Meagan Drillinger
There was once a time when a "culinary program" at an all-inclusive resort was little more than an all-day buffet and a theme night here and there. Those days are no more. In the past 10 years, the modern all-inclusive resort has turned the traditional model on its head.
Today's all-inclusive resorts have traded buffet lines and budget accommodations for butler service and Bali beds. But what has significantly changed about all-inclusive resorts are the food and beverage programs -- so much so that now four all-inclusive resorts in Mexico have restaurants that have earned Michelin stars.
Bringing Michelin-starred chefs into all-inclusive resorts isn't new, but now the actual restaurants within the all-inclusive resorts are becoming part of the international Michelin constellation. The Michelin Guide Mexico 2024 release, which came out last month, has welcomed four all-inclusive resort restaurants into the exclusive fold. Here they are:
• The Cocina de Autor Los Cabos is located within the gorgeous Grand Velas Los Cabos resort. The oceanfront restaurant sets the tone for an elegant experience with a dimly lit cocktail lounge where diners gather for a drink before proceeding into the grand dining room. The multicourse tasting menu is rooted in Mexican ingredients but draws in global elements. Think sea scallops with miso butter or beef tenderloin with celery root puree, poached beets and maitake mushrooms.
• Not to be outdone, Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya has also found itself on the Michelin list. Located at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, the cooking here is similar in prestige to its Los Cabos sister, with a constantly changing menu that swings slightly differently. Think spider crab with jackfruit, roasted pork with black garlic and honey made from the property's own Melipona beehives.
• Also on the Riviera Maya, Azul Beach Resort'sLe Chique is now shining with a Michelin star. Le Chique has consistently been named one of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America, but earning a Michelin star is certainly a whole new accomplishment. The tasting menu spans Mexico's regions, with a presentation rooted in theatrics and experimental gastronomy: green passion fruit filled with foie gras parfait or bruleed bone marrow served with escamoles.
• Finally, Hotel Xcaret Mexico'sHa' restaurant is one more all-inclusive dining experience not to be missed. The restaurant features Mexican flavors and ingredients with a decidedly French twist. Mushroom beignets are decorated with cauliflower crips and served in a truffle and mint sauce, while the filet mignon and potato mille-feuille is topped with house-cured ikura. If you opt for the wine pairing, you will have the opportunity to learn about the wide world of Mexican wines.
There's no denying that the all-inclusive resort evolution continues, with luxury options now rivaling five-star European Plan resorts. Foodies who once balked at the idea of staying at an all-inclusive may suddenly find themselves coveting what are becoming the hottest reservations in town.