Gone are the days of packing a sandwich maker or electric grill in your suitcase and spending hours on food preparation and logistics before and during your vacation.
Today’s travelers have different expectations and budgets than those of previous decades, and this cultural shift has also impacted the kosher community. Several factors contribute to this change: the spread of information through social media and the Internet, the ease of booking travel, the rise of credit card points, the expansion of travel options, the globalization of kosher food, and the availability of Chabad houses in most corners of the world.
In response to this growing demand, many established hotels, particularly luxury ones, have expanded their food services to include kosher options. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting several of these hotels in Mexico—Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas, Nizuc in Cancun, and The Zadun Ritz Carlton in Cabo—where guests can enjoy a full Shabbos feast and Cholov Yisroel coffee and breakfast. This concept has even made its way to Miami at the newly opened Altair Hotel in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.
4 Kosher Hot Spots:
2. Grand Hyatt Playa + The Grill
3. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar + Cinko
4. Nizuc & Zadun Ritz Carlton + exclusive kosher dining
The Altair + Ovo
The Altair Hotel, a charming boutique retreat that opened in winter 2021, is nestled in the peaceful Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, just a short walk from the bustling kosher dining and shopping scene in Bal Harbour. Located at 9540 West Bay Harbor Drive, this beautiful hotel boasts 96 stylish rooms and suites designed by Interiors by Steven G., blending a modern coastal vibe with the cozy feel of a beach house. The bright studio suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views, while the spacious one- and two-bedroom suites—complete with fully equipped kitchens—are perfect for families looking for a relaxing getaway. The neutral tones and contemporary furnishings create a calm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for unwinding.
With a rooftop pool, cabanas, a fitness center, valet parking, and in-room dining, The Altair provides both relaxation and convenience. Guests can also explore the surroundings on complimentary bikes, kayaks, or paddleboards. For those in the Jewish community, the hotel goes the extra mile by offering daily minyanim, kosher breakfasts, a Shabbos elevator, and thoughtful amenities like washing cups in the rooms. The Altair Hotel truly stands out as a game-changer in kosher travel, blending luxurious accommodations with a warm, welcoming environment, and setting a new standard for Jewish-friendly escapes.
Ovo at the Altair:
Operated by Chef Shimi Alon, Ovo serves as a companion to the renowned Bay Harbor restaurant, Meat Bar. Boasting captivating bayfront panoramas and a sophisticated ambiance that seamlessly blends comfort and style, Ovo is an ideal setting for social gatherings or romantic evenings. Featuring a diverse menu that encompasses traditional steakhouse favorites and sushi, alongside appetizers and entrées influenced by Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines, there is truly something to satisfy every palate.
The menu at Ovo is organized into categories — tapas; earth (main courses); insalata; ocean (seafood); ovo maki; ovo nigiri and sashimi; and vegetables (side dishes). Complementing the culinary offerings is an extensive selection of cocktails and wines. Concluding the dining experience, the dessert menu showcases indulgent treats including the signature chocolate souffle, accompanied by options such as malabi, baklava and kadaif, which echo the menu’s distinctive culinary perspective. In addition to their everyday dinner menu, Ovo at the Altair offers full Shabbos packages, making it seamless and convenient for kosher travelers.
Grand Hyatt in Playa del Carmen
The Grand Hyatt in Playa del Carmen is a fantastic option for travelers seeking a beachfront escape with convenience and value. Perfectly situated in the heart of the action, this hotel is ideal for those looking to use Hyatt points and stay within walking distance of town, local kosher restaurants, and Chabad. With two inviting pools, a serene spa, and rooms that feature private plunge pools, there’s plenty to enjoy without leaving the property. You can even partake in hotel activities like spinning classes, yoga on the beach, and kayaking (all available with advanced booking). The coffee bar offers kosher milk and the on-site restaurant, The Grill, is kosher. While the beach is public and shared with the surrounding area, the hotel’s prime location and luxurious amenities make it a great choice for a well-rounded, relaxing stay.
The Grill
The Grill at Playa del Carmen is a standout dining destination, offering a breathtaking ambiance right by the ocean. The restaurant’s design is modern yet inviting, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. With a full-time mashgiach ensuring the highest level of kosher standards, it’s a must-visit for those seeking exceptional kosher dining. The menu is a culinary delight, featuring everything from impeccably crafted sushi rolls like the truffle tuna roll and truffle carpaccio to mouthwatering steaks and gourmet sandwiches. The bar is equally impressive, with a focus on tequila, and even offers exclusive tequila tastings for hotel guests, elevating the dining experience to something truly special.
