Foodie heaven: Best hotels for a culinary escape

Boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have scoured the globe sampling some seriously superior cuisine, from down-to-earth gastro pubs with rooms to stylish stays with Michelin-star kitchens.

We asked Smith travel consultant Gemma Miles to share her favourite hotels for foodies planning a culinary escape, whether you're craving spicy Thai or authentic tapas.

Metropolitan by Como, Bangkok

A haven of minimalist refinement, the Metropolitan is a contemporary stay with a sophisticated Thai restaurant and intimate bar.

I love the view of the poolside and was seriously impressed with the regional dining: the hotel's sleek ground-floor restaurant Nahm, headed up by esteemed Australian chef David Thompson, tops every visiting epicure's to-do list.

Treats include jungle curry with pla chorn (crispy fish fillets) and delicious salty-sweet desserts. The hotel's also home to Glow, serving up deliciously healthy dishes.

If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: Daily Metropolitan breakfast and a martini each in the Met bar.

Members who book a suite or stay for more than two nights also get lunch for two at Glow, and an upgrade to a 90-minute Como Shambhala massage.

Raffles Singapore, Singapore

Raffles is pure luxury in the heart of the city. The culinary spread here is extensive - you've pretty much got a different dining room for almost every day of the week.

The hotel's six restaurants include Raffles Grill for fine dining, Long Bar - where the famous Singapore Sling was created - and the calm and quiet Writers Bar. It's definitely one of my favourites.

If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A Singapore Sling each, plus fresh fruit and chocolates.

Guests staying for four nights or more in a Palm Court Suite or higher-tier room also get dinner for two at the Tiffin Room.

The Nam Hai, Vietnam

This iconic China Beach boutique hotel is a destination in its own right, and I love the food at the three restaurants.

You can start with an east-meets-west breakfast on the outdoor deck, then sample some authentic Mediterranean flavours at The Restaurant for lunch, and finally settle down at The Beach Restaurant to watch the chef prepare seafood in the open kitchen after dark.

If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A bottle of sparkling wine on arrival.

The Opposite House, Beijing

Bring your appetite: this hotel is home to Beijing's most intriguing collection of restaurants, and there's a genuine passion for food throughout.

From the Mediterranean tastes of Sureno to their new Chinese restaurant Jing Yaa Tang, the hotel's chefs constantly surprise with their own innovative twists with seasonal ingredients.

If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A glass of champagne each and a tapas selection at Mesh bar.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Spain

From its inspired interiors to the Michelin-star dining (and one of the best spas in the Catalan capital) the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is an all-round first-class stay.

Moments restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and chef Carme Ruscalleda is focused on traditional Catalan flavours.

The less-formal Blanc serves brasserie-style dishes all day as well as a decadent, Tiffany-themed afternoon tea below its ornate origami-style ceiling sculpture and hanging plants.

If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A glass of cava on arrival

Visit mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team toll free at 800 905 326 for more recommendations.

This article was first published in Singapore Airlines’ travel magazine, SilverKris. Go to silverkris.com for more travel stories.