6 of the best: creative dining solutions for groups

The huge focus on safety as a result of the ongoing global pandemic has driven hotels, event venues, and DMCs to rethink their catering and dining options for guests and event attendees.

With varying levels of restrictions still in place around the world, many are coming up with creative solutions to get food to guests and delegates safely. From new alfresco dining spaces to sunrise breakfasts and private picnics, we asked our inVOYAGE community to share their new creative dining options…

Caribbean beach barbecues in Amsterdam

For the second year running, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has transformed its historic courtyard into a real sandy beach of over 380m2, including outdoor bar, Big Green Egg barbecues, various comfortable seating areas and cabanas.

After the great success of last year's edition, which was inspired by the French Côte d'Azur, The Grand decided to let The Grand Beach return in 2021 with a new culinary theme. The dishes on the menu are inspired by the Caribbean cuisine - think barbeque dishes and fresh fish in combination with spicy marinades and chutneys, alongside tropical cocktails such as Frozen Piña Coladas and Classic or Strawberry Mojitos.

All seating areas are sufficiently spaced and the highest standards in terms of hygiene and cleaning are adhered to in accordance with Accor's ALLSAFE program, which in turn complies with the guidelines of the RIVM. 

Alfresco Mediterranean delights in Malta

Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Malta offers ideal set-ups to meet and dine outdoors, from tucked away lemon groves, vineyards and small estates to beach clubs, gardens and rooftop terraces, which can be exclusively booked for groups to dine and meet outdoors.

EC Meetings can organise for groups to dine at a family Lemon Grove in the small countryside village of Dingli on the west coast of Malta, which offers the finest homegrown, organic produce and homemade Maltese specialties for farm-to-fork lunches and dinners.

Alternatively, groups can take a trip to the island of Gozo, where picnics can be set up exclusively on cliffs, secluded beaches or surrounded by ancient saltpans.

Picnics are tailored and can cater for an array of menus from plant-based to fully organic, vegan and many more options. Everything is taken care of, sustainably sourced, using no single-use items, and the countryside is left behind cleaner than before.

All hotels, venues, restaurants, transport and activities offered by ECMeetings are certified by the Malta Tourism Authority and adhere to safety measures and protocols.

Sunrise breakfast atop Rio’s Sugarloaf mountain

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel offers groups a truly unique way to celebrate the rising of the sun: breakfast at dawn on the Sugarloaf. The tour starts at approximately 5 am at the hotel heading to Sugarloaf Mountain to hop on the cable car before sunrise.

Mesmerise yourself  with a breath-taking 360º view, where it is possible to see more than 20 beaches in Rio and Niterói, in addition to the edge of Pedra da Gávea and further out. From there, which is the highest point of the tour, you will enjoy the sunrise while tasting a delicious breakfast exclusively prepared by the hotel.

Feast on the latest foodie trends in Ibiza

Palladium Hotel Group has launched a new Unexpected Dinner option for MICE groups at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel. Conceived and designed to delight even the most sophisticated guests, this dinner features a food station format with all the most exciting Food and Beverage trends for 2021. Get ready for a non-stop gastronomic trip to the country of your choice, with Peruvian ceviche, Hawaiian poke, Spanish tapas, Mexican tacos, and more.

All the food stations are staffed by skilled chefs, ready to explain all the dishes and make each mouthful a delightful experience. Your guests will have the freedom to move about our incredible spaces and interact.

Food is served in individual portions, so guests with food intolerances and allergies can enjoy everything with peace of mind. And naturally, we guarantee strict compliance with all safety and hygiene measures, working to achieve the highest quality standards.

Picnic perfection in Cape Town

Beneath the eternal gaze of Table Mountain, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town offers a wide range of imaginative alfresco dining options for groups while ensuring the strictest protocols in place to ensure the safety of guests.

New for this season, has introduced a novel culinary service: gourmet picnics by the pool or in the shade of our timeless trees. Delve into the wicker hamper to discover light finger food delicacies, Winelands cheeses, artisanal Bosman, Spier and Jewell’s charcuterie served with homemade atjars, pickles and tapenades, and much more.

Chef Rudi, who believes in sourcing tasty regional produce as ethically as possible, suggests you add some sparkle with a local Cap Classique, or why not splash out with a vintage Champagne?

Sustainable dining in Singapore

Grand Hyatt Singapore is committed to protecting the planet for future generations by adopting a holistic approach towards sustainability and pioneering sustainable initiatives across the hotel including throughout its catering. The hotel has embarked on numerous initiatives include sourcing and serving seafood that is certified sustainable by Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council, being the first in Singapore to launch a nose-to-tail meat programme, sourcing for fruits and vegetables from Cameron Highlands to reduce carbon emissions and to having its own rooftop garden that supplies up to 30% of the herbs used in its daily operations.

To build an inclusive dining experience for all, the hotel is also a pioneer in the alternative protein scene in Southeast Asia, having partnered brands like Beyond Meat, Heura, Just Egg and Omnimeat, to launch their products within the region.