Globetrotting gourmands are hungry for exploration, and luxury hotels around the world have taken notice. Whether it’s a brand-wide commitment to sourcing local or individual eateries offering palate-pleasing plates of regional cuisine, these foodie-focused properties are kicking their kitchens into high gear to create memorable, mouthwatering moments.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
Foodie culture reaches luxurious new heights at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star beachfront resort. In partnership with French glassmaker Lalique, the Miami hotel introduces the most expensive macarons in the world. These one-of-a-kind delights are made with white tea, are decorated with gold flakes and rest on a cushion of sugar dust within a custom-designed crystal box — all for a cool $9,703 (a play on the resort’s address at 9703 Collins Avenue).
This hefty price tag also includes an overnight stay in one of the property’s brand-new four-bedroom Sky Palace Suites, where you’ll enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea on one of four oceanfront balconies in addition to your sinfully sweet treats.
Loews Hotels
Brand new for 2017, Loews Hotels around the country are stepping up their culinary game by partnering with artisan producers to create hyper-local foodie experiences aptly called FLAVOR by Loews Hotels.
Four-Star Loews Miami Beach Hotel brings the unique flavor of the city to all of the property’s restaurants and bars. Try Cuban-inspired confections from Azucar Ice Cream Company, bespoke cocktails from the city’s first distillery (Miami Club Rum) or indulge in fresh baked breads and pastries from Miami favorite — and James Beard Award nominated — Zak the Baker.
Local sips are the stars at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, where Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream and Pickers Vodka from Speakeasy Spirits are poured in monthly cocktail specials at the Mason Bar.
In Los Angeles, Four-Star Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel offers up a menu as hot and spicy as the city’s famous nightlife. El Machete Chili Sauce, made by a local artist and activist, plays a headlining role in a signature cocktail and various seasonal dishes at the property’s popular restaurant Ocean & Vine.
You can’t visit New York without indulging in a slice of the city’s signature pie. Four-Star Loews Regency New York Hotel serves two exclusive pizzas made with the famed Neapolitan-style charcoal crust from Olivella Bread at the Regency Bar & Grill.
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
From street eats to fine dining, Hong Kong’s rich culinary culture is ripe for exploration. Pair your gastro getaway with a Five-Star stay at this Victoria Harbour hotel and take advantage of the Flavors of Hong Kong package.
Coinciding with October’s food-focused Mid-Autumn Festival, this sumptuous offering starts with a welcome note and a surprise amenity in your harbor-view room followed by an afternoon tour of the local street food scene with one of the hotel’s chefs.
The experience concludes with dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong’s Four-Star Italian restaurant, Tosca, and a nightcap complete with dizzying skyline vistas at the 118th-floor bar, Ozone.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Forget the basic brunch omelet station — this stylish Four-Star Beijing stay has taken everyone’s favorite Sunday staple to the next level with the Opus Lounge’s Food Carnival at Four Seasons.
This global gourmet adventure features delicacies like wagyu beef and Australian lamb on an open grill, plus live action stations from the luxury hotel’s signature Cantonese restaurant, Cai Yi Xuan, and Four-Star Italian eatery, Mio.
Top off your scrumptious Sunday with flutes of champagne and a trip to the delectable dessert station that’s highlighted with housemade ice cream.
For one weekend only, take a culinary detour by way of Italy with the property’s Milan Street Food Festival. On October 21 to 22, indulge in a casual outdoor brunch on the Opus Lounge’s terrace that will feature Milanese street eats, free-flowing beer and Italian wine.
InterContinental Hotels
Nothing offers a sense of place quite like a locally inspired meal. Foodies are flocking to destinations around the globe to taste seasonal specialties that only come around for a limited time, and InterContinental Hotels across the country are satiating these hungry travelers’ appetites.
Seafood lovers will want to embark on a coast-to-coast adventure for the best local catch. Make your way to Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Café du Parc, located inside Willard InterContinental Washington D.C., to sample the last of the summer’s mussels simmering in white wine and garlic.
Then head north to Four-Star InterContinental Boston to dig into local jumbo scallops served with a black truffle, leek and sautéed wild mushroom risotto — and don’t be afraid to grab a slice of Miel Brasserie Provencale’s Boston crème pie to complete the meal.
Lastly, you’ll want to hop over to the West Coast this fall for fresh Gulf of California seared diver scallops at InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. This succulent seafood specialty comes with a carrot-lime puree and local purple cauliflower for a colorful, healthy finish.