Latest news with #Michelin-quality
Buzz Feed
22-05-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
34 Must-Try Asian Food And Drink Brands To Stock Up On
Hodo Foods Hodo Foods crafts delicious, plant-based meals bursting with rich, complex flavors. Their tofu can be served with your favorite noodles, over rice, and more! You can find them at Whole Foods, Instacart, and other top out all of their products on Amazon. Noble Fresh Cart Noble Fresh Cart is a new e-commerce food service delivering restaurant-quality premium seafood, meats, and sushi essentials sourced from True World Foods directly to the doorsteps of New York and New Jersey-based consumers. Noble Fresh Cart features a tantalizing array of top-tier, ready-to-eat sashimi and sushi, including bluefin tuna (akamai, chutoro, otoro), salmon, and uni as well as premium Japanese Wagyu beef, allowing customers to enjoy affordable Michelin-quality, sustainably sourced products from the comfort of out their product offerings at Noble Fresh Cart. Wanderlands Wanderlands is a pecan-based snack mix on a mission to transform everyday snacking into a captivating adventure. Born out of a rare partnership between a wine maker and a neuroscientist, Wanderlands is the result of over two years of research and recipe development with unexpected ingredients, textures, and aromas — leading to a series of unique integrated flavor combinations that "appeal to our olfactory sense to evoke the places that inspire us most." Each blend is made to bring forward the essence of its titular surroundings (Mineral Creek Wilds, Mesa After Rain, and Into Snowy Woods) via hand-selected ingredients that echo that setting's atmosphere, flora and out their products at Wanderlands. Kayanoya In 1893, a small soy sauce maker opened for business in the Japanese village of Kubara, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. This was the beginning of Kayanoya, a brand who boasts authentic Japanese kitchen essentials to cook the perfect umami dishes. Check out all their products on Kayanoya. Dumpling Daughter Dumpling Daughter brings the warmth and authenticity of homestyle Chinese comfort food to tables nationwide. The brand now offers restaurant favorites, frozen foods, sauces, and an heirloom cookbook filled with cherished family recipes passed down through out all of their products on Dumpling Daughter. Mojave Mallows Mojave Mallows is a California-based brand that handcrafts all of its marshmallows and uses eco-friendly packaging. Their flavors include cocoa-dipped marshmallows, s'more-speckled marshmallows, and vanilla bean marshmallows. The brand also offers portable campfires, so you can roast your marshmallows anywhere you go!Check out all of their products on Mojave Mallows. Din Tai Fung Din Tai Fung is a family-owned Taiwanese restaurant renowned for its mouthwatering dumplings, refreshing cucumber salad, and a variety of flavorful dishes. The restaurant now offers gift cards available for purchase in store or online, perfect for that special someone who can't stop raving about out their menu and gift card options at Din Tai Fung. Kobu Kobu is a woman-owned brand specializing in handcrafted mochi cakes in beloved flavors like ube, matcha, chocolate, and black sesame. Soft, chewy, and microwave-ready, these treats are warm and delicious in just out all of their products on Kobu and Amazon. Mamas Mamas is a South Asian-owned brand that crafts rich, saffron-infused ghee, which is a flavorful and nourishing twist on traditional clarified butter. Rooted in Indian culinary heritage and celebrated for its anti-inflammatory benefits, this golden staple brings both taste and wellness to every out all of their products on Mamas. Family Style Family Style by culinary creator, lifestyle expert, and award-winning fashion designer Peter Som contains 100 powerfully flavorful recipes for breakfasts, dinners, desserts. The cookbook features heartfelt tributes to his grandmother's Cantonese flavors, his mom's passion for French cuisine, his Bay Area roots, family-approved desserts that are 'not too sweet', and more!Check out the book on Amazon. Feel Good Cookies Feel Good Cookies is an Asian-owned brand baking up classic favorites like chocolate chip, oatmeal, and sugar cookies, alongside culturally inspired flavors like ube and pandan. Every order comes with a handwritten note, adding a personal touch to celebrate connection, gratitude, and meaningful out all of their products on Feel Good Cookies. Chimney & Tea Chimney & Tea is