Rural Ireland may be most famous for its uninterrupted “Emerald Isle” greenery, but it’s even more of a pleasure to watch its leaves turn gold and amber. Among other forested spots, this spectrum of late autumn foliage is reflected most beautifully in Lough Corrib, the body of water at the foot of Ashford Castle, arguably Ireland’s best hotel and one of the most storied.  

This 800-year-old residence has a pleasing mix of outdoor living and cosy creature comforts that will suit your holiday mood as the season changes. This is a place where you can pull on a cashmere sweater for walks through the 350 acres of grounds, then dress up for dinner before a nightcap by the fireplace in the Prince of Wales Bar.  

While the hotel was recently named the fourth best in Europe (in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards, in the “Rest of Europe” category), it’s been a magnet for A-listers, leaders and trendsetters for more than a century: Oscar Wilde, King George V, John Lennon and Barbra Streisand have all stayed, whether in the building’s years as a private home or its subsequent life as a luxury hotel. Here’s how to enjoy this landmark hotel in the atmospheric holiday season months.  

Stay at Ashford Castle on: Ultimate Ireland and Castles and Kingdoms

Outdoor pursuits

Credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

As well as heart-pumping walks through the lakeside, woodland and hills around the castle, guests visiting in late autumn can take full advantage of the cooler days to get out and about. Ashford is home to the oldest established falconry school in Ireland, where you’ll get to grips with these beautiful, huge-clawed birds of prey. Try the Hawk Walk experience, where you’ll embark on an atmospheric forest stroll with your own avine companion, giving them room to explore before swooping back to your gloved hand.  

Clay shooting and archery are both quintessential countryside experiences to acquaint you with your surroundings, while a lakeside cruise or fishing trip will get you out on the smooth, rippling waters of Lough Corrib, where the bronzed treetops frame a tranquil view as you cast your rod from a hand-crafted 19ft traditional wooden clinker.  

Equestrian types can enjoy Ireland’s best hotel on horseback. Saddle up with instructors or guides for lessons and trail rides, trotting out to the spectacular paths around the Lough, neighbouring woodland and into the mountains of Connemara to see the rural beauty of the county the way Ashford’s 19th-century guests did. 

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Sublime seasonal cuisine

Credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

Ornate wood panelling, Waterford crystal chandeliers and period fireplaces characterise the dining and drinking haunts at Ashford Castle. But the chef’s vision for your meals is entirely modern: seasonal, local Irish produce is the priority in the George V dining room, where you can graze your way through tangy St Tola goat’s cheese from County Clare, lobster from Rossaveel, 60km away, and lamb loin from Kinvara, just the other side of Galway. The real highlight for many is the restaurant’s signature 28-day-aged Chateaubriand and braised cheek, which is carved for two from a vintage-style chef’s trolley in front of you.  

Autumnal fare in Ashford’s restaurants might include woodland girolle mushrooms, a spiced pumpkin soup or gourmet takes on root vegetables such as parsnip and carrot. Meanwhile, chilly October or November mornings cry out for a Full Irish breakfast before you set off to explore: think sausages from Andarl Farm, 40km north of where you sit, plus sizzling Irish bacon, black and white pudding, mushroom, tomato and eggs to order.  What better way to stay the day at Ireland’s best hotel?

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Warming spa sessions  

Credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

After a day out on the Lough, with the falconry team or simply driving through County Mayo’s autumn foliage, an hour or three at the hotel’s world-class spa beckons. There’s a reason why this pampering palace has been named Ireland’s Best Spa for eight consecutive years at the World Spa Awards: as well as lavish interiors featuring chandeliers, lashings of gold and a striking Tree of Life mural, it has palatial treatment rooms with big-windowed views of the countryside, plus a hammam and relaxation pool.   

Keen walkers and jet-lagged long haulers can ease tense muscles with an aromatic massage using Voya seaweed products, where therapists tap into a long Irish tradition of using the coastal flora for healing and soothing purposes. Meanwhile a nourishing Natura Bissé facial will plump out dry skin after encounters with wind and rain, and an Ashford hammam session employs Atlantic salt and seaweed soap for an invigorating, inimitably Irish take on the Arabic spa tradition.  

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Stay in Ireland’s best hotel and discover the magic of the Emerald Isle on Ultimate Ireland and Castles and Kingdoms

Beauty, elegance, power and rhythm. Flamenco epitomises the heritage and passion of Spain and has become one of the icons of its culture. In Seville, guests of Luxury Gold are invited deep into the heart of this timeless art, with a flamenco class and performance at the acclaimed dance school, the Cristina Heeren Foundation.

Feel the passion behind the choreography on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet students of the school. Discover the history of flamenco, learn some steps before enjoying an intimate, exhilarating performance by some of Spain’s finest Flamenco artists.

