Gourmet Getaways

Home may be where the heart is, but travel is where the excitement is. Nothing matches the exhilaration of jet setting around our glorious planet to experience the life and culture of foreign lands. Although most of a vacation’s appeal comes from the breathtaking views and luxurious amenities you’ll enjoy, a great escape just wouldn’t be complete without great food. A fine culinary experience can make the difference between an enjoyable holiday and a magnificent one, enhancing your entire experience with each bite you take.

Food brings people together, gathering friends and lovers around the table after a long day of exploring or sunbathing by the sea. There is no better feeling than discussing the sights and sounds of your vacation over a warm gourmet meal and comforting glass of wine.

From the exotic to the enriching, Dolce has gathered some of the most lavish dining experiences from across the world. These extraordinary retreats satisfy your every desire, pleasing each of your senses through unique and sumptuous dishes that you would never find at home. Whether you’re craving a plate of handmade gnocchi or a fine French mignon, we’ve got just the spot for you.

The Rania Experience – Maldives
Imagine yourself on a private island, not a single stranger in sight. Imagine Mediterranean, Asian and Indian chefs at your beck and call. Does that sound too good to be true? Not at The Rania Experience, where exclusivity is a lifestyle. Here you are invited to book the entire island for yourself, and are welcome to bring with you as many guests as you wish. Enjoy a holiday like no other, while you indulge in limitless spa treatments, and turquoise-coloured waters. Rania offers its guests use of a beautiful 86-foot yacht, which they are welcome to use to visit neighbouring islands, learn to dive, or simply enjoy the waves. At the Rania Experience, food is a top priority. The extensive menu is rewritten by the ocean every day, and guests are encouraged to change any dish to suit their tastes. What’s more, guests can arrange to have their food brought to them, when and wherever they wish to eat. www.raniaexperience.com

Beau-Rivage Palace – Lausanne, Switzerland
Looking for a luxurious, yet family friendly retreat? Look no further than the prestigious Beau-Rivage Palace in Switzerland. A haven for the discreetly wealthy, Lausanne’s allure is couched in its gorgeous beaches and fashionable nightlife. Beau-Rivage Palace is located amid an awe inspiring 10 acres of parkland on the shores of Lake Geneva in the historic fishing port of Ouchy. Step onto your balcony and take in the majestic Swiss and French Alps beyond, and appreciate the unique architecture of the Belle Epoque buildings. Spend your afternoon people watching and sipping tea in Le Café Beau-Rivage. The hotel’s two bars and two restaurants provide ample choices for dining. We recommend the Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant La Rotonde, where Chef Florian Giraud offers his guests seasonal menus, finely tuned to the freshness of the produce available in the market, as well as an impressive selection of wines. Children are not forgotten at Beau-Rivage, and are treated like miniature kings and queens. With a myriad of activities to choose from, including treasure hunts and flower-arranging lessons, your children will never experience a dull moment. Aspiring young chefs can take a complimentary one-hour baking lesson in the hotel’s kitchen with a skilled pastry chef, to teach kids the rewarding art of cooking. www.brp.ch

Palazzo Sasso – Ravello, Italy
Palazzo Sasso is a stunning five-star hotel on Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi coast. The hotel rests atop a 1,000-foot cliff in the town of Ravello, overlooking the Mediterranean sea’s Gulf of Salerno, and of course, the famous coast. The town’s small and distinctly quiet atmosphere is surprisingly chock-full of culture and historical significance, making for a peaceful and enlightening getaway. Stroll through this enchanting village and take in the sights, lined with lemon trees, olive groves, vineyards and sea. Enjoy authentic Italian meals at Rossellini’s, the resort’s premier restaurant, led by the creative direction of Executive Chef Giuseppe Lavarra. Here, the chef will whip up cutting-edge Italian cuisine that you would only find in Italy. www.palazzosasso.com

Kasbah Tamadot – Asni, Morocco
Kasbah Tamadot is a significant part of Limited Edition by Virgin, a unique portfolio of Sir Richard Branson’s properties, which include Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands and Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The stunning walled residence of Kasbah is set on the rolling hills of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Standard rooms don’t exist here, as each suite is an experience all its own, elegantly draped in Moroccan décor. What better way to learn about Moroccan culture than to taste it? At Kanoun, the hotel’s intimate restaurant, South African chef Jean Mundell creates mouth-watering dishes, using the wholesome and hearty flavours of Morocco. Spices and dried fruit from Marrakech, fish from the Atlantic coast, and vegetables from the local fields combine to create a fresh and spicy cuisine stylishly presented, and washed down with fine wines and champagne. Enjoy your meal by the fireside in winter, or in a private outdoor courtyard in summer. While you’re at it, why not take a cooking class, and learn how to make your favourite dishes at home? www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com

Albergo Hanmer Lodge and Alpine Villa – New Zealand
Set in a peaceful magic mountain arena with all-day sun, Albergo Hanmer, located only two minutes away from Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserves, cafés and boutiques, is renowned for its wellness and cuisine. Indulge in the renowned 3-course designer breakfasts with over 10 choices on the menu, and have your dishes served at the time that suits you. Exclusive dinners are available by prior arrangement and are tailor-made to suit particular tastes or requests. For example, there is a gluten-free menu to accommodate those with allergies. Two to six courses can be prepared using only the freshest produce. Guests dine by candlelight in the private dining room and are served New Zealand favourites, including prime beef medallions, baby lamb racks and venison tenderloins enveloped in an Italian or Asian entrée. Of course, you can always opt to try a little NZ fondue! Enjoy scrumptious desserts with a unique Swiss touch, or keep it simple with pavlovas draped in chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. www.albergohanmer.com

Necker Island – Virgin Gorda, The British Virgin Islands
Another member of Sir Richard Branson’s Limited Edition by Virgin, Necker Island boasts an astonishing 74-acred tropical paradise, where you are welcome to create your very own private hideaway. A beloved vacation spot for the likes of Harrison Ford, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, the late Princess Diana and Oprah Winfrey, Necker Island promises opulent exclusivity. A stay at Necker Island means you dictate the pace and the mood of your vacation, while the courteous staff takes care of your every whim. Stay in a beautiful Balinese-style house adorned with majestic canopy beds, wicker accents and gorgeous Haitian paintings. Enjoy a cool breeze from your own balcony, overlooking the calming sea and blowing palm trees. A long day lounging in the sun is sure to work up an appetite, but not to worry – the island’s fresh menu options will satisfy your every craving. Meals are as informal or formal as you desire, and at the pace, time and location of your choice. Have your personal staff prepare a light poolside lobster lunch with fresh fruit, or arrange for a formal affair in the elegant 26-seat dining room. www.neckerisland.com

Hotel Le Bristol – Paris, France
Visit the elite Hotel Le Bristol in Paris for a positively regal experience. The hotel is located on the fashionable rue du Faubourg Saint Honore in the heart of Paris, the home of the finest antique shops, art galleries and fashion designers. Hotel Le Bristol boasts the largest gardens in Paris – 12,917 square feet of immaculate beauty. Walk the hotel’s pristine hallways and take in its fabulous architecture and old-world design. Have a traditional British tea or a cocktail at the Piano Bar, or taste true French cuisine at the hotel’s Gastronomic restaurant. Chef Eric Frechon prepares exceptional and innovative dishes to delight the senses. Try some signature French delicacies such as foie gras, béarnaise-style John Dory, or meuniere style wild turbot. End your meal with an authentic iced dessert mousse, infused with freshly picked mint leaves and sinful milk chocolate. Dining takes place in the sumptuous Regency oak room in the winter months, and in the magnolia gardens during the summer season. www.hotel-bristol.com