Experiencing local food and wine is not just part of a memorable holiday, but often a defining reason to travel. Gastronomic tourism is increasing, with more of us drawn to cuisine as a way of connecting with a culture and accessing experiences beyond the ordinary.
From world-class wineries in Burgundy, Napa Valley and the Cape Winelands to intimate Chef’s Table experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants and bespoke culinary-minded itineraries across Indochina, we’ve hand-picked some of the best epicurean escapes to appeal to oenophiles and gastronomes alike.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Culinary journeys at sea
Proving that exceptional gastronomy isn’t confined to a destination, Regent Seven Seas Cruises places dining at the heart of its all-inclusive experience at sea. Its speciality restaurants range from classic French cuisine at Chartreuse to the bold Pan-Asian flavours of Pacific Rim and the intimate steakhouse of Prime 7, while culinary experiences extend far beyond mealtimes.
Try your hand at expert-led classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen, enjoy a lecture in the Epicurean enrichment studio or taste your way through chef-led Epicurean Explorer tours ashore, discovering local markets, traditional cooking methods and regional specialities along the way.
Sani Resort | Halkidiki, Greece
A taste of the Aegean
Experience the feeling of an exclusive Mediterranean village across one family-focused setting at Sani Resort. Thanks to the Dine Around programme, you can choose from 25 diverse restaurants, including 19 with child-friendly menus. Explore a range of flavours, from Spanish gastronomy one night to contemporary Japanese cuisine or authentic Greek fare the next.
Reserve a spot at Water to experience the new all-day culinary collaboration with Bruno Oger – a two-Michelin-starred chef who curates every menu – and savour bluefin tuna tartare, Kristal caviar and Fine de Claire oysters as you overlook the marina. Or experience traditional Greek cuisine at Ouzerie, where meze is paired with the time-honoured tradition of ouzo.
COMO Le Montrachet | Burgundy, France
Savour the Côte d’Or’s legendary wines
Wine connoisseurs may already be familiar with Puligny-Montrachet – a prestigious appellation in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. COMO Le Montrachet sits at the heart of this celebrated wine region, occupying a peaceful 19th-century inn. While it’s within easy reach of Grand Cru vineyards, the Michelin Key-awarded property is a destination for gourmets and wine lovers in its own right.
Helmed by Chef Romain Versino, the restaurant serves authentic French cuisine with modern flair, complemented by the sommelier’s recommendations from a wine cellar housing over 17,000 bottles. While the menus change with the harvest, you can sample the chef’s speciality cereal-crusted pigeon all year round.
Culinary experiences beyond the inn include chef-led market-to-table tours, exploring iconic vineyards by vintage car and, of course, exclusive wine tastings in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, where you can savour Burgundy’s signature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Indochina
Discover Indochina through its flavours
One of the best ways to experience Indochina – Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia – is through its diverse flavours. In between immersing yourself in its cultural treasures, majestic monuments and ancient temples, a tailor-made itinerary allows you to make time to savour the region’s distinct cuisines, which vary greatly not only from country to country, but from region to region.
Tour the Laos Buffalo Dairy in Luang Prabang and sample buffalo-milk cheese and ice cream, embark on a street-food walking tour through Hanoi’s French Quarter (savouring everything from bánh cuốn to egg coffee, sweetened with condensed milk) and experience the refinement of royal-inspired cuisine through a cooking class in Hue – Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley | California, USA
The taste of Wine Country
As North America’s wine capital, Napa Valley continues to draw oenophiles with its world-class vineyards. Its distinct microclimates and unique terroir mean that there’s an incredible wealth of wines to discover – including the region’s world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon.
A stay at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is one of our favourite ways to experience Wine Country. Not only will you have access to exclusive experiences, such as a Four Seasons-only tasting at Chappellet Winery and an in-depth terroir tasting exploring the Calistoga AVA, but the Michelin Key property is set within its own organic vineyard. Here, you can savour a grape-to-glass experience without having to leave the property.
Dining here is just as impressive as its renowned vintages. The Michelin-starred Auro, led by Executive Chef Evran Neumann, showcases hyper-seasonal Napa Valley produce across seven courses, while a more intimate Chef’s Table experience offers a front-row seat to the chef’s culinary artistry.
Asimina Suites | Paphos, Cyprus
Elegant dining by the sea
At the adults-only Asimina Suites, choose from elegant dining options, from lingering alfresco lunches to Mediterranean à la carte dinners at Kymata. For a more intimate dining experience, enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner for two at the pier, where you can toast to your holiday as you look out across the Mediterranean Sea. Then, head to St. Andrew’s rooftop bar for a final tipple with panoramic views.
Mont Rochelle | Franschhoek, South Africa
The flavours of South Africa’s French Corner
A journey to the food and wine capital of South Africa, Franschhoek, is a must for gourmets. Hop aboard the iconic Franschhoek Wine Tram to explore the valley at your own pace, drifting between cellar and vineyard tours, wine aroma experiences and exclusive tastings.
Mont Rochelle places you in the heart of the valley, surrounded by 37 hectares of lush vineyards and framed by dramatic mountain views, and within easy reach of Stellenbosch if you’re travelling as part of a wider wine itinerary. Savour contemporary fusion cuisine paired with wines from Mont Rochelle’s own vineyard at MIKO, against a backdrop of sweeping mountain vistas, or join winemaker Michael Langehoven for a tour of the historic cellar, followed by a five-course pairing dinner guided by the Executive Chef.
San Sebastián | Basque Country, Spain
A culinary capital
Gourmets will already be acquainted with San Sebastián’s extraordinary culinary scene, making it one of the most compelling reasons to visit. It’s home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, several of which hold the maximum three stars. Beyond its top-notch fine dining offering, its relaxed pintxos-bar culture is equally worthy of its gastronomic reputation. Hop between bars to sample everything from braised beef cheeks, anchovies and suckling pig to classic Basque burnt cheesecake.
A tailor-made itinerary to the Basque Country allows you to discover the region’s culinary delights at your own pace, from San Sebastián’s pintxos bars to the renowned wines of La Rioja.
Plan your bespoke luxury holiday
If you’re inspired to take one of these culinary journeys, our travel specialists are on hand to make it a reality. Whether you’re considering a trip to one of these destinations or a multi-centre adventure, we create tailor-made itineraries featuring luxury hotels, villas, private transfers and every detail taken care of.
Speak to our experts to begin planning your extraordinary gourmet getaway.
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