Take Advantage of the Summer Sunshine with Booking.com’s Alfresco Dining Spots
Food and sunshine: two of the most important factors for travelers choosing their next vacation destination. In fact, 73% of US travelers consider tasty local food/cuisine to be a key factor in deciding their next vacation spot and 71% of global travelers regard consistent weather as an important factor when deciding.* On your next trip, why not combine both as it becomes safe to do so again? For all types of tastes and budgets, alfresco dining is a great way to enjoy the warm summer temperatures and sunshine. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com has delved into its over 28 million total reported listings in more than 152,000 destinations to reveal some of the best alfresco dining spots. From rooftop wonders with panoramic city views, to hidden eateries nestled in sun-trapped courtyards, eating in the open air makes for a wonderful way to enjoy summer.
The enchanting Grotta Palazzese holds a place on every foodie’s bucket list. This breath-taking restaurant inside a cave on the Italian coast, with a warm summer night’s breeze, was built centuries ago. Enjoy dramatic sea views as you sit at dimly lit tables and watch the waves lap the shores beneath you.
Where to stay: Situated in Polignano a Mare, the charming Hotel Grotta Palazzese is set on a cliff overlooking the sea. The five star hotel is perfect for reserving the best seat in the house (or cave) in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, from the hedonistic nightlife scene along Khao San Road to the entrancing temples and shrines. Sirocco is the world’s highest alfresco restaurant and is a must-visit for foodie thrill seekers. This iconic rooftop restaurant boasts unrivalled views of bustling Bangkok, an in house jazz band and sumptuous chef’s tasting menu to indulge your senses.
Where to stay: Why not treat yourself and stay in the very home of the Sirocco restaurant. The lebua at State Tower has a range of glamorous suites with impressive views of the spectacular city skyline. Conveniently located near the Chao Phraya River, BTS Skytrain and the expressway, you will have easy access to the city's main attractions. Plus, your reservation at the Sirocco restaurant and Sky Bar is just a lift away!
With the famous Aussie sunshine and warm temperatures in Port Douglas year round, travelers are spoiled for choice with alfresco dining options. Flames of the Forest is Australia’s only rainforest dining experience in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. This unique restaurant combines local produce with the stunning beauty of the surrounding forest. You can choose between the Aboriginal Cultural Experience (includes a seven dish banquet and an Aboriginal cultural performance) or the Rainforest Dining Experience (includes a six course tropical tasting menu).
Where to stay: Port Douglas is a haven for travelers looking to embrace natural beauty and breath-taking landscapes, from Bloomfield Falls to the pristine four-mile beach. Known for its boutique, beach-lined cafes, restaurants and bars, it is perfect for soaking up the rays whilst tucking into delicious food. The Martinique on Macrossan apartments is a great place to stay – with the beach just a short walk away and the Flames of the Forest restaurant just a short drive away. The spacious self-contained apartments each have a private balcony and are surrounded by lush tropical gardens, boast a saltwater swimming pool and BBQ facilities.
Brits will know that the summer months can prove all too fleeting, so booking an outdoor table whenever you can is a must. Even with its nickname of the ‘big smoke’, London should not be disregarded when daydreaming of alfresco dining. The Coq d’Argent is a must for outdoor dining, serving delicious French cuisine and boasting a rooftop garden which offers mesmerising views of the capital’s skyline.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of London at the exquisite and beautifully designed Ham Yard Hotel. Dine at the on-site restaurant and enjoy the frequently updated menu and rooftop terrace. Relax on the large, leafy rooftop garden and enjoy sweeping views of London’s skyline.
Ibiza is no stranger to sunny weather and high temperatures, making it the ideal destination for soaking up the sun rays. The Giri Café is an idyllic cafe tucked behind the walls of a 300-year old townhouse. This corner of paradise comes with a garden, full of sweet fragrances and over fifty different types of plants!
Where to stay: The lavish converted farm stay, Agroturismo Ca Sa Vilda Marge contains orchard and vegetable gardens and an outdoor pool with sun beds. This tranquil spot is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy an alfresco experience!
Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals for travelers to use when booking their summer 2021 getaways, as it becomes safe to do so. Discounts start at 15 percent and are valid for stays until September 30 2021. In addition, Booking.com is bringing the great value of its Genius program to even more customers by giving all account holders access to the program’s Level 1 benefits, with no minimum number of previous bookings to qualify, including access to exclusive 10% discounts at hundreds of thousands of participating properties around the world. All travelers have to do is download the Booking.com app, log in and look for the Genius logo to identify associated benefits, discounts and perks.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 47,728 respondents across 28 markets (1,997 from USA, 1,987 from Canada, 1,999 from Mexico, 2,003 from Colombia, 1,996 from Brazil, 2,002 from Argentina, 1,994 from Australia, 985 from New Zealand, 1,993 from Spain, 1,993 from Italy, 1,993 from France, 1,984 from UK, 1,989 from Germany, 1,977 from Netherlands, 983 from Denmark, 986 from Sweden, 998 from Croatia, 1,997 from Russia, 999 from Israel, 1,997 from India, 1,992 from China, 991 from Hong Kong, 1,991 from Thailand, 1,977 from Singapore, 998 from Taiwan, 953 from Vietnam, 1,990 from South Korea, 1,987 from Japan). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in November 2020.