The Last Paradise

Thailand is full of surprises. Secrets lie awaiting discovery in this land of wonder and magic. And the Last Paradise Restaurant and Guesthouse on Ya Nui Beach is a true revelation. Just 100 metres from the beachfront and tucked away on a country lane, this oasis is set beside a lush, cool rain forest with hidden waterfall and pool brimming with baby shrimps. Is this the lost paradise or the last paradise?

Time seems to stand still the moment you enter. Your eyes are drawn straight to a vacant hammock beside a freshwater stream. Purple orchids sprout from gnarly trees. Dragonflies and bumblebees flit about the forest glade, glinting in dappled sunlight. Upstream along a short trail lies a shallow pool reflecting blue sky and sun-splashed greens of the canopy above. Sounds like a dream? It’s real.

The French owners designed the restaurant to maximize the outdoor experience, with a traditional open-plan Thai structure and simple contemporary décor. Think Polynesian in Peru. Nothing is ordinary here. Two levels give ample room for a private tête-à-tête or celebration party, with the upstairs room nestled in the treetops. After dark, garden torches bring the scene to life with a soft flicker as your soul tunes into the soothing sounds of a starlit forest.

The menu offers an eclectic mix of Thai and European dishes with special "smoking fish" available on Thursdays and Fridays. Jo (ask for "Yo-han"), the host and chef, smokes salmon, cod and mackerel flavoured with subtle wood aromas— delicious! Fresh duck can be ordered a day in advance (just phone ahead). Cordon bleu ("Gordon Blue" on the menu), pork fillet with "whipped" peppers, and traditional schnitzel are tasty dishes served with good old mashed potatoes or fries and a healthy serving of fresh green salad. Just like Granny should have made it.

A daily specials board announces a good selection of dishes, but it’s written in German. Shake the cobwebs out of your schooldays’ deutsch, or be adventurous and simply choose at random. Another blackboard menu lists the wine specials of the day. On offer are a range of good labels from Australia, France, Italy and Chile, including the reasonably priced Gato Negro Chardonnay, Cabernet Shiraz or Merlot — any of them makes a very nice drop.

Mr Yes, the barman, is a whiz at knocking up some super cocktails. An extensive range of beers, liqueurs, spirits, wine and champagne by the glass makes this an ideal place for that "quiet" drink with friends. The atmosphere is friendly enough that you feel among old neighbourhood mates and family. It makes a nice place just to pop in for a cold one, when passing by or after a day at the beach.

The Last Paradise, on southern Phuket, is secluded but easy to find. It’s the only restaurant on the Rawai-Ya Nui beach road (Soi Ya Nui) — the back one, not the Promthep Cape road. If you find yourself on the latter route, just turn right at Ya Nui or left if coming from Nai Harn. At night it’s lit up like a Christmas tree dripping with fairy disco lights. You can’t miss it.

Open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tel. 01 272-4648, 09 595-8890.