How Is The Luxury Collection’s Sustainable Dining Revolution Transforming Culinary Travel in Venice, Athens, and Costa Navarino?

The Luxury Collection, a prestigious brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of luxury hotels, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with MAD Academy, the globally recognized nonprofit founded by three-MICHELIN-starred chef René Redzepi. This strategic collaboration aims to integrate sustainable culinary practices across The Luxury Collection’s 120+ hotels and resorts worldwide, creating a scalable framework that enhances environmental responsibility within the hospitality industry.

By fusing MAD Academy’s expertise in sustainable food systems with The Luxury Collection’s legacy of world-class hospitality, this initiative seeks to preserve local ecosystems, champion responsible sourcing, and redefine luxury dining through eco-conscious innovation.

“With properties spanning six continents, we have a profound responsibility to protect the destinations we are privileged to be part of. Our collaboration with MAD Academy reflects an ambitious commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our culinary experiences align with our dedication to environmental stewardship.”
– Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection

Empowering Chefs: A New Era of Sustainable Culinary Excellence

The partnership introduces a structured training initiative designed to equip The Luxury Collection’s culinary teams with cutting-edge sustainability insights, innovative cooking techniques, and ethical sourcing principles.

Key Focus Areas:

✔️ Local and seasonal ingredient sourcing to reduce environmental impact
✔️ Minimizing food waste through advanced culinary techniques
✔️ Sustainable seafood and farm-to-table dining integration
✔️ Leadership training for chefs to drive sustainability in their kitchens

In November 2024, the inaugural training program was held at MAD Academy’s headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing together 13 executive chefs from The Luxury Collection’s flagship properties worldwide.

Led by culinary industry pioneers such as Matthew Orlando (former head chef of Per Se), Portia Hart (founder of Blue Apple Beach), and Christian Puglisi (chef-owner of Bæst and Mirabelle Spiseria), the sessions provided invaluable expertise, helping participants craft customized sustainability roadmaps for their respective hotels.

“This initiative is about more than just adopting sustainable practices—it’s about transforming the way hospitality interacts with food systems. We aim to empower chefs with the tools, education, and inspiration to make a lasting environmental impact.”
– Nicolas Marzioni, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Europe, Marriott International

Innovative Culinary Sustainability in Action: A Global Impact

Venice’s The Gritti Palace Elevates Farm-to-Table Dining

At The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, sustainability is infused into guest experiences through immersive cooking classes and locally sourced ingredients.

🌱 Guests select fresh seafood and produce from the iconic Rialto Fish Market before participating in hands-on Venetian cooking workshops.
🌱 The hotel cultivates its own organic produce on Giudecca and Mazzorbetto Islands, growing over 6,000 artichoke plants for use in seasonal menus at Club del Doge and personalized guest amenities.

The Romanos, Costa Navarino, Showcases Messenian Farm-to-Table Excellence

At The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort in Costa Navarino, Greece, the partnership with local farmers and sustainable producers has led to:
🍽️ A monthly Risotto of the Month, crafted using hand-selected regional ingredients. Guests receive watercolor recipe postcards, allowing them to recreate the dish at home.
🍽️ Exclusive Four-Hands Dinners, where visiting chefs collaborate with the resort’s culinary team to highlight Messenian flavors through sustainable gastronomy.

Sustainable Sourcing Initiatives Across Global Luxury Collection Hotels

The impact of The Luxury Collection’s sustainability commitment extends far beyond Europe:

• The Alexander, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan partners with Armenian dairy farms to source organic, locally produced yogurt and cheeses.
• Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens integrates Greek figs from a climate-impacted region of Southern Evia into its culinary offerings, supporting local farmers.
• The Hythe, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Vail collaborates with Colorado’s Fitch Ranch Artisan Meat Co. to supply locally sourced meats for its gourmet dining experiences.

“At MAD, we believe that food has the power to shape a more sustainable future. Our collaboration with The Luxury Collection allows us to inspire culinary teams worldwide, ensuring that responsible hospitality becomes the standard in luxury travel.”
– Melina Shannon-DiPietro, Executive Director of MAD Academy

Fostering a Sustainable Future for Luxury Hospitality

In addition to operational advancements, The Luxury Collection is expanding its sustainability initiatives to guest engagement through:
✅ Interactive farm visits, food education workshops, and eco-conscious dining experiences
✅ Curated chef-led storytelling experiences, highlighting the origins of local ingredients
✅ Sustainable cocktail programs using zero-waste principles and foraged botanicals

By seamlessly weaving sustainability into both back-of-house operations and front-of-house guest experiences, The Luxury Collection ensures that eco-conscious luxury is not just a trend, but a lasting commitment to the future of global hospitality.

A New Standard for Sustainable Culinary Excellence

With The Luxury Collection and MAD Academy leading the charge, this partnership represents a landmark moment for the hospitality industry, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist harmoniously.

“Luxury travel has always been about creating meaningful connections—to places, people, and culture. Through this initiative, we are setting a new benchmark for sustainable hospitality, ensuring that our properties not only celebrate their destinations but actively contribute to their preservation.”
– Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection.