The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals (2021) s01e07 Episode Script
Gourmet Stays
1
[upbeat music playing]
[Megan] This trip is all about food.
You guys, like, I'm not kidding.
This is the most excited I've been.
You know why? 'Cause she's about to eat
like a crazy human being.
I'm going to eat like a king!
[Luis laughing]
[Megan] One of the hottest trends
in travel right now is food tourism,
with over 20 million Americans
taking a culinary vacation each year.
And you know me. I love to cook and eat.
So in this episode,
we're visiting three vacation rentals
-offering delicious gourmet stays.
-[cheering]
[Luis] We start at this lavish
gourmet chalet in Niseko, Japan.
[Megan] Then we're off to this
culinary school here in Mexico.
[Jo] To an incredible farm-to-table
experience in the Berkshires.
[Luis] I'm so hungry.
[opening theme music playing]
[upbeat music playing]
[Jo] It's definitely cold over here.
Did you see the snow?
[Luis] We are in Niseko!
We have just landed in Niseko, Japan,
where the powder is white and pure.
For our luxury property, I have taken us
across the Pacific to Niseko, Japan.
Very famous in the ski world
for getting 600 inches of powder a year.
This area is also renowned
for its delicious world-class food,
which we got our first taste
from our chauffeur.
-Oh my gosh!
-What is this?
I got a couple of real delicacies here
from Niseko.
-Whoa!
-Ooh, nice!
-Seaweed?
-So, yeah, so that's Japanese nori.
-[all exclaiming]
-[Luis] Never been welcomed like this.
Oh my taste buds.
If this is a taste of what we're about
to eat, I don't know if I'm ready.
-[Megan laughing]
-[Luis] Mmm.
I've been to Tokyo, and I thought
I have tried the best Japanese food,
but the best Japanese food doesn't even
come from Tokyo. It comes from here.
-Dang!
-Ooh! You know I love a good hidden gem.
We'll be eating so much
that by the time we're done here,
we'll be at least 350 pounds more.
So we'll be sumo wrestlers?
-I'm 100% okay with that.
-[Megan] So apropos.
[Luis] Hello.
-[Luciana] Hi!
-[Jo] Thank you.
-I'm Megan.
-Welcome to Seasons.
-Come on, come inside.
-[Luis] That would be great.
-Wow, this is really fancy.
-Nice to see you guys.
[Luis] Seasons Niseko
is an expansive lodge
with almost 8,000 square feet
of living space.
It has five bedrooms,
five bathrooms,
an indoor heated swimming pool,
and a fully-appointed chef's kitchen.
It sleeps 13 guests
and starts at $5,500 per night.
Ohh!
[Luciana] Make yourselves at home.
Welcome.
Ohh!
-What?
-[Luis] Wow.
[Luis] Look at this floor plan,
how big it is,
how wide the living room is.
-[Megan] That's a movie theater?
-[Jo] Movie theater?
-[Megan] Wow.
-[Jo] You guys, there is a full bar.
I'm gonna be sleeping here.
Look at the collection
of Japanese whiskey.
They have 21-year-old Japanese whiskey.
Oh my God.
What is this secret staircase?
[Megan] Is this a wine cellar?
-[Megan] Whoa! Look at that!
-[Luis] That's the temperature.
[Megan] I can't believe
we can actually rent this.
-[whispering] I found my calling.
-This is my dream fridge.
[Megan laughing] Wow.
[Luis] Oh, the wine cellar.It has over
a thousand bottles to choose from.
It's filled with magnificent reds,
whites, champagne, rosé,
and even some incredible local sake.
[Jo] This is overwhelming.
[Luis] This is the bedroom. Ooh. What?
-[Jo] This is it.
-[Luis] Okay. Wow, look at this.
This mountain chalet is appointed
with first-class furnishings
and amenities.
-[Megan] Ooh. I do love a good view.
-[Jo] That's a good view for you.
[Luis] Now, this is a primary bedroom
like I have never seen.
Oh my God.
This is perfect.
It's not even floor-to-ceiling windows.
It's floor to top-of-the-universe windows.
[Luis] Look at the symmetry.
You see how the bed
is not placed against the wall?
-It's floating in the middle.
-[Megan] Yeah. I love that.
[Luis] I was thinking perhaps
I'd give this bedroom to the girls, but
-Great idea.
-I love that plan.
[Luis] It's a very nice bedroom.
-And we're very nice girls!
-Is he taking the decision back?
Okay, okay. Let's just eat,
and then we'll decide later.
We gotta get him sake'd up.
Then he'll take back his decision.
[Luis] Even if I don't give it to you,
I thought about it.
[Megan] Wow, is that how it works?
[Jo] I never want to leave this place.
[Luis] Okay,
so this is the entertainment area.
-Oh! [laughing]
-Wow.
-What is this?
-This is so nice.
-[Jo] Did you expect a polar bear?
-[Luis] Give him a name.
[Megan] How is this a real place?
[Luis] Oh my God.
-[Megan] Oh my God.
-I did not expect all of this.
[Luis] I did not expect this either.
[Jo] Hey, in case you didn't feel like
going downstairs for the full bar,
there's another bar up here.
[Megan] A secondary mobile bar.
Can you understand what's happening?
[Megan] All I'm looking at
is what's in front of me.
[Luis] The owners of this incredible house
made gourmet food the focus
of the experience for their guests,
which is why it comes
with a Michelin Star Chef.
Most of the ingredients that we do pull in
are sourced from Hokkaido.
Um, you know, I always say
that Hokkaido's a chef's playground.
It's got the best produce
and the best seafood
and the best products you can get.
So Luciana and Mike
are incredible as restaurant owners.
I think they have 20 restaurants
around the world?
[Mike] Yes. We've been
in and around restaurants,
and so we know when we see a good chef,
and we feel privileged to have you here
and be part of the Seasons.
For me, it's an inspiring place to be.
[Luis] Wow. Those appetizers were amazing.
But Megan now gets a firsthand look
at how to prepare a one-of-a-kind
gourmet meal, Niseko style.
[Sean] So Hanasaki Hokkaido crab.
Wow.
Yeah. There you go.
-Wanna give him a kiss?
-[laughing] Sure!
He's, like, stabbing me right now.
[chuckling]
If you really want to know about
Japanese culture,
I'm gonna teach you one thing
that's extremely important.
When it comes to sake, you should
never let your friends pour their own.
[Jo] Mm! Wow.
-It's very good.
-Don't you taste it?
I am, my love.
[Elliot and Jo laughing]
-It's very good.
-[Elliot] Yeah.
[Megan] I want to know everything
about the Hokkaido food scene.
-So this is clams and scallops?
-[Sean] Yes.
I don't think there's any chalets
that have a live seafood tank
for their guests to experience this
shabu-shabu seafood extraordinaire dinner.
-Whoa, that's humongous!
-Let's pull it out.
These are the giant surf clams.
[Megan] Looks like a little ravioli.
-[Sean] Just let it slide out now.
-[gasps]
-Did I do a good job?
-Yeah, I think so.
-There you go.
-Not bad.
[Sean] And there's your beautiful
Hokkaido scallops.
[upbeat music playing]
-[Jo] Well, this smells good.
-Whoa!
[Luis] Wow! Oh my God!
[Sean] This is gonna be
our vegetarian version of the dashi.
We have that beautiful Hokkaido crab.
