Month: January 2023

Luxury travel in 2023 is set to be slow, sustainable and immersive. From extended train journeys to memorable encounters with nature and spending longer at each destination, luxury holidaymakers are seeking a more meaningful escape. Research shows that sustainable travel experiences, connecting to the local culture and leaving a positive impact on the places you visit are all high on the travel agenda. We take a look at this gratifying travel trend and show you how our Luxury Gold limited-edition tours can help you tick these boxes.

A new rationale for travel

Travelling slowly, immersively and sustainably is an absolute expectation for luxury travel in 2023. The most recent American Express Global Travel Trends Report revealed widespread changes in the rationale of travelers. 81% of respondents want to visit destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture. 78% of respondents expressed a desire to have a positive impact on the community they were visiting. While 62% agreed they wanted to be more thoughtful about where and how they travel.

While travelers are spending on immersive experiences and longer holidays, the luxury traveler is doing so with an increasingly eco-conscious mindset.

Read more: 5 common misconceptions about luxury travel (and why they are wrong)

Slow and immersive with Luxury Gold

From timeless train journeys to luxury safaris, there are many ways to enjoy slow and immersive travel on our limited-edition journeys. Defining luxury travel in 2023, picture multi-night stays in magnificent hotels that enable you to unwind and make your time more meaningful with friends a family. Private access to galleries and landmarks away from the crowds, enabling you as a VIP traveler to soak up culture at your own pace. And MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you go, the ultimate in immersive responsible travel experiences. Here you can connect to the communities you visit, exchange stories with locals, make a positive impact and create lasting memories.

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

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Sustainable travel has long been at the heart of Luxury Gold. And this is brought to life through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, included on most of our limited-edition tours. Thoughtfully chosen, these experiences offer the chance to immerse yourself deeper in your destination, through its people, nature and wildlife. If you are looking to make time and travel more meaningful, this is a unique opportunity for new learnings. To make lasting connections and leave a positive legacy.

Aligned to the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, each MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience is carefully selected and assessed for its positive, and long-term impact. Even though the experience might be for just a couple of hours, the memory that you leave with, this feeling of having contributed, stays with you forever.

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

If traveling slowly, immersively and sustainably sounds like you, then to whet your appetite further here are three of our limited-edition tours, defining luxury travel in 2023.

Majesty of the Rockies

Meet the Warrior Women and travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer: On the stunning limited-edition tour Majesty of the Rockies we invite you to explore Western Canada’s treasures. Travel through the majestic Rocky Mountains, spending two luxurious days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. Here lose yourself in the most spectacular scenery and take time to reset, admiring nature at its most sublime. The tour also offers a plethora of immersive nature experiences. Including setting foot on a glacier and gentle canyon hikes. Multiple-night stays in the most luxurious mountain retreats allow time to enjoy the amenities, such as golf clubs and spas. This is the ultimate opportunity to relax and absorb the true magnificence of your surroundings, and reflect on the curated experiences you’ve been enjoying.

Read more: Rustic luxury: why Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the ultimate mountain escape

In the stunning setting of Jasper National Park, an exclusive invitation and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits. Here you will meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, over an intimate fireside meal with a spectacular view of Pyramid Mountain. Learn about Indigenous spirituality, music and drumming as you engage in a fascinating conversation about the aboriginal culture of Canada. Leave enthralled and enlightened with some amazing stories to share with family and friends.

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

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Spectacular South Africa

Bask in nature on a three-day safari and support local youth: Experience the magic and wonder of South Africa on Spectacular South Africa. This nine-day luxury tour features an extended stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. And a three-day safari with a stay in a memorable bush lodge. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over Cape Town and view the city from atop Table Mountain. In Kruger National Park, adventure out on a private open-air safari in search of some of the earth’s most magnificent beasts. Led by professional trackers, this once-in-a-lifetime experience unfolds the largest game reserve in South Africa.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

On the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, enjoy the opportunity to connect to the young people of the area as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Amy Foundation. Here you will meet people from the foundation and see first-hand how the lives of vulnerable young people are being transformed through a variety of empowering programs. This is a unique opportunity to see the area through a different lens. And, through your visit, contribute to the important work taking place and give something back.

On Robben Island, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit down with Christo Brand. As former prison guard to Nelson Mandela, you’ll be treated to fascinating stories about one of history’s most inspirational figures.

Read more: Meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela

Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

Majestic Switzerland

Journey aboard the Glacier Express and discover sustainable transport: From St. Moritz to Zermatt and onto Geneva, Majestic Switzerland offers a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary across one of Europe’s most sustainable destinations. Take your first-class seat onboard the Glacier Express, a spectacular and sustainable way to travel through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at unrivaled views of snow-covered peaks, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Ride Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train to the summit of the mountain. Glimpse of some of Switzerland’s highest peaks, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. Then take all the time you need to wander the art-filled halls of the Rosengart Collection on an after-hours private tour. Relax, reflect and enjoy this special time surrounded by the masterpieces of Chagall, Renoir, Kandinksy and Picasso.

