Everyone knows that nothing enhances travel like cuisine and memories of delicious meals linger long after the holiday is over. From a taste of Iceland to Boho sunset picnics at a former palm tree farm in Mexico and much more, here is a roundup of culinary experiences around the world.
Taste of Iceland at Hotel Ranga (pictured)
Surrounded by volcanoes, epic waterfalls, both ice and man-made caves, and when in season, the Northern Lights, Hotel Rangá provides visitors with the ultimate Icelandic stay. And while guests can regularly indulge in seasonal Nordic cuisine at the resort's on-site restaurant, the boutique hotel has now launched a ‘Taste of Iceland’ private dining menu, perfect for groups looking to savor some of the country’s most traditional dishes. The three course dinner experience includes Herring Three Ways served alongside Iceland’s signature Rye Bread known for being geothermally baked underground. For the main, guests will indulge in Hangikjöt, a smoked leg of lamb with potatoes in sweet béchamel sauce, green beans, red cabbage and Icelandic flatbread, and will finish off with Iceland’s signature Skyr for dessert, made with a pinch of sugar and cream. The Taste of Iceland also includes an option to add on sips of the island’s favorite local spirits, to pack an extra viking punch. To book, email hotelranga@hotelranga.is.
Jose Cuervo Agave Pairing | W Punta de Mita
What’s a trip to Mexico without tequila? Grab your travel buddies and make your way to Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit for a unique yet exclusive getaway at the luxurious beach resort, W Punta de Mita. The hotel offers majestic oceanic views, total serenity and an elevated gastronomy scene with a new specially curated Jose Cuervo agave installation. Embark on a one-of-a-kind tequila tasting journey paired with an array of small dinner plates full of local flavors and ingredients. Here guests can expect to sip on an array of limited-edition tequilas from the brand’s Reserva de la Familia collection– hand crafted, small batch tequilas carefully made following an artisanal process handed down over generations. And the unique dining doesn’t stop there, those looking for total exclusivity can head to Mesa1– an alfresco chef’s table experience located on its own private island in the heart of the property with only one reserved seating a night.
A Speakeasy, 150 Margarita Tasting and a Taste of Spain in Cancun
The newly opened Bravío is the latest culinary concept to arrive at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. The name refers to bravery, and the restaurant inspires its patrons to be brave, to take risks and to challenge our limits. Bravío brings the flavors of Spain to Quintana Roo with paella and tapas-style plates. The sensual spot even includes a speakeasy for patrons lucky enough to know the password. The resort also boasts an impressive 150 Margarita Menu at its Lobby Bar, each made with a unique variety of tequila! Can you try them all?
Sea-to-Table Dining in the Bahamas | Caerula Mar
Nestled on the island of South Andros in the Bahamas, Caerula Mar Club is committed to both luxury and sustainability, and that extends to their dining. While you’ve heard of farm-to-table, the resort offers a sea-to-table dining experience by harvesting an array of local seafood. The resort brings guests three unique dining options: Lusca, Driffs Beachbar and Switcha. At the helm is Chef Carlos Alvarez, who fuzes international cuisine with authentic Caribbean influences. Each dish is designed to elevate the senses while placing the quality and freshness of ingredients and their ethical sourcing above all else.
Learn to Make a Pastechi in Aruba / Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and learn how to make one of Aruba’s most traditional dishes - pastechi. Looking similar to an empanada, this half-moon shaped dish is a staple of Aruban culture. While it can be customized to include a variety of fillings and sauces, the traditional pastechi is filled with gouda cheese, a nod to the island’s dutch roots. The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is inviting friends and families to come together, put on a specialty Aruba Marriott chef’s apron (which, of course they get to keep!), and learn how to cook the signature dish from a private cooking class with the executive chef. Chef will show the group how to make a traditional pastechi, and then everyone will be able to mix and match the various fillings to create their own pastechis, and, of course, enjoy the fruits of their labor! Filling options include ham, chicken, fish, potato & spinach, feta, tomatoes, vegetables, gouda cheese, and a variety of sauces, including pica di papaya, pica de papaya aioli, sambal pica, madame jeanette hot sauce and more. With a head chef’s instruction in a small group setting, you and your group will be pastechi making pros in no time!