And some wagyu for the sukiyaki,
also done locally in Hokkaido.
-[Luis] So just one bite?
-[Sean] Just one bite.
-A nice, juicy
-[Megan] Mm-hmm.
[Jo] Wow.
-Mmm.
-[Megan and Luis chuckling]
To a place we won't forget,
with a feeling we won't forget.
With a taste we won't forget.
Wow, that was cheesy but good.
[all laughing]
[Luis] Not only
is the culinary experience five-star,
so are the amenities
this property has to offer.
Who's getting in the snow?
-[Megan] I mean, absolutely
-[Jo] Let's do it!
[all screaming and laughing]
-[Jo] Freezing!
-[Luis] Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo! Whoo!
[Luis] Ahh.
[Jo] I can't believe we did that.
[laughing]
[peaceful music playing]
[Luis] This is a great house,
a beautiful house,
but what I like mostly about it is
the attention to detail from the owners.
They make it very special.
[upbeat music playing]
One of the best things
about staying in Seasons Niseko
is that it's located right by
the world-class Annupuri ski resort.
This looks way crazier than the first one.
-I'm scared.
-[Jo screams]
[Megan] Wow, you look so cool!
[Luis] But if the slopes
are not your thing,
you can always stand out like Jo
with a little tai chi.
[melodic music playing]
[Luis] I love it!
[Megan and Luis yelling and laughing]
The weather is spectacular,
and the powder is fresh.
The Niseko ski resort gets more snowfall
than almost any other resort in the world,
which offers a longer rental opportunity,
which means a better return
on your real estate investment,
especially when your rental
is located in such a prime spot
that you can literally ski right into it.
That was amazing!
After a busy day on the slopes,
we were starving.
It was time to get back
to the business of eating.
This time, in one of Niseko's
most iconic restaurants.
-Konichiwa!
-Konichiwa!
[speaking Japanese]
[Luis] Raku-Ichi
is a legendary restaurant in Japan
with a nine-month wait list
for reservations.
So we knew this meal
was going to be special.
[Luis and Midori speaking Japanese]
It's slipping right into my mouth.
That is so good.
[Luis] After that tasty salmon,
it was on to some super fresh tuna.
-[camera shutter clicks]
-I needed to take a picture of that.
Followed up by bonito fish.
It's so good.
Whoa.
[Luis] This is the main event.
[camera shutter clicking]
[all laughing]
[Luis] The head chef, Tatsuru-san,
is a soba noodle master
who turned his home
into this quaint 12-seater,
and I have to say,
these famous noodles did not disappoint.
[laughing] Mmm. Are we doing the dance?
Mmm, mmm.
Oh my God.
Standing ovation!
All right, guys,
this is the last food in Niseko.
I can't handle any more.
[Jo] Mmm.
Which brings us to the next property.
Megan, where are you taking us?
-[Luis] Okay.
-One, two ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta.
[Megan] Our culinary adventure continues
with a budget property
in a majestic mountain town
just south of Mexico City
known as Tepoztlán.
-[Megan] Really?
-Can you repeat that again? Tepotz
Tepoztlán.
-Yes! Bravo!
-Very well. Very nice.
[Megan] I searched online
how to pronounce it.
That's good.
[Megan] Tepoztlán is known
for its charming markets,
delicious foods, and breathtaking views.
The place I found is one of the top
culinary destinations in all of Mexico.
And we'll get our hands dirty.
This is a cooking school,
and they're gonna teach us
how to cook authentic Mexican cuisine.
I love that.
-[Luis] All right, here we go.
-[Megan] Here we go.
La Villa Bonita. ¿Están listos, chicos?
-[Jo] Wow, look at her speaking Spanish!
-[Megan laughs]
-[Luis] I love this place.
-[Jo] Ooh!
-It's so beautiful.
-[Megan] Mm-hmm.
[Luis] Wow, this is so nice.
[Megan] Are you kidding me?
This is like a magical little garden.
Wow, look how beautiful.
Yeah, this is beautiful.
Wow, look at this.
[Megan] La Villa Bonita
is a gorgeous mountain home
specifically designed
to learn the local culinary traditions.
It features
a large open-air gourmet kitchen,
six bedrooms,
and six bathrooms.
It sleeps 12 guests,
and the average price
is $350 per night per person.
Wow, the sunlight
Oh my goodness, it feels like home!
[Luis] Hello! How are you doing?
[Jo] ¡Hola, chico!
Hi, cutie!
-[Ana] ¡Bienvenidos, chicos!
-[all] Hola!
[Ana] I'm so glad you are here.
-We have a few refreshments for you guys.
-[Luis whistles]
[Jo] They look beautiful.
So I'll be your host, and I will be
teaching you how to cook this week.
You're gonna love it.
It's really good food.
It's healthy. It's homey.
It's warm to the heart.
And we have Mojo here,
who's the hostess for the mostest.
Hola, Mojo!
He knew we were coming.
-[Megan] Do you mind if we look around?
-Oh, sure.
Down here is all the bedrooms.
We have the kitchen upstairs.
And I will let you guys go on
and just explore the property.
-Enjoy, guys. I'll see you later then.
-[all] Thank you.
-[Megan] See you soon, Ana.
-[Ana] Bye!
[Megan] Okay, room number one.
Oh, feel how calm it is in here.
-This is so peaceful.
-[Jo] Wow. It is.
With the doors open fully so you can smell
what's going on in the kitchen.
-[Jo] This is a classic villa bedroom.
-[Megan] Yeah.
Doesn't it feel so homey,
like the texture of the wall
and the clay tiles?
You can see the life
that's been lived here.
[Jo] Look at the size of the windows.
And look, you get a view, too, the town
Look at how huge this is.
This is a chair and a half.
-[Jo] It's called a chair and a half?
-Yeah.
-Luis, you could sit here.
-No, I'm good.
[Luis and Megan laugh]
As a solo traveler, a lot of the times
when I go somewhere new,
I book a place like this
where you have a beautiful accommodation,
but you're also in a safe space
inside of a family's nest.
[Megan] Yeah.
[Megan] I totally agree with Jo that
this place is great for solo travelers.
You notice this is a separate
outdoor space for each individual room.
[Megan] But it's also ideal
if you have a family
or a group of friends who love cooking.
You could take over all six of the suites
surrounding a beautiful courtyard.
Is this for drinking?
What's really nice about this,
because you shouldn't
be brushing your teeth with the water,
so this is good for refilling your
water bottle but also brushing your teeth.
-This is a functionality win.
-We love it.
Even though the kitchen is my focal point,
La Villa Bonita also has a shaded pool
for when guests and residents
just want to take a dip.
Doesn't it look like
this pool was carved out of the rock?
-Just like, we are one with nature.
-[Luis] It probably was.
[water splashing]
-What?
-Whoa!
-Oh, whoa!
-My gosh!
[Luis] What a life!
[all laughing]
[Megan] But the best feature
of this property is the kitchen.
-[Luis] It doesn't look like Oh my God!
-[Megan] Look at this.
[Jo] Suddenly things just got elevated.
[Megan] This is like a living space
at the same time.
-Love it.
-I'm about to live in this kitchen.
This feels so homey to me.
This doesn't feel pretentious at all.
-[Megan] No!
-[Jo] Like, "Let's start cooking now."
-There are no windows.
-This is a really homey kitchen.
Look at this view.
[Jo] Talk about a kitchen window.
-This is the view to our classroom.