Read more: Geneva’s Hotel D’Angleterre is a hotel committed to positive change

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An inspirational MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience lies in store at the Swiss Transport Museum. From luxe Monteverdi cars to alpine trains, discover Switzerland’s fascinating transportation and energy systems and innovations with your Local Expert. Learn about sustainable energy and fossil fuel alternatives. Chart the history of alternative transport methods, from horses and steam to electric and solar power. As well as a fascinating tour, this experience will leave you educated, and inquisitive to learn more.

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a travel concierge

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

 If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury travel in 2023, take a look at the full Luxury Gold collection of limited-edition tours.

Spending a weekend in Auckland? 48 hours in Auckland is just the right amount of time to take in the city’s many splendid sites, tempting flavors and rich history. Our New Zealand tours include the very best Auckland activities with a sprinkling of decadence. 

Your stay at QT Auckland invites you to soak in the energy of the water. Rooms draw inspiration from the shapes and curves of oysters with natural hues and soothing tones. At this 5-Star Design Hotel’s rooftop bar, take in sweeping views of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour paired with Mediterranean snacks and classic cocktails. Continue your culinary tour at the hotel’s Restaurant Esther where head chef Sean Connolly presents flavors of the French Riviera, Sicily and Morocco. 

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 Another dining highlight of your tour will surely be dinner with one of New Zealand’s famous former All Black rugby players. Rub shoulders with a former member of the All Blacks as you learn about the world’s leading rugby team, his personal victories and how passionate Kiwis are about their national sport. 

Fine dining for a weekend in Auckland   

When it comes to fine dining in Auckland, why not go all out at the famous Sugar Club? Located in the Sky Tower, The Sugar Club sits 53 floors above Auckland boasting views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf. In addition to the impressive views, the impressive Chef’s menu showcases sustainably sourced produce. You’ll be in good hands of Chef Peter Gordon who has been called “the ‘Godfather’ of fusion cuisine.” From sashimi to beef fillet and a plant-based tasting menu, a decadent evening is always in store at The Sugar Club. 

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Another option to pair fine dining with fabulous views is Sidart Restaurant. This New Zealand-Indian fusion restaurant offers imaginative cuisine including black truffle paneer, market fish tikka and crayfish and moilee sauce. Select a tasting menu from the five- or nine-course options with wine pairings. You may also opt for The Chef’s Table Experience to go behind the scenes and watch dishes being prepared in the kitchen and let the chef guide you through the menu. This exclusive dining experience, from Champagne on arrival to the final seventh course, is a memorable way to try the finest flavors.  

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Queen Street 

With one or two decadent dining experiences ticked off your bucket list, you’ll be ready to explore. You don’t have to venture far from the centrally located QT Auckland to find things to do in Auckland. Legendary and lively Queen Street in the Central Business District boasts high-end shops of international and local brands. Treat yourself to a designer bag and take a break in a café and watch the world go by. Extend your exploration with a visit to the nearby Auckland Art Gallery’s collection of international and New Zealand art on the edge of elegant Albert Park. On the other side of the park is Princes Street. Here, historic merchant’s houses from the late 1800s, now a heritage site, line the boulevard.  

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Parnell  

Continue your discovery of what to do in Auckland exploring nearby Parnell, one of Auckland’s affluent and oldest neighborhoods. Stroll the tree-lined streets past Edwardian townhouses, restored Victorian shops, boutiques, and cafes. If you’re in Parnell over a weekend, don’t miss La Cigale French Market. Voted Auckland’s ‘Best Food Market’ by Metro Magazine, the market invites you to take your time browsing fresh produce, pâtés, terrines and pastries. You’ll feel like you’re in Paris as you absorb the sights and heavenly aromas. Take a rest at one of the market’s communal tables to enjoy a latte and croissant. The nearby Parnell Rose Gardens with over 5,000 roses enhances your decadent discovery. 

Parnell’s Auckland War Memorial Museum is another recommendation of what to see in Auckland. View the historic exhibits including an 80-foot Māori war canoe dating from 1836. Current and upcoming special exhibits include Secrets of Stonehenge and Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs. 

Waitemata Harbor Cruise  

After soaking in the city sites on your weekend in Auckland, take to the water. A Waitemata Harbor cocktail or dinner cruise will show you the city from a different vantage point. Cruises also conveniently depart from near the city center. You’ll soon realize why Waitemata means “sparkling waters” in the Māori language. Onboard, take in the skyline framed against volcanic peaks. Sail under the Harbor Bridge sipping on cocktails and nibbling canapes. Glide past the North Head, Bean Rock Lighthouse and Devonport’s historic naval base. 

Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands  

If you have time for a daytime cruise on your weekend in Auckland, why not set sail to the picturesque Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands? The volcanic Rangitoto Island is covered in native forests and lava caves and displays 360-degree views of Auckland harbor.  

