Launched two weeks ago on the private beach of Centara Reserve Samui is Salt Society, a design-centric dining establishment that promises to spice up the island's gastronomic scene.
Styled by well-established design studio Panorama Architect, Salt Society boasts a theatrical open-plan setting. The 1,263m² premises comprises an expansive open plan lounge, four unique dining rooms and a centrepiece cocktail bar. Different areas intertwine through a calming blend of natural materials, organic shapes and tactile elements inspired by gently lapping azure waves. Walls and upholstery helps recreate the warm hues of sand while house-curated playlists set the tempo for a unique memorable vibe.
Amid this elegant setting are artfully presented contemporary dishes. The beachfront restaurant serves up an international high-end menu crafted by an Australian master chef.
Dishes are prepared with locally sourced seafood and organic produce enhanced with fresh herbs handpicked from the resort's herb garden. Signature dishes include whole baked red snapper with house-made pickle cucumber and chimichurri; carbonara filled tortellini with smoked parmesan gelato; and smoked chorizo sausage with red onion marmalade, smoked cheese, charred leeks and tomato salsa.
To give a unique touch to the culinary journey is a repertoire of 12 kinds of special house-blended salt such as black salt, beetroot salt, lemon salt, truffle salt, smoked salt and Peruvian Maras salt.
"Salt Society is in keeping with this luxury resort's out-of-the-ordinary dining experiences," said Centara Reserve Samui's executive chef Christopher John Patzold.
"From the artisanal salts and ocean-blue tableware to the tableside cocktails, we've worked hard on creating an element of surprise. We look forward to expanding our emphasis on locally sourced, sustainable seafood and other produce that is ultra-fresh and, wherever possible, organic."
To complement the meal are a fine selection of wines and imaginative herb-infused cocktails, served in ocean-inspired glassware from the Stone Bar.
For intimate gatherings, the four private dining rooms, called "cubes", exhibit different unique characters ranging from an ice-cold seafood cube to a hot wood-fired food cube, a sweet dessert cube and chilled dining room cube.
"After months of careful preparation and refinement, Centara Reserve Samui is excited to bring to Samui an all-day venue which we believe will redefine the beachside drinking and dining experience," said the hotel's general manager Patrick Moukarzel.
"Every element, from the nature-inspired design to the mood music, has been selected to bring the sea in and enhance the exciting flavours of the gourmet food and handcrafted concoctions. But the key emphasis is on keeping things laid back while engaging the senses and celebrating nature at every turn."
On Sunday, there's a Vitamin Sea Sunday Brunch buffet that includes free access to the pool and wet playground in the children's zone. Prices for weekend brunch buffet start from 1,890 baht per person up to 3,999 baht per person inclusive of unlimited bubbles. Walk-in guests can also book a round-trip transfer in a hotel limousine van at 550 baht net per person, or do so in style in a hotel Mercedes limousine inclusive of one glass of bubbles and nibbles at 900 baht net per person.
Salt Society is located at Centara Reserve Samui, 38/2 Moo 3, Borpud, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. Fore more information or reservations, call 077-230-500 and 077-231-625 or Line: @saltsocietysamui.