a Taiwanese-owned brand that invites tea lovers to explore the rich heritage of oolong, a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in East Asian culture. The brand sources directly from a family farm to make high-quality oolong more accessible in North America, offering not just a beverage, but a meaningful cultural out all of their products on Chimney & Tea. Mr. Yoshida's Mr. Yoshia's is a family-owned business that specializes in high-quality Asian sauces and marinades. Their Original Japanese Barbecue Gourmet Marinade & Cooking Sauce is available in original, spicy, and sweet teriyaki. Check out their products on Amazon. Mizu Lab Mizu Lab was born from founders Angelina and Soomi's realization of not drinking enough water daily and their desire for unique, Asian-inspired flavors. The brand combats dehydration, offers zero sugar, and is non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. Reminiscent of Yakult, a Japanese sweetened probiotic milk beverage, it comes in various flavors including lychee and mangosteen, and yuzu and out their products on Mizu Lab. Fly By Jing Founded by Jing Gao, Fly By Jing was inspired by the amazing flavors of Gao's hometown, Chengdu, and its famous fly restaurants — described on the website as "soulful hole-in-the-wall eateries so good they attract diners like flies." Check out all of their products on Fly By Jing. Country Archer Provisions Country Archer Provisions is a Korean-owned jerky brand with a range of mouthwatering flavors available in both meat sticks and jerky. These jerkies are ideal for anyone looking for more from their food, including outdoor adventurers, busy parents, athletes, and conscious eaters as they are created with 100% grass-fed beef, natural turkey, antibiotic-free pork, and real out all of their products on Country Archer Provisions. Issei Mochi Gummies Issei Mochi Gummies creates soft, chewy candy with subtle flavors that pair exceptionally well with ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, puddings, or your preferred dessert. Plus, the packets are resealable, ensuring freshness for every bite!Check out all of their products on Issei Mochi Gummies. Bachan's Bachan's Japanese Barbecue Sauce is an umami-filled, teriyaki-ish sauce passed down and improved over generations of founder Justin Gill's family. The company is named in honor of Gill's Bachan, meaning Granny in Japanese, who would cook the most amazing out all of their products on Bachan's or Amazon. Wildwonder Wildwonder drinks are inspired by founder Rosa Li's Chinese heritage and reimagined for modern taste. Honeysuckle and lychee – both celebrated ingredients in China – join raspberry, prebiotics, and probiotics for a functional sipping experience where culture meets craving. The brand also collaborated with Le Mini Macaron to launch a limited-edition Cherry Lemonade drink and a nail polish trio with nail stickers!Check out all of their products on Wildwonder. MiLa MiLa is a modern Chinese food brand bringing restaurant-quality dumplings, ice cream, and more delicious food made with premium ingredients into your homes. They recently added potsticker-style dumplings, expanding upon their delicious soup, noodles, and out all of their products on Eat MiLa. The Asian Snack Box The Asian Snack Box is entirely customizable, letting people handpick snacks from various Asian countries, designing a box that perfectly matches their preferences. Whether they are craving sweet, savory, or a mix of both, people are able to select your ideal quantity of each snack to create your ultimate out their products on The Asian Snack Box. Sugar Bowl Bakery Sugar Bowl Bakery is a Vietnamese-founded brand that offers delicious baked goods including madeleines, palmiers, duet bites, brownie bites, cake bites, and more! Their baked goods are available at Stater Brothers, Costco, Aldi, Albertsons, and out all of their products on Sugar Bowl Bakery or on Amazon. Poi Dog Sauces The term "Poi Dog" represents the diverse fusion of flavors found in Hawaii's local food, drawing inspiration from Hawaiian cuisine and cultures of the Philippines, Japan, Portugal, and more. Poi Dog offers Chef and Founder Kiki Aranita's nostalgic Huli Huli sauce, featuring sweet pineapple, savory miso, and fragrant Chinese five-spice, versatile for marinating chicken or adding a deep, sweet savoriness to vegetables, mushrooms, and out all of their products on Poi Dog. Dream Tea NYC Dream Tea offers over 650 tea combinations, allowing customers to