Vacation and unforgettable dining experiences go hand-in-hand. Whether that means chowing down at the buffet at an all-inclusive resort, trying something new you might not consider an option back home or sipping on a fruity concoction alongside a beach somewhere in paradise, good food is an essential component of travel memories. While many properties have excellent culinary offerings, these five are serving up unique fare vacationers won’t want to miss.
Lionfish at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas
An invasive species becomes a gourmet menu item at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas where guests can nosh on lionfish, a venomous sea creature known for its colorful striped patterning, delicate fins and painful sting. While one wouldn’t want to find themselves caught swimming near this fearsome fish, lionfish are totally harmless to ingest, and guests of Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas can sample the delicacy for themselves at The Cove, the hotel’s restaurant helmed by master chef and expert diver, José Andrés'. Delicious when paired with a dash of citrus and a pinch of salt, lionfish at The Cove is fried whole and served with sliced lemon and a side of Calypso Sauce. Best of all, a portion of all lionfish entrees served at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas goes toward the Blue Project Foundation, an organization dedicated to conserving coral reefs in The Bahamas.
Taíno Cuisine at Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort
One of the only Caribbean hotels where vacationers can try authentic Taíno cuisine, Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort is shining a light on local ingredients and traditions through the magic of fine dining at Toa, the property’s flagship restaurant. A style of cooking where regional crops play a starring role, Taíno cuisine relies heavily on ingredients like tubers — potatoes, sweet potatoes and yams — fruits — including guava and papaya — in-season vegetables and proteins like fish and poultry. While paying homage to Caribbean heritage is one of the restaurant’s central goals, Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort says the dishes served at Toa are crafted with a modern twist, offering guests a taste of something new perfected through time-honored traditions.
French Polynesian Fare at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Guests can indulge in mouthwatering French Polynesian fare at Brando’s, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana’s swanky French Polynesian restaurant. An eatery where the ambiance is turned up to 11 with intricate wood accents and black-bottom pools, travelers will want to slip into their finest vacation wear as they prepare their pallets for a taste of the islands at this formal establishment. As for which flavors they can expect to find on the menu, seafood items like shrimp and ceviche are popular proteins while coconut and vanilla act as natural sweeteners that really take dishes to the next level. No matter which menu item they choose, there’s no denying a French Polynesian restaurant is a unique offering at any all-inclusive resort earning Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana a spot on this list.
Vegan and Vegetarian Dining at Palmaïa - The House of Aïa
Looking for a place to sink your teeth into mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian fare? Yup, you read that right, at Palmaïa - The House of Aïa, requests for vegan and meatless options aren’t a culinary footnote, they’re the main event. Situated in sunny Playa del Carmen, Mexico, this popular wellness resort has not one, but six onsite restaurants dedicated to slinging sensational vegan and vegetarian flavors, and foodie-focused guests can’t get enough. Whether they’re in the mood for Asian-inspired dishes, the classic taco truck experience or something hearty and healthy, they’ll find no shortage of delicious options at Palmaïa - The House of Aïa. Traveling with someone who won’t leave their carnivorous ways at the door? No worries, guests will find a generous array of protein-packed selections in the form of fresh fish, high-quality meat cuts and dairy offerings, all they need to do is ask.
Wood-Fired Grilling at Thompson Zihuatanejo, Mexico
With wood-fired cooking set to the backdrop of a picturesque beachfront in southwest Mexico, Thompson Zihuatanejo offers guests a memorable dining experience at Ceniza, the resort’s onsite Mexican restaurant. From the comfort of a tropical palm-thatched palapa, travelers will find their tastebuds transcending to someplace ethereal as they devour fresh scallops, soft-shell crab tacos, lobster empanadas and more. And for dessert? Woodfire-baked plantain — yum! In addition to its downright drool-worthy menu, each item served at Ceniza is sustainably sourced, making the already incredible food taste all the better.
About the Author
comments