Dear Zadh87,
Thank you for your review.
A lot of time, care and personal attention goes into the creating and offering of each TFT experience. I care about what is given and who receives it. Over the past five years, this has translated into consistently happy guests, as other reviews to date testify.
I am sorry that you were underwhelmed by the venue for your surprise booking. While it is also unfortunate that you were not interested in staying to experience anything of TFT (the 6-course meal, nor the activities and surprises created for you and your boyfriend), I hope that the non-vegetarian restaurant I recommended was enjoyable and met your expectations.
At the risk of a longer-than-usual response, I will address concerns by clarifying some of your review points:
1. The "old house in the middle of nowhere" is called an 'eco villa', located in a nature sanctuary about 20 minutes drive from where you were staying. One of three venues currently used by TFT, it was the one available for the night your boyfriend booked. In retrospect, perhaps the word villa (in 'eco villa') brought a grander image to mind, leading to disappointment when an intimate, more rustic venue was encountered instead.
2. Re 'canceled villa': Due to abnormally heavy rain throughout the day, up to just before your arrival (and with the chance of more rain that night), the Table was repositioned from the wooden outdoor deck to indoors. Your boyfriend was informed of this. I can only assume that a huge misunderstanding in communication led to the impression that a villa had been promised then canceled because "it may have rained".
3. Re 'nothing as advertised': If inclined, you're welcome to send me an email highlighting what gave you that impression. The TFT website gives sufficiently accurate details of the service without ruining intrigue or making promises. However, there is always room for improvement. I will review the site to see if anything can be made clearer.
4. Re 'very little decor': This is true. TFT consciously chooses a minimalist approach to create a subtly pleasing ambience. The intention is to give couples rest from the external distractions of worldly clutter, bringing focus to the true beauty—their love for each other and quality time spent at the Table.
5. Re insufficient 'drink selections': guests currently enjoy a bottle of TFT's signature non-alcoholic beverage, a bottle of wine (colour preference can be stated beforehand and some guests also like to bring a bottle). An additional non-alcoholic beverage is provided for those who don't drink wine. Thus far these options, along with water, have more than sufficed.
6. Re 'nothing that was described to him was delivered': You are welcome to email me and let me know what was described and not delivered in the brief time you were there.
7. Re 'expected a whole lot more' for price: Thus far those who have experienced and enjoyed TFT are happy to pay the set price and, sometimes, more. When booking, clients are given the cost (inclusive of a non-refundable deposit required to secure the booking and cover basic start up for the evening). They are free to proceed or not.
I agree with you that people should "find out the details carefully before they book this"—as the unconventional, multidimensional nature of the TFT experience may not be what everyone is ready or looking for.
Best wishes,
Elspeth
