Well-travelled, quintessentially French gent Antoine Melon has been a senior figure in some of the world’s finest hotels including The Balmoral, The Mandarin Oriental and Six Senses Laamu – but today he calls sun-kissed Phuket home, where he resides as general manager of the ultra-opulent, all-villa resort Trisara. We caught up with Monsieur Melon to talk suites, seafood and sport. Allons-y!
Can you tell us about your favourite suite at Trisara, Antoine?
Our Signature Villas are set in lush tropical gardens with larger private infinity pools, and two bedrooms overlooking the sea. On either side of a central living and dining pavilion sit the two master bedrooms, which have private access to the pool and decks outside. They all have a dedicated staff and cook, along with a wonderful kitchen, which makes them perfect for families or two couples.
If visitors have just one day in Phuket, how should they spend it?
Take a boat to the famous James Bond Island and the floating fishing village in Phang Nga Bay, and if time permits, sail up to Koh Hong Krabi. Or for a relaxed day, chill out at one of the Surin beach clubs, ranging from the well-established Catch to newcomers like BIMI, Diamond Beach, or Zazada.
What’s your favourite dish on the Trisara Seafood menu, and what should it be paired with?
My favourite dish is the surf-fresh, line-caught Andaman tiger prawns, which are baked on a block of Himalayan salt, and served with a rice pilaf. A chilled glass or two of the 2010 Muscadet Sevre, Domaine de la Chauviniere always makes a great accompaniment.
What are the best beaches on the island if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds?
I would suggest the Up Beach Club on Naithorn Beach, or the Banana Beach in the north. Also, to the south there’s a beautiful bay offering various white sand beaches where the Nikki Beach club is situated.
You’ve worked in various hotels over the years, from Scotland to The Maldives. Is there one destination in particular that left a lasting impression?
Thailand, for sure, is at the top of my list thanks to the Thai hospitality, cuisine and landscape. But I also have very fond memories of Egypt where I spent a year and a half in Luxor (as part of my military service) and taught French to the staff of luxury hotels. I learned some fascinating things about Egyptology and visited the tombs of the pharaohs and queens of Ancient Egypt.
What do you love most about your job?
Every day is so different, from greeting new guests coming to Trisara for the first time and welcoming back the regulars, to working closely with our team, tasting beautiful food, and brainstorming new ideas. That’s what keeps me 100% dedicated to my job.
What do you do to relax when you’re not working?
There’s so much to do in Phuket, I often do sports (like Muay Thai, yoga, TRX, wakeboard, and stand-up paddleboard), go to one of the many new beach clubs, or enjoy the company of my friends over dinner. But most of all, I like to spend quality time with my wife.
What’s always in your carry-on luggage?
My iPhone, a scrapbook to note down new ideas, a book (usually a biography, historical novel, or something on management style), and a camera.
