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Luxury Journeys, New Zealand

Rugged luxury: Why a Trip to New Zealand Might Surprise You

May 22, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments

New Zealand is famed for its rugged landscapes, adventure activities, and down-to-earth locals. But it’s also a land of stunning contrasts. Nestled within the soaring mountains, glittering glaciers, lush forests, and windswept fjords are the most luxurious experiences offering the perfect balance between opulence and authenticity. New Zealand’s luxury experiences not only offer indulgence but also allow you to forge a deeper connection with the country’s landscapes, people and traditions. As you get to know the outdoor-loving locals and the wild landscapes on a trip to New Zealand you’ll see how they harmonize with the luxurious side of this extraordinary country. 

Experience it: The Long White Cloud

Tewaonui Forest Retreat New Zealand

@tewaonui_forest_retreat

Luxury nature retreats

A bush retreat doesn’t typically conjure up images of high-end luxury, but in New Zealand, that’s exactly what you’ll get. The country’s most remarkable luxury lodges are immersed in breathtaking scenery. These retreats are intimately entwined with the outdoors, yet they’re sophisticated, with world-class services, cuisine, and design. Our top picks are the Te Waonui Forest Retreat and the Milford Sound Lodge. 

Located in Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is an eco-friendly, five-star oasis, submerged in the pristine wilderness. The elegant rooms have plush beds and large private bathrooms, along with a private balcony or courtyard that places you within reach of the lush forest. With its impeccable service and earthy ambience, this is rugged luxury at its best.

The Milford Sound Lodge is another gorgeous retreat. Located in the heart of the Fiordland National Park, right on the doorstep of Milford Sound, this lodge is completely surrounded by natural beauty. You’ll stay in either a Riverside or Mountain View chalet, each beautifully designed with unparalleled views of the scenery. You’ll also be steps away from the famous lakes, mountains, glaciers and valleys of the Milford Track, where you can get swept away in nature’s wonders.

Read more: The ultimate nature retreat: welcome to Milford Sound Lodge

Milford Sound Lodge

@milfordsoundlodge

Fine dining and wining in the wilderness

New Zealand’s culinary scene showcases the best of its local produce, with mouthwatering lamb, beef, seafood, and fruit and vegetables, all grown in the surrounding regions. In Dunedin, you’ll dine on local favorites such as braised lamb and the catch of the day at Parcels Restaurant at the heritage hotel, Distinction Dunedin. 

In Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and world-renowned wine country, you’ll enjoy a dinner with wine pairing at Craggy Range Winery. With the rugged backdrop of Te Mata Peak and golden vineyards, you’ll feast on locally-grown produce and award-winning wines in this family-owned winery.

Keep the wine exploration going with a boutique wine tour in Queenstown. You’ll savor the best Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc of the Central Otago wine region. If beer is more your speed, we’ll take you to Emerson’s Brewery to sample Dunedin’s best local brews with a tour and tasting session. You’ll witness each stage of the brewing process, from the malt room to the bottling area of this exceptional microbrewery. 

Read more: 5 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences to Have in New Zealand

Craggy Range Winery New Zealand

@craggyrange

Relax in nature’s spa

Mother Nature loves to show off in New Zealand. She also loves to nurture, offering up her very own natural spa baths. On your trip to New Zealand, you’ll find geothermal pools throughout the country. The therapeutic hot springs offer a serene experience in the wild landscapes. 

Sink into the bubbling pools and mud baths of Rotorua, or indulge in the luxurious Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. As you soak in the mineral-rich waters while taking in the wilderness, you’ll strike the perfect balance between luxury and the great outdoors.

Read more: Reconnect with the great outdoors at these luxurious back-to-nature retreats

natural hot spring Rotorua New Zealand

@rotoruanz

Bespoke adventure experiences

New Zealand is the adrenaline capital of the world, and we elevate these experiences with a more intimate atmosphere. Enjoy private guided walks along the Milford Track and Franz Josef Glacier or a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail in Queenstown. Whatever your speed, there are endless opportunities for bespoke adventure on your trip to New Zealand. 

