Some people eat to live and others live to eat. And culinary experiences are one of the top draws for travelers these days. In fact, a whopping 95% of travelers can be classified as food travelers, and 70% of people pick a travel destination based on the food and drink available. Culinary tourism is on the rise, and for good reason. People want to enjoy every aspect of their vacations, palate included. With so many people placing emphasis on the culinary portion of their travels, it’s important to do your research before selecting a destination to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. If, like the majority of the population these days, you’re looking to satiate your appetite along with your wanderlust, we’ve got you covered.
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If you’re a chowder lover…
Obviously the Cape is the quintessential spot to get your seafood fix with all of their locally caught oysters, clams and fish. Cape Cod’s award-winning
Ocean Edge Resort & Gold Club is beckoning chowder lovers with their recently launched Clam “Chowdah” Cook Off experience. Guests can don their aprons and chef’s hats to create one of New England’s signature dishes, while a chef guides them through the process. Replicate the chef’s recipe to the T, or put your own spin on the classic dish by adding in corn, leeks, carrots, and more. At the end of the cook off, the chef will sample each of the chowders and select a winner, who will receive a dining credit toward a delicious meal on the property. This experience is exclusive to overnight guests and is available for families and group up to 10. To book, email activities@oceanedge.com.
If you’re a wine lover…
While there’s many amazing wine destinations around the globe (Napa, New Zealand, Burgundy), Italy is perhaps one of the top. Head to Grand Universe Lucca, tucked away in the charming city of Lucca (one of Tuscany’s best kept secrets), where you can experience three different immersive wine tasting experiences. The hotel features three unique experiences — the Montalcino, Montecarlo and Super Tuscan & Chianti Classico. Each of these experiences includes 4 different wines, along with a selection of local cold cuts and cheese, where you will learn about the different apellations, regions, and wines of Italy. Or you could take it up a notch with the Tuscan Wine & Olive Oil experience, which includes the guests’ selection of two of these wine tastings, along with an olive oil tasting. This culinary experience delves into the production of local wines and olive oils, detailing the connection and elements of the Tuscan region and how they come together to create quintessential Tuscan wines and oils. Afterwards, guests are invited to enjoy the resort’s masterful rotation of wine at the hotel’s ancient Eterno Wine Cellar, which features remnants of an ancient wall and an extensive collection of Tuscan wines. Book the “Tuscan Wine & Olive Oil Experience” package at www.granduniverselucca.com using code ES1. Valid for stays through January 2, 2023.
If you’re a tequila fan…
There’s only one place to score that good tequila and that’s Mexico.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers guests the unique opportunity to learn the art of sipping fine tequila, just like the locals. Audrey Formisano, the hotel’s resident tequilera (tequila sommelier) leads private tastings, along with food pairings, in one of three destinations – La Cava, the resort’s private exhibition tequila cellar; the herb garden; or the new Ceviche & Tequila Bar for larger parties. Plus, Marriott Puerto Vallarta is one of the few resorts in the world with its own proprietary brand of tequila!
If you’re into boozy brunch…
Opt for a whole new way of doing brunch, Aruba style. On the first Friday of every month, La Vista at
Aruba Marriott Resort brings brunch to nighttime with their boujee night brunch. A bellini wall welcomes guests into the soiree, along with a live DJ, colorful cocktails, and tons of brunch bites. Neon lights adorn the walls, and guests can choose from options such as Dutch style pancakes, chicken & waffles, sous vide eggs, churros, banana cake, and plenty more. Plus, all cocktails are served in branded glasses and guests can take them home as a little brunch souvenir. Reservations are required.
If you’re a fan of fresh air food…
A picnic is just what the doctor ordered. The
Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta offers over the top catered oceanfront picnics by Arrecifes Restaurant, featuring a gourmet selection of charcuterie, sandwiches, and champagne. Watch the sun set among the most romantic setting, along with all your favorite picnic staples, without doing any of the work yourself. Visit
www.westinpuertovallarta.com to book.
If you’re looking for a private local experience…
Head to the island of Curaçao, where you can book a private dinner with
Vittle Art. Run by local Kris Sling, Vittle Art provides guests with a once-in-a-lifetime curated private farm-to-table dinner, featuring fresh, authentic and locally-inspired dishes from the chef’s farm. A personalized menu of 9-10 courses awaits, all prepared with ingredients from the land and local ancestral cooking techniques. Plates are served during sunset, giving diners stunning views of the islands terrain during a dinner that won’t soon be forgotten.
or…
Jet off to
W Punta de Mita, where you can experience a customizable seven-course tasting menu during an exclusive experience at Mesa1, which offers just one nightly seating al fresco. Located on its own private island amidst a 100-year-old Parota tree table, this island dining experience is accessible via stone suspended over the water that disappear once you’ve been seated. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
or…
Nestled in the volcano-laden landscape of Guatemala lies Villa Bokeh, a newly opened boutique hotel celebrating history and nature. Executive chef Marcos Saenz hosts La Experiencia Maiz, a tea time-like experience that celebrates farmers, the farming process, and corn’s many uses, while enjoying a selection of bite-sized treats made with different varieties of corn, or elote.
