Dining at restaurants with unique and complementary aesthetics adds a layer of opulence to every traveler’s experience. These hotels offer distinctive dining environments, ranging from a restaurant on a boat in the Maldives to a rustic farm setting in Austria and a semi-underground eatery in South Africa.
Ba’theli at Milaidhoo Maldives: A Culinary Voyage on the Spice Route (pictured)
Taking inspiration from the legendary Spice Route, Ba’theli Lounge & Restaurant offers a Maldivian culinary journey aboard a traditional boat within the lagoon of Milaidhoo Maldives. The name Ba’theli, derived from the Dhivehi language, signifies the cargo boats that once sailed between atolls, transporting goods and sharing knowledge about different lands, customs, and cuisines. At Ba’theli, chefs elevate local ingredients with a blend of herbs and spices to create dishes that pay homage to Maldivian tradition while appealing to modern palates. The restaurant's setting on a boat perfectly complements the Maldivian legacy and the Spice Route inspirations showcased in their menu, blending seamlessly with the cuisine and ambiance. Under the billowing sails and afloat on the lagoon, Ba’theli offers a truly authentic Maldivian experience in pure paradise.
Dining by the Ayung River at Kubu with Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nestled within Bali's cultural heart of Ubud, with the Ayung River floating peacefully alongside, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, pays homage to the city's rich culture, traditions, and holistic healing. Inspired by the bamboo huts the farmers in Ubud store their annual rice harvest in and their deep connection to the land, the property’s in-house restaurant, Kubu, offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The Ayung River flows directly alongside the restaurant and private dining cocoons add a signature touch to intimate dinners and special occasions. All dishes, including offerings in Kubu’s signature six- to eight-course menus, showcase Mediterranean and European specialties prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
A Historic Culinary Experience at El Asador with The Singular Patagonia
At The Singular Patagonia, El Asador provides an authentic culinary experience immersed in history and tradition. With its rustic style and set in the old blacksmith shop of the hotel, El Asador maintains a nineteenth-century façade, transforming the setting into a gastronomic haven where fine grilled dishes take center stage. Specializing in wood-fired meats while also offering vegan options, guests can indulge in gourmet luxury with local ingredients such as hare, lamb, king crab, white berries, rhubarb, seaweed, and honey, all providing a rich sensory experience. The menu features reinterpretations of regional recipes, celebrating the area’s culture and the richness of its products. Housed in the converted Frigorifico Puerto Bories, a post-Victorian cold-storage plant built in 1915 and designated a national heritage site, The Singular Patagonia reflects the essence of the area’s surroundings, embracing its untouched nature and paying tribute to local history.
Where Culinary Delights Meet Beachside Bliss: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
A one-of-a-kind dining sensation seated in a pool and overlooking the Indian Ocean can be found at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach's SugarSand, where guests can enjoy dining in the water without actually getting wet. Nestled within the lively beachside ambiance of the hotel, SugarSand offers the epitome of Bali beachfront dining, helmed by the newly appointed Chef Syamsul Rizal, an acclaimed Japanese Specialty Chef with an illustrious career spanning the globe. Following a delectable meal, guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool to unwind. SugarSand not only provides a sublime haven for fine food and drink, vibrant music and culture, and ultimate relaxation and celebration, but it is also a beach club with a stunning pool that overlooks the ocean. The structure and design of SugarSand is influenced by local Balinese culture, featuring intricate details inspired by the jukung, a traditional Balinese boat, combined with Japanese simplicity. The venue boasts two levels, with an infinity pool and communal area on the first floor, providing a space to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The spiral structure then leads diners up to the second floor, where an open-air lounge with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean awaits, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and adding to SugarSand’s architectural charm.
Local Design Elements at Market Kitchen in W Algarve
Market Kitchen at W Algarve, the first luxury lifestyle hotel in the region, brings the vibrant Portuguese market culture to life with its stunning design elements. The communal table is covered in handmade azulejos, a form of Portuguese painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework commonly found on the interiors and exteriors of churches, palaces, homes and schools. The table's wave designs, and rustic charm are reminiscent of local mercados. Overhead, typical Portuguese windows inspired by the quaint village of Alfama in Lisbon adds an enchanting touch. These beautifully decorated windows, known for their artistic allure, can be seen from miles away, capturing the warm spirit of Portuguese residents. Another highlight of W Algarve is the culinary scene, led by chef Julio Ferradas, offering dishes like Algarvian Seafood Cataplana, Patatas Bravas, Chicken Piri-Piri, and Grilled Local Octopus. Market Kitchen’s design creates an inspiring atmosphere that celebrates Portuguese heritage and artistry.
