Undoubtedly one of the best things about travelling is the food. A new city means new cuisine, iconic spots to try and nostalgic food-based memories to make. But with these exceptional restaurants, guests don’t even need to leave their hotels for exceptional gastronomic experiences. From refined menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs in Madrid to authentic celebrations of local produce in Kyoto, here are three stunning hotel restaurants that are well worth a visit in 2024.
T•Pan at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Having opened its doors to diners in December 2022, T•Pan is the newest restaurant at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, featuring classic Teppanyaki-style Japanese cuisine in a refined and opulent setting. Following a lantern-lit journey to the entrance of T•Pan, via a hidden jungle pathway that mirrors the narrow streets of Kyoto, guests will relish in the wabi sabi Japanese Celestial Zen philosophy of appreciating beauty of imperfection, revered subtle nuances and a discovery of the senses. Expertly curated Omakase tasting menus with the finest ingredients from the Maldives, Japan and around the globe will be prepared over two Teppan counters that accommodate a maximum of 16 guests at a time, providing each diner with an intimate experience. Signature dishes include live scallop with uni cream sauce and myoga, Ankimo with Suehiro ponzu and albino caviar, miyazaki pork loin with wild mushroom and ume sauce and hokkaido snow beef striploin with taranome and fresh wasabi. The finest assortment of gins, beers, special tasting flights, whiskies and wines from the muro (cellar), Japanese teas and bespoke Sakes from the world-famous Sake house Dassai will also be available to complement these flavorful bites. Imagery: Here Prices at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort in 2024 start at £3,034 per night. To book, or for more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Qú at JW Marriott Madrid
With more new openings than ever before, Madrid’s food scene has experienced a boom in recent years that only adds to the city’s reputation as one of Europe’s food and drink powerhouses. Every foodie needs more than a tasty meal to complete their trip and the newly opened JW Marriott Madrid offers luxury accommodation alongside being a gourmet destination in its own right. Guests can seek exceptional culinary fare from the hotel’s restaurant Qú, which is an exquisitely chic in-house dining option for guests who seek an haute cuisine experience. The thoughtfully designed restaurant creates a relaxed ambience that has its roots in the local culture while keeping an eye on the future, reflected in the sleek light fittings. The new restaurant is run by Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval who stands as a benchmark of haute cuisine in the Spanish capital having won two stars at his restaurant Coque, with an elegant menu consisting of re-imagined Spanish classics. The menu at Qú exudes Spanish charm, utilising the freshest local ingredients such as loin of Iberico pork and Bilbao-style sea bass, prepared in a simple yet refined way to maximise the flavour of the dish without overwhelming the palate. Imagery: HerePrices at the JW Marriott Madrid start at £530 per night in 2024 based on two people sharing the Deluxe Interior guest room. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com
Alati Restaurant at Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini
Santorini boasts all the culinary jewels that Greece is so known for: from moussaka to octopus, to local cheese and fava beans, Santorini’s food scene showcases the best of Greek classics making the most of the island’s natural resources. Tucked away within the medieval village of Megalochori, the enchanting Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini is a beautiful spot to stay in, notable for its striking, ultra-Greek aesthetic and its fabulous amenities. The resort has evolved from a 400-year-old wine cellar and a 100-year-old mansion into an authentic, Cycladic-style property. Dedicated to the needs of seasoned travellers, Vedema houses 59 spacious suites and villas, all with their own terraces and many with jacuzzis or private pools.Alati, which means “salt” in Greek, has evolved from the 400-year-old winery cave, made from distinctive stone walls that give the restaurant an enchanting atmosphere. Indoor or terrace dining showcases the creative menu by awarded Chef Olivier Campanha, who is inspired by the land of nearby islands and surrounding sea, to give guests a refined taste adventure. Alati’s indoor seating affords an alluring ambience enhanced by candlelight, while the upper terrace invites guests to dine alfresco and admire the stars, the rolling vineyards, and the village of Megalohori.Marriott Bonvoy members stay from £288 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com
The Vault at The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
Set inside a former bank built at the end of the La Belle Époque, The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection honours its past through design. Art Deco artwork and fabrics are used throughout, and references to banking are incorporated into the design aesthetic, including old scales and brass features. Guests can discover Bucharest’s best-kept secret by visiting The Vault, the hotel’s speak-easy bar situated in an old bank vault underneath the hotel, and whose dim lighting and mellow atmosphere lends itself perfectly to the colder months. Meticulously curated cocktails take inspiration from all over the world: Backyard is composed of Sexton Irish, grapefruit juice, cucumber Syrup and lime juice, while the punchy Frenchie mixes Ron de Jeremy xo, Saint Germain, lemon juice, Chambord, Cointreau and Prosecco. Marriott Bonvoy members stay from £128 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com
