Tuesday 29 April 2014

Luxury Lifestyle at Aman

Whether you're a millionaire looking for someplace private to relax, or someone celebrating a very special occasion where money is no option, you might find yourself at one of the many Aman resorts around the world.

We were very lucky to find ourselves for the day at Amanpuri, the jewel of all Phuket luxury resorts.


It was our last day in Phuket and I couldn't think of a better way to end the trip.
Let me take you behind the scenes and show you a place most people will never see.

First there's the resort.











Then there are the private villas, complete with a private infinity pool, chef, and whatever else you desire.










There's the beach we watched the sunset from.
Technically private because if you're not staying at the resort the only other way to get to it is via yacht.

It's not ideal for swimming at high tide, because of the rocks.
But it's great for lounging no matter when.













Want a romantic, private, Bachelor-like dinner on the beach?
No problem.



No that was not for us, but it sure is lovely, isn't it?

There are a few restaurant choices at the resort.
We went for a taster course at the Japanese restaurant.
Behold, our feast.

Let's dive right in shall we?


Soup of roasted Chinese cabbage with pancetta.
I could have had a whole pan of this.


Kyoto style hors d'oeuvers.
So fresh and so many amazing flavors!


Boston lobster salad with sweet potato and yogurt dressing.


Egg custard with blue crab (probably my least favorite dish).


Sea cream carpaccio with ruby red grapefruit vinaigrette.


Pan fried catch of the day fillet, with edamame puree and lemon sauce.



Hot stone abalone.
This was a little complicated to do since there is almost no light other than the little pen light they bring to your table.


Seared foie grass with celeriac puree, sauteed mushrooms and black truffle sauce.


European pear sorbet (to cleanse the palate) with black pepper cookies.
Notice the little spoon made out of sea shell.


Wagyu steak (orgasmic is the only way to describe it really).


And buttery lobster to finish it off.


Dinner was amazing.
The combination of so many different flavors, textures and colors makes for a culinary experience indeed.
We unfortunately had to skip dessert.
It came down us either missing our plane or staying for tea, and it was a very, very hard decision indeed.

Thank you to all the wonderful people that made our day so special!


Sunday 27 April 2014

Big Buddha and Some Thai Culture

After the shenanigans we got up to the night before, we owed Thailand a little bit of cultural homage.

We had a choice of Big Buddha and Old Town but were told that the only thing to really do in Old Town was to take a few photos and it was twice as far so we only went to Big Buddha.

Big Buddha, Phuket, Thailand










Big Buddha, Phuket, Thailand

Big Buddha, Phuket, Thailand




And now come my favorite series of photos, clearly portraying the amount of fun these boys were having.
Take note of Spider shirt as well...






Now back to Big Buddha...



Big Buddha, Phuket, Thailand




On our way back Spider even got to play with a baby Ellie!



Just a thought, but Thailand looks like a pretty good place to call home...