If you find yourself in beautiful Scotland, dinner at one of the Michelin-star restaurants in Edinburgh should be on your must-do list. After all, what better way to end a day of sightseeing, whisky tasting and castle touring than dinner at one of Edinburgh’s top fine dining experiences at a Michelin-star restaurant?   

21212  

We begin with Chef Paul Kitching’s 21212 restaurant. Set in a charming Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace, this fine dining hotspot has been delighting diners with contemporary French fare since 2009. 21212 actually refers to the number of dishes per course. Within one of the stylishly decorated rooms – each with a dedicated lounge area – you’ll feast on innovative flavor combinations. In fact, the menus change weekly. At the time of writing, we’re tempted by smoked salmon with pineapple and almonds and a warming soup with potato, chives and garlic. 

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Aizle  

Meaning a “glowing hot ember or spark” in Scottish, Aizle is a warm gathering space in the heart of the city. Housed in the Garden Room at The Kimpton Charlotte Square, Aizle showcases an ever-evolving menu of house-made dishes. We’re already impressed by the website that showcases seasonal harvest items. “Autumn Harvest” included a bounty from figs, cherries and artichokes, Lanark blue cheese and North Sea crab. The six-course tasting menu heavily centers around what’s local and in season. And we’ve heard the aged kombucha shouldn’t be missed. 

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Condita 

Venture just outside of Edinburgh’s city center where the Old Town meets Southside on Sailsbury Place to a converted shop where you’ll find Michelin-starred Condita. Inside, an understated modern space of whitewashed walls decorated with banners over the windows, origami blackbirds perched on branches and a large skylight inviting the afternoon sun welcomes you. This intimate space seats just six tables where diners pour over a surprise five- or eight-course tasting menu of modern dishes. A hand-drawn bookmark calls out some of the key ingredients. But should you have any curiosities about the menu, amicable Chef Conor Toomey is happy to chat. Delight in the seasonal, mostly organic dishes impeccably presented, sometimes arriving on pebbles and wooden spoons. Much of the produce is sourced from a walled kitchen garden in Borders. Organic wines complement the meal and malt whiskies finish the occasion. 

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The Glenturret Lalique   

Self-described as “an exclusive jewel-box dining room,” the Glenturret Lalique restaurant offers an intimate dining experience within a glass-walled room overlooking distilleries and the River Turret. Michelin-star restaurants in Edinburgh all offer something unique, and this cozy spot’s six tables sit beneath two five-tier Lalique chandeliers. The cosmopolitan, multi-course tasting menu is a decadent experience.  Start with sea buckthorn, liver and cocoa. Feast on the main course including Highland Wagyu, barbeque eggplant and morel. Finish with crème fraîche sherbet, raspberry and woodruff. A vegetarian tasting menu is also available from Chef Mark Donald. Donald started at Noma in Copenhagen before returning to Scotland and later working at Number One restaurant, where he secured a Michelin star before joining Glenturret in 2021.  

@theglenturretlalique

Martin Wishart 

In the port of Leith, Edinburgh, restaurant Martin Wishart has been impressing diners and critics since 1999. The seasonal menu harmonizes Scottish and French brasserie cuisine. In addition, the chef also prepares a six-course tasting menu each evening. You’ll even find a vegetarian, vegan and extensive seafood menu of locally sourced fish and shellfish. From a business lunch to an elegant evening out, the variety at Martin Wishart impresses a range of patrons. The staff are eager to provide wine pairings as well.  

At the heart of the experience is Martin Wishart himself, an Edinburgh-born chef who trained under such renowned chefs as Albert Roux, Michel Roux Jr, Marco Pierre White and John Burton-Race. Wishart has worked in the kitchen since he was 15 and employs classic French cooking techniques to his locally sourced meals. The restaurant has held a Michelin star since 2001 and has been voted The Sunday Times 5th best restaurant in the UK. 

