The Best Gourmet Dining Experiences Around the World

Unique and exclusive gourmet dining experiences are becoming more and more sought after following the pandemic. The Executive Magazine takes a look at some of the best around the World
Picture of Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Editor In Chief at The Executive Magazine

Indulge in Locally Sourced and Fresh Seasonal Produce at The UK’s Newest Inn, The Bradley Hare 

The Bradley Hare is the UK’s newest cosy country inn situated in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley in southwest Wiltshire. Located on the Duke of Somerset’s Estate, The Bradley Hare, opened in June 2021 and has twelve homely and unique bedrooms, seven in the main house and a further five in the Coach House. The interiors have been overseen by James Thurstan Waterworth, the ex-European Design Director for Soho House. The inn offers delicious dishes using the best local and seasonal produce and all year round al-fresco dining in glorious private gardens, surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetable patches. The Bradley Hare has a ‘dine anywhere’ environment. The entrance opens into a traditional pub space, with antique chairs and tables set around the main bar. This flows through to a casual, lounge style setting, and dining area called The Snug. However, for those looking for a more intimate gathering, there is the option of the ‘Skittle Alley’, The Bradley Hare’s beautiful light and spacious private dining room. 

The food echoes The Bradley Hare’s ethos and promises local and seasonal ingredients which are used to produce exceptional pub classics, as well as more refined dishes for the à la carte menu. The menus are ever-changing, adapting to the seasons and the availability from the local greengrocer, fishmonger, butcher and game dealer. Guests can be sure to enjoy mouth-watering dishes such as succulent lamb loin and crispy pork belly from the estate farmers as well as smoked haddock, barbequed asparagus with ricotta and wood-fired shallots. Vegetables will be sourced from the community garden. All of this is accompanied by an extensive wine list designed to perfectly complement the cuisine and featuring traditional stalwarts alongside some more adventurous bottles. 


Taste Ultra-Local Seafood in The Highlands at Kylesku Hotel, a Magical Haven 

Kylesku Hotel is an 11 bedroom beautiful, boutique hotel and restaurant located in the northwest Scottish Highlands, specialising in ultra-local seafood, meats and produce. The hotel is a magical haven surrounded by sea lochs, dramatic peaks and hills. Following a day exploring the North Coast 500 route, why not pay a visit to the hotel’s well-renowned restaurant that brings in many guests from all around the country, and indeed the world. Its signature dish is its delicious and large seafood platter that changes daily, depending on what has been caught that morning. This generous platter features fresh oysters, crab, lobster and langoustines and is sure to get the taste buds tingling. 

Kylesku Hotel is a hidden gem. Upon arrival, guests are totally in awe of the stunning surroundings and wild, dramatic mountainous terrain that encompasses the hotel. Heading inside, couples will find simplistic and beach-inspired interiors, as well as beautiful floor to ceiling windows with views of the breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. What sets Kylesku apart is the fantastic service and outstanding food. This is barefoot, laid-back luxury at its best.


Dine in the Wild with Glenapp Castle and its unique Hebridean Sea Safari 

Glenapp Castle is becoming renowned for offering its unique Hebridean Sea Safari experience. Guests are whisked off to the beautiful and remote island of Jura. Here, they will find the hotel’s glamping site that is also home to an Atlantic seal colony. Surrounded by stunning seascapes and rugged landscapes, guests will dine in the wild before retreating to their African safari inspired tepees. With all the comforts of Glenapp Castle, guests will glamp under the stars in sumptuous teepee tents. With a private chef on-board, guests can be sure to experience goodies such as lobster, oyster, indulgent racks of lamb and mackerel – these ambrosial delicacies are fresh and delicious and are exactly what guests need on their boating adventure.

The Hebridean Sea Safari includes two nights exploring the Scottish coastline and two nights at the celebrated castle. With all the comforts of the hotel, The Sea Safari team at Glenapp Castle are one step ahead of the voyage, arriving in advance of the travelling team to pitch the luxury glamping tents and cook up a feast. Whilst sipping on a local dram, late evenings are spent looking out over the spectacular scenery and calming waters. After a well-earned rest, Glenapp Castle’s chefs are up early preparing breakfast, ready for the next leg of the journey. Guests will get the chance to experience incredible wildlife since the clear waters off the Ayrshire coast are teeming with marine life, from twenty-foot-long basking sharks to dolphins, minke whales, and seals.


Experience the Acclaimed British Chef, Alex Dilling’s 100-day Chef Residency at Iniala Harbour House and Residences

Iniala Harbour House and Residences, which opened in April 2021, welcomed the renowned British Chef, Alex Dilling as he began his 100-day residency at ION – The Harbour, from June 18th 2021. Alex was previously the Executive Chef of two Michelin starred restaurant, The Greenhouse, Mayfair and is often tipped to be the UK’s next top chef – he is bringing a whole new level of culinary flair to ION – The Harbour this summer. 

