Marriott International and Club Marriott, Marriott International's dining loyalty program, are delighted to announce that Underground Gourmet, a series of culinary events showcasing the local cuisines and cooking techniques of the South Pacific, will be returning to Fiji, New Caledonia and Samoa throughout September and October.

Recognising that cultural experiences can help bring travellers closer to the destinations they're visiting, Underground Gourmet will see Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa, Le Méridien Ile des Pins, Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort and Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort bring South Pacific culture to life for locals and guests.

Showcasing the local produce, cooking techniques and forms of entertainment unique to the regions that each property is located within, guests will be able to partake in the following activities as part of this year's series of cultural events:

• An evening of authentic village cooking workshops as well as tribal storytelling and meke dance on Vonu Beach at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
• Locally-produced handicrafts, performances by the local choir and dance group, followed by a grand Fijian feast and beach bonfire at Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji.
• A coconut carving demonstration and fresh sugarcane juice sampling from The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Fiji's on-site farm, followed by the unearthing of the traditional lovo dish from its underground oven.
• A craft workshop and cooking class followed by a buffet with traditional music at Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa's signature restaurant, Le Sextant.
• Hands-on bougna making, a traditional dish that is cooked underground, in Le Méridien Ile des Pins' very own garden.
• Lessons on how to weave coconut tree leaves, sculpt wooden totems and prepare bougna with women from local tribes at Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort.
• Live Umu (earth oven) demonstrations, mingling with the resort's chefs and experiencing their signature Fiafia buffet at Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort.

Club Marriott, Marriott International's dining loyalty program, is supporting the Underground Gourmet events, offering its members special access, as well as the opportunity to win a holiday for two to Fiji. For more information on the competition visit myclubmarriott.com.

For more information on Underground Gourmet, visit meeteatdrink.com.au. To book a spot at one (or more) of this year's Underground Gourmet events, please contact the hotels directly.

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High-res images of the properties can be found here.

Media Contacts

GTI Tourism on behalf of Marriott International –

Abbey Sands, PR Senior Account Manager
abbey.sands@gtitourism.com.au // (02) 8077 3550

Alex Wilson, PR Senior Account Executive
alex.wilson@gtitourism.com.au // (02) 8077 3551

Event Overview – Key Details

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world.  The company now offers one travel program, Marriott Bonvoy™, replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG).  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Club Marriott

Marriott International's Club Marriott combines Club Marriott, Eat Drink & More and Star Privilege, three powerful dining loyalty programs in Asia Pacific into one single paid membership program. Currently covering 13 countries and regions, 15 brands and over 200 participating hotels, its existing member base will grow by targeting potential members who value a more distinct dining experience, personal recognition and far more than discounts. With more than 200,000 members, the program reaches larger scales with more hotels joining every month and a place where members benefit at hotels in their hometown even if they are not staying. Privileges, vouchers, personal recognition on special occasions and exclusive member events are all part of Club Marriott, allowing members to fully enjoy the hotels in the vast portfolio of Marriott International in Asia Pacific.