-Wow.
The fact that there are no windows
and it's just open air is incredible.
This is highly inspirational for cooking.
It'll never get too hot in the kitchen
'cause you got that airflow.
The fact that everything is exposed,
that you know where everything is.
This is the best because we talk about
open shelving in vacation rentals,
but look, I don't need to guess
where anything is.
You have pots. You have lids.
You have spices. You have baking stuff.
Even the fridges are clear, yeah.
[Megan] Everything. I'm feeling good.
-[Jo] Love this place. I wanna move here.
-[Megan] Look at this space.
And the table is huge,
right in the middle.
-What is it? Hold on.
-This is family style.
You can see the kitchen.
So you can, technically, see the prep work
so you know if dinner's ready.
-That's creative.
-Wow. The table is a skylight.
[Jo] This is that moment where I'm like,
we have arrived.
[Luis] I'm so hungry.
Oh!
-We are ready.
-Look at my friends.
-We are ready for chef's table dinner.
-Styling.
-To the room that matters the most
-The kitchen.
The kitchen!
-[Megan] Hola!
-[Ana] Hola!
-So whoa!
-[Luis] Wow.
[Ana] Right now, we're welcoming you.
And you're gonna sit down
and enjoy a beautiful meal,
and tomorrow morning after breakfast,
we'll start our actual hands-on class.
So this is a fried quesadilla.
The guacamole on top
and a little bit of an heirloom tomato.
You guys have designed
your dream lifestyle
because of the vacation rental platforms,
and you get to share
what you do so well with us.
We are living our retirement life
without being retired.
-[Megan] I love that.
-[Luis] Yes.
Wow. Thank God for food, man.
Okay, cheers to a great dinner,
a great vacation.
And to be us.
-To be us.
-To be us.
-[Jo] I like that.
-I stole it from somebody.
[all laughing]
All you need in life is a little hamaca,
a little comida,and a little música.
Oh, you didn't mention the vino.
Oh, and a little vinito.
-My goodness!
-[Luis] Right?
[peaceful music playing]
[Jo] So I realized something.
If you want to get five stars
as a vacation rental host,
you just put a dog in the property.
-[Megan] Yeah.
-Well, he's not just any dog. It's Mojo.
[Megan] Look at his paw!
There you go, my man.
He's gonna need to come with us
on our trip.
I'm absolutely loving this kitchen.
That's no surprise.
But my favorite part are the countertops.
This is 40 feet of counter space.
Beautiful clay tiles, three sinks.
But my favorite, favorite part is this.
Complete open-air
with a million-dollar view.
I swear, if you have the climate for this,
don't you dare put glass.
Finally, it was time to get to work
in this beautiful kitchen
with Ana's cooking class.
Just for the record,
this is my first cooking class.
Don't worry. As long as you don't
lose a finger, we'll be okay.
-[Megan and Jo laughing]
-It's okay.
[Megan] Now typically,
guests stay and learn to cook
here at La Villa Bonita for a week,
but we were lucky enough to get
a compressed version in just a few hours.
So you're cooling off the caramel
[Megan] First up, we made flan,
a popular Mexican dessert.
[cheering]
[Megan] Next, Ana taught me how to make
her grandmother's famous tortilla soup.
It smells amazing.
Here is a great
real estate investment tip.
If you have a talent like Ana,
and you have a property that goes with it,
you combine them, and boom,
you make an amazing vacation rental
with a great income in return.
No longer you have to worry
about location.
Create the experience with your talent,
and people will want to come to see you.
[Megan] And of course, if you're gonna
take a Mexican cooking class,
you've got to learn
to make the perfect tortilla.
It's like backhand tennis.
-[cheering]
-There you go!
-Sexy!
-Up here!
Yeah, Luis!
We say that when your tortilla bubbles,
you can get married now.
-Megan's next.
-Wait. Oh, I hope my mother
Megan's next!
-Perfect!
-Whoo!
-That's the wrong kind of bubble.
-[all] Aww!
[Jo] She's getting a divorce!
How about you guys
start passing around the quesadillas?
-[Luis] Okay.
-[Megan] The tortilla soup is amazing.
So I really love how you guys
mastered the experiential travel vacation.
Like this is an oasis,
but they have stuff to do.
And they leave knowing new people,
new skills. What else would you want?
Now you can cook.
Well, I always could cook.
-Well
-Well
-Cheers!
-Cheers to learning!
-¡Salud!
-Cheers to learning!
-¡Salud!
-¡Salud!
[Jo laughing]
-Did you bring your stretch pants?
-Always.
Bring your stretch pants
because we have more food to eat.
Welcome to Lee, Massachusetts.
This is classic New England right here.
For my unique property,
we're gonna go back in time
to the Berkshires in Massachusetts,
the heart of New England
farm-to-table cuisine.
I love driving through these fields,
knowing our food
is gonna come from this here soil.
[Megan] So we're going back in time,
but we're arriving in a Tesla?
Because we're staying in a place where
Tesla and Westinghouse used to hang out.
The fathers of electricity,
so I had to pay homage.
Pull up in a Tesla
So they stayed at this house
we're staying at?
George Westinghouse built the house
we're staying in for his son,
who loved theater, which is why
this place is called the Playhouse.
-I love that.
-Cute.
[Jo] All right, we're here.
[Luis] Look at that.
Oh, that's the Playhouse.
[Jo] Here we are.
-Behold!
-[Luis] Oh, wow!
[Jo] Welcome to the Playhouse.
[Luis] The Playhouse.
Wow, it's such a big building.
[Jo] Wait till you see the inside.
-[Megan] Wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!
-[Jo] This is beautiful.
[Megan] For sure!
Jeez!
This is the surprise.
[Megan] Ah! So gorgeous.
It's like walking into a design magazine.
Feels like the outside was the wrapping
and this is the actual gift.
[Jo squeals]
[Jo] So the Playhouse lives up
to its unique and interesting history.
It was originally built in the 1880s
by inventor George Westinghouse,
and this was one of the first buildings
in America powered by AC electricity.
Using modern decor
to showcase its incredible past,
the property includes two kitchens,
six bedrooms,
five bathrooms
and sleeps 20 guests.
Rates start at $1,200 per night.
Are you guys wowed?
-Yes. Yes, I am.
-I'm wowed. Yeah.
[Megan] All of this framework,
the cathedral ceilings, the wood,
that's gotta be original wood.
And then the mix between the wood
and the metals, the fabrics.
It's so cool to see the history
integrated in a modern way.
It's masterful.
It's beautiful.
What I like the most is the light.
It's the one thing you can't miss.
And you have to have great light
in George Westinghouse's home.
You have lights from every direction.
[Megan] The warm bulbs
mix with natural daylight. It works.
[Jo] Mm-hmm.
-[Luis] Oh, Megan, look at the kitchen.
-[Jo] There's a doorway there?
-[Megan laughs]
-I didn't even see that.
[Megan] This is amazing.
This is why foodies love this place.
Look at how much space you have
to work with.
If this isn't the biggest invitation
to want to cook, I don't know what is.
Is that this?
This is actually the original Playhouse.
So this property was built in 1880
as an actual theater playhouse
for the Westinghouse family.
Then, in 1917,
it was sold to the Vanderbilt estate.
-This is where the stage used to be.
-Yeah?
[Jo] Look, they're the same beams
in the ceiling.
This is perfect.
Everything about the Playhouse
is theatrical.
