Nini Andrade Silva - Check In

Where are we?
I am in the middle of nowhere in a very exclusive hotel.

How did you get here?
On a private boat.

Who are you sharing your room with?
I am on my own. I need to rest.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room on arrival?
Yes, I would love to have a cold mint, lime and fennel tea. Then, I’ll take a bath scented with ginger and blackberry, in a private garden with classical music and candles.

Who’s at the concierge desk?
Nobody. The check-in was done in advance by my assistant, so that when I arrive there’s just a Thai butler ‘Ausack’ to give me the warmest welcome and escort me to my room.

And the owner / manager?
The owner of a place like this has to be someone who loves it with his heart and soul. He’s full of style and a true gentleman.

Describe the hotel building, your room and the view…
The hotel is on a private island, surrounded by trees and a sandy bay. The sand is pink due to the corals. Arriving on the island I am transported to the main door on a bed of leaves. And when the enormous door opens it reveals the forest inside. The floor is covered with mint leaves which release their aroma in the air as we walk through. There are candles in huge glasses indicating the pathway.
The check-in at this hotel is only done after sunset. Arriving at the room, which is very modern  in total contrast to the forest, the first thing I see is a huge window facing the Jacuzzi, a private beach and a gymnasium. The bath linen is made of the finest Egyptian cotton. The whole room is very simple. Dinner will be served on the private beach or in the huge raindrop restaurant.

Who designed it?
Steven Spielberg.

What’s the restaurant / bar like?
The restaurant is designed to represent a huge raindrop. It’s in the middle of the forest, illuminated from beneath. The scenery of the bar is a very contemporary space, set inside a cascading waterfall.

Who are you dining with this evening?
1. Leonardo Da Vinci
2. George Clooney
3. Mahatma Gandhi
4. Barack Obama
5. Meryl Streep

Who’s manning the stoves?
Chef Ferran Adrià

And what’s on the menu?
Starter: Truffles with Madeira wine
Main: A variety of Sashimi with vegetables
Dessert: Ginger sorbet

Would you like something to drink with that?
Champagne, as always.

What CDs would like in your room?
1. Maria Callas
2. Maria Bethania
3. Coldplay
4. A selection of Jazz & Chill-out compilations

What’s on the movie channel?
1. Casablaca
2. ‘Les Uns et les Autres’
3. Dr. Zhivago
4. Once Upon a Time in America
5.  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

And a book at bedtime?
A blank white notebook so I can write my own story.

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?
There’s more mint tea, and fresh local water.

What toiletries would you like to freshen up with?
Natural products from the island.

Early morning alarm call or late check out?
Late check out.

Bath, Jacuzzi™ or power shower?
Jacuzzi™.

Full English, continental breakfast or something different?
Papaya from the island with lime, beetroot juice with orange and carrot, and wholewheat toast with local jam.

Swimming pool, spa or gym?
Spa as each room has its own gym.