Boho Sunset Picnics at a Former Palm Tree Farm (+ Guac Making)
Live the beachy boho moment worthy of any mood-board at a private seaside picnic with a curated menu, plenty of bubbly and a view of the sparkling Banderas Bay. Located on a former palm tree farm, The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta is a wellness oasis for all ages set in one of the friendliest cities in the world. Guests can disconnect from the hustle and bustle on the serene property home to over 600 palm trees, a private beach, world-class spa and diverse on-property dining with health-conscious and plant-based options for foodies of all kinds (there's even an 'Eat Well' menu for kids). The resort’s private picnics are the cherry on top of the perfect getaway with particularly stunning sunset views accompanied by the soft sound of crashing waves nearby, and glimpses of cruises taking off. The resort is also offering cocktail/mocktail and guacamole making classes!
The Most Exclusive Dinner Reservation in Waikiki
Dining at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach’s world-renowned, 10-seat omakase restaurant, Sushi Sho, by sushi legend Chef Keiji Nakazawa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With only two seatings per night, reservations book up months in advance and travelers often plan their stay at the resort around when they are able to secure a reservation. Chef Nakazawa is known for his style of inventive Edomae sushi and prepares omakase-style meals of roughly 32 courses, pairing varying types of seasoned rice with more than 40 kinds of fresh fish. The meal is priced at $350 per person excluding taxes and beverages.
Slice Into Luxury at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
Travelers will discover a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience at Miami’s best address. In honor of the longstanding St. Regis tradition of sabrage, the iconic The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has launched a brand-new Champagne Sabrage Masterclass. Available as both a private dining event and for groups, the inimitable Masterclass is hosted in the resort’s grand Wine Vault. Boasting a lavish five-course meal pairing indulgent dishes paired with the finest of champagnes, including a noteworthy Golden Potato topped with crème fraîche, Ossetra Caviar, and chive flower, this inimitable Sabrage Menu guarantees guests a taste of luxury that will linger long after returning home. Beginning with a story as part of the St. Regis Rituals, guests will even be afforded the thrilling opportunity, if they so choose, to saber their own champagne bottle before the night is over.
Dine Beyond Disney at Grande Lakes Orlando
Nestled in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort anchored by two premier hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, is Florida’s most unexpected culinary destination. Boasting 12 acclaimed venues offering a diverse range of cuisines sure to satisfy any traveler, Grande Lakes Orlando was among the few to receive recognition from Orlando’s first MICHELIN Guide in 2022, where Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes was awarded a coveted MICHELIN-Star. A signature steak and seafood restaurant from acclaimed Chef John Tesar—who recently launched an additional new poolside dining concept Knife Burger at the resort to further elevate the resort’s culinary offerings—Knife & Spoon showcases the finest and freshest cuts of meat and ingredients and comes unparalleled in the region.
Also among the honorees was Primo by Melissa Kelly at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, which was MICHELIN-recommended. Guests at Primo will embark on a culinary whirlwind, feasting on everything from fine Italian dining to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine utilizing fresh ingredients harvested from the restaurant’s on-site organic garden. With an eclectic set of drinking and dining concepts to be discovered in addition to the expansive Whisper Creek Farm, from which each on-site restaurant sources its fresh ingredients, foodies need look no further than Grande Lakes Orlando whether seeking a meal for all ages or a night of fine dining that they won’t soon forget.
A Taste of History at Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
The birthplace of the iconic brownie, Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel is no stranger to making history. Crafted in the hotel’s kitchen for the Columbian Exposition World’s Fair in 1893, this classic confection found its start at the direction of Bertha Palmer herself, who was in search of a dessert that would be easy to transport in boxes. Rich both in history and taste, the original Palmer House Brownie combines gooey fudge and the crunch of walnuts, plus the tartness of an apricot glaze, to take “decadence” to a new level. Best enjoyed at Palmer House’s Lockwood Bar overlooking the glitzy, artful lobby where guests may take in its legendary ceiling fresco, the Brownie is still served today in its original form. Though now a staple of dessert menus and baking shelves everywhere, the Palmer House Brownie remains unparalleled.