[singing operatically]
-The acoustics.
-[Jo] The echo.
Hey, beautiful. Come up here.
-[Jo] Doesn't this feel like a fun house?
-[Megan] It does feel like a fun house.
-[Jo] Wow, I wasn't expecting this.
-[Megan gasps]
[Luis] Oh, this is nice.
Oh, wow. I did not see this.
[Jo] Right here, the bathtub.
The curtains
make it look like you're in a theater.
-[Megan] Yeah.
-[Luis] Yeah, this is great.
Oh, they Yes. Yep. Yep.
They knew what they were doing.
These people understand lighting,
which is rare.
-No, these people inventedlighting.
-[Luis] Well, yes.
-Yeah, they literally invented lighting.
-I don't think you guys understand.
[Megan] That is magical.
The harsh angle and the curvature
of the framework is like, ah!
-[Luis] That's a theatrical bedroom.
-[Jo] There's more to see. Come on.
[footsteps]
-Oh, wow.
-Nice cellar.
[Jo] Renovated to make sure
guests have a great time,
the Playhouse
has a downstairs entertainment area.
-This is like the "play" of the Playhouse.
-[Megan] Oh my God.
Cute!
There's something for everyone.
It's very practical
for families or friends.
If I was to assess this property,
first, you have to look
at value proposition,
and then you have to look
at who's your market.
And the added value here is huge.
We're staying in a historical landmark,
literally two hours away
from New York City,
so you can get away
with friends or family,
and have an amazing culinary experience.
Okay, so this is the Playhouse, right?
So that's where we're sleeping.
And this is a farm.
One of the many farms
that we will be visiting.
And this is exactly
why I booked this property.
Right next door,
we can get all the food we need
for the most authentic farm-to-table
experience here at the Playhouse.
And I wanna introduce Luis and Megan
to the chef who's gonna help us do that.
[Luis] This is it. Hi.
-Hello.
-Nice to meet you. This is beautiful.
-[Jo] Good to meet you.
-How are you?
This is way better
than I could've imagined.
[Luis] Oh, look at this.
Meet the man behind the masterpiece.
This is James.
Yes. How are you? Pleasure to meet you.
This is so beautiful.
[Jo] So James is the founder
of Heirloom Fire,
a company that uses cooking methods
from the late 1800s
to create a truly memorable
farm-to-table experience.
One thing I wanted to mention,
it's all about eating locally here.
[James] A hundred percent.
[Jo] You guys only pick what's in season.
[James] Yeah, that's correct.
It's about the sight.
It's about the smell, the experience,
the people you're with.
Could you describe the Berkshires for us?
Like, what does it represent?
We have great food,
we have amazing farmers.
We also have incredible properties
like this one for culinary experiences.
We have access
to everything you could want in life.
You just have to appreciate it
and slow down.
-It's beautiful.
-That's that is beautiful.
[all] Ooh!
-Wow.
-[James] It's fantastic.
It's see-through.
[James] Yeah.
So I want you guys to try this.
I am not ready.
Okay.
This is just a taste
of what's happening tomorrow.
I'm telling you.
You're gonna be involved.
It's a kitchen we're bringing.
We're setting it up.
We love to build it
right around these areas.
You guys picked one of the best properties
in the Berkshires.
-[Luis] Where have you been?
-[Taylor] The Berkshires.
[James] In the Berkshires.
-[peaceful music playing]
-[rooster crowing]
[Jo] Today we're gonna transform this
historic home into a foodie's paradise.
Today's gonna be a big day.
Let's see who's awake.
Wow.
I could get used to this view.
[Megan] We're working with James
to turn our backyard
into a one-of-a-kind culinary event.
-Does this go here?
-[James] Right there. You nailed it.
[Jo] I have no clue what he's got in store
for us, but I can't wait to find out.
So at this point we're good, we can let
the rest of my team unload the truck.
I want you to get
the full Berkshires experience, okay?
-I'm in. I'm in.
-Put us to work.
[Jo] We're gonna get
the true farm-to-table experience
by gathering all of our fresh ingredients
that will be incorporated
into our feast this evening.
Let's pick
some of these beautiful cheeses.
[Jo] From farm-fed cheese
[James] I want to find a creamy cheese.
to wide-open fields of fresh produce.
-Is that kale?
-It's kale.
-[Megan] That sound.
-[Luis] That sound.
[country guitar music playing]
-Whoa, dude.
-There's so much to look at.
What is happening? James!
-[James] What do you think, huh?
-[Jo] Wow!
The most important part of all this
is that we're looking at fire.
That transports us to a different time.
You don't need electricity.
That's what we love about this.
We could set up any place in the world
and cook an entire meal
over the things that are from the area.
[sizzling]
So I need a couple of volunteers.
You're here. You're dressed for the part.
-We are ready.
-Put us to work.
-[James] Beautiful. Look at it!
-[all exclaiming]
[Jo] Watch out, girl!
So James had us prep the food we gathered
using traditional methods
dating back to Westinghouse's time
over a hundred years ago.
[James] Crank those up all the way
to the top,and then stop.
This is our cheese.
I'm gonna tuck it in its little nest.
Now we're gonna scatter
a little bit of hay on top, like this.
I told you we were here for food.
This is actually a magic show.
The coolest part is that
we're preparing a meal
how Westinghouse's chef
might have prepared for him.
I think it's fair to say this is
the most inventive food prep I've seen.
I can't wait to taste everything.
I'm in a movie. I felt like I was
in a movie, and I let go.
It's been theatrical since yesterday.
This experience today
-Great.
-Told you we were traveling back in time.
[Megan] It feels like it.
-[James] All right, guys! We ready now?
-[all exclaiming]
[James] You earned your keep for today.
Oh my God.
[James] We have this beautiful jus
that's made here.
We have our hand-spun chickens right here,
followed by these potatoes.
-The best potatoes you ever had.
-[Megan laughs]
-[Jo] Theater!
-[James] Good work. Yes.
This has been the most theatrical
culinary experience I've ever had.
-Ever.
-[Luis] Ooh, this isOoh, ooh, ooh.
-[Megan] Wow.
-[Jo] Chicken.
Mm. Those potatoes.
-Mm.
-[Megan] Mm-hmm.
This is the best chicken
I've ever had in my life.
-Really?
-I second that. It's outrageous.
Oh, no, no. There's more coming.
-[Megan] My goodness!
-[Jo] Is that meat?
The whole crew.
Can everybody come here and join?
-We have way too much food.
-Will, Poppy, George, come here!
-Grab a fork!
-Come on, everybody, get in.
[Luis] Sara, come here!
-Melissa!
-[Jo] Come on!
-[all cheering]
-[Jo] Thank you, guys!
[Jo] Not many people can say
they've gone from Japan
to Mexico to the Berkshires
in search of food.
[cheering]
[Megan] La Villa Bonita
was the best bonding experience,
which I know I always say,
but for me,
my favorite was Seasons Niseko.
I just have never seen food
made in such an intentional way.
[Luis] My favorite
was Seasons Niseko.
It was a pure example
of something very, very special.
[Jo] My favorite property was definitely
the Playhouse in the Berkshires
because our kitchen was in the backyard,
which was our theater,
and the food wasdefinitely the show.
-Oh my God.
-It's outrageous.
[Luis] Whoo, whoo, whoo! Whoo!
