Belmond introduces ‘The Art of Gastronomy’  Celebrating culinary traditions and food of provenance

#TasteofBelmond

Belmond launches The Art of Gastronomy – a new series of guest experiences where travel, art and food collide. 

With the growth in culinary tourism and an ever-increasing demand from consumers for authentic gastronomic experiences, Belmond introduces unique moments that go beyond the expected – taking guests closer to the land and people who keep culinary traditions and food of provenance alive.

For the first time, experiences have been tailored to individual travel motivations - whether seeking cultural enrichment, adventure, wellness or celebration – Belmond has created a menu for all tastes. #TasteofBelmond

From breakfast in the wild, getting close to the elephants in Botswana; to sensory travel across plentiful landscapes in Asia or Peru; tequila rituals on a Mayan beach and slow cruises through Champagne; to nourishing the body and mind through sustainable soul food and Michelin starred cuisine.

AN ADVENTURE IN GOOD TASTE

For those seeking complete cultural immersion with a taste for adventure - two new culinary journeys crossing land, rail and river in the aromatic landscapes of South East Asia and Peru. 

The Grand Culinary Tour of Asia - 14-night epicurean adventure encompassing the continent’s vast array of gourmet highlights, available only through Belmond’s unique portfolio of hotels in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Indonesia, river cruiser and hotel in Myanmar and luxury train travelling through Thailand through Malaysia to Singapore.

Highlights include, discovering the traditional art of Laotian rice farming; a mystery dinner safari by tuk tuk in Cambodia; floating cookery classes on the River Kwai and ‘Art’ernoon’ teas celebrating the emerging artists of Myanmar.

Prices for the 14-night Grand Culinary Tour of Asia including a seven-night at a minimum of two hotels on bed and breakfast basis combined with seven nights’ fully inclusive aboard Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond train, South-East Asia and/or Road to Mandalay, a Belmond train, Myanmar starts from $14,499 / £11,160 per couple, inclusive of culinary excursions, excluding domestic and international flights. Terms and conditions apply.

DINE IN THE WILD

At the newly imagined Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond safari, Botswana, guests seeking a ‘wild awakening’ can have a front row seat as the art of nature rises at dawn and breakfast is served from the new viewing hide. A tented oasis set beside the mysterious 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 a privileged and uninterrupted view of nature’s drama as elephants, lions, leopards and antelope gather for their morning rituals. 

A three-night package at Savute Elephant Lodge starts from $3,395 per person based on two sharing on a fully inclusive basis, including regional flights from Johannesburg from Maun, inter-camp flights and all safari activities.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

A champion of sustainability, zero waste and placing fresh, seasonal produce at the heart and soul of his cuisine, Raymond Blanc OBE introduces the Gardening School at Le Manoir aux’Quat Saisons, a Belmond hotel, Oxfordshire – sharing his secrets and knowledge of what feeds the soul of the Michelin starred restaurant and hotel.

‘My Mum told me – you shall waste not! And that, is the beating heart of Le Manoir aux’Quat Saisons’, Raymond Blanc, OBE.

The Micro Herbs and Edible Flowers course takes place on 3rd October 2018, Grow Your Own Autumn Vegetables on 25th, 26th September and 4th October 2018 and Grow Your Own Mushrooms on 5th October 2018. Prices start from £110 per person. 

CELEBRATING TRADITIONS

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. 

Maroma Resort and Spa, a Belmond hotel, Riviera Maya celebrates its Mexican culinary traditions with ‘Noches de Cantina’ - a newly introduced celebratory dinner centered on the ritual of savouring tequila. Inspired by Mexico City’s popularization of cantinas in the 1950s, where friends and family would gather to socialise and drink tequila paired with complementary small dishes ‘botanas’. 

The Art of Gastronomy package, including breakfast and ‘Noches de Cantina’ is priced from $549.00 / £422 per night based on two people sharing a Deluxe Garden View Room. 

Afloat in France  launches new and exclusive slow cruises on the rivers of Champagne, exploring the spirit of the region. Following the trace of liquid gold along the river Marne, guests are transported in ultimate style as they are invited to taste and discover the history and future of champagne. Visiting world class institutions and artisanal houses, 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, Pivoine, a Belmond boat, France, guests 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 an on board chef prepares to spoil guests with local delicacies. A heated pool on the deck is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of local bubbly. 

Prices start from €5,200 per person for a six-night cruise on a fully-inclusive basis based on eight guests travelling, excluding flights.

For more details – visit www.belmond.com/artofgastronomy