Where in the world you can learn to cook like locals

Undertake culinary instruction in some of these exotic cooking schools and you’ll never have to pass off burnt food as ‘Cajun’ cuisine ever again, says Dilvin Yasa.

Morocco

There are cooking schools and then there are cooking schools that have hamams, fireplaces in every room and camel rides. Rhodes School of Cuisine’s Moroccan cooking school offers the latter and much more.
Located in a luxurious villa just outside the ancient imperial city of Marrakech, you can undertake week-long cooking journeys through the intricacies of the local cuisine from tagines to rose-water ice-cream to almond-filled pastries.
And when the going gets tough, the staff is on hand to take you to markets, out trekking or even just to pamper you.
Prices start from $3277 per person. rhodeschoolofcuisine.com

Mexico

Mexican food is enjoying a bit of a renaissance at the moment so what better time to camp out at Los Dos, one of the country’s most celebrated Yucatán cooking schools?
Located in a magnificent colonial mansion in Mérida, which also happens to be the private home of chef David Sterling, you can kick back and enjoy the pool and terrace, and learn traditional Yucatán cuisine through a range of courses.
Choices range from the popular eight-hour Taste of Yucatán course, which includes an overview of Maya techniques and ingredients, a market tour, lesson and meal, to the week-long culinary workshop, including day trips to exotic destinations such as Maya archaeological sites.
Prices start from $150 per person for a day class. los-dos.com

Vietnam

Sometimes you’ve got to experience the sour to delight in the sweet, or so the saying goes, and this couldn’t be more accurate than of street food. It only takes one dodgy roadside snack to turn you off street food for good.
Instead, delight in the simple joy that is a nice clean restaurant serving traditional street food, which is what Morning Glory has been doing for years.
Foodies who can’t get enough of its white rose dumplings can learn to make them at this popular cooking school housed at The Market restaurant.
Four classes are on offer, from amateur to professional, and all include a market tour before each student takes up position at their own slick cooking station with exotic ingredients at the ready.
Prices start from $24. restaurant-hoian.com

Denmark

Let’s be honest: before local luminary Noma hit the heights of the culinary world there weren’t many of us who knew much about Scandinavian cuisine, apart from the fact that it might have involved smoked fish and berries, perhaps.
But now Denmark is Scandinavia’s food capital with some 13 Michelin-starred restaurants, and cooking classes are following close behind.
One of the best is CPH Good Food in central Copenhagen where local duo Mia Kristensen and Jacob Damgaard share their love and knowledge of Nordic cuisine.
Their Nordic baked goods class is popular (yes, the Danes do make Danish although they call them wienerbrød), as is the Fruits & Veggies of the North class.
From $169 per person (three-hour lesson). cphgoodfood.dk

Peru

They say if you want something done give it to a busy person, and this is certainly true of Virgilio Martínez Véliz, executive chef at Central.
When Martinez, considered one of the rising stars of the culinary world, isn’t flat out opening restaurants (he opened Central in the trendy Lima district of Miraflores in 2010, followed by Senzo in the city of Cuzco and Lima in London in 2012), he’s taking foodies on day trips to experience Peruvian cuisine.
His Taste of Cuzco tour begins with a morning outing to the bustling Surquillo market to purchase ingredients like seafood, grains and rare fruits, before a cooking demonstration.
From $866 including breakfast, customised three-course lunch and wine. palacionazarenas.com

Greece

The sleepy Aegean island of Ikaria made headlines recently when it was claimed by The New York Times that locals enjoy the highest life expectancy in the world thanks to their healthy diet and stress-free existence.
Get in on the action by signing up to a week-long cooking retreat at the Glorious Greek Kitchen Cooking School with chef, prolific Greek cookbook author and restaurateur Diane Kochilas.
The tour begins with a sunset welcome dinner before embarking on a schedule of daily cooking classes focusing on local specialties including mezes and filo dishes, visits to local tavernas, wineries, cheesemakers and farms, and even a Greek dancing lesson.
The retreat is $2450 per person and includes all meals, experiences and lodging at the Messakti Village Hotel. dianekochilas.com

Turkey

Turkey has a way of ruining you for other countries; the quality produce, bargain prices and mouthwatering fare can turn you into an addict before you know it.
In the kitchen of the famed Sarnic Hotel (sarnichotel.com) in old Istanbul, you can embark on a four-hour class to learn how to recreate traditional dishes. But we recommend you join Somer Sivrioglu, from Sydney’s Efendy restaurant, on one of his regular culinary journeys.
For $6990 per person, you will dine at some of the city’s finest restaurants, discover local markets and sample lots of Turkish cuisine. worldexpeditions.com

