In India’s royal state of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer rises like a city of gold from the Thar Desert. In fact it’s the forts, Jain temples and palaces carved from the distinctive yellow sandstone that give Jaisalmer its nickname as ‘the Golden City’.

As part of our Imperial Rajasthan tour, you’ll spend two unforgettable nights in Jaisalmer packed with exceptional one-off experiences. From a guided excursion to a local farmers’ market, to dining under the stars while listening to live local musicians – here’s what awaits you in India’s Golden City

Jaisalmer Fort

On your second day in Jaisalmer, your Travel Concierge will take you to the astounding Jaisalmer Fort. Looming over the city from its perch on Meru Hill, this sprawling sandstone citadel is home to a quarter of Jaisalmer’s population – mostly made of descendants of the royal Brahmin and Rajput families who once lived here. It houses the Royal Palace (Raj Mahal) as well as seven extraordinary Jain temples, all intricately carved out of the same golden sandstone.

Explore the narrow alleyways, exquisitely decorated temples and climb to the walls of the fort for sweeping views over the city of Jaisalmer and the shimmering Thar Desert stretching to the horizon.

Experience it: Imperial Rajasthan

We Think You’ll Enjoy: Step Inside the Most Unique Luxury Retreats in India 

Gardisar Lake

Rajasthan is a place of magic made real, of palaces, temples and cities that glow like rose gold in the pink light of sunset. Gardisar Lake is among the finest sights in the state, let alone in Jaisalmer itself – and after a visit here, it’s not hard to see how the Golden City got its name.  This man-made lake, originally created in the 12^th Century by King Rawal Jaisal, is surrounded by intricately decorated little chhatri pavilions and shrines to Hindu gods and goddesses.

Fed by the Indira Gandhi Canal, it’s a serene, mirror-like oasis in the heart of this desert city. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the amber light creates a sequin effect on the water, and the yellow sandstone chhatris and shrines cast golden reflections.

We Think You’ll Enjoy: Walking With the King of the Big Cats in India’s Royal Hunting Grounds 

Jaisalmer local markets

Even in 21^st Century Jaisalmer, local markets remain the lifeblood of the city – especially within the gold walls of Jaisalmer Fort. As part of your exploration with your Travel Concierge, you’ll visit one of these local markets – and in so doing, get a glimpse into the timeless way of life that still thrives in the Golden City.

Although Jaisalmer is a desert city, season-dependent you’ll find traders selling bundles of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, arranged in colorful piles. You’ll also find hand-crafted leather goods, brightly-colored dresses and scarves, and handmade novelty items such as wooden puppets. Supported by your Travel Concierge at all times, this is a perfect opportunity to pick up a unique souvenir to bring back home with you.

We Think You’ll Enjoy: Uncovering India’s Cultural Riches, With Acclaimed Historian Rana Safvi 

Sunset dinner with local musicians

Music is a vital part of Rajasthan’s cultural identity – its desert folk songs have been recited for centuries, passed on from generation to generation largely unchanged. There are several musical instruments that are only likely to be found within Rajasthan – including the 17-stringed kamaicha and the dholak drum.

You’ll get an opportunity to experience the distinctive and evocative sounds of Rajasthan’s desert folk music at an exclusive sunset banquet. As the sun sets over the towering sand dunes of the Thar Desert, you’ll dine on traditional – but elevated – nomadic dishes, watching the stars slowly appear in the night sky above you and listening to the music that has characterised this part of India for as long as anyone can remember. It’s a truly timeless experience that will leave you feeling even more in love with this country than before.

When you journey with Luxury Gold, you’ll not only enjoy a timeless travel experience, but unique moments that you won’t find elsewhere. In Rajasthan – and Jaisalmer in particular – you’ll find a way of life largely unchanged for centuries. Join us for an exceptional journey, furnished with fine dining, five-star hotel stays, and rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

Inca spirituality, deeply rooted in the Andean culture of Peru, is a captivating blend of ancient beliefs and reverence for nature.

In the Sacred Valley you’re invited to immerse yourself in this mysticism as you join a sacred Welcome Ceremony performed by Shaman Laura. Here, she shares how she got her calling and what you can expect from this exclusive and privileged experience.

The Spirituality of the Incas

The Inca religion, known as “Inca tradition” or “Andean spiritual art,” holds a significant position among the world’s major religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. It is often described as nature mysticism due to its belief that humans are inseparable from nature, its creatures, and the vast universe with its stars and planets. Everything is one and everything is interconnected.

