HALONG BAY, Vietnam — One of France’s leading chefs will be in Halong Bay on Aug. 23 when Paradise Vietnam celebrates the launch of its newest cruise line — Paradise Elegance — with the first of three ‘Haute Cuisine on the High Seas’ experiences this year.
Thierry Drapeau, chef and co-owner of the two-Michelin-star Restaurant Thierry Drapeau in the Vendée region of western France, will be joined by representatives of Argentinian wine producer Trivento as they treat up to 62 guests to a gourmet lunch and dinner during an overnight cruise of Vietnam’s most famous natural attraction.
“The company you keep is a reflection of your personality,” said Edgar Cayanan, General Manager of Paradise Group Vietnam. “Aligning ourselves with the best in other walks of hospitality reinforces the reputation we’ve built.”
The special cruise begins at noon, when Paradise Elegance embarks on a journey among the thousands of limestone karsts that define Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shortly thereafter, Drapeau will serve up a set lunch that includes champagne and caviar and is complemented by choice wines by Trivento, which has gained international notoriety in recent years for its line of malbecs.
When the sun sets, Drapeau will welcome guests to Paradise Elegance’s Le Marin restaurant for the main event: a formal, five-course meal that pays homage to authentic French cuisine.
The exclusive evening will conclude with live music in Le Piano Bar, a popular space in which to enjoy vintage cigars and top-shelf cognac.
“Dining experiences touch people’s emotions,” said Cayanan. “We hope that dinner by a Michelin chef will not only up the culinary ante in Halong Bay, it will bring a brand new wave of cruise tourism.”
Each Paradise Elegance boat measures 61 meters long and 13 meters wide, making it the biggest overnight option in Halong Bay, ever.
In addition to 31 high-design cabins that range from 25-35 square meters and feature private balconies, walk-in closets, rain showers and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the 200-ton steel crafts are outfitted with an array of upscale amenities including a spa with four treatment rooms.
One of the leading providers of luxury hospitality services in Vietnam, Paradise Group also owns and operates several other cruise ships including Paradise Peak, a boutique, eight-suite work of art tailor-made for families or small groups; the 156-room Paradise Suites and Paradise Trend hotels, the first and only boutique luxury hotels in Halong Bay; and three restaurants, including two in Hanoi that consistently rank on TripAdvisor among the top 10 dining venues in Vietnam’s capital.
Prices for the Aug. 23 cruise start at US $3,500 per person per night based on twin share. The other two ‘Haute Cuisine on the High Seas’ cruises planned for 2017 will be announced at a later date.