[Jo screams]
["All Around the World" playing]
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
[horn honking]
[upbeat music playing]
[Megan] This trip is all about food.
You guys, like, I'm not kidding.
This is the most excited I've been.
You know why? 'Cause she's about to eat
like a crazy human being.
I'm going to eat like a king!
[Luis laughing]
[Megan] One of the hottest trends
in travel right now is food tourism,
with over 20 million Americans
taking a culinary vacation each year.
And you know me. I love to cook and eat.
So in this episode,
we're visiting three vacation rentals
-offering delicious gourmet stays.
-[cheering]
[Luis] We start at this lavish
gourmet chalet in Niseko, Japan.
[Megan] Then we're off to this
culinary school here in Mexico.
[Jo] To an incredible farm-to-table
experience in the Berkshires.
[Luis] I'm so hungry.
[opening theme music playing]
[upbeat music playing]
[Jo] It's definitely cold over here.
Did you see the snow?
[Luis] We are in Niseko!
We have just landed in Niseko, Japan,
where the powder is white and pure.
For our luxury property, I have taken us
across the Pacific to Niseko, Japan.
Very famous in the ski world
for getting 600 inches of powder a year.
This area is also renowned
for its delicious world-class food,
which we got our first taste
from our chauffeur.
-Oh my gosh!
-What is this?
I got a couple of real delicacies here
from Niseko.
-Whoa!
-Ooh, nice!
-Seaweed?
-So, yeah, so that's Japanese nori.
-[all exclaiming]
-[Luis] Never been welcomed like this.
Oh my taste buds.
If this is a taste of what we're about
to eat, I don't know if I'm ready.
-[Megan laughing]
-[Luis] Mmm.
I've been to Tokyo, and I thought
I have tried the best Japanese food,
but the best Japanese food doesn't even
come from Tokyo. It comes from here.
-Dang!
-Ooh! You know I love a good hidden gem.
We'll be eating so much
that by the time we're done here,
we'll be at least 350 pounds more.
So we'll be sumo wrestlers?
-I'm 100% okay with that.
-[Megan] So apropos.
[Luis] Hello.
-[Luciana] Hi!
-[Jo] Thank you.
-I'm Megan.
-Welcome to Seasons.
-Come on, come inside.
-[Luis] That would be great.
-Wow, this is really fancy.
-Nice to see you guys.
[Luis] Seasons Niseko
is an expansive lodge
with almost 8,000 square feet
of living space.
It has five bedrooms,
five bathrooms,
an indoor heated swimming pool,
and a fully-appointed chef's kitchen.
It sleeps 13 guests
and starts at $5,500 per night.
Ohh!
[Luciana] Make yourselves at home.
Welcome.
Ohh!
-What?
-[Luis] Wow.
[Luis] Look at this floor plan,
how big it is,
how wide the living room is.
-[Megan] That's a movie theater?
-[Jo] Movie theater?
-[Megan] Wow.
-[Jo] You guys, there is a full bar.
I'm gonna be sleeping here.
Look at the collection
of Japanese whiskey.
They have 21-year-old Japanese whiskey.
Oh my God.
What is this secret staircase?
[Megan] Is this a wine cellar?
-[Megan] Whoa! Look at that!
-[Luis] That's the temperature.
[Megan] I can't believe
we can actually rent this.
-[whispering] I found my calling.
-This is my dream fridge.
[Megan laughing] Wow.
[Luis] Oh, the wine cellar.It has over
a thousand bottles to choose from.
It's filled with magnificent reds,
whites, champagne, rosé,
and even some incredible local sake.
[Jo] This is overwhelming.
[Luis] This is the bedroom. Ooh. What?
-[Jo] This is it.
-[Luis] Okay. Wow, look at this.
This mountain chalet is appointed
with first-class furnishings
and amenities.
-[Megan] Ooh. I do love a good view.
-[Jo] That's a good view for you.
[Luis] Now, this is a primary bedroom
like I have never seen.
Oh my God.
This is perfect.
It's not even floor-to-ceiling windows.
It's floor to top-of-the-universe windows.
[Luis] Look at the symmetry.
You see how the bed
is not placed against the wall?
-It's floating in the middle.
-[Megan] Yeah. I love that.
[Luis] I was thinking perhaps
I'd give this bedroom to the girls, but
-Great idea.
-I love that plan.
[Luis] It's a very nice bedroom.
-And we're very nice girls!
-Is he taking the decision back?
Okay, okay. Let's just eat,
and then we'll decide later.
We gotta get him sake'd up.
Then he'll take back his decision.
[Luis] Even if I don't give it to you,
I thought about it.
[Megan] Wow, is that how it works?
[Jo] I never want to leave this place.
[Luis] Okay,
so this is the entertainment area.
-Oh! [laughing]
-Wow.
-What is this?
-This is so nice.
-[Jo] Did you expect a polar bear?
-[Luis] Give him a name.
[Megan] How is this a real place?
[Luis] Oh my God.
-[Megan] Oh my God.
-I did not expect all of this.
[Luis] I did not expect this either.
[Jo] Hey, in case you didn't feel like
going downstairs for the full bar,
there's another bar up here.
[Megan] A secondary mobile bar.
Can you understand what's happening?
[Megan] All I'm looking at
is what's in front of me.
[Luis] The owners of this incredible house
made gourmet food the focus
of the experience for their guests,
which is why it comes
with a Michelin Star Chef.
Most of the ingredients that we do pull in
are sourced from Hokkaido.
Um, you know, I always say
that Hokkaido's a chef's playground.
It's got the best produce
and the best seafood
and the best products you can get.
So Luciana and Mike
are incredible as restaurant owners.
I think they have 20 restaurants
around the world?
[Mike] Yes. We've been
in and around restaurants,
and so we know when we see a good chef,
and we feel privileged to have you here
and be part of the Seasons.
For me, it's an inspiring place to be.
[Luis] Wow. Those appetizers were amazing.
But Megan now gets a firsthand look
at how to prepare a one-of-a-kind
gourmet meal, Niseko style.
[Sean] So Hanasaki Hokkaido crab.
Wow.
Yeah. There you go.
-Wanna give him a kiss?
-[laughing] Sure!
He's, like, stabbing me right now.
[chuckling]
If you really want to know about
Japanese culture,
I'm gonna teach you one thing
that's extremely important.
When it comes to sake, you should
never let your friends pour their own.
[Jo] Mm! Wow.
-It's very good.
-Don't you taste it?
I am, my love.
[Elliot and Jo laughing]
-It's very good.
-[Elliot] Yeah.
[Megan] I want to know everything
about the Hokkaido food scene.
-So this is clams and scallops?
-[Sean] Yes.
I don't think there's any chalets
that have a live seafood tank
for their guests to experience this
shabu-shabu seafood extraordinaire dinner.
-Whoa, that's humongous!
-Let's pull it out.
These are the giant surf clams.
[Megan] Looks like a little ravioli.
-[Sean] Just let it slide out now.
-[gasps]
-Did I do a good job?
-Yeah, I think so.
-There you go.
-Not bad.
[Sean] And there's your beautiful
Hokkaido scallops.
[upbeat music playing]
-[Jo] Well, this smells good.
-Whoa!
[Luis] Wow! Oh my God!
[Sean] This is gonna be
our vegetarian version of the dashi.
We have that beautiful Hokkaido crab.
And some wagyu for the sukiyaki,
also done locally in Hokkaido.
