Health, Happiness and Love
Prasuthon restaurant at Nora Beach Resort & Spa.
Nora Beach Resort & Spa enjoys a spectacular hillside setting overlooking a secluded bay just north of the famous Chaweng Beach. Although only a few minutes from the island’s airport, and a short drive from the hustle and bustle of central Chaweng, Nora is quiet and private, a cosy, calm and contemporary oasis, situated within lush gardens and alongside the gentle ocean. The resort is named after an ancient Thai love story that is recreated through the Manora dance. ‘Nora’ being a common abbreviation of Manora! There are many stories about the origin of this dance, but the most popular is the story of Prasuthon, a young prince. He was wed to Manora, the most beautiful and gracious half-bird, half-human woman. She was forced to escape from a treacherous situation at the royal court, and Prasuthon travelled seven years, seven months and seven days, overcoming many challenges before he found and reclaimed her. This ancient folk story is recreated through a Thai dance with three main characters, and the full dance can take up to three days to perform. Southern Thai’s believe that the Manora dance brings good luck, cures health problems and ensures a long and happy life. Hence it is performed at many important festivals.
The secluded beachside restaurant at Nora Beach Resort & Spa is named Prasuthon, after the dedicated and committed prince. All the staff here embrace the persona of the prince, creating perfect dishes with patience, devotion and served with a smile. Enjoy a relaxed ambience aimed at emulating the grace and charm of the ancient art of dance. Savour authentic Thai dishes created from ancient recipes that have been enjoyed by the upper echelons of Thai society for generations, or choose from a wide variety of western dishes and fusion food.
Prasuthon offers all-day, every-day, à la carte dining, and is open from 6.30 am for those early risers and sunrise seekers, with breakfast served until 10.30 am, and finally closing at 11.30 pm. From sunset onwards, both in-house guests (many of whom return year after year) and outside visitors head here for the amazing cocktails, exceptional dishes, ambience and entertainment, all alongside the calming ocean with its refreshing breeze and the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
Executive Chef, Khun Sith, insists on the best quality ingredients in his kitchen. Seafood comes from Khanom on the mainland, where there is a great choice of bigger and fresher produce. Beef is imported, even for Thai dishes such as Massaman Curry. Only the freshest vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruits are bought into his kitchen.
Every Tuesday evening is a Thai buffet night. It’s an amazing sight with traditional Thai decoration and serving dishes. This is your opportunity to try a wide-ranging variety of mouth-watering authentic and original Thai dishes, presented in an array of old-style, customary and even ceremonial ways. A historical and cultural evening accompanies with Manora dance troupe and maybe a few surprises alongside this Thai food extravaganza!
Thursday nights offer a Hawaiian Seafood (and meat) barbeque accompanied by a Serng Pong Lang and fire show. Pong Lang is the name of a wooden xylophone made of wooden logs, tuned by removing wood from their centre and used in traditional folk music from Isarn, in north-eastern Thailand. This ‘Serng’, or dance, depicts the fun-loving nature of the Isarn people, reflecting their lives in an agriculture-based society who dance during village festivals or after community participation in the harvests. Be sure to book ahead, both of these great value-for-money evenings can be very popular!
The story of Nora (or Manora) is all about love. And what better way to celebrate that special intimate emotion than booking a private dinner on the beach just for two. You can customize your perfect evening with a personalized menu and decorations, designed exclusively for any special occasion.
Nora Beach Resort & Spa is such a special place in many guests hearts, that many couples choose to return and get married here. Love trees are planted around the resort, with the names of all these couples, who then return year after year to see how well their tree is growing.
This spectacular resort and restaurant welcomes everyone, and is found on the hilly beach road between Chaweng and Choeng Mon. You enter through a very grand Thai style reception area where you’ll wonder if you’ve been transported back to the Siam of old. As you wander through the tranquil oasis of immaculate tropical gardens, alongside a terraced stream towards the ocean and Prasuthon, you will begin to feel the lure of love, health and happiness.
Dimitri Waring