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Concierge Tips

Take a Glimpse Into Luxury Air Travel of the Future With These Stunning Designs

July 23, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments

Transparent ceilings, lie-flat beds, and dedicated wellbeing zones? Welcome to the future of air travel. As travelers are now expecting more comfort, entertainment, and sustainability on their flights, airlines are racing to develop the most innovative aircrafts – and they’re coming up with some extraordinary designs. We take a look at some of the best recent designs that are set to revolutionize air travel. 

Air New Zealand’s Skynest – Lie-flat beds in Economy

Air New Zealand Skynest with people laying in bunks

As flights get longer and seats get smaller, travelers are now more likely to favor the airlines that can provide the most comfortable travel experience. And Air New Zealand are listening. The progressive airline is redefining long-haul travel with the introduction of Skynest, offering lie-flat bunks to Economy-class passengers. If you’ve ever struggled to get some good shut-eye on your flight (haven’t we all?) this will be a welcome slice of luxury. 

Set to debut in 2024, the Crystal Cabin award-winning design aims to enhance the comfort of passengers on ultra-long-haul routes. They’ll fly on the non-stop services between Auckland and US cities like New York and Chicago, a grueling journey that takes around 17 hours.

Passengers can reserve a bunk in four-hour slots at a cost of around NZD$400-600 and each person will be limited to one session. The four-hour duration was chosen as it allows passengers to get some much-needed sleep while offering availability to more customers. 

The Skynest will have six full-length beds in pods, configured in a space-efficient V-shape to ensure privacy. The beds measure over 79 inches long and 23 inches in width at the shoulder area. Each pod will have sheets, a blanket, a full-size pillow, ear plugs, a personal USB outlet and reading light, and a ventilation outlet. The lights will gently come on at the end of the session, and if you sleep through it, the crew will be there to help you wake up. The bedding will be changed between each session. Each pod will also have a separate seatbelt so passengers can stay in the pod when the seat belt signs come on. Sounds like they’ve thought of everything!

Qantas’ Airbus A350s – Wellbeing zones and ergonomic seating

Qantas Airbus 350 Wellbeing Zones

Qantas has also been listening to requests for more flying comfort. The airline’s newly unveiled Airbus 350s will fly nonstop from Sydney to New York and London starting late 2025, carrying 238 passengers on journeys spanning up to 22 hours. That sounds incredibly demanding, however, Qantas has been working to shake up long-haul travel. 

The design includes a first-of-its-kind Wellbeing Zone. Located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, the Wellbeing Zone features a hydration station and refreshments. There’s also on-screen exercise programs and sculpted wall panels with handles, so you can stretch and keep the blood flowing during the flight. 

There’s more good news for when you’re actually in the seats. They have the largest seat pitches of any Qantas aircraft, with a minimum of 33 inches of legroom in the Economy seats. There’s also ergonomic leg and footrest systems and plenty of storage. Every seat is outfitted with multiple USB-C charging ports, while Premium seats include integrated wireless charging. You’ll also find fast, free WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing passengers to connect their personal headsets to individual screens.

The First and Business cabins are taking luxury air travel to the next level. The First Class Suite is reminiscent of a boutique hotel room. It features a 2-meter flatbed, dining table, recliner chair, and a 32″ 4k ultra-high definition touch screen TV. Meanwhile, the 52 Business Suites offer sliding doors for privacy, lay-flat beds, large dining tables, and an 18″ 4k ultra-high definition touchscreen TV.

David Caon is the Australian designer behind the cabin layout. He worked to integrate world-first scientific research on jet lag reduction and wellbeing into the A350 design. All in all, the new aircraft will offer passengers a far more comfortable travel experience. 

Airbus’ Airspace Cabin Vision 2035+ – Transparent ceilings and sustainable cabins

Airbus Airspace Cabin Vision 2035

While travelers are demanding more comfort in the air, they’re also expecting more sustainability when it comes to air travel. Aeroplanes have traditionally been a fuel-guzzling, carbon-emitting beast, however, sustainable air travel may be closer than we think with Airbus’ new Airspace Cabin Vision 2035+. 

Research shows the cabin contributes to an estimated 10-20% of an aircraft’s overall environmental footprint. Airbus plans to utilize bionic design principles to reduce cabin weight by 40%. This would also significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions. Airbus’ commitment to “rethink, recycle, repair and re-use” extends to all components. Everything from seats and lining to galleys can be created with bio-based fabrics, recycled polymers, and 3D printing technologies.

The most eye-catching feature is the cabin’s transparent ceilings. No matter where you’re sitting, all passengers will enjoy a spectacular view of the sky and stars above. They’ve also taken inspiration from older eras of air travel. Passengers on short flights can collect pre-ordered meals at the boarding gate. This means galleys can be reduced or even eliminated altogether for some flights. The groundbreaking design signals a significant shift towards a more sustainable and efficient aviation industry. 

