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Asia, Luxury Journeys

A Haven of Tranquillity: Discovering the Best Luxury Spas in Japan

August 10, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Japanese paper lantern illuminated

A visit to a spa in Japan is far more than a touristic experience. Formal Japanese bathing culture is centuries old and historical documents note that hot springs, or “onsens”, were used for thousands of years prior. 

Spa culture throughout the country covers both ends of the spectrum. You’ll find at least one luxury spa in Japan’s major cities designed with modern restaurants. Farther away from the metropolises, you’ll encounter traditional onsens with little more than water and wonder, which many consider the best spa in Japan for an authentic experience. 

Some spas are public and unisex, while others feature special areas for men, women, and even private families. As you roam from Nagasaki to Sapporo, find a moment to relax and experience this millennia-old bathing culture at the best spas in Japan. 

Relaxation inspiration: 4 of the best hotel spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

Sky Spa | Yokohama

Sauna at sunrise at Sky Spa, Tokyo

Photo credit: @skyspa_yokohama

Relaxing at a spa in Japan shouldn’t be an inconvenient experience, which is why Sky Spa is perfect for those who want instant gratification. Directly connected to the underground mall at Yokohama Station, Sky Spa features the largest sauna theater in the country. To be fair, this is a Scandinavian-style spa, though it wins top marks in ingenuity for trying to bring the Japanese onsen experience into the city. The cypress calcium carbonate hot spring inside is an artificial system mimicking the Futamata Onsen found in Hokkaido. There’s one in each of the men’s and women’s bathing areas, and both sides also serve up excellent views of the city. 

You’ll also like: Luxurious back-to-nature retreats around the world

Yudanaka and Shibu Onsens | Nagano City

Close up of a snow monkey of Jigokundani in a hot spring

The snow monkeys of Jigokundani are world-famous and a worthy reason to head to Nagano City. While you’ll envy the monkeys warming their snow-soaked fur in the hot springs, know that the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsens are nearby to give you the same wild indulgence. Multiple hot springs surround these historic towns and have drawn visitors for over a millennium. Lower your body into the same hot springs that samurai have. Shibu’s onsens are especially distinct, offering nine separate hot springs with baths dedicated to caring for individual ailments such as skin conditions, injuries, and rheumatism. 

Urban Quar Spa & Living | Nagoya

Nagoya city with skyscrapers

Bring nothing with you into the center of Nagoya and find everything your mind, body and soul needs in Urban Quar Spa & Living. Urban Quar is one of the best spas in Japan for those who want a laid-back experience, almost as if you’re getting comfortable in your very own living room and not a spacious public bath fed from a hot spring 800m below. You’ll find an open-air bath and sauna, not unlike another spa in Japan, though Urban Quar also has unique areas like a high-concentration oxygen bath, a carbonated spring, and a minimally electrified bath. It’s a great family-friendly onsen, too, with a dedicated Manga space boasting 20,000 issues, movies, games, and PCs to play.

Discover other destinations: Step inside the most unique luxury retreats in India

Hōheikyō Hot Spring | Hokkaido

Hōheikyō Hot Spring, Japan

Photo credit: @hoheikyoonsen

Retreat to Hōheikyō Hot Spring in Hokkaido and you’ll find much more than a simple spa in Japan’s Sapporo suburbs. This free-flowing hot spring is ideal for nature lovers who want recreation and relaxation in equal measure. Spend hours embraced in the onsen and unwind with “momiya” massage treatments. When you’re ready, a special lunch awaits in the on-site Indian restaurant. Then, head out into the forest and canoe down the Toyohira River in the summer or snowshoe into the forests where brown bear roam.

