To Fuel the Soul

I am not a glutton – I am an explorer of food

If there’s one thing to know about Asians, it’s that they have a veritable obsession with food. Food, and the act of eating it, has had its significance in their culture since the days of emperors long past, and remains a vital part of their lives today – they are (notoriously) willing to travel far and wide, and spend inordinate amounts of time queuing for a sample of what they believe to be the best food in the world. It’s no wonder that cuisine is as much a crucial part of their travels as history, culture, and adventure. Here, we highlight a few food-themed itineraries that have caught our eye, whether it’s for their strong emphasis on eating local, their fusion of fashion and food, or their significance in uncovering a destination’s heritage. And everybody knows: calories don’t count when you’re on holiday.

Suspended in Time – Sipping on the Fruits of the Old World

Stepping into Venice is like entering a world frozen in time, a dreamscape where romance and mystery are still very’ much alive, and history and tradition are treasures to be revered. And if you’re an oenophile, there’s even more to look forward to! With Belmond Hotel Cipriani, visitors are invited to rediscover the Vineyards of Venice with a tour that will have you uncovering centuries-old estates, sipping on some of the rarest and purest blends in the world, and languishing in lush, sun-drenched vineyards – with wineglass in hand, of course.

The Vineyards of Venice itinerary begins with the “Associazione La Laguna nel Bicchiere” (Lagoon in a Glass Association), where you will find the rediscovered vines of the San Michele in Isola monastery. After much work and patience, these old vines have been meticulously restored to their ancient splendour, yielding Dorana and Malvasia varietals that will eventually be hand-harvested and pressed by foot! Modern methods and chemicals are eschewed for a completely traditional process, exactly like how the peasants used to do it in eras past. The second stop on the Island of Sant’Erasmo is where the French family Thoulouze produces the wine Orto, a blend of three original ungrafted varietals: the Fermentino, Fiano di Avellino and Malvasia Istriana.

Finally, pay pilgrimage to the Venissa estate on the Island of Mazzorbo, one of the last surviving examples of walled vineyards in the world. The entire farm stretches over two hectares, completely surrounded by medieval wall; a commemorative marble stone indicates that it was reconstructed in 1727, while a picturesque 14th century bell tower and an 11th century Roman Catholic basilica church, the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, stand testament to the ground’s ancient roots.

New Hipster Haven – Up-and-comer Perth is making its mark as a foodie destination

The world just can’t seem to get enough of Australian cuisine, and it’s not too hard to see why; their dedication to quality, respect for sustainable production, and obsession with culinary innovation have put them right at the top of any gourmand’s list of top countries to visit for an epicurean escape.

Just a five-hour flight from Singapore, Perth is a growing travel destination for families, friends and couples – widely recognised for its fresh local produce, relaxed outdoor lifestyle, pristine white beaches, and easy access to the world-famous Margaret River vineyards. And who better to be your guide than Sage West Perth? Guests of the hotel are encouraged to embrace the richness, colour and life of the local community through highly bespoke itineraries created by the hotel’s concierge team and their personal partnerships with local purveyors.

From meeting locals for guided walks and family cycling trips through King’s Park on the hotel’s complimentary bikes, to swimming with dolphins and boutique wine tours – visitors can experience the finest the region has to offer. Those seeking a more laid-back taste of Perth, on the other hand, can indulge in Margaret River “Fish Bone” wine and Swan Valley snacks available in all the hotel room minibars, which carry the Sage fair value promise’ matching prices to local suppliers.

Designer Eats – Fashion and food: a match made in heaven

Where’s the perfect place to holiday for the foodie fashionista? Why, Milan of course! Gourmet Trails specialises in custom holidays for food lovers, from tasty hole-in-the-wall eats to fine dining, you’ll be busy exploring the city’s gastronomic offerings in between your shopping.

“If fashion is your passion, what we offer is a personal and exclusive access to the world’s top fashion capitals,” says Pamela Tan, founder of Gourmet Trails. “We treat your senses to authentic local cuisines by tapping into our connections with local gourmet purveyors to bring you on a journey to taste seasonal specials. We believe that food is a universal language and should be part of any holiday experience.”

In Milan, go shopping with personal fashion stylist Melanie Payge, who will show you the heart of the artisanal fashion world. Get ready to be awed by top-notch designs as you gain exclusive access to designer showrooms. In between shopping sprees, enjoy light fare at the courtyard of a palazzo smack in the heart of Milan’s Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Rectangle), tuck into hearty Milanese osso bucco at one of the top restaurants in town, indulge in good coffee and snack on a panzerotti (fried dough with varied fillings) from a famous family-run shop, and wine and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

If your trip dates coincide with a prestigious Milan fashion event, how about an invitation to a cocktail party as well? Hobnob with designers, chat with industry experts, snap selfies with models and rub shoulders with the glamorous. Simply fabulous!

Like the Locals Do – Customised Itineraries for Any Agenda

A tour company that markets tours to people who don’t like tours? Sounds like a paradox, but the people at Localing Tours do exactly that – they offer a Hilly customised itinerary based on your preferred agenda, with no cookie-cutter script and no fixed formula, and you get to choose the pace and the focus, whether it’s coffee, sport or fine art. The guides are all well-informed locals that aim to expose you to their city’s culture and customs, without making you feel like a tourist.

For food and drink tours, they do a mean Melbourne nightlight and Yarra Valley winery tour. If you’re staying in town for an evening, make it a really special one as you hop between Melbourne’s coolest bars and nightspots. Have a drink with the manager, get behind the scenes and really see what makes these Melbourne stalwarts tick. Be sure to choose a part of town, rich in history and character; somewhere you know little about to make sure it’s a real treat, blend in with the locals, make new friends, and be assure that you won’t find anything like it with any other company.

If stunning wineries and laid-back country charm are more your beat, Localing Tours will also introduce to some of the best cheese and chocolates in the country, without the tourist traps. With a bounty of breweries and wildlife parks among rolling hills, there’s plenty to enjoy, whether it’s an intimate getaway or a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.

Bangkok Insider – Sample the City’s Sizzling Flavours Come Nightfall

At the risk of invoking scenes from The Hangover Part III, Bangkok at night transforms into a labyrinthine night market filled with scents and sounds that seem to bubble endlessly from a cauldron of street hawkers, hole-in-the-wall cafes, and decadent sweet treats. Specifically, Chinatown is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of local life.

Go Beyond’s Flavours of the Night Time Chinatown itinerary will see you weaving through the back alleys of the city to a hand-picked selection of small shophouses and eateries – one of whose reputation earned itself a cameo in the Ryan Gosling film Only God Forgives. Re-enact a scene from the movie as you tuck in to a place of muu grob, a dish of fried noodles and fatty pork, and wander down to the waterfront under cover of night with a few sticks of satay in hand.

Take a jaunt down Yarowat Rode, where random eats abound, where you can graze on small plates of street food, savour sticks of spicy sausages, and chow down on some dim sum, before finishing off with some sweet Chinese desserts (with a Bangkok twist, of course). Open your eyes, ignite your imagination and excite your taste buds with the sweet, the salty, the sour and the spicy flavours of the region.