Top 4 foodie destinations for the luxury traveller

For the luxury traveller, VIP travel is about luxury and comfort but its also about quality. The quality of the experience, the quality of the products and for some in particular, the quality of the food and drink which can be enjoyed and savoured during the holiday. As well as being food enthusiasts ourselves (read here food obsessed), we take it upon ourselves to discover the culinary highlights of the destinations we visit. Extensively and fully committed to the cause, we are often asked by clients for recommendations on where to visit so here are some of the highlights we’d like to recommend. Tuscany, Italy There’s a lot to appreciate in Italy… the wine, fresh produce, did we mention the wine? This gastronomic delight offers a truly flavoursome local and traditional experience. No fusions, or experiments, just the very best wholesome, authentic mouth-watering tastes and dishes that the soil and sun of the Italian hillside can deliver. Castiglion del Bosco is an incredible working wine estate, famous for its agriculture and vineyards which produces some of the most coveted Italian wines. As well as enjoying a stay in one of the venue’s stunning 23 suites, food lovers will enjoy a course at their world renowned La Canonica Cookery School which provides a real hands-on experience selecting raw ingredients from the grounds, learning new culinary skills before feasting on your accomplishments. Vietnam The luxury of dining at Michelin starred restaurants can be sublime, but sometimes the best experiences are off-the-beaten track. We thoroughly enjoy the delights of all cooking styles so have no hesitation in recommending Vietnam’s street food scene for the more adventurous traveller. Enjoying food like the locals just enhances the travel experience further and Vietnam is a perfect example of this. The numerous street food stalls will supply a selection of dishes including the more popular Pho noodles (noodle soup), Banh Mi (baguette), or snack on tasty rice rolls. With lots of herbs, flavours this really is a tasty treat, so shouldn’t be missed. If you’re still missing the allure of a more fine dining experience then Nam Hai near Hoi An is the destination to visit for amazing restaurants. The Nam Hai hotel in Hoi An Vietnam offers a legendary location along the South China Sea and its restaurant, offering both modern international cuisine and artistically blended local Vietnamese dishes, has become somewhat of a style icon. Anguilla, Caribbean Local food and local rum has become an attractive staple for those visiting the island and combined with the laid back atmosphere of Anguilla, provides a relaxed privacy in which to savour the finest culinary experiences the island has to offer amongst its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The best culinary excellence can be found at two hotels in particular within the island – which have not only raised the bar in terms of accommodation, but also dining. The Viceroy’s signature restaurant Coba, offers breath-taking views as it overlooks the blue waters of the Caribbean sea, whilst guests enjoy the freshest seafood and an excellent wine selection. Coba is just one of five restaurants within this resort and others offer family friendly options of oven-fired pizzas and fresh Mediterranean style cuisine, as well as pool side menus, and the Sunset Lounge where you can just sit back and chill out with an aged rum cocktail. Zemi Beach House Resort and Spa opened earlier in 2016 and again offers no less than five food and drink options to suit any dining preference. From fresh sea to table produce in the fine dining Stone restaurant, to beachfront dining at Shoal Bay Beach Club and Palm Court – there is something for everyone. The Winelands, South Africa And finally, South Africa; home to a host of attractions from its vibrant cities to its expansive landscapes and outstanding wildlife. But let’s not overlook those magnificent wineries, providing the perfect accompaniment to the international cuisine available. The year round Mediterranean climate is the secret to its world-class wines. BablyonStoren is just a 45 minute drive from Cape Town and this farm hotel is unlike any other in South Africa. Offering the perfect blend of cottages which fuse contemporary design and history, a remarkable restaurant and a welcoming sanctuary retreat within its natural gardens. Wander along the pumpkin patches, mulberry bushes and olive and citrus groves within their expansive gardens and take part in the harvesting, pruning and planting throughout the seasons. For those who simply prefer to enjoy the finished product, there are two dining options available for guests. The Green House, which is a greenhouse turned tea room, offers slow roasts or wood fired pizzas. Alternatively, Babel offers creative and delicious dining options with vegetables from the gardens, plus our favourite to note, in very generous portions! Paarl’s vineyards are a quick 10 minute drive away or take a wine tour in the world renowned Stellenbosch. Just 15 minutes away are Franschhoek’s world-class restaurants which are a particular foodie highlight. Diana Cherry is Director of Operations at Oxford Private Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.