We’ll visit the subterranean Waitomo Cave and take a private boat tour. As you coast through the extensive underground caves, you’ll marvel at the dazzling resident glowworms. In the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, you’ll enjoy a Haast River jet boat safari. Cruise past pristine forests and snow-capped mountains as you hear fascinating stories of the communities in this valley. From the Queen Charlotte Sound cruise to the TranzAlpine train journey, you’ll experience outdoor adventure in style.

Read more: Six Stunning Filming Locations To See In New Zealand

Waitomo glowworm caves New Zealand

@rotoruanz

Māori cultural experiences 

A luxury travel experience is also about immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of your destination. The Māori, New Zealand’s Indigenous people, have a deep connection to their land and traditions. You’ll get a richer insight through tailored cultural experiences. In Rotorua, you’ll wander through the ancient forest village with your local Māori guide and learn about Māori art forms and traditions. You’ll then experience a Hāngī feast, cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam at Te Pā Tū, and witness a captivating Māori cultural performance as you dine. 

Maori cultural experience New Zealand

@rotoruanz

Experience the rugged luxury on a trip to New Zealand and embark on our The Long White Cloud luxury tour. In 19 extraordinary days, you’ll go from the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier to the waterfalls of Milford Sound. Discover the volcanic craters of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the wineries of Queenstown, and beyond.

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Luxury Journeys

7 Incredible destinations to extend your Luxury Gold vacation

April 17, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Maybe it’s a new destination, somewhere you have always wanted to see, or just time for an extra treat. Why not extend your Luxury Gold vacations and spend extra time in some superb locations?

You can  extend your stay at the start or end of your trip, on each of our limited-edition tours. Or make your journey even more spectacular by choosing one of our extended vacations.

Venice, Italy and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Gondola in the Grand Canal at sunset in Venice

Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, is a divine location and a hard act to follow. A highlight of Italy, its winding canals, stunning architecture, and rich history make it one of the most romantic and enchanting destinations in the world. You’ll never tire of exploring the city’s hidden corners, charming back alleys and secluded squares. Sip coffee in the Piazza San Marco and marvel at the opulent Basilica di San Marco and the stunning Doge’s Palace. Float along the canals on a gondola, absorbing the sights and sounds from the water.

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

Luxurious interior of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, an extension to Ultimate Italy, Luxury Gold Vacations

@vsoetrain

For the ultimate treat and crescendo to your stay, treat yourself to a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Continue basking in the timeless elegance of Venice on a luxurious journey to Paris, as an extension to Ultimate Italy, of our most popular Luxury Gold vacations. Opulent carriages, first class service and gastronomy courtesy of a Michelin-starred Chef, make this an unforgettable step back in time.

Read more: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy with Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Auckland, New Zealand

Aucklands skyline showing the water in the background.

A stunning coastal city, Auckland offers luxury travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Whether you are strolling along the waterfront and enjoying views of Waitemata Harbor and the Hauraki Gulf, or exploring the city’s world-class museums and galleries, you’ll be longing for some extra time in this vibrant city.

Visit the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views or take a helicopter ride. Explore the city’s underground lava caves and the stunning Waitakere Ranges rainforest. And pass the time enjoying fresh seafood and fine wine in the city’s many waterfront restaurants and bars.

Making your visit to Auckland even more memorable, travel with us and you’ll be treated to an exclusive dinner with one of the country’s famous former All Blacks rugby players. Just one of the exclusive moments that await on Luxury Gold vacations.

Read more: How to spend a decadent weekend in Auckland

Why not take a few extra days at the end of The Long White Cloud?

New Orleans, USA

The red paddle of a paddle ship in the Mississippi River, New Orleans

The Big Easy. A city packed with history, music and exquisite cuisine – there is always one more experience to savor. New Orleans is known for its unique blend of African, French and American cultures. Here you can enjoy jazz, blues, Creole cuisine, unique architecture and festivals including Mardi Gras.

Founded by the French, New Orleans was ruled for 40 years by the Spanish before being bought by the United States in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, leaving behind a rich history full of fascinating tales. It’s no surprise it is one of the USA’s most popular travel destinations.

A big draw is the historic French Quarter, with its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street. Visit St. Louis Cathedral and the legendary Preservation Hall jazz club. The city is considered the birthplace of jazz, and famous musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton got their start playing in the city’s clubs and music halls. You can also enjoy the magic of Mardi Gras any time of year at the Mardi Gras World Museum.

Discover this on: Southern Grace

Read more: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

Alaska, USA

Alaskan landscape featuring mountains and water, with the tail of a humpback whale showing above the water.

An Alaska cruise is a must for any discerning traveler seeking natural beauty and adventure. And it makes the perfect extension to Majesty of the Rockies, one of our limited edition Luxury Gold vacations. Once you have been exposed to the outstanding natural beauty of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, we guarantee you’ll be yearning for more.

Over 12 days, we invite you to bask in the incredible scenery of Alaska’s Inside Passage. In the company of marine biologists and expert naturalists, stop at villages, waterfalls, fjords and glaciers.

Quiet and luxurious, your boutique cruise ship combines comfort with the ultimate in environmental protection. And it is perfectly sized to enable access to islands and coves. Intimately observe wildlife from the overwater viewing platform and enjoy exquisite onboard dining, with a bounty of fresh local produce.    

Discover this on: Majesty of the Rockies with Alaska Cruise extension

You may also enjoy reading: Why journeying through the Rocky Mountains will stay with you for a lifetime

Prague, Czech Republic

Charles Bridge, Prague, at sunrise

With a rich history and Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, Prague excludes old world glamour and charm. Known as the ‘City of a Thousand Spires’, it’s one of Europe’s architectural gems.

Must-see sights include the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Prague Castle. Take your time strolling along the Vltava River and enjoy views of the city’s skyline or explore the winding streets of the city’s historic Old Town. Prague is renowned as shopper’s paradise, and browsing its designer boutiques is the perfect way to indulge with some extra time in the city. Visit the luxury shopping district of Parizska Street for high-end brands such as Dior and Prada or explore the vintage shops in the Josefov neighborhood.

Add extra days at the start of: Harmony of Central Europe

Tokyo, Japan

The Alley of memories in Tokyo, showing traditional lanterns and small shops

Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis, is known as the city where innovation meets tradition.

Despite its size, it is considered one of the safest and friendliest cities in the world. And with so much to explore, this is the kind of city you can spend many more days in.

Tokyo’s rich history can be seen everywhere in its architecture, particularly in its ancient temples and shrines. The magnificent Sensoji Temple dates back to the 7th century. The city is also home to modern architectural marvels, such as the Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter tower that is one of the tallest structures in the world.

Explore temples, see vendors and fishermen in action at the Tsukiji Fish Market. The Yanaka district, with its narrow streets and traditional houses, provides a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. Dine on sushi, ramen, tempura and other exquisite Japanese dishes at the city’s acclaimed restaurants or try the delicious street food.

Read more: Guardians of a national icon: meet the Japanese cherry blossom doctors

Spend extra time in Tokyo at the end of Majestic Japan

 Zurich, Switzerland

Aerial shot of Zurich, switzerland showing the cathedral and the lake

Zurich is famous for luxurious lifestyles, high-end shopping, and decadent chocolate. Set alongside a shimmering lake and framed by the soaring Alps, the best of indoor and outdoor blend. It’s the perfect destination to spend some extra time, whether you’re looking for arts and culture, world-class dining or shopping and indulgence.

Zurich’ abundance of high-end boutiques and designer stores cater to the most discerning of shoppers. Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, with good reason. A mile long, it features luxury brands such as Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton, as well as exclusive boutiques and designer wear. After all that shopping, take the weight off your feet and dine by the lakeside.

Add some extra days before the start of Majestic Switzerland

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

To make even more memories on Luxury Gold vacations, why not add extra days at the start or the end of your journey? To help you choose, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition Luxury Gold tours.

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Luxury Journeys

The personal touch: our top 5 curated luxury travel experiences for 2023

January 24, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

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.

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We invite you to embark on a travel experience unlike any other. Join us as we explore exotic lands and distinctive destinations, in exquisite style and comfort. At Luxury Gold, it’s our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. Allow us to share our unparalleled wealth of expertise and insights, accumulated over nearly 100 years as leaders in luxury travel.
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