Book it: Four hotel restaurants for a gastronomic getaway in Europe
We serve up four destination dining hotels that are sure to float any foodies’ boat.
Le Saint-James, Bordeaux
Best for... design lovers
The low-down: Perched high on a hill in the picture-perfect village of Bouilac, Le Saint-James has enviable views of cosmopolitan Bordeaux. The striking Jean Nouvel-designed building is covered in aesthetic weathered iron latticework and rooms are quirky and beautifully done. Chef Nicolas Magie conjures up deceptively simple but wildly flavoursome Michelin-starred cuisine and guests can wash it down with the hotel’s very own wine grown on the estate, the second smallest vineyard in France. It doesn’t get more exclusive than that. Cheese-lovers be prepared to be wowed by the most impressive cheese trolley we have ever seen.
Out and about: The peaceful village of Bouliac is the perfect tonic to busy Bordeaux. Enjoy relaxing strolls and watching the locals play boules. The hotel offers cookery courses for all abilities and ages in a state of the art kitchen space designed by Poggen Pohl. Rustle up a French classic dish, sweet or savoury treats and enjoy the fruits of your labours with a glass of something afterwards. A 30-minute drive away lies the enchanting World Heritage town of Saint-émilion, whose beauty and history make for the perfect day (or night) trip.
Stella loves:The 25-metre heated swimming pool with spectacular views.
Rates from ￡174 a night, room only; saintjames-bouliac.com
? Read the full Le Saint-James review
Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
Best for... local food lovers
The low-down:Rome and Venice may be Italy’s enduring tourist cities, but nestled in its 'boot' is Fasano, part of the Puglian south that shows the country's softer side. It is there you’ll find Borgo Egnazia, a hotel-cum-village that at its summer peak plays host to some 550 guests (not to mention 500 staff), set against rows of olive trees and fennel plants. Offering rooms and villas sleeping up to seven, and with the majority of its food, wine, staff and even building materials coming from the region, this celebration of Puglian tradition shows that Italy's attractions aren't just confined to the north.
Out and about: Drive (or be driven) around Puglia's hillsides in Maseratis, Lancias and other classic Italian cars courtesy of Puglia Auto Classica. The seafood or meat set menus at Osteria del Tempo Perso, a 16th-century cave featuring the best of local specialities, such as orechiette pasta and creamy burrata, are well worth a try. Top it off with a passeggiata around the cobbled streets of Ostuni's old town afterwards.
Stella loves: Try your hand at one of Borgo Egnazia's focaccia-making masterclasses - the fresh ingredients and chef's hat will have you feeling like Gennaro Contaldo in no time.
The Private Travel Company offers four-night stays from ￡735 per person, including flights, transfers and breakfast; theprivatetravelcompany.co.uk
? Read the full Borgo Egnazia review
Regent Porto Montenegro
Best for… gastro-nomads
The low-down:Regent Porto Montenegro stands elegantly at the heart of Porto Montenegro, the glittering marina and glamorous superyacht homeport - and a modern-day, jet-setter’s hot-spot. Directly on the waterfront of Boka Bay, the hotel gives its guests a direct connection with the sea and marina. All the guestrooms have spectacular sea or soaring mountain views with sophisticated interiors with a fun nautical twist. The spot to be is the hotel’s incredibly secluded beach, reachable only by a phenomenal boat ride across the Bay. A foodies’ paradise – the three restaurants celebrate real flavours using local Mediterranean and Adriatic ingredients.
Out and about: For a fun overwater hotspot with a chic daytime restaurant, head to Lido Mar Yacht Club. Needing a little retail therapy Porto Montengro is a vibrant shopping village with over 60 luxury boutiques to check out. Explorers will be spoilt for choice with nearby mountains, acres of forest land and cobbled streets strewn with historic churches and monasteries to discover. Then there’s the beach scene of course with Big Beach and Be?i?i Beach being amongst the best.
Stella loves: Being in the heart of the glitteringly glamorous superyacht paradise. It’s the only luxury hotel on the marina.
Rates from ￡178 room only; regenthotels.com/porto-montenegro
? Read the full Regent Porto Montenegro review
? The best hotels on the Adriatic coast
Akelarre, San Sebastian
Best for… design conscious foodies
The low-down:Akelarre is the newest hotel to spring into the San Sebastian scene – directly connected to the three-Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name. The hotel is all about slick contemporary interiors, captivating views over the Bay of Biscay from terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows and, of course, astonishing food – both in Oteiza, the hotel’s restaurant, and in the gastronomic restaurant. All of the 22 bedrooms have huge private terraces for al fresco breakfasts or for catching the sunset, while guests can also disappear into the spa for treatments by Sisley.
Out and about: There is a complimentary transfer service into town to make the most of the irresistible pintxos bars. Take a tour with San Sebastian Food or explore solo - our favourites are La Cuchara de San Telmo for total tradition or Zeruko for a modern take.
Stella loves: ?The combination of private plunge pools and panoramic sea views in the two Akelarre Suites - as good as it gets!
Rates from ￡290 a night, b&b; akelarre.net
? Read the full Akelarre hotel review
