What does an international expert on the British royal lifestyle say about Dalat?

(Chinhphu.vn) - With a series of wild and quiet pine hills lying next to a quiet lake, houses hidden in the morning mist, afternoon sunlight adorning thousands of brilliant flowers... Da Lat brings a sense of peace and tranquility, a place to be healed from the depths of the soul. This is the reason why British Royal lifestyle expert, critic, culinary and restaurant director of many world-famous private clubs (private, secretive clubs) Tom Parker Bowles - fell in love and was moved by the beauty of Da Lat at first sight.

The judge of many prestigious TV shows such as MasterChef (BBC), culinary writer of The Mail on Sunday, author of 9 books, including Cooking and The Crown, which are loved by many readers, also believes that Dalat is a magical land, a place with great potential to develop services for the elite, services that bring the feeling that every moment of life is enjoyed.

Tom Parker Bowles during afternoon tea and on a food show. Photo: News Licensing

Why do you think Dalat has great potential to develop world-class luxury services for the elite and super-rich?

Mr. Tom Parker Bowles: I came to Vietnam at the end of July 2025 on a trip combining work and tourism . After leaving Ho Chi Minh City, I set foot in Da Lat. It is a contrast that we can feel with every sense in every moment.

Ho Chi Minh City is bustling and vibrant, youthful and urgent. Meanwhile, Da Lat is a place of gentle silence, relaxation and stillness. This is a place to enjoy, to heal the body - mind - spirit. Da Lat, with its cool climate, peaceful space, and natural beauty, has captured my heart. It is no exaggeration to say that I fell in love with this place at first sight. This is truly a very special place.

I came to Vietnam on this occasion to participate in an event to launch the first private elite club in your country. When I arrived in Da Lat, I was completely convinced of the decision to build such a club here.

The beautiful natural heritages available in Da Lat make this place converge all the elements to build a world-class resort and entertainment model with privacy, luxury and beauty. A service that not everyone with money can enjoy, a club that not everyone with money can become a member, like the clubs for the super-rich and the elite in society in many famous cities around the world.

Dalat with many beautiful sceneries, is in the top 3 most beautiful flower viewing spots in the world.

Do you believe that Dalat will succeed with its private and luxurious entertainment model for the super rich?

Tom Parker Bowles: Having worked for many years as a culinary and restaurant director in charge of many world-famous private clubs such as Soho House, 6 Grosvenor Place, I have had the opportunity to travel to many places, meet many billionaires, and royal families around the world. Each trip, each meeting gives me an experience in observing and evaluating potential. I believe that Dalat, with its own history and potential, position in the past, present and future, can completely succeed with this new entertainment model.

Da Lat is also attracting investors who have all the financial factors, with the cooperation of the world's leading legends in the fields of architecture, health care and resort service development... Thanks to that, the infrastructure to prepare for private club services to serve the elite is being built. I look forward to seeing the first private club project in Vietnam completed.

I believe this project will shock and surprise everyone. Vietnamese people, especially the elite, as well as the upper class around the world, always need places that are served in a special way, a place that gives them a feeling that they are unique, a service designed to serve each individual, with personal needs, completely private and different emotions.

Tom Parker Bowles calls Dalat a magical land, full of potential

You have given many compliments to destinations in Vietnam. As for cuisine, with your deep expertise, do you have any special impressions?

Mr. Tom Parker Bowles: My job is a culinary expert. Therefore, discovering local food is something I never miss when visiting any new place. Before coming to Vietnam, I especially loved Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi and Bun Bo Hue. I have tried them in shops in London, England and New York, America. No matter how delicious those dishes are, I believe nothing compares to enjoying them in their home country.

I mean, no matter how good Pho is in the UK or the US, I still prefer to try it in Vietnam, where it originated. The regional diversity is what makes Vietnamese cuisine so special and deserves international recognition. When I come to Vietnam and enjoy delicious food, especially in a dreamy space like Da Lat, I feel like I am living in paradise.

A "miniature Paris" in the heart of Dalat.

Vietnam, in the last three years, has been awarded stars by Michelin Guide to 9 restaurants and has included hundreds of other restaurants in its recommended list. How do you evaluate this?

Mr. Tom Parker Bowles: I prefer eating street food and rustic dishes rather than experiencing Michelin-style cuisine. However, the presence of Michelin Guide in Vietnam is also an important step forward in the evaluation of international experts on Vietnamese cuisine, helping the destination attract more international visitors. I hope Michelin will honor more traditional dishes with strong local cultural imprints instead of just focusing on French or Japanese restaurants.

A private club is about to open in Da Lat

What is the most memorable feeling in your mind during this trip to Vietnam?

Tom Parker Bowles: This trip, although short, left me with many emotions and expectations. Vietnam is one of the most magical lands I have ever been to. I feel truly honored to have set foot here and hope to return soon. From the perspective of a culinary and lifestyle expert, I see that Vietnam attracts visitors not only by its natural beauty, but also by its rich indigenous culture and charming local cuisine. These are the ingredients that, through the hands of great creators, can create a playground, a destination for the elite.

With Da Lat, I believe that the dream of a private club – a place where elite individuals gather in a private, classy space – will soon become a reality. I believe that soon, Vietnam will have its own place on the map of destinations for the international super-rich.

Thank you for your sincere and interesting sharing and your love for Vietnam./.

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chuyen-gia-quoc-te-ve-phong-cach-song-cua-hoang-gia-anh-noi-gi-ve-da-lat-102250811095400871.htm