Slicing and dicing in paradise

The super-relaxed Thai resort of Krabi offers rare beachfront luxury at the legendary Rayavadee resort - and along with that luxury comes options. Lots of options. 

Quite a few people come to Rayavadee for the rock climbing and jungle trekking; most, however, are here to chill. 

Activities on offer include speedboat charters to surrounding islands, diving, water sports, elephant riding, tennis and squash courts, yoga, Thai boxing, a well-equipped gym and a luxurious spa offering a range of treatments. 

I opted, however, for an individual cooking class that was perhaps the most rewarding cooking class I've ever had. One-on-one with chef Salma, I learnt more about slicing, dicing and curry pastes than I ever have before. 

The benefit of doing a solo cooking class is that you can move at your own pace; ask for clarification or an explanation without feeling like a complete goose.

This being Rayavadee, one of Thailand's premier resorts, my class takes place on a terrace overlooking the Andaman Sea. It is hard not to be enthused in such a beautiful setting. 

Chatty Salma speaks perfect English, so is confident enough to makes small changes to traditional recipes (she comes from the south), or at my request. 

Guests can choose which dishes they want to cook in concert with Salma (it felt more like a group effort than a class) and I opted for prawn cakes, pad Thai and red duck curry. All of which turned out rather well, I hope you agree. 

We taste the ingredients as we go. A little more lemongrass, a tad less galangal. I learn to chiffonade and stir better than I have before - and without landing the ingredients on the floor.  

The hands-on approach to learning is followed by a sit-down lunch and my dishes really did taste restaurant quality.

You leave with your cooking apron and a comprehensive guide to Thai spices and recipes. And, in my case, a renewed appetite for cooking. 

Classes are available for between one to six people and other dish options include the likes of beef salad with herbs, chicken in green curry and spicy tom yang goong soup.

    

Rayavadee, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World group, is a resort for those looking for an authentic experience; a slice of nature along with a big dollop of indulgence. There is a sense here of being somewhere really special.

A full resort review will follow shortly.

Rayavadee, 214 Moo 2, Tumbon Ao Nang, Amphoe Muang, Krabi 81000. +6675 620 740. www.rayavadee.com 

# The author was a guest of Rayavadee.