Page 43 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024
P. 43

WELLNESS

                                                                                 In the rare case that this aesthetically-
                                                                                 appealing property didn’t already provide an
                                                                                 overwhelming feeling of comfort, the resort’s
                                                                                 award-winning private wellness sanctuary
                                                                                 embraces the needs of an aching body and
                                                                                 an exhausted mind. The Baan Thai Spa by
                                                                                 Harnn is secluded and perched high above
                                                                                 the coconut trees, with yet more serene views.
                                                                                 The relaxation can come from either of the
                                                                                 five private massage rooms: four standard
                                                                                 massage rooms, and another intimate couple’s
                                                                                 suite with a Balneo bath and steam room.








                                        THE INSIDE SCOOP

                                          Brilliantly, the resort goes
                                           beyond facilitating the
                                           best in rest and relaxation.
                                           It can also be seen as
                                           a sought-after venue
                                           for Indian weddings.
                                           I had the pleasure of
                                           sitting down with the
                                          resort’s F&B Manager,
                                         Krish Ghosh, to better
                                        understand how the resort   But let’s not forget that Indian weddings go beyond the items on a
                                       caters to Indian celebrations.  menu; they’re also all about the ambience of a joyous occasion. Our
                                                                team is well-versed in providing the exact preparations to enhance the
                                                               Indian wedding experience, spanning different set-ups, the pattern
                                                               and flow of service, and the requirements for different cultural and
                                                               religious rituals. Every angle is carefully attended to, and we make
           What enticed you to take on the role of F&B manager at
           InterContinental Koh Samui Resort?                    sure the plan is executed to everyone’s expectations.

           I remember visiting this property last year, and I had a good feeling   Coastal Indian cuisine is in trend at the moment. How is
           about its potential. The location, for one, entices anyone to visit.   the hotel incorporating this element into catering events?

           Second, the F&B offerings already carried a good reputation, but I   One of the advantages of having Chef Rajesh at the helm is that the
            felt that if I took this opportunity at this position, I would be able to   quality of our offerings is propelled by his experience. He chooses
           enhance the overall experience. There was also an added challenge   his own fresh ingredients, and he’s very particular about his masalas.
           of elevating the resort’s Indian cuisine. We are currently focused on   Ultimately, under his guidance, we never want to compromise on the
            taking the Indian cuisine experience to a higher level. This applies   quality and integrity of authentic Indian coastal food. Aligning with
            to regular dine-ins or to events as beautiful and grand as an Indian   our executive chef, we can only improve upon this, as Chef Rajesh
           wedding.                                            has been with us for a short period. It’s also important to note that

           How would you describe the hotel’s experience with Indian   we also incorporate fusion elements to our dishes.

           weddings?                                           Are there any new additions or USPs of the hotel that elevate

           As I’ve mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of hosting a wedding   celebratory events?

           at this property is the location itself. It’s breathtaking. Even our private   At the moment, as we continue to improve or discover new aspects
            pier is used as an integral element for outdoor wedding ceremonies,   of the resort, we do want to increase the workforce, especially for
            for example, exchanging vows on the waterfront. Additionally, we   the catering team. As we receive more opportunities to host Indian
           have a beautiful lawn that can fit around 120 to 150 guests. When   weddings, we’ll naturally need to bolster our team. Moreover, starting
           it comes to catering, our Chef Rajesh has extensive experience in   this month, we will offer an elaborate menu dedicated to only Indian
           both North and South Indian cuisines, allowing a variety of Indian   cuisine. We realise the need for high-quality Indian food, and we
           dishes to be served at celebratory events. We have no issues curating   aim to not only provide the best, but also offer a unique dining and
            personalised menus for the wedding couple for each of their events,   catering experience for our South Asian guests.
           which we all know can span days.


                   INTERCONTINENTAL KOH SAMUI RESORT
                                                                                Phone: +66 (77) 429 100
                   295 Moo 3 Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140 Thailand  Email: icsamui.rsvn@ihg.com
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