Month: December 2023

Looking for the perfect gift for the avid traveler in your life? Get inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, crafts and traditions. From an Indian silk headscarf or a Japanese washi paper journal to an Italian leather camera bag or French travel skincare, here are some of the greatest travel gift ideas, inspired by our journeys.

1. Handmade stationary

Photo credit: @itoya_official

Inspired by: Japanese washi paper and Egyptian papyrus paper

Handmade stationery is the perfect travel gift inspired by the craftsmanship and heritage of Japan and Egypt. Japan’s deep-rooted tradition of washi paper making embodies simplicity and sustainability, while Egypt’s mastery of papyrus production dates back to ancient times. You can find beautiful journals to document your travels, notebooks to jot down important info, or even gorgeous artworks made on handmade canvases. 

Where to buy: In Egypt, head to the local markets or visit shops like the Papyrus Institute in Cairo for sustainably made products. In Japan, you can find local artisans who sell their creations online, or explore specialty shops like Itoya, a 100-year-old stationary store in Tokyo.

Explore local Egyptian markets on: Elegance of the Nile

Shop for washi paper stationary on: Majestic Japan

2. Woollen knitwear

Photo credit: @daleofnorway

Inspired by: Norwegian, Scottish and Peruvian knitwear

High quality woollen knitwear is an essential travel item. A snug jumper, cosy scarf, or warm blanket are the ultimate comfort items to bring wherever you go, from winter destinations to chilly airplanes. Countries like Norway, Scotland and Peru are all famed for their woollen knitwear. Norway’s iconic woollen sweaters are famed for their unique patterns and durability. Scotland’s woollen tartan products are a symbol of its rich heritage and craftsmanship. Peru’s alpaca and llama wool products are not only super soft but often made by Indigenous communities using traditional weaving techniques. 

Where to buy: Dale of Norway is an iconic Nordic knitwear brand, and you can find responsibly sourced woollen products at The Tartan Blanket Co (TBCO) in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Explore Scandinavian knitwear on: Timeless Scandinavia

Shop for tartan products in Edinburgh on: British Royale

When you travel to Peru with Luxury Gold, you’ll meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Learn about the center’s mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and watch local artisans creating beautiful handwoven pieces. 

Learn about traditional weaving in Cusco on: Treasures of the Incas

3. Leather bags

Photo credit: @scuoladelcuoio

Inspired by: Italian and Spanish leather craftsmanship

Leather is known for its longevity and timeless style, and Italy and Spain are known for producing some of the most high quality leather products in the world. Whether you’re looking for a duffel bag, backpack, or camera bag, and Italian or Spanish leather bag is the perfect travel gift. 

Where to buy: Go for leather products made from eco-friendly, vegetable-tanned leather and support artisans who follow ethical standards. In Spain, Ubrique is the most famous leather producing region, and Loewe and Castañer both create excellent leather goods. In Italy, Florence is the place to go for premium leather goods, and you’ll find luxury items at stores like Ferragamo and Gucci. You can also visit the historic Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) in Florence, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase handcrafted leather items.

Shop for leather products in Florence on: Ultimate Italy

Discover Spanish leather craftsmanship on: Spain & Portugal in Style

4. Slippers

Photo credit: @nootkas

Inspired by: Merino wool products in New Zealand

A quality pair of slippers are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it’s a true comfort while you’re traveling. If you’re looking for the cosiest slippers, you can’t go past pure Merino sheep wool. Soft and durable, it’s a gift your friends and family will adore. 

Where to buy: Consider New Zealand brands that use ethically sourced sheepskin and sustainable production methods, like Cosy Toes, Nootkas and Glerups.

Shop for sheepskin slippers and other products on: The Long White Cloud

5. Silk scarf

Photo credit: @hermes

Inspired by: Silk products in France and India

Both India and France have centuries-old traditions of silk production and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you go for a silk headscarf, pyjamas, robes, eye masks, or pillowcases, be sure to look for silk items made using eco-friendly, ethical silk farming practices.

Where to buy: Consider supporting artisanal cooperatives like FabIndia for sustainable silk products or Hermès for luxury French silk products.

