Thailand’s largest island is known for being a party paradise (think Patong’s Bangla Road), its clear turquoise waters, and its vibrant cultural landmarks such as The Big Buddha. Although there are world-class resorts aplenty and a single one-Michelin-starred establishment, there hasn’t been a lifestyle destination quite like the new House of Tin Baron, which ups the ante on refined luxury in Phuket.
Setting foot on its grounds in Phuket’s Old Town is like stepping into an entirely new world, where its traditional Sino-Portuguese architecture, dating from 1898, merges with impeccably designed interiors reimagined by global architecture and design firm dwp. A circular reflective pond is situated in the centre of its magnificent gravel driveway, mirroring the elegant colonial building with keystone arches and limestone columns, framed by neatly trimmed hedges and tall trees.
The apex of splendour of the property and quite literally its centrepiece upon entering its immense wooden doors is the world’s first and only Louis Roederer Cristal Room. The stately room features a lofty ceiling from which a custom-made chandelier hangs with exposed wooden beams. On the open upper level are intimate nooks that overlook the main floor that is furnished with comfortable seating to sip on some of the world’s most prestigious champagne selections. These include Cristal Brut and Rosé, alongside rare vintages such as the celebrated 2008 and 2012, all expertly guided by the amiable head sommelier Emilie Zubra. However, instead of champagne flutes, the bubbly is served in Belgian handmade porcelain glasses—just one example of how even the smallest details have been meticulously crafted in the House.
Deepak Ohri, the CEO and Founder of Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness, pioneer of the concept of rooftop restaurants (yes, any rooftop restaurant you’ve dined in started with his idea) and visionary behind House of Tin Baron, explained his inspirations. “Everything here has a story. The whole entrance of the place comes from a scene in Casino Royale, when James Bond throws his keys to the valet. The idea of musicians performing the piano and saxophone came from a Chinese movie called Dangerous Liaisons,” Ohri says. “We never wanted to create a restaurant, but we wanted to create a perfect movie set that every customer should feel like they are acting in.”
On the left wing of the House is Terra, an exquisite Italian fine-dining destination serving the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from across the globe, such as Alba White Truffle, grated into a lavish dish of langoustine and shellfish emulsion paired with nutty chestnut quenelle, fresh herbs, and complemented by the balanced acidity and minerality of the Zyme Il Bianco From Black to White 2020.
“In Thailand, there are more than 50,000 Italian restaurants, but none of them are Michelin-starred,” Ohri says. “So, I said, why don’t we try to bring Italian cuisine to a different level?” In addition, Terra’s extensive wine list is 18 pages long and includes the Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2019 and the Château Latour 2010, served in rotating, stemless wine glasses to symbolise that “one should never put their glass down”, Ohri says.
View more photos of the dishes available
To further elevate the unforgettable meal, the centrepiece show kitchen, La Dolce Vita, presents innovative interpretations of classic Italian desserts such as Questo Non è Un Mango, which, like its name, is not an actual mango but a delicate dessert that harmonises the tropical sweetness of the fruit with the zesty brightness of Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi and the freshness of basil. With Executive Chef Okan Öztürk at the helm of the kitchen, I’m quite certain that the restaurant’s future glitters with a Michelin star, or even two.
In September 2025, phase two of the House of Tin Baron will see the opening of a tequila, whisky and cigar bar. In 2028, an adjacent hotel will open its doors, where guests enter through a wine cellar inspired by the underground tunnels in Vietnam.
A Sanctuary of Tropical Bliss
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To complement a visit to the House of Tin Baron, enjoy an enchanting stay at the Hotel Verdigris nearby, a beautiful homage to Martina Roselle, a mysterious enigma best known as the wife of Sir Francis Light, founder of the colony of Penang. In this charming accommodation, Peranakan-inspired motifs hand-painted by Phuket artist Thavorn are interwoven with modern, opulent furnishings such as a bathtub facing an air well with koi fish swimming below.
Maximise your experience in Phuket by booking a ticket to Yona Beach, the state-of-the-art world’s first floating beach club for adults only. Here, you can dance to the hottest DJ acts like Aaron Sevilla while lounging by the 22m infinity pool and sipping on tropical cocktails from the comfort of your own cabana or pool bed, all with a 360-degree ocean view. For a truly exceptional time, book the entire club for a private gathering on the Andaman Sea.
“Phuket’s luxury market is experiencing remarkable growth and, at the House of Tin Baron, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to this evolution. By seamlessly integrating fine dining, bespoke experiences, and exceptional service, we align with the region’s premier hospitality ecosystem,” Ohri says. “Through strategic collaborations with top-tier industry players, we aim to elevate Phuket’s status as a premier lifestyle destination, setting new benchmarks on the global luxury stage.”
Lead image: Exterior of the House of Tin Baron
