Book Now

Latest News & Inspiration

11 of the most exotic lunch stops

By Val Garibotti on 11th April, 2024

Have you ever eaten lunch in the middle of a river?

Daphne has. In Zambia. And she said it’s BRILLIANT.

Or can you picture yourself having a picnic in the shadow of Easter Island’s Moais, or enjoying fine dining in an underwater restaurant?

There are some seriously cool places on this gorgeous planet to eat your lunch – here are 11 of the best.

 

 

EASTER ISLAND

Picture this: you are on Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote places. You have travelled the Moais trail, marvelled at the island’s stunning coastline and ascended Rano Raraku volcano. You now take a well-deserved stop on Anakena beach for a refreshing swim in the crystal Pacific waters or maybe discover a few more Ahu before a spot of lunch by the ocean, watched over by the ancient Moai. Does it get more exotic than this?

Forgive us if we say…probably not!

Visiting Easter Island is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in a remote and captivating setting. Whether you’re intrigued by the mystery of the moai statues or drawn to the island’s pristine landscapes, Easter Island promises an unforgettable journey.

 

 

ZAMBIA

Surrounded by the gentle current of the Zambezi, lunch is served as a culinary feast for the senses. The tables are beautifully decorated with bright linens and fresh flora, inviting you to enjoy. A symphony of African flavours dances on the palate, from succulent grilled meat to spicy vegetable salads. As the gentle sounds of the river play a serenade, you savour every bite, immersed in the beauty of nature.

Freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection, spoils our taste buds, while fresh salads with local produce provide a refreshing contrast. Accompanied by the rhythmic melody of the flowing river, your meal becomes a symphony of flavours and tranquillity.

As you dine amidst this breath-taking backdrop, you are reminded of the deep connection between food, nature and soul. This lunch on the Zambezi is not just a meal, it is an unforgettable journey of the senses.

 

SOUTH AFRICA

How about lunch above the V&A Waterfront? Enjoy a culinary symphony on the roof terrace of The Silo Hotel. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Table Mountain. As the sunlight dances on the horizon, immerse yourself in an ambience of sophistication and warmth, a culinary journey that stimulates the senses and nourishes the soul. Lunch on the rooftop terrace of Cape Town’s historic Silo Hotel is a journey of the senses that goes beyond just food. As you ascend to this sky-high oasis, the cityscape unfolds below you, a breath-taking canvas of urban charm and natural beauty.

On the terrace, surrounded by panoramic views of Table Mountain and the bustling V&A Waterfront, every moment feels like a lasting memory. The ambience is as exquisite as the cuisine. Stylish furnishings and attentive service set the stage for a truly delicious experience.

Enjoy every bite of the carefully prepared dishes, which combine local flavours with international influences to create a culinary symphony that delights the palate. From fresh seafood to artisanal delicacies, each dish is a celebration of South African gastronomy.

 

PHOTO DAN KULLBERG TO KUDADOO HURAWAHLI 2021 USAGE RIGHTS 5 YEARS 2021220-261220 Models Daniel and Karoline Emmertsen

MALDIVES

There are a few islands in the Maldives with underwater restaurants but this completely glass bubble at adult-only Hurawahli surrounded by a coral reef is Carly’s enduring favourite.
Expect exquisite tasting menus and mesmerising views in this cosy environment with just a few tables open for lunch and dinner. There are other super special spots  on the island too including a champagne pavillion and the option to have in-villa dining on your water villa deck too. Stay atleast a week to try all the dining options on this paradise island.
PS you can also book a private champagne breakfast at the underwater restaurant if you are looking for something extra EXTRA special.

MOROCCO

Prepare for a whimsical escape unlike any other! Picture this: you’re seated at a table, not standing, aboard our private flight, ready to embark on a journey of romance or exclusivity. But wait, there’s more! As you ascend into the skies, a tantalizing gourmet breakfast by the renowned Bacha Coffee awaits.

