Minor Hotels clinches win at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024

Hotel chain Minor Hotels secured the win as the Dining Concept of the Year at the sought-after TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand for its modern Thai restaurant Dara Cuisine Phuket that offers a singular experience blending fine dining, mixology, cooking classes, and stargazing.

Nestled within Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Dara Cuisine Phuket features a unique concept that allows guests to enjoy a variety of experiences in one location. Its dining space overlooks the Andaman Sea, whilst references to the night sky are found inside in antique mirrors, black burnt wood, and high-polish antique copper.

Phuket’s rugged nature is celebrated with weather-worn wood, flamed stone, seashells, and local clay. Woven textiles, rattan baskets, wooden sculptures, and ceramics from across the country forge a connection to Thailand’s cultural legacy. A glassed-in show kitchen on the ground floor offers a glimpse into the heart of the restaurant during dinner service and hosts cooking classes with Dara chefs during the day.

As Thailand’s first dining and sky observatory, Dara Cuisine Phuket offers a dedicated Stargazing Guru and an Observatory Deck with a custom-built Ash dome, equipped with Phuket’s most powerful state-of-the-art telescope. This feature transforms the venue into a destination for celestial exploration, and allows guests to learn about the wonders of the night sky from an expert storyteller, who explains how Andaman seafarers used stars for navigation.

Apart from the carefully curated environment for stargazing, including a specialised telescope, the cocktails are inspired by constellations. The concept of “Celestial Mixology” introduces craft cocktails based on celestial themes, utilising local Thai spirits and ingredients like coconut, pandan, jasmine, and hibiscus. This creative mixology experience complements the fine dining aspect, offering guests a novel and immersive experience.

The restaurant also boasts an on-site fermentation kitchen, a barrel-aged fish sauce cellar, and an herb garden, showcasing a commitment to innovative culinary techniques and sustainable practices.

Since its opening, Dara Cuisine Phuket has quickly become a standout destination for both locals and international guests due to its unique and innovative concept of blending fine dining with stargazing. The educational sessions enrich the guest experience, merging culinary excellence with cultural and celestial exploration.

Its partnership with eco-conscious local farms and fisheries also underscores a commitment to sustainability, aligning with Anantara’s consciousness of preserving the beautiful location and its surrounding communities. The on-site fermentation kitchen and herb garden further reinforce the brand’s dedication to sustainable and responsible practices.

“There is no greater impact than the awareness of our place in the universe than by directly gazing into the night sky. This intimate experience leaves a lasting impression on guests, fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet and the universe,” Minor Hotels said.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand celebrates companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking industry improvements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enabling unique customer experiences.