Adding to its appeal, The Grill is more than just a restaurant; it’s a venue for unforgettable celebrations, from weddings and bar mitzvahs to private parties, all catered with the same high kosher standards. Hotel guests are treated to additional perks, such as the ability to order select menu items for beachfront snacks or indulge in a fully kosher breakfast and room service menu. Whether you’re savoring their extraordinary sushi or enjoying a beachfront meal, The Grill offers a seamless blend of luxury, flavor, and impeccable kosher service that sets it apart as a premier destination.
Cinko at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Cinko at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a vibrant culinary destination that redefines kosher dining in the Bahamas. This Latin-Asian fusion restaurant boasts a trendy, modern ambiance that feels both upscale and approachable. With a full-time mashgiach ensuring the highest kosher standards, Cinko offers an innovative menu that seamlessly blends flavors from across the globe. From bold, spiced ceviches to expertly crafted sushi rolls and creative tapas-style dishes, every plate is an explosion of flavor and artistry. The restaurant’s location within the luxurious Grand Hyatt Baha Mar adds to its appeal, making it a must-visit for kosher travelers seeking elevated dining.
Beyond its exceptional food, Cinko shines as a gathering spot for all occasions. The bar offers a curated selection of cocktails and wines, complementing the diverse menu perfectly. For hotel guests, the restaurant extends its impeccable service with kosher breakfast options and select in-room dining items, ensuring convenience without compromising quality. Whether enjoying an intimate dinner or a lively meal with friends and family, Cinko delivers a unique and unforgettable kosher experience that blends creativity, culture, and Caribbean flair.
Nizuc and Zadun Ritz Carlton + exclusive kosher dining
Nizuc in Cancun’s Caribbean paradise and Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the Pacific coast in Cabo, redefine luxury kosher dining in Mexico. These exclusive resorts offer a unique experience where kosher travelers can enjoy rabbinically supervised meals in any of the non-kosher restaurants. Food is prepared in dedicated kosher kitchens, served with special silverware, and delivered to the table in sealed and locked boxes under the careful supervision of a mashgiach. Whether savoring nachos, pasta, or ceviche while overlooking the serene Pacific or basking in the lush surroundings of the Caribbean, guests can indulge in world-class kosher cuisine without compromising on their standards, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.
A Feast Inspired By Our Caribbean Travels
1. Spicy Orange Margarita
2. Chile-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Avocado and Pineapple Salsa
3. Mexican Rice
4. Dark Chocolate and Dried Mango Bark
Spicy Orange Margarita
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
2 ounces silver tequila
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce agave nectar
1-2 jalapeño slices
Tajín/chili powder (for rim)
Ice, orange/lime wheel (garnish)
Directions:
1. Rim glass with lime and Tajín.
2. Shake tequila, juices, triple sec, agave, and jalapeño with ice.
3. Strain into glass over ice.
Chile-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Avocado and Pineapple Salsa
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients:
4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 and 1/2 tablespoons chili-lime seasoning
1 cup storebought Italian dressing
2 tablespoons hot sauce
Easy Mexican Rice (recipe follows)
2 avocados, sliced
Pineapple Salsa (recipe follows)
Directions:
1. Add chicken to a large Ziploc bag and season with chili-lime seasoning. Add Italian dressing and hot sauce, seal bag, and rub to incorporate marinade all over chicken.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer chicken to a roasting pan and cook for 90 minutes. Serve with Mexican rice, avocado, and pineapple salsa.
Pineapple Salsa
Yields: 2 cups
Ingredients:
2 cups finely diced pineapple (about 1/2 pineapple)
1 seeded and diced serrano pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup golden berries, halved
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 thinly sliced scallions
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, serrano pepper, cherry tomatoes, golden berries, chopped cilantro, and sliced scallions.
2. Add the lime zest and juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Mix everything together gently until well combined.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Easy Mexican Rice
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients:
2 cups brown rice
4 cups hot water
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large pot, Dutch oven, or 9×13-inch baking dish, pour 4 cups of hot water over the 2 cups of brown rice.
3. Add the juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder to the rice.
4. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and place in the oven.
5. Bake for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours, checking at the 1-hour mark. If using a 9×13-inch aluminum pan, it may need an additional 30 minutes to cook through.
6. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
Dark Chocolate and Dried Mango Bark
Yields: 12-16 pieces
Ingredients:
16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 to 1/2 cup thinly sliced dried mango
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon-sugar
Directions:
1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips over a double boiler until smooth.
2. Spread the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, using an offset spatula to create a thin, even layer.
3. Top the chocolate with the thinly sliced dried mango and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
4. Refrigerate the bark for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
5. Once chilled, break the bark into shards and serve. Enjoy!
By Shifra Klein and Elisheva Taitz
This article originally appeared in Fleishigs Magazine. For more on Fleishigs Magazine visit www.fleishigs.com ~ Use code kosher18 for 18% off subscriptions!
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