Taking to the water is a supremely soothing and restorative experience – whether you’re gliding across Vietnam’s storied Halong Bay, traversing the neon-bright waters of the Great Barrier Reef, or simply plying the waters of the ancient Nile. River cruises, overnight “boatels” and adventurous day sailings should all be a part of your luxury travel itinerary. Here’s where Luxury Gold comes in – with our built-in days at sea or along the river, you’ll see your destination from a different perspective, stopping off for bucket-list swimming and sightseeing along the way. Here are the luxury cruise experiences to book for the year ahead.

Norway’s Fjords

The peaceful, rock-encircled fjords of western Norway are a must-see while in Scandinavia. On Luxury Gold’s 12-day Timeless Scandinavia tour – which traverses three countries in total – you’ll board a RIB boat to explore its Geiranger Fjord, gliding around this hook-shaped body of water surrounded by cathedrals of rock and skyscraper-tall waterfalls. You’ll feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of nature along this unspoiled body of water, counting the Seven Sisters waterfalls along with the lonely Suitor cascade while a guide tells you all about the local landscape – and lore. Afterwards, retreat to the nature-swathed Hotel Union Gerainger, where you’ll unwind in luxury surrounded by fjordland scenery.

Book Luxury Gold’s Timeless Scandinavia tour.

Egypt’s River Nile

One of the most important waterways in the history of civilization, the Nile still hums with ancient magic. You’ll spend seven nights sailing it on Luxury Gold’s Elegance of the Nile tour, embarking on one of the world’s best luxury cruise experiences aboard the deluxe, all-suite River Tosca vessel. Drifting along past riverbank palm trees, golden kasbahs, mountainside sunsets, wading birds and crocodiles, you’ll be living in style. A spacious outdoor sundeck has a swimming pool and lavishly cushioned sun loungers, a river-view restaurant lets you order with the breeze in your hair, and a smart library-lounge with books, views and a bar are the place to unwind. 

Book Luxury Gold’s Elegance of the Nile tour.

Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Southeast Asia is famous for its waters: glittering jade bays hugging white-sand beaches, snorkel-friendly lagoons, placid lily-ponds reflecting crumbling temples, jungle waterfalls with cooling pools. But nothing beats the two bucket-list experiences the region holds: Vietnam’s luminous Halong Bay and the mighty Mekong Delta. On Luxury Gold’s 16-day Inspiring Indochina tour, you’ll first take to the Mekong for a guided boat tour close from Ho Chi Minh City, stopping for lunch at the authentic Mango Home thatched restaurants and learning about life along the waterway. On day 11 of the tour, you’ll board a traditional Junk boat for one of the planet’s best luxury cruise experiences: sailing Halong Bay. A dazzling spot for a water-based adventure thanks to its bright emerald waters and vast limestone karsts (island mountains), it has floating villages, complex caves and white-sand beaches to spy from the comfort of your vessel. Sunset over this otherworldly setting is something to experience in your lifetime.

Book Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Indochina tour.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Crowned one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the expansive Great Barrier Reef off Australia’s northeast coast, can be seen from outer space. On Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Australia tour, you’ll get up close and personal with its lurid turquoise waters, containing some 2,500 individual reefs and 400 types of coral, not to mention turtles, sharks, manta rays, clownfish and colourful Maori wrasse fish. On day three of your 13-day tour, you can opt to cruise the Barrier Reef, getting to know one of the world’s most complex eco-systems from the comfort of a captained boat. Borrow masks and snorkels to see the world beneath the surface, and speed past idyllic castaway islands on a sun-soaked day at sea.

Book Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Australia tour.

Matsushima Bay, Japan

Matsushima Bay, Japan (Tohoku Tourism/JNTO)

The world’s finest luxury cruise experiences take you to the still and quiet of nature, often found a stone’s throw from the most bustling metropolis. So it is in Sendai, northeast Japan, where futuristic Japanese architecture and innovation meets the wildness of the sea and craggy coastline. While here, a cruise through Sendai’s contemplative Matsushima Bay is a must; revered as one of Japan’s top three views, it’s factored into day seven of Luxury Gold’s 11-day Majestic Japan tour. Your private sailing will give unparalleled views of the hundreds of pine-covered islands, and you’ll hear about the cultural significance of Matsushima, which has had countless Haiku poems written about its beauty. Along with a serene tea ceremony, this luxury cruise experience will cement your love of Japanese culture while in underrated Sendai.

