Today’s discerning travelers are looking beyond what’s on their plate or in their glass, seeking hands-on culinary experiences that bring them closer to the source. From soaring over the Mississippi Delta and wading into the water to harvest their own oysters, to feeling the dirt under their feet as they stroll Baja’s sun-drenched vineyards, immersive experiences are redefining culinary travel. These extraordinary offerings invite food enthusiasts not just to taste, but to live the story behind each ingredient and savor sensory journeys in some of the world’s most unforgettable settings.
ROAD TO RAICILLA AT NAVIVA, A FOUR SEASONS RESORT (pictured)
Culinary Experience: With 15 luxury tents surrounded by 48 forested acres on the edge of a private peninsula, Naviva is an adult-only sanctuary that harnesses nature to create an environment that fosters community, personal growth, and appreciation for local heritage. Along Naviva’s Road to Raicilla, guests will sip and savor the two classes of the spirit – de la costa (coastal) and de la sierra (mountainous) – with similar yet varied flavor profiles, histories and techniques. For an experience made possible by the community relationships our team has cultivated, interact with renowned legacy producers of this locally revered spirit.
Pricing for the coastal Road to Raicilla experience is $5k for a maximum group of four and $2k for the mountainous Road to Raicilla experience. These dollars are intentionally funneled back into the Cabo Corrientes community to support the locals who make the experience possible, from the transportation to meals to tastings. Guests will also receive two full bottles from the local tabernas as a take home.
OYSTERS TAKE FLIGHT AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW ORLEANS
Culinary Experience: Board a seaplane for a scenic flight over New Orleans and the coastal marshland of Louisiana down to the mouth of the Mississippi, where the river meets the gulf with Four Seasons New Orleans Oysters Take Flight experience. Just off the coast of Grand Isle, guests will be greeted by Ryan Anderson of Little Moon Oyster Ranch (also known as the Oyster Daddy) in the brackish waters known to produce the largest abundance of oysters in the world. This immersive culinary experience allows guests to learn about the history of the Delta region as they fly to Little Moon Oyster Ranch and see up close what it takes to raise oysters from tiny larvae to restaurant size. While onboard, guests will enjoy a curated picnic of freshly shucked oysters straight from the water for a truly over-the-top dining experience. Upon returning to the hotel, guests can round out their culinary journey with a guided flight and wine pairing of East, West and Gulf Coast oysters at Chemin à la Mer’s oyster bar. Housed in the iconic riverfront World Trade Center, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans includes 341 rooms and suites; wellness facilities including a full-service spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool deck; state-of-the-art event spaces and private gardens; signature restaurants by Alon Shaya and Donald Link and 92 Four Seasons Private Residences.
Pricing: USD $6,000 for a group of four.
PRIVATE JET EXCURSION TO VALLE DE GUADALUPE at MISSION PACIFIC BEACH RESORT
Culinary Experience: Oceanside’s vibrant Mission Pacific Beach Resort and it’s celebrated signature Michelin restaurant Valle, led by Chef Rober Alcocer, invite epicurious travelers to experience the best of Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s mecca for fine wines and inventive cuisine, with their new exclusive Valle Private Jet Experience. In partnership with Schubach Aviation, guests will take a private plane from North County San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico, where they will be picked up and escorted to taste and tour some of the standout restaurants and wineries that put Valle de Guadalupe on the map. The itinerary includes:
The two-night experience includes accommodations for two in Mission Pacific’s two-bedroom Ethereal Suite, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling ocean views, breakfast daily, spa treatments for two at Sunny’s Spa, a mixology class for two at The Rooftop and daily cabana at the pool. Situated on 700 feet of pristine oceanfront near the historic pier in Oceanside, CA, Mission Pacific Beach Resort is a beachside creative boutique that was named the Best Resort in the Continental U.S. and in California in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World's Best Awards.
Pricing: The Valle Private Jet Experience starts at $50,000
HOT AIR BALLOONS OVER BURGUNDY AT ABBAYE DE LA BUSSIÈRE
Culinary Experience: Nestled on 17 acres amid Burgundy’s lush green landscape, Abbaye de la Bussière exudes historical charm within its 900-year-old walls while delivering a five-star chateau experience. The former Cistercian Abbey, built in the 12th century, is pulling out all the stops and giving guests the keys to unlock Burgundy with an experience like no other. Visitors can expect exclusive wine tastings, exquisite gastronomic experiences with award-winning chefs, a personal luncheon with a famous sculptor that serves the British Royal Family, a hot air balloon tour, and much more. This brand-new experience is for a journey into the heart of Burgundy’s most beloved hotel and celebrated wine culture with an experience that includes:
Pricing: $54,000
PRIVATE JET TOURS WITH TCS WORLD TRAVEL
Culinary Experience: For a truly over-the-top culinary experience, foodies can jet off on one of TCS’ upcoming fall private jet trips and indulge in multi-sensory, experiential dining experiences around the world. As the most-awarded private jet expedition company in the world, TCS takes guests around the globe with one-of-a-kind, only in destination experiences, exclusive access, luxury accommodations, knowledgeable local guides and so much more.
TCS transports guests with unforgettable, only-in-destination experiences including:
Pricing: Varies, prices for the above trips start at $119,950 per person double occupancy, all-inclusive
