Down at the southernmost tip of Africa, expansive farms converge with vine-friendly slopes and teeming seas – not to mention dishes shaped by arrivals from all over the globe. The resulting rich and unexpected food scene makes South Africa the ultimate destination for a gourmet foodie road trip, whether you’re sampling a 10-course tasting menu on a wine estate, or tucking into a rustic braai (barbecue) in the bush. 

Guests on Luxury Gold’s nine-day Spectacular South Africa tour, for example, will tuck into seafood at the sea-view Harbour Restaurant in Kalk Bay, before enjoying a locally-sourced dinner at the world-renowned Boschendal Wine Estate – then dine under the stars in Kruger National Park.  

The sheer beauty of South Africa’s scenery – from wave-lashed coastline to green mountain slopes and dry savanna – means dramatic views from many of its most famous restaurants, while the contents of your plate are often firmly rooted in the terrain around you. Here are some of the culinary stops that have made this country the food destination it is today. 

Fine dining capital 

The perfect place to start any foodie road trip is Cape Town. One of the world’s great gourmet cities, Cape Town is teeming with innovative chefs both homegrown and imported making headlines with their menus. Here, Luxury Gold guests enjoy a visit the Old Biscuit Mill, once a series of factories but now transformed into trendy bakeries, boutiques, jewelers and cult restaurants. One such eatery, The Potluck Club, is an upmarket local favourite, with modern, arty small plates from star chef Luke Dale Roberts (most famous for the now-shuttered Test Kitchen). Expect dishes like springbok tataki and mussels with braised beef tongue, with a down-to-earth atmosphere and great sunset views over the Lion’s Head peak. The Old Biscuit Mill’s food market, Neighbourgoods Market, is a hit with trendy locals, and a must-see on your visit. 

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A taste of the Winelands 

Credit: @boschendal on Instagram

Sitting among acres of vines glowing gold in the sunlight, you swirl your first jewel-bright taster of wine around the glass. A vineyard visit is a standout moment of any South Africa tour, and its Cape Winelands are not only a ravishing place to do it – all imposing mountains, undulating vineyards and quaint towns of boutiques and restaurants – they’re also a hub of exciting chef activity. Take Boschendal Estate, a working farm between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek where you can go horse riding, tour the kitchen gardens, indulge in a picnic or just come for the main event: a glorious farm-to-table lunch. Sitting out at the Werf Restaurant, a highlight of any foodie road trip with its incredible views of the countryside, you’ll taste the likes of flame-cooked asparagus, forest-reared Duroc pork and tandoor cauliflower – all part of what chef Eric Bulpitt calls “soil to fork” cuisine.  

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Destination restaurants  

Credit: @harbourhouse on Instagram

South Africa is a country of destination restaurants worth the detour. Venturing outside of Cape Town, you might head to the coastal suburbs for a slap-up seafood meal. The iconic Harbour House restaurant in Kalk Bay is on your South Africa itinerary, where head chef Ryan Lee Van Rooyen dishes up elegant sushi rolls, dressed oysters and show-stopping seafood platters. But you might also linger for La Colombe in Constantia, one of the world’s best fine dining restaurants where you’ll try intriguing dishes such as the Dove’s Nest, featuring eggshells you uncork to eat with a straw, and a tuna starter served in a tuna tin with the lid peeled back. Or travel to pretty Franschhoek in the winelands for salt-sugar-cured pork belly and amarula panna cotta at stylish local’s favourite, Reuben’s.  

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A braai in the bush 

Credit: @lionsandsgamereserve on Instagram

Safari trips aren’t renowned for their food, but a luxurious reserve like Kruger National Park’s Lion Sands will host some of the most memorable meals of your trip. One highlight at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge – the base for game drives on the Spectacular South Africa tour – is the Celebration Dinner, an atmospheric barbecue grilled up in the wilderness near the camp.

As part of a full-board stay, you and the other guests at this upmarket lodge will follow staff to a lantern-lit spot in the reserve, where expert chefs will grill game and fish over a traditional South African barbecue while you chat in the light of a roaring log fire. It’s served in the traditional style, with pap (polenta), salad and sheba (a traditional tomato-and-onion sauce). And don’t worry about big cats or wild dogs intruding on the feast – staff are discreetly positioned to look out for any carnivorous visitors attracted by the aroma.  