Fuji Yurari Hot Spring | Fujinomiya

Mt Fuji Japan

16 different baths, one iconic mountain. Fuji Yurari Hot Spring in Fujinomiya is known as the Sacred Mountain Outdoor Bath, set in full view of Mt. Fuji. No matter if you’re floating in the four-season outdoor panorama bath or stretching out in the indoor Takami bath, the mountain will watch over you. Smaller areas, though hidden from Fuji-san, are still dedicated to your health, such as the Reiho spring water bath. Nanotechnology is used throughout this classic spa in Japan to vibrate the waters, increasing molecular activity and enhancing the effectiveness of these healing hot springs.

Exceptional expectations: How Luxury Gold gives your trip the royal treatment

Fuku no Yu | Nagasaki

Lady having massage

While your first instinct is to close your eyes and relax at a spa in Japan, Fuku no Yu asks you to open your eyes and soak in the views of Nagasaki. This onsen has open-air baths overlooking the city, and with full-day passes, you can relax under blue and starlit skies. The family baths, though private and indoors, offer the same great views. Down in the bedrock baths, you’ll find saunas with roryu services, including an incense aroma roryu service that’s worth leaving the city sights behind. 

Explore Japan’s scenery, sights, and spa culture on Luxury Gold’s 11-day Majestic Japan tour. This culturally enriching experience traverses 8 cities across Honshu, Japan’s largest island. You’ll have an opportunity in Oirase to admire the gorge’s waterfalls and enjoy a soothing Onsen bath in this serene forest.

If you want to experience more of what the country has to offer, browse our range of luxury tours of Japan.

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Concierge Tips

Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

July 27, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Crafted with love, skill and precision, classic cocktails have stood the test of time. Their allure lies in their balanced flavors and the artistry of mixology, and each has a story to tell. As you put the glass to your lips, you’re instantly transported to a bygone era of glamour and refinement. And to sip classic cocktails in some of the world’s most magnificent hotels just further elevates the experience.

To tantalize your palate and stir your wanderlust, we’ve selected some of our favorite classic cocktails, and paired them with some truly exquisite hotels.

Old Fashioned

Image of Old Fashioned cocktail in a cut-crystal glass, alongside a bottle of bourbon and a bottle of orange bitters

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails, dating back to the early 1800s. Exuding sophistication and simplicity, it embodies the essence of classic mixology with its straightforward, time-tested recipe.

The recipe typically calls for bourbon or rye whiskey, muddled sugar, aromatic bitters and a twist of citrus rind. Served over ice in a rocks glass, the Old Fashioned offers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, accentuated by the whiskey’s rich flavors.

There’s no better place to sit back and enjoy an Old fashioned than in the Southern United States, the birthplace of bourbon. And there’s no hotel quite like the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans.

The foyer of the Ritz Carlton hotel in New Orleans, with a large glass front, its of light, white walls and sumptuous beige furnishings

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, the Ritz Carlton epitomizes Southern elegance and charm. And the hotel’s bars feature skilled mixologists whose attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients ensures that each cocktail is a work of art.

While you enjoy your Old Fashioned, bartenders will share stories about the history of classic cocktails and the role of New Orleans in their evolution. So sit back, enjoy and see why this iconic drink has stood the test of time.

Sip an Old Fashioned at the Ritz Carlton on: Southern Grace

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

Negroni

Close up of Negroni cocktail in a tall cocktail glass with a round top, showing bright orange liquid and a twist of citrus rune, against a grey blurred backdrop

Originating in Florence, Italy, the Negroni is closely linked to the Italian aperitivo culture. Legend has it that the cocktail was invented in the early 20th century when Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to strengthen his Americano by adding gin.

Brandishing a brilliant red hue and bittersweet flavor profile, the Negroni offers a combination of herbal, citrusy and aromatic notes. Its simple yet bold composition, traditionally equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, creates a perfectly balanced aperitif.

To enjoy your Negroni in the perfect setting, head to the Hotel Montebello Splendid. Centrally located in the heart of Florence, this elegant five-star hotel occupies a charming 19th-century villa that exudes glamour and grandeur.

The hotel’s rooftop pool bar offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence’s skyline. Enjoy your Negroni while basking in the sun against a stunning backdrop of Florence’s iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the surrounding Tuscan hills.