personalize their blend from 14 ingredients and three bases. Each order is expertly mixed by hand, packaged in an airtight tin with a personalized label, and stays fresh for up to 18 out all of their products on Dream Tea. Lady M Lady M is a New York-based luxury confections brand that creates delicate cakes using French pastry techniques with Japanese sensibilities. Each cake is carefully created with 20 alternating layers of soft cream and lacy French crêpes allowing each bite to experience a sensational texture and out all of their products on Lady M. Nguyen Coffee Supply Nguyen Coffee Supply is the first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in the United States to import via direct-trade and roasting in Brooklyn. The brand partners with a fourth-generation farmer who owns and operates his family farm in Vietnam's Central Highlands and has a mission to "change the future of coffee through diversity, sustainability, and cultural integrity." This May, the brand is collaborating with Sprinkles Cupcake to create a Vietnamese Coffee cupcake which will be available from May 13th-26th. This brand is also a part of Gold House Futures, a community of more than 600 Asian Pacific creatives, entrepreneurs, and social impact out all of their products on Nguyen Coffee Supply. Gimme Seaweed Gimme Seaweed is a Korean-owned brand that is transforming seaweed into an incredibly popular snack by harnessing its delectable taste, nutritional value, and eco-friendly characteristics. Cultivated in the nutrient-rich and pristine waters off the coast of South Korea, known for its cleanliness and environmental protection, Gimme Seaweed ensures the highest quality and sustainability of their seaweed out all of their products on Gimme Seaweed. Alaya Tea Esha Chhabra and Smita Satiani founded Alaya Tea to build a more sustainable and ethical tea industry. The brand's commitment to the environment and farmers is reflected in their direct sourcing of tea from eco-conscious producers at the foothills of the Himalayas, as well as their adherence to high labor out all of their products on Alaya Tea. Soup Queens Soup Queens creates ready-to-make soup pouches inspired by their grandma, who would package zip-lock bags of herbal ingredients to help the founder's mom easily make soup for the family. With these pouches, the brand helps people create delicious and healthy soups in just two hours! Check out all of their products on Soup Queens. Synear Synear offers frozen dumplings that bring the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine right to your home. Dedicated to authentic recipes and premium ingredients, the brand allows you to skip takeout and savor a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just minutes from the comfort of your own out all of their products on Synear and Instacart. Spice Girl Kitchen Spice Girl Kitchen creates authentic, quick and easy Indian recipes for beginners. Awarded author and culinary teacher Shubhra Ramineni has written three cookbooks including Entice With Spice: Easy and Quick Indian Recipes for Beginners, Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking: Easy Recipes for the Hurry Home Cook, and Entice With Spice: Easy Indian Recipes for Busy People, which are all available now on the Entice With Spice cookbook on Amazon here and the Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking cookbook here. Mason Dixie Foods Mason Dixie Foods is a comfort food brand that creates scratch-made biscuits, biscuit sandwiches, and waffles made with the highest-quality ingredients and are easy to prepare. Check out all of their products on Mason Dixie Foods. Bokksu Bokksu is a Japanese monthly snack box subscription company that has brought the authentic taste and nuanced culture of Japan to over 100 countries worldwide. The brand offers snack subscriptions and an e-grocery service that delivers Japanese food and lifestyle products and provides a platform for traditional Japanese makers to showcase their goods to a worldwide out all of their products on Bokksu. A-Sha A-Sha is a Taiwanese-owned, Taiwan- and California-based noodle brand known for its 100-year-old legacy noodle recipe from Tainan, Taiwan. You may have seen their products at your local Costco, Target, H-Mart, Walmart, and more mainstream stores. With each dry noodle dish and tasty snack, A-Sha gives you the authentic taste of Taiwan in a convenient, easy-to-make out all of their products on A-Sha. Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round.