Airbus has partnered with multiple technology companies and different airlines, including Lufthansa and Delta, to make this all a reality. Changes to the existing Airbus cabin will begin this year, and they’re aiming to take to the skies by 2035.

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Make Travel Matter

Connect With the Natural World Through These Exclusive Experiences

July 19, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments
An Iberian lynx sat on a fallen tree, with dense foliage in the background

 The Travel Corporation (TTC) launched its 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy in September 2020 and has made some incredible progress in achieving its goals. We’re sharing all our progress in our 2022 Impact Report, including all the actions we’ve completed against our 11 goals in the past year. One of our major goals was to include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on 50% of TTC itineraries by 2025. We’re proud to say we’ve already surpassed that goal with MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences now on 62% of TTC itineraries, and a total of 571 experiences across all TTC brands, including Luxury Gold. 

Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are important to us as they have been carefully chosen to leave a positive impact on the places and people we visit. They’re developed exclusively for TTC brands, are endorsed by industry experts, and support communities, environments and wildlife all over the world. 

We’re celebrating some of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that help you connect with the natural world. From helping save the Iberian Lynx in Portugal and the Kiwi bird in New Zealand to meeting the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies and a wildlife ranger at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, here’s how you can connect with nature through our exclusive experiences. 

Read more: 2022 Impact Report

Meet the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies

Matricia Cree Warrior Woman holding plants in a field

There are few better places to connect with nature than the Canadian Rockies, and you’ll get to the heart of this extraordinary region with this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. As we sit down to enjoy a fireside barbecue, you’ll have views of the stunning Pyramid Mountain on the shores of Trefoil Lake in Jasper. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with the women, including matriarchs Matricia and Mackenzie Brown. You’ll learn more about their Indigenous culture, spirituality and their passion and connection to their land and home. We’ll also enjoy music, drumming and storytelling, and learn some Cree songs and phrases to take home as a memento of this special experience. 

Discover it on: Majesty of the Rockies

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Protect the Iberian Lynx in Portugal

Iberian Lynx in a forest in Portugal

Journey to beautiful southern Portugal to connect with nature and the Iberian Lynx on this unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. The Iberian Lynx is the world’s most endangered feline and the species was quickly disappearing due to hunting. In 2015, the region established conservation programs to protect and re-introduce this beautiful cat in its natural habitat, the Vale do Guadiana Nature Park. 

We’ll visit the gorgeous hilltop town of Serpa with its cobbled streets, red-sloped roofs, white facades and shady olive trees. Here we’ll meet with Local Experts to learn about the conservation programs in the nearby nature park. You’ll discover how the Iberian Lynx population has steadily increased to a total of 400, yet more needs to be done. Visits like ours will help continue the preservation of this beautiful cat and its stunning natural habitat.

Discover it on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Read more: 4 incredible MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences you can enjoy with Luxury Gold

Marvel at the waterfalls of Plitvice, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia

With its cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes and primaeval forests, Plitvice Lakes National Park ranks among nature’s most enchanting wonders. The park centers around a system of 16 lakes flowing into the next, ending with the spectacular Sastavci Waterfalls. Over millennia, the water has created limestone and chalk travertine barriers and natural dams, forming this dreamy series of cascades.

While it’s magical to simply gaze over the landscapes, we really connect with Plitvice on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet a Local Expert and wander along the wooden footbridges while learning about the diverse plants and animals of the park. You’ll gain insights into the park’s critical research and conservation programs for its Indigenous species. You’ll also hear about the challenges the region faces including overdevelopment and the ensuing deterioration of water quality. 

Discover it on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more: Reconnect with the great outdoors at these luxurious back-to-nature retreats

Help save the Kiwi in New Zealand

person holding a kiwi bird

While the Kiwi bird is the iconic national emblem of New Zealand, it’s also an endangered species, with only around 70,000 left in the wild. The little Kiwi’s numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss and predators such as dogs and cats. We’ll get to know more about this special bird on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll connect with nature as we wander through the magnificent Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua and visit the National Kiwi Hatchery. 

The hatchery is New Zealand’s leading institution for Kiwi conservation. You’ll meet the experts to learn more about their dedicated egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and chick rearing. You’ll even get to see some adorable, newly hatched Kiwi chicks. As we stroll through the towering redwoods, you can also spot other wildlife such as geckos and bellbirds. 