Shop for Indian silk on: Essence of India with Ranthambore

Discover French silk products on: Ultimate Southern France

6. Bamboo travel cutlery set

Photo credit: @mujiaus

Inspired by: Japan’s bamboo forests

This gift is the ultimate luxury sustainable travel product. You combine the sustainability of bamboo with reusable cutlery, so you can ditch the single-use plastic cutlery. Bamboo is naturally renewable as it regrows from its own roots and regenerates at a whopping speed of up to 90cm a day. When you explore the beautiful bamboo forests in Japan, you’ll really get an understanding of the magic of this plant.

Where to buy: Look for products made from sustainably harvested bamboo at stores like Muji.

Explore bamboo forests and shop for Japanese bamboo products on: Majestic Japan

7. Travel skincare

Photo credit: @biologique_recherche

Inspired by: French skincare  

Good skincare is so important when you travel. Whether you experience dry skin after flying, irritated skin in cold weather, or need extra protection from the sun, you’ll likely find yourself needing extra skincare products when traveling. If you’re looking for iconic brands and soothing rituals, turn to French skincare. The top French beauty brands focus on preventative skincare and source the finest ingredients, having refined their products for decades or even centuries. 

Where to buy: French brands like Lancôme, Clarins and Biologique Recherche stock a range of high quality beauty and skincare products. They offer many of their products in travel sizes and can even create a personalized skincare ritual for you. 

Shop for French skincare in Paris on: Ultimate Southern France

8. Watches

Photo credit: @omega

Inspired by: Swiss watchmaking 

Timekeeping is an essential part of travel for anyone and no one does timepieces better than Switzerland. Geneva has been the heart of the watchmaking industry since the 16th century and is renowned for its intricate designs, excellent craftsmanship and precise timekeeping. 

Where to buy: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin are some of the most iconic Swiss watchmakers. You can also explore Swiss brands that use recycled materials and sustainable practices like Omega or Swatch. 

Shop for Swiss watches in Geneva on: Majestic Switzerland

When presented with a wine list any contemporary and acclaimed restaurant today, you’ll notice that the alongside the expected options for reds, whites, and rosés is another listing – orange wines. 

But orange wine is no new phenomenon: it’s been around famous wine regions like Italy and Slovenia for centuries and traces its route back to Georgia millennia before that.

So why are orange wine brands currently trending and what makes the best orange wines rival the classic vinos dominating the wine industry? Here’s what you need to know about orange wine, the top orange wine producing countries, and the best orange wines from the last year that you need to try.

Unpeeling the orange wine phenomenon

Before you order an orange wine, here are a couple of “tasting notes” to keep in mind that will help you savor every sip.

What is an orange wine? 

The first important detail to know about an orange wine is that its name is derived from its color, not from any fruit-fusion grape. Its color, which often gives it the alternate classification of an amber wine, is a result of the fermentation process.

Uncork more wine knowledge: The Luxury Gold Guide to Private Wine Tasting in Italy

How is orange wine made?

It’s a very similar process to other white wines, but with one key difference. White grapes used for orange wine do not have their skins removed during the fermentation process. This increased skin contact impacts the color, the texture, tannins, and other qualities of the wine.

What countries are the top orange wine growers?

Although orange wine processing dates back to the Caucasus area now known as the country of Georgia — which is also where the most ancient records of wine techniques were unearthed — other countries tend to be producers. Italy, particularly the northeastern area, and Slovenia produce some of the best orange wines available today. 

Read next: Award-Winning Argentine Wines You Must Try on Your Next Trip

What are popular orange wine brands?

Like any other wine variety, brands span the spectrum – from smaller makers, like the family-owned Dominio de Punctum winery, to more popular brands including Milan Nestarec and Gérard Bertrand. 

Why is orange wine so popular right now?

Orange wine has become something of an overnight sensation in 2023 for a number of reasons. Its profile offers the best of both worlds: the refreshing, easy-drinking nature of a white wine with the full-bodied flavors and notes that one would expect from a red wine. The best bottles are also starting new conversations about wine production and wine history, often with adults who are only casual wine drinkers. 

