 Be warned! Nothing could prepare you adequately. It’s impossible to describe in mere words and pictures. Dining on the Rocks is so unique that you’ll have to go there yourself to experience it fully!
But here are a few words in a humble attempt to explain just why this outstanding restaurant has become the ultimate dining experience on Samui. And firstly, it has to be the location.
It’s the signature restaurant of Six Senses Hideaway Samui, part of a world-renowned group that prides itself on getting back to nature. And the word hideaway in its title will give you an indication that this place is not in the middle of town, but in quiet Samrong Bay in the northeast of Samui. Having said that, it’ll only take you 15 minutes to reach by car, and it’s well sign-posted.
Arrive before it’s dark and you’ll see exactly how the restaurant’s laid out. To just say that it’s a series of many platforms and terraces interconnected by numerous walkways would be too simplistic, although that’s just what it is. But oh, what platforms and terraces! Each seems to have its own uninterrupted 270 degree seaview. And each only has a few tables giving it an intimate feel.
A cosy private bay to the right, the waves crashing into the rocks below and a close-up view of neighbouring island Koh Pha-Ngan to the left. If ever there was a million-dollar view, this is it.
And just about everything here is made of wood. Bamboo screens here, polished teak supports there. It doesn’t get more natural. And it’s this natural simplicity that personifies the resort as a whole. Minimalistic and casual, yet refined at the same time. Choose between sitting at traditional tables and chairs, or on huge comfy lounge-style seats with massive cushions.
I could talk forever about the restaurant’s fixtures and fittings, but the food is equally unique and space is limited. Again, where to start? OK, the type of cuisine. It’s correctly described as New Asian. But that’s with a serious twist, courtesy of Executive Chef Thomas Jakobi.
Every single dish has hidden surprises. Each is prepared with four things in mind: flavour combinations; textures; aromas; and finally temperature combinations. So when you pop a spoonful into your mouth expecting the normal concoction, your palate will be working overtime as it copes with the sensory overload. Wonderful tastes, textures and unexpected hot and cold sensations bombarding from all directions! It’s incredible how he’s mastered this technique, and it MUST be tried!
And one way of doing that is by ordering the ‘Experiences’ set dinner. This provides you with 10 mini-courses, giving you a chance to experience many dishes at one sitting. And this is what you get: Tartar Dégustation; Reduction of Coconut and Truffle with rosemary roasted chicken; Tian of Seared Tuna with spiced lentils and balsamic; Roasted Duck with citrus and an orange-lavender granite; Iced Tom-yam Gazpacho with oysters; Steamed Hor-mok Soufflé; Iced Coconut and Blue Curacao; Lamb Cutlet filled with spiced potatoes served with raita and mint; Jasmine Tea-flavoured Chocolate Pots with spiced pineapple; and Organic Lemongrass Tea.
“…to explain just why this outstanding restaurant has become
the ultimate dining experience on Samui.”
Of course you can order from the à la carte menu which is also presented in a unique way. All dishes are available as starters or main courses. You get exactly what you want! And complementary dishes are listed beneath your favourite wine, meaning you don’t have to keep switching bottles throughout the meal if you’d prefer not to. With over 1,000 different bottles in the wine cellar, even the fussiest of tipplers will be satisfied.
Although Dining on the Rocks only opened in December 2004, it’s already been under the international spotlight with visits from Elle and Marie Claire magazines to name but two. I hope they managed to describe it in words more successfully than I have! | 
