As 2023 unfolds before us, we’ve rounded up current luxury travel trends to catch your eye. Sustainability remains at the forefront, whilst modern and future technology ensures the most luxurious and seamless experiences. From local gastronomy to going solo, 2023 promises to be a year of unforgettable journeys.

Sleep and sleep technology

@hastensleepspa_coimbra

Enjoy the most luxurious night’s sleep with the help of technology. Sleep is fast becoming one of the key luxury travel trends. More and more hotel brands are looking to technology to ensure their guests get the best rest. Think AI-powered beds that adjust mattresses to support your body and select the best room temperatures for you to maintain quality sleep.

In Coimbra, Portugal, you can enjoy the Hästens Sleep Spa Hotel, a boutique hotel from the famous Swedish mattress brand. Here acoustics, sleep books and hypoallergenic mattresses are all designed for optimal rest and relaxation. In London, the Belmond Cadogan Hotel offers the services of a ‘Sleep Concierge’ service. This includes meditation as well as weighted blankets, pillows and pillow mists, all based on a guest’s sleeping preferences.

Related content: 5 ultra-modern tech gadgets to help make jet lag a thing of the past

Flat-pack hotels

@habitastulum

Though this may sound like one of the more gimmicky luxury travel trends, it is rooted deeply in sustainability. The flat pack hotel has its parts manufactured in a factory, flat packed and transported to its destination, before being assembled on site. Famed for leading the trend is hotel group Habitas. While the phrase flat packed doesn’t initially conjure up luxury, its Tulum hotel in Mexico is a thoughtfully designed, sustainable lifestyle hotel that offers ‘stylish simplicity’.

Instead of glitzy lobbies and heavy structures, their hotels are built around natural elements such as trees, rocks and water. Habitas’ hotels have opened in the Ashar Valley of Saudi Arabia and in Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende countryside. More retreats are planned for 2023 in Mexico, Morocco, Costa Rica and Bhutan.

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

Meaningful itineraries

Having missed out on a lot of travel over the past few years, the luxury traveler is keen to make travel experiences deeper and more meaningful than ever. Instead of just passing through a destination or skimming its surface, guests are wanting luxury to also mean educational and real.

At Luxury Gold our curated experiences are the highlights of our tours, with many opportunities to enjoy local connections. Join us to tap into this trend for luxury travel in 2023. Delve into the colorful history of traditional textiles in Perugia, Italy, as you meet Marta who works hard to preserve the ancient craft. And in Memphis, USA, take part in a Creole cooking demonstration before feasting on traditional Southern dishes that you have learned how to create.

On our exclusive Founder’s Collection departures, meet European nobility, legendary locals and celebrated icons. Meaning that you mingle with the people who have shaped the history of the places you go. And you will make a positive impact on people, communities and wildlife through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy, Southern Grace

Read more: Slow and sustainable: the expectations of the luxury traveler in 2023 and beyond

The rise of solo travel

It seems everyone is talking about solo travel now as one of 2023’s hottest luxury travel trends. And we agree it’s an enlightening and empowering way to see the world. Why wait for others? Travel where and when you choose and make sure nothing remains gathering dust on your bucket list. And don’t think it is something only for the young, solo travel is for everyone. Virtuoso recently reported that among its travelers aged 65+, interest in single travel went from 4 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2022.

Choosing to travel solo in a group is the ultimate combination of individual freedom and the security of others. And luxurious, curated travel provides the ultimate way to realize your dreams and go beyond your expectations.

Read more: 7 reasons why luxury travel is the ultimate form of self indulgence

Metaverse

Image by Freepik

With the help of the Metaverse to ‘try before you buy’, traveler engagement will climb to the next level in 2023 and beyond. Through this technology, travelers are able to have experiences in the online world, for example at virtual concerts and exhibitions. As technology advances, it is possible to incorporate deeper cultural experiences into this virtual world.

The metaverse offers an exciting opportunity to enhance pre-trip assistance. As well as creating a sense of excitement and desire with previews of experiences that await. One of the more remarkable luxury travel trends, Qatar Airways recently announced the Qverse with a MetaHuman cabin crew. Through this they will offer an immersive experience for navigating Hamad International Airport.

Local travel and food ticks the boxes

@visitjapanau

More and more, high-end travelers are seeking out both luxurious and local. A yearning for locally sourced produce, seasonal menus, and regional fare is prevailing – and this is one of 2023’s luxury travel trends. And this means not just eating local food but having the opportunity to mingle with locals at the same time.

Today’s luxury traveler is looking for fine dining, but also for a selection of venues off the traditional tourist route. These are places where you can sit, mingle and soak up the true culture of your destination. At Luxury Gold there are plenty of opportunities to connect to the local culture and community and through cuisine. From thoughtfully selected restaurants to free time where your Travel Concierge can make recommendations, we’ve got it covered. Travel with us to Japan and we’ll introduce you to a Local Expert who will take you on a stroll through the famous Donburi Street. You’ll hit up all the best stalls to taste all the specialties from grilled meat skewers to melon pan ice cream.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

Read more: From Tokyo to London, were to sample the world’s best street food

Luxury yachts from luxury hotel brands

@ritzcarltonyachtcollection

Imagine the luxury and comfort of your favorite hotel brand combined with the magic of the open sea. A new era of yachting from the world’s leading hotel brands is tantalizingly being dangled before us. And last October, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was launched with Evrima, the most sophisticated and expensive civilian ship ever built in Spain.

At the end of 2022, Four Seasons confirmed the launch of a cruise ship with 95 suites. Belmond, the name behind the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, was a pioneer, launching its river-focused péniche-hôtels in 2004. These sophisticated vessels are designed for luxurious relaxation, letting the magic of each destination provide the main entertainment.

If these luxury vacation trends have inspired you to think about your next journey, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.

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

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

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

Related content: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

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.