What are the best orange wines of 2023?

A look into some award-winning wine brands of 2023. 

Nerica Vina’s Pošip 60 2020 | Croatia

Gold winner of the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023

One of the best orange wine makers you’ll find in Croatian restaurants, Nerica Vina showed the Decanter World Wine Awards that the country is refining its winemaking techniques. Nerica Vina’s Pošip 60 2020 earned a gold award in 2023. It was one of the only wines to earn the year’s gold distinction, making it one of the best in the world. 

Keep chilled: A look inside South Africa’s most beautiful and exclusive wineries

Wipach Wine Estate’s Rebula 2016 | Slovenia

Platinum Orange (Ext. Maceration) winner of the Great American Intl. Wine Competition 2023

A small, family-run boutique winery in Slovenia is now home to one of the best orange wines of 2023. No stranger to awards from Decanter, AWC Vienna, and other competitions, Wipach Wine Estate’s Rebula 2016 won a platinum award in the Great American International Competition in 2023. 

Parley Lake Winery’s Parley Vu Rose 2021 | USA

Silver winner of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2023

As the largest competition of North American wines, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition no doubt expected some of the best orange wines in America making their way to the judges’ table. Parley Lake, a winery in Waconia, Minnesota, won silver in the competition. Though named “Rose”, it’s actually an orange wine made with Frontenac Gris grapes to yield a medium-dry, crisp taste with notes of watermelon rind and chokecherry.  

Latah Creek Wine Cellars’ Orange Moscato 2021 | USA

Gold Best of Class winner of the Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition 2022

On the eve of 2023, Latah Creek Wine Cellars took home a Best of Class Gold award from the Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition. This 100% Orange Muscat is grown on Lonesome Spring Vineyard in Washington state yet brings a more tropical taste with its notes of sweet orange blossom and orange cream. 

Breathe it in: An exclusive invitation from La Famiglia Mazzei, a Tuscan wine dynasty

Where can I try an orange wine?

Orange wine may be limited in growth production compared to reds and white, but you can still find a bottle behind the bars of the world’s most luxurious hotels and in the cellars of countless wineries. Order a glass in:

Argentina, on Luxury Gold’s Grand South America tour. You’ll spend a day exploring Valparaiso and Chilean wine country where you can explore how South America’s best orange wines pair with fantastic seafood.

France, on the Ultimate Southern France tour with Luxury Gold. When you’re not sipping Bordeaux in Bordeaux, visit the Languedoc wine region where you’ll learn about its strong white grape growth despite being a predominantly red wine country

Italy, on Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Italy tour. This tour brings you to Venice in Italy’s northeastern region where the majority of the world’s best orange wine production takes place.

Croatia, on a Luxury Gold Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast tour. After touring Krka National Park’s waterfalls, you’ll sit down for lunch and a wine tasting at Biblich Winery, home to the Maximilian Rebula 2011 that is made in cooperation with a nearby Slovenian winery.

Australia, on the Inspiring Australia tour with Luxury Gold. Leave the outback and enter the Hunter Valley Wine Region, the country’s most renowned wine producing region.

Discover another: The perfect Australian grape by wine expert Nick Williams of Hungerford Hill

Southern France is synonymous with glamour, indulgence and sublime rural landscapes. Picturesque villages, vineyards, dazzling cities and azure coastlines form an elegant blend of cultural richness and natural beauty.

Lavish hotels, Michelin-starred dining and exclusive events all contribute to its status as a luxury haven. Here, Travel Concierge Helen shares her admiration for French culture and cuisine, along with her personal recommendations to make Ultimate Southern France even more exceptional.

Discover this on: Ultimate Southern France

Sophisticated and stylish

“What I’ve always loved about France is that it is just so sophisticated,” says Helen. “The French are very stylish.”

“As a culture they really take the time to learn how to prepare something. Take food for example. It takes years to become a chef, and there’s a real respect around acquiring and applying knowledge and producing something of really high quality. This can be seen in many areas, such as with wine, furniture and so on.”