Discover it on: The Long White Cloud

Read more: 5 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences to Have in New Zealand

Join a local ranger at the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

sunset over Giant's Causeway Northern Ireland

Get to know one of the world’s most ancient natural landscapes at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spectacular natural phenomenon features around 40,000 hexagonal stones rising out of the Atlantic Ocean, remnants of a volcanic age about 60 million years ago. This nature reserve is also steeped in ancient lore. Legend says it was formed by an Irish giant, Finn McCool, who created a path of stepping-stones for a battle with a Scottish giant. 

Today, the Giant’s Causeway battles the challenges posed by overtourism, the pandemic, and climate change. However, a significant conservation plan is underway to protect this fascinating site. As part of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll join a local wildlife ranger to learn about the Causeway’s ancient history, formation, and folklore. You’ll also learn about the region’s unique plants and wildlife and conservation efforts, with each visit contributing to the preservation of the site for future generations.

Discover it on: Ultimate Ireland

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

Explore a bird paradise in, Iguazu, Brazil

woman looking at colorful birds in Parqu da Saves in Iguazu Falls

@parquedasaves

If you love to connect with nature, you’ll be amazed when you step into this avian oasis at Parque das Aves. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience takes you to the world’s only institution dedicated to conserving Atlantic Rainforest bird species. As you wander through the stunning forest, you’ll spot colorful toucans, parrots, flamingos and hummingbirds. You might even see eagles, hawks, herons and owls. 

Loss of habitat is the greatest threat to the birds, with less than 10% of the original rainforest remaining. The sanctuary not only provides shelter and protection for these animals, but it also rescues many birds from mistreatment. They also run breeding programs to help rebuild population numbers. While this extraordinary sanctuary focuses on birds, you’ll also spot reptiles and butterflies from across South America. 

Discover it on: Classic South America

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

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Luxury Journeys

Budding Landscape Artists Will Find Endless Inspiration with Luxury Gold

July 12, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments
Image of Uluru just after sunset, glowing red against the darkening sky

Planet Earth has been an endless source of inspiration for artists throughout history. Whether it’s soaring mountains or sugary beaches, the planet has no shortage of breathtaking vistas to stir the imagination – and you’ll find plenty of them on Luxury Gold’s bespoke journeys. From the plains of South Africa to the Australian Outback and the Swiss Alps, here are 12 magnificent landscapes that never fail to stir the imagination of landscape artists. 

When you explore these with Luxury Gold, you can even ask your Travel Concierge to arrange for you to do some art experiences while you’re immersed in these extraordinary landscapes. Whether through the lens of a camera or the bristles of a paintbrush, you can push your creativity and take your skills to new heights.

1. Canadian Rockies

Image of Lake Louise, two people in a two-man kayak crossing in the distance

The Canadian Rockies’ towering mountain ranges, glittering glacial lakes, and vast open prairies offer dramatic scenes for artists. With majestic peaks, draped with the purest white snow and surrounded by sapphire-blue waters, the vistas are a dream to capture on canvas.

Discover it on: Majesty of the Rockies

Read more: The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

2. South African savannah

Image of a giraffe wandering through long grass on the South African savannah

Golden grasslands dotted with the dark silhouettes of acacia trees, teeming with diverse wildlife… The South African savannah offers an unparalleled opportunity for exploration through art. As you gaze over the ancient grasslands stretching out under the blazing sun, you’ll discover a unique array of colors and textures to stir your creativity.

Discover it on: Spectacular South Africa

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

3. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Aerial image of Ha Long Bay, with two fishing boats in the foreground, and the towering limestone formations rising up in the near distance

Vietnam has no shortage of beaches and bays to stir the imagination – and Ha Long Bay is the queen of creative inspiration. This mystical landscape is defined by its ancient limestone karsts rising from the emerald waters. As you sail through the bay, you’ll discover golden beaches, secret coves, natural caves, verdant jungle, and floating fishing villages. The ever-changing light conditions make a dreamy subject for landscape artists. 

Discover it on: Cambodia & Vietnam in Style

Read more: See Vietnam in Style With These Three Exclusive Cruise Experiences

4. Australian Outback

Image of Uluru just after sunset, glowing red against the darkening sky

Australia’s Red Center is a vast wilderness with a striking color palette. The stark contrast between the rich red soil, the vibrant blue skies, and the sparse greenery creates a captivating scene. You’ll also be inspired by iconic landmarks such as the rock monolith Uluru and the bewitching domes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 

Discover it on: Inspiring Australia 

Read more: The irresistible lure of Uluru, Australia’s spiritual hub

5. Vineyards and lavender fields of Provence, France

The colorful landscapes of Provence. A field of lavender slopes

With symmetrical rows of lush grapevines and bright purple lavender stretching out over the rolling green hills, it’s no wonder Provence has inspired landscape artists for centuries. The beautiful landscapes are punctuated with rustic farmhouses and elegant castles, perfect for artists seeking to blend natural and man-made elements in their work.