Enjoy Traditional Spanish Dishes with a Unique Twist at The National Hotel in South Beach, Miami
The National Hotel, an adults-only property consistently rated among one of the best South Beach hotels and rates a Four Diamond Property, is home to the award-winning Mareva 1939. A destination in its own right, Mareva 1939 is routinely rated among Miami’s best restaurants and is arguably one of the newest celebrity hangout spots recently winning the award for Best Spanish Restaurant by Miami New Times. Overlooking the signature 205-foot infinity-edge swimming pool, the views from Mareva 1939 are truly breathtaking. The inventive sharing menu curated by Executive Chef Sergio Chamizo draws inspiration from traditional Spanish dishes with a unique twist for a dynamic taste distinct to the restaurant. The menu at Mareva 1939 features signature dishes, including several tapas and paellas, served alongside an impressive wine list of natural, organic, or biodynamic wines and creative cocktails curated by the Director of Food and Beverage, Alejandro Delgado. Highlights to this decadent menu include a Spanish octopus paired with potato cream garnished by smoked paprika and a drizzle of arbequina olive oil and Black Paella for two loaded with seared scallops and shrimp and topped with aioli. The flavor packed menu is complemented by cocktails like Pear With Me, concocted with a mix of Grey Goose Pear, Disaronno Amaretto, lemon juice, dessert pear syrup and foam bitters, that will set the mood in Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year, a perfect shade of magenta pink. Finally, guests can finish their meal with delightful desserts like Dark Chocolate Ganache, olive oil with toasted bread or Caramelized Torrija Brioche enhanced by coconut ice cream and pink guava for an extravagant dining memory.
Beloved American Brasserie Classics with Midwest Influences at Waldorf Astoria Chicago
As part of an extensive property-wide renovation that completed this past December, Waldorf Astoria Chicago debuted an evolution of its dining venues, bringing an all-new selection of culinary hotspots to the heart of illustrious Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The new culinary experience within includes:
Southern Charm Meets Neo-Luxury at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
The luxurious Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has truly made a lasting impact on Atlanta’s culinary scene with the debut of its new signature restaurant, Brassica. Weaving together brasserie-style French cooking with regionally-sourced ingredients, the culinary team lead by the newly appointed Executive Chef Christophe Le Métayer, draws culinary inspiration from Georgia and the American South. Together, with its new intimate bar that embraces the history and heritage of American craft cocktails, the stylish and sophisticated Peacock Alley lounge, and enchanting Solarium, Brassica has become the dining cornerstone of the city’s coveted Buckhead neighborhood. Complimenting this new culinary journey, Brassica’s interior design draws inspiration from Atlanta’s reputation as a “city within the forest” that stems from the natural beauty of the surrounding area. As such, the space melds neo-classical details with floral-inspired motifs, all resting within a space that is a contemporary classic.
Iconic Parisian Brasserie Outpost Arrives in NYC at Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York
An iconic Brasserie with Bravado, located at the luxury Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, historic French Brasserie Fouquet's is a tribute to the original Fouquet’s, founded in 1899 on the Champs-Élysées. With drapes of red velvet, the quintessential Parisian brasserie features red velvet armchairs and black and white portraits of film stars for guests and locals alike to immerse themselves in the French art de vivre in the heart of Tribeca. At the helm of Chef Bradley Stelling and featuring legendary dishes from the original Paris location, Brasserie Fouquet's welcomes invités to delight in exquisite dishes such as caviar, decadent truffle topped pasta, and Dover Sole Meunière. Guests can enjoy delicious homemade French pastries at the helm of Pastry Chef Michael Romano such as his unique spin on a French-New York classic, scallion cream cheese filled everything bagel croissants or classic Millefeuille.
Classic Southern Charm in the USA
A mainstay at each Gaylord Hotels property, Old Hickory Steakhouse is the brand’s signature dining location. Providing guests with the highest quality prime and dry-aged beef, Old Hickory offers guests charmingly sophisticated cuisine and a classic American Steakhouse experience. The steakhouse’s unmatched level of service, specially curated menu, and hand-crafted cocktails make it a must for hotel guests and locals alike. Old Hickory Steakhouse has five locations throughout the country at Gaylord National in Washington DC, Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Gaylord Texan outside of Dallas and Gaylord Rockies in Denver. For those in pursuit of culinary delights, the best steakhouse in Nashville offers an unparalleled dining experience with its prime cuts and exquisite service.
