Unique! How many times do we hear this or that on Phuket described as ‘unique’, only to find that it’s just same-same, one of a boring bunch? You have to ask yourself: is there anything on this island that’s truly unique (apart from the place itself, of course)?
Let’s explore that much misused word… First, forget ‘very unique’, ‘most unique’ and their ilk. Something is either unique or it isn’t. It’s as simple as that. It’s one of a kind. OK, so how to judge if something is unique? After all, most offerings have the odd unique element, while the whole may be – and usually is – just another also-ran.

 

A good place to start may be how easy or hard the thing is to describe in a couple of simple, well-worn words… if not, whether a few more nicely chosen words are enough to get the message across. That’s when I found myself stumbling; a few words simply could not describe Palazzo Phuket.
When two passionate, enthusiastic and consummate professionals combine more than 20 years of experience, success and innovation with a broad concept that has taken off like a rocket in New York, Brussels, Paris et al, but is nowhere to be seen in Thailand, then I start to get the feeling it could just be that Phuket rarity – something really unique.

Alexandra and Vladislav Bond were amongst the first handful of Ukrainian performers to travel west to entertain Europeans without the ever-watchful presence of ‘minders’, when the 'eastern bloc' started to come unglued. They went on to perform, direct and produce for 20 years throughout Europe and elsewhere around the globe, winning prestigious awards for their work in Paris and Monte Carlo.
When they’d achieved much of what there was to accomplish on the road, they had a dream – to bring their accumulated talent, experience and enthusiasm to bear on something new, something different for Phuket.

Palazzo Phuket is a theatre restaurant, it’s a dinner show; it carries more than a hint of 1920s vaudeville with a just a whiff of Cirque du Soleil. It’s interactive, entertaining and fun – all in the timeless atmosphere of the Palazzo’s luxurious and nostalgic ‘mirrored palace’, a ‘jewel box’ of a venue you won’t believe until you set foot inside.
Towards the end of October, when Alexandra and Vladislav open their doors, more that 20 international performers will have descended upon this ‘palace’ from the four corners of the world – singers, musicians, acrobats, dancers, magicians, aerial performers, comedians and even limbo dancers – an extraordinary ensemble creating a level and style of entertainment that Phuket really has never seen before.

But that's only part of it. A spacious, fully equipped kitchen staffed and run by one of Phuket’s best international catering establishments, under the direction of Chef Maya Noosawat and Richard Randall, will be responsible for a 5-star, 5-course gourmet dinner they describe as “Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian flavour”. How does Lobster & Cognac Bisque, Beef Carpaccio & Japanese Caviar, Pan Fried Scallops & Prawns wrapped in Crispy Yellow Noodle with Lemon Garnish, Duck Wellington with Pineapple Sauce & New Potatoes and a delicious Cream Cheese Mousse with Dragon Fruit Sauce sound? Don’t eat meat? With typical attention to detail, Palazzo Phuket offers a completely separate 5-course vegetarian menu.

To say that the dinner is accompanied by the show, or that the show goes with the dinner is to miss the point. Unlike any other entertainment you’ve experienced, for three and a half hours, the show and your dinner blend seamlessly together; your waiters and waitresses are actors, interacting with the you as much or as little as suits you.

The action doesn’t just take place on a stage – it is all around you, yet mysteriously not intrusive; you will get to give your gourmet dinner the attention it deserves! And if you really want a romantic dinner, they’ve thought of that too! Discreetly located tables for two, that still allow you to enjoy the show as much as each other, are just one of the many refinements that have not been missed.
I could go on, but a few surprises won't go amiss, right? In my book, Palazzo ticks all the boxes to make it unique – one of a kind in Phuket and, although predictions can be dicey, I'll stick my neck out and say this is going to be one huge success. I suggest you book early to avoid being disappointed – then stand behind me in the queue.