We’ve rediscovered the enjoyment of a slower pace of life, and many of us have relished the opportunity to spend the extra time we’ve gained catching up on our reading. What better way to relax and use our minds to escape, travelling far away into the pages of a great novel.

We asked our team to provide us with their recommendations for the novels and books that have really inspired them during this down time to discover new places, people and cultures when they are able to travel again.

Which one of our teams’ top recommendations will make it to your nightstand?

© 2015 Fallois Poche

1. The Final Days of our Fathers by Joël Dicker

This 2010 novel takes us back in time telling a story set in the heart of World War II. It reveals the true story of the Special Operations Executive, an underground branch of the British Secret Intelligence Service who trained French Resistance cells.

Recommended by: Meryll M, Digital Marketing, Geneva

“This is my favourite book of 2020 and is written by acclaimed Swiss novelist, Joël Dicker. The book tells the story of the Special Operations Executive, a British World War II organisation. The book allows you to travel into the past from France to the UK and Germany with incredible protagonists. A stunning literary journey.”

© 2020 Mira

2. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Transporting us to the incredible India of the 1950’s, the Henna Artist shines a spotlight on a strong, independent woman struggling between traditional Indian culture (with an arranged marriage) and her desire to live a modern life. At just 17, she flees her marriage and travels to the vibrant, pink city of Jaipur, becoming a highly sought-after henna artist to the upper class and learning their innermost secrets.

Recommended by: Amber B, Custom Groups, California

“I have been reading books from my neighbour’s lending library and I recently found The Henna Artist: by Alka Joshi. What a find this was – India is by far one of my favourite places to travel to and it was so fun to re-visit the country through this book!”

© 2019 Penguin Vintage Classics

3. The Rings of Saturn by W.G Sebald

This novel follows a protagonist’s journey by foot down along the coast of Suffolk and his many observations. It deals with the themes of memory and history, touching on the Chinese empire and previous trips to Ireland and Belgium as they connect to the stories of the people and places that he encounters on his quest to understand himself and his surroundings.

Recommended by: Hayley G, Contact Centre, Toronto

“I would have to go with “The Rings of Saturn” by W.G Sebald. It’s an intriguing mix of part memoir, part travelogue, and part history as he narrates his journey down the coast of Suffolk. He encounters places and characters of interest both past and present on his quest to understand himself and his surroundings in their correct place in the passage of time, and how they all relate to death.” 

© 1993 Picador

4. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje

This 1992 best-selling book turned movie, follows a group of different people who come together in the midst of World War II in an Italian Villa. A Canadian nurse tends to her last patient, an almost unrecognisable man who has been burnt in an attack, as they explore the patient’s life prior to injury. A story of love, deceit, and painful memories, this book not only makes us want to travel to the Italian countryside, but also highlights the importance of not just travelling the world, but understanding the people and seeing the truth that lies beneath the surface of the tourist attractions.

Recommended by: Brad F, President, Toronto

“Aside from the obvious appeal of the Italian countryside, deserts, Egypt, Bedouin mythology and sweeping vivid romantic imagery, this story changed the way I wanted to see the world. It encouraged me to look for the incredible stories that lie beneath the surface of the perfect pictures of the places we visit. I’ve read it several times – it was first recommended to me by my Mother, as it was one of her favourite reads. I’m reading it again now, and it sits on my bedside table for moments to lose myself in a story a few pages at a time.” 

© 2014 HarperOne

5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Written by a Brazilian author in Portuguese and then later translated to English to becoming a best seller, The Alchemist is a brilliant combination of wisdom, magic and self-discovery. With the protagonist travelling from his Spanish hometown through the Egyptian Desert, and meeting a gypsy, a king and an alchemist who all help him in the search for “treasure.” A wonderful reminder of how travelling can help us look inside and listen to our hearts.

Recommended by: Kirsten S, Marketing, Geneva

“When I first read the Alchemist it had become a popular book for people who were looking for meaning, and was discussed everywhere from bus stops to coffee shops. Whilst it’s true that Paulo Coelho has a way of unravelling the mysteries and magic of the world that provides comfort to many, what I took from it was the rich way he described the landscapes and countries of North Africa from times gone by. A reminder that wisdom is not a new concept and that through the act of travel one can find parts of themselves that were once hidden.”

MORE INSPIRING TRAVEL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

© 2018 National Geographic Society

6. Spectacle: Rare and Astonishing Photographs, by National Geographic

A National Geographic collection of some of their photographer’s best breathtaking images from around the world.  This coffee table book is beautiful and inspiring, filled with photography that delights and shocks readers, urging them to travel again to find the joy of witnessing a manmade or rare natural wonder for themselves. 

© Viking Australia

7. Journey From Venice by Ruth Cracknell

An autobiography that follows Author Ruth and her husband Eric’s journey to escape on their carefully planned holiday, with the mission to have more time to think and appreciate life and each other. As Eric falls ill, the story becomes one of unconditional love and a reminder to readers that no matter how well you plan a holiday, life can have its own plans for you.

© 1998 Riverhead Books

8. The Beach by Alex Garland

Another book turned into an incredible film starring Leonardo Di Caprio, The Beach makes us nostalgic for the adventures of backpacking or a warm summer holiday. Told in first person by a young boy in search of a legendary beach in Thailand untouched by the effects of tourism. Although originally published in the 90’s, the novel’s issue is more relevant than ever as we look to find a more sustainable way to travel and preserve our favourite places.