For travel inspiration: France destination guide

Luxury is time

“There’s a different approach to time in France, which I really I really appreciate,” she tells us, adding with a smile that it can also be sometimes frustrating.

 “For me, luxury is all about time. Obviously, it’s the quality of things, but it’s also the luxury of taking the time to enjoy things. Of being able to say we can sit and try the local specialty, be that a patisserie or an aperitif, and break from a world where we’re all so busy. And Ultimate Southern France offers just that.

“We have two nights in Monte Carlo, three days in Aix-en-Provence Two nights in Carcassonne and two in Bordeaux So, the pace of the tour is elegant. We’re not running from hotel to hotel, we have this chance to relax and go a little bit deeper.”

Bookmark for later: These Luxury Travel Experiences Will Never Go Out of Style

The rural pleasure of southern France

“Often people’s first point of arrival in France would be Paris, the City of Light. Big and beautiful, it’s also big and busy,” says Helen. “The South of France is a haven of tranquility.

“Historically it’s a huge rural economy. So, inevitably, the pace of life is very different. Up until a few decades ago everything would have been based on the agricultural cycle. This routine is maybe not so much the case anymore, but farming and the vineyards are still an incredibly important part of the South of France.”

You may also enjoy: Indulge Your Inner Gourmet With These Luxury Food Experiences

I love this chateau on the French Riviera

Credit @villaephrussi on Instagram

The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, stretches from Saint-Tropez to the Italian border, and encompasses iconic cities like Nice and Cannes. This glamorous Mediterranean coastline is renowned for its azure waters and golden beaches, dotted with palm-lined promenades, luxurious yachts, and chic boutiques.

“Elegant and enchanting, there is so much to love about the Côte d’Azur,” says Helen. “My highlight on Ultimate Southern France is the Rothschild Chateau in Nice. “It’s one of the places where everybody asks, ‘what is this about?’ It is so unusual.”

Built in 1905 by Beatrice de Rothschild, the opulent Villa and gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild is home to over 5,000 art objects. Up on the hillside, it looks out over the Côte d’Azur.

“I think it’s this thing of going to a place you might not have gone to yourself, and it is stunning. It’s such a nice surprise because nobody has any expectations.”

You may also be interested to read: How We’re Setting the Gold Standard for Sustainable Luxury Travel

Exquisite dining, perfectly planned

Credit: @ lepressoirdargentgordonramsay on Instagram

With many exceptional dining experiences included on this tour, from a pastry making lesson with a professional chef to fine dining, you embark on a thrilling gastronomical journey. In addition to the included dining, there are countless options in the South of France to further indulge the taste buds.

“The Pressoir d’Argent, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant is located in Le Grand Hotel Bordeaux and, if you love haute cuisine, then this is an exceptional experience,” says Helen. “Reservations do need to be made around a week in advance, so this is something I talk to guests about at the start of the tour.

“A key aspect of being a Travel Concierge is about being on the front foot all the time with guests. France is my neighborhood and I know all the ways to make this tour exceptional above and beyond the planned itinerary. So, I make sure to impart this knowledge to guests and tailor recommendations to their pleasures, to ensure they can make the most of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

If you love cuisine you may also enjoy: Tokyo’s Finest: Uncover the City’s Top 8 Fine Dining Restaurants

My restaurant recommendations in Nice

Nice, the largest city on the French Riviera, is also one of the most charming. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Maritime Alps, the city offers a unique combination of urban convenience and natural beauty.

Guests on Ultimate Southern France have free time in Nice, to choose where they have lunch and dinner. With so many options, Helen is on hand to help you choose the perfect spot.

“If you really want to sit down and have a nice lunch in Nice, you’ve got the top top option, which is the Hotel Negresco,” Helen advises. “It’s restaurant Le Chantecler, with its 18th century décor, is incredibly decadent, indulgent and fun.

“And if you want something more casual then I’ll send you to the Old Town. In the lovely higgledy piggledy streets, with their gorgeous pink and peachy hues, I recommend you visit ‘Le Panier’.