Imagine savouring every bite while your dedicated pilot adjusts the flight to your every whim, sharing amusing tales of the region or the intricacies of ballooning. And let’s not forget the journey to the skies – roundtrip transportation in a 4×4, van, or minibus, complete with Moroccan tea and welcome coffee upon arrival at the camp, sets the tone for adventure. With a minimum of two passengers, the flight lasts between 40-60 minutes, promising an exclusive hot air balloon experience with a side of laughter and delight.

Plus, indulge in a breakfast spread fit for royalty, complete with Bacha Coffee selections served onboard. And the cherry on top? Upon landing, receive a personalized flight certificate, your ticket to bragging rights and cherished memories.

 

PETIT ST VINCENT

On the leeward side of a secluded private island in the Southern Grenadines, where sugar-white sands meet the calmest of turquoise Caribbean waters, lies Goatie’s bar and restaurant (affectionately named after the Grandfather of Petit St Vincent and most senior member of the team).

Dine on the freshest of seafood and salads, freshly baked clay-oven pizzas or traditional Caribbean dishes. Sip on cool beers and rum cocktails as you watch the sun go down over this idyllic 115 acre island of lush green hills, palm-fringed beaches and miles of rugged coastline. This enchanting Caribbean hideaway experiences a near-perfect climate all year round.

 

LUXURY SAILING

Imagine…Your crew has taken you by boat to the start of an ancient cave system. You spend the morning swimming and snorkelling through the wonderful caves in Paxos, watching the sunlight glitter on the azure waters. If swimming is not for you, why not paddle board through the rock formations and snap that perfect picture. You reach your private yacht, where your crew are waiting with towel and cocktail in hand.

The table is set and the condensation running down the homemade iced tea jug is enough to get anyone salivating. A wonderful lunch of fresh fish and Greek Salad is served surrounded by the epic backdrop of Poseidon’s Playground.

Same again tomorrow? All lunches, and breakfasts for that matter, are included in your luxury sailing holiday creating spectacular luncheon events every day.

Another bay, another day.

 

SRI LANKA

Private waterfalls, gorgeous sunsets and high teas or picnics in the mountains with unrivalled views, this boutique guesthouse-hotels is situated on a 100 acre working too estate and has so much to offer guests. Steffi & Carly love to do a little hiking in the Knuckles Mountains followed by a picnic or high-tea at this incredibly scenic spot on One Tree Hill.

The next day after a leisurely breakfast delve into the history of Ceylon tea-making with a private tea experience and sampling session followed by a fire-cooked lunch at a private waterfall and then sundowners back at the house.

 

 

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Take a boat over from Antigua and discover Barbuda Bell, a hidden gem that combines luxury and tranquility. Immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere and enjoy a meal at their gourmet seafood restaurant, The Mangrove, as they captivate your taste buds with a delightful fusion of local ingredients.

Then retire a short distance to your secluded beachfront bungalow where you can simply relax on your balcony soaking up the lavish ambiance and sea breeze.

 

JAMAICA

Fleming Villa ranks among the Caribbean’s most enchanting retreats and captivates those in search of natural beauty and privacy. The villa comes with a dedicated staff that includes a butler, housekeeper and cook. Relax on your own private beach, pool, tropical gardens and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner freshly prepared for you with the most exquisite ingredients.

You may never want to  leave — but if you do you can explore coral reefs, blue lagoons, waterfalls and Jamaica’s most gorgeous beaches, including Laughing Waters, featured in the iconic Bond scene in Dr. No. Or why not try sitting at Fleming’s wooden desk, in a corner of the villa that he’d designed for himself, where he wrote every one of the 14 James Bond books.

 

MEXICO

Take a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan pyramids and an abandoned city built almost 2,000 years ago by the Aztecs.

Then eat tacos as you’re serenaded by a mariachi band in a colorful volcanic cave of La Gruta, an underground restaurant that serves traditional Mexican cuisine in the most ambient setting.

All before you head back to Mexico City to enjoy some of the best culinary delights and culture in the world.

A truly Mexican experience!

 


Written by Val Garibotti

Top Travel Tip

“Travel is about discovery and digging under the surface of a country. Take your time, go off the beaten track and plan ahead if you can.”

– Valeria Garibotti – Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay expert

Itineraries & Destinations