Book Luxury Gold’s Majestic Japan tour.

More luxury cruise experiences: Beauty Beyond Words: Past Guest Sal On Cruising Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.

One of the most prestigious hotels in Europe, Ashford Castle offers unrivalled service, warm Irish hospitality and five-star luxury. An amazing stay at any time of year, an Ashford Castle Christmas goes above and beyond. Think Santa, giant trees, sumptuous cuisine and a festive cruise. Read on to see why Ashford Castle is one of the best hotels for Christmas and find out how they celebrate the holiday season.

Ashford Castle – An Iconic Stay

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The Ashford Castle hotel is situated in a spectacular 350-acre estate. Over 800 years old, the castle is a grand, historic structure of great national significance. The former home of the Guinness family, it has hosted countless notables over the years, including The Prince of Wales (who later became King George V) and President Ronald Reagan. Sumptuous rooms and suites combine with divine interiors brimming with antique furniture, fine fabrics and unique features.

Stay in luxury at Ashford Castle on: Ultimate Ireland & Castles & Kingdoms

A Time to Make Guests Feel Special

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“At Ashford Castle we’re an extended family for our guests and it is viewed as a home,” Catherine, Ashford Castle’s Rooms Division Manager tells us. “It is important that when guests arrive, either on Christmas Eve or before, they feel they are coming home, and that they know someone. Everybody at Ashford understands the importance of our guests coming for Christmas. They all go above and beyond and there is a lovely excitement in the house.”

“We reach out to guests in advance and keep in touch with them in the months leading up to their arrival. This way we build a relationship with them and learn about their preferences, which we try to incorporate into their stay in some discreet way.”

Of course, the most VIP festive guest to visit the castle is Santa. Arriving on Christmas Eve, he presents all of the guests with a gift.

You may also enjoy reading: Ashford Castle: A beloved icon magnificently restored

Christmas Trees, Grown on the Estate

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Taking pride of place in the magnificent Oak Hall is a 20-foot-high Christmas tree, which Catherine tells us proudly “is grown and matured on the estate.” A palatial space, the Oak Hall with its storied interior veneered in rich oak paneling and draped in deep scarlets, makes a magnificent setting for the tree.

Ashford Castle’s Head Gardener Martin keeps an eye out through the year for the best tree, so the hunt begins months ahead. The tree provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas family photograph that all guests receive. Additional trees are also placed in the Staterooms and Suites.

For travel inspiration: Ireland destination guide

Festive Feasts and a Pudding Parade

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Decadent festive breakfasts, a flow of mulled wine, and quintessential afternoon tea pepper the festivities. On Christmas Eve a black-tie gala dinner provides a sumptuous feast. The centerpiece is, of course, the Christmas Day lunch. Dine on a thoughtfully chosen menu of traditional favorites. Or there are a wide range of alternatives to choose from.

The festive five-course menu includes decadent dishes such as beetroot-cured organic salmon with blinis and horseradish cream, spiced pumpkin and chestnut soup, and mulled wine sorbet. And of course, traditional roast turkey and ham, served with bread stuffing, goose-fat roast potato, turkey sausage roll, and rosemary gravy.

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Special wine-tasting sessions are offered over the festive days. Guests can also relax in the lounge and sip a signature Baileys Hot Chocolate, made with Valrhona chocolate.

A festive highlight is the Pudding Parade. “Christmas pudding is made here in the Castle,” Catherine says. “Our team of Chefs in full uniform parade the hot puddings into the restaurant, piped in by Benny the Piper. It’s quite a sight.”

Bookmark for later: Hives and honey: Meet Ashford Castle beekeeper Steve Watson Oughterard

Christmas Day Cruise on Lough Corrib

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“A highlight for guests on Christmas Day is a leisurely cruise on Lough Corrib, a truly beautiful setting,” shares Catherine. “We serve hot whiskeys and there is traditional music on board. Everyone gets into the festive spirit.”