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Former 'murder capital' that's stuffed with cute, cheap period properties is finally on the up
The city once nicknamed 'Mobtown' has begun to shake off its gritty TV image with a flourishing revival of upscale dining and luxurious boutique shops. Baltimore has dramatically reinvented itself, leaving behind its reputation as the crime-ridden city portrayed in HBO 's hit series 'The Wire' for a new identity as an up-and-coming hotspot for luxury hotels and foodie hotspots. Where 'The Wire' depicted abandoned row houses and open-air drug markets, visitors today might be more likely to find craft cocktail bars, waterfront developments and Michelin-quality restaurants. Kelly Harris, a Maryland-based Realtor and real estate investor, has witnessed the city's evolution up close. 'Baltimore's housing market has grown steadily over the last three to five years, with average home prices increasing nearly 20 to 30 percent in key neighborhoods,' Harris told the 'Areas like Canton, Federal Hill, and Hampden continue to thrive due to their walkability, cultural appeal, and access to new retail and dining developments,' she explained. The historic Latrobe Building, for example, was once a symbol of Baltimore's decline, has since been transformed into the Ulysses Hotel, which opened in September 2022. Originally the building was built in 1912 as luxury apartments before falling into disrepair and abandonment. At the Ulysses, visitors are now greeted with blue leopard print carpets, claw-foot bathtubs surrounded by silk curtains, and a lobby adorned with Caravaggio-esque paintings and silver orchid planters with swan's neck handles. The city's revival began gaining momentum in 2017 when the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore opened, a sleek waterfront hotel. According to Harris, the city's housing market has maintained higher pricing compared to pre-pandemic levels, though certain zip codes are seeing corrections as interest rates shift. 'Despite that, there's strong demand for renovated rowhomes, multi-units, and mixed-use properties, especially from remote workers and investors looking for value in an urban setting,' she said. Lisa Vonakis of the Lee Tessier Team at EXP Realty, who was born and raised in Baltimore, has watched her hometown transform over decades in the real estate business. 'Sagamore Pendry is an amazing luxury hotel in the heart of historic Fells Point,' she told the Vonakis, who grew up on the Baltimore City/Balto County line and has been a realtor for more than 20 years, has seen the ups and down of her city - like all big metros. But she believes it's about time her city got the recognition it deserves. The lifelong local says the city's notorious TV portrayal has overshadowed its true character for far too long. 'Baltimore has its ups and downs like most big cities and sometimes the negative issues get much more press,' she explains. 'It is a town of hard-working neighbors.' Baltimore's transformation is also reflected in the statistics. The city recorded its lowest homicide rate in nearly 15 years in 2024, with 201 homicides marking a dramatic 12 percent decrease from 2023 and a staggering 41 percent drop from 2021 levels. Maryland as a whole is becoming safer too, with statewide homicides falling from 519 in 2023 to 455 in 2024, while violent crimes plummeted from 1,190 to 891 during the same period. And just this week a report from U.S. News & World Report no longer included Baltimore among the most dangerous places in America. The digital media company released its Most Dangerous Places in the U.S. 2024-2025 list and normally Baltimore would be in the Top 25 but this year it didn't make the cut. The list is compiled based on a city's murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people. According to Vonakis, the real estate market is feeling the benefits of this urban revival. 'Lots of thriving neighborhoods like Canton and Brewer's Hill, Towson and more - property values have been growing greatly in the last few years,' she revealed. Baltimore's culinary scene has also transformed. Lisa Vonakis of the Lee Tessier Team at EXP Realty, who was born and raised in Baltimore, has watched her hometown transform over decades in the real estate business Little Donna's, a row-house restaurant in Upper Fell's Point run by Robbie Tutlewski, made the New York Times list of America's best restaurants in 2023. The menu features innovative and unique dishes like crab pancakes with chili jam and lobster pierogi. Vonakis highlighted the city's diverse food offerings as a major draw to locals and incoming residents. 