Boat taking guests to their final destination 24 Apr 2013
Secret Dinners - Let the Magic Intrigue Your Senses

Secret Retreats

Secret Dinners are intimate one-time events that invoke a sense of curiosity, wonderment and surprise as guests are whisked away to a secret destination in obscure hidden places in Asia. Put together by three bespoke brands—Secret Retreats, Lotus Arts de Vivre and Italian Fine Wines—this well-rounded partnership understands why today's connoisseur seeks authentic experiences that connect him to both the people and spirit of a place.

 

"To me, providing a real sense of luxury is knowing how to put all the right ingredients together; whether it be locating the right venue, sourcing the appropriate chef, or ensuring that the cuisine and wine is of the highest standard. And most importantly, that there is a natural seamless flow to the evening while at the same time encouraging a sense of exploration and playfulness." Stéphane Junca, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Secret Retreats

 

Set in exquisite, carefully selected settings, replete with tastefully decorated spaces, an unprecedented culinary experience and superb Italian wines, your evening promises to be nothing short of magical. The event can range from arriving by private jet to a dense jungle in Malaysia, a candle-lit alfresco meal prepared by a 3-Star Michelin Chef amidst ancient temple ruins in Angkor, to dining in a prince or princess's private heritage home.

 

"I am passionate about providing guests with a sensory journey. Combining the right ambience, extraordinary cuisine and exquisite fine wines, Secret Dinners embodies a refined example of lifestyle and culture." - Davide Vacchiotti, Founder of Italian Fine Wines

 

On 5 April 2013, a Secret Dinner was unveiled to both local Bangkokians and distinguished guests from across Asia. A private invitation was sent with instructions to be at a meeting point at a specific time. A password was given to access the event. A convoy of seven vans, led by a police escort, navigated through Bangkok's roads and brought the guests to a traditional wooden boat docked on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. As everyone boarded the boat Champagne was served and engaging spirited conversations ensued during the river cruise. The final destination took place at Chakrabongse Villas. Looking out onto the magnificent Temple of Dawn, this private residence was built in 1908 and belongs to the daughter of HRH Prince Chula Chakrabongse. Representing a bygone era, it is an elegant and historical home. Walls are adorned with black and white portraits of members of the Thai Royal Family, charcoal-coloured sculptures of prominent figureheads guard corners, and antiques rest on vintage teak tables.

 

"Nowadays, it is hard to find something this unique and authentic. The hospitality industry tends to focus on catering to the masses. What makes our collaboration exclusive is our commitment to provide exceptional designs and decorative style that enhance both the environment, and interiors of a place. Through our carefully fine-tuned creations we are able to provide an ambience and experience that guests will remember for a lifetime." - Nicklas von Bueren, CEO Lotus Arts de Vivre

 

 

Finer Details

*Secret Dinners are limited to a maximum of 20 persons.

*Ideal for incentive groups, weddings and other special occasions.

*Possibilities are unlimited, ranging from chartering a private jet, to a castaway experience on a private island, to a mystical experience set amidst ancient temples.

*The surprise element is integral to Secret Dinners; hence your guests shall not know the details of the event until they arrive to the final destination.

*For more information, please contact unveil@secret-retreats.com



 

About 

Secret Retreats 

SECRET RETREATS is a collection of some of the finest boutique residences, hotels and boats throughout Asia—a brand that provides experiential experiences for the discerning traveller. Representing a collective of cultured individuals whose taste, sense of refinement, simplicity and hospitality is reflected in the unique properties that they created, SECRET RETREATS has properties in Asia only. Conscious of the uniformity of luxury hotel chains around the world that deprive today's travellers of authenticity and individuality, SECRET RETREATS sets a new reference point in the hospitality industry by advocating exclusive boutique hideaways and promoting bespoke travel experiences. www.secret-retreats.com

 

Lotus Arts de Vivre

Lotus Arts de Vivre (LAdV) is a family-run business that specialises in exclusively designed, handcrafted luxury jewellery, accessories and Home Decoration products, blending Far East Asian art with modernised function and sensibility. Lotus Arts de Vivre has signature stores in Thailand, Singapore, Bali and representatives based in China, Belgium, India, France, UK and USA. LAdV pieces have become regular additions to serious collectors of luxury and unique art objects.

 

Italian Fine Wines

Italian Fine Wines Co (IFW) was established in 1998 and has offices throughout Asia Pacific. It represents nine brands of Italian wines in 14 countries in Asia. Italian Fine Wines is also the representative of the Italian Association of Sommeliers in Asia Pacific, which regularly holds professional sommeliers courses. In addition to having collaborated with Elle magazine and the Italian Embassy, IFW also works with numerous cultural institutions and establishments including the Italian Cultural Festival, and various other wine and food festivals.