Koktail visited the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort to experience Thailand’s first dining and sky observatory, DARA Cuisine Phuket and Sky Observatory.

The venue combines modern Thai dining with stargazing. DARA, meaning ‘star’ in Thai, celebrates the country’s culinary roots and maritime history. The observatory, equipped with a custom-built Ashdome, offers an intimate rooftop setting for guests to sip constellation-inspired craft cocktails while being guided through the night sky by expert Sky Storytellers.

During the day, Anantara chefs lead Thai cooking masterclasses in the show kitchen, but dinner service is the highlight. The menu features local specialties from across Thailand, including Moohong Phuket and Khao Soi curry noodle soup.

DARA Cuisine features a fermentation kitchen, barrel-aged fish sauce cellar, and a herb garden, reflecting a dedication to sustainable and local produce.

The interior pays homage to Thailand’s artisan heritage with regional crafts adorning the space.

DARA Cuisine Phuket is open daily for cooking classes from noon to 3 PM, dinner from 6 PM to 10 PM, and the Sky Observatory from 7:30 PM to 10 PM.