Premier High-End Cooking Classes Around the Globe

In today’s world, cooking has transcended its utilitarian roots to become a refined art form—an expression of creativity, culture and personal style. For many, it’s no longer just about preparing meals; it’s about crafting experiences. Luxury cooking classes cater to this elevated perspective, offering immersive, high-end culinary journeys where technique meets elegance.

Whether it’s mastering the delicate folds of handmade pasta or plating like a Michelin-starred chef, these classes transform the kitchen into a canvas and the cook into an artist—all in an atmosphere that feels like a vacation.

What may seem like a food lover’s dream is a reality around the globe. From the United States and the United Kingdom to Northern Italy and the heart of Peru, would-be chefs and food aficionados are finding and strengthening their culinary skills in high-end cooking classes set in idyllic destinations.

This food-focused instruction embraces at its center what many luxury travelers seek—to get a taste of how people from different countries live, particularly what they eat. And, to be a local for a day (or week) in an intriguing setting, cooking and baking authentic meals made with unique and fresh ingredients purchased from small farms and neighborhood markets.

So, are you ready to escape and learn to prepare amazing cuisine while meeting new people (or, perhaps, indulging in a one-on-one private cooking session)? The following are the best culinary education institutions offering immersive experiences and expert instruction.

Culinary Institute of America

Multiple Locations

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has locations in New York, California, Singapore, and Texas. So, whether you want to learn to cook in a bustling, laid-back, beautiful, or BIG and beautiful (we’re looking at you, Texas) setting, you’ll find a school that’s right for you. CIA even has an online course for those who can’t get away but still want to explore classes in culinary excellence.

This high-end cooking school is world-renowned and provides a comprehensive education in food and beverage preparation. It offers diverse programs ranging from short (but intense) boot camps to longer in-depth learning sessions (and undergraduate and graduate degrees). CIA prioritizes sustainability, encourages creating food for the seasons and establishes strong culinary foundations.

School of Artisan Food

North Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

The School of Artisan Food is located in Sherwood Forest in North Nottinghamshire, a picturesque setting to learn the refined art of high-end cooking. Courses here are immersive experiences, whether a one-day cheese and bread-making class or a four-week session diving into the details of preparing artisan food. Students enjoy hands-on learning and actively participate in creating delicious and sustainable fare, including appetizers, main dishes and desserts.

Forming strong artisan techniques to perfect the art of upscale food creation is the focus at the School of Artisan Food. This cooking school teaches the craft of cooking and the history of food, and it offers a fun artisan summer school. For those serious about their culinary education, the School of Artisan Food has advanced diploma programs in artisan baking as well as a degree program.

Tuscany Cooking School

Tuscany, Italy

Set in Northern Italy, Tuscany Cooking School is led by chef and cookbook author Giuliano Hazan, who comes from a family of culinary excellence. Forbes named this high-end cooking school one of the top five cooking and foodie experiences in Italy. The food and wine experiences here include a one-week immersive food and wine course and other classes focusing on traditional family-oriented Italian cuisine.

Students enjoy hands-on learning and prepare a range of meals, including homemade risotto and pasta, as well as local fish and vegetable dishes and desserts. Sessions highlight the use of local ingredients and showcase authentic Italian flavors. If you take this cooking course, you’ll learn treasured Italian ways of preparing favorite meals, all while staying in an elegant guest house with an extraordinary view of a sprawling vineyard.

Marcelo Batata Cooking Class

Cusco, Peru

Imagine preparing Peruvian cuisine while staying in the heart of Cusco, the Andean city known as the gateway to the Machu Picchu ruins. In Marcelo Batata’s Cooking Class, you’ll go on a cultural and educational journey into the food of Peru.

This class goes beyond teaching, though. It’s a full-immersion course that gives students hands-on experience preparing beloved foods from the region, including classic ceviche and cocktails made with Peruvian white grape brandy. You’ll explore the geography of Cusco and learn how it’s perfect for producing exceptional cuisine. The Marcelo Batata Cooking School partners with Cusco Dining to let students try appetizers from Cusco’s best restaurants as they proceed through their courses.

The content of this article was authored by The Distinctive Life® magazine. It appeared first in Volume 16, pages 7-9