With the magnificent 13th-century castle rising above the 350-acre estate in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is truly exceptional. And as the only hotel in Ireland to achieve two prestigious Five-Star Forbes Rankings, having this week earned the coveted award for its spa, it’s also truly luxurious. But that’s not the only reason why Ashford Castle is the ultimate Mother’s Day getaway. From the stunning location and historic rooms to the lavish amenities and world-class service, Ashford Castle promises to treat your mom like royalty this Mother’s Day. 

Experience it: Ultimate Ireland

@ashfordcastle

The Spa

Having recently been named as the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Ireland (only ten properties in Europe have achieved this status), you won’t find a better place to relax and rejuvenate than The Spa at Ashford. There’s a relaxation pool with jets, a steam room, and a terrace overlooking the peaceful Lough Corrib, along with an extensive treatment menu including massages, body wraps and facials. Beyond the classics, you’ll find heated stone beds and crystal therapy treatments. You’ll be in expert hands with skilled therapists and they only use organic products from the iconic Irish brand, VOYA. 

The soothing atmosphere has been perfectly crafted with low lighting, gorgeous decor, wall-to-wall windows, and a stunning mural depicting the Celtic tree of life by South African artist Jane du Rand. Our pick for your mom this Mother’s Day getaway? Go with the 60-minute Ashford Castle Ritual. From the warm Elemis massage and frangipani hair mask, to the therapeutic scalp massage, Superfood Pro-Radiance facial with Hydra Gel eye compresses, and pressure-point foot massage, this is the ultimate full-body experience.

Read more: Ashford Castle: An Idyllic Country Escape

@ashfordcastle

The Bedrooms

The best Mother’s Days ensure mom gets a good night’s rest and Ashford Castle certainly delivers here. Each room and suite is designed with impeccable taste and attention to detail. From the plush beds and luxurious linens to the antique furnishings, the bedrooms exude timeless elegance. Every room offers breathtaking views of the castle’s expansive grounds, Lough Corrib, or the River Cong, making for an unforgettable stay for your mom.

Read more: From a festive cruise to parading puddings, this is how Ashford Castle celebrates Christmas

@ashfordcastle

The Dining

Your mom will dine like royalty at Ashford Castle, with a variety of dining options and locations. Start the day with a sumptuous breakfast in the regal George V Dining Room, where you can savor both traditional Irish and international dishes. For a more casual atmosphere, visit the cozy Dungeon, where you can enjoy bistro-style fare, including Irish-inspired dishes.

@ashfordcastle

In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at the renowned Cullen’s at the Cottage. You also have the option to enjoy farm-to-table delicacies at the Chef’s Table. Here, the estate’s Executive Chef uses only the freshest ingredients from Ashford’s gardens and local producers. No Mother’s Day getaway would be complete without a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant Connaught Room, where you can enjoy a delightful selection of sandwiches, pastries, and teas. If your mom has a sweet tooth, be sure to sample some of the signature pastries at Paula Pastry, the new pâtissier & chocolate concept located on Ashford Estate.

Read more: Hives and honey: Meet Ashford Castle beekeeper, Steve Watson Oughterard

@ashfordcastle

The Grounds

Ashford Castle’s remarkable 350-acre estate offers a range of opportunities to get some fresh air in the great outdoors. You can wander through the immaculate Victorian Walled Garden, go on a lake cruise, or take a peaceful stroll along the shores of Lough Corrib. If your mom has an adventurous side, you can go horseback riding, cycling, fishing, clay shooting, try archery, or have a round of golf on the nine-hole course.

@ashfordcastle

You can even get acquainted with the falcons at Ashford’s Falconry, the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland. Whether you roam through the ancient woodlands or explore the 800-year-old castle that has been home to royals and the Guinness family, you’ll cherish this enchanting experience with your mom.

Read more: ​​Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

@ashfordcastle

The Services

Ashford Castle prides itself on exceptional service. From the moment you arrive, the dedicated staff will make your mom feel like a queen. Ask your concierge to arrange an experience, or relax in the on-site cinema, or billiards room. You can even go wine tasting in the underground wine cellar. Whatever you do, your mom is sure to feel appreciated with a Mother’s Day getaway at Ashford Castle.

@ashfordcastle

You can enjoy a luxurious three-night stay at Ashford Castle as part of our Ultimate Ireland luxury tour. The experience begins with a royal welcome as a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to the estate. Your stay includes dinner at the exceptional Cullen’s at the Cottage and a unique falconry experience. You’ll also enjoy a tour of the castle to see the beautifully restored castle interiors and original artwork and antiques. 

Heed the call of the great outdoors and get back to nature at these luxurious retreats, immersed in the world’s most beautiful landscapes. From remote chalets in New Zealand’s Fiordland and lavish suites in Kruger National Park to a Nile River cruise and a garden oasis in Vietnam, these are some of the finest nature retreats you can experience with Luxury Gold. 

Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland, New Zealand

@milfordsoundlodge

Take a journey to New Zealand’s extraordinary Fiordland National Park and discover the ultimate luxury nature retreat at Milford Sound Lodge. Set on the edge of the iconic Milford Sound and Milford Track, the lodge is surrounded by the rushing Cleddau River, ancient beech tree forest, waterfalls and towering mountains.

