In my opinion, there are 3 things that comprise a memorable vacation: a fabulous hotel to pamper you, wonderful experiences to look back upon, and of course a great meal that warms your heart and your belly - making you want to return just for another taste.
This week, I want to focus on just that-incredible travel opportunities for foodies (aren’t we all?)! Whether it’s a cruise, and all-inclusive resort, or a private dining experience as part of your customized itinerary - having a variety of gourmet dining options are a must.
This week, I want to focus on just that-incredible travel opportunities for foodies (aren’t we all?)! Whether it’s a cruise, and all-inclusive resort, or a private dining experience as part of your customized itinerary - having a variety of gourmet dining options are a must.
Oceania Cruises
Many cruise lines claim to have fantastic food, but one in particular is known for their culinary experiences-Oceania. Boasting the finest cuisine at sea, their dining options are said to rival the Michelin-starred restaurants on shore.
Love to cook? Oceania's Riviera and Marina ships feature a Culinary Center. The center offers the first hands-on cooking school at sea, allowing guests to cook alongside Master Chefs from around the world. Through the Culinary Discovery Tours guests have the opportunity to accompany the chef to local markets as they select the freshest ingredients to be used in the onboard cooking course, tour a local winery, or even enjoy authentic dishes in private homes or chef-selected restaurants.
On their Jaques Pepin Cruises, named after the Master Chef and Oceania’s Executive Culinary Director, guests can enjoy signature menus, culinary demonstrations and lectures hosted by the legend himself. On board, enjoy a plethora of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including a private vintage wine and gourmet fair pairings at La Reserve by Wine Spectator, most at no additional charge.
Of course, Oceania offers all the amenities of the finest cruise ships including a casino, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and spectacular shows and entertainment. Oceania also prides itself on extended evening and even overnight stays in ports, allowing you more time to explore the intriguing destinations that await.
Many cruise lines claim to have fantastic food, but one in particular is known for their culinary experiences-Oceania. Boasting the finest cuisine at sea, their dining options are said to rival the Michelin-starred restaurants on shore.
Love to cook? Oceania's Riviera and Marina ships feature a Culinary Center. The center offers the first hands-on cooking school at sea, allowing guests to cook alongside Master Chefs from around the world. Through the Culinary Discovery Tours guests have the opportunity to accompany the chef to local markets as they select the freshest ingredients to be used in the onboard cooking course, tour a local winery, or even enjoy authentic dishes in private homes or chef-selected restaurants.
On their Jaques Pepin Cruises, named after the Master Chef and Oceania’s Executive Culinary Director, guests can enjoy signature menus, culinary demonstrations and lectures hosted by the legend himself. On board, enjoy a plethora of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including a private vintage wine and gourmet fair pairings at La Reserve by Wine Spectator, most at no additional charge.
Of course, Oceania offers all the amenities of the finest cruise ships including a casino, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and spectacular shows and entertainment. Oceania also prides itself on extended evening and even overnight stays in ports, allowing you more time to explore the intriguing destinations that await.
Grand Velas Resorts
Just as Oceania is known as the foodie cruise, Grand Velas Resorts draw the epicurean clients to it’s all-inclusive hotels in Mexico. Of particular interest is Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which offers 8 restaurants with globally inspired dining options, everything from French to Italian to Asian Fusion and even a restaurant focused on healthy fare, by world renowned chefs.
The resort’s signature restaurant Cocina de Autor touts a AAA Five Diamond Award and is the first all-inclusive restaurant to receive this honor. Where most all-inclusives focus on producing mass quantities of food that taste bland and unappetizing, you’ll notice that even the items in the buffet of Grand Velas are delivered in small portions so they are not only visually appealing but taste incredible as well.
As part of the inclusions, guests also receive 24-hour gourmet suite service, mini bar stocked daily, premium domestic and international beverages, 24 hour personal concierge, as well as access for the younger set to the Kids Club or Teens Club. There’s even a Baby Concierge to ensure the littlest family member’s needs are addressed so mom and dad can enjoy their time in paradise.
Just as Oceania is known as the foodie cruise, Grand Velas Resorts draw the epicurean clients to it’s all-inclusive hotels in Mexico. Of particular interest is Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which offers 8 restaurants with globally inspired dining options, everything from French to Italian to Asian Fusion and even a restaurant focused on healthy fare, by world renowned chefs.
The resort’s signature restaurant Cocina de Autor touts a AAA Five Diamond Award and is the first all-inclusive restaurant to receive this honor. Where most all-inclusives focus on producing mass quantities of food that taste bland and unappetizing, you’ll notice that even the items in the buffet of Grand Velas are delivered in small portions so they are not only visually appealing but taste incredible as well.
As part of the inclusions, guests also receive 24-hour gourmet suite service, mini bar stocked daily, premium domestic and international beverages, 24 hour personal concierge, as well as access for the younger set to the Kids Club or Teens Club. There’s even a Baby Concierge to ensure the littlest family member’s needs are addressed so mom and dad can enjoy their time in paradise.
Customized Foodie Experiences
The cuisine of a country provides so much insight into its traditions. There’s no better way to get a feel for the people and places you visit than enjoying a fantastic meal. Whether it’s a street food tour in the markets of Asia, a cooking class in Italy or the Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain you’ve heard so much about, there’s no experience that’s out of reach. We can even set up a meal with a local family so you can learn about the culture and traditions first hand while enjoying authentic flavors prepared by your hosts. Just let us know your interests or aversions and we’ll create the perfect foodie experience for you!
The cuisine of a country provides so much insight into its traditions. There’s no better way to get a feel for the people and places you visit than enjoying a fantastic meal. Whether it’s a street food tour in the markets of Asia, a cooking class in Italy or the Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain you’ve heard so much about, there’s no experience that’s out of reach. We can even set up a meal with a local family so you can learn about the culture and traditions first hand while enjoying authentic flavors prepared by your hosts. Just let us know your interests or aversions and we’ll create the perfect foodie experience for you!