-[Luis] So just one bite?
-[Sean] Just one bite.
-A nice, juicy
-[Megan] Mm-hmm.
[Jo] Wow.
-Mmm.
-[Megan and Luis chuckling]
To a place we won't forget,
with a feeling we won't forget.
With a taste we won't forget.
Wow, that was cheesy but good.
[all laughing]
[Luis] Not only
is the culinary experience five-star,
so are the amenities
this property has to offer.
Who's getting in the snow?
-[Megan] I mean, absolutely
-[Jo] Let's do it!
[all screaming and laughing]
-[Jo] Freezing!
-[Luis] Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo! Whoo!
[Luis] Ahh.
[Jo] I can't believe we did that.
[laughing]
[peaceful music playing]
[Luis] This is a great house,
a beautiful house,
but what I like mostly about it is
the attention to detail from the owners.
They make it very special.
[upbeat music playing]
One of the best things
about staying in Seasons Niseko
is that it's located right by
the world-class Annupuri ski resort.
This looks way crazier than the first one.
-I'm scared.
-[Jo screams]
[Megan] Wow, you look so cool!
[Luis] But if the slopes
are not your thing,
you can always stand out like Jo
with a little tai chi.
[melodic music playing]
[Luis] I love it!
[Megan and Luis yelling and laughing]
The weather is spectacular,
and the powder is fresh.
The Niseko ski resort gets more snowfall
than almost any other resort in the world,
which offers a longer rental opportunity,
which means a better return
on your real estate investment,
especially when your rental
is located in such a prime spot
that you can literally ski right into it.
That was amazing!
After a busy day on the slopes,
we were starving.
It was time to get back
to the business of eating.
This time, in one of Niseko's
most iconic restaurants.
-Konichiwa!
-Konichiwa!
[speaking Japanese]
[Luis] Raku-Ichi
is a legendary restaurant in Japan
with a nine-month wait list
for reservations.
So we knew this meal
was going to be special.
[Luis and Midori speaking Japanese]
It's slipping right into my mouth.
That is so good.
[Luis] After that tasty salmon,
it was on to some super fresh tuna.
-[camera shutter clicks]
-I needed to take a picture of that.
Followed up by bonito fish.
It's so good.
Whoa.
[Luis] This is the main event.
[camera shutter clicking]
[all laughing]
[Luis] The head chef, Tatsuru-san,
is a soba noodle master
who turned his home
into this quaint 12-seater,
and I have to say,
these famous noodles did not disappoint.
[laughing] Mmm. Are we doing the dance?
Mmm, mmm.
Oh my God.
Standing ovation!
All right, guys,
this is the last food in Niseko.
I can't handle any more.
[Jo] Mmm.
Which brings us to the next property.
Megan, where are you taking us?
-[Luis] Okay.
-One, two ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta.
[Megan] Our culinary adventure continues
with a budget property
in a majestic mountain town
just south of Mexico City
known as Tepoztlán.
-[Megan] Really?
-Can you repeat that again? Tepotz
Tepoztlán.
-Yes! Bravo!
-Very well. Very nice.
[Megan] I searched online
how to pronounce it.
That's good.
[Megan] Tepoztlán is known
for its charming markets,
delicious foods, and breathtaking views.
The place I found is one of the top
culinary destinations in all of Mexico.
And we'll get our hands dirty.
This is a cooking school,
and they're gonna teach us
how to cook authentic Mexican cuisine.
I love that.
-[Luis] All right, here we go.
-[Megan] Here we go.
La Villa Bonita. ¿Están listos, chicos?
-[Jo] Wow, look at her speaking Spanish!
-[Megan laughs]
-[Luis] I love this place.
-[Jo] Ooh!
-It's so beautiful.
-[Megan] Mm-hmm.
[Luis] Wow, this is so nice.
[Megan] Are you kidding me?
This is like a magical little garden.
Wow, look how beautiful.
Yeah, this is beautiful.
Wow, look at this.
[Megan] La Villa Bonita
is a gorgeous mountain home
specifically designed
to learn the local culinary traditions.
It features
a large open-air gourmet kitchen,
six bedrooms,
and six bathrooms.
It sleeps 12 guests,
and the average price
is $350 per night per person.
Wow, the sunlight
Oh my goodness, it feels like home!
[Luis] Hello! How are you doing?
[Jo] ¡Hola, chico!
Hi, cutie!
-[Ana] ¡Bienvenidos, chicos!
-[all] Hola!
[Ana] I'm so glad you are here.
-We have a few refreshments for you guys.
-[Luis whistles]
[Jo] They look beautiful.
So I'll be your host, and I will be
teaching you how to cook this week.
You're gonna love it.
It's really good food.
It's healthy. It's homey.
It's warm to the heart.
And we have Mojo here,
who's the hostess for the mostest.
Hola, Mojo!
He knew we were coming.
-[Megan] Do you mind if we look around?
-Oh, sure.
Down here is all the bedrooms.
We have the kitchen upstairs.
And I will let you guys go on
and just explore the property.
-Enjoy, guys. I'll see you later then.
-[all] Thank you.
-[Megan] See you soon, Ana.
-[Ana] Bye!
[Megan] Okay, room number one.
Oh, feel how calm it is in here.
-This is so peaceful.
-[Jo] Wow. It is.
With the doors open fully so you can smell
what's going on in the kitchen.
-[Jo] This is a classic villa bedroom.
-[Megan] Yeah.
Doesn't it feel so homey,
like the texture of the wall
and the clay tiles?
You can see the life
that's been lived here.
[Jo] Look at the size of the windows.
And look, you get a view, too, the town
Look at how huge this is.
This is a chair and a half.
-[Jo] It's called a chair and a half?
-Yeah.
-Luis, you could sit here.
-No, I'm good.
[Luis and Megan laugh]
As a solo traveler, a lot of the times
when I go somewhere new,
I book a place like this
where you have a beautiful accommodation,
but you're also in a safe space
inside of a family's nest.
[Megan] Yeah.
[Megan] I totally agree with Jo that
this place is great for solo travelers.
You notice this is a separate
outdoor space for each individual room.
[Megan] But it's also ideal
if you have a family
or a group of friends who love cooking.
You could take over all six of the suites
surrounding a beautiful courtyard.
Is this for drinking?
What's really nice about this,
because you shouldn't
be brushing your teeth with the water,
so this is good for refilling your
water bottle but also brushing your teeth.
-This is a functionality win.
-We love it.
Even though the kitchen is my focal point,
La Villa Bonita also has a shaded pool
for when guests and residents
just want to take a dip.
Doesn't it look like
this pool was carved out of the rock?
-Just like, we are one with nature.
-[Luis] It probably was.
[water splashing]
-What?
-Whoa!
-Oh, whoa!
-My gosh!
[Luis] What a life!
[all laughing]
[Megan] But the best feature
of this property is the kitchen.
-[Luis] It doesn't look like Oh my God!
-[Megan] Look at this.
[Jo] Suddenly things just got elevated.
[Megan] This is like a living space
at the same time.
-Love it.
-I'm about to live in this kitchen.
This feels so homey to me.
This doesn't feel pretentious at all.
-[Megan] No!
-[Jo] Like, "Let's start cooking now."
-There are no windows.
-This is a really homey kitchen.
Look at this view.
[Jo] Talk about a kitchen window.
-This is the view to our classroom.
-Wow.
