With the news that the highly acclaimed ‘world’s best restaurant’ Noma, is closing its doors in 2024, we asked our Luxury Gold Travel Experiences team for their world’s best restaurant recommendations. Whether you love casual and cozy or chic and sophisticated, from Michelin-star dining to traditional surf and turf here are some tantalizing suggestions.

The news about Noma

@nomacph

Despite holding three Michelin stars and the title of the world’s best restaurant, Copenhagen-based restaurant Noma has announced it will close for regular service by the end of 2024. An open letter on Noma’s website explained “In 2025, our restaurant is transforming into a giant lab—a pioneering test kitchen dedicated to the work of food innovation and the development of new flavors, one that will share the fruits of our efforts more widely than ever before.”

Through using ingredients often forgotten or underused, Noma chef, owner and co-founder René Redzepi is credited with inspiring the culinary movement New Nordic cuisine.

The Olive Tree, Bath, England

@olivetreebath

With a commitment to local and seasonal, the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant offers a chic yet informal and welcoming fine dining experience. Set in Bath, the fertile heart of the English countryside, the restaurant is blessed with an abundance of high-quality produce from local suppliers. The only Michelin-star restaurant in Bath, the Olive Tree showcases both the best of Bath and the best of British cuisine.

Chef Chris Cleghorn, who gained his Michelin star in 2019, crafts menus that feature beautiful, fresh and seasonal dishes, with an unusual edge to simple flavors. With the finest meat, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables available right on its doorstep, Cleghorn believes the more he buys from local producers, the more they thrive and carry on producing such great British ingredients. A strong contender for the world’s best restaurant, we are sure you’ll agree.

Discover this on: British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms

Read more: 5 Michelin star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney, Australia

@bennelong_sydney

Located within the famous Sydney Opera House, Bennelong is a unique venue set in the building’s iconic sails. A pinnacle of Sydney’s premier dining experiences, savor Australian produce and award-winning wine, coupled with stunning harbor views.

With Peter Gilmore, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs at the helm, Bennelong showcases the flavor, diversity and quality of Australian produce. Taste dishes such as sashimi scallops with oyster cream, green almonds, rock samphire and black vinegar laver, and Maremma pasture-raised duck with hunter sausage, cherries, and Kampot pepper. Delicious desserts include ‘five textures of Queensland mango’ and pavlova.  A menu befitting of a world’s best restaurant contender.

More than an exceptional dining experience, when you travel with Luxury Gold, you’ll be treated to a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House beforehand. Go behind the scenes and uncover its intriguing secrets.

Discover this on: Inspiring Australia

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L’Etoile, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

@letoilrio

Sophisticated and romantic, L’Etoile by Jean Paul Bondoux, combines high-level cuisine with a stunning view of Rio de Janeiro from its 26th-floor setting. Located on the top floor of the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, admire breathtaking views of the Ipanema coastline, whilst dining on French-influenced dishes.

Chef Matias Cifuentes, originally from Chile, presents a menu with classic French gastronomy techniques combined with a contemporary touch in this most luxurious restaurant. His menus include extensive fish and seafood offerings, reflecting the fresh produce of the region, as well as meat and vegetarian options.

A Michelin-award-winning restaurant, L’Etoile also offers a curated wine menu and impeccable service, making it a truly memorable experience.

Discover this on: Classic South America

Gibbys, Montreal, Canada

Take a step back in time as you dine at Gibbys restaurant, housed in a 200-year-old building in Old Montreal. This charming steak and seafood restaurant features historic stone walls, original beamed ceilings and cozy fireplaces along with the very best of fine dining. For locals and tourists alike, a visit to Old Montreal would not be complete without a meal at Gibbys.

Enjoy the finest seafood Montreal has to offer, including chilled oysters and a large choice of fresh fish. Or try one of Gibbys’ expertly aged steaks, cooked to perfection. A Montreal landmark for lovers of fine cuisine, the restaurant has been in operation since 1969 and was the dream of owners and foodies, Gibby and Allan. Prior to opening they traveled the globe and experienced many world-class restaurants. Curating their findings and ideas, the duo opened Gibbys to share their passion for gourmet food.

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

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To sample these, and more of the world’s best restaurants, join us on a luxury, limited-edition tour, where exceptional dining and magnificent hotels bookend every day of your journey.

Curated exclusively for you, our luxury travel experiences surprise and delight. We asked the Luxury Gold travel experiences team for their best-curated experiences for 2023. From meeting a Duchess to exclusive access to the sights, here are their recommendations.

Meet the Duchess of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle, England

In the pretty English town of Alnwick, Northumberland lies the most elegant castle, and even more exquisite gardens. Seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland, the castle was built in the 11th Century following the Norman conquest.

