By Rama Gaind.
The ‘Bard of Avon’ William Shakespeare was quoted as saying: “bait the hook well. This fish will bite.”
Chef Thi at the Blu Lobster, which is the signature seafront restaurant at Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh, also has the successful formula!
Vietnam’s stylish new dining destination on the powdery shores of Cam Ranh Bay is putting the region’s seafood firmly on the culinary map. The terrace of Blu Lobster overlooks the bay, which is the longest beachfront in Vietnam with an 18-kilomtre stretch of white sand.
Savouring the delectable flavours you’ll find the restaurant prides itself on a rotating menu of locally-sourced seafood and authentic Vietnamese dishes, all conceived and expertly crafted by the talented young chef, who was born and raised in nearby Nha Trang.
Nestled directly on the beach, this casual yet sophisticated venue offers a choice of indoor or alfresco seating, with an eclectic à-la-carte indoor restaurant and an elegant verandah overlooking the golden sand and azure ocean. The interior design reflects a rustic-chic vibe, with exposed timber, bricks, ceramic tiles and stone, enhanced with playful elements and splashes of color.
“When I was growing up, I’d spend most of my free time swimming and fishing in the ocean and rivers,” Chi says. “The sea is such an integral part of everybody’s lifestyle here and even now most families still own a boat and catch their own seafood. At the Blu Lobster, we want to showcase the fantastic flavors of this region with local ingredients, original cooking methods and time-honored recipes that feature on my menu.”
Steaming bowls of pho, banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls are de rigeur for most visitors to Vietnam. All of these culinary delights can be accompanied with a wide range of beverages, including Asian-inspired creations, international wines and local craft beers. Then at the end of the evening, diners can sip a digestif – a wonderful way to reflect on an enchanting evening by the ocean.
This blend of coastal charm and exceptional Vietnamese cuisine creates an idyllic atmosphere.
Pimalai wellness retreat
Invitations are out to attend the second annual Zenergy Wellness Festival at the Pimalai Resort & Spa in Thailand.
The five-star retreat on the pure shores of Koh Lanta wants holidaymakers there to leave the stress of the city behind and to reconnect with their inner selves in paradise in July.
Presented at the resort from 24-29 July 2020, Zenergy promises an extensive schedule of yoga and fitness classes, professionally taught by qualified instructors from around the world, along with luxurious accommodation, healthy dinners, massages and tours to discover the breath-taking natural beauty of Koh Lanta.
Pimalai’s general manager Patrice Landrein said following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which attracted guests from across the world, this year’s festival was going to be an even wider selection of classes from some of the world’s leading wellness practitioners.
“Pimalai is the perfect setting to get away from it all, reconnect with your spiritual side and reinvigorate your body and mind. We are delighted to team up with Retreat to Paradise once again to host the second annual Zenergy Wellness Festival. We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to the pure shores of Koh Lanta this July.”
Spread across 40 hectares of lush hillside land with 900 metres beachfront, Pimalai is a five-star natural retreat, away from the tourist bustle of Thailand’s better-known islands. Guests can discover luxurious accommodation, world-class cuisine and fantastic health and fitness facilities.
Qualified instructors
Class leaders will include Carissa Lin, the Singapore-based yoga instructor who will host a series of sessions to help guests restore their mind-body balance. These include ‘Yin Yoga’ and meditation, which focus on passive poses and breathing exercises, and ‘Hatha Yoga’, an alignment-based class that enhances strength and flexibility. American yoga teacher Heart Maher will lead the ‘Happy Hips’ and ‘Float & Fly’ sessions, which are designed to build up body strength, and the ‘Inversion Clinic’, which is based on headstands and handstands.
Michelle Qubrosi, who hails from the UAE, is a full-time pole and aerials instructor, with a strong background in the yogic arts. She will lead two key classes: ‘Sweet Surrender’, a restorative class intended to unlock flexibility, and ‘Freedom Flow’, a vinyasa class that will transition between different styles.
Guests can select three classes per day on 25th, 26th and 27th July 2020, hosted in Pimalai’s idyllic Beach Villa, Yoga Sala or Studio. Each day starts with a healthy breakfast overlooking the ocean at Spice & Rice, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, while lunch is served at Seven Seas, the elevated fine-dining destination.
Excursions are also available in the local are including a Sunrise Mangrove Tour, Saichon Batik Tour and Old Town Tour. There’s just so much to see and do!
DETAILS BOX
Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh
Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
Telephone: +84 258 3993 666
www.radissonhotels.com
Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150, Thailand.
Telephone: +66 (0) 2320 5500
www.pimalai.com