Despite the near loss of the Inca culture during the Spanish colonization of the Americas, the communities in the heart of the Peruvian Andes have successfully safeguarded these deeply ingrained traditions.

The spirituality and mysticism that enveloped the Inca culture continue to thrive within traditional families in the city of Cusco and throughout the Peruvian Andes.

For travel inspiration: Peru destination guide

Cusco and the Sacred Valley

The Incas understood that Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire from 1200 – 1533 AD, holds a unique vibrational resonance. Its location is a huge energy portal to connect with the spirit world and source, the connectedness of all things.

Just 15km north of Cusco, you will find the Sacred Valley, hailed as one of the most important historical sites in South America, and of particular significance to the Incas.

It is here, in this stunning valley gateway to Machu Picchu, embedded with mysteries, spirituality, Inca history and a myriad of ruins and stone terraces, that you will meet Shaman Laura, for this very special Welcoming Ceremony.

“[In Cusco] we have a mystical and magic city,” Shaman Laura says. “Performing the ceremony helps guests to connect with our magical city, and with natural signs.”

Dating back to pre-historic times, the ceremony is a way to celebrate and show gratitude to Pachamama, the only goddess revered by the Indigenous people of the Andes.

As part of the ceremony offering you’ll also savor a typical Peruvian meal of fresh vegetables and slow-roasted meats.

Discover this on: Treasures of the Incas and Grand South America

You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

A Natural Calling

“My Grandfather was an Alto Mesayuc or ‘Altomisayoc’,” Laura tells us. Increasingly rare, the Altomisayoc are the high priests of the Andes (Alto means ‘High’ and misayoq means ‘one who has power’). It is thought that there are around only 10 alive today, spread throughout Peru and Bolivia.

They receive their vocations during a dream, during a dive into a frozen lake or if they survived a lightning strike. They are said to have a special communion with the spirit world – an ability to gain access to places that most people are unaware of.

Laura explains that that due to her connection to her grandfather she also received signs from the natural elements. “As per my grandfather’s legacy, since I was a little girl, I have been connected to natural elements, in the shapes of the signs and evidence I was receiving.

“In many countries there’s a ‘sage’ and in Peru they have a lot of sages both men and women that accomplished the same function. The difference is that some of us evoke to honor our ancestors with all our soul body and spirit.”

You may also enjoy: Tap into the spirit of Peru with politician and philanthropist, Dr. Canseco

The Importance of Goddess Pachamama

Guests of Luxury Gold will join Laura for this age-old ceremony, in which an offering is made to the Goddess Pachamama. A fertility goddess, in the indigenous Quechua language, Pachamama (also known as Mama Pacha) translates as Mother Earth or Mother Cosmos.

“Through the Goddess Pachamama you can improve abundancy, heal production, life and spirituality,” says Laura. “Also, she can help us to find our inner force of the heart.”

During her ceremony, Laura expresses gratitude to Pachamama for crops, good weather, animals and the abundance of the soil. Andean people believe in living in harmony with nature and preserving its resources. It is believed that disrespecting Mother Earth can have negative consequences such as earthquakes and floods.

You might also like to read: Mayta in Lima, Peru named one of the world’s top 50 restaurants

An Exclusive and Significant Invitation

To join Laura for this ceremony is a rare and privileged invitation, which offers a deep connection both to Peru and to yourself.

“When performing the ceremony, for me I travel through my body with my ancestor and find a lot of answers to the questions of those participating, and I try to help them,” Laura says. “Also, they will be protecting their paths and their journey on this tour.”

Through the ceremony Laura also explains that guests will be ‘opening their energy circle.’ “This allows only positive energy to flow in, so they can absorb only the positive energy,” she says.

Something very deep to Laura’s heart, and that of the Andean people, she’s delighted to share her gift and the ceremony with guests. In return she hopes that guests will enjoy the experience and place a lot of “respect, focus and value to this spiritual heritage.”

To share in Inca spirituality and have the privilege to meet Shaman Laura in the Scared Valley, take a look at our luxurious Treasures of the Incas and Grand South America limited edition tours.

Although we’re only six months into 2023, and there’s plenty to be excited for with the summer still ahead of us, but we’ve always got one eye on what’s coming up further down the line. And 2024 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for luxury travel. To whet your appetite for 2024 travel, we’ve selected some of the new openings in the luxury travel sphere that deserve your attention. These offer the perfect reason to treat yourselves to an unforgettable luxury guided vacation to these spectacular destinations.