'There's a great food scene with lots of locally owned cafes and restaurants and ethnic specialties like Samos Restaurant in Greektown, DiPasquale's Deli and more,' she said. She added that 'Baltimoreans enjoy snowballs, which is unique to our area.' Snowballs are finely shaved iced with flavored syrups. The city's historic food markets are also receiving dramatic makeovers. Lexington Market, which was established in the 18th century, moved to a sleek new downtown building in late 2022. The market now brings together international cuisines from Malaysian to Dominican to Nepali under one roof. Faidley's Seafood, a market fixture since 1886, has also relocated to these modern buildings. Another new modern 'minimalist' hotel called Roost was opened in 2023 as part of Baltimore Peninsula - a massive 235-acre, multibillion-dollar development along the Patapsco River partially funded by Under Armour founder Kevin Plank. Nearby, the Sagamore Spirit Distillery offers visitors flights of rye whiskey with views of the now out-of-use piers. A renowned chef, Spike Gjerde, has also reinvented his Woodberry Kitchen as the more intimate Tavern at Woodberry Kitchen. There, he serves specialties like locally sourced ham stuffed with herbs and fresh oyster pie. New businesses are also capitalizing on the revitalized market scenes. Amanda and Joseph Burton opened Rooted Rotisserie near Hollins Market in 2023 after losing their hospitality jobs during the pandemic. They were inspired by a trip to Paris, with their restaurant offering prepared rotisserie chicken and double-cut pork chops. The city's transformation is especially noticeable in Hampden, a neighborhood of row houses that has attracted young creatives priced out of more expensive cities. Sports also remains a cornerstone of Baltimore's identity. Vonakis emphasized that the city has a 'great sports scene' with the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles - two of the best parks in major league sports. 'Baltimoreans are passionate about our teams,' she said. For those considering a move to the city, Vonakis pointed out another major advantage. 'In addition to the perks of living in Baltimore, we have close proximity to DC, Philly and an easy commute to NY for business and fun trips.' While Baltimore still ranks among cities with high murder rates per 100,000 people, experts point to major progress. Karen Herren, executive director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, credits the improvement to a coordinated approach. 'There is not one simple solution to gun violence, or we would have figured it out a long time ago. There are a lot of different pieces, and those pieces have to start working in tandem, which I think is partially what we are seeing,' Herren said to WYPR. The Justice Department has attributed the success in reducing crime to specialized teams focused on firearm crimes and repeat violent offenders. Herren also mentioned that Maryland's gun laws have helped reduce violent crimes. 'I'm very proud of the leadership that this office's public servants have shown in coordinating law enforcement and community efforts throughout Maryland and beyond to protect our nation and promote safer communities,' U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron told WYPR. 'We will continue to be a force-multiplier for the work of our various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and community-based partners.' Looking ahead, Harris sees 'cautious optimism' for Baltimore's market over the next one to two years. 'Neighborhoods like Greenmount West, Milton-Montford, and Pigtown offer tremendous upside potential - but there's a caveat,' she warned. 'As an investor myself, I believe the city must address inefficiencies in permitting and zoning processes,' she added. 'Reducing bottlenecks in approvals for builds, flips and renovations will be critical to sustaining growth and unlocking Baltimore's full development potential.' Despite this, Harris remains optimistic about the city's future. 'Baltimore's appeal is real: historic charm, affordability, culture, and access. Now it's about continuing that momentum with smart policy and streamlined infrastructure to support long-term reinvestment.'