Travel with Luxury Gold on a Founder’s Collection departure and enjoy a rare opportunity to meet Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland for a private tour of her beloved gardens. This exclusive experience is not available to the general public.

The spectacular grounds surrounding the castle were landscaped by Lancelot “Capability” Brown, renowned for creating some of England’s most beautiful landscapes. With passion and dedication, The Duchess has restored the garden to its 18th-century glory over the last 20 years. Enjoyed by thousands, only you as a Luxury Gold guest will meet the duchess and hear her personal story.

These 12 acres of meandering and magnificent gardens are home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets, and the world’s largest Treehouse Restaurant. You’ll meet the Head Gardener, who will lead you past a labyrinth, the serpent garden and ornate fountains. As you explore, you’ll listen to the fascinating story of restoration. Admire this masterpiece of passion and dedication, before indulging in a seasonal lunch. This experience is topped off with an in-depth exploration of the 11th-century castle, under the guidance of a Local Expert.

Our Founder’s Collection of luxury travel experiences enables you to mingle with the people who have shaped the history of the places you go. Curated by our founder, the late Stanley Tollman, these are his friendships from across the globe brought to you through exclusive meet and greets.

Discover this on: British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms

Read more: Royalty & Noblemen: the fascinating people you will meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

After-hours tour of The Luxor Temple, Egypt

A window into the ancient world, Egypt’s famous Luxor Temple strikingly sits in the heart of the modern town and will leave you captivated. Imagine gazing up at this magnificent structure with just a handful of your traveling companions for company.

As a Luxury Gold guest, enjoy exclusive VIP access as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site after-hours. Meaning you can roam the vast site in peace and tranquility. Founded in 1400 BC during the Golden Age of Thebes, this was the largest and most significant religious center in ancient Egypt. The temple once housed a village within its walls and features towering pillars, a myriad of statues and obelisks, and some of the finest carvings in ancient Egypt. A highlight of our luxury travel experiences, we invite you to explore this architectural wonder, exclusively and decadently yours.

Discover this on: Elegance of the Nile

Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots out of hours

Exclusive access and high tea in Jaipur City Palace, India

Elegant, enchanting and ornate, Jaipur City Palace takes pride of place inside Jaipur’s walled Pink City. Built between 1729 and 1732, this showcase of opulent beauty blends remarkable Rajput and Mughal architecture. On your tour of Jaipur City Palace, as guests of Luxury Gold, enjoy exclusive access to the private living room of the Maharaja, normally off-limits to visitors.

See how the royals lived up close and personal, and admire the architecture, latticework and ornately carved marble interiors. One of our most elegant luxury travel experiences, savor an Indian-inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique. The grounds surrounding the palace are no less exquisite, with numerous terraces, courtyards and gardens to explore.

Discover this on: Essence of India with Ranthanbore, Imperial Rajasthan

 Read more: From off-grid trips to nostalgic getaways: the top luxury holiday destinations for 2023

 Haast River Safari, New Zealand

There are few words that do justice to the landscapes of New Zealand. From the tip-to-toe of the North and South Islands, the country is simply blessed with natural wonder. We invite you, as a Luxury Gold guest, to delve deep into the heart of this beauty with a jet boat safari on the Haast River, located in the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.

Famous for its dramatic landscapes Haast is situated on the western edge of the South Island’s Mount Aspiring National Park. A World Heritage Site, UNESCO has compared it to the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef as a significant natural treasure.

Enjoy a unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort as you travel by covered jet boat. Glide past untouched landscapes from mountains to the sea whilst hearing from a Local Expert. They will share the history, flora and fauna of the beautiful Haast River Valley. Admire forests and snow-capped mountains from the comfort of your fully enclosed cabin and let your mind wander as you listen to captivating tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.

Discover this on: Southern Drift

Related content: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

Bossa Nova Experience with Cecelo in Rio De Janeiro

Overlooked by jutting mountains, Rio’s charming neighborhood of Ipanema boasts a stunning beach, great restaurants and a unique Brazilian vibe. It was also the birthplace of Bossa Nova in the 1950s. Here you will have the pleasure, and privilege to meet Cecelo, a local guitarist, music aficionado, and studio owner. Join him for a memorable walking tour, an experience created especially for Luxury Gold guests.

Bossa Nova can be described as a soft samba. It is based on traditional Brazilian music and rhythms, American jazz, and a new style of Portuguese lyrics. It originated on the beaches, with students, artists and musicians coming together to create a new sound.

As you explore, hear engaging stories about this famous music style on one of our most toe-tapping luxury travel experiences. Enjoy the sounds and sights of Ipanema, before heading back to your hotel where Cecelo will play you some Bossa Nova classics over a caipirinha cocktail.