ION – The Harbour is the hotel’s chic and romantic rooftop restaurant which offers a unique fine dining experience surrounded by world-class design and unrivalled views of the fortified walls to the Grand Harbour and Three Cities beyond. ION – The Harbour offers bespoke breakfasts with a versatile mix of seasonal, regional and international signature dishes as well as an exquisite lunch and dinner experience. Tweaked daily, the dinner menu offers a four-course à la carte experience embellished with delightful surprises along the way. Each dish starts from the most unlikely ingredient, which is carefully chosen based on the ever-changing condition of the produce available. Within less than 6 months of opening, ION – The Harbour has received its first Michelin Star. 


Dine in a Michelin Star Restaurant at The Xara Palace in the Medieval Fortified City of Mdina

 The Xara Palace is a unique 17th-century palace hidden away in the medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta. Perched on centuries-old bastions, surrounded by stunning baroque architecture, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, with its luxurious accommodation and award-winning haute cuisine, is truly a haven in which to pause and be pampered. Meticulously and sensitively restored to reflect its former noble standing, the exclusive 5-Star boutique hotel boasts 17 luxury rooms and suites enjoying stunning views, all individually and tastefully designed with antique furniture and paintings, luxurious Parisian fabrics and king size beds. 

The Xara Palace  incorporated its exclusive Michelin Star restaurant, the de Mondion into the bastion walls, offering breathtaking views of the island and soul nourishing cuisine made from seasonal produce. It also operates a casual restaurant, Trattoria AD 1530 in the Piazza in the front of the hotel, providing casual dining in a picturesque setting.  This is a truly unique establishment, full of charm, character and calm for the pleasure of the discerning visitor. Whether you are after a honeymoon, a wedding, a cultural stay or simply an exclusive getaway, The Xara Palace has it all.


Try a Floating Maldivian Breakfast with Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort

Set amidst 18-hectares of tropical vegetation, stunning beaches, and landscaped gardens, as well as surrounding a natural lake, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers travellers a paradise setting. From a romantic escape to the ultimate family break, guests will find themselves in awe of the natural beauty that this island has to offer. With water temperatures slightly cooler than many other islands, the richness of the marine life and the colours of the coral are unparalleled, making this beautiful resort a top bucket list contender.  

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is the most generous all inclusive resort in the Maldives, meaning guests can dine whenever and as often as they like, at the six distinct food and beverage outlets available. For a truly unique experience, guests can start their day with a refreshing morning dip in the pool. After working up an appetite, they can enjoy a delicious Maldivian breakfast which is brought to them upon a floating tray – They won’t even have to leave the pool!


A Romantic Rooftop Dinner at La Table du Souk, La Sultana Marrakech 

Located on the landscaped Bahia terrace rooftop, La Table du Souk offers stunning views as far as the eye can see of Marrakech’s historical monuments, the Moulay El Yazid Mosque and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. With traditional design aesthetics including Zellige tilework on the tables and soft green banquettes, La Table du Souk is an oasis of calm in the heart of Marrakech, a secret place for Medina lovers to enjoy a delicious lunch of simplicity and freshness served in an elegant and romantic atmosphere.

Guests can choose from two menus: The ‘From the Market’ menu showcases the chef’s creativity and curiosity in sourcing ethical and seasonal produce to create exceptional Moroccan dishes. Highlights include; Red beetroot cooked in a salt crust served with beetroot and orange soup flavoured with anise and cinnamon; and Beef rib steak with home-made potato puree with Argan oil. ‘The Street Food’ menu recalls Moroccan rituals and cultural traditions, offering many light options perfect for al-fresco dining including seasonal Moroccan salads, tagine and grilled fish and meats. Highlights include; cooked crust snails in broth Babouche mode; and Speciality of the neighbourhood charcoal grilled fish or meat.


Enjoy a picnic in Antarctica and bathe in 24hours of sunlight with White Desert

Pioneers of luxury travel in Antarctica, White Desert, have just announced the launch of their second camp, Wolf’s Fang. Launching this November, the camp allows a select few adventurers access to a rarely seen region of Antarctica. 

White Desert’s latest camp retains their customary fusion of luxury with a light environmental touch, comprising six state-of-the-art sleeping tents that are individually heated and designed for two guests each. The interiors hark back to the golden age of polar exploration, with leather and canvas while the spacious lounge tent is the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious meals around a vintage prospector oven.

White Desert offers foodies a range of unique gourmet dining experiences including a five-course sensory tasting menu, a ‘South Pole’ menu that harks back to the age of the first polar expeditions, as well as offering guests the chance to enjoy a delicious picnic at the base of a nunatak with champagne chilled in 10,000-year-old glacial ice.

Wolf’s Fang is the ideal accommodation for guests to try their hand at activities that range from ice climbing to abseiling, fat biking to gentle hikes to the summit of nearby peaks. With expert guides supporting the guests every step of the way, the 24 hours of continuous sunshine mean the days are literally endless. 

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