Sip, Savour, Stay: Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Celebrates the Return of its Signature Au Soleil Programme with the Debut of a New Rosé Sorbet Created in Collaboration with Chef Meredith Hayden of Wishbone Kitchen

Available at more than 30 of the European-born brand's global properties beginning this month, guests are invited to savour the good life with the Whispering Angel-inspired treat

BETHESDA, Md., June 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Born in the golden era of travel, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is inviting travellers to embrace an endless summer mindset through its signature Au Soleil programme and the launch of its first-ever rosé sorbet. Inspired by Whispering Angel rosè, the exclusive treat is available beginning this month at more than 30 Le Méridien properties across the globe from downtown darlings such as Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown and Le Méridien Melbourne to beachside getaways including Le Méridien Barcelona and Le Méridien Lav, Split, and more.

Le Méridien has teamed up with social media's favorite chef and tastemaker – Meredith Hayden – to bring to life a Rosé infused sorbet as a nod to the brand's quintessential invitation for travellers to chase the endless summer and create lasting memories complete with lazy, rosé-filled afternoons. Jetsetting to the heart of Provence where the Whispering Angel vineyards reside, Meredith and Le Méridien team took inspiration from the over 175 acres of planted vines as well as from the flavours of the Mediterranean coast where Le Meridien Beach Plaza is situated to ultimately create the perfect alchemy of summer's most refreshing treats: rosé and sorbet. Best enjoyed in the sun, especially at golden hour, the iconic pairing's light & refreshing flavours make for the perfect libation on a sun-soaked day.

Inspired by the preciousness of caviar ice baths and the cocktail sidecar, this perfect scoop-and-sip combo is served in a custom-designed Sorbet Sidecar. The glass cone, reflective of a classic ice cream cone, holds the sorbet scoop and sits atop a stemless wine glass filled with rosé. The glassware duo is presented on a sunshine-colored tray, with an Au Soleil wooden cradle designed to hold the cone while sipping the rosé.

"To embody Le Méridien's summer celebration, we looked to France, the birthplace of the brand, which naturally drew us to rosé wine. Nothing says summer like a chilled glass of rosé," said recipe collaborator Meredith Hayden. "Le Méridien team and I visited Provence, the birthplace of rosé, as well as Chateau d'Esclans, home of the globally renowned rosé label, Whispering Angel. Afterwards, we traveled across the Mediterranean coast to Le Méridien Beach Plaza where the hotel's Executive Chef introduced us to the beauty of the local strawberries grown just a few miles from the property. Together, we brought to life a reimagined version of a classic pairing, strawberries, and rosé, in a rosé infused strawberry sorbet."

Driven by the success of the Au Soleil programme, this sorbet debut is part of the brand's year-round signature Le Scoop offering. With plans to roll out a global Rosé programme in January 2024, the debut of Le Méridien's rosé sorbet this summer will set the tone for guests to continue indulging their rosé palate any time of the year.

"Leaning into its storied heritage and the distinctly European spirit of savouring the good life, Le Méridien celebrates summer "au soleil", or "under the sun", encouraging travellers to slow down and enjoy the moment wherever their pin drops," said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts and Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. "We've seen rosé rise in popularity, not only as a summer treat, but as a year-round favourite, which inspired us to bring this summer state-of-mind to travellers globally."

Le Méridien invites guests to chase the endless summer through its bookable Au Soleil package. Travellers can enjoy complimentary scoops and leisurely breakfasts at select properties and of course, guests can outfit themselves with summer essentials thanks to Shop Le Méridien. To learn more about Le Méridien® Hotels & Resorts, please visit le-meridien.marriott.com.

About Le Méridien® Hotels & Resorts
Born in 1960's Paris during an era of glamorous travel, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts continues to celebrate cultures around the world through the distinctly European spirit of savouring the good life.   With over 115 hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries and territories, spanning from Maldives to Monaco and from Santa Monica to Sichuan, Le Méridien's engaging mid-century designed spaces coupled with chic signature programmes put a playful twist on art, coffee, sparkling cocktails, summer, family, and inspire creative-minded travellers to explore the world in style. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com, and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Le Méridien is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 31 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.