By Rama Gaind.
“Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.” — G.K. Chesterton
Eau de Vivre, which is 100 per cent exclusive to Sofitel Krabi, has been conceptualised and crafted over a two-year period.
Let’s be honest, we all enjoy a tasty beverage, but it was intriguing to discover the very first private label spirit ever produced exclusively for a hotel in Thailand. It was a captivating thought, but the path to discovery was more than exciting. That’s because Eau de Vivre was unveiled at the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. This is Thailand’s ultimate getaway destination where the resort enjoys a prime setting on Klong Muang Beach, near Ao Nang.
Inspired by its native environment and produced just a short distance from Sofitel Krabi, Eau de Vivre also has a minimal carbon footprint. Taken from the French term meaning ‘water of life’, Eau de Vivre has been created in collaboration with Kilo Spirits, Krabi’s first distillery. While it emulates a classic London dry gin, locally-sourced sugarcane and botanicals have been carefully blended to create an original flavor that is subtle yet highly distinctive, and reflects the exotic elegance of its home province.
Experts from the resort’s management team and the master distillers at Kilo Spirits joined hands to meticulously select ingredients from sustainable local sources, using multiple blind tasting sessions to settle on the final version. Each botanical plays an important role in the overall flavour. For example, jasmine flowers add delicate floral notes, cashew nuts feel buttery smooth in the mouth, while Krabi pineapple provides a sweet, tropical finish.
Experience timeless colonial luxury at the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort set in a tropical garden, and there’s Thailand’s largest lagoon swimming pool.
The name Eau de Vivre is inspired by many elements. The French language associates the spirit with Sofitel’s heritage as an iconic French luxury brand, while ‘eau’ refers to the pure water used in the distillation process, which flows down from the mythical Naga Mountain.
Located close to the hotel, this jungle-clad peak is revered as a holy site in Krabi as it is believed to be the domain of the ‘Naga’, a serpentine demi-god which sustains the beauty of the province. Paying homage to this legend, the product’s strapline, ‘Spirit of the Naga’ reflects both the nature of the liquor and its spiritual essence.
Realised … you don’t have to be a seasoned gin connoisseur to try Eau de Vivre. The option is also there for anybody who wants to try something new, individual and progressive in the world of small-batch craft spirits. The complex yet masterfully balanced flavour allows it to be enjoyed simply as a sunset G&T or as the main element in an imaginative cocktail crafted by Aurelius, the resident mixologist at the resort.
The label is available to sample in the resort’s Explorer Bar or in a limited-edition gift box – for the memories! For adventurous explorers, exclusive small group workshops can be arranged at the hotel or distillery, including the opportunity to walk away with a personalised bottle.
Experts joined hands to meticulously select ingredients from sustainable local sources, using multiple blind tasting sessions to settle on the final version Eau de Vivre.
The resort’s general manager Jonathan Rudd says the 100 per cent Eau de Vivre is exclusive to Sofitel Krabi.
“Conceptualised and crafted over a two-year period, this is a product of love that we are proud to call our own. While it is subtle and fragrant, Eau de Vivre is no wall-flower – it stands tall with a bold presence that can be recognised when placed against major labels.”
There’s a lot more to enjoy at this five-star resort which combines luxury with a heartfelt and gentle Thai ambience. Experience a tropical oasis that has a magnificent vista of the Andaman Sea and the outlying islands. Go and explore hidden beaches and islands for the ultimate luxury escape in Krabi.
The lagoon swimming pool, the largest in Thailand, elevates the leisure and relaxation facilities to the next level at this resort. Straddling the white sands of Khlong Muang Beach and the foot of Naga Head Mountain, it also offers a unique terrain that challenges a golfer’s skills.
Here’s to the rose-coloured glasses of life!
FACT BOX