The second largest freshwater lake in Ireland, the stunning Lough Corrib is around 35 miles in length and contains over 300 islands. It separates the fertile limestone plains of east Galway from the lake-strewn bogs and rugged mountains of Connemara in the west.

Music and Merriment

It wouldn’t be an Irish celebration without live music. And Ashford Castle has lined up some of the greats. This includes the legendary Irish singer Keith McDonald who will perform both with his Show Band and solo. One of Ireland’s leading male vocalists, expect a toe-tapping evening and a festive tune or two.

Discover a world of relaxation from an Ashford Castle expert: Skip The Jacuzzi and Brave the Ice Bath: Industry Insider Joanna Moran Reveals Her Top Spa Secrets

St Stephens Day Celebrations

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December 26th is known as St Stephen’s Day in Ireland, also called the Feast of Saint Stephen. On this day Ashford Castle invites guests to join them in the great outdoors.  The 350-acre castle estate boasts stunning parkland, woods and gardens. The magical setting on the edge of Lough Corrib with the Castle as the central feature is truly unique. The gardens combine a thoughtful balance of formal and informal areas, with a Walled Garden full of perennial borders, fruit and vegetables. The great woods are home to ancient trees, perfect to wander through at leisure and enjoy the wildlife.

Fly a Harris Hawk

Guests can try the ancient form of falconry, a fascination that has enthralled people for 5,000 years. Ashford Castle is home to the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland and flying hawks is an experience of a lifetime. You can also test your archery skills or even try your hand at sheep herding on the estate.

And to top off St Stephen’s Day, in the evening there is a visit from the Wren Boys offering a feast of traditional music. This celebration gives a nod to the age-old Irish Wren Boys custom that, in the past, saw people dress up and travel from door to door singing, dancing and playing traditional music.

Why is Ashford Castle Famous?

An icon of County Mayo since the 13th Century, Ashford Castle is now an exquisite 5-star hotel. Originally built in 1228 as a fortress, it has served as a noble residence for centuries. In 2013, the Tollman Family spent two years lovingly renovating the historic property, restoring it above and beyond its former glory. Today Ashford Castle is reconginsed as one of the best hotels in the world, and earning the accolade of Ireland’s only Forbes five-star rated hotel .

How Far is Ashford Castle From Dublin?

Ashford Castle is 240km (150 miles) from Dublin, roughly a three hour drive.

You can experience the delights and luxury of Ashford Castle for yourself on our Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms limited-edition tours.

Frequent flyers and long-haul aficionados know the value of the world’s best airport lounges. They’re not simply a place to grab a snack or get some work done before a long flight; they can be an oasis for a long layover (the very best have shower suites, barbers or even spa treatments) and offer a quiet, civilised place to lay your head during a delay.

Unsurprisingly, it’s the world’s big business cities and the home hubs of the biggest, most luxurious airlines that contain the very best. From above-and-beyond airport cuisine to runway views and astonishing design, these are the bucket list airline lounges to book up ahead of your next international Luxury Gold journey. 

1. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport

On an international flight from East Asia to London or the US, you’ll want a quality airline with great facilities. Enter Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline whose jade-hued flagship lounge has a horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar, tucked away desk areas, shower suites with Bamford toiletries and spa rooms where all visitors are entitled to a 15-minute head or foot massage. The glossy, mid-century style is very Mad Men meeting room, while the food and drink are ultra luxe (wagyu burgers, macarons, Piper Heidiseck Champagne).

Read Next: 10 best Airlines for Business Class

2. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow Airport

Even the world’s best airport lounges sometimes lack a sense of fun – not Richard Branson’s Upper Class hangout, which has swing seats, foliage walls, “retreat” relaxation pods, Peloton fitness bikes and a pool table to hit a few balls at. Multi-level design, an airfield view, Swingin’ Sixties-feel bar and banquette seating take you back to the golden age of air travel, while menus encourage you to dig into the cocktails – dry Martinis, Negronis, Bloody Marys and more. Chicken burgers, plant-based burgers, chicken wings and sausage rolls channel a British-Americana comfort food vibe. 

