There are many reasons why renowned food critic, lifestyle expert, and culinary and restaurant director of numerous prestigious private clubs worldwide, Tom Parker Bowles, fell in love with Dalat at first sight.

The judge of reputable television programs such as MasterChef (BBC), food columnist for The Mail on Sunday, and author of nine books, including the beloved Cooking and The Crown, believes that Dalat is a magical land with immense potential for developing exclusive services for the elite, services that evoke a sense of relishing every moment.

Why does he believe that Dalat has the potential to develop world-class exclusive services for the elite and the super-rich?

Tom Parker Bowles: I visited Vietnam in late July, combining work and leisure. After leaving Ho Chi Minh City, I arrived in Dalat. It was a stark contrast that could be felt through every sense in every moment. Ho Chi Minh City is bustling and vibrant, youthful and hectic, whereas Dalat offers serene tranquility and a sense of calm. Dalat is a place for indulgence and healing of the body, mind, and soul. Its pleasant climate, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty captivated my heart. I fell in love with this place instantly and believe it to be truly unique.

My visit to Vietnam this time was also to participate in an event that preludes the launch of the first private club for the country’s elite. Upon experiencing Dalat, I was convinced that this was the perfect location for such a venture.

Dalat’s breathtaking natural heritage endows it with all the elements necessary to establish a world-class leisure and entertainment model that offers privacy, luxury, and beauty. This is a service that money alone cannot buy; membership to this club is exclusive and selective, akin to the elite and super-rich societies in many famous cities worldwide.

Dalat boasts stunning scenery and is ranked among the top 3 most beautiful flower-viewing destinations in the world. Photo: Dang Van An

Do you believe that Dalat will succeed in offering exclusive and luxurious entertainment for the super-rich?

Tom Parker Bowles: Having served as the culinary and restaurant director for renowned private clubs such as Soho House and 6 Grosvenor Place, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively and interact with numerous billionaires and royal families worldwide. Each journey and encounter has endowed me with invaluable experience in observation and potential assessment. I firmly believe that Dalat, with its unique history, potential, and standing in the past, present, and future, can succeed with this new entertainment model. Dalat is also attracting investors with robust financial resources, collaborating with legendary figures in architecture, healthcare, and resort development. Together, they are building the infrastructure necessary for private club services catering to the upper crust. I eagerly anticipate the completion of Vietnam’s first private club. I am confident that this project will astonish and awe.

The Vietnamese elite and upper crust, along with their global counterparts, yearn for places that offer exclusive services, a sense of individuality, and tailor-made experiences that cater to their unique needs and private emotions.

Tom Parker Bowles refers to Dalat as a magical land with immense potential. Photo: Phan Tan Dat

You have lavished praise on various destinations in Vietnam. With your profound expertise in cuisine, what are your special impressions of Vietnamese gastronomy?

Tom Parker Bowles: As a culinary expert, exploring local cuisine is an integral part of my travels. Prior to visiting Vietnam, I had already fallen in love with Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi, and Bun Bo Hue. I had sampled these dishes in restaurants in London and New York, but I firmly believe that nothing compares to savoring them in their homeland. Even though Pho in England or America might be delicious, I still longed to taste it in Vietnam, where it originated. The regional diversity of Vietnamese cuisine is what makes it exceptional and worthy of international recognition. When I indulged in these delectable dishes in Vietnam, especially in the dreamy setting of Dalat, I felt as if I had entered a culinary paradise.

A “mini Paris” in the heart of Dalat. Photo: Vo Trang

In the last three years, Vietnam has been awarded Michelin stars for nine restaurants and included hundreds of others in its guide. What are your thoughts on this?

Tom Parker Bowles: I prefer street food and folk cuisine over Michelin-style dining experiences. Nonetheless, Michelin Guide’s presence in Vietnam is a significant step in gaining international recognition for Vietnamese cuisine and attracting global travelers. I hope that Michelin will honor more traditional dishes that embody local cultural heritage rather than solely focusing on French or Japanese restaurants.

A private club soon to be launched in Dalat

What emotion or feeling remained with you the most after this trip to Vietnam?

Tom Parker Bowles: Although brief, this trip left me with profound emotions and high expectations. Vietnam is one of the most wondrous lands I have ever visited. I feel honored to have set foot here and hope to return soon. From the perspective of a culinary and lifestyle expert, Vietnam captivates travelers not only with its natural beauty but also with its rich indigenous culture and alluring local cuisine. These are the ingredients that, in the hands of visionary creators, can forge an exclusive playground for the upper echelon.

Regarding Dalat, I am confident that the dream of a private club—a haven for the elite to converge in an exclusive, upscale space—will soon become a reality. I believe that Vietnam will soon secure its place on the map of international destinations for the super-rich.

Thank you for your sincere, fascinating sharing and the love you have shown for Vietnam.

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