Getting Hot in the Kitchen
Vietnam
Craving crunchy banh mi or pork-y, thick noodled cao lau? Go to the source along the beautiful beaches of Hoi An, Vietnam’s cultural and culinary heartbeat. A regal haven, uniquely situated near three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai shelters guests in elegantly casual, beach-sited villas. Each one, kitted out in silks and lacquer within, draws from indigenous architectural trends (think the majesty and shapes of the Tu Duc royal tombs of Hue) externally, and richly oozes a plenitude of feel-good feng shui. Between water sport activities and local sightseeing, twosomes can swoon with wooden spoons at the resort’s exalted Cooking Academy. There, guests learn the yin and yang of Vietnamese cuisine side-by-side Master Chef Huynh Van Hien in customized day or week long programs. Spicy ginger with sweet duck? You bet. fourseasons.com/hoian
United Kingdom
Once upon a time, rising chefs wouldn’t have turned to the English countryside to study gastronomy. But UK kitchens have changed. Raymond Blanc, OBE, the founder of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, can take partial credit for that. His hotel’s namesake restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, has carried the two Michelin star banner for three decades. Noted for its eye-popping bounty, his storied English garden yields some 90 types of vegetables, not to mention a pear and apple orchard, plus a remarkable mushroom section with 20 edible varieties. With enough charm to be the setting of a cozy English mystery, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire coddles honeymooners within its 15th-century manor house bones. Learn gardening, sustainable practices, and how to turn seasonal produce into multi-course meals at the on site academies: Raymond Blanc Cookery and Raymond Blanc Gardening schools. belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/oxfordshire/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons/
Bali
Mystical Bali appeals to yogis, seekers, students of Buddhism and those attracted to the exotic allure of far-flung cultures and jaw-dropping island landscapes. Its history as a centuries-old crossroads of the spice trade only deepens that allure. At Alila Ubud, situated in the emerald central foothills amid the Ayung River valley, lovebirds can deeply immerse in the vibe with sunrise volcano hikes, temple visits, tranquil yoga practices, traditional Balinese blessings and the opportunity to turn off technology to listen to monkey chatter — if just for a few days. Delve into the resort’s Organic Culinary Masterclass, during which guests work under the tutelage of the retreat’s chefs to create signature local dishes, after purchasing products at a traditional local market. alilahotels.com/ubud
Spain
Andalucia’s Costa del Sol exudes warmth. Not just from the sun’s heat as it dapples the cobblestones of ancient Marbella’s Old Town, but from the hearts of the people, too. Even the centuries-old Andalucian food, simple but lusciously flavorful, is soul-filling. Learn how to make some key local specialities in Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort’s much lauded Anantara Spice Spoons cooking classes. Early-rising gastronomes can follow the chef to Old Town’s covered market and the vibrant fishing port to glimpse produce and the morning’s catch, then return to the resort to snip herbs in the garden. A fascinating, interactive session follows, instructing students in classic Andalusian recipes: such as gazpacho, paella or gambas al ajillo. When not toiling over the stove, couples can learn to flamenco dance, hike to Moorish castles or enjoy a sunset cruise, organized by the concierge. anantara.com/en/villa-padierna-marbella
St. Lucia
A quintessential Caribbean haven, St. Lucia might be best known for its grand Pitons, twin volcanic mounds that mark its recognizable profile. Blessed with leafy rainforests, idyllic beaches (some with black sand), brightly-painted houses and bubbling sulphur springs, it also boasts immensely fertile soil, prime for farming. Cacao reigns as a top crop. Reserve a room at Jade Mountain, an architectural wonder, hewed into a hillside with Piton views and personal swimming pools within its open, cave-like suites. The resort’s own Emerald Farm grows a variety of fruits, vegetables, microgreens, spices, nuts and herbs. Alongside the retreat’s dedicated vegan Chef de Cuisine Frank Faucher, newlyweds can learn the art of vegan cuisine in an interactive Rastafarian Creole Vegan Cooking Class, dictated by the farm’s bounty. Sit within the farmhouse, executing innovative dishes such as plant-based ceviche, breadfruit gnocchi and mushroom gyoza. A fully vegan bean-to-bar cacao harvesting and chocolate-making program is the cherry on top. jademountain.com
Italy
Tuscany forever conjures images of romance among the sunflowers, pointy pine trees and vineyards, where the sound of musical Italian being spoken sets a decidedly sexy mood. All around, legendary light paints all things golden. Indulge in a slice of that storied, pastoral enchantment at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco’s La Canonica Cooking School, which tutors students in traditional regional cookery methods from homemade pasta to three-course meals. Chef-led, the classes begin in the garden, before moving into the well-equipped kitchen for cheerful interaction. Part of an 800-year-old estate in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Val d’Orcia near Siena, the hotel features a variety of atmospheric stays across its 5,000 acres — including farmhouses and villas. When not playing sous chef, couples can visit wineries and local farms, truffle hunt, bike the hilly local roads or enjoy a quiet day in the sanctum-like spa. rosewoodhotels.com/en/castiglion-del-bosco
Mexico
Newly renovated Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resorts already tempted honeymooners with its peerless location on one of the region’s best beaches. But the hotel’s redo upped the luxury ante with the addition of 14 Plunge Pool Suites with oceanfront views, an adults-only infinity pool, the sleek Enclave Beach Club, and new culinary options — among other delights. Proudly brandishing the talents of Chef Mauricio Lopez, the getaway proffers a tantalizing package tailor-made for foodies. Cabo to Kitchen begins with a walk with Chef through his Vertical Garden to handpick aromatic herbs and search for Baja’s Chocolata Clams (also known as “Baja’s Seafood Candy).” Next, beloveds will join the chef as he presides over, demonstrates and prepares a special dinner for them beneath the stars. Using a wood and coal bonfire, Lopez cooks up “a La Talla Octopus”, also making traditional clam and fish ceviche, guacamole, carne asada, tacos and more. The bonus class happens at home, when Chef checks in over Zoom for a follow up cooking course helping couples master the recipes in the comfort of their home kitchen. hiltonloscabos.com