“Around 100 years ago, a huge wave of Italian immigrants came from Bergamo into southern France and brought their delicious food with them. You must try the ‘socca’, it’s like a frittata but made from chickpea flour. Its great as an aperitif with a beer or glass of wine.”

 You may also enjoy reading: Making it personal: How Travel Concierge Anna elevates your Italy experience

Personalize your day in Aix-en-Provence

An art installation at Chateau La Coste. Credit: KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

On all Luxury Gold tours, at various points guests can personalize their day with a choice of two experiences. Each thoughtfully chosen with the Luxury Gold guest in mind, they offer contrasting ways to experience your destination.

“In charming Aix-en-Provence, we visit the remarkable Château La Coste, and here guests can choose between a wine tasting or an art walking tour,” Helen explains. “The Chateau La Coste is one of these surprising places where often no one has any expectations when we arrive, and it’s pretty phenomenal. There is a huge vineyard, a beautiful lake and a fascinating outdoor art gallery. Guests also have the opportunity to choose between experiences in Nice and Bordeaux.

“It’s all about personal preference, not just on where your interest lies, but also your rhythm at that point. Some guests may still be tired from their transatlantic flight for example or come from another European trip. So, I encourage people to work out what they need at that moment in time. Maybe it’s to sit down and sip fine wines, or whether you’d like to explore and learn. Indeed, on most occasions, guests can also choose to do both options, this is the beauty of our small group journeys.”

You may also enjoy: Luxury travel experiences you need to book in 2024

Elevated souvenirs – a timeless piece of French history

Par Original téléversé par Christophe.moustier sur Wikipédia français. — Transféré de fr.wikipedia à Commons par Bloody-libu utilisant CommonsHelper., CC BY-SA 3.0,

“My advice for a fabulous souvenir would be ‘les boutis,’” Helen says. “You can find some of the best examples of these elegant textiles at the market we visit when in Lourmarin.

“In the 1700s there was a strong commerce connection between the southern French city of Marseille and India, which saw the arrival of amazing fabrics. The French found the prints so beautiful they decided to begin making their own. So, when you see Provençal material, like tablecloths, serviettes or bedspreads, it’s likely that that print came India 300 years ago and has become part of a kind of cannon of prints that haven’t really changed ever since.

“Aesthetically, they’re beautiful – a timeless classic. They don’t age and still look as good today as they did say 50 years ago.

Bookmark for later: The Ultimate Luxury Gold Souvenir Guide to Europe

My pick of the exceptional hotels

Credit: @lamagdeleinemathiasdandine on Instagram

A hallmark of Luxury Gold tours are the exceptional five-star hotels. Each one hand selected, they not only bookend each day, but are often a destination in themselves. “Each hotel is stunning but different, which I love about Ultimate Southern France,” says Helen. “All reflect the sophistication and excellence of French hospitality, whilst offering a variety of decadent experiences.”

“The 18^th century La Magdeleine – Mathias Dandine, where we stay for three nights when visiting Aix-en-Provence is definitely a highlight,” says Helen. “An elegant Provençale country house, you’re at the foot of the Sainte-Baume Mountains and get a real taste of the spirit of living in Provence.

“Then in contrast in the heart of the city, Le Grand Hotel Bordeaux in terms of luxury is phenomenal. I love this hotel because it’s got a superb relaxation and wellbeing space with a lovely indoor pool and rooftop terrace. We spend two nights here at the end of the tour so you can really relax and make the most of the amenities, and it’s perfectly placed for easy sightseeing.”

For more hotel recommendations: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

The beauty of a Luxury Gold tour

“With Luxury Gold, everything is personal,” explains Helen. “With an average of just 20 people on a tour, our small group journeys leave plenty of time for one-to-one attention from your Travel Concierge.

“We’re able to respond to the ideas, needs and desires of guests and also of the group. For example, with one group, in Aix-en-Provence, some wanted to come to the Chateau, and some wanted to rest back at the hotel for us to collect them later. This is the kind of thing we can do on Luxury Gold, we have that flexibility, which I love.”

To experience the sophistication for yourself, take a look at Ultimate Southern France, just one of our exquisite small group journeys.