To Catalonia, body and soul

March 01, 2009|Destinations

MAY 25-30

BARCELONA

Spanish Journeys Pilates and Cooking Retreat: Pilates workouts might be the perfect way to stay in shape while learning about and indulging in cuisine. Participants on this five-day experience will stay at a villa surrounded by organic gardens. They'll forage for raspberries, pick artichokes, and taste cava. Besides five Pilates classes with renowned master teacher Karrie Adamany, there will be hiking and bicycling trips. Cooking classes will focus on Catalan dishes with visits to local markets. One day will include a hike along the Costa Brava followed by a tour of a small, biodynamic winery. The trip, which is limited to 16 participants, can be extended for three days of guided tours of Barcelona's restaurants and sights. The cost ranges from $2,950 to $3,450. 508-349-9769, www.spanishjourneys.com.

MARCH 22-25

PARIS

Paris Tea and Chocolate Tour: To see past the Eiffel Tower, you might want to sign up for an in-depth exploration of the city's chocolatiers, pâtisseries, and tea shops. Sally Peabody, author of "Paris, Tea Capital of the World," leads this jaunt to tea salons and makers of artisanal chocolates. Highlights will include a visit for tea and pastry at Mariage Frères, tasting of blue-vert tea at La Maison de Trois Thés, and demonstrations of artisanal chocolate making. Daily lunches, teas, talks, tastings, and guided walks are included for $1,650. 781-391-6183, www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com.

APRIL 22-26

HOUSTON

Grand Wine and Food Affair: This five-day event ranges from gala wine dinners to tastings, demonstrations by chefs, seminars on budget wines and blending, and explorations of Texas vintages. Featured chefs include Houston notables Randy Evans of Haven and Robert Gatsby of Bedford. Winemakers from Texas and beyond and comedian Kinky Friedman will be in attendance. Prices for seminars and dinners range from $20 to $225. A three-day package is $200. 281-491-0216 www.thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com.

APRIL 19-MAY 2

SINGAPORE

World Gourmet Summit: This two-week extravaganza celebrates cuisines and wines from around the world with gourmet safaris to Singapore restaurants, vintners' dinners, awards for culinary and wine excellence, master cooking classes, and a champagne fest. Chefs who will attend include Alfonso Castellano of Estado Puro in Madrid, Herve Boutin of Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, and Wylie Dufresne of wd~50 in New York. Prices vary. www.worldgourmetsummit.com.

APRIL 23-26

SARASOTA, FLA.