Discovering and training the best in the business and preserving this exquisite art form for future generations, Alexandra Hoffer, Director of the Cristina Heeren Foundation tells us more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Discover this on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Making the stars of the future

 “I call all my students my children. It’s amazing to have these people that were just 16 when you started working with them, and now you see them as big flamenco stars,” says Alexandra. “It’s very rewarding, we’ve made many artists. Around 70% of the top dancers are our ex-students. It’s wonderful to see how they evolve.”

Alexandra joined the Cristina Heeren Foundation when it opened in 1996. Named after its president, students study advanced guitar, singing and dance to the highest level. Through this, the foundation is also safeguarding the traditional of flamenco (inscribed in 2010 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) and contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage.

Flamenco has many modern influences, but Alexandra explains “What we teach is the classical tradition of flamenco. We think that in order to evolve, you need to have the basis. We are the only Flamenco school offing the three specialties together – singing, guitar and dancing. So, we have students studying different aspects and they’re together all the time.”

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An exquisite art form and an expression of life

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

Flamenco is formed from a melting pot of music styles that evolved in Andalucía and were transmitted through generations. These styles include Jewish, Arab, Castilian, old Andalusian and gypsy music.

“Flamenco started in the very poor communities, as an expression of life,” Alexandra says. “It celebrates a newborn and a death. Somebody who went to jail, was married, somebody who’s going to work. So, there are many different styles of flamenco and each one of them represents and expresses a different time of your life.”

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Enjoy a flamenco class with the professionals

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

Guests have the opportunity to learn some dance steps, under the expert eye of some of the school’s star pupils. “Flamenco is empowering, we find everyone who tries it loves it” says Alexandra. “In the flamenco class we teach guests different rhythms, and the how to move their hips, arms and feet. It’s a very sensual and enjoyable dance.

“Because you’re all learning, everyone is very supportive and applauds each other. Afterwards we share a glass of sangria and either myself or my companions are there to answer any questions. This is an exclusive opportunity to get to the heart of Flamenco from those who live and breathe it.

“Learning the steps and meeting the dancers also furnishes guests with a deeper knowledge and connection to the flamenco. This makes the show which comes next even more memorable.”

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The best artists, so close you can feel them

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

As a grand finale, guests are treated to a thrilling and intimate performance, featuring the very best dancers and musicians. “For our show we have the best flamenco artists you will find” enthuses Alexandra. “As the director of the theater, I only select top professionals. Some of them are very young but are dancing with big companies. It’s really important for me that these are the very best.

“Our theatre is very intimate, and the proximity to the performers takes the appreciation of flamenco to a whole new level. When you go into a big flamenco theatre it’s wonderful, but something gets lost. In my theatre you’re right in amongst it, you can really feel the dancers, the singing and the guitarist. It makes a big difference to the experience.

The school’s performances are renowned amongst locals as well as visitors, a testament to the quality.  “I have one dancer and there’s huge crowd that love her,” Alexandra says. “So, they come all the time and see her because they say it’s amazing that to be able to see her up close and really enjoy her dance. You can see how she breathes and how she moves each single finger. It’s this proximity that makes it very special.”

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We MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Chosen with great care for their positive impact on our planet its people and wildlife, our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This experience directly advances UN SDGs 4: Quality Education and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The school enables students access to cultural education, safeguarding the traditional flamenco dance and Spain’s cultural heritage.

The Cristina Heeren Foundation is also a recipient of a grant from our TreadRight Foundation. Through this the school is able to support four students per year who will benefit from an extra year of study to really mature as dancers.

“We see some artists, some students that are very good, but they still need one more year to keep on specializing” Alexandra explains. “Through the grant we are able to develop them further, keeping even more talent in training for the future and preserving this elite art form for generations to come.”

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To embrace the passion of Spain for yourself, learn steps in a flamenco class and enjoy this memorable performance, take a look at Spain & Portugal in Style

Switzerland is one European country that’s worth every penny spent.

You’ll never regret immersing yourself in the finer elements of this country’s heritage, culture, and diverse community. From inspired dining that regularly earns Gault-Millau points to luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that have their own private mountain railways, to experience a five-star stay in Switzerland is to embrace an experience as elevated and highly-regarded as the country’s renowned exports. 

Spoil yourself with a stay at one of these luxury resorts in Switzerland.

Ambassador Hotel | Zurich

Credit: Ambassadorhotelzurich on Instagram

A neo-baroque facade opens up into a Belle Époque interior delicately appointed with lavish furnishings. From the rooftop terrace views of Zurich’s lake and downtown to the smooth Milk Punches served in the Silk Bar, the Ambassador Hotel may be one of the smaller luxury hotels in Switzerland, but not a single splendid detail falling below your expectations. You need to only look at the Ambassador Suite for proof of such pure luxury: a stop at the complimentary minibar followed by a seat on the private balcony overlooking the Zurich Opera House will introduce you to rich Swiss accommodation.

