Amidst the evolving landscape of travel experiences, culinary tourism stands out as a dominant trend reshaping our exploration of new destinations. This immersive form of travel, focused on seeking out exceptional and top-notch food experiences, is enchanting the hearts and palates of globetrotters across the globe.
Increasingly, people are flocking to resorts worldwide to savour the culinary creations of Michelin starred chefs who have established residencies there. This phenomenon reflects a larger shift in luxury travel, where gastronomic adventures take centre stage in trip itineraries. The Knife explores how leading resorts and hotels are forging partnerships with acclaimed chefs to provide unparalleled dining opportunities, attracting food aficionados with irresistible offerings.
The Appeal
Travellers are increasingly captivated by food and wine, considering them pivotal elements of their travel adventures, ranking them at the top of their itinerary. Indulging in a meal at a restaurant led by a Michelin starred chef brings an unparalleled and unforgettable dimension to the trip.
Enjoying a meal at a Michelin starred restaurant entails navigating through long waitlists and meticulous planning. Yet, resorts that offer such experiences exude exclusivity and prestige, irresistibly attracting affluent travellers.

Resorts featuring Michelin-starred chefs go beyond mere dining. They provide enriching experiences such as cooking classes, wine pairings, and exclusive culinary events, ensuring a complete and unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Furthermore, these resorts are situated in picturesque destinations, offering a blend of world-class cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and luxurious accommodations, which undoubtedly make them top choices for holiday-makers.
Trendsetters
Among the constellation of exclusive global trendsetters in the galaxy of culinary tourism is the "Soneva Stars" programme hosted by Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, which sees this resort hosting a series of visiting chefs. Some of the world's most celebrated chefs have taken part, including Michelin starred talents such as Andrew Wong and Great British Menu winner Lisa Goodwin-Allen, hosting highly exclusive dinner events for a maximum of eight resort guests at a time.

"My visit at Soneva Fushi was coming to a culinary paradise, with the best Maldivian dishes by Chef Sobah, a unique Japanese sushi experience," commented Tim Raue, 2* Michelin Chef. "Honestly I want to be back to that paradise, as soon as I can."
Other notable trendsetters in culinary tourism include The Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, which features "Heritage" by Kei Kobayashi – the first Japanese chef to earn three Michelin stars in France – and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, which collaborates with Michelin starred chef Gualtiero Marchesi for exclusive dining experiences.
The latest Michelin starred name on everyone's lips when it comes to culinary tourism though, is none other than Tom Aikens...
Mediterranean Diet
Travelgems, Europe’s leading retreat company, is leading the way in showcasing emerging trends. The company's exclusive partnership with the esteemed Michelin starred chef Tom Aikens exemplifies its commitment to excellence, whereby an exclusive retreat concept awaits food-loving travellers this October. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Crete, the culinary paradise in Greece, attendees will discover a truly immersive culinary journey guided by the maestro himself. Focusing on the Mediterranean diet, the upcoming experience is titled, "Eat Well, Live Well: A Mediterranean Food Journey".
Tom Aikens is renowned for his dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients, so being at the helm of this culinary retreat, with this theme, makes sense. Raised in Norfolk and inspired by frequent visits to France, Tom's culinary journey has seen him rise to become the youngest British chef to earn two Michelin stars. His passion for sustainable farming and organic produce is evident in his collaboration with Carole Bamford to establish Daylesford Organics. Now, he brings his expertise to Crete, where he will lead participants through live, interactive cooking classes from appetiser to dessert.

“I champion using local produce and I’m excited to take on the adventure to combine health and purpose with taste, whilst we explore and learn about exquisite, health-focused foods and recipes, fostering mindful eating practices, cultivating a renewed perspective on food, and learning the significance of the very best seasonal Mediterranean ingredients,” says Tom. His mission is clear: to de-stigmatise the notion that healthy food is uninteresting and tasteless, proving instead that it can be exciting, indulgent, and delicious while being beneficial to health and wellbeing.
Rich Benefits
The retreat, scheduled for 26-30th October, will be held at the exquisite Minos Beach Art Hotel, a member of Design Hotels. This resort celebrates the ingenuity and taste of Cretan cuisine, showcasing unrivalled local products and blending flavours of the finest Greek and Cretan ingredients. Participants will engage in hands-on cooking sessions led by Tom, preparing daily meals from scratch. From energising breakfasts featuring breads, smoothies, and nutritious snacks to indulgent yet health-conscious desserts, the culinary experience will be both comprehensive and enlightening.

Accompanying Tom will be nutritionist-dietitian Christina Kostara and Dr. Theodoros Kallitsis, Farm Manager at the esteemed American Farm School of Thessaloniki and Adjunct Instructor at Perrotis College. Together, they will impart their expertise, guiding participants in discovering the rich benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Christina will host sessions on integrating Mediterranean dietary principles for overall nutrition, while Theodoros will provide insights on optimising the farm-to-table journey.
A Broader Trend in Luxury Travel
This latest collaboration aligns perfectly with the rising travel trend of eating locally sourced food and embracing zero-mile diets. Culinary tourism is not just about savouring delicious meals; it's about understanding the cultural and historical context of the cuisine, learning about local ingredients and cooking techniques, and fostering a deeper connection with the destination.
For foodies, F&B managers, chefs or hoteliers, this offers a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge of food and its relevance to local culture. The experience is not just about tasting exceptional dishes but also about learning to blend luxurious flavours with wholesome, fresh ingredients for a lifestyle aimed at longevity and wellbeing.