Heading further east, a 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island, the “Hamptons of New Zealand,” will delight you with pastoral splendor. Visit one of the more than 40 vineyards and olive groves. Sample the local products and take home a bottle or two. Waiheke also offers many trails ideal for a jaunt up to the cliff tops or down to the beaches. Art lovers take note: every two years, Sculpture on the Gulf is held on the Matiatia Coastal Walkway for you to bask in works of contemporary art surrounded by bucolic scenery.  

 Whether you’re in search of fine dining or photo-ops, history or high-end shops, a weekend in Auckland will leave you satisfied. Let us show you what we love about New Zealand. 

A stunning Quebec City hotel with a worldwide reputation, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has hosted the likes of Grace Kelly and Sir Winton Churchill. Winner of 2022 Global Hotel of the Year Award, from the prestigious World Luxury Awards, its fairy-tale silhouette presides majestically over the city. If you are thinking of visiting Canada, make it a journey of a lifetime with an iconic movie star stay at this magnificent chateau.

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

A Place in History

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Québec City’s most famous landmark, the impressive Château Frontenac sits perched atop Cape Diamond. Of great historical significance, Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City on the very rock that the hotel is located on. Built more than a century ago in the style of a Renaissance French château, the hotel offers 610 rooms and was designed to convey prestige in keeping with its Old Québec surroundings.

The work of American architect Bruce Price, the Château Frontenac opened in 1893. It was constructed at the request of William Cornelius van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway who hoped it would become “the most talked about hotel on the continent.”

Americans came to Quebec in their drives during Prohibition and kept coming long after the ban ended. In 1943, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met here to plan the Allied campaigns.

For travel inspiration: Canada destination guide

Grandiose interiors

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Through many renovations, as comes with a building of this size, the hotel has kept much of its original character. This can be seen in full glory in the public rooms and the gleaming paneled lobby. With its many areas and anti-chambers, some with vaulted ceilings, oil portraits, baronial chandeliers and gold statues, the lobby oozes old-world charm.

The rooms of this Quebec City hotel vary from classic to modern. Enjoy a decadent stay with soft greys, ivories and beige with dark accents, elegant furnishings and all the modern amenities you would expect from a five-star establishment.

Related content: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

A decadent Spa

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For the ultimate in relaxation, let time stand still at the sixth-floor Moment Spa. Offering a full range of treatments, stunning views over the St. Lawrence River and the city’s fortifications make this a truly unique experience. Large windows illuminate the indoor pool and hot tub, so you can also gaze out as you bathe.

If you are feeling more active there is also a fitness center and gym, bike hire, and in winter months, a direct shuttle to the Mont Sainte-Anne ski resort. In winter you can also enjoy the toboggan slide.

Related content: 6 of the best spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

Exceptional dining

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With a restaurant befitting one of the best hotels in Canada, Quebecoise chef Hugo Coudurier brings some 20 years of experience at world-class establishments, including Michelin-starred restaurants.

At the Champlain Restaurant he offers ambitious nouvelle cuisine québéquoise, using locally sourced products, paired with an impressive wine list. The exciting five-course set menu focuses on local produce and constantly changes to reflect seasonality. Expect to start with dishes such as oysters and Acadian sturgeon caviar. A specialty is Fredo’s Wagyu beef, fed with hemp, organic certified hay and corn and served with Jerusalem artichoke, beets and mushrooms from nearby St-Sauveur. For dessert savor Candied citrus fruits, mandarin sorbet Shiso and clementine sponge cake, depending on the season.

Sip cocktails like Churchill

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If you want to walk in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill, then take a seat at the elegant dark-wood 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar. Formerly the Bar Saint-Laurent, it serves a superb range of cocktails along with wines and fragrant local Québec cheeses.

It was at the Bar Saint-Laurent at this Quebec City Hotel that Churchill came to smoke his famous cigars, between two conferences in Quebec, during the Second World War (1943-1944). The hotel also hosted some of the greatest jazz musicians of the time.

Revamped décor combines with traces of ancient history, and the literary atmosphere of old French cafés has been preserved. Take time to enjoy the library with its floor-to-ceiling shelves full of books, encyclopedias and artefacts discovered in the ruins of the Citadel of Québec.

Related content: Top vacation spots for cheese lovers

The ultimate location

Perfectly located in the heart of Old Québec, you have the pleasure of enjoying the city’s magnificent walls just by the hotel. North America’s only walled city, Quebec is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating back to the 17th Century, the ramparts circle Old Quebec’s upper town and include four gates, three Martello towers and several cannons.

The city sights, including the Citadel and boutique-filled Quartier Petit-Champlain, and the city’s museum, are within a mile’s walk. And, if you came to Quebec for the snow, you have your choice of three ski areas all situated within an hour of the hotel

Related content: 6 of the world’s most beautiful walled cities and towns

If you are inspired to visit Canada and stay at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a luxurious stay at this exquisite Quebec City hotel is a feature on our Indulgence in Eastern Canada limited-edition tour.