Rustic 1617 Restaurant Nestled in the Austrian Alps
Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang, Austria offers a unique dining experience at its 1617 Restaurant, located in the property's Altholzstube, German for "old wooden room." The restaurant’s design pays tribute to the property's 400-year history, featuring a rustic farmer’s style dining room that exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy their meals on porcelain plates reminiscent of a grandmother’s kitchen, enhancing the nostalgic and homely feel. The surrounding Austrian Alps are home to rich farmlands and abundant forests, providing 1617 with an exceptional variety of ingredients. Local farms supply fresh vegetables, dairy, and meats, while the surrounding forests offer wild game, berries, and mushrooms. The menu celebrates Austrian cuisine with dishes prepared using regional products, featuring specialties such as local venison loin and freshly caught salt-crusted arctic char that are filleted and carved directly at the table, and fondues featuring meat, cheese, and chocolate. Images here and here.
Discover Icelandic Delights at Sky Lagoon's Smakk Bar
Sky Lagoon, a geothermal lagoon located right outside of Reykjavik, honors Icelandic culture by collaborating with local partners to create an authentic experience at Smakk Bar. The partners include local family businesses and community members who have made significant contributions to Iceland's food saga, from the first specialty coffee shop to one of the country’s oldest bakeries. With its warm woods and metals, along with a quaint fireplace, creates an intimate atmosphere for guests after immersing themselves in the seven-step wellness ritual. The design elements are complemented by unique tasting platters presented on wooden boards with specific indents for glassware and delicately printed parchment paper. This setup provides a harmonious blend of flavors, allowing guests to deeply connect with Reykjavík’s seasonal environment and enrich their journey at Sky Lagoon.
Places you Need to See to Believe – Klein Jan at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Located in the Southern Kalahari, Tswalu, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, features diverse landscapes like the Korannberg Mountains, rolling dunes, and expansive grasslands. While Tswalu offers intricately designed accommodations, the real wow factor is Klein Jan, a semi-underground restaurant created by South Africa’s first Michelin-starred chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. After three years of researching Kalahari culinary traditions and ingredients, Klein Jan offers a theatrical dining experience. Guests begin at the 100-year-old Boscia House, descend a helical staircase 13 feet below the sands, and explore a 65-foot root cellar storing ingredients. The main dining area, with a glass wall that opens in fine weather, provides an immersive experience in the Kalahari's undulating plains.
Orchid Conservatory at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia
Once an icon for Kuala Lumpur's glamorous social events, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a celebrated property that is unrivalled for its prestige and luxury. Showcasing a hanging garden and orchidscape within a glass atrium, the hotel's Orchid Conservatory is a botanical wonder and the only one of its kind in the country. The dining space features a seasonal range of phalaenopsis orchids with thousands of stunning large-petaled blooms displayed in a re-creation of their natural habitat. As the seasons progress, so do the variety of orchids on display. Bookings may be made to enjoy Afternoon Tea, intimate lunches or celebratory dinners for up to 15 persons in this untraditional setting surrounded by thousands of beautiful orchids.
Reimagine Lunch with Singapore Flyer's New Skyline Lunch Experience
Gourmet dining meets spectacular views in Singapore Flyer’s newly launched Skyline Lunch Experience, a revolving dining experience that takes guests up to 165 metres high aboard one of the world’s largest observation wheels. Featuring a refined five-course Cantonese-style set menu, it caters to couples, families and corporate groups seeking a unique daytime dining experience.
The Skyline Lunch Experience is well-suited for all types of occasions, from casual lunch dates and family gatherings to business meetings and more. The menu is meticulously crafted by the culinary team from Sky View Pavilion, an award-winning restaurant renowned for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine. Located within the Singapore Flyer premises and managed by the Singapore Flyer team, Sky View Pavilion brings its expertise to this one-of-a-kind lunch, delivering a matchless dining experience.
