Sunday 26 August 2012

The Planet's Five Most Amazing Water View Dining Experiences

By Paul Kent


Beach vacations have so many things going for them. Unfortunately, premium restaurants are often not one of them. As the sun sets down and the cool evening air starts to move in, the search for the holy grail of diners begins - an establishment that provides a winning combination of fine food, outstanding service and beautiful location.

Like the legendary search of old it can frequently end in dissatisfaction. To avoid joining the ranks of long-lost bistro patrons here is our 'Guide to the Top 5 Water View Restaurants'. These restaurants - despite their (frequently) remote location - provide cuisine that brilliantly complements their miraculous environment. Romantic dining gifts that treat all your senses.

Ambrosia, Santorini, Greece

Given its location on top of Santorini's volcanic crater with dream-like sights of the Aegean Sea it is hardly surprising that this diner specializes in local seafood and Mediterranean meat dishes. Sitting on the little terraces, with sail boats passing underneath and the stars above your head it is hard to imagine a more romantic setting. During summer, be definitely sure to book a terrace table at least a month ahead.

Bann Rim Pa, Phuket, Thailand

After a day out at sea chartering your own luxury yacht why not maintain the sense of exclusivity at one of Thailand's most celebrated eateries? Baan Rim Pa is a two-story teak house with gorgeous views across to the Bay of Kalim. Enjoy a cocktail in the piano lounge before taking a terrace table and enjoying the Royal Thai menu including Panaeng Ped (duck curry with lycee) and Goong Sarong (prawns hand-wrapped in vermicelli).

Bay Bistro, Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos Islands

Grace Bay Beach is among the great 'undiscovered treasures' of the Caribbean. As part of the boutique Sibonne Beach Hotel - The first hotel on Grace Bay Beach - Bay Bistro has benefitted from having first pick of location overlooking gorgeous crystal blue waters. This is an informal affair, where local government ministers rub sunburned shoulders with world holiday makers walking straight off of the beach. Look out for the 'Turks & Caicos Coffee '...

Bora Bora Yacht Club, Faanui Bay, Bora Bora

With local timber frames overhead and an open deck out across the calm blue waters of the tropical lagoon permitting a light breeze to caress your face, it is not difficult to hark back to a simpler time. Decline the western dishes in favor of the delightfully presented local delicacies and imagine that one of the boats floating in front of your eyes is yours!

Rosellinis, Ravello, Italy

This Michelin-two-star trattoria is only open for dinner from mid-March to October with tables assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive in good time and watch the nightfall over the Amalfi Coast from one the terrace tables perched 1,000 feet above the Mediterranean. Executive Chef, Pino Lavarra, learnt his trade at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons under Raymond Blanc and it shows with his passion for contemporising Southern Italian dishes.




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