Our Favorite Foodie Destinations Worldwide

1. Bucuti and Tara, Aruba

Carte Blanche, that resides on the property of Bucuti and Tara, is a restaurant for 'foodies', people who are open minded for an exquisite fine dining experience without limitations in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Guests don't know the menu and each meals is a surprise. Chef Dennis van Daatselaar created and originated this unique concept on Aruba in which he prepares a 5 course surprise fine dining menu right in front of all the guests. The menu consists of many different flavors and the freshest ingredients available. Carte Blanche exclusively seats 14 patrons per evening at a low riding oval-shaped bar in comfortable lounge chairs where everyone can interact with the Chef himself. In addition, Carte Blanche offers a fine selection of spirits from the bar, and their renowned wine pairing (optional) for those guests that wish to have their palates challenged to the max. Together with Maitre'D Glen Bonset, Dennis has turned Carte Blanche into one of the most talked about restaurants on the island of Aruba.

2. Abbaye de la Bussière, Burgundy, France

Situated in beautiful countryside some 20 miles south west of Dijon, this spectacular ancient abbey makes the perfect base for exploring the great vineyards of Burgundy.

It would be worth coming here for the food alone. The hotel’s Michelin-starred chef, Emmanuel Hebrard, produces some truly spectacular Burgundian cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. There are two restaurants – the lunchtime Bistro des Moines is relatively informal, while the Gastronomic is less a restaurant than an experience. The “menu de l’abbaye” is not cheap, but you’ll experience top-notch gastronomy. 

3. CusinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla

As a CuisinArt property, the hotel prides itself on its food -- and for good reason. On-site dining options include a Japanese restaurant, an Italian restaurant,a poolside cafe, a beach grill and a lobby bar. The highlight is the Mediterranean restaurant, Le Bistro at Santorini, which is easily the best dining option on the island. Though many foods must be imported to the island, the menus here boast fresh seafood as well as ingredients from the hotel's hydroponic farm -- a rare find not only in the Caribbean but at hotels in general. The restaurant decor, like the decor throughout the hotel, feels more island-y than upscale, but contributes to the relaxed atmosphere.

4. Grand Velas, Riviera Maya, Mexico

The hotel features eight restaurants, all included in the all-inclusive rate. There are casual poolside spots for a light bite and fine dining restaurants with a stricter dress code, but all serve outstanding food, including Mexican, pan-Asian, French, Italian and molecular cuisine.

Cocina de Autor is the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant inspired by the modernist movement in Spain. The kitchen is overseen by chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, owners of the famed restaurant Biko in Mexico City. The two Spanish-born chefs trained under Spain’s Juan Mari Arzak. Here, with the help of rising-star chef Xavier Pérez Stone, they serve some of the most avant-garde cuisine in the country, blending the unbridled spirit of the Spanish Basque Country with the unique flavors and finest local products from Mexico. 

5. Petinos Beach, Mykonos, Greece

Its  Blue Myth restaurant  is the ideal place to taste delicious local specialties in a traditional surrounding, ideally situated in front of the superb beach of Platis Gialos.   At the "Blue Myth", guests can dine in luxury and style with spectacular views of the bay. Guests can enjoy romantic candlelight dinners on its open-air veranda under the stars and bathed in bright moonlight.  The hotel's cordon bleu Chef will happily recommend beautifully prepared regional and International dishes, along with  one of their fine bottled wines or local wines from the barrels of Mykonos.