DELUXE TRAVELLER

A private villa in Thailand is the perfect place to feast on the catch of the day

Mouth-watering flavours, fantastically fresh produce and centuries’ worth of traditional cooking techniques means that Thai cuisine boasts some of the world’s favourite dishes. In Southern Thailand, the proximity of the coast means that many dishes featuring predominantly on local menus contain fish. Freshly-caught shrimp, tuna, snapper and sea bass are all fruits of the sea that holiday-makers can look forward to trying whilst on vacation in Thailand.

However, those staying in a luxurious private villa in Koh Samui or Phuket can look forward to a whole lot more. In addition to access to a professional Thai chef, residents of these opulent properties can also add a host of imported seafood treats to their in-villa shopping lists. Only the highest quality produce is served in these upscale private villas, and guests can take their pick from an array of exquisite imported seafood options.

We take a closer look at the kinds of treats guests can look forward to sampling during their stay…

King of fish

Imported smoked salmon is the perfect treat

Whether you enjoy it poached, grilled or smoked, with steamed asparagus or eggs, salmon is one of the true favourites of the seafood world. There’s an array of tasty ways to prepare this fantastically versatile fish, and your villa’s Thai chef will know many of them. If you only want to see the finest produce appear on your dining table, you’ll be delighted to learn that many of Thailand’s upscale villas serve the highest quality salmon, imported from Canada.

For many people, this seafood indulgence is well worth it, as salmon is the perfect addition to breakfast, lunch or dinner. For example, a bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon is the perfect way to kickstart the day. For lunch, steamed salmon with vegetables – prepared by your villa’s professional chef, of course – is a light and healthy option. In the evening, creamy linguine with salmon and white wine sauce provides a more decadent option. The best part is, your villa’s chef will be well schooled in a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Italian and French, so you can really take your pick when it comes to deciding how your imported salmon should be served.

Local catch

Fresh prawns appear in many traditional Thai dishes

There’s a reason why so many classic Thai dishes – pad Thai and tom yam goong, for example – feature enormous, juicy prawns. If you hadn’t already guessed, it’s because fresh shrimp are caught by local Thai fishermen, before being transported straight to the local produce market. It’s from local markets that your villa manager and chef do all of the shopping for your kitchen, so you’ll be able to make the most of these beautifully fresh shellfish.

A great many Thai dishes, especially those originating from the southern regions of the Kingdom, feature fresh prawns. Plus, some dishes from the central regions even feature fresh water shrimp, so there’s always an opportunity to squeeze these fantastic ingredients into your lunch or dinner. In addition to Thai dishes, your villa’s professional chef will also be able to prepare a host of other cuisines to include these magnificent prawns. Indian, Italian and Chinese dishes can all be prepared for guests to enjoy, bursting with flavour and freshness every single time. If you’re in the mood for something a little different to shrimp curry or soup, you could even ask your villa’s chef to grill the prawns on the barbecue.

The ultimate luxury

Lobster forms one half of the ultimate surf and turf treat

When asked to envision the most luxurious of seafoods, many of us will immediately think of lobster. Meaty and satisfying, these sublime offerings of the ocean can be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on your personal taste. If you’re staying in a private villa, you can look forward to dining in on some of the world’s best lobsters, imported all the way from the east coast of the USA. Whether they are grilled on your barbecue or steamed in the villa’s kitchen by your chef’s expert hand, you know you’re going to enjoy a lobster this fresh.

Serving lobster for dinner is also a way to impress guests if you’re hosting a dinner party, as these kings of shellfish have plenty of wow factor when served up. Or, if you’re hosting a pool party/barbecue, you could have the lobster cooking slowly on the grill throughout the morning, tantalising guests’ taste buds in the hours before they sit down to eat. Lobsters are also a popular dish served for Chinese New Year, with pieces of the steamed fish served atop slippery, steaming noodles in a lobster sauce. While this dish – ‘noodles of longevity’ – is a Chinese New Year special, there’s nothing to stop you enjoying it whenever you fancy, if you’re staying in a private villa.

Romantic date night

These tasty shellfish are aphrodisiacs – perfect for a romantic date night in your private villa

Last but not least, we have oysters. Whether or not you love or hate them, there is no doubt that these fantastic shellfish are some of the most luxurious seafood treats you can imagine. If you’re staying in a private villa, you can treat yourself to a plate of oysters imported directly from the US or Europe.

Accompanied by champagne, oysters are a fantastic starter for a romantic date night in your private villa. Why? Because oysters are high in zinc, which boosts your energy levels. As a result, oysters have also become widely celebrated as one of the best edible aphrodisiacs, hence why they’re ideal for a villa night-in with your loved one. Oysters also boost your immune system, strengthen your bones and ease the effects of any rashes on the skin.

Before tucking into a plate of oysters, it’s worth knowing where they’re from – as there are many different types. That way, you can ensure that you pick your favourite! Pacific oysters, Kumamato oysters, European flat oysters, Atlantic oysters and Olympia oysters all look and taste slightly different.

Top Thai dishes

Steamed snapper marinated in lime juice and chillies is a delicious Thai classic

If you’re in the mood for a Thai seafood feast, consider asking your chef to prepare pla tod kamin – turmeric fried fish. Garlic and turmeric are ground together to form a marinade before the fish is deep fried to a gorgeous golden colour. Plah Kah Pung Neung Manow – steamed snapper – is another favourite in coastal destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket. The fish is served swimming in zesty lime and chilly sauce, with raw cloves of garlic and coriander sprinkled liberally on top. Alternatively, there’s always Gang Som Plah Chon – deep-friend snake head fish smothering in sweet, sour and spicy sauce.

TIPS

If you’re staying in a private villa, there’s a selection of stunning locations where you can sit down and tuck into a delicious meal:

• If you’re sitting down to eat a bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon for your breakfast, your bedroom’s private balcony overlooking the ocean is the perfect spot.
• A quick, light lunch of tom yam goong – hot and sour prawn soup – is best enjoyed in your villa’s splendid indoor dining area.
• For splendid seafood feasts, no other location than the stunning al fresco dining area will do