‘Reaching the heights’ can mean two things. Firstly, it can mean physically going somewhere elevated. And, secondly, it can mean attaining a high level of achievement. So when a restaurant is named The Height it’s usually for one or the other of these reasons. But, for this particular restaurant, it could easily be for both.

The Height restaurant I’m talking about is the signature restaurant at the stunning Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, in Laem Nan. And to get there is easy. As you’re nearing Lamai on the ring-road, coming from Chaweng, just take the first concrete road on the left past the landmark IT Complex and follow it a kilometre to the very end. You’ll pass other resorts along the way, but nothing passes Silavadee. And that means it’s very peaceful and private up there.

The resort is set on a hillside and the pathway from the reception leads you down a hundred metres or so to The Height restaurant. Come in the daytime for lunch and you’ll see that it looks down upon its own picture postcard beach. Although it isn’t technically a private beach, no one else has access to it by land so it just as well might be!

And the restaurant has areas for every requirement. At the top there are two air-conditioned sections, seating 30 and 40 respectively, and these are most attractive with high vaulted wooden ceilings and huge windows all around creating a spacious atmosphere. Go down a short flight of open-plan stairs and you’re on an expansive open-air terrace that can seat a further 60. And descend another level and you’ll reach a bar with terrace seating on one side and a large cigar lounge on the other.

Wherever you are, you’ll be looking out to the sea and feeling the peace and calm that only comes from being in such a beautiful natural environment. Of course, you could come here with your friends or family, but there’s a certain something here that induces a feeling of romance, making it especially ideal for those in love (newlyweds or otherwise!).

And when it comes to the food, you’ll definitely be reaching the heights, too. The International and Thai menu is prepared by a culinary genius, and his name is Khun Tee (full name – Khun Atiwat Udomlabthawee). Previously at the world’s number-one hotel The Oriental, in Bangkok, and with 13 year’s experience as a top chef in New York, Executive Chef Khun Tee is a true master of his craft. And here are a few recommendations of his dishes.

“… and when it comes to the food, you’ll definitely
be reaching the heights, too.”

From the starters I’d like to personally suggest both the Marinated Norwegian Salmon Salad with lime-juice, dill pepper and salmon roe, and the Spring Asparagus with Parma Ham and vinaigrette dressing. They’ll certainly set you up for the main course, and for that I’d recommend either the Cordon Bleu – stuffed pork chop with ham and cheese, or the Grilled Seafood Platter with a huge range of grilled salmon, tuna, scallops, and shrimps with potatoes, vegetables and pesto sauce. There’s also a full range of pasta dishes and snacks available and a full Thai cuisine menu. But space prevents me from listing more.

But I will make space for a dessert, as you should, too! And that’s the superb Molten Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice-cream. If you’ve had better, tell me about it, because I certainly haven’t. As so good is the in-house bakery, that soon after it opened in May 2008 neighbouring resorts were coming over to buy cakes and breads for themselves. So much so that Silavadee had to open a stand-alone bakery in Lamai to cater for the growing trade!
Yes, The Height is certainly a good name for this restaurant, in more ways than one!

The Height restaurant is open from 7:00 am, with dinner from 6:00 pm (kitchen closes at 10:30 pm).
For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7796 0555.