Marriott International’s Luxury Group is bringing back its Luxury Dining Series for a third year, inviting travellers to explore Asia through a collection of curated culinary experiences that celebrate connection, culture and craftsmanship.
Running from August to October under the theme Across the Table, the series unfolds across some of the region’s most distinctive luxury destinations, including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa in Vietnam, The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Phuket, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Bali, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, and concludes aboard Luminara from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
More than a showcase of fine dining, the programme highlights the role food plays in bringing people together, connecting travellers with local traditions, ingredients and the stories behind them. Throughout the series, chefs step beyond the kitchen to engage directly with guests, sharing personal experiences, culinary influences and insights into the destinations they call home.
The journey begins in Vietnam at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa from August 5 to 9, where French culinary techniques meet the vibrant flavours of Vietnam. Highlights include an afternoon tea experience by acclaimed pastry chef Rémy Gaulé, heritage dinners inspired by traditional Vietnamese home cooking, and a collaborative menu by Chef Olivier Elzer and Chef Summer Le that bridges French and Vietnamese gastronomy. Guests can also discover Phu Quoc’s coastal bounty through seafood-focused dining experiences, enjoy champagne tastings led by expert sommeliers, and explore the island’s emerging cacao culture through an intimate chocolate masterclass.
From Vietnam, the series moves to Phuket’s The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa from August 12 to 15. Set amid the natural beauty of the Andaman Sea, the programme shines a spotlight on Southern Thailand’s culinary identity through a series of collaborative dining experiences. Guests can enjoy omakase paired with craft brews, multi-chef dinners highlighting local ingredients and seasonal produce, and beachfront banquets designed to showcase the flavours of the region. Beyond the dining table, the experience extends to artisanal spirit tastings, gin-blending workshops and natural dye textile sessions that offer a deeper understanding of local craftsmanship and culture.
In the Maldives, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort presents a diverse programme from August 26 to 30, bringing together chefs and beverage specialists from across the globe. Experiences range from contemporary omakase lunches and Mediterranean-inspired dinners overlooking the Indian Ocean to intimate chef-led ateliers designed to encourage conversation and creativity. Sunset wine tastings, cocktail-paired dinners and an immersive resort-wide dining journey further transform the island into a destination for culinary discovery.
The journey continues in Indonesia at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, Bali, from September 9 to 11. Surrounded by lush rainforest and the Ayung River valley, the programme explores Indonesia’s rich culinary traditions and evolving gastronomic identity through collaborations with some of the country’s most respected culinary talents.
Among the highlights is a fermentation-led collaboration between Chef Eka Sunarya and Chef Lee Daejin, showcasing Bali’s biodiversity through an innovative four-hands menu that combines local ingredients, traditional techniques and contemporary global influences.
Another standout experience brings together Chef Syrco Bakker and Chef Bayu Timur for a contemporary interpretation of Indonesia’s culinary heritage, complemented by live cultural performances inspired by the diversity of the archipelago. Guests can also join a guided foraging experience through the surrounding landscape before enjoying a jungle lunch featuring locally inspired dishes. Cocktail enthusiasts can look forward to the Ambar x Gold Bar takeover led by Andrei Marcu at Mandapa’s jungle bar overlooking the Ayung River, where Japanese precision and modern mixology take centre stage.
The series then travels to Japan, where The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto presents a programme rooted in the country’s enduring culinary traditions from September 23 to 26. Guests can experience the artistry of kaiseki, Edomae sushi, tempura and teppanyaki through intimate chef-led encounters that showcase seasonality, technique and craftsmanship. Collaborative menus bring together Japanese and international culinary talent, while exclusive afternoon tea experiences and cocktail programmes celebrate Kyoto’s reputation for refinement and attention to detail. Each event offers a fresh perspective on Japan’s culinary heritage while remaining firmly grounded in tradition.
The final chapter unfolds aboard Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest luxury yacht, from October 9 to 18. As guests sail on a dedicated Japan voyage, they will enjoy exclusive culinary experiences inspired by the traditions of Kyoto and Kyushu. Curated multi-course menus, cocktail programmes and pastry showcases created specifically for the journey provide an elegant conclusion to a series built around exploration, connection and exceptional dining.
Throughout the programme, signature concepts such as Chefs [At The] Table, The Grand Banquet, Heirloom AM/PM, Page to Plate, The Shared Memory Menu, Spirited Social and Journey To Exceptional Taste encourage guests to move beyond traditional restaurant dining. Whether through chef conversations, masterclasses, cultural workshops or immersive destination experiences, the emphasis remains on creating meaningful connections between people, places and flavours.
Exclusive hotel stay packages are available across destinations, whilst the Luxury Dining Series onboard Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is exclusively available for guests booked on the Japan voyage. Marriott Bonvoy members can also bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. Visit Luxury Dining Series for more information.
Photos Courtesy of Marriott Internasional