The fact that there are no windows
and it's just open air is incredible.
This is highly inspirational for cooking.
It'll never get too hot in the kitchen
'cause you got that airflow.
The fact that everything is exposed,
that you know where everything is.
This is the best because we talk about
open shelving in vacation rentals,
but look, I don't need to guess
where anything is.
You have pots. You have lids.
You have spices. You have baking stuff.
Even the fridges are clear, yeah.
[Megan] Everything. I'm feeling good.
-[Jo] Love this place. I wanna move here.
-[Megan] Look at this space.
And the table is huge,
right in the middle.
-What is it? Hold on.
-This is family style.
You can see the kitchen.
So you can, technically, see the prep work
so you know if dinner's ready.
-That's creative.
-Wow. The table is a skylight.
[Jo] This is that moment where I'm like,
we have arrived.
[Luis] I'm so hungry.
Oh!
-We are ready.
-Look at my friends.
-We are ready for chef's table dinner.
-Styling.
-To the room that matters the most
-The kitchen.
The kitchen!
-[Megan] Hola!
-[Ana] Hola!
-So whoa!
-[Luis] Wow.
[Ana] Right now, we're welcoming you.
And you're gonna sit down
and enjoy a beautiful meal,
and tomorrow morning after breakfast,
we'll start our actual hands-on class.
So this is a fried quesadilla.
The guacamole on top
and a little bit of an heirloom tomato.
You guys have designed
your dream lifestyle
because of the vacation rental platforms,
and you get to share
what you do so well with us.
We are living our retirement life
without being retired.
-[Megan] I love that.
-[Luis] Yes.
Wow. Thank God for food, man.
Okay, cheers to a great dinner,
a great vacation.
And to be us.
-To be us.
-To be us.
-[Jo] I like that.
-I stole it from somebody.
[all laughing]
All you need in life is a little hamaca,
a little comida,and a little música.
Oh, you didn't mention the vino.
Oh, and a little vinito.
-My goodness!
-[Luis] Right?
[peaceful music playing]
[Jo] So I realized something.
If you want to get five stars
as a vacation rental host,
you just put a dog in the property.
-[Megan] Yeah.
-Well, he's not just any dog. It's Mojo.
[Megan] Look at his paw!
There you go, my man.
He's gonna need to come with us
on our trip.
I'm absolutely loving this kitchen.
That's no surprise.
But my favorite part are the countertops.
This is 40 feet of counter space.
Beautiful clay tiles, three sinks.
But my favorite, favorite part is this.
Complete open-air
with a million-dollar view.
I swear, if you have the climate for this,
don't you dare put glass.
Finally, it was time to get to work
in this beautiful kitchen
with Ana's cooking class.
Just for the record,
this is my first cooking class.
Don't worry. As long as you don't
lose a finger, we'll be okay.
-[Megan and Jo laughing]
-It's okay.
[Megan] Now typically,
guests stay and learn to cook
here at La Villa Bonita for a week,
but we were lucky enough to get
a compressed version in just a few hours.
So you're cooling off the caramel
[Megan] First up, we made flan,
a popular Mexican dessert.
[cheering]
[Megan] Next, Ana taught me how to make
her grandmother's famous tortilla soup.
It smells amazing.
Here is a great
real estate investment tip.
If you have a talent like Ana,
and you have a property that goes with it,
you combine them, and boom,
you make an amazing vacation rental
with a great income in return.
No longer you have to worry
about location.
Create the experience with your talent,
and people will want to come to see you.
[Megan] And of course, if you're gonna
take a Mexican cooking class,
you've got to learn
to make the perfect tortilla.
It's like backhand tennis.
-[cheering]
-There you go!
-Sexy!
-Up here!
Yeah, Luis!
We say that when your tortilla bubbles,
you can get married now.
-Megan's next.
-Wait. Oh, I hope my mother
Megan's next!
-Perfect!
-Whoo!
-That's the wrong kind of bubble.
-[all] Aww!
[Jo] She's getting a divorce!
How about you guys
start passing around the quesadillas?
-[Luis] Okay.
-[Megan] The tortilla soup is amazing.
So I really love how you guys
mastered the experiential travel vacation.
Like this is an oasis,
but they have stuff to do.
And they leave knowing new people,
new skills. What else would you want?
Now you can cook.
Well, I always could cook.
-Well
-Well
-Cheers!
-Cheers to learning!
-¡Salud!
-Cheers to learning!
-¡Salud!
-¡Salud!
[Jo laughing]
-Did you bring your stretch pants?
-Always.
Bring your stretch pants
because we have more food to eat.
Welcome to Lee, Massachusetts.
This is classic New England right here.
For my unique property,
we're gonna go back in time
to the Berkshires in Massachusetts,
the heart of New England
farm-to-table cuisine.
I love driving through these fields,
knowing our food
is gonna come from this here soil.
[Megan] So we're going back in time,
but we're arriving in a Tesla?
Because we're staying in a place where
Tesla and Westinghouse used to hang out.
The fathers of electricity,
so I had to pay homage.
Pull up in a Tesla
So they stayed at this house
we're staying at?
George Westinghouse built the house
we're staying in for his son,
who loved theater, which is why
this place is called the Playhouse.
-I love that.
-Cute.
[Jo] All right, we're here.
[Luis] Look at that.
Oh, that's the Playhouse.
[Jo] Here we are.
-Behold!
-[Luis] Oh, wow!
[Jo] Welcome to the Playhouse.
[Luis] The Playhouse.
Wow, it's such a big building.
[Jo] Wait till you see the inside.
-[Megan] Wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!
-[Jo] This is beautiful.
[Megan] For sure!
Jeez!
This is the surprise.
[Megan] Ah! So gorgeous.
It's like walking into a design magazine.
Feels like the outside was the wrapping
and this is the actual gift.
[Jo squeals]
[Jo] So the Playhouse lives up
to its unique and interesting history.
It was originally built in the 1880s
by inventor George Westinghouse,
and this was one of the first buildings
in America powered by AC electricity.
Using modern decor
to showcase its incredible past,
the property includes two kitchens,
six bedrooms,
five bathrooms
and sleeps 20 guests.
Rates start at $1,200 per night.
Are you guys wowed?
-Yes. Yes, I am.
-I'm wowed. Yeah.
[Megan] All of this framework,
the cathedral ceilings, the wood,
that's gotta be original wood.
And then the mix between the wood
and the metals, the fabrics.
It's so cool to see the history
integrated in a modern way.
It's masterful.
It's beautiful.
What I like the most is the light.
It's the one thing you can't miss.
And you have to have great light
in George Westinghouse's home.
You have lights from every direction.
[Megan] The warm bulbs
mix with natural daylight. It works.
[Jo] Mm-hmm.
-[Luis] Oh, Megan, look at the kitchen.
-[Jo] There's a doorway there?
-[Megan laughs]
-I didn't even see that.
[Megan] This is amazing.
This is why foodies love this place.
Look at how much space you have
to work with.
If this isn't the biggest invitation
to want to cook, I don't know what is.
Is that this?
This is actually the original Playhouse.
So this property was built in 1880
as an actual theater playhouse
for the Westinghouse family.
Then, in 1917,
it was sold to the Vanderbilt estate.
-This is where the stage used to be.
-Yeah?
[Jo] Look, they're the same beams
in the ceiling.
This is perfect.
Everything about the Playhouse
is theatrical.
[singing operatically]
-The acoustics.
