Kiwi Curated
Dreamy Picnic Spots Around the World
by Rebecca LowLong, golden days were made for slowing down, and few pleasures capture summer’s magic quite like discovering dreamy picnic spots. From Paris rooftops to Maldivian sandbanks, luxury hotels are elevating the experience with curated outdoor spreads in breathtaking settings. It’s summer served beautifully.
Take in the City of Light from above while relaxing on your own tranquil garden terrace—found in one of just four elegant Rooftop Garden Suites at The Peninsula Paris. These duplex suites offer spacious interiors filled with natural light, blending classic Parisian style with contemporary comfort. At your request, Michelin-level chefs will prepare a Parisian picnic or barbecue to enjoy on your private terrace, complete with personalized service, elegant table settings and seasonal ingredients, some of which are sourced from the rooftop garden. Whether it’s a leisurely midday meal or an intimate evening gathering, it’s sure to be unforgettable as you look out at the iconic Arc-de-Triomphe, hill-top neighbourhood of Montmartre and glittering Eiffel Tower.
Set on the sparkling shores of Santa Monica Beach and housed in a grand 1920s Italian Renaissance-style building, Hotel Casa del Mar offers a beach picnic experience that will elevate your seaside escape. Sit back on plush pillows under the shade and savor a gourmet menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients while you listen to the waves. You can reserve picnic spots anytime from sunrise to sunset, making it perfect for a romantic breakfast on the sand or a golden hour dinner as the sun dips into the Pacific. Spend the rest of your time in the ocean-view pool, unwinding with a treatment at the spa or finding your flow with a rejuvenating beachside yoga class.
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara offers unique picnic experiences celebrating the region’s beauty. One option is a romantic riverside dinner overlooking the Zambezi River. Partner with your personal chef to create a tailored menu featuring Mediterranean, Asian and African flavors that pair perfectly with sparkling wine. For panoramic views from above, opt for a scenic helicopter ride over the falls, culminating in Batoka Gorge, where you can savor a gourmet picnic on a private white sand beach at the water’s edge. If you’d rather stay on the expansive grounds with a riverfront pool, hammocks and plenty of wildlife, consider a picnic breakfast or lunch on the royal lawns.
At Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, gastronomy becomes a highlight of your safari adventure with open-air picnics, private dinners and sundowners all set deep in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. After a morning of game viewing by boat, you’ll be guided to a secluded clearing where a beautifully arranged picnic awaits. Look out at the endless delta and listen to the sounds of distant wildlife as you enjoy a meal tailored to your tastes, featuring locally-sourced produce. The picturesque views continue back at the lodge, nestled on a private island renowned for its pristine waterways, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. In the evenings, sit down for dinner around the campfire or on your private deck overlooking your plunge pool.
Tucked away in the Tuscan countryside, COMO Castello Del Nero invites guests to indulge in a private picnic experience on its 740-acre estate. Leave the 12th-century castle behind and follow the map to the picnic spots, where a soft blanket, seasonal floral arrangements and a carefully packed hamper will be waiting. Sit under the shade of an ancient tree and look out at the rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves as you enjoy a Tuscan or vegetarian meal. After your picnic, go for a stroll through the expansive grounds, take in the view from above at the infinity pool or go on a truffle hunt with the resident truffle hunter.
Kick off your shoes and set sail for a private sandbank picnic arranged by The Nautilus Maldives. Step onto the soft white sand and look out at the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean as you settle into a beautifully curated setup complete with shaded seating and plush cushions. As you relax, your private chef will barbecue a selection of freshly caught seafood, premium meats and locally inspired sides all tailored to your tastes. Finish your meal with tropical fruit or a decadent dessert as the tide gently laps the shore. Back at the resort, you can retreat to your beach or ocean house with dedicated butler service, a private pool and uninterrupted views of the water.
Conrad New York Downtown partnered with Picnics & Peonies to offer luxury picnic experiences in some of the city’s most beautiful parks. Guests can customize every detail of their picnic with the help of an expert event design team, choosing from a range of furniture, place settings, florals, decor, umbrellas and picnic spots in Manhattan or Brooklyn. You can even add on black car transport to and from the hotel to arrive in style. This downtown retreat boasts spacious, modern suites with views of the city skyline, the Hudson River and the iconic Statue of Liberty. With multiple on-site dining options, a 24-hour fitness centre and attentive concierge service, this is the perfect urban base for exploring the city.
Photo courtesy of Picnics & Peonies.
Perched majestically atop the Old Québec skyline, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offers unparalleled views of the St. Lawrence River and a rich sense of history. Beyond its elegant rooms and suites, this renowned château features a range of dining options, including take-out picnic baskets you can enjoy anywhere in the city. There are plenty of great picnic spots to choose from in the area, whether you’re nestled in the lush gardens surrounding the property or soaking up the sun in the nearby Montmorency Park. If it’s too cold for an outdoor picnic, savor local cheese and charcuterie platters at Bistro Le Sam instead. Then, go for a dip in the indoor heated pool.
Adventures reach new heights at &Beyond-Sossusvlei Desert Lodge with a private helicopter ride and picnic that captures the grandeur of the Namib from above and below. Soar over rust-red dunes, ancient canyons and fossilized riverbeds before touching down in a secluded location where a gourmet picnic and chilled glass of champagne await. Sit down at a thoughtfully arranged table perfectly framed by sweeping desert vistas and savor every bite. After the flight, retreat to your stone-and-glass villa, complete with a private veranda, fireplace and a skylight above the bed so you can watch the stars light up the sky. For a closer look, join an astronomer at the lodge’s state-of-the-art observatory to admire the constellations, planets and distant galaxies.
La Sultana Oualidia has one of the best picnic spots for seafood lovers, offering a unique oyster farm exploration coupled with a gourmet lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A traditional fishing boat will whisk you away to a secluded cove on the coast, where you’ll enjoy fresh oysters and local delicacies. When you’re done eating, you’ll explore the oyster beds with an expert guide and learn about the sustainable farming practices that have shaped the region since the 1950s. Beyond the excursions, this Moroccan hideaway has a spa with a traditional hammam, a swimming pool that opens out to the lagoon and an oyster bar in case you didn’t have enough at lunch.
In the heart of the world’s driest desert, Awasi Atacama crafts experiences that feel anything but barren. After a morning hike past salt flats and steaming geysers, you’ll find a beautifully set table waiting in the middle of the desert. Every outing is private and personalized, and meals are no exception—think fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean, seasonal produce and Andean wines served with sweeping views of Valle de la Luna or flamingo-speckled lagoons. Back at the lodge, just outside San Pedro, unwind in one of 12 suites, all built from local materials. Or escape the desert heat with a dip in the outdoor pool while your private guide maps out another once-in-a-lifetime adventure.