@martin_wishart

Number One 

Among Michelin-star restaurants in Edinburgh, Number One is one of the top-ranking restaurants in the city. Located in the basement of the Balmoral hotel, find a dining room elegantly decorated with red-lacquered walls lined with contemporary art of large triptych prints and upholstered banquettes. The romantic, luxury ambiance is the perfect setting to linger over the seven-course menu. Scottish dishes featuring seasonal produce with international flair are the result of Chef Mathew Sherry’s innovations and expertise. A sample menu may take you from canapes and caviar to Goosnargh duck to artisan cheese.  

@numberoneedin

With so many options, enhance your time in the beautiful Scottish capital by dining in one of the many Michelin-star restaurants.

Still curious about Michelin dining? Learn what to expect when fining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Or, explore the 10 most beautiful villages and small towns in Britain and Ireland. 

New Zealand experiences often top the must-do travel lists — and with good reason. From adventures in nature to sipping nature’s bounty, there’s no shortage of things to do in New Zealand. These are our top five once-in-a-lifetime experiences to experience on your New Zealand tour. 

Adventure in nature

It may come as no surprise that exploring New Zealand’s rich landscapes makes the top of our list. Our 19-day tour will immerse you in all of these rich New Zealand adventures. Take to the water for a serene cruise of Milford Sound’s Lake Manapouri lined with plummeting waterfalls, coves and beaches dotted along its shore. This magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park’s forest-clad mountains and islands is a must-do on any trip to The Long White Cloud. You’ll also cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight watching the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters. For adrenaline junkies, zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin on a Haast River jet boat safari. 

Stay at the ultimate nature retreat at Milford Sound Lodge. 

There’s plenty to discover on land, too. Understand what the ice age must have felt like experiencing the mighty natural wonder and grand scale of the Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll also visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system. Discover the world’s largest hot spring, volcanic crater lakes and the most incredible flora and fauna that have been untouched by man as you stroll along boardwalks.

Uncover Māori culture

When asking yourself “what to do in New Zealand?” experiencing the indigenous Māori culture is probably at the top of your list. You’ll have the opportunity to do just that on a visit to Tamaki Māori Village in Rotorua. Through this immersive experience, dine on a hearty and delicious meal warmed by the earth with a uniquely prepared Hāngī feast. Hāngī meals are made of meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam. As you dine, witness a captivating live cultural performance showcasing honored traditions, stories, songs and performing arts. See the fierce ‘Haka’ (war dance), action dances and stick games. This sensory evening will delight you with the magic of Māori storytelling and culture set deep within the forest. 

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Sip and Savor

Most seasoned travelers will agree day trips in New Zealand must include a little wine tasting. Embark on a boutique wine-tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region. Here you’ll sample the area’s finest Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.  

Our tours even treat you to a dinner and wine pairing at Hawke’s Bay Craggy Range Winery with an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant. Taking in the grandeur of Te Mata Peak and feast on local produce as you drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards. You’ll also learn how this family-owned winery began with a search to start a winery in France, the U.S., Australia and finally the exceptional climate of New Zealand.    

More of a beer connoisseur? Sample some of Dunedin’s best local brews on an exclusive tour and tasting session at Emerson’s Brewery. You’ll witness each stage of the process as you’re guided behind the scenes from malt room to bottling at this award-winning microbrewery. 

National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa Visit

Add going behind-the-scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa to your collection of New Zealand experiences. Meet the kiwi at this working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. This has become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, and the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. After your visit, you’ll understand how the nursery and hatchery is leading the conservation efforts of the national icon. You may even get to see a newly hatched kiwi chick. 

New Zealand, Wellington, North Island,

Waitomo Cave Visit with Private Boat Tour

Perhaps one of the most unexpected – and enchanting — New Zealand experiences is an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave. You’ll tour the subterranean Waitomo Cave where you’ll be guided through the extensive network. The highlight is meeting the local glowworms that light up the cavern. Enter the cave through a natural chasm. Then view these fascinating glowing creatures as you glide quietly on a private tour by boat through the underground cave. You’ll even view the bones of one of New Zealand’s lost treasures, the ancient Moa. 

