PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

Fine dining is not all about food prepared with the experienced hands of Michelin stars; it’s about winning factors that make dining extra special. Here are some of the surprises from those masterminds who took a step beyond to create the rich experiences the whole world now adds to their bucket lists.

Today, you can plan a proposal dinner under the sea in the Maldives and elope into Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant in Kenya, admiring the beauty that the country does not easily give away. PEAKLIFE brings you the list of the culinary world waiting to be explored even before eyes are laid on the menu.

1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives

Ithaa, the world-renowned underwater restaurant at Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, offers a unique dining experience 3-5 metres below sea level. Located atop an underground wine cellar with 20,000 bottles and a cheese bar, it boasts exquisite cuisine in a state-of-the-art setting. Diners access Ithaa via a spiral staircase beneath a thatched-roof hut, sitting beneath a glass ceiling with a 270-degree view of the coral reef. Accommodating just 14 diners, make sure you get your reservations beforehand. Note the dress code of smart casual, avoiding bikinis and short dresses.

2. The Wine Cave at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

Step into a naturally formed wine cave, an authentic cavern all set to provide the intimate dining experience of a lifetime. It is an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience where, upon entry, you will be awestruck by 1200 wines set on display. To go with the offering laid in your glass, order a supper of beef fillet or grilled lobster, followed by coconut chocolate mousse, possibly accompanied by a plummy Malbec or zesty Sauvignon Blanc.

3. Ultraviolet, Shanghai, China

(Source: Forbes)

Ultraviolet is more than just a meal but a culinary adventure that redefines the boundaries of dining. With only 10 seats, the intimate setting ensures personalised attention and a unique journey through each meticulously crafted course. Created by Chef Paul Pairet, this avant-garde restaurant offers a multi-sensory feast where food is paired with lights, sounds, and scents to create an immersive atmosphere.

4. Sublimotion, Ibiza

The world is just a stage and we are all spectators waiting for the wonders to happen, as proven by Sublimotion. Created by Paco Roncero, this place hosts 12 people for a three-hour-long immersive experience and is known for its extravagant fusion of Mediterranean cuisine and avant-garde gastronomy. The passion behind the project is clear, as it requires 25 professionals who work together to make it happen. The multi-sensory experience is created with different themes to explore.

5. Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa Valley, California

Take the track back to the rails, which gives you a straight-out-of-the-book experience. The train travels through the heart of Napa Valley, offering stunning views of rolling vineyards, picturesque wineries, and charming towns. The Napa Valley Wine Train departs from downtown Napa, making it easily accessible for visitors to the region.

6. Soneva Kiri Treepod Dining, Thailand

It is one of the rare dining experiences that will have you look at the beauty of Koh Kood Island from a certain height. Guests are hoisted up into the bamboo pod using a special pulley system operated by the resort staff. You can enjoy the epic view from the bamboo tree pod while lounging on cushioned seats. The meals are served by a khaki-clad waiter who navigates the treetops via zip line, adding adventure to the whole dining experience.

7. Alchemist, Copenhagen

If you are in Copenhagen, you would know the popularity of Alchemist. Once, when dining as a theatre was not given much thought, the restaurant changed the perspective around the world. The restaurant is located in Refshaleoen and can be spotted with two heavy bronze doors whose decorations can remind you of Narnia. Be prepared to experience the extraordinary culinary craftsmanship combined with deeper meaning messages behind every bite you take.

8. El Diablo, Spain

Prepare for a fiery feast at El Diablo, Lanzarote’s one-of-a-kind restaurant that harnesses volcanic heat for its culinary creations. Nestled atop a dormant volcano, this hotspot serves up a sizzling menu that blends traditional Canarian cuisine with international flair, all cooked over a blazing pit that reaches a scorching 400°C (750°F). Forget conventional stoves; the chef here harnesses this natural heat to cook various dishes, from succulent meats to mouthwatering vegetables.

9. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

It is an outstanding small hotel set in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. Manor boasts a 12-acre-long campus surrounded by flourishing gardens. You will be delighted that you’re not the only visitor dining in the space. It’s famous for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffes, which often poke their long necks into the windows in search of treats.

10. Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, Kenya

Another cave restaurant to add to our list is Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, located in Kenya. You will feel transported to a magical destination, where the evenings mean candlelight dinners under the thousands of stars twinkling above you. It’s a cave that serves as a unique dining establishment located in Diani Beach, Kenya, and is thought to be around 120,000 to 180,000 years old.