BANGKOK—Dining at Soneva Kiri by Six Senses is anything but ordinary and has now been taken to new heights, with the recently launched Treepod Dining experience. The Treepod is situated at one of the best vantage points the resort offers, a few yards along the coastal path from the resort’s main facilities on the west facing side of the island. Guests board the rattan bird’s nest at ground level and fasten their leather seatbelts to be gently hoisted 16 feet into the tall, native massang trees. The Pod is outfitted with comfortable cushioned seating for up to four diners. As the Pod slowly climbs into the trees, and the rocky shores slowly descend, Khun Lek simultaneously flies through the air on a zip line coming from a small platform perched half way down the hill. Once Khun Lek has served the meal, he zips back up the hill, discreetly positioned a few feet away in case guests wish to add to their order.
With birds’ eye views over the peaceful, clear waters surrounding remote Koh Kood, interrupted only by swaying leaves of the massang, guests will agree this is one of the most memorable meals of a lifetime.
Breakfast in the Treepod is an utterly peaceful, sublime way to start the day, lunch offers a shady respite from the heat, and breathtaking sunsets from such an unlikely, intimate haven over a candlelit dinner is as close to nature as you can get.
The menus follow the jungle themes—Canapés in the Canopy, Forager’s Basket, Woodland Offerings—using produce predominantly from the resort’s organic gardens or the island of Koh Kood.
In collaboration with Olav Bruin 24h Architects, Louis Thompson, designer of both Treepod Dining and Soneva Kiri’s Eco Villa explained, “It has taken two and a half years from design to final realization. It is great to see it so appreciated by guests. Even people without a head for heights are thoroughly enjoying it. The element I am particularly proud of is that we actually managed to build it without any bolts or attachments into the actual trees. I strongly feel that the concept has a range of other applications which I am really looking forward to investigating. We are also looking into guests being able to fly on the zip line through the jungle themselves, as there is a certain amount of envy when they watch Khun Lek.”
Go to Six Senses Resorts & Spas.