China

Anyone who has experienced the disappointment of ingesting generic supermarket dumplings knows there are dumplings and then there are DUMPLINGS.
If you want to learn to make the kind that people rave about The Hutong Kitchen is considered Beijing’s premier cooking school. Located in the heart of the city at The Hutong (cultural exchange centre), choose from an inspired list of classes.
While The Chinese Kitchen’s Gourmet Dumplings and Dim Sum Delicacies classes hit all the right notes, chef Sophia Du’s noodles class will mean you will never reach for those noodle packets in the back of your pantry again.
From $50 per class. thehutongkitchen.com

India

“Visit my mates Nimmy and Paul and they’ll sort you out" might sound like the kind of recommendation one would experience on a backpacking adventure, but when it comes to learning the nuances of traditional Kerala cuisine, this duo can’t be beat.
At Home with Nimmy and Paul has been the ‘at home’ hospitality game from their Kochi abode for over a decade but there aren’t formal schedules to follow; just classes at their dining table centered around either one meal (three hours), full-day programs, or their Stay at Home program where you can experience both the flavours and hospitality of the southern coastal region over a few days.
Prices for cooking demonstrations and a meal start from $30. nimmypaul.com

Thousands of readers have cast their votes in a worldwide survey, revealing the best islands in the world to add to your travel radar.

The best island escapes have a way of making us feel instantly lighter – whether it be the pink-hued fringing reefs, green coconuts, powdery sands between your toes or crystalline water that shifts between turquoise and aquamarine with the light. Perhaps it’s the easy-breezy atmosphere that makes your worries melt as quickly as a tropical ice block in the sun. But how does one choose which island to visit?

Travel + Leisure has released its list of the best islands in the world as part of its 2026 World’s Best Awards, shining a spotlight on 25 idylls worth adding to your travel radar. More than 661,000 votes were cast across all award categories, including the best train journeys in the world, from more than 207,000 readers, who weighed in to share their opinions. From accessible Pacific gems to volcanic Portuguese outposts and stirring Scottish isles, the top-voted islands have revealed travellers’ appetite not only for relaxation, but also for adventure and cultural discovery.

And taking out the No.1 ranking? A blissful Thai island set in an inlet of the South China Sea.

1. Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui, has been named the number one island in the world for 2026, scoring an impressive 95.64 out of 100. Travellers appreciate the island’s diversity – offering everything from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to elephant sanctuaries and breathtaking Buddhist temples.

The destination has received increased attention from tourists over the past year or so, thanks to the hit HBO series The White Lotus setting its third season at the uber-luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (we can dream, right?). Whether you’re checking into this five-star resort or an affordable jungle villa, Koh Samui will no doubt cast its spell on you.

2. Maldives

maldives aerial — The Maldives are known for their overwater villas. (Credit: Unsplash/Ishan @seefromthesky)

The atolls of the Maldives continue to hold universal allure, owing to their unbelievably glassy waters, indulgent overwater resorts and abundant marine life luring the diving crowd. And now they are even easier to access than ever, thanks to Luxury Escapes recently launching Australia’s first direct flight to the Maldives.

3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

yellow iguana on Galapagos Islands — Spot the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. (Credit: Simon Berger)

Giant tortoises. Cheeky sea lions. Marine iguanas. With its unique environment where guests can follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, unparalleled wildlife encounters and expedition spirit, it’s easy to see why this island group in the eastern Pacific Ocean tops bucket lists the world over.

4. Bali, Indonesia

The River Café at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali — A secluded riverside infinity pool hangs over the sacred Petanu River at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa.

Bali is a tried-and-true crowd-favourite among Aussie and NZ travellers not just for its convenient proximity to the east coast of Australia, but for its surf breaks, laid-back beach club lifestyle and delicious food. Plus, prices are a fraction of what they are back home.

5. Phuket, Thailand

Rich in dramatic limestone cliffs, elephant sanctuaries and a dynamic meld of cultures, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one worth planning a tropical escape to.

6. Seychelles

a white-sand beach with giant boulders at La Digue, Seychelles — Etched on La Digue Island are huge granite rocks. (Credit: Getty/Diamond Dogs)

The independent island nation of Seychelles commonly conjures images of secluded beaches studded with oversized granite boulders and lined with shady palms. But it is also home to thriving vanilla plantations, multi-ethnic culture, French and British architecture, as well as island-hopping opportunities.

7. Fiji

Top view of Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort pool — Spend warm days soaking up the sun, playing golf or relaxing by the pool at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.

Fiji was voted one of the best islands in the world for several reasons: it is convenient to get to (located around four hours from mainland Australia), home to wildly beautiful marine environments and boasts of the friendliest locals in the world.

8. Sri Lanka

sri lanka train — Sri Lanka is known for its lush landscapes. (Credit: Unsplash/gemmafjam)

Located in the Indian Ocean just off the south-eastern coast of India, Sri Lanka beckons with flavour-packed cuisine, lush jungle and relaxed surf scenes that have visitors longing to return.