-[Jo] The echo.
Hey, beautiful. Come up here.
-[Jo] Doesn't this feel like a fun house?
-[Megan] It does feel like a fun house.
-[Jo] Wow, I wasn't expecting this.
-[Megan gasps]
[Luis] Oh, this is nice.
Oh, wow. I did not see this.
[Jo] Right here, the bathtub.
The curtains
make it look like you're in a theater.
-[Megan] Yeah.
-[Luis] Yeah, this is great.
Oh, they Yes. Yep. Yep.
They knew what they were doing.
These people understand lighting,
which is rare.
-No, these people inventedlighting.
-[Luis] Well, yes.
-Yeah, they literally invented lighting.
-I don't think you guys understand.
[Megan] That is magical.
The harsh angle and the curvature
of the framework is like, ah!
-[Luis] That's a theatrical bedroom.
-[Jo] There's more to see. Come on.
[footsteps]
-Oh, wow.
-Nice cellar.
[Jo] Renovated to make sure
guests have a great time,
the Playhouse
has a downstairs entertainment area.
-This is like the "play" of the Playhouse.
-[Megan] Oh my God.
Cute!
There's something for everyone.
It's very practical
for families or friends.
If I was to assess this property,
first, you have to look
at value proposition,
and then you have to look
at who's your market.
And the added value here is huge.
We're staying in a historical landmark,
literally two hours away
from New York City,
so you can get away
with friends or family,
and have an amazing culinary experience.
Okay, so this is the Playhouse, right?
So that's where we're sleeping.
And this is a farm.
One of the many farms
that we will be visiting.
And this is exactly
why I booked this property.
Right next door,
we can get all the food we need
for the most authentic farm-to-table
experience here at the Playhouse.
And I wanna introduce Luis and Megan
to the chef who's gonna help us do that.
[Luis] This is it. Hi.
-Hello.
-Nice to meet you. This is beautiful.
-[Jo] Good to meet you.
-How are you?
This is way better
than I could've imagined.
[Luis] Oh, look at this.
Meet the man behind the masterpiece.
This is James.
Yes. How are you? Pleasure to meet you.
This is so beautiful.
[Jo] So James is the founder
of Heirloom Fire,
a company that uses cooking methods
from the late 1800s
to create a truly memorable
farm-to-table experience.
One thing I wanted to mention,
it's all about eating locally here.
[James] A hundred percent.
[Jo] You guys only pick what's in season.
[James] Yeah, that's correct.
It's about the sight.
It's about the smell, the experience,
the people you're with.
Could you describe the Berkshires for us?
Like, what does it represent?
We have great food,
we have amazing farmers.
We also have incredible properties
like this one for culinary experiences.
We have access
to everything you could want in life.
You just have to appreciate it
and slow down.
-It's beautiful.
-That's that is beautiful.
[all] Ooh!
-Wow.
-[James] It's fantastic.
It's see-through.
[James] Yeah.
So I want you guys to try this.
I am not ready.
Okay.
This is just a taste
of what's happening tomorrow.
I'm telling you.
You're gonna be involved.
It's a kitchen we're bringing.
We're setting it up.
We love to build it
right around these areas.
You guys picked one of the best properties
in the Berkshires.
-[Luis] Where have you been?
-[Taylor] The Berkshires.
[James] In the Berkshires.
-[peaceful music playing]
-[rooster crowing]
[Jo] Today we're gonna transform this
historic home into a foodie's paradise.
Today's gonna be a big day.
Let's see who's awake.
Wow.
I could get used to this view.
[Megan] We're working with James
to turn our backyard
into a one-of-a-kind culinary event.
-Does this go here?
-[James] Right there. You nailed it.
[Jo] I have no clue what he's got in store
for us, but I can't wait to find out.
So at this point we're good, we can let
the rest of my team unload the truck.
I want you to get
the full Berkshires experience, okay?
-I'm in. I'm in.
-Put us to work.
[Jo] We're gonna get
the true farm-to-table experience
by gathering all of our fresh ingredients
that will be incorporated
into our feast this evening.
Let's pick
some of these beautiful cheeses.
[Jo] From farm-fed cheese
[James] I want to find a creamy cheese.
to wide-open fields of fresh produce.
-Is that kale?
-It's kale.
-[Megan] That sound.
-[Luis] That sound.
[country guitar music playing]
-Whoa, dude.
-There's so much to look at.
What is happening? James!
-[James] What do you think, huh?
-[Jo] Wow!
The most important part of all this
is that we're looking at fire.
That transports us to a different time.
You don't need electricity.
That's what we love about this.
We could set up any place in the world
and cook an entire meal
over the things that are from the area.
[sizzling]
So I need a couple of volunteers.
You're here. You're dressed for the part.
-We are ready.
-Put us to work.
-[James] Beautiful. Look at it!
-[all exclaiming]
[Jo] Watch out, girl!
So James had us prep the food we gathered
using traditional methods
dating back to Westinghouse's time
over a hundred years ago.
[James] Crank those up all the way
to the top,and then stop.
This is our cheese.
I'm gonna tuck it in its little nest.
Now we're gonna scatter
a little bit of hay on top, like this.
I told you we were here for food.
This is actually a magic show.
The coolest part is that
we're preparing a meal
how Westinghouse's chef
might have prepared for him.
I think it's fair to say this is
the most inventive food prep I've seen.
I can't wait to taste everything.
I'm in a movie. I felt like I was
in a movie, and I let go.
It's been theatrical since yesterday.
This experience today
-Great.
-Told you we were traveling back in time.
[Megan] It feels like it.
-[James] All right, guys! We ready now?
-[all exclaiming]
[James] You earned your keep for today.
Oh my God.
[James] We have this beautiful jus
that's made here.
We have our hand-spun chickens right here,
followed by these potatoes.
-The best potatoes you ever had.
-[Megan laughs]
-[Jo] Theater!
-[James] Good work. Yes.
This has been the most theatrical
culinary experience I've ever had.
-Ever.
-[Luis] Ooh, this isOoh, ooh, ooh.
-[Megan] Wow.
-[Jo] Chicken.
Mm. Those potatoes.
-Mm.
-[Megan] Mm-hmm.
This is the best chicken
I've ever had in my life.
-Really?
-I second that. It's outrageous.
Oh, no, no. There's more coming.
-[Megan] My goodness!
-[Jo] Is that meat?
The whole crew.
Can everybody come here and join?
-We have way too much food.
-Will, Poppy, George, come here!
-Grab a fork!
-Come on, everybody, get in.
[Luis] Sara, come here!
-Melissa!
-[Jo] Come on!
-[all cheering]
-[Jo] Thank you, guys!
[Jo] Not many people can say
they've gone from Japan
to Mexico to the Berkshires
in search of food.
[cheering]
[Megan] La Villa Bonita
was the best bonding experience,
which I know I always say,
but for me,
my favorite was Seasons Niseko.
I just have never seen food
made in such an intentional way.
[Luis] My favorite
was Seasons Niseko.
It was a pure example
of something very, very special.
[Jo] My favorite property was definitely
the Playhouse in the Berkshires
because our kitchen was in the backyard,
which was our theater,
and the food wasdefinitely the show.
-Oh my God.
-It's outrageous.
[Luis] Whoo, whoo, whoo! Whoo!
[Jo screams]
["All Around the World" playing]
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
All around the world we move ♪
[horn honking]