The Independent
12-03-2025
- The Independent
Why the Canary Islands should be your next holiday destination in 2025
An archipelago of eight sun-drenched islands 100 miles off the north west shoulder of Africa make up the Canaries on the Atlantic Ocean. Chiefly celebrated for year-round vitamin D and playas that rival the Balearics, on these Spanish islands natural landscapes transcend even the bright lights of their coastal resorts. Each as dynamic as the next, the Canary Islands offer endless active pursuits, beaches to bathe and cultural adventures to cement their popular position as the place to get away for Brits. Whether tucking into elevated plates of tapas, hiking steep lava fields or doing some serious stargazing, the Canaries masterfully balance budget travel with Michelin-quality luxury for trips that are sure to surprise you. From holiday hotspot Lanzarote to under-the-radar La Gomera, here's where to find getaways on the Canary Islands, just a four-hour flight from the UK. Tenerife Tenerife is sandwiched between the Sahara and the Atlantic, with tropical forest trails in Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide, journeys into the arteries of a dormant volcano, Mount Teide and Europe' s first Whale Heritage Site, home to 28 species of cetacean. All can be explored during four seasons of sun. Though well-catered for budget-friendly package holidays, the Canary island disputes its sour rep as a cheap spot primed for British pubs and associated tomfoolery with its leafy canopy and wild west coast – both relatively untouched by tourism. It's also the ideal spot to see the stars, with clear skies, clean air and high altitudes. Tenerife knows how to attract Brits, with golden sands imported from Western Sahara for sprawling beach fronts, and the popular Siam Park, which remains open throughout winter for sun-seekers visiting the largest of the Canaries. Royal Hideaway Corales Suites offers a home-from-home for holidaymakers in the fishing village of La Caleta. The resort has luxe suites on the beach, three heated saltwater pools and Michelin-starred restaurant El Rincón de Juan Carlos – all designed by local architect Leonardo Omar to mimic a sea cave. Gran Canaria Known as the 'miniature continent' for its contrast of volcanic calderas, urban beaches and imposing heights, Gran Canaria sits in the centre of the Canary Islands archipelago. Black and white southern sands dot Playa del Inglés, Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Rico, and the stylish Meloneras waterfront offers an oasis for holidaymakers shopping, eating and watching the sun go down. Active travellers can tackle the 75km Gran Canaria Camino path which stretches coast-to-coast from Maspalomas in the south to Santiago de los Caballeros in the north, crossing dunes and lush forest as they tread the diameter of this circular island. Enviable temperatures (average daily highs of 24C) and fresh banana snacks are sure to help with the journey. Where to stay Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, is a hotel dating back to 1890, built in Santa Catalina's distinctive pink. It's just a short stroll from the old town, Vegueta, and the city's main beach. Neoclassical rooms feature wooden balconies, ambient lighting and comfortable beds for some R&R before tucking into an extravagant breakfast buffet. Lanzarote With clear, shallow waters, palm-lined promenades and rows of parasols, Lanzarote has smartened up its image from tacky tourist hotspot to luxury travel destination. Famed as the most popular Canary for holidaymakers, a new wave of chic boutiques, pristine beaches and well-equipped resorts awash with international restaurants now sit below the island's dramatic mountains. Visit Papagayo Beach on the island's southern tip for a tan top-up by emerald waters, or tour Timanfaya National Park's lunar landscapes for otherwordly views of the entire island. Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise are ideal for families visiting the usually rain-free isle, but hidden in rural whitewashed villages are the jewels in Lanzarote 's crown. Peppered with hamlets, country bodegas and the vineyard belt of La Geria, tourists are attracted to the lava field landscape, benign inland climate and sparkling coastline, whatever the season. H10 Rubicón Palace, in the heart of Playa Blanca, is a family-friendly resort with five different dining venues, spacious suites to sleep your whole clan and a village atmosphere. Sunsets, nightly shows, multi-sports courts and themed meals greet guests heading for this white sand stretch of Lanzarote. Fuerteventura Travellers flock to the coast of the Canary's oldest island, Fuerteventura, year-round for surfing and watersports. Here, miles of golden sand blessed with breaks and swells for riding the waves is coupled with a relaxed vibe to match the surf scene. On the