R&C Spotlight - Best Destinations for the Culinary-Minded Traveller

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Charles McDiarmid
By Charles McDiarmid, Owner & Maître de Maison
Newsletters28 July 2023

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One of the many great joys of travel lies in the opportunity to savour fresh flavours and culinary masterpieces abroad. For the enthusiastic gastronomes among us, explore these Relais & Châteaux properties that serve up inspired gourmet experiences.

Inn at Hastings Park | Lexington, MA

Inn at Hastings Park
Inn at Hastings Park Culinary Education by Tracey Crosby

Nestled in Lexington, Massachusetts, the Inn at Hastings Park features 22 stylish accommodations, including a beautifully preserved guest house and barn that blend Lexington’s historic heritage with a modern American chic twist. The Inn offers an immersive food and wine experience, with a focus on culinary education led by Inn owner Trisha Pérez Kennealy as she shares her passion through cooking classes with both hotel and day guests alike. Join for one of the monthly interactive Supper Club series, which guides guests through the execution of a variety of dishes in a unique themed dinner party setting. Or, book in for an Immersive Culinary Weekend featuring cooking instruction paired with a Farm & History Tour, a 4-course tasting dinner with wine pairings, a picnic lunch, and a bottle of champagne awaiting in your room.

Tributary Hotel | McMinnville, OR

Tributary Hotel
Tributary Hotel’s ōkta Restaurant

Helmed by chef and partner Matthew Lighterner, formerly of two-star Michelin Atera in New York City, the Tributary Hotel’s ōkta is an ode to the Willamette Valley’s seasonal rhythms, local producers and purveyors, and unique terroir. Its seasonal menu is inspired by the Valley’s micro-seasons and the abundant harvest from the restaurant’s nearby farm. A new Summer culinary experience with ten curated courses is set to unfold this month through September, and guests will have the opportunity to experience one of three parts in the FARM Season Menu, depending on when they arrive. Guests can also look forward to enjoying an incredible in-room breakfast made by ōkta, included in their stay. ōkta was named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in 2022, TIME’s 2023 World's Greatest Places in the Willamette Valley, and received a 2023 James Beard Award semi-finalist nomination for Best New Restaurant.

Dunton Hot Springs | Dolores, CO

Dunton Hot Springs
Dunton Hot Springs Saloon Interior

In the heart of the Colorado Rockies lies a beautifully restored 19th-century ghost town, home to hand-hewn log cabins, breathtaking trails, and relaxing hot springs. Here, guests can enjoy modern amenities and luxuries in the romantic, rustic setting of the American West. Known for drawing foodies and adventure-seekers alike, Dunton Hot Springs was named the number 4 Best Hotel for Food Lovers in America by Bon Appetit. Pull up a seat at the long table in the Saloon as the Chefs craft a new menu daily, using local and regional ingredients, including some from their vineyard and farm. Keep an eye open for the exclusive events the property organizes every year with renowned wineries and purveyors centred around sustainability and their culinary ethos.

Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel | Grenada

Calabash Hotel Breakfast
Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel In-Suite Breakfast

Should the crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea call your name, savour a world-class dining experience at the award-winning Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, the sole Relais & Châteaux property in Grenada. Guests are invited to experience the local culture amidst the fresh saltwater breeze in Calabash’s new ‘Eat like a Grenadian’ adventure. It begins with a guided tour of the homestead, where guests can learn about the nutritional and medicinal benefits of the vegetables, spices, and herbs grown here. Then, a true ‘garden to table’ meal will be shared, with the opportunity to dive in and assist with preparing local dishes inspired by the cultural heritage and the area’s abundant seasonal produce.

Wickaninnish Inn | Tofino, BC

The Pointe Restaurant Brunch
Early Brunch at The Pointe Restaurant by Jeremy Koreski

For a seemingly small town, Tofino’s culinary scene punches well above its weight. The incredible bounty of the West Coast is brought to the forefront at our The Pointe Restaurant, where guests can indulge in exquisite fine dining alongside a sweeping panoramic view of the lively Pacific Ocean. The Pointe’s talented chefs craft seasonal delights that showcase goods from local producers and foragers for dishes that reflect a true West Coast experience. Recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine with a Best of Award of Excellence, our impressive wine list is meticulously selected and maintained by our Sommelier and Director of Food & Beverage, Ike Seaman. With over 700 labels celebrating small growers and local offerings alongside internationally-renowned wineries, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for a delectable meal.

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