Whether sampling some of Argentina’s legendary steaks or tucking into unusual delicacies on a far-flung tropical island, luxury travel and local gastronomy go hand in hand. It’s hard to imagine going away without sampling the best of local menus, especially with the recent surge of organic kitchens and hotels boasting restaurants with boutique offerings from Michelin starred chefs.
With the help of experienced luxury holiday hotel experts Exsus luxury holidays we’ve put together some favourite destinations for fine food at hotels both in and outside of Europe, ones that you should put on your foodie radar this summer.
1. Cavas Wine Lodge, Argentina
Set amidst the Argentinian Andes the Cavas Wine Lodge hotel is also slap bang in the middle of Argentina’s wine producing region and, aside from the obviously excellent wine, they create lunch and dinner menus using the finest, organic seasonal ingredients sourced from the local area and grown and harvested using ecologically sound methods.
Although the menu changes relatively frequently at the Cavas Wine Lodge it’s good all year round. One of the most impressive things on the menu is the ‘Calabaza en 5 tecnicas’ or ‘Pumpkin done five ways ‘ with a remarkable range of diverse flavours
The wine from the lodge is a must-try as it’s made from grapes grown in the 35 acre vineyard surrounding the lodge. Not that it’s the only one wine on offer of course, if you’re really into your grape there are over 250 other carefully selected local wines on offer.
2. Hacienda de San Antonio, Mexico
Once a traditional coffee plantation the Hacienda de San Antonio hotel is a remarkable sight with interiors that hark back to simpler times. Once again the majority of the food from the hotel’s restaurant is made from organic ingredients sourced from the hacienda’s own farms and ranch and which focus on traditional Mexican food in order to deliver a surprising range of dishes. The real star of the menu at the Hacienda though is their organic cheese selection with a range of incredible cheeseboards, fondues and fish dishes that make use of subtle cheese sauces.
3. Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia – Italy
Arguably one of the finest hotels in Italy, the Masseria Torre is located right in the heart of the classic Puglian landscape nestled within acres of olive groves overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea. The menus at the Masseria’s four restaurants combine rural and traditional Italian style with a distinct contemporary twist that really brings the food alive and gives an authentic taste of Italy unfamiliar to most. The nearby fishing village of Savelletri supplies the restaurant with fresh fish each day including turbots and the local spiny lobsters.
The restaurant at the Masseria that really gets the best of Mediterranean’s finest fish though is the exclusive ‘Coccaro Beach Club”, which serves traditional seafood along with elegant international fish dishes such as sushi.
Alternatively, if you’re not a fish fan then there’s the Restaurant Le Palme – run by head Chef Vito Giannuzzi, winner of the Italian Championship of Mediterranean Cuisine award, which focuses specifically on foods from the Puglia region of Italy. The Baked Apulian lamb comes highly recommended!
Also worth mentioning is the cookery lessons available at the restaurant, be sure to enquire upon booking.
If you’re looking for a holiday that has taste, then these top destinations should be firmly on your menu.