For women who live to travel and love to eat, a culinary-focused getaway offers the perfect blend of indulgence, exploration, and shared memories. Whether you’re sampling local delicacies in a bustling food market or mastering pasta-making with a nonna in Italy, there’s something uniquely bonding about discovering the flavours of the world with your favourite ladies. From long weekend escapes to far-flung foodie adventures, here are some of the best ladies’ getaways for food lovers around the globe.
Tuscany, Italy – A Taste of La Dolce Vita
Few destinations can rival Tuscany when it comes to culinary romance. Picture rolling vineyards, rustic farmhouse kitchens, and long lunches under the sun with a glass of Chianti in hand. Join a cooking class in a countryside villa, where you’ll learn to make fresh pasta, tiramisu and traditional sauces from scratch. Between meals, explore charming towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and don’t miss the chance to taste olive oils, pecorino cheese and truffle-infused delights straight from the source.
- Don’t Miss: The Mercato Centrale in Florence for authentic street eats and artisanal goods.
Kyoto, Japan – Refined, Seasonal and Soulful
For a more delicate yet deeply rich culinary experience, Kyoto is a dream destination. The city’s centuries-old traditions are reflected in its cuisine, from multi-course kaiseki dining to humble ramen shops tucked down narrow alleys. Try your hand at sushi rolling or take part in a tea ceremony, and be sure to explore Nishiki Market – known as “Kyoto’s kitchen” – for a sensory journey through Japanese flavours.
- Pro Tip: Book a dinner at a ryokan (traditional inn) for an unforgettable, meticulously prepared meal.
San Sebastián, Spain – Pintxos, Wine and Coastal Views
This Basque beauty is often listed among the best food cities in the world – and with good reason. San Sebastián is famed for its pintxos bars, where small bites (think marinated anchovies, Iberico ham, or grilled prawns) are perfectly paired with local wines. Food tours are a must here, and for the adventurous, consider taking a Basque cooking class. Add a few Michelin-starred restaurants into the mix, and you’ve got a getaway to remember.
- Foodie Highlight: The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is the heart of the action – perfect for bar hopping with your girlfriends.
Melbourne, Australia – Culture, Coffee and Culinary Creativity
For something closer to home, Melbourne remains a top pick for food-loving ladies. This vibrant city is known for its multicultural food scene, from laneway cafes and rooftop bars to bustling night markets and refined dining spots. You can take a dumpling walking tour through Chinatown, learn latte art in a Fitzroy café, or simply spend your days grazing through Queen Victoria Market and artisanal food stores.
- Weekend Idea: Planning a short break? Check out these ladies weekend away ideas in Melbourne for inspiration that pairs perfectly with food-focused fun.
Marrakech, Morocco – Spice, Sweets and Souks
For something a little more exotic, Morocco serves up unforgettable food experiences in vibrant, sensory-saturating settings. In Marrakech, learn to cook tagine in a traditional riad, sip sweet mint tea on rooftop terraces, and wander the souks to sample freshly baked flatbreads, olives, and pastries dusted with cinnamon and honey. It’s a destination that feeds the soul as much as the stomach.
- Travel Tip: Visit a spice market to bring home a taste of your adventure – rasel hanout and saffron are traveller favourites.
Provence, France – Lavender Fields and Farmers’ Markets
In Provence, every meal feels like a celebration of the land. Expect sun-drenched produce, fragrant herbs, fresh seafood, and a bounty of rosé. Ladies can take part in cooking retreats or food and wine tours that wind through charming villages and lush vineyards. Don’t forget to stop at local farmers’ markets, where baskets of lavender, tomatoes, and crusty baguettes make the perfect picnic.
- Foodie Moment: Enjoying a long, laughter-filled lunch under a shady tree in a vineyard garden.
Whether you’re heading overseas or staying local, there’s no better way to bond with your best friends than through shared culinary adventures. Food brings people together – and when combined with travel, it becomes an experience that lingers long after the final bite.So round up your crew, book that flight (or road trip), and prepare your taste buds for the journey of a lifetime.
