WHY GO? The Boathouse is a much-cherished Phuket institution, the ultimate boutique resort restaurant right on Kata beach, with a lovely, romantic terrace from which to watch the sun set then enjoy fabulous food and wine.

WHAT TO ORDER? The Boathouse has appointed Jean- Noel Lumineau as the new executive chef and he is introducing many exciting innovations to the menu. New Thai appetisers include pla krapong yum takrai (poached sea bass fillet with lemongrass, chilli, lime juice and Thai herbs) as well as slightly spicy pomelo salad with prawns. Barracuda fillet and tiger prawns with Mediterranean vegetables and saffron sauce is excellent, as is stir-fried linguini and seared scallops flavoured with crushed garlic, chilli and black pepper corn. Desserts such as rum baba, chocolate souffle, apple tart and the bounteous cheese platter will keep you lingering long into the night watching the susurrating surf from the terrace.

Almost 800 different labels, including classic, organic, innovative and New World wines makes this one of Thailand’s best cellars.