The Luxury Collection partners with MAD Academy to champion global culinary sustainability, empowering chefs and transforming hospitality through eco-conscious innovation.

The Luxury Collection, an elite brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 remarkable hotel brands, has unveiled a dynamic partnership with MAD Academy—an avant-garde, nonprofit initiative pioneered by world-renowned chef René Redzepi, celebrated for his three MICHELIN Stars. This visionary collaboration seeks to revolutionize sustainable food practices in the hospitality space, building a global movement that nurtures environmentally responsible culinary experiences through the people at the heart of food and hospitality.

With a presence that spans more than 120 luxurious hotels and resorts across over 40 countries and territories, The Luxury Collection continues to connect discerning travelers to the essence of each destination. This strategic partnership with MAD Academy signifies a major leap forward in embedding sustainability deeper into hotel operations and culinary practices, establishing a scalable model that reflects mindful travel and responsible hospitality.

Pioneering Educational Experiences for a Greener Culinary Future
To elevate the expertise of its award-winning culinary teams, The Luxury Collection has launched a comprehensive training initiative with MAD Academy. These immersive programs, designed for hospitality professionals deeply committed to sustainability, include in-depth workshops and mentorship opportunities. The curriculum focuses on practical solutions such as utilizing local and seasonal ingredients, minimizing food waste through innovation, and cultivating leadership skills to foster eco-driven transformations in kitchens worldwide.

Each participant is empowered with actionable insights and tools to initiate real impact in their properties. The long-term vision is to provide a strategic framework that chefs can adapt and implement at their respective locations, complemented by continuous support from MAD Academy’s global network of experts.

The inaugural session was held in November 2024 in Copenhagen, bringing together 13 chefs from The Luxury Collection properties worldwide. Over three enriching days, they engaged with some of the brightest minds in hospitality, including Matthew Orlando (formerly of Per Se), Portia Hart (founder of Blue Apple Beach), and Christian Puglisi (chef-owner of Bæst and Mirabelle Spiseria). These sessions inspired forward-thinking conversations around sustainability goals and the steps necessary to achieve meaningful culinary impact.

Reimagining Guest Experiences with Purposeful Practices
The partnership extends beyond internal operations—The Luxury Collection is actively designing guest-centric programs in collaboration with MAD Academy alumni to encourage meaningful engagement with local ecosystems and communities. These initiatives aim to create immersive culinary encounters that tell the story of the land, its heritage, and its producers.

At The Gritti Palace, Venice, sustainability takes center stage through close collaboration with local suppliers. Guests now partake in redefined cooking classes at the Gritti Epicurean School, starting with a visit to the Rialto Fish Market to handpick seasonal ingredients, followed by a hands-on culinary session featuring Venetian recipes. The property also maintains its own gardens on Giudecca and Mazzorbetto Islands, producing fresh vegetables, including over 6,000 artichoke plants that feature in seasonal menus at Club del Doge and are incorporated into personalized welcome amenities.

Similarly, The Romanos, Costa Navarino, has enhanced its culinary experiences through stronger ties with regional producers. A new “Risotto of the Month” highlights seasonal ingredients sourced locally, and guests receive a custom watercolor recipe postcard to replicate the dish at home. The resort also hosts “Four-Hands Dinners,” pairing guest chefs with the in-house culinary team to craft memorable meals that celebrate Messenian ingredients. Cooking workshops and farm visits further immerse guests in Greece’s culinary culture, bridging gastronomy with sustainability.

Strengthening Regional Roots Through Local Partnerships
Following the Copenhagen workshop, several properties within The Luxury Collection have rolled out regionally tailored sustainability programs that blend flavor with purpose:

• The Alexander, Yerevan emphasizes locally sourced dairy from Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region, featured in dishes like panna cotta made with matsun, cream, and honey.
• Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens works closely with a family-run farm in Southern Evia to source organic figs, integrated across breakfast offerings, refreshments, and turndown treats—while simultaneously promoting Greek agricultural traditions and supporting areas affected by climate change.
• The Hythe, Vail champions ethical sourcing through a partnership with Colorado-based Fitch Ranch Artisan Meat Co., offering locally raised meats across its menus.

These collaborative efforts are reinforcing the brand’s overarching goal: creating lasting connections between guests, culinary teams, and local communities through a lens of sustainable exploration.

Looking Ahead: A Culinary Movement Rooted in Sustainability
As The Luxury Collection continues to invest in thoughtful hospitality, the brand is committed to expanding its partnership with MAD Academy throughout 2025 and beyond. Future training programs and initiatives are already in development to further embed sustainability at every touchpoint—from behind-the-scenes kitchen practices to front-facing guest experiences.

This alliance symbolizes a bold step toward redefining luxury travel—not just as an indulgent escape, but as a conscious journey grounded in cultural connection, environmental responsibility, and culinary integrity. With each experience crafted to reflect the richness of its location and the values of responsible travel, The Luxury Collection and MAD Academy are together cultivating a new era of purpose-driven hospitality.

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