With the nip in the air ringing in the season of cosy romance, here’s a luxe guide to four restaurants, spread across four continents, which make for picture book pretty, perfect vantage spots for an unforgettable experience of dining under the stars
Romance is the essence of life and to add elegance to it goes on to making the experience extravagant for both. When one thinks of love, the idea of cosy comfort stands out, but so does the idea of extending ones reach further, as the sky is the limit when it comes to planning that special, romantic escape for two, one that will stay etched in memory for time to come. While the options are many and the opulence subject only to one’s demands, there are some that feature in the classic column of the romance dictionary – like that of dining together, under the stars. Bringing together two sensual experiences, that of food and stargazing, this is a romantic escape that literally takes it beyond the horizon. And this is no random picnic in the wild that we are suggesting, as what could be more luxurious than getting a five course fiesta served to you and yours at a plush, private setting under the big, wide canopy of stars in a fabulous location which could be looking out over the silent expanse of sea or the hills as you claim your own sweet piece of the starlit sky, close by. If this has already got you tempted to try, then here we are with our handpicked suggestions for some of the most stellar stargazing restaurants which take you far and beyond, starting with the one on home shores.
If you are looking for something nearer, or just a quick getaway, then you just need to head out to Bangalore which has the Taj Westend with its famous Masala Klub serving authentic fare with a twist, and where you can enjoy an exclusive dinner for two under the starlit inky blue sky. The restaurant, built in the old world style with lush green around, is the perfect choice for an open air dinner, which in this case comes along with personalized service by a private butler. From customising your meal, or choosing from the extensive a-la-carte-menu, to pairing delectable Indian dishes with the perfect bottle of wine, selected from the array of 225 modern and traditional wines on offer, or indulging further with a bottle of delicate champagne, this is one restaurant which will leave you spoilt for choice, as you indulge in a heart to heart with your better half while soaking in the beauty of the night sky, sitting by the serene poolside or on the sprawling lawns. The elegantly designed property has such a vintage charm to it, and add to that the personalised attention and special service, you will be left feeling like the royal couple out for a jaunt in the garden, with your own retinue of cooks dishing out delicacies to tickle your tastebuds. The weather in Bangalore being of the ambient sort and the hotel’s location being tucked away from the bustle of the main city, yet accessible, makes Taj Westend your preferred gateway to a romantic night out under the stars, not to forget the food which is a highlight of Masala Klub, synonymous with its signature dish, the Murg Khatta Pyaaz, served with homemade phulkas, to make you feel at home under the canopy of stars.
A private island resort, located in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the One&Only Hayman Island is the northernmost of the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland. Set against the backdrop of the Coral Sea, there are rooms, suites, villas and penthouses on different parts of the property, which allow for phenomenal views of the pristine sea, the sand and the endless horizon. The resort is a sanctuary of beauty, bliss and bespoke cuisine as one can savour flavours from different parts of the world created by internationally trained chefs, as one settles in for pool-side or beach-side dining. But what adds character to the whole piece, is the range of private dining experiences, which makes this decadent resort one of the most indulgent ones for lovebirds looking at unique, intimate occasions to celebrate love and food. While one could opt for a private gourmet picnic on the beach during the day, the glimmering pools in the Formal Garden set the stage for the inimitable ‘Under the Stars Dining’ inside cabanas resting amidst lush tropical greenery, where a specially crafted five-course Twilight Dinner is served and accompanied by the finest champagne, while one enjoys the beautiful Whitsunday sunset. Truly, a celebration for the senses, right under the stars.
The 67 villas of the Maradiva Villa Resort & Spa on the west coast of the island of Mauritius, run along the banks of Tamarin Bay and make for an idyllic refuge for those seeking a piece of heaven on earth. The pristine beach, endless sea, silent mountains are all backdrops for the haute cuisine served at the resort where gourmet dining with an air of ‘barefoot luxury’ is yours to call for. As you choose from Mauritian, Mediterranean, and Continental menus, soaking in the relaxed ambience of the Coast2Coast restaurant, facing the beach and specializing in fish dishes, there is also the chef’s special menu presented every evening. You can choose to savour the flavours while sitting in the lounges or on the terrace, or have an exclusive beach dinner, under Raj tents, arranged for. The breathtaking sunsets and the clear night skies, with the sound of waves lapping up the shores, will only enhance the beauty of the moment which will stay on in the memory.
Travelling to the States will bring you the chance to enjoy the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s ‘Have it All Under the Desert Stars’ experience which is one of their exclusive experiences for golf-loving and visiting couples looking to revel in some ‘me’ time and the beauty of Palm Springs, California. A stargazing meal at the Rockwood Grill, customized by the resident executive chef is also set up on the outdoor terrace with fire pits and a la cart seating, the cuisine brings alive the local, fresh produce from California’s farms and is accompanied by hand-crafted farm-to-glass cocktails, regional microwbrews and a selection of California wines.
The Desert Stars package tips over the luxe quotient as it also includes bottles of Dom Pérignon, a private safari excursion and a gourmet picnic under the stars, a personalized shopping experience and credit to Saks Fifth Avenue, and a $1,000 telescope for keeps. Wow is the word.