Past Meets Present with Legendary Cuisine at the New Regent Hong Kong
The legendary Regent Hong Kong recently debuted following the hotel’s stunning two-year, top-to-bottom renovation at the hands of visionary designer, Chi Wing Lo. Three of Regent Hong Kong’s classic dining destinations soft launched in December 2022. Regent Hong Kong is a premier Dining Destination where guests can rediscover the hotel’s decadently indulgent restaurants. With a celebrated legacy that includes two Michelin stars, Yan Toh Heen returns to its treasured original name, Lai Ching Heen, and specializes in Cantonese Cuisine. Bar Studio has created stunning new interiors at The Steak House and Harbourside restaurants where immersive new culinary journeys go beyond the excellence of the cuisine itself with sensory encounters inspired by Hong Kong's rich culture and art. See more on each dining concept below:
Experience an Innovative, Reinvented and Immersive Culinary Journey at Regent Phu Quoc
Located in the heart of the Island of Phu Quoc, the recently-opened resort, Regent Phu Quoc extends an exclusive, tropical hideaway for travelers in search of remote luxury. The all-villas-and-suites resort offers six unique culinary experiences filled with Vietnamese culture and local ingredients.
Culinary offerings include:
Celebrity Chef Hotspots, Michelin Star Dining, Historic Indulgences and More at Raffles Hotel Singapore
With the 135-year-old Raffles Hotel Singapore brimming with incredibly rich history at every turn, it is no surprise that the hotel is world-famous for its culinary experiences as well. When the Grande Dame hotel emerged from its latest restoration in 2019, it unveiled an exciting new line-up of dining experiences that combine the hotel’s much-loved culinary traditions with contemporary dining concepts by renowned celebrity chefs. Nearly four years after its glorious reopening, Raffles Hotel Singapore continues to build on its legacy of serving as a prominent epicenter in the city for dining occasions of every kind, for both international travelers and Singaporeans alike. There are so many culinary experiences worth traveling for located within, including (but not limited to):
Three Flavors Per Dish: A Brand-New Fine Dining Experience at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
Finnish Cuisine Meets London Elegance: Finnjävel X COMO The Halkin
Situated in the Belgravia district of London, COMO The Halkin features warm hospitality, luxury accommodations, curated amenities, and exciting experiences. From now until April 1, the property will offer delectable culinary options from the likes of Finnish Chef Tommi Tuominen. Michelin-starred restaurant, Finnjävel, is bringing its signature Finnish cuisine to London. An homage to the resilient spirits of Finnish immigrants, the menu will highlight a range of traditional Nordic dishes while incorporating locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Menu highlights include Karelian Pie, Glassblower’s Salmon, and Blood Pancakes, some of Finnjävel's many standout dishes. The pop-up will also feature two gin masterclasses from the award-winning Helsinki Distilling Company, providing guests with an in-depth look into the history and unique flavors of Finnish gin.
Dine Amongst the Rolling Hills of Tuscany at COMO Castello Del Nero
Situated in the world-famous Chianti wine region and among the rolling hills of Tuscany, COMO Castello Del Nero features world-class wellness facilities, proximity to Florence, and local culinary heritage. Unique Culinary offerings are listed below:
Take Advantage of the Glitz and Glamour of St. Moritz at Kulm Hotel
Offerings luxury experiences and over 165 years of remarkable heritage, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz has long maintained the tradition of a rich and diverse cuisine for memorable culinary moments:
True Roman Excellence at the City’s Only 3-Star Michelin Restaurant
This year, the acclaimed Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is celebrating its 60th anniversary of bringing Italian culture and unparalleled standard of hospitality to all travelers. One facet of the hotel’s esteemed legacy is its culinary excellence, where it is home to a renowned 3-star Michelin restaurant. The crowing jewel La Pergola, helmed by Heinz Beck, has become the Eternal City’s first and only 3-star Michelin restaurant, featuring a menu that combines genius and creativity and takes a new interpretation of Italian and Mediterranean traditions. Chef Beck cites his culinary vision as “to transmit emotions through harmoniously balanced aromas, flavors and colors – sensory stimuli which are intertwined and blended in suffused and refined surroundings.”
For more information on the hotel, please see the media kit linked here and imagery linked here, courtesy of Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
100 Years of Culinary Excellence at La Mamounia
Situated in the heart of Marrakesh, the legendary La Mamounia, now celebrating its 100th year, offers bespoke culinary adventures from the likes of internationally-acclaimed Chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Rachid Agouray.
