The Un-Brie-Lievable Destinations Behind Your Favourite Cheeses
By Lifestyle+Travel
Research reveals that nearly six in 10 global travelers pick their vacation destination because of the great food and drink on offer. So for the cheese-lovers amongst us, why not journey further than the fridge or local cheese shop to uncover the origins of some of the world’s favorite cheeses? In celebration of the most cheesiest month, we have identified some of the cheesiest stays for cheese lovers around the world to indulge in while exploring the destination that created some of their favourites.
Gouda, Netherlands
For cheese fans, this Dutch city is all Gouda, with its namesake cheese accounting for a massive 60% of Dutch cheese production**. Produced in the surrounding region, travelers to Gouda can purchase wheels of the local delicacy at the city’s Thursday morning market that takes place from April through to August. Having first started in 1395, this bustling market has kept its traditional charm, with farmers and traders ‘clapping hands’ to confirm a sale in front of the historic city hall buildings. Travelers should also visit “de Goudse Waag”, which means the Gouda scale, built in 1669 and originally used for weighing – you guessed it – cheese. Now it’s home to the tourist information office as well as the Cheese and Crafts Museum, which offers cheese tasting, tours and craft demonstrations.
Where to stay: The Tannery Lane holiday home is the perfect home from home for cheese loving travelers, just a short stroll from the location of the Thursday morning market. This guesthouse, which is found on the city center’s smallest street, was originally built in 1879. From the outside it boasts a traditional charm, while inside the property houses all the modern conveniences needed for a comfortable stay in Gouda.
Cheddar, UK
Cheddar cheese is now the UK’s most popular cheese choice, accounting for 51% of the annual cheese market locally***, but has humble beginnings in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. Local legend says that Cheddar cheese was discovered by accident when a milkmaid accidentally let a pail of milk stored in the cool caves go bad, turning it into hard cheese. Adventurous visitors to the village of Cheddar can explore these chilly caves at Cheddar Gorge, the largest gorge in the UK. After exploring and working up an appetite, cheese-lovers can stop by the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, where visitors can see the cheese being made from start to finish at the working dairy and visitor center.
Where to stay: Just a short walk from the Cheddar Gorge caves, The Bath Arms Hotel offers adult-only accommodation that is as charming as the picturesque village itself. With an onsite restaurant and bar, visitors will find all the amenities they need for a comfortable stay. The restaurant serves a daily menu with traditional pub favorites and during the warmer months guests can even dine in the outdoor beer garden.
Monterey, California, USA
Named after both its place of origin and the entrepreneur who began selling it commercially, Monterey Jack cheese has become a staple of many Americans’ fridge or cheese board. This white, semi-hard cheese made using cow’s milk is known for its mild flavor and slight sweetness. Originally, Monterey Jack was made by Franciscan friars of Monterey of Alta California in the 18th-Century. A local businessman, David Jacks identified the delicious opportunity and started selling it all over the state, where it came to be known as “Monterey Jack’s” or “Jack’s Monterey”. Whilst there are no dairy farms in the city of Monterey city itself, the destination’s rich cheese history makes it the perfect travel destination for cheese lovers from around the world.
Where to stay: Monterey is on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast. Just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf, the Portola Hotel & Spa is the perfect spot for those visiting Monterey for its aquatic appeal. From the nearby wharf, travelers can set sail and whale watch, before returning to the hotel’s Jacks Monterey restaurant for a bite to eat – preferably a cheesy treat!
Asiago, Italy
Asiago, a township in Italy, not only shares the name, but is also the birthplace of Asiago cheese. In this town, travelers can visit Azienda Agricola Waister Di Rela Riccardo, which is a small, niche cheese factory where visitors can feel like an authentic dairy farmer as they witness the various stages of cheese production. With Asiago though, it’s all about the taste, and visitors can sample the cheese available onsite. If one factory isn’t enough, travelers visiting Asiago can also head to Caseificio Pennar Asiago or Pennar Dairy Cooperative Shop, a specialty shop offering fresh and quality cheeses to purchase.
