The 12 Best Beach Resorts for Foodies

The D.R.'s classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo hotel is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, and thirteen delicious restaurants. With everything from a casual pizzeria to a lively tapas bar, Casa de Campo has something for every kind of foodie; those with a leaning towards celebrity will enjoy the Caribbean outpost of Le Cirque, sitting right on the beach and serving up tasty bites like fried fish sliders.

Foodies travel along a rocky, winding road to get to this unassuming boutique hotel, which is home to one of the island’s best restaurants. Simply called “The Restaurant,” the dining room features indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking a gorgeously rugged beach. The menu focuses on fresh local flavors, with dishes such as conch fritters, goat curry, and the restaurant’s infamous flying fish roti, or sandwich. It’s no wonder that this spot attracts tourists, guests, and locals alike.

The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is a five-star luxury property where the relaxed elegance of the 1920s-era Spanish Colonial architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds give the resort -- including its three restaurants – a timeless feel. Whether dining at the poolside grill, the oceanfront restaurant, the fine-dining Italian bistro, or in the comfort of their rooms, guests will be sure to enjoy delicious, innovative cuisine. Plus, the resort offers fun culinary experiences such as trips to the farmers’ market with the executive chef (who will then prepare a four-course lunch with your finds) and romantic candlelit dinners for two.

Half Moon boasts dining fit for a queen – literally; Queen Elizabeth has explored this Jamaican resort’s numerous dining options during her previous stays. With dining plans that range from a la carte to all-inclusive, Half Moon offers some of the best restaurants in Jamaica. Perhaps the most popular, however, is the Sugar Mill. Housed in a historic Sugar Mill and boasting an impressive wine cellar, this fine-dining spot has a refined atmosphere thanks to beautiful al fresco spaces and a no-children-under-twelve policy.

The newest hotel on Atlantic City's boardwalk, Revel is a pristine luxury property that has pulled out all the stops when it comes to celebrity chef restaurants. Though it boasts thirteen restaurants from a handful of award-winning chefs, Revel shows its strongest affinity to Iron Chef Jose Garces. Four of his restaurants, including an American tavern, a Mexican taqueria, a dim sum bar, and a fine-dining Spanish tapas bar overlooking the ocean, call the resort home. Revel also has a beautiful state-of-the-art casino (of course) and a tranquil spa.

The Winnetu is a massive property -- by Martha’s Vineyard standards -- with gorgeous views and a location within a quick walk of the beach. Coastal cottage-styled rooms offer all the amenities guests need for cooking and dining in, but most head to the hotel’s wildly popular Lure Grill, the only restaurant on South Beach. Guests -- and locals and tourists who take the free sunset water taxi from Edgartown -- can enjoy fresh local fare such as line-caught halibut with shrimp dumplings and, of course, lobster. The hotel also offers seasonal clambakes.

The One&Only Palmilla is easily one of the most luxurious resorts not only in Cabo, but in Mexico. Every single feature here has an upscale touch to it, from the exclusive spa, to the beautiful pools, to the wonderful cuisine. Whether guests opt for one of the meal plans or choose to dine a la carte every night, they have an impressive array of choices. One&Only boasts five restaurants, one known for its “Mexiterranean” fusion cuisine, another from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and another that offers fresh sushi and ceviche, the perfect accompaniments to gorgeous ocean views.

This beautifully restored, 390-room beachfront property is a modern reincarnation of Miami’s first luxury hotel -- The Royal Palm. Highlights include two swimming pools, stylish rooms, a swanky Collins Avenue address, and two hotspot restaurants. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Florida Cookery has a decidedly airy, laid-back Miami vibe, while Catch -- an outpost of the renowned restaurant in Manhattan -- also has a very Miami feel; but this time, of the muy caliente variety. Beautiful people and see-and-be-seeners come to this restaurant for its specialty craft cocktails, extensive sushi menu, innovative small plates, and, well, its hot scene.

Stunning architecture, an exceptional water park, a famous casino, three beaches, 12 pools, and 21 restaurants make the 3,400-room Atlantis a study in conspicuous consumption. The dining scene here is all about name recognition; guests can grab a quick coffee at Starbucks, or enjoy fine-dining experiencse at one of the many elegant restaurants from celebrity chefs such as Bobby Flay, Nobu Matsuhisa, and now Todd English, who recently opened an Olives at the resort. Several restaurants also serve Bahamian food for some local flare.

This 24-room boutique hotel in Southampton is geared toward the cool crowd with its lively nightlife scene, outdoor pool parties, and Beatique outpost, where celebrities can often be spotted. The menu is extensive (and pricey), including your classic beef cuts and sides, as well as lighter options for health-conscious Hamptonites, like scallops with spring veggies and tuna tartare.

Undoubtedly one of the most prestigious hotels in St. Barts, this exclusive 15-villa luxury resort sits amid 28 lush acres of natural hills and beachfront. The ocean views are jaw-dropping, and can be seen from the hotel’s French restaurant -- one of the island’s most renowned and one of the main reasons celebrities come here to relax. Featuring special themed meals such as a three-course “Fish Market” experience and a famed Sunday brunch, Le Gaiac puts a local spin on French favorites, and incorporates many ingredients grown in its organic garden. Along with its impressive wine menu, Le Gaiac is known for dishes such as braised Seabass and crispy Guinea fowl.

A known celebrity hangout, Shutters is one of the most recognizable spots on the sand in Santa Monica. With expensive artwork, luxe amenities, and upscale beachy decor, it has an atmosphere of laid-back opulence that extends to the resort’s three restaurants. One Pico, Coast, and The Living Room all look out over the Pacific, and feature menus with a focus on locally-sourced produce. While The Living Room is a popular spot during tea time and happy hour, One Pico has a refined “ladies who lunch” and “date night” vibe, while Coast serves casual eats -- such as burgers and lobster rolls -- with a gourmet twist.


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