Fine Dining Under Palm Trees: The Most Special Gourmet Experiences Around the World
Food and love go hand-in-hand – especially when it comes to travel destinations. Exceptional gourmet experiences create unforgettable moments.
December 23, 2024
Dinner with humpback whales in Mexico
© One&Only Resorts
The One&Only Palmilla combines world-class indulgence, seasonal cuisine, and authentic flavors into an irresistible culinary experience. With a bit of luck, you might also be treated to breathtaking views. Just off the coast of this luxurious retreat, humpback whales regularly make an appearance. While they can be spotted in Mexican waters year-round, sightings are most common from December to April. As you marvel at these majestic creatures in the water, Chef Sandro Falbo serves exquisite seafood. Think shrimp and octopus, ceviche, king crab mango salad, and more. Exceptional gourmet experiences also call for the right ambiance, and the Agua restaurant delivers with its design concept of thatched roofs and wooden furnishings.
One&Only Palmilla
Carr. Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
+52 624 146 7000 - oneandonlyresorts.com
Doubles from € 1.200
Roots-to-leaf cuisine in the Maldives
© Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives has long established itself as a pioneer of sustainable philosophy, which extends to its culinary offerings. Nestled within a meticulously designed permaculture garden, you'll find the restaurant "Roots." Surrounded by circular raised beds that supply ingredients for the delicious slow food menu, diners enjoy a setting where organic shapes and natural materials come together. Guests sit at a stone table under the open sky, savoring organic, seasonal, and plant-based cuisine. The menu features delights such as watermelon tataki and flower minestrone. True to the resort's commitment, zero-waste practices are prioritized here as well. This is proof that extraordinary dining moments can go hand in hand with sustainability.
Patina Maldives
North Malé Atoll, 20026, The Republic of Maldives
+960 4000 555 - patinahotels.com
Doubles from € 1,200
Special gourmet experiences in the rainforest of Malaysia
© The Datai Langkawi
Datai Langkawi hosts its annual The Chef Series, an event where the Malaysian luxury resort, designed by Kerry Hill, welcomes top talents from the international gourmet scene each year. In 2025, renowned Michelin-starred chefs will once again showcase their exquisite creations. For example, in April, Jan Hartwig from Munich, a chef boasting three Michelin stars, will cook amidst the resort’s lush tropical surroundings. But even beyond the series, the resort promises a delightful culinary blend. Under the guidance of Chai Chun Boon, innovative, cross-cultural techniques, bold flavors, and locally sourced ingredients come together to create unforgettable dining experiences. For the ultimate setting, you should head to The Pavilion restaurant, which hovers 30 meters above ground in the rainforest canopy.
The Datai Langkawi
Jln Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
+60 4-950 0500 - thedatai.com
Doubles from € 790
Catch & Grill in the Seychelles
© Raffles
For extraordinary gourmet experiences, you can take matters into your own hands—or at least partially. At Raffles Seychelles, guests have the unique opportunity to enjoy freshly caught fish prepared by a private BBQ butler right on their villa’s terrace. Chef Manuella Lablache cooks red snapper, sea bream, or tuna right before your eyes, tailored to your individual preferences. The "Raffles Barbecue," featuring grilled meats, and the "Praslin Barbecue," with its variety of vegetables, are equally enticing. Creole barbecue delights shine with their signature combination of sweet and spicy flavors, complemented by side dishes sourced from the resort’s gardens or the lush tropical surroundings.
Raffles Seychelles
Praslin Island, Anse Takamaka, Seychelles
+248 4 296 000 - raffles.com
Doubles from € 1,000
Wellness cuisine in Bali's jungle
© COMO Hotels & Resorts
It's all about green at Como Shambhala Estate, nestled in the heart of Bali’s Payagan jungle—a place revered by locals for its healing powers. At the Estate, the renowned COMO Shambhala Cuisine is an integral part of a holistic wellness approach that also includes tailored health therapies and Ayurvedic treatments. The nutrition concept is balanced, wholesome, and scientifically aligned with the resort’s philosophy. Each dish is packed with nutrients and vitamins, offering an exciting combination of raw and cooked ingredients—all without compromising on flavor. These meals also boost focus, enhance energy levels, and curb cravings by helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
COMO Shambhala Estate
Banjar Begawan, Desa, Melinggih Kelod, Kec. Payangan, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
+62 361 978888 - comohotels.com
Doubles from € 720