southwest tip, Sotavento Beach's 9km stretch is a hub of wind and kite surfing, while famous north shore breaks in chic Corralejo are hailed as Europe's answer to Hawaii for surfing. Beneath the volcanic mountains, the hills are scattered with traditional windmills, Aztec-inspired churches and ochre colonial mansions. Think kitesurfing, buggy driving and mountain hikes to volcanic wine cellars on a Fuerteventura holiday. Where to stay If stylish boutique hotels accented with white and blue, a sheltered beach and a classic Spanish restaurant are what you desire from a Fuerteventura holiday, then the Avanti Lifestyle Hotel should fit the bill. Originally opened in 1969, 14 terraced bedrooms are available for adults to kick back in Corralejo after days spent diving into watersports. La Palma The isle bonita – the 'pretty island' – of La Palma is a subtropical paradise marked by lava scars from its active Tajogaite volcano. Since its last eruption devastated Palermos in 2021, the ashy shore has found its place in the archipelago's tourism arena with seismic volcano-themed tours and cruises around its corrugated coast. The lushest of the Canaries, La Palma is considered one of the world's steepest islands. This naturally diverse destination is best appreciated on foot, with high-altitude hiking on La Palma's central peaks the activity du jour, rather than shoreside lounging or living it up in the nightclubs of Tenerife or Lanzarote. However, for a break from your step count, Los Cancajos, a small resort near the island's attractive capital Santa Cruz de La Palma, is dotted with black sand beaches, shallow bays and bistros serving papas bonitas (wrinkled potatoes with Canarian mojo verde sauce) for an authentic taste of this palatable island. Where to stay Hotel San Telmo in Santa Cruz de La Palma features charming 17th-century decor with 21st-century comforts and it's ideally situated for a countryside hike. Reading in the garden solarium and feasting on freshly prepared bread at breakfast are also on the itinerary for guests. La Gomera La Gomera, a peaceful land of walking and whistling, is the second smallest of the main isles, and a hiker's dream for a winter walking holiday. Only 15 miles wide, the 'little sister' to Tenerife (which is a 50-minute boat ride away) packs a punch with its breathtaking range of scenery. The gorges are so steep on the island that the El Silbo whistling language developed on La Gomera so farmers could communicate across its deep ravines. The island is studded with palms on its west coast, black sands at Valle Gran Rey, lush green valleys and fruit plantations in the north, and hiking trails through the misty Garajonay National Park. This Canary is also becoming something of a foodie hotspot. Imaginative culinary delights, from melon lobster to marmalade rabbit, put a twist on Spanish classics, with goat cheese and dried figs drizzled with palm honey and cazuela, a herb-heavy fish stew, also making the menu. Exceptional local fish offerings include sama, cherne and tuna, while terraced vineyards surrounding Vallehermoso and Hermigua are the perfect spot to wash down La Gomera delicacies with local grapes. Where to stay The four-star Hotel Jardín Tecina offers an outdoor pool, hot tub and terraced rooms laid out like a traditional Canarian village. It's just a short drive from world-class golf courses – and the tranquil flower gardens boast exceptional views of Mount Teide, all just steps from Santiago Beach. El Hierro The smallest and most remote Canary Island, El Hierro is a ferry or flight from Tenerife and was once viewed as the 'end of Earth'. Historically, it hasn't been a magnet for mass tourism, but this tiny island is scattered with dramatic volcanic deserts, ancient forests, lava fields, banana plantations and wind farms, aiding ambitions for self-sufficient energy. Now a protected Unesco biosphere reserve, El Hierro's unpolluted waters are a paradise for scuba divers, with the crystalline depths of Mar de Las Calmas attracting all manner of marine life. In the coastal villages of La Caleta and El Tamaduste, natural pools for swimming are backdropped by a rugged cliffside with holiday cottages nestled atop for panoramic views from the southernmost point of Spain. On land, activities include hiking, mountain biking and la lucha Canaria (Canarian wrestling), while the quadrennial festival Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes – an 18-mile pilgrimage winding the tracks of Valverde since 1741 – sees the Virgin of Los Reyes (the island's patron saint) carried in a lively procession to the capital. Where to stay On the coast of El Golfo Bay, Balneario Pozo de la Salud oozes calm. At the laid-back accommodation, there's a spa that features clinical and aesthetic treatments, plus sprawling sea views of the Atlantic from modern suites and the on-site restaurant.