Savor a Negroni at the Hotel Montebello Splendid on: Ultimate Italy

You might also be interested to read: Making it personal: How Travel Concierge Anna elevates your Italy experience

Sidecar

Image of the bar at the St James hotel in Paris, with right mahogany furnishings and bright spirit bottles at the back

@saintjamesparis

While the exact origins of the Sidecar are somewhat disputed, the prevailing narrative credits its creation to Harry MacElhone, an American bartender who worked at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

According to the story, the Sidecar was allegedly invented around the end of World War I when a patron arrived at the bar in a motorcycle sidecar. The drink was then named after the vehicle. MacElhone is said to have refined the recipe, using Cognac or brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice in equal parts, creating the classic Sidecar we know today.

A stunning Parisian setting to enjoy your Side Car, and other classic cocktails, is the St James. Paris’ only chateau hotel, this is an architectural jewel tucked away in the city’s most exclusive district, the 16th. Its bar is sumptuous, filled with greenery, wood paneling, cozy velvets and worn leathers. Renowned for its mixology, this is one of the ultimate meeting places in the city, for both Parisians and those from far flung places.

You may also enjoy: Our Favourite Legendary and Lesser-Known Shopping Streets

Caipirinha

Two low tumblers of the Caipirinha cocktail, with bright green limes inside and outside of the glasses, set on a rustic brown table

Refreshing and vibrant, the Caipirinha hails from Brazil and has become a very popular cocktail. It’s the national drink of Brazil and is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and traditions. Not only invigorating, it is hailed as one of the best classic cocktails for celebrating warm, sunny days.

The primary ingredient of a Caipirinha is cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane juice. Blended with lime and sugar, it is typically served over crushed ice. To prepare a Caipirinha, lime wedges are muddled with sugar in a glass, and then cachaça and ice are added. The result is a delightful balance of sweet, tart and boozy flavors. You can also enjoy numerous variations, with passion fruit or strawberries often used to mix it up.

Picture from the inside of a luxury room looking out at the blue ocean through to the terrace, with white and beige furnishings and a bright bunch of flowers in the foreground.

@belmondcopacabanapalace

Where better to enjoy a glass that the Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Situated on the world-famous Copacabana Beach, the hotel has been an emblem of elegance and sophistication since its opening in 1923.

Its architecture reflects a blend of classical European style with touches of Brazilian charm, set behind an impressive façade. The interiors are adorned with exquisite furnishings and artwork. Relax, enjoy the sunshine and a Caipirinha, as numerous celebrities, politicians and dignitaries have done over the years.

Enjoy a Caipirinha at the Belmond Copacabana Palace on: Classic South America

 You may also like to read: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

Manhattan

Image of the Manhattan skyline, with the Statue of Liberty and river in the foreground, shining in the sun and a bright blue sky

While it has become a global icon, the Manhattan has strong associations with the bustling borough of New York City. And for the most iconic setting to enjoy this classic cocktail head to the Park Lane New York hotel, and its Darling rooftop lounge. Located on the 47th floor, the Darling offers a stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and an elevated cocktail menu.

It is said that the key to a perfect Manhattan lies in finding the right balance between the whiskey’s richness and the sweetness of the vermouth. The traditional recipe adds a few dashes of aromatic bitters, and its usually garnished with a maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel. Over the years, variations of the Manhattan have emerged, with some people preferring bourbon instead of rye whiskey, or opting for dry vermouth to create a drier version.

You may also like: Hiding in Plain Sight: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels

Martini

Close up of Martini cocktail in a v shaped tall glass, clear liquid with green olives inside, against a blurred blue background

The Martini is one of the most iconic and enduring cocktails in the world of mixology. Made with gin and dry vermouth, stirred with ice, you’ll find it served in a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a green olive or a twist of lemon peel.