To enjoy a gourmet foodie road trip and taste the best of South Africa, along with magnificent hotels and exclusive experiences take a look at our Spectacular South Africa luxury journey.

Rural Ireland may be most famous for its uninterrupted “Emerald Isle” greenery, but it’s even more of a pleasure to watch its leaves turn gold and amber. Among other forested spots, this spectrum of late autumn foliage is reflected most beautifully in Lough Corrib, the body of water at the foot of Ashford Castle, arguably Ireland’s best hotel and one of the most storied.  

This 800-year-old residence has a pleasing mix of outdoor living and cosy creature comforts that will suit your holiday mood as the season changes. This is a place where you can pull on a cashmere sweater for walks through the 350 acres of grounds, then dress up for dinner before a nightcap by the fireplace in the Prince of Wales Bar.  

While the hotel was recently named the fourth best in Europe (in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards, in the “Rest of Europe” category), it’s been a magnet for A-listers, leaders and trendsetters for more than a century: Oscar Wilde, King George V, John Lennon and Barbra Streisand have all stayed, whether in the building’s years as a private home or its subsequent life as a luxury hotel. Here’s how to enjoy this landmark hotel in the atmospheric holiday season months.  

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Outdoor pursuits

Credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

As well as heart-pumping walks through the lakeside, woodland and hills around the castle, guests visiting in late autumn can take full advantage of the cooler days to get out and about. Ashford is home to the oldest established falconry school in Ireland, where you’ll get to grips with these beautiful, huge-clawed birds of prey. Try the Hawk Walk experience, where you’ll embark on an atmospheric forest stroll with your own avine companion, giving them room to explore before swooping back to your gloved hand.  

Clay shooting and archery are both quintessential countryside experiences to acquaint you with your surroundings, while a lakeside cruise or fishing trip will get you out on the smooth, rippling waters of Lough Corrib, where the bronzed treetops frame a tranquil view as you cast your rod from a hand-crafted 19ft traditional wooden clinker.  

Equestrian types can enjoy Ireland’s best hotel on horseback. Saddle up with instructors or guides for lessons and trail rides, trotting out to the spectacular paths around the Lough, neighbouring woodland and into the mountains of Connemara to see the rural beauty of the county the way Ashford’s 19th-century guests did. 

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Sublime seasonal cuisine

Credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

Ornate wood panelling, Waterford crystal chandeliers and period fireplaces characterise the dining and drinking haunts at Ashford Castle. But the chef’s vision for your meals is entirely modern: seasonal, local Irish produce is the priority in the George V dining room, where you can graze your way through tangy St Tola goat’s cheese from County Clare, lobster from Rossaveel, 60km away, and lamb loin from Kinvara, just the other side of Galway. The real highlight for many is the restaurant’s signature 28-day-aged Chateaubriand and braised cheek, which is carved for two from a vintage-style chef’s trolley in front of you.  

Autumnal fare in Ashford’s restaurants might include woodland girolle mushrooms, a spiced pumpkin soup or gourmet takes on root vegetables such as parsnip and carrot. Meanwhile, chilly October or November mornings cry out for a Full Irish breakfast before you set off to explore: think sausages from Andarl Farm, 40km north of where you sit, plus sizzling Irish bacon, black and white pudding, mushroom, tomato and eggs to order.  What better way to stay the day at Ireland’s best hotel?

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Warming spa sessions  

Credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

After a day out on the Lough, with the falconry team or simply driving through County Mayo’s autumn foliage, an hour or three at the hotel’s world-class spa beckons. There’s a reason why this pampering palace has been named Ireland’s Best Spa for eight consecutive years at the World Spa Awards: as well as lavish interiors featuring chandeliers, lashings of gold and a striking Tree of Life mural, it has palatial treatment rooms with big-windowed views of the countryside, plus a hammam and relaxation pool.   

Keen walkers and jet-lagged long haulers can ease tense muscles with an aromatic massage using Voya seaweed products, where therapists tap into a long Irish tradition of using the coastal flora for healing and soothing purposes. Meanwhile a nourishing Natura Bissé facial will plump out dry skin after encounters with wind and rain, and an Ashford hammam session employs Atlantic salt and seaweed soap for an invigorating, inimitably Irish take on the Arabic spa tradition.  