9. Dominica, the Caribbean

With rainforest covering around two-thirds of the land mass, this Caribbean destination is all about getting outdoors. Swim under thundering waterfalls, hike volcanic terrain and snorkel around Scotts Head.

10. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Boasting a vibrant fusion of African, Arabic and Indian cultures, Zanzibar is a unique place to book for your next island escape. The postcard-worthy beaches harbour dolphins and sea turtles, while the landscapes are home to endangered monkeys, rhinos and antelopes.

11. Golden Isles, USA

Comprising Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island, the Golden Isles lie along Georgia’s Atlantic coast. Expect sweeping salt marshes, stretches of sun-drenched beaches and landmarks revealing a fascinating southern history.

12. Sardinia, Italy

sardinia boats — Sardinia is blessed with blue waters. (Credit: Unsplash/Fadi al Shami)

If you haven’t yet visited Sardinia, consider this your sign. This relatively undeveloped island, placed 200 kilometres off Italy’s mainland just south of Corsica, offers a distinctive local cuisine and mysterious Bronze Age ruins. An absolute must is joining a boat charter to the La Maddalena Archipelago – I’ve never seen water so clear and blue!

13. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland

Not all islands come ringed with palm trees and tropical waters. In Scotland, the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides offer windswept coastlines far from civilisation, historic castles and a Lord of the Rings vibe.

14. Malta

the Valletta city pictured from above — Soak up the Baroque beauty of Valletta City. (Credit: Visit Malta)

One of the world’s best islands for both history and stunning blue water, Malta is famed for its golden limestone architecture, megalithic temples and Baroque buildings. Make sure to visit the striking Blue Lagoon.

15. Grenada, the Caribbean

Dubbed the ‘spice isle’, Grenada’s main hilly island is home to an abundance of nutmeg plantations, along with colourful Georgian buildings and diverse landscapes, from flowing waterfalls to castaway beaches.

16. Madeira, Portugal

coastal views at Porto da Cruz, Madeira — The majestic coastal beauty of Madeira’s Porto da Cruz. (Credit: Lauren de Sousa)

This subtropical Portuguese archipelago is a speck in the North Atlantic Ocean. Praised for its stirring volcanic landscapes, fortified wine and hiking trails, Madeira is a wonderful destination for food lovers as well as nature seekers.

17. Azores, Portugal

A lush paradise in the Atlantic, the Azores comprise nine volcanic islands, with São Miguel being the most popular among tourists. Bubbling geothermal hot springs, green crater lakes, whales, and dolphins are all reasons to visit.

18. Maui, USA

Maui is Hawai’i’s second-largest island and is known for its crystal-clear snorkelling at Molokini Crater, epic sunrises, waterfalls, scenic drives and luxurious beach resorts.

19. Sicily, Italy

sicily architecture — Sicily boasts charming architecture. (Unsplash/Val Vesa)

It’s little wonder Sicily has become such an enviable tourist destination, voted one of the best islands in the world. Not only does it offer sparkling turquoise coves and Italy’s tallest active volcano, but it’s also home to ancient Greek ruins and charming towns dotted with restaurants dishing up twirls of silky spaghetti.

20. Milos, Greece

Ah, Milos. This Aegean outpost in the Cyclades region is proving that the Greek islands will always be a slice of paradise to travellers with its moon-like landscapes, quieter atmosphere and pebbly beaches dotted with sun-baking locals.

21. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Discover vegetation-lined walking trails, nature sanctuaries, luxury yacht trips and famous seawater-flooded grottos on this dreamy Caribbean island.

22. Crete, Greece

a boat moored in the seaside village of Loutro Crete — Loutro is a charming seaside village in Crete that is surrounded by turquoise waters.

The largest and most populous island of Greece, Crete is the place to go for towering mountain gorges, world-renowned beaches, historic old towns and a distinct blend of Minoan, Greek Orthodox, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.

23. Vieques, Puerto Rico

The lesser-known Caribbean island of Vieques is where wild horses roam the countryside, wildlife refuges and bioluminescent bays where microorganisms light up the water with an otherworldly blue-green glow.

24. Paros, Greece

The lively main fishing town of Paros gives the island plenty of charm – think whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys, vine-draped tavernas and boutique shops. But don’t miss the sailing cruises and unique rock formations dotted around the island.

25. Kauaʻi, USA

Kauaʻi coast — Hike dramatic coastlines on Kauaʻi. (Credit: Unsplash/Jake Houglum)

Part of the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauaʻi is best known for its striking natural beauty, where godly green cliffs tumble into azure ocean and rainbows spring from misty waterfalls.