Belmond has launched a new series of guest experiences where travel, art, and food collide, aptly titled The Art of Gastronomy. For the first time, experiences have been tailored to individual travel motivations – from cultural enrichment, adventure, wellness or celebration – with a curated menu for all tastes. With the growth in culinary tourism and an ever-increasing demand from consumers for authentic gastronomic experiences, Belmond aims “to introduce unique moments that go beyond the expected – taking guests closer to the land and people who keep culinary traditions and food of provenance alive.”
Guests can enjoy breakfast in the wild, getting close to the elephants in Botswana; a multi-day sensory travel experience across plentiful landscapes in Asia or Peru; tequila rituals on a Mayan beach; slow cruises through Champagne, France; and nourish the body and mind through sustainable soul food and Michelin-starred cuisine.
DINE IN THE WILD, BOTSWANA
At the newly imagined Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana, guests seeking a ‘wild awakening’ can have a front row seat as nature rises at dawn with breakfast served from the new viewing hide. This tented oasis set beside the Savute Channel has reopened following a complete renovation, celebrating the ‘Timeless Art of Exploration’ – the lodge has been designed to connect guests with the abundant wildlife of this rich region of Botswana. Taking a thrilling seat on the viewing platform, guests have an uninterrupted view of the elephants, lions, leopards, and antelope as they gather for their morning rituals. A three-night package at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge starts from $3,395 per person based on two people sharing on a fully inclusive basis, including regional flights from Johannesburg from Maun, inter-camp flights, and all safari activities.
CELEBRATING TRADITIONS, FRANCE AND MEXICO
Raising a glass to traditions in France and Mexico, Belmond takes guests on delicious discoveries of the drinks that are an integral feature of local celebrations – from tequila to champagne. Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa celebrates its Mexican culinary traditions with ‘Noches de Cantina,’ a newly introduced celebratory dinner centered on the ritual of savouring tequila. This tasting experience is inspired by Mexico City’s popularization of cantinas in the 1950s, where friends and family would gather to socialize and drink tequila paired with complementary small dishes, or ‘botanas’. The Art of Gastronomy package, including breakfast and the ‘Noches de Cantina’ experience start from $475 (£368) per night based on two people sharing a Deluxe Garden View Room.
Meanwhile, Belmond Afloat in France launches new and exclusive slow cruises on the rivers of Champagne with Belmond Pivoine. Following the trace of liquid gold along the river Marne, guests are transported in ultimate style as they taste and discover the history and future of champagne. Visiting both world class institutions and artisanal houses and passing through picturesque landscapes, the gentle pace and elegant setting of the river echo the way in which champagne should be enjoyed – in relaxed indulgence. Aboard the elegant new addition to the fleet, Belmond Pivoine guests will explore Champagne’s iconic towns from Ay to Epernay as well as Dom Perignon’s tomb at Hautvillers. A private guide ensures that no treasures are left unexplored while and onboard chef prepares local delicacies. A heated pool on the deck is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of local bubbly. Prices start from $6,045 (€5,200) per person for a six-night cruise on a fully-inclusive basis based on eight guests traveling, excluding flights.
Belmond Hotels & Resorts, www.belmond.com/artofgastronomy