pm and of course appreciating the views as I land the heavens literally open!

MÖVENPICK KUREDHIVARU

A bit of rest at the lounge and a sea plane ride north of Male International Airport later, I reach an untouched sanctuary and tropical retreat that is huddled in the unobstructed Noonu Atoll. As always, there is a welcome team which is very efficient. I am handed a refreshing glass of some citric mock tail and taken to a golf cart which takes me to my room. 

My over water villa has a private plunge pool…. I am in heaven already! It’s a good idea to have your experience tailor made. I have clubbed my visit with a photo shoot….a magazine is doing a story and needs a pleasantly plump lady to model and write about her experience… I am glad they have selected me.

As I set my feet upon the powder-white beaches and explore the resort, I discover, there’s so much to do here from Unwinding at the Sun Spa by Esthederm, refocusing your energy with yoga to exploring colourful marine life or simply Savouring wonderful cuisine at the three restaurants and marvelling at stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean. Parents can rejoice for they also have a Little Birds Club for the kiddos to enjoy. I spend my days trying not to burn myself on the beach, writing my pending articles, catching up on my reading, drinking lots of coconut water and eating well, retiring for a movie. Life on the island is easy. In the resort bubble, I didn’t have to stress about getting around, meals, or what to do. The staff is super friendly, they knew how to make a good drink, and there is always food around.

Meals in the package are buffet style at Onu Marché unless you pay extra for the romantic seafood restaurant Bodumas on stilts or enjoy an interesting selection of grills from the a la carte menu at latitude 5.5 like I did.  For a selection of decadent delights, I try not missing the Mövenpick Chocolate Hour – offered complimentary, every day. All In all, Mövenpick Kuredhivaru is a place for dreamers… The 5-star boutique resort amazes with outstanding villas, enclosed by lush nature, turquoise coves and infinite horizons. Only 72 overwater pool villas and 30 beach suites can be found on the entire island, which guarantees solitude and silence. The villas are large and comfortable, and is like enjoying having a big house with all luxury amenities to yourself. Being able to watch the stars from your private pool is simply priceless.  

FAST FACT

The airline added 2 new aircraft to its growing fleet within a single day. An Airbus A320neo was brought in from Hamburg in Germany and another A320neo aircraft arrived from Toulouse in France. This makes it a rare twin delivery in the history of Indian aviation and has helped GoAir double its fleet in less than 2 years.

DID YOU KNOW?

*  GoAir is part of the 283 year old $ 5.5 billion Wadia group

* GoAir flies to 8 international destinations, including Phuket, Malé, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bangkok, Kuwait and Singapore.

*  GoAir has set a record by being the only airline in India to achieve On-Time-Performance leadership for 13 months in a row.

* GoAir took the delivery of 54th aircraft on the eve of its 14th Anniversary.

*  GoAir has placed a firm order of 164 aircraft and it will add one aircraft every month on an average in the foreseeable future.

*  GoAir has flown 77 million passengers since its inception in 2005; aims to touch the 100 million passenger mark in the next two years.

 AT A GLANCE

Flight tickets can be booked through the official Go Air website, or through the Go Air mobile app. 

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives

Where? Kuredhivaru Island, Maldives, 20026-  Noonu Atoll, Maldives 

Tel:+9606563000; E-Mail:resort.kuredhvaru.reservations@movenpick.com

Movenpick Maldives

first published in Hospitality,Food & Wine Magazine by Rupali Dean