The World's Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Food (Slideshow)
This Australian getaway never fears a gastronomical risk featuring gourmet salt soaked and dried in cabernet sauvignon and even Meduse shisha pipe-smoked cocktails. We recommend grabbing some of the 20 seats at the coveted Chef's Table or participating in one of their many events, especially the "Under the Stars Dining."
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
When the Maccioni family of Le Cirque fame takes on a project, you know it has to be something special. The Beach Club on the private Minitas Beach features fresh seafood, grilled meats, and that distinct Le Cirque service with a Caribbean charm. There's a reason this luxurious resort is a favorite of the rich and famous, like Bill Clinton, Shakira, and Alex Rodriguez.
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, Botswana
The perfect marriage of luxury and adventure, the Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp offers the safari trips and eco-boat tours of all your African fantasies with the upscale service and dining of a world-class resort. Enjoy plentiful meals of pan-African deliciousness paired with champagne, wine, beer or cocktails as you continue your bush walk. In our opinion, the best of all worlds.
Uma by Como, Paro, Bhutan
If it's good enough for Bhutan's royal family, it's good enough for us. The resort's restaurant, named Bukhari, offers traditional and authentic Bhutanese cuisine as well as outstanding Indian fare. For those who are especially health conscious or vegetarian, the resort offers a separate Shambhala menu made from ingredients straight out of the organic kitchen garden.
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia
There's only one way to take in the incredible view of St. Lucia's famous Pitons (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): sipping on a world-class rum cocktail created by Cane Bar's "rummelier." And don't forget to stop by their "Black & White Party" every Thursday featuring rum punch and chocolate truffles.
Jumby Bay, Antigua
This private island setting is made all the more luxe with the incredible dining options. Chef Claudio Melis is a certified star of the food world, having worked in six different Michelin-starred restaurants and now heading Jumby Bay's The Estate House. The classic colonial house setting was built in the 1830s and maintains its old-school charm. Among the menu's standouts: roasted butternut ravioli with truffle butter, Parmesan popcorn, and polpo e fagioli (octopus and beans). Be sure to pack an all-white outfit for the resort's famed White Night Sunday barbecue and dance.
Grand Velas, Riviera Maya
There are only three all-inclusive resorts in Mexico to receive the coveted AAA 5-Diamond rating and the Grand Velas is one of them. This first-class dining destination has eight different on-site restaurants offering everything from molecular gastronomy to Basque-inspired cuisine to traditional French fare and gourmet pizzas. Be sure to visit their piano bar or karaoke bar afterward to keep the party going.
Sandals Royal Plantation, Ochos Rios, Jamaica
There's no lack of all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, but what makes the Sandals Royal Plantation special is its dining offerings. Whether you want to sample one of the five restaurants, enjoy sipping tea on a designated terrace, or opt for a private, dockside candlelit dinner for two, Sandals has you covered. Our favorite aspect of this location is the C Bar, Jamaica's only caviar and champagne bar. It's what vacations were made for.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
This exclusive, beachside resort is known for its discreet nature and fantastic surroundings. Named after the island's nickname, Spice Island features the acclaimed Oliver's restaurant, which prides itself on being environmentally conscious and delicious. The upscale atmosphere has a few restrictions (no guests under five years old, elegant attire), but is worth it for the authentic island meal and live Calypso band. We recommend visiting the Grenada Chocolate Company nearby while on your trip.
Samabe Suite & Villas, Bali, Indonesia
It's no wonder that the main restaurant on this exotic gem, Rempah Rempah, means "rich spices" in Indonesian. The only aspect more incredible than the diverse menu of Balinese, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes is the gorgeous view off the cliffs of Nusa Dua. Request a table on the alfresco dining deck for the ultimate experience
Twin Farms, Barnard, VT
What this property lacks in size (20 cottages), it well makes up for in service and all-around accommodations. In fact, it's one of the world's smallest spaces to receive a 5-star rating. Savor the seasonal menu revolving around the hotel's own garden and feel free to book a private event in the 26,000-bottle wine cellar. Breakfast can include treats such as lemon soufflé pancakes filled with fresh strawberries while dinner includes wine pairings and can be Maine lobster, grilled quail, or other delicacies.
Club Med Val Thorens (opening December 2014)
No one knows better than a local. That's why we're particularly excited to visit the Club Med Val Thorens ski location in the French Alps. Chef Éduardo Loubet was born in the area and has been honored with two Michelin stars. We look forward to indulging in his offerings at the soon-to-open Epicurious restaurant.
Vomo Island Resort, Fiji
This all-inclusive destination is on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and takes its location seriously. They've even built a bar on the western tip of Vomo to create the ideal viewing spot for Fiji's legendary sunsets. Grab a 'rocktail' and take in the uninterrupted view on the white sand beaches. And during the day, be sure to take advantage of the resort's romantic champagne picnics where you can enjoy complete privacy with someone special.