A cocktail of strength and clarity, the exact origins of the Martini are somewhat debated. But historians believe that it evolved from a late 19th-century mix of gin and vermouth. Over the years, the Martini has inspired various interpretations and modifications. This has led to the creation of famous variations like the Vodka Martini, the Dirty Martini and the Gibson.

Two ladies look out of a huge hotel window with white see through drapes, with rich red chairs, opulent furnishings and flowers on glass tables in the foreground

Literature, film, and popular culture have also celebrated the Martini. Most notably by James Bond, who famously ordered his martinis “shaken, not stirred.” More than worthy of a Bond moment, the Grand Hotel Quisisana on Italy’s Isle of Capri is an exquisite hotel in which to enjoy a sip of this classic cocktail.

5-star luxury in the heart of Capri town, the Quisisana is just a short walk from the famous Piazzetta. Surrounded by lush gardens and offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s an enchanting retreat for the discerning traveler seeking elegance and relaxation.

Enjoy a Martini at the Quisisana Hotel on: Ultimate Italy

You may also enjoy: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

Singapore Sling

Close up of a bright pink Singapore sling cocktail in a tall glass with a slice of yellow pineapple, in front of an old fashioned peanut bag, both bearing the emblem of the Raffles Hotel.

@raffleshotelsingapore

The origins of the Singapore Sling are associated with the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The cocktail was created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in the early 1900s, and quickly became a favorite among patrons. Today, the Singapore Sling remains a symbol of tropical indulgence and is enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

This elegant cocktail is made a gin base spirit, along with pineapple juice, lime juice, cointreau and cherry liqueur. Some versions also include Bénédictine, grenadine, and Angostura bitters. Reddish-pink, it is typically served over ice in a tall glass and garnished with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

The Raffles Hotel Singapore is still one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Asia. And the Long Bar is still in service. Meaning you can still enjoy this historic cocktail in old-world grandeur, dreaming of days gone past.

To savor classic cocktails around the world, we invite you to take a look at our exquisite collection of small group luxury journeys.

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Africa, Asia, Europe, Luxury Journeys, USA and Canada

These Luxury Travel Experiences Will Never Go Out of Style

July 26, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Fulfilling the innate human desire for exploration and indulgence, there are some luxury travel experiences will never go out of style.

From exclusive encounters with people and wildlife, to spellbinding train journeys. A step into the wild or a step into history. Each leaves a lasting impression that enriches one’s perspective.

Our passport moments are the golden threads that make up our journeys. We invite you to take a look at some of our most timeless travel experiences.

A private stately castle visit

Image of the first of Castle Howard, ornate and decadent with the sun shining and green lawns in front

@castle_howard

Stepping into Castle Howard is like entering a time capsule, offering a glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life and a remarkable era in English history.

A magnificent stately home built in the 18th century, the stately home is renowned for its Baroque architecture, extensive gardens and impressive interior. This cultural treasure has been featured in films and TV shows – you’ll feel like a film star in a period drama as you step inside.

Travel with Luxury Gold and this grand estate is yours after-hours. Enjoy a traditional English high tea and a private tour of the house. Take a walk in the gardens designed by renowned landscaper Capability Brown. Ornate statues, fountains and a tranquil walled garden, make them a true horticultural delight.

Explore this treasure on: British Royale

You might also be interested in: A day in the life of a Travelling Concierge

A private concert from a renowned singer

The Imperial Citadel of Hue, with its yellow and red brick and green urns in front

The power of music and song to create a deep connection to your destination is unmatched. A private concert offers even more, a truly intimate connection between the artist and the audience. Allowing for a more personal experience and a deeper appreciation of the music it creates an unforgettable memory, cherished for years to come.

In Hue, Vietnam guests of Luxury Gold are invited for a private dinner and concert at the home of celebrated painter and singer, Camille Huyen. Share in a memorable meal and traditional song. Stroll around the traditional home she shares with her husband and hear about their fascinating lives, and the dream that brought them home.