Discover it on: Ultimate Southern France

Read more: Destination France: Live Your Parisien or Provencal Dream

6. Peruvian Andes

View of the Peruvian Andes, seen from near Cusco. In the foreground, golden rolling field of grass. In the distance, the dark snow-capped body of the Andes rising up through clouds

The Andes are one of Mother Nature’s greatest wonders, and they’re sure to inspire your best work too when you see them in all their glory. In Peru, the Andes are marked by snow-capped mountains and valleys lined with glittering lakes. It’s also where you’ll find ancient Incan ruins, including the iconic Macchu Picchu. From the ever-changing cloud formations to the furry llamas you’ll meet along the way, the Peruvian Andes are awe-inspiring to all. 

Discover it on: Treasures of the Incas

Read more: Embrace the spirituality of the Incas in Peru’s Sacred Valley

7. Cherry blossoms in Japan

View of Mt. Fuji, seen through cherry blossom branches

Every year from March to May, Japan explodes in a sea of pink and white cherry blossoms. You’ll see the blooms in dreamy settings everywhere, from ancient castles and temples to ornate Japanese gardens, and taking part in the “hanami” (flower viewing) tradition is a sure way to stir your artistic side. While the cherry blossoms make for an enchanting landscape, they also hold great cultural symbolism. As the flowers all bloom together at the top of trees and then suddenly disappear each season, the blossoms represent the fleeting nature of life and the beauty and mortality of life. 

Discover it on: Majestic Japan

Read more: Guardians of a national icon: meet the Japanese cherry blossom doctors

8. Swiss Alps

View of an alpine meadow in the Swiss Alps, with a lake in the foreground, and traditional wooden houses dotting the green meadow in the middle ground. In the background, snow-covered peaks

The Swiss Alps is one of the most sought-after destinations for landscape artists and for good reason. The region provides a stunning mix of snow-covered peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and lush, green valleys. The contrast between the rugged mountain ranges, and the delicate alpine meadows and fairytale villages, offers artists a range of creative possibilities.

Discover it on: Majestic Switzerland

Read more: 5 incredible photographs to take from Switzerland’s Glacier Express

9. Rio de Janeiro

 

View of Rio de Janeiro at sunset, looking across the city's mountainous landscape, with the Christ the Redeemer statue in the middle ground

If you like diversity in your landscape artwork, be sure to visit Rio de Janeiro. Here you have it all, from golden beaches to soaring mountains and lush jungles. You can find a new perspective every day, starting with the iconic sand and surf of Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach. Then ride the cable car up the mountains for unparalleled views over the city’s bays, beaches and Sugarloaf Mountain. With unique landmarks like the statue of Christ the Redeemer marking the skyline, you’re spoiled for artistic choice in Rio. 

Discover it on: Classic South America

Read more: Sun, Sand and Sequins: Why Summer is the Best Time to Visit These Glamorous Coastal Cities

10. Fiordland, New Zealand

Looking across the clear waters of Gun Lake in Fiordland National Park

New Zealand’s Fiordland is where dramatic cliffs and towering Alps meet cascading waterfalls, moody clouds, and dense rainforests. It’s also where you can cruise the Milford Sound, where serene waters are surrounded by cliffsides dripping in waterfalls and forest. With such an overwhelming scale of natural beauty, this is a landscape artist’s paradise.

Discover it on: The Long White Cloud

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

11. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

 

Aerialview of the heart-shaped coral reef in the Whitsundays, part of the Great Barrier Reef

Diving under the ocean opens up a whole new world of artistic inspiration and the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to do it. You’ll first marvel at the white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters above the water, but once you dive below the surface, you’ll discover an oasis of vibrant coral and extraordinary marine life. If you’ve got a keen eye for detail and colour, and love to work with unique lighting and watery landscapes, the Great Barrier Reef is perfect.

Discover it on: Inspiring Australia

Read more: Most Breathtaking Beaches in the World

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Page 9 of 18« First...«891011»...Last »
Canada Unlocked: An Interview with Travelling Concierge Andrea Dionne

Canada Unlocked: An Interview with Travelling Concierge Andrea Dionne

March 21, 2016
The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

October 2, 2017
7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

August 31, 2022
The 30 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Need to Visit

The 30 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Need to Visit

August 27, 2024
The Ultimate Nature Retreat: Welcome To Milford Sound Lodge

The Ultimate Nature Retreat: Welcome To Milford Sound Lodge

November 25, 2024

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We invite you to embark on a travel experience unlike any other. Join us as we explore exotic lands and distinctive destinations, in exquisite style and comfort. At Luxury Gold, it’s our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. Allow us to share our unparalleled wealth of expertise and insights, accumulated over nearly 100 years as leaders in luxury travel.
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