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Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski | Saint Moritz

Of the many luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski both tempts you to spend hours indoors while also enticing you to explore the mountains to your heart’s content. Before you even set foot in the lobby, you can take the cable car directly to hiking and skiing trails. Just do remember that this 19th century building is worth wandering in its own right. The Alpine Spa is as inviting as the landscape: a menu of pristine pampering including a Swiss skincare program using anti-aging-trans-dermal technology, facials incorporating organic seaweed science, and restorative rituals that even children can enjoy.

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Mont Cervin Palace | Zermatt

Credit: Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt

A cozy chalet with full view of Switzerland’s four-thousanders. One would think such a place is only found deep within the Alps, not in the center of Zermatt. Mont Cervin Palace has both chalet style and alpine style suites that warmly welcome you to cuddle up beside the fire and gaze out at the Matterhorn. As one of the luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that cater to families, you can make memories with your little ones by renting ice skates and not miss a minute of Mont Cervin Palace’s luxe amenities thanks to babysitting services. While the kids play with their new Swiss mascot friend, Wolli, you’ll savor every Gault-Millau point served at the hotel’s six bars and restaurants. 

Hotel d’Angleterre | Geneva

As elegant as the Lake Geneva shoreline it sits on, Hotel d’Angleterre was designed to reflect Geneva’s beauty. Sumptuous suites with marble-lined bathrooms invite you to wake up or wind down in supreme comfort. You’ll need the rest and relaxation after partaking in one of the hotel’s extraordinary experiences such as taking a night market tour with the hotel’s Executive Chef or spending the afternoon in a watchmaking workshop. Should you need a pre-slumber break, the plush smoke-free cigar lounge has a seat for you. But if you were born to be on your feet, follow the lively music to the Leopard Bar.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern | Lucerne

So many famous faces have laid their heads in Hotel Schweizerhof’s beds since 1845 that you shouldn’t be surprised if you spot a celeb. Like B.B. King and Mark Twain, you can walk into this luxury hotel in Switzerland and feel like a guest of honor. Luxury suites with lake views and plenty of room for guests are your retreat after eating your way through the exotic dishes at Galerie and Pavillion, only a short elevator ride away.  

Explore each of these luxury hotels in Switzerland when you join Luxury Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour. This 10-day journey treats you to a VIP sparkling wine experience, an after-hours tour of the Rosengart Museum, and a ride on the Glacier Express.

After spending 9 days with Luxury Gold, consider extending your stay at one of Switzerland’s best hotels.

Hotel Bellevue Palace | Bern

Credit: Bellevue Palace Bern

A Grand Hotel that evokes a Bern long before the hotel became the official hotel of the Swiss administration, Hotel Bellevue Palace is an intersection for the government and the gourmands. A Finnish sauna, imaginative cocktail list, and a regal Presidential Suite with Bernese Alps views round out the opulence. 

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa | Interlaken

Credit @victoriajungfrau on Instagram

Luxury resorts in Switzerland like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa will make you wonder why you didn’t spend your entire vacation soaking up the Bernese Oberland scenery. An expansive spa, fine dining featuring both authentic Swiss and Italian dishes, and world-class champagnes await your arrival. 

Learn more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge.

Hotel Les Trois Rois | Basel 

Credit @grandhotellestroisrois on Instagram

Hotel Les Trois Rois sits on a spot in Basel’s city center that’s been a hub of history since the Middle Ages. Write your own chapter in the River Suite Napoleon, a space adorned with frescos reminiscent of the Napoleonic era. And to top off its timeless charm, the hotel’s afternoon tea service is one that the Dutch of Bedford would approve of. 

Villa Principe Leopoldo | Lugano 

Credit @villaprincipeleopoldo on Instagram

As if it were dreamt up in a fairytale, the Villa Principe Leopoldo will leave you with a sense of whimsy the moment you lay eyes on this luxury resort in Switzerland. The Princess Garden Suite is an appropriate haven that includes a private jacuzzi and view overlooking Lake Lugano.

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Tschuggen Grand Hotel | Davos

Credit @tschuggengrandhotel on Instagram

Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a luxury hotel in Switzerland that has no qualms sending you up to its luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps. Mountain lofts retain all of the five-star amenities and white-glove service of the hotel while offering a quiet escape 1,800 meters above sea level. Their list of curated experiences is impressive in itself, but if you’re merely looking for R&R, use the private mountain railway takes you directly to the pistes and trails.

Indulge in a refined Switzerland vacation tailored to discerning travelers. Find travel tips, destination inspiration, and more information about Switzerland’s best resorts when you book an unforgettable journey with Luxury Gold.