© 2004 Vintage

9. The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton

Rather than a book about travelling, or where the characters embark on an incredible journey, this book serves as a great reminder of why we travel. The book also highlights some of the issues of glorifying travel, or a specific trip, that may turn out differently than imagined, or not live up to our expectations.  For everyone, it may be different, but for many of us it’s for the sense of adventure, discovering beauty in nature, cultural understanding and personal growth.

© 2001 HarperCollins

10. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

A beautiful romance novel which is the first of a best-selling trilogy, the book is set in 1941 as Russia entered the second World War. While we don’t wish to be transported back to the chaos and destruction of a warzone, the love story in this novel set in an environment of hardship, devastation and secrets, also creates a love story between the reader and the country of Russia, as we appreciate the harsh winter, grand cities and unique culture.

As many borders remain closed around the world, we’re constantly dreaming about our next journey and being able to indulge in a luxury journey. For now, we’re only able to dream about our next escape and film is a magnificent way to be transported to a magical far away destination, even if only for a few hours. We asked our Luxury Gold team to share the top travel films that are inspiring their next journey:

Ireland’s West coast is a labyrinth of landscapes that evolve with every passing hour, winding roads flanked by traditional stone walls, a magnificent coastline of dashing waves and expansive walks and pretty villages and towns awash with character and charm.

And nestled in the West is the county of Mayo, the birthplace of Ireland’s first female President and home to one of the most historic and spectacular five-star hotels in Ireland, Ashford Castle, the only hotel in Ireland to have earned a Five-Star Forbes Travel Guide Ranking.

Niall Rochford, general manager at Ashford Castle, invites you to take a look around the hotel and the 350-acre estate that envelops the castle, where guests have been enjoying exceptional levels of hospitality for more than 80 years:

The adventure begins as you enter the grand stone gates of the 800-year-old castle and former home to the renowned Guinness family. As you turn the final corner you will be greeted by a lone piper who will escort you over the stone drawbridge that leads you to the imposing castle that belies the warm welcome that awaits.  Sitting majestically by the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is surrounded by ancient Irish woodland and beautifully manicured lawns, over which your footprints are sure to pass during the next two days of your Luxury Gold stay.

As you ascend the stone steps to the hotel’s entrance, you will discover exquisite interiors and beautifully appointed drawing rooms and dining areas where the temptation will be to sit back, relax, enjoy a drink and marvel at the magnificent views afforded by the gleaming high windows adorning every room.  And why not do just that before embarking on your next adventure, which might just include one of the more than 30 outdoor activities on the estate from which you can choose. 

Returning from the crisp, fresh Mayo air you can transcend to an air of tranquility and relax in the hotel’s award-winning spa from where you will leave feeling nurtured and pampered following a heavenly spa experience.

Dining is always an experience at Ashford Castle where our team of executive chefs selects the finest local, seasonal produce to create their culinary magic. Your first evening will be spent at Cullen’s at the Cottage, a quaint but elegant traditional thatched cottage that was once Cong Cinema, where locals enjoyed a viewing of Hollywood blockbuster, The Quiet Man.  Now, you will enjoy a selection of international and local dishes, including the finest fresh seafood and recipes inspired by our owner, Beatrice Tollman.

After a restful sleep and a sumptuous breakfast of local delights and home-baked treats, head to the great outdoors – without ever having to leave the estate.  Watch our Hawks soar through the air with a visit to Ireland’s first school of falconry or take to the air yourself and zip-line through the woods for an exhilarating encounter. Other estate activities include golf and horse-riding, fishing and archery and you can even start your day with a morning walk with our long-standing ‘residents’, Cronan and Garvan, a magnificent pair of Irish Wolfhounds, who are very much a part of our family.

Your second evening bestows an incredible sense of occasion as we invite you to the spectacular George V Dining Room, built specially for a visit to the estate by King George V in 1905. A more formal affair, the focus in our fine dining restaurant is on locally produced artisan ingredients, often complemented by seasonal produce foraged on the estate.

Round-off proceedings with a movie in our private cinema, enjoy a cocktail or post prandial in the Prince of Wales bar, or retire to the Billiards Room for a specialty Irish whiskey or artisan gin.  

Each of our guest rooms is individually appointed and designed to sensitively combine the castle’s original features with life’s modern luxuries. Beautiful bedding, sumptuous fabrics, Egyptian Cotton bed linen and a choice of pillow type will ensure a dream-like sleep at the end of a memorable stay.

When you join us at Ashford Castle you will be beautifully looked after by a team that is passionate about caring for our guests, who are always made to feel part of the extended Ashford Castle family.

But, as a Luxury Gold guest you are already part of the family, and we look forward to welcoming you to Ashford Castle where an extra special welcome awaits.

If interested in visiting Ireland and staying at Ashford Castle view our Ultimate Ireland or Castles & Kingdoms itineraries

Ashford Castle is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and one of the 42 family-owned and run ‘TTC Family Of Brands’.

President & Founder Beatrice Tollman has built Red Carnation Hotels with a vision for service excellence and a passion for generous hospitality. Today the collection proudly stands at 20 exceptional properties around the world, each unique and special, whilst sharing the founding values that define the family-owned and run business.

The hotel collection is lovingly named after the signature flower Mrs. Tollman’s husband always wears, and this symbol of hospitality is also worn by every member of the team.