New luxury trains in Italy – Orient Express ‘Dolce Vita’

@orientexpress

Over 150 years ago, the first ever Orient Express journey launched luxury train travel into another dimension.  And to this day the name Orient Express is still the epitome timeless nostalgia and glamour.

In 2024, this five-star train will launch six new ‘Dolce Vita’ itinerates, the ultimate way to bookend your Italian vacation.

From the snow-capped peaks of the northern Alps through the picturesque hills of Tuscany and the breathtaking beaches of the southern coast, journeys visit iconic cities including Venice, Rome and Matera.

Every aspect of this luxury train pays tribute to “La Dolce Vita.” Choose from 12 Deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one La Dolce Vita suite. In partnership with esteemed local and international chefs and sommeliers, passengers will savor a 5-star dining experience onboard, showcasing the best of Italy through world-renowned wines and delicious haute cuisine.

Plus new hotels – Orient Express Minerva Hotel, Rome and Orient Express Venice

Furthermore, bringing the Golden Age glamour of the rails to their own hotels, the very first Orient Express Hotels have announced new openings in 2024 in Rome and Venice.

The Orient Express, Minerva in Rome will be sited in the former Palazzo Fonseca and is set to be a high-class romantic landmark for Rome. This exquiste 17th century palace is adorned with Roman columns and sculptures by Rinaldi Rinaldo.

The Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, built in 1400 by architect Filippo Calendario, known for Venice’s famed Doge’s Palace is the home for the Orient Express Hotel, Venice. An ode to the city’s heritage, suites will all overlook the gardens and canals of Venice and select terraces hidden on the hotel’s rooftops will offer the most beautiful views of the wonders of the Serenissima.

Expect all the luxury and nostalgia of the Golden Age of Travel that you get from their trains, wrapped up in a sumptuous hotel, with the finest Italian gastronomy on offer.

Take a timeless Italian journey with: Ultimate Italy

You might also enjoy reading: An exclusive invitation from La Famiglia Mazzei, a Tuscan wine dynasty

Egypt – new art hotel

In the bustling capital of Cairo, Egypt is set to get its first luxury ‘art hotel.’ Set to open in early 2024, the Hyatt Centric Cairo West will create an art journey for guests from the moment they arrive.

Reflecting the outstanding historical riches of Cairo and Egypt, the urban hotel will showcase the city through the lens of contemporary artists. At every turn, including in its 283 rooms, nods to Egyptian crafts and pharaonic heritage will blend with a showcase of the country’s pop culture.

Paintings, sculptures and architectural features will be complemented by landscaped gardens, a sumptuous pool and inspiring social spaces. Located in the Pyramid Heights area close to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (set to open this year) the hotel is perfectly located to immerse yourself in the rich history of Egypt.

See the best of Cairo and Egypt with: Elegance of the Nile

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

Lisbon – new Melia hotel

Hailed as one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Europe, Portugal’s capital Lisbon is a highly desirable destination. Blending traditional heritage with striking modernism, all wrapped up in a glorious year-round climate.

To add to the city’s alure, a new ME by Meliá Hotel, an exciting new opening for Lisbon is set for 2024, bringing its unique brand of luxury to the city. Described as a destination in itself, local art will blend with the latest technology to bring an eclectic and luxurious stay.

The fully equipped spa will offer everything you need to disconnect and enjoy a total-relaxation experience, whether in the indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath or massage cabins. And a classy Rooftop Bar will let you sip a cocktail and soak up the ambience in the city, with fantastic panoramic views.

Discover the delights of Lisbon on: Spain & Portugal in Style

London – new museum takes you back in time

@bompassandparr

Why not top off a five-star visit to the capital with a step back to a bygone era? From spring 2024, a unique opportunity awaits visitors who wish to journey back in time, and step into the heart of Elizabethan High Society.

The new Shakespeare Museum in London is one of London’s most exciting new openings for 2024. Situated on the grounds of the old playhouse that staged productions like Romeo & Juliet and Henry V, the museum is set to transport visitors to this captivating era.

Guests can anticipate immersive, multisensory encounters, wrapping you in the sights, smells, sounds and ambiance that inspired Shakespeare’s plays. Through cutting-edge AI technology and a projected reconstruction of the playhouse, you’re promised a remarkable resurrection of the past, and can even step onto the stage yourself.

Visit London on: Castles & Kingdoms and British Royale

You may also enjoy reading: How Travel Concierge Michael Gives a Royal Welcome in the UK