A New Taste of Krabi: Italian Chef Davide Giacomelli Brings a Fresh Culinary Vision to Phulay Bay
From the shores of Lake Garda to the tropical coastline of the Andaman Sea, the acclaimed Italian chef arrives at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, to celebrate the flavors of Southern Thailand through a new destination-inspired dining experience
Krabi has always been a destination that captures the senses. Think dramatic limestone cliffs rising above turquoise waters, secluded beaches framed by lush greenery, and the laid-back charm of Southern Thailand. But beyond its breathtaking scenery, this coastal paradise is also home to a rich culinary heritage waiting to be explored.
Now, there is another reason to put Krabi on the travel itinerary. Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has welcomed acclaimed Italian chef Davide Giacomelli as its new Executive Chef, introducing an exciting culinary direction that brings together international expertise and the authentic flavors of Southern Thailand.
Set along Krabi's spectacular Andaman coastline, the luxury resort is embarking on a new chapter of gastronomy, where local ingredients, seasonal produce, and the region's distinctive food culture take center stage. The philosophy is simple yet compelling: create exceptional dining experiences that tell the story of a destination, one plate at a time.
From Lake Garda to the Andaman: A Chef's International Journey
For Chef Davide, food has always been closely connected to a sense of place. His culinary journey began during childhood, helping out at his father's restaurant beside Lake Garda in northern Italy. What started as an early introduction to the world of gastronomy soon developed into a lifelong passion, taking him across some of the world's most celebrated culinary destinations, including Monaco, France, Russia, and Singapore.
Along the way, he honed his craft at prestigious establishments such as Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, the renowned three-MICHELIN-Star restaurant in Paris, and Le Vistamar at Hôtel Hermitage in Monte Carlo. He also served as Executive Sous Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg.
In Singapore, he brought his own culinary vision to life with LUCE by Davide
Giacomelli, an Italian restaurant concept at InterContinental Singapore that received Global Winner recognition at the 2023 World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
Now, his journey brings him to Krabi, where a different landscape and culinary culture offer fresh inspiration. Here, the mountains meet the sea, and the abundance of Southern Thailand provides an entirely new palette of flavors.
Discovering Krabi Through Its Flavors
With six restaurants and bars, Phulay Bay offers an exceptional setting for guests to explore different culinary experiences. Under Chef Davide's leadership, the resort's dining philosophy will place greater emphasis on the ingredients and traditions that define Southern Thailand.
Fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea will play a leading role, complemented by seasonal fruits and vegetables, fragrant local herbs and spices, premium Thai rice, and responsibly raised meats. The focus on local and sustainable sourcing will also create stronger connections with regional producers and fishing communities.
The result is a style of dining that feels deeply connected to Krabi rather than simply bringing an international fine-dining concept to Thailand. Global culinary techniques will meet the character of local ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of the region to shine.
At Lae Lay, the resort's intimate fine-dining restaurant overlooking the ocean and its spectacular sunsets, guests can look forward to an evolving concept that celebrates this connection between food and destination.
Expect menus that change with the seasons, inspired by the journey of ingredients from local farms and fishing boats to the table. Each creation will reflect the culinary identity of Krabi, the Andaman coastline, and Southern Thailand's diverse food heritage, presented through the precision and artistry of contemporary international cuisine.
"I have always been inspired by where I come from and by the places my career has taken me. I grew up beside Lake Garda, and today I find myself in a place where mountains meet the ocean. At Phulay Bay, I want to explore that connection through food, bringing together the land and the sea, local ingredients and Southern Thai traditions, with the precision and techniques I have learned throughout my journey," says Chef Davide.
From the Alps to the Andaman: A Special Culinary Collaboration
For food lovers looking for an extraordinary reason to visit Krabi, Phulay Bay has another exciting experience in store.
On November 20, 2026, Chef Davide will join forces with Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier, Chef-Patron of Bangkok's celebrated Maison Dunand, for an exclusive four-hands dining experience.
Awarded a MICHELIN Star for its contemporary interpretation of Alpine cuisine, Maison Dunand is known for bringing the flavors and culinary traditions of the French Alps to Bangkok. For this special collaboration, the two chefs will create a six-course menu inspired by two distinctive landscapes: the majestic Alps and the tropical shores of the Andaman.
Bringing together European culinary heritage, refined cooking techniques, and the distinctive ingredients of Southern Thailand, the evening promises a memorable gastronomic journey that crosses cultures and culinary traditions.
From the Alps to the Andaman – Dinner Details
Date: November 20, 2026
Location: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi
Experience: Exclusive four-hands, six-course dinner
Price: THB 5,600++ per person
Optional wine pairing: THB 2,500++ per person
Reservations: https://sevn.ly/xhu1mhkH
For inquiries, call +66 (0) 75 628 111.
Make Krabi Your Next Culinary Escape
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a relaxing beach holiday, or a memorable gastronomic escape, Krabi offers an exceptional combination of natural beauty, culture, and increasingly exciting dining experiences.
At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, luxury is about more than the setting. It is also about the opportunity to experience a destination through its people, traditions, and flavors.
With Chef Davide Giacomelli at the helm, the resort is inviting guests to discover another side of Krabi – one where the culinary artistry of Italy meets the richness of Southern Thai ingredients, and where every meal becomes part of the journey.
For travelers seeking a more immersive luxury experience in Thailand, this is an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and discover Krabi through an entirely new perspective.
Plan your stay at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi:https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/phulay-bay
[PHOTO: Courtesy of Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve]
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