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Beauty, elegance, power and rhythm. Flamenco epitomises the heritage and passion of Spain and has become one of the icons of its culture. In Seville, guests of Luxury Gold are invited deep into the heart of this timeless art, with a flamenco class and performance at the acclaimed dance school, the Cristina Heeren Foundation.

Feel the passion behind the choreography on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet students of the school. Discover the history of flamenco, learn some steps before enjoying an intimate, exhilarating performance by some of Spain’s finest Flamenco artists.

Discovering and training the best in the business and preserving this exquisite art form for future generations, Alexandra Hoffer, Director of the Cristina Heeren Foundation tells us more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Discover this on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Making the stars of the future

 “I call all my students my children. It’s amazing to have these people that were just 16 when you started working with them, and now you see them as big flamenco stars,” says Alexandra. “It’s very rewarding, we’ve made many artists. Around 70% of the top dancers are our ex-students. It’s wonderful to see how they evolve.”

Alexandra joined the Cristina Heeren Foundation when it opened in 1996. Named after its president, students study advanced guitar, singing and dance to the highest level. Through this, the foundation is also safeguarding the traditional of flamenco (inscribed in 2010 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) and contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage.

Flamenco has many modern influences, but Alexandra explains “What we teach is the classical tradition of flamenco. We think that in order to evolve, you need to have the basis. We are the only Flamenco school offing the three specialties together – singing, guitar and dancing. So, we have students studying different aspects and they’re together all the time.”

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An exquisite art form and an expression of life

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

Flamenco is formed from a melting pot of music styles that evolved in Andalucía and were transmitted through generations. These styles include Jewish, Arab, Castilian, old Andalusian and gypsy music.

“Flamenco started in the very poor communities, as an expression of life,” Alexandra says. “It celebrates a newborn and a death. Somebody who went to jail, was married, somebody who’s going to work. So, there are many different styles of flamenco and each one of them represents and expresses a different time of your life.”

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Enjoy a flamenco class with the professionals

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

Guests have the opportunity to learn some dance steps, under the expert eye of some of the school’s star pupils. “Flamenco is empowering, we find everyone who tries it loves it” says Alexandra. “In the flamenco class we teach guests different rhythms, and the how to move their hips, arms and feet. It’s a very sensual and enjoyable dance.

“Because you’re all learning, everyone is very supportive and applauds each other. Afterwards we share a glass of sangria and either myself or my companions are there to answer any questions. This is an exclusive opportunity to get to the heart of Flamenco from those who live and breathe it.

“Learning the steps and meeting the dancers also furnishes guests with a deeper knowledge and connection to the flamenco. This makes the show which comes next even more memorable.”

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The best artists, so close you can feel them

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

As a grand finale, guests are treated to a thrilling and intimate performance, featuring the very best dancers and musicians. “For our show we have the best flamenco artists you will find” enthuses Alexandra. “As the director of the theater, I only select top professionals. Some of them are very young but are dancing with big companies. It’s really important for me that these are the very best.

“Our theatre is very intimate, and the proximity to the performers takes the appreciation of flamenco to a whole new level. When you go into a big flamenco theatre it’s wonderful, but something gets lost. In my theatre you’re right in amongst it, you can really feel the dancers, the singing and the guitarist. It makes a big difference to the experience.

The school’s performances are renowned amongst locals as well as visitors, a testament to the quality.  “I have one dancer and there’s huge crowd that love her,” Alexandra says. “So, they come all the time and see her because they say it’s amazing that to be able to see her up close and really enjoy her dance. You can see how she breathes and how she moves each single finger. It’s this proximity that makes it very special.”

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We MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Chosen with great care for their positive impact on our planet its people and wildlife, our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This experience directly advances UN SDGs 4: Quality Education and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The school enables students access to cultural education, safeguarding the traditional flamenco dance and Spain’s cultural heritage.

The Cristina Heeren Foundation is also a recipient of a grant from our TreadRight Foundation. Through this the school is able to support four students per year who will benefit from an extra year of study to really mature as dancers.

“We see some artists, some students that are very good, but they still need one more year to keep on specializing” Alexandra explains. “Through the grant we are able to develop them further, keeping even more talent in training for the future and preserving this elite art form for generations to come.”

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To embrace the passion of Spain for yourself, learn steps in a flamenco class and enjoy this memorable performance, take a look at Spain & Portugal in Style