Where to go on your luxury gastronomic getaway

What motivates people to travel on a luxury holiday can differ dramatically. Some people are in search of breathtaking scenery, for some bright lights and adventure take precedence; many would consider weather to be the most important factor, from the white beaches of Bermuda to the snowy slopes of Switzerland. However, while some are preoccupied with feeding their eyes with wondrous sights, for others, it is more about feeding their stomach with delicious food. Food and wine holidays, or at least holidays chosen because of a regions gastronomic reputation are continually on the rise. With the emergence of the celebrity chef culture tourists are becoming more and more interested in coordinating their travel to eat in some of the finest restaurants headed by some of the world’s most renowned chefs.

Le Quartier Francais, South Africa- Part of the  country’s famous winelands region which has transformed rural communities such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek into household names, Le Quartier Francais has become an institution for good food in South Africa. Run by the multitalented Margot Jansen as well as the beautifully secluded hotel’s sister restaurant, The Tasting Room has year after year been heralded as one of Africa’s best dining experiences. Utilising the fantastic local produce and complimented by an unrivalled choice of wines the Tasting Room is a must see when in South Africa. On the menu expect to see seasonal ingredients such as Wildebeest, Franschhoek Trout or Ganzvlei Vastrap Cheddar

Huka Lodge, New Zealand- Executive Chef Michel Louws arrived in New Zealand from his native Netherlands fuelled with ambition and a need for challenge. He has maintained Huka Lodge’s fantastic renown as a centre of food in New Zealand with innovative and imaginative creations. At Huka Lodge you have the opportunity to choose from over 20 different private dining experiences, from the grand trophy room, the opulent privacy offered by the wine cellar or the owner’s own cottage, you can be sure that wherever you choose to eat, it will be one of the most memorable meals of your life.

Landmark Mandarin Hotel, Hong Kong- Conceived by renowned interior designer Adam Tihany and headed by world famous chef Richard Ekkebus, the Landmark Mandarin’s Amber restaurant was recently voted into the top 100 restaurants in the world and boasts an incredible two Michelin stars. Hong Kong itself is quickly establishing a status as one of the world’s food capitals, so whether it is at Amber, its sister restaurant MO Bar or one of the numerous other world class eateries in and around Hong Kong, you’ll be sure to encounter colour, craft and creativity in abundance. Offering a unique fusion of Asian and French cuisine, watch out for Amber’s house specialities such as Duck Foie Gras, Line Caught Amadai and Mieral Bresse Pigeon.

Paris Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris- In what many would agree to be the gastronomic capital of the world, Alain Ducasse’s Athenee remains one of the city’s premier establishments serving up ingenious and heartfelt food to a loyal and international clientele. The hotel itself offers up five other alternative eating venues of a similar exacting standard to ensure that guests’ taste buds remain in a constant state of excitement. Don’t hesitate to explore Paris’ long love affair with food, from local backstreet bistros serving time honoured delicacies to the world’s finest and most establishment restaurants, cafés and patisseries; few cities offer the kind of eclectic experience that has become trademark of the French capital.