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Cultural connection: Discover locally immersive experiences around the world

Enjoy one-of-a-kind cultural adventures for a dream stay in these global destinations.

By Alison Cavatore | June 14, 2023

Exploring local culture and enjoying immersive experiences is a must when traveling. It’s a surefire way to ignite your sense of adventure, broaden your horizons and create lasting memories. In the spirit of exploration, we’ve compiled five must-visit global destinations where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay that encourages you to connect with your surroundings and experience local culture.

Edinburgh, Scotland: Feast like royalty

Head to the historic Scottish capital to indulge all five senses with an authentic culinary experience at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian’s modern fine dining restaurant, Dean Banks at The Pompadour. Award-winning chef Dean Banks’ seven-course tasting menu showcases the region’s finest sustainable produce and seafood. After dining like royalty, head to nearby Edinburgh Castle for hilltop city views and the chance to see the U.K.’s oldest crown jewels.

San Diego: Surf, sand and wellness

Embrace your inner SoCal vibe by combining the glittering sands of Del Beach and waterfront wellness on San Diego’s Coronado Island. The iconic oceanfront Hotel Del Coronado offers overnight guests a complementary 1-hour strengthening yoga class and daily and monthly passes to a 45-minute one-of-a-kind Spin class on the beach. After finding your inner Zen or getting your blood pumping while enjoying stunning Pacific Ocean views, catch a wave with the guidance of the resort’s expert surf instructors. The 90-minute group lessons include surfboard and wetsuit rentals and 60 minutes of in-water instruction. Capture the moment for life by adding the Surf Photography Package and have your instructor take photos and videos during your lesson that you can keep as mementoes.

Singapore: Heritage flavors and seafood delights

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Singapore is a seafood enthusiast’s culinary haven. Experience rich authentic flavors, freshly sourced produce, local spices and oceanic delights during a lobster, crab and seafood dinner at Hilton Singapore Orchard’s modern-colonial restaurant Estate. Indulge in one of the city’s largest seafood buffets with selections cooked in various styles, including crab rillette with avocado, lobster thermidor, soft-shell crab burgers and crispy cheong fun (rice noodle roll) with soft-shell chili crab. Enhance the moment with Champagne and be sure to sample Estate’s signature black truffle roasted duck and Asian-inspired skewers to complete your meal.

Napa Valley, California: Vintage explorations

With hundreds of renowned vineyards and miles of picturesque valleys to explore, a trip to Napa Valley is a great way to immerse yourself in the Northern California good life. While staying at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Napa Valley — American Canyon, you'll be perfectly positioned for wine-tasting excursions at the many world-class vineyards that are within 10 miles of the property. Don’t feel like going out? Settle in at the hotel’s on-site, eco-friendly Table 29 Bistro & Bar for California-inspired bites made from locally grown ingredients.

Seattle: Soak in your surroundings

The Pacific Northwest is known for being an adventurist’s dream destination, but there’s also plenty of local inspiration to be found in more indulgent experiences. Enhance your stay at Hotel 1000 Seattle, LXR Hotels & Resorts by booking a lush in-room bath treatment with personalized butler service, chilled Champagne and caviar and fresh florals from nearby Pike Place Market. Or try the aptly named Emerald City in-room spa package that includes specially sourced local amenities, like Buddha Bath Seattle Rain-scented bath bubbles. Once relaxed, head to the property’s restaurant, All Water, for a sampling of authentic regional cuisine such as chowder with smoked salmon, tacos with local halibut and freshly caught oysters on the half shell.

Immersive experiences can enhance your stay and expand your understanding of local culture and traditions. Step outside the conventional travel box and dive into the unique local offerings of your destination.

Alison Cavatore is the assistant editor for the content marketing team at Hilton. She has written and copyedited for numerous print and digital publications in the U.S. and abroad. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Alison has lived in Miami, Scottsdale, Holland, France, Switzerland and Canada. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.

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