For luxury travelers who love to eat, immersive culinary travel has become a unique, fully engrossing way to enjoy the flavors and local delights of destinations around the world. Whether you’re interested in getting into the kitchen with Michelin star earning chefs, learning seafood techniques on the shores of the Yucatán Peninsula’s picturesque Caribbean Coast, or enjoying exclusive caviar in a private suite, these high end experiences cater to food-centric travelers, and with some, you don’t even have to leave a five-star property!
The Art of Ceviche at Etéreo Auberge Collection, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Nestled in the jungle of the lush Riviera Maya, Etéreo is known as a culinary focused, five star resort. Whether guests are enjoying an agave-focused spirits tasting at the bar or enjoying both casual and fine dining meals centralizing ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, food is very much the focus of this laid back beach vacation. A weekly calendar of immersive experiences includes classes on chili and cocoa, mixology, and more, though the fish class on the beach is a can’t miss.
Taught by executive chef Carlos Segura under a palapa well stocked with ice-cold Mexican beers (plus margaritas served a la carte), the lesson starts with Segura showing participants how to break down a local red snapper, chop it up, and turn it into the ceviche and crudo of their dreams, with plenty of spicy, sour, savory, and sweet condiments ready to go. Next up is tuna, to craft into tiradito, plus plenty of tortilla chips to scoop it up with. The lesson is as hands off or on as you like, with guest’s finished cool seafood creations catered back to the beach or hotel room to continue enjoying. Pricing on request
The Art of Dim Sum at Shang Palace, Paris, France
Head behind the scenes at Paris’ first ever Michelin starred Chinese restaurant, where chef Tony Xu invites small groups on a guided tour of the Shang Palace kitchen before service, followed by a hands-on dim sum class in which guests learn to fill and fold the restaurant’s signature dumplings. Once the dim sum hits the steamer, guests can unwind at Bar Botaniste upstairs, and then sit down for a five-course menu (with an exquisite French wine pairing) to enjoy their handmade creations and much more.
Guests leave with a pair of Chinese chopsticks in a traditional Chinese box, plus a Shang Palace apron as a momento. €550 per person
Chef Lyon Cooking Atelier, Lyon, France
Celebrated as the world’s gastronomy capital, Lyon is certainly the spot to learn a thing or two about French cooking. Local chef Thierry Rodolphe, also known as “Chef”, runs an intimate cooking atelier in the heart of town, with small group and private lessons designed to suit guests’ tastes and abilities. Whether visitors want a lesson on how to roast chicken and set up a cheese plate for date night, make traditional Lyonnaise dishes, or perfect their ravioli skills, Chef will set you up for success. Seasoned chefs and culinary students also visit the studio for tutorials and courses on specific dishes and techniques – there’s always something to learn. Workshops are available in French and English. Starts at €120 per person
Custom Gelato, Portrait Milano, Milan, Italy
You can browse gelato flavors all over Milan, but can you customize your own scoop? Portrait Milano offers a slew of immersive cultural and culinary experiences on-site and around town, with the luxury gelato making experience being one of their most unique. Guests are presented with a customized apron, and immersed into the world of a gelato expert, where they can try different flavors and combinations to craft their own perfect scoop. And yes, you can take it back to the hotel. The property also offers Milanese cooking lessons, plus excursions to go truffle hunting with dogs in Piedmont, explore the vineyards and wine cellars of Valpolicella, or take a vintage car through Barolo to taste local vintages. Starts at €330 per person
In-Suite Private Dining, The Mark, New York City
Everyone loves room service, but what about a unique culinary experience in the comfort of your suite by a world renowned chef? Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, executive chef at The Mark on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, offers exclusive culinary experiences to those booked in a three-bedroom prestige suite or higher. Guests can choose from a private dinner party, guided caviar tasting, or private cooking class inspired by Vongerichten’s cuisine at the property that loves to dub itself as New York’s most lavish hotel (yes, it’s known for hosting celebs year-round, especially before the Met Gala on the first Monday in May). Those who want to venture out of the suite can also enjoy the restaurant’s in-house Caviar Kaspia location. Price upon request