There’s no doubt that food tourism is one of the big motivators for luxury explorers, and it is a sector that continues to grow at speed.
Allowing guests to forge authentic connections with local communities, the demand for immersive gastronomic experiences is transforming luxury travel. Marriott Luxury Group properties across Canada and the USA are embracing this evolving trend with a line-up of intentional gourmet initiatives that allow guests to engage with local cultures and destinations.
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The St. Regis, Atlanta
It is to be expected that a visit to Buckhead is entwined with Southern hospitality, and this legacy is fully championed at The St. Regis Atlanta. The hotel and its renowned restaurant, Atlas, have each been awarded Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ratings, with Atlas also earning a Michelin Star. Guests can experience a fine-dining tasting menu in Atlas’s intimate dining room, surrounded by an extraordinary art collection that includes works by Picasso and Francis Bacon. Elsewhere, Southern flavors are served at Astor Court, where guests can experience a timeless, Atlanta-themed afternoon tea. The hotel’s Pool Piazza offers another signature experience, with a poolside café serving an Italian-inspired menu. The 40,000-square-foot retreat is elevated by an exclusive collaboration with Italian fashion house ETRO, featuring a custom-designed paisley motif that brings the spirit of the Mediterranean to Buckhead.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta , captures Southern traditions in more ways than one. Its steakhouse, AG, is inspired by traditional American eateries, with its leather booths and vintage photography. The Veranda outpost gives an alfresco option with views over the city. The restaurant’s story is woven into the evolution of The Ritz-Carlton brand itself. In 1999, The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta became the first in the portfolio to introduce a localized restaurant concept, departing from tradition to create what was then known as Atlanta Grill. The move marked a defining moment, establishing a culinary destination rooted in place and which has proven to be ahead of its time. As well as expertly grilled steaks and fresh seafood, a nod to these origins remains in the ‘Original from 1999’ salad , which is topped with Asher blue cheese, sliced grapes, pecans, and malt vinaigrette. It remains an enduring favorite with returning guests.
Also found at the hotel is a number of hands-on experiences. The chef’s table in The Kitchen offers diners a front-row view as chefs showcase their culinary artistry, while The Distillery invites guests to explore the artistry of cocktail creation in a spirit-lined, mixology room. The Hideout – a tucked-away, private booth inspired by restaurants of old – is perfect for long-lunches or evenings that spill into the early hours.
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W Toronto
Known for capturing the latest hospitality trends, the W brand is at the forefront of exciting new dining initiatives. A stay at W Toronto becomes a cultural and social immersion, where dining, music, and nightlife merge as one. TONO by Akira Back offers signature Nikkei cuisine; while Living Room serves as the hotel’s heartbeat – where guests can connect to a backdrop of live entertainment. Meanwhile, TOKI Listening Bar is a vinyl-led destination for cocktails and music, offering a deep connection to Toronto's creative communities.
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W Nashville
At W Nashville, chef José Andrés has recently reimagined the hotel’s culinary offering with four new concepts. Inspired by the city’s lively music heritage, guests can share Mediterranean mezze at Zaytinya; savor seafood classics – from fresh oysters to ceviche – at Bar Mar; and take in skyline views at Butterly, a lively rooftop experience where agave cocktails are served alongside signature tacos. Poolside at the WET Deck, Glowbird serves a curated selection of chef Andrés’s signature bites, bringing his celebrated culinary vision to every corner of the hotel.
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JW Marriott Reston Station
At JW Marriott Reston Station in northern Virginia, The Simon Restaurant and Schar Bar offers a deep-dive into mid-Atlantic storytelling. Focusing on produce sourced from local farms and Virginian producers, the refined classic menu honors Robert E Simon, founder of the community of Reston in the 1960s. With a dramatic open kitchen, a meal becomes one of theatre, with signature dishes including duck à la presse served tableside and a Roseda Farms’ dry-aged tomahawk steak for two.
The Schar Bar is also rooted in the culture of Virginia. Named after Dwight Schar, the visionary behind Reston Station, it hosts an exclusive partnership with Smith Bowman Distillery, the first post-Prohibition distillery in Virginia. Capturing the soul of a destination, it distils centuries of culinary tradition for the modern palate.
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