Hidden away in Great Milton, Oxford, Le Manoir has been the center of Raymond Blanc’s culinary and hotel universe, and the basis of his two Michelin stars, since 1984. Le Manoir is best known for its stellar restaurant, and since 1991 has offered the opportunity to learn culinary technique from the masters of the manor’s kitchens, including bread artisan Dan Degustibus and Blanc himself. L’Ecole de Cuisine hosts classes – from one-day basics to four-day intensive programs – covering everything from how to filet a fish to avant-garde herb combinations. Out on the sprawling, walkable grounds you’ll find Blanc’s 2-acre organic garden, its neat rows marked with chalkboard labels. A linchpin of Blanc’s devotion to fresh, organic ingredients, it contains 90 types of vegetables and 70 types of herbs.
Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford; lessons from $400; rooms from $508/night, with French breakfast; 800-237-1236; www.manoir.com 2008 SMART LUXURY WINNER