Where to stay: For guests seeking a cheese-filled vacation, La Locanda offers guests a breakfast that includes a variety of cheesy delights. Really well located, the cheese factory and Azienda Agricola Waister Di Rela Riccardo are just a short drive away.
Munster, France
Munster, a small commune in France, is home to the strong-smelling soft cheese with which it shares its name. La Maison du Fromage (Cheese House – Munster Valley) is the perfect destination for those with a soft-spot for Munster. The Cheese House offers films, exhibitions, educational workshops, and of course the opportunity to indulge in a tasting or two. Munster cheese was first made here as early as 1371, and history-lovers will be excited as the region is also home to the Ruins of Munster Abbey, the 16th-century Lion fountain in the Market Square or even just exploring the town itself which dates back to 1550.
Where to stay: Located near the center of Munster, Le Chalet La Cigogne et Le Chamois is a self-catering holiday home that comes with a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for a wine and cheese night. After a day of indulging taste buds with glorious cheese and local produce, guests can take a hike on the trails located nearby.
Ciudad Real, Spain
Ciudad Real is the home of Manchego Cheese, a delicious cheese made from the milk of the Manchega sheep breed. For a mouth-watering experience, travelers should head to Finca de Las Terceras, a farm dedicated to producing Manchego cheese, in the southeast of Ciudad Real, Spain. Here, travelers can witness cheese connoisseurs producing the finest cheese from scratch and can even buy these fine delicacies at the farm. Foodie travelers of all tastes can find what they’re looking for in the city’s Plaza Mayor, with a variety of restaurants set amongst the historical square. Ciudad Real is home to plenty of cheese shops, so visitors can sample the varieties on offer and pick their favourites.
Where to stay: Just beyond the outskirts of Ciudad Real, Hotel Parque Real offers guests the best of both worlds for a tranquil city escape. Set amongst the tranquil green of vast hotel grounds, this peaceful stay is still just a 10-minute drive from the center of Ciudad Real. The hotel is also a treat for the taste buds, with local cuisine and fresh produce on offer to guests staying at the hotel.
Source: Booking.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Savouring the Local Charm
The flavours of travel are experienced through tasting local food and seeing unseen places. Travelling like a local is the best way to learn and experience what a country has to offer. Don’t have enough time? Visiting a floating market provides a quick glimpse of this in just one short trip. Heading further south of Bangkok, Song Khlong Floating Market at Wat Taling Chan, a well-known floating market in Taling Chan, uniquely combines the riverside lifestyle of the locals with nature. Recently, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the market launched the "Wow
By Lifestyle+Travel
The Langham Landing
One of the most iconic spots along the Chao Phraya River is embracing a new landmark, revived from the glorious past, as The Langham unveils its luxurious landing in the Kingdom in 2026. Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, have announced the opening of The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok, set to debut in 2026. This luxurious addition to the famous Chao Phraya River will showcase the best of Langham’s world-class service and hospitality. The Customs House building, located in Bang Rak District, is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful heritage sites. Designed in a neo-Palladian style by architect Joachim Grassi, the building has stood elegantly since 1888. Its teak floors, grand central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway are remarkable examples of its historical significance. Once considered a gateway to Thailand, the Customs House has a storied past, hosting royal family soirées and celebrating King Rama V’s return from his European travels. The restoration will revitalize this historic building, transforming it into a world-class destination that blends cultural significance with modern luxury. Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, “We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation make it the ideal partner to further our vision of setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region while honoring the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and Bang Rak District.” LHG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob van den Oord, added, “The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate.” The restoration will feature signature Langham elements, providing a luxurious and extraordinary hospitality experience. The hotel will house T’ang Court, Langham’s three Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant from Hong Kong, a unique destination bar, and an outlet dedicated to world-class pastry creations. Guests will also enjoy rejuvenating treatments at Chuan Spa, Langham’s renowned wellness retreat. We eagerly await the unveiling of this new landmark! The Langham Hotels & Resorts Website: LanghamHotels.com Facebook: @thelanghamhotels Instagram: @langhamhotels X: @thelanghamhotel