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A true Kiwi lover? Learn about Six Stunning Filming Locations To See In New Zealand and a World-class jockey who turned into a hands-on sustainable farmer.  

If you’re seeking the height of rustic luxury, a stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the perfect destination. A highlight accommodation on our Majesty of the Rockies tour, this grand 700-acre hotel combines Canada’s natural beauty with all the elegance of a top resort.  

The hotel  

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is perched on the shores of emerald green Beauvert Lake or “Lac Beauvert” with a stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. The resort’s grandeur extends from its epic scenery to its world-renowned golf course within the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. And yet, a cozy intimacy welcomes from its rooms and Signature Cabins reminiscent of luxury rustic homes.  

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The rooms 

Within the main hotel, the 442 comfortable, spacious guest rooms may also offer an outdoor patio or balcony. Some suites invite you to relax in front of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces with a separate sitting area offering views of Lac Beauvert. Beyond the main lodge, the village of cedar chalets and heritage log cabins are connected by winding paths. Inside, the cabins feel intimate and warm, boasting rustic luxury décor in a modern or alpine style. Lounge outside around a firepit in Adirondack chairs as the sun sets. Or, stay in and enjoy your rustic luxury kitchen, stone fireplace, leather furnishings and dramatic windows. Some Signature Cabins, such as the Outlook Cabin, have hosted notable guests. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed here in 1939 followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 2005. 

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Dining  

Take in more of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s splendor at one of its fine restaurants. The Great Hall presents views of Lac Beauvert and Whistlers Mountain alongside sumptuous dishes. Here you’ll dine on sockeye salmon with maple rainbow carrots and warm scarlet quinoa salad or jerk shrimp and grits. Or, try their Elk hunter’s pie of braised Alberta elk with winter root vegetables and cheddar mash potatoes. 

For a taste of la dolce vita, Orso Trattoria tempts with modern Italian fare highlighting the finest just-harvested regional ingredients and the best steaks. Should you like to indulge in a decadent high tea, you can take afternoon tea of delicate sandwiches, cakes and cookies – and bubbly, if you like – in front of the grand fireplace or picture windows showcasing the Rockies. 

@fairmontjpl

Drinks 

For pre- or post-dinner drinks, the Emerald Lounge Bar is the spot for classic cocktails and innovative seasonal creations. Sip on the house beauvardier or toasted apple pie made with Calvados, sherry and apple spice syrup. Or, try the delicious burnt flower cocktail of Hornitos Black Barrel, Somba Mezcal, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon and hibiscus. 

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The spa  

Continue your luxurious stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge with a treatment at the on-site spa. Inspired by the surrounding nature, the treatments are designed to enliven your skin, restore your muscles and soothe your spirit. Treat yourself to a mineral foot soak and scrub, exfoliation, lotion application and moor mud mask. The relaxing Ultimate Facial enhances brightness using a blend of skin-illuminating botanicals along with a unique cooling mask.   

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Activities 

When you’re eager to get a little active and soak up the surrounding splendor of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, you have a range of activities to choose from right outside your room or cabin. As you may have guessed, you’re in an ideal spot for downhill skiing. Here within the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, you have the highest base elevation of any major Canadian ski area.   

In summer, the lodge boathouse rents canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards to explore and adventure on glacier-fed Lac Beauvert.  

Where else will you adventure in Jasper National Park? 

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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge golf course 

If you needed another reason to venture to this rustic resort, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club has been rated by SCOREGolf Magazine as the #1 Best Golf Resort in Canada. This premier golf course has been drawing enthusiasts since 1925 with elevated tee boxes, dramatic bunkering and holes aligned with distant mountain vistas. Stanley Thompson, Canada’s master golf course architect, designed the 18-hole course with wide fairways through thick forest while harmonizing with nature’s landscapes. If you’re a golfer, don’t miss your chance to try this award-winning course. And after a big day on the green or at the lake, take advantage of the resort’s Health Club that includes a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.    

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As you experience the beauty of Jasper and Jasper National Park, take time to enjoy Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. 

Looking for more beautiful national parks in Western Canada or more nature retreats?