Discover this on: Classic South America

Related content: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

 To find out more about these and other memorable luxury travel experiences available on all of our trips, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.

Imagine the luxury of having some of the world’s most iconic tourist hotspots all to yourself. To be able to take your time and enjoy them as you please. Well at Luxury Gold that’s how we believe travel should be and are proud offer our guests unique VIP access  to some truly amazing places. To tempt you further we’ve highlighted five benefits of visiting these magnificent landmarks out of hours.

You feel like a VIP

As you approach and the velvet rope is pulled back, with the doorman admitting only selected individuals to an iconic landmark, this is a truly VIP experience. This is Luxury Gold.

Join us to explore Italy and in Venice you’ll step into the spectacular Doge’s Palace after-hours for an exclusive tour. Bask in the 14th-century Venetian Gothic details, stroll the halls and  the magnificent Gold Staircase in an intimate group. Formerly the Doge’s residence and the seat of Venetian government, the Palace is the symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, the joy of such a rare and special experience at one of the world’s iconic tourist hotspots will leave memories for a lifetime.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Read more: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a blissful 24 hours in Venice

You have the place to yourselves

When we dream of seeing the world’s magnificent sights, we generally don’t account for the crowds. In our minds it is just ourselves, wonder and awe. But understandably, iconic tourist hotspots are also popular with other travelers which can have its drawbacks.

Now imagine gazing up at one of Egypt’s ancient structures with just a handful of your traveling companions for company. If it is serenity that you are after, travel with Luxury Gold and enjoy exclusive VIP access as you explore UNESCO World Heritage Site the Temple of Luxor after-hours. Founded in 1400 BC during the Golden Age of Thebes, this was the largest and most significant religious center in ancient Egypt.

Meander at your heart’s content without having to think of others. Choose your own route as you explore, stopping to view anything of interest to you, without waiting in line or jostling for space. Embrace the unique opportunity to really lose yourself in your location and appreciate the wonders of the world in such a decadent way.

Discover this on: Elegance of the Nile

Read more: Travel and Leisure names Mena House Hotel Cairo one of the world’s best

You can take as long as you want  

@museumrosengart

When presented with a Picasso or a Renoir, you want to savor the moment. And, with champagne in hand at a private viewing, you can take all the time in the world. Admire the subject and textures, the intricate details and contemplate the meaning of the masterpiece. With no pressure to move along, stay until your curiosity is sated.

At the acclaimed Rosengart Collection in Switzerland, we invite you to enjoy an exclusive VIP experience, with a private after-hours viewing. The collection exhibits over 300 works of art by 23 different artists of the so-called Classical Modernist Period, including Cézanne, Monet and Matisse. And is world renowned for housing two unique groups of work by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. The Rosengart Collection was originally the private Art Collection of the art dealer Siegfried Rosengart (1894–1985) and his daughter Angela.

Whether you are an expert or just an admirer, and be it masterpieces or artefacts, having the opportunity to take your time is priceless.

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Travelling Concierge

You have more time to learn from your expert guide

The joy of exploring a magnificent palace is only enhanced with a historian at your side. Whether an aficionado or a newcomer, the amount you can learn from such an expert greatly enriches your experience. And when visiting iconic tourist hotspots after-hours you have the time and space to ask everything you want and more.

During an VIP visit to Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace after-hours you can use up every minute of your Local Expert’s time. At Luxury Gold we have selected the most knowledgeable and likeable experts to bring the iconic sights to life for you, and to truly personalize your visitor experience. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames, where Mozart performed as a child prodigy and ask anything you want. Whether you want to examine the opulent furnishings or the socio-political history of the time, there is no rush.

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

Read more: Why a highly personalized travel experience has never been more important

Iconic landmarks have so much to offer, so many nooks and crannies and different aspects and angles. When you have access out of hours, you have the space and time to fully appreciate the finest details that you might otherwise miss.

Travel to England with luxury Gold and after the sun sets and London lights up, embark on a private tour of the Tower of London after-hours. Beneath the moonlight, a serving Yeoman Warder greets you and accompanies you through the grounds. While you walk they regale you with stories of this haunting site. Full of intriguing buildings and small historical details, enjoy the freedom to pick out the things that interest you most. With no one blocking your view or hurrying you along it is amazing what you can discover.

To round off a very special evening, you’re invited to to experience the ancient gate-closing ritual of the Ceremony of the Keys. This is the oldest practiced military ceremony in the world. Get an inside look at the history of the tradition and etiquette of handling the keys. This tradition has been carried out every night by the Yeoman Warder for the past 700 years.

Discover this on: British Royale

For inspiration: England destination guide

If you want to discover the world like a VIP and benefit from special access to iconic tourist hotspots, then take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection of luxury guided tours.