With few other buildings (or people) around, this is a rare opportunity to stay in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland. The beautiful, secluded chalets are right on the river and forest, with rushing waterfalls just steps away. With floor-to-ceiling windows and wide open decks to soak it all in, this nature retreat is an unparalleled experience.

Read more: The ultimate nature retreat: welcome to Milford Sound Lodge 

Experience it: The Long White Cloud

River Tosca, Nile River, Egypt

If you’re looking to reconnect with the great outdoors on the water, you’ll be drawn to Egypt’s Nile River. When you cruise the Nile with Luxury Gold, you’ll spend your nights onboard the deluxe River Tosca ship. This is where old-world elegance melds with modern luxuries, with stylish and spacious suites complemented by marble bathrooms. You’ll have a front-row seat to the Nile River as you relax on the sun deck in the pool or under shaded cabanas, watching the ever-changing scenery float by.

Experience it: Elegance of Egypt

The Fairmont Resorts, Banff National Park, Canada

@fairmontcll

Two of the most coveted nature retreats in the world are the Fairmont Château Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs, both located in the UNESCO-listed Banff National Park. 

Fairmont Château Lake Louise is set on the shores of the dazzling Lake Louise. Enveloped by the most breathtaking scenery, you’ll feel completely immersed in the soaring mountains and glaciers at this historic hotel. This magnificent castle offers an exceptional experience, and you’ll have opportunities to spot local wildlife, enjoy a lakeside stroll with an award-winning naturalist, or ride a gondola above Lake Louise. 

@fairmontbanff

Less than an hour away, you’ll find the equally spectacular Fairmont Banff Springs. Known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, Fairmont Banff Springs sits at the base of Rundle Mountain. It’s ringed by lush forest and the turquoise Spray River. You’ll spend your days exploring the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, then enjoy an exquisite dinner of local specialities in the evening. 

Experience both resorts: Majesty of the Rockies

Lions Sands Tinga Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa  

@lionsandsgamereserve

There are few better places to reconnect with the great outdoors than at the luxurious Lions Sands Tinga Lodge. Set on the banks of the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, you can spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinos, all from your private deck and plunge pool in your grand suite. After spending your days on game drives, you can unwind in the afternoon at the lodge’s infinity pool, bar lounge, library or Africology Spa. As night falls, dine on South African cuisine by candlelight on the terrace, then drift off to the sounds of wild animals in the distance. 

Experience it: Spectacular South Africa

Pilgrimage Village, Hue, Vietnam

@pilgrimagevillageresort

Dreaming of escaping to the quiet countryside? Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa is your oasis in Hue. Surrounded by lush, peaceful gardens, Pilgrimage Village is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature. Wander under leafy trees and cycle past emerald rice fields. Soak in the steam bath or take part in meditation, yoga and tai chi classes in the gardens.

You can also venture to the nearby traditional garden houses of Phu Mong village and be serenaded by local musicians at the Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre. With Luxury Gold, you’ll enjoy a VIP visit to the Imperial Citadel and the royal tomb of Minh Mang. You’ll also meet the headmaster of the Vietnamese Royal Martial Arts Academy or a collector in his private museum, so you can combine the best of culture in the great outdoors on your getaway.

Experience it: Inspiring Indochina

Sails in the Desert, Uluru, Australia

@exploreuluru

Set in Australia’s Red Centre on Uluru doorstep, the five-star Sails in the Desert is an immersive nature retreat. While Uluru and the Kata Tjuṯa domes are the stars, this impressive resort amplifies the natural wonders. You’ll go on guided walks around Uluru and through whistling Walpa Gorge. Then enjoy sparkling wine and appetizers as you witness the enchanting sunset over Uluru. At sunrise, you’ll watch Bruce Munro’s Field of Light art installation of coloured glass spheres illuminate Uluru. From hearing the ancient stories of the Anangu people, the traditional guardians of the land, to experiencing the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner, this is a mesmerising retreat in the Australian Outback.

Experience it: Inspiring Australia

Nahargarh Ranthambhore, Ranthambore National Park, India

@thealsisarnahargarh

Nestled in the foothills of Aravalli Range, right on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, this magnificent palace hotel offers a truly special experience in the great outdoors. Home to around 80 protected Bengal tigers, Ranthambore is one of the best places to see tigers in the wild.

You’ll explore the former royal hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur with a Local Expert. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive tigers on game drives, and also watch out for other animals like leopards and sloth bears. You’ll also see the ancient royal ruins dotted around the park from traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions to a 1,000-year-old fort. In the evening, you’ll return to the elegant Nahargarh Ranthambhore to relax in the pool and superb restaurant. 

Experience it: Essence of India

Home to more than 70% of the world’s tigers, there’s no better place than India to see this majestic animal in the wild. Ranthambore National Park is the crown jewel of India’s protected tiger habitats, home to dozens of Bengal tigers living among its lush forest and ancient palatial ruins.

