A SWINDON-based luxury retreat company are offering an evening of Thai food and conversation at their first event next month.
At the end of 2025, small business professionals, Janet Shreeve, founder of Shreeve Care Services, Fiona Scott, founder of Scott Media, and media consultant Lauren Roberts from Chippenham, joined forces to create Enlightening Escapes.
The luxury retreat company aim to create smaller experiences which feel personal and easy to be part of rather than big conferences or rigid workshops.
They are kicking off 2026 with their debut event, The Cuisine Escape: Thai Edition, a Thai cuisine evening hosted by 2025 MasterChef finalist Sam Kaeokon, offering an insight into food, stories and making connections.
“We are elated to have Sam join us for our first ‘escape’,” said Lauren. “We spoke to him on our podcast and was thrilled when he said he would take part in a private dining experience allowing guests to try his favourite Thai foods.”
Sam has lived in Swindon for over a decade and the town is where his love of cooking has flourished and appeared on BBC’s hit show, MasterChef in 2025.
“My love for cooking started when I was young, with my gran teaching me the basics,” said Sam. “When I first moved to the UK, I missed the bold flavours of Thailand, so I began recreating dishes from home. Over time, it’s become my way to relax, express myself, and share joy with others.”
Sam’s relationship with MasterChef started in 2024.
“I honestly applied on a whim. I didn’t expect to even get on the show, let alone get an apron and reach the final four!” commented Sam. “It was an incredible experience and I’ve made some really close friends as a result of it. It really pushed me to my limits and helped me believe in my cooking.”
Sam went on the show to challenge himself, learn, and share his love for Thai flavours on a bigger stage. Enlightening Escapes’ evening brings together bold Thai flavours and creative fusion dishes all while Sam shares his experiences
“Thai food is in my DNA! I grew up surrounded by its vibrant flavours and aromas,” described Sam. “It’s a cuisine that balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in true harmony. What I love most is how Thai food brings people together and you can buy great food on almost every street! Every dish tells a story of culture and tradition.”
This intimate Thai dining experience, hosted by Sam will also provide a real insight into Sam’s journey and love of cooking.
Sam shared his six tips for cooking Thai Food:
1. Balance! Thai food is all about harmony between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
2. Fresh herbs matter. Where possible use fresh coriander, Thai basil, and kaffir lime leaves for authentic flavour. Your local Thai or Asian shop is your friend here!
3. Don’t be afraid of fish sauce! Yes, it’s a strong smell on its own but it’s the backbone of Thai seasoning. Start small and adjust.
4. Preparation is everything. Traditional Thai dishes cook quickly, so it pays to have everything ready before you go.
5. Use palm sugar for depth. This adds a subtle sweetness that white sugar can’t match.
6. Finally, taste as you go and adjust flavours gradually. Thai cooking is about finding your perfect balance, especially with spice.
The luxury five-course meal starts with welcome drinks to awake the senses, followed by five courses of deeply flavoured and curated menu. The five courses consist of a Chicken Tom Kha, Scallop Thai style, Moo Ping, Beef Steak Khoa Soi, and concluding with the sweet treat of Thai Tea Panna Cotta.
With only 10 seats now available, this exclusive event provides guests a close-up experience with a cook who learned his craft on the UK’s biggest TV stage.
Enlightening Escapes kicks off the year with their The Cuisine Escape: Thai Edition on Friday 6th February at No4Studio, Old Town Swindon.
For more information about Enlightening Escapes and to book your space, visit https://enlighteningescapes.co.uk/product/the-cuisine-escape-thai-edition/
Article from Scott Media
