Although Seoul’s luxurious motels are filled with engaging eating places, most enlist a Western-centric strategy within the identify of familiarity and comfort. Whereas there’s nothing mistaken with room service membership sandwiches, French bistros, and pâtisseries, what in case you’re looking for a high-end property that solely focuses on Korean gastronomy? (I’m guessing you didn’t fly around the globe to be coddled with meals you already know.)
That is when Jeju enters the image. A swift hourlong flight from Seoul, this enchanting subtropical island marked by twisting volcanic rock, black sand seashores, and jade-colored water has lengthy been a getaway for Koreans and is on the world’s busiest flight route. As of final yr: it’s additionally house to one among South Korea’s greatest motels for meals, JW Marriott Jeju Resort, a tranquil cliffside oasis envisioned by Invoice Bensley—the artistic drive behind different iconic Asian locations together with Thailand’s 4 Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.
From the second you’re greeted with tea and Jeju tangerine sweet within the smooth Hanok-inspired foyer, it’s clear JW Marriott Jeju Resort is all about honoring Korean tradition from check-in to check-out. The culinary journey flows to the 197 spacious visitor rooms and suites—which brim with considerate Korean accents like bojagi print partitions and the daring use of yellow, an obangsaek (conventional Korean shade) representing prosperity—the place you’ll be handled to candy and savory nibbles artfully organized on trays. Thoughts you: all of this deliciousness occurs earlier than your first sit-down meal on the property.
With 4 distinct eating ideas, JW Marriott Jeju Resort makes it straightforward to take pleasure in a tasty trip with out ever having to depart. Because the property’s signature eatery, Island Kitchen presents one among Asia’s most lavish breakfast and brunch buffets. Supplied day by day, Jeju Brunch Royale commences with free-flowing Moët & Chandon champagne, French caviar, and an assortment of freshly-baked breads like eye-catching fairly croissants resembling Jeju’s layered rock shoreline. From there, you’ll be able to assist your self to an immaculate unfold of sashimi, Korean seafood specialties like gejang (marinated uncooked crab), and different scorching dishes.
For your candy tooth, e-book afternoon tea at The Lounge. A whimsical twist on the normal English afternoon tea, JW Marriott Jeju Resort’s model spotlights native components, from the favored Udo Peanut Cream Latte to the irresistible confection Jeju Lemon Yuzu Caraibe, in opposition to expansive views of the ocean. In between hikes on the famed Olle Path and laps within the out of doors pool surrounded by the unique items together with a colourful stone fee by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, refresh your self with a pint of native beer at The Shade Home.
Black pig is one Jeju’s most well-known delicacies, and at The Flying Hog the resort’s govt chef Joon Ko places a contemporary spin on the treasured meat that’s normally merely grilled. As a substitute, Ko makes use of elevated strategies like salt-curing and wet-aging earlier than ending it in a blazing-hot wooden oven. It’s simply one among seven engaging programs from The Flying Hog’s particular tasting menu, which additionally options different Korean specialties akin to Hanwoo beef and Jeju duck.
For those who’re a seafood connoisseur, be certain that to dine at Yeoumul. Obtainable solely by reservation, this hushed and hidden-away spot is the place chef Jin Lee—who honed his abilities at Michelin-starred eating places in Toronto—presents an beautiful kaiseki-style menu specializing in Jeju’s extremely numerous and of-the-moment pure bounty. Whereas the chef’s creations continuously change with the seasons—my meal, for instance, included tea rice topped with freshly-shaven dried tuna, pristine nigiri, and flash-fried dureup (Aralia elata shoots)—you’ll expertise why South Korea is such a wealthy and rewarding desination for many who journey with consuming nicely in thoughts.