Get inspired by: Sensational Vietnam & Laos, Vietnam Luxury Travel

You may also enjoy: Fine dining, dressed down: the cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia

VIP Wine Tasting experience

close up of red wine in a glass with a platter of cheese and fruit in the background

@chateaudescharmes

Always a decadent experience, wine tasting offers an explosion of diverse flavors, aromas, and textures, tantalizing the senses with each sip. The opportunity to share in the art of wine production and appreciation is one of those unique travel experiences that ignites a passion for the finest things in life.

Nestled in the scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake region of Canada, Château des Charmes is a renowned winery producing some sublime vintages. On your VIP visit with Luxury Gold, you’re welcomed with a limited production rosé sparkling wine, followed by a tour and tasting of wines from St. David’s Bench Vineyard. Admire the charming French-inspired architecture and pair your sips with hand-made local ice cream, cheeses and chocolates.

Savor the vintages on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

You may also like: A look inside South Africa’s most beautiful – and exclusive – wineries

Sailing on a Felucca on the Nile

A Felucca boat sails on the nile, with golden tones across the water and landscape, from the sun 

Exploring a destination from the water is a timeless travel experience. Embrace the beauty and tranquility of the open waters, escape from the bustling world and ignite a sense of freedom and adventure.

To see Egypt in style, we invite you to board a traditional wooden Felucca to explore parts of the sacred river Nile. Sustaining life and symbolizing the cradle of ancient civilizations, the Nile has served as a lifeline for its communities throughout the ages.

Ease around the botanical vistas of Kitchener’s Island and admire the greenery of the Island of Plants. Drift through the afternoon and relax with the soothing rhythm of the waves and the gentle breeze.

Sail the waters on: Elegance of the Nile

You may also enjoy reading: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

A timeless train journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

A bright mountain landscape with mountains, trees and water is the setting for the Rocky Mountaineer train which snakes around the edge of the picture

@rockymountaineer

Evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure, train travel embodies the romanticism of a bygone era, offering an unhurried and scenic journey through diverse landscapes. Combining elegance, comfort, and natural wonders, a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf Service is one of the truly exceptional timeless travel experiences.

Opulent train cars provide unobstructed views of stunning landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush valleys. Immersive storytelling enriches the voyage with captivating tales of the region’s history and culture. Combined with exceptional onboard service and gourmet dining, this is a luxurious train ride you will never forget.

Admire the vistas on: Majesty of the Rockies

You may also enjoy: Get to the Heart of Your Destination With These Boutique Train Journeys

A luxury safari

Close up image of a golden lion in a safari landscape

From the vast African savannahs to the national parks of India, a luxury safari offers a profound connection with the natural world. The sense of adventure and witnessing majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Combined with exclusive lodges, gourmet dining and personal guides, this is a luxurious journey into the untouched world of the past.

Join us for the safari of a lifetime in South Africa. Covering nearly two million hectares, Kruger National Park is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Join expert rangers for thrilling game drives and stay in exquisite accommodations, blending luxury with nature. Dine as the sunsets over the African plains, while the distant roar of lions echoes through the night.

Seek the Big 5 on: Spectacular South Africa

Read more: Private Game Drives and Five-Star Stays: How Luxury Gold Does Safari Differently

Exquisite Michelin-starred dining with spectacular views

The view from a Mamma restaurant table on the Isle of Capri, a table is set against a window with a view over the gulf of Naples, as the sun sets

@mammarestaurant

Michelin-starred dining on a stunning Italian island is one of the timeless travel experiences you must experience. Nestled in the Gulf of Naples, the Isle of Capri exudes glamour, elegance and Mediterranean charm. And its restaurants are exceptional.

On our Ultimate Italy tour, enjoy lunch at the Michelin-starred Mamma restaurant. Savor a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavors in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione. From its perch, you’ll enjoy mesmerizing views over the Gulf of Naples. A truly timeless way to dine.

Dine here on: Ultimate Italy

You may also like: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

Timeless luxury travel experiences are at the heart of each of our small group journeys. Take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.

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