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 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. Well, Dining on the Rocks initially rose to fame with its novel interpretation of ‘New Asian Cuisine’. And just as we were being thrilled by that, a new executive chef, Mark Krueger, came upon the scene and has raised the bar even higher with his ‘Modern Interpretive Cuisine’.

Tried and trusted popular dishes have been given an edgy new interpretation in very imaginative ways. So, what you think you are getting may not be that at all. Dishes are reconstructed to be both visually and texturally appealing. The focus here is on taste and the use of fresh, wholesome, local ingredients.

Here is an example from their various menus to give you an idea of the concept: Chicken Burrito Leftover from Tomorrow, with tomato salsa, avocado and fresh cheese, smooth bean puree and grilled tortilla sand. It might sound a bit strange to the uninitiated, but, believe me, it’s quite outstanding.

“… to explain just why this outstanding restaurant
has become the ultimate dining experience on Samui.”

And the famous ‘Hot Dog’ dish from the ‘Dining on the Rocks Experience’ menu is absolutely nothing like any hot dog you’ve ever likely to have had! Plus, to accompany it, the ketchup comes as tiny caviar-sized balls and the mustard is in the form of an ice-cream. It’s extraordinarily tasty, and will be the most original version of a tried and tested dish you’ll ever experience!

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 better than I have!

Dining on the Rocks is open from 6:00 pm and closes when the last guest leaves.
For reservations (recommended) and further information telephone: 0 7724 5678.