Here, we delve into the history of Ranthambore – and how it transformed from royal hunting grounds to a world-class sanctuary. Plus, learn the secrets to spotting a Bengal tiger yourself in this stunning national park. 

Experience it: Essence of India with Ranthambore

@claws.n.wings

Tiger hunting in India

Ranthambore National Park is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, meaning ‘Land of Kings’ in Hindi. It’s a fitting name as Rajasthan is famed for its legacy of royal rulers, dynasties, palaces and forts. From the Mughal Emperors of the 16th century to the Maharajas (rulers), the royals practiced ‘shikar’, or big game hunting, and Bengal tigers were particularly prized. British royalty and other aristocrats from all over the world would come to India to hunt the king of the big cats. Renowned for its large tiger populations, Ranthambore was the royal hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. 

@ranthambhorewildlife

Project Tiger

By 1972, the Bengal tiger population in India had dropped from as many as 80,000 to just 1,800. This shocking discovery prompted then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to launch Project Tiger to protect the country’s tigers. The government established the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 which made hunting illegal. As tigers were designated as Schedule 1 animals, the hunting of tigers brought the highest penalty. The government also banned the export of tiger skins and created sanctuaries and national parks to preserve the tiger’s natural habitats. Since the launch of Project Tiger, the tiger population has slowly risen. A recent tiger census in April 2023 found that India now has a population of 3,167 tigers, 200 more than it had four years ago. The country is now home to more than 70% of the world’s tigers.

@ranthambhorewildlife

Royal hunting grounds turned protected wilderness

Ranthambore was declared a national park in 1980 and remains a protected area today, strictly prohibiting any disturbance to wildlife. The national park now has 86 tigers living in the area spanning 515 square miles and has proudly achieved a 45% growth in the population in the last eight years. While the park has battled many challenges over the years including poaching, the local communities and government work together to protect the tigers and conserve their habitat. Today Ranthambore remains one of the most popular destinations for wildlife and photography enthusiasts and visitors come from all over the world to take safaris to explore the park and spot its wildlife. 

Read more: Uncovering India’s cultural riches, with acclaimed historian Rana Safvi

@ranthambhorewildlife

The cultural significance of tigers in India

Tigers have played a role in Indian traditions, culture and mythology for centuries. They are a revered animal and considered a symbol of strength, power, beauty and intelligence. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Durga is often depicted riding a tiger as a symbol of her strength. Lord Shiva, an important Hindu god, is also portrayed wearing a tiger skin around his waist. In recognition of this cultural significance, the tiger was declared the national animal of India in 1972.

@ranthambhorewildlife

How to see tigers roaming in Ranthambore

When you embark on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury tour, you’ll journey to Ranthambore on the Jan Shatabdi Express. After arriving at your luxury hotel, the Nahargarh Ranthambhore, in the lush foothills of the Aravalli mountain range, you’ll discover a beautiful region swathed in forest and dotted with crumbling forts – and Bengal tigers. 

You’ll join an Expert Naturalist as you seek out the elusive tigers on dawn and dusk safaris within Ranthambhore National Park. You’ll also meet a Local Expert to explore the former royal hunting grounds and discover palace ruins, traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions, and a 1,000-year-old fort.

@ranthambhorewildlife

More than tigers – the other wildlife you can spot in Ranthambore

The main prize on safari in Ranthambore is spotting a Bengal tiger or two, but you’re also likely to spot a wealth of other incredible wildlife on your safaris here. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild boar, Indian Sambar deer, Chital deer, and Indian foxes. You can also see the Indian gazelle (chinkara), a small antelope, and Nilgai, the largest antelope in Asia. Look up and you’ll also spot several bird species including owls, eagles and vultures.

Read more: How to safari in style: The ultimate packing guide

@ranthambhorewildlife

Tips for spotting tigers in Ranthambore

While Ranthambore is one of the best places in the world to spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. However, it’s never a guarantee to see one. Here are some tips to improve your chances: 

Choose the right season

The best time to spot tigers in the wild is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. The grass is shorter and animals congregate around the receding water sources, making it easier to spot tigers.

Go with an experienced guide

When you travel with Luxury Gold, you’ll go on safari with expert local guides who know the habits of tigers and can significantly improve your chances of spotting a tiger. They can also help you spot other animals and birds while out exploring.

Wear the right clothes

Wear clothing in neutral colors such as beige or khaki to help you blend in with your surroundings. Brightly colored clothing may scare off the animals you’re trying to spot. 

Keep your distance

While spotting tigers in the wild is a thrilling experience and it may be tempting to move closer, it’s important to be respectful of their habitat and maintain a quiet atmosphere and a safe distance. It’s also important to take photos without the flash on. Getting too close or making too much noise or sudden movements can be dangerous or simply encourage the tigers to hide from view.

Be patient and observant

When it comes to spotting tigers, patience is key. Tigers are elusive animals, so you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for any signs of tiger activity, such as pugmarks or alarm calls from other animals. A high-quality pair of binoculars can also help you catch a glimpse.

Discover how you can see the tigers of Ranthambore on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury tour.