The Vernal Plate: Michelin Stars and Organic Gardens this Spring

Apr 15, 2026 | Travel

As Spring unfolds, a renewed appreciation for seasonality takes centre stage in some of the world’s most exceptional destinations. From Michelin-starred kitchens to flourishing organic gardens, this season celebrates the harmony between nature and gastronomy. Guests are invited to savour dishes inspired by freshly harvested produce, sustainable farming practices and culinary craftsmanship that reflects the spirit of place. Whether overlooking alpine landscapes, Mediterranean coastlines or tranquil island retreats, these extraordinary properties offer immersive gastronomic journeys where Spring’s bounty is transformed into unforgettable dining experiences.

Beau-Rivage Palace (Lausanne, Switzerland)

Overlooking Lake Geneva, Beau-Rivage Palace is home to one of Switzerland’s most celebrated dining destinations. The hotel’s restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Anne-Sophie Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace, reflect an extraordinary dedication to seasonal ingredients.

Under the direction of acclaimed chef Anne-Sophie Pic, spring menus highlight delicate vegetables, aromatic herbs and carefully selected produce that capture the freshness of the season. Each dish is an elegant exploration of flavour and texture, showcasing Pic’s signature poetic approach to modern French gastronomy.

The restaurant’s newly redesigned setting by Tristan Auer now extends into a charming garden just below the terrace, where fresh herbs are cultivated for the kitchen. Guests can enjoy this garden-to-table experience at la grande table beneath a pergola, or opt for the elegant Lunch at Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace experience — a refined dining journey designed to be savoured within 90 minutes.

Brasserie Astoria Stockholm (Stockholm, Sweden)

In the heart of Stockholm, Brasserie Astoria by acclaimed chef Björn Frantzén brings a refined yet lively expression of contemporary Nordic gastronomy to one of the city’s most iconic historic dining rooms. The brasserie celebrates the changing seasons through thoughtfully sourced ingredients, reflecting Scandinavia’s deep-rooted culinary philosophy of seasonality and respect for nature. 

As Spring arrives in Sweden, the kitchen highlights the freshness of the Nordic landscape with vibrant green vegetables, tender herbs, and delicately prepared seafood from nearby waters. Dishes evolve with the season, showcasing ingredients such as early asparagus, spring greens, and locally sourced produce in elegant yet approachable compositions that embody Frantzén’s signature balance of creativity and precision.

Cheval Blanc Randheli (Noonu Atoll, Maldives)

In the crystalline waters of the Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli offers an extraordinary island retreat where gastronomy is inspired by both land and sea. Spring introduces vibrant new flavours across the resort’s dining venues, with chefs highlighting seasonal produce and sustainably sourced seafood. 

From the brasserie-style cuisine at The White to sunlit Italian lunches and starlit dinners over the lagoon at Deelani, guests can savour diverse flavours throughout the day. At Diptyque, a theatrical open-kitchen concept showcases refined Japanese and East Asian cuisine, while the signature restaurant Le 1947 presents an elegant 12-course dégustation menu celebrating French gastronomy with a subtle Maldivian touch, served against the tranquil backdrop of a verdant tropical garden.

Chiva-Som (Hua Hin, Thailand)

Overlooking the tranquil Gulf of Thailand, Chiva-Som celebrates the season through its renowned wellness cuisine, where nutrition, creativity and sustainability come together in beautifully balanced dishes. At the heart of the culinary philosophy is the resort’s certified organic garden, where a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown and harvested according to the rhythms of nature to inspire ever-evolving seasonal menus. 

Guests can enjoy these vibrant flavours at Taste of Siam, the resort’s relaxed beachfront restaurant serving Thai wellness cuisine and international dishes from sunrise to evening, or at The Emerald Room, where contemporary wellness gastronomy is elevated through refined presentations and nutrient-rich creations, including pescatarian options and the signature Chiva-Som Siam Steamboat. Many ingredients are sourced directly from the resort’s organic gardens, allowing chefs to craft dishes that reflect both the freshness of the season and Chiva-Som’s holistic approach to nourishment and wellbeing.

Graubunden (Switzerland)

As Spring arrives in the alpine canton of Graubunden, melting snow reveals wild herbs, tender greens, and pristine mountain landscapes that have long inspired some of Switzerland’s most celebrated culinary traditions. The region is also home to the world-renowned chef Andreas Caminada, whose three-Michelin-starred restaurant at Schloss Schauenstein has helped define modern Swiss gastronomy through a deep respect for seasonal and regional ingredients. 

Further east, the valley of Engadin offers its own interpretation of alpine spring. In the charming town of Scuol, Hotel Belvédère has welcomed guests since 1876, blending the grandeur of historic Swiss hospitality with contemporary comfort. Here, spring is best experienced slowly — from panoramic terraces overlooking the Engadin mountains to refined moments in the Bar & Wine Lounge or the region’s largest wine shop. Surrounded by fresh alpine air and seasonal produce from nearby farms, the hotel offers an authentic gateway to the flavours and traditions of Graubunden.

Le Bristol Paris (Paris, France)

In the heart of Paris, Le Bristol Paris celebrates the arrival of spring through its exceptional culinary artistry, led by Chef Arnaud Faye, Meilleur Ouvrier de France. Home to four Michelin stars across its restaurants, including the three-Michelin-starred Epicure and the one-star 114 Faubourg, the hotel reflects an unwavering commitment to French gastronomy rooted in seasonal ingredients and trusted local producers.

During the warmer months, guests can savour the beauty of the season at Le Jardin Français, a verdant courtyard oasis where lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea are served al fresco. Here, refined dishes and delicate pastries imagined by Pastry Chef Maxence Barbot draw inspiration from nature’s vibrant flavours and the elegant rhythms of Parisian life.