3. British Airways Chelsea Lounge, New York JFK Airport

The chandelier-style crystals that adorn the circular bar at the Chelsea Lounge set the tone for the deluxe experience New York flyers are about to have. In a different style to many wood-panelled airline lounges, the Chelsea’s decor is a pearlescent palette of whites and dove-greys, with comfy seating stocked with relaxed reading lights and ample power points for getting some work done, while seating around a modern fireplace installation is a stylish spot for a drink. A refined cocktail menu and expertly-chilled wine fridge kick off the refreshments, with Moet and Ruinart champagne top of the list, while upmarket dishes such as steak frites and sole Meuniere set you up for a long layover.

Add to Your Reading List: Airplane Etiquette: Your Ultimate Guide

4. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business lounge, Doha Airport

Most of the world’s elite status lounges are solely for first class ticket holders, but Qatar’s Al Mourjan lounge is an example of a gold-tier hangout you can access with a business or first class ticket. Views of Doha’s undulating glass ceiling and forest of indoor foliage give it an architecturally striking feel, while the sheer space and range of seating mean everyone gets a quiet moment while awaiting their international flight. Plush leather chairs, high ceilings and suspended chandelier-like light fixtures add a luxe feel; there’s fresh sushi at the deli counter and a games room with pool table and table football. Shower suites are equipped for freshening up on a long layover, too.

The bedrooms at Swiss Air’s First Class Lounge Terminal E

5. Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich

Ask a frequent cross-Europe flyer for their best airport lounges and you’ll likely hear Swiss’s First Class lounge in Zurich mentioned. One of two First Class lounges at Zurich, the one in Terminal E is the real looker: an airfield with a mountainous backdrop fills large windows, while slatted-wood room dividers have a Japandi feel; there’s even an outdoor terrace running along one side for a breath of fresh air with a view of the planes. You’re greeted with champagne as you enter, and there’s a huge whisky selection at the sculptural bar; set menus mean you can feast in style, with table service. But the standout feature here is the two bedrooms guests can access, for a much-needed nap between international flights.

We Think You’ll Like: Flying First Class: The Luxury Gold First-Timer’s Guide

6. Turkish Airlines Lounge, Istanbul Airport

With 60,000 square feet of space to roam around, you can really stretch your legs here on a long layover. Turkish’s flagship lounge has a generous bag storage area, so you can enjoy the airport hands-free, and shower suites are available on a first come, first served basis. Little flourishes like a grand piano and a balcony level overlooking the airport concourse give it a high-end feel, as do high ceilings and indoor trees; the kitchen area is also built like a traditional stone-clad tavern. There’s a Turkish tearoom, a comfy TV viewing area and a huge hot buffet of deli foods, Turkish specialities, and of course a dessert and baklava station.

Delta Sky Club at LAX Airport

7. Delta SkyClub Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport

Delta Air Lines’ premium lounge at Los Angeles airport has 30,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest in the Delta network; a standout feature is its outdoor Sky Deck, which allows guests to enjoy fresh air and relax while watching planes land and take off, with views of the Hollywood Hills and LA skyline beyond. Wellness was a big priority in the design, with spa-like restrooms, shower suites, and designated quiet zones for getting some downtime before a long international flight. Meanwhile the menu spans breakfast burritos, healthy quinoa and salad bowls, fruit plates and craft beers reflecting the healthy, local-minded LA scene. There are shower suites for a freshen-up, too, though you have to register your interest at a kiosk and wait.

Try Something New: See More of the World in ‘Business Class’ Style With Insight Vacations

Emirates’ First Class Lounge at DXB

8. Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport

Spanning the entire length of DXB Airport’s Concourse A, Emirates’ First Class lounge is only available to First passengers, making it more peaceful and less crowded than the business lounge, and regularly voted one of the world’s best airport lounges. Glossy wood panelling and a mosaic-tiled food counter give it an exotic, Middle Eastern feel, though there’s a brightly coloured playroom for children travelling with First-flying parents. You can pick up premium dishes at the sushi and sashimi counter or chilled Champagne bar, or order a la carte to your table. Leather-upholstered day beds with blankets and pillows are available in a relaxation area – ideal for naps on a long layover – while generous shower suites in the mosaic-tiled bathroom feel more like a mini spa.

How to access airport lounges:

The most straightforward way to gain access to a lounge is to have a First Class ticket (for the First Class lounges) or a Business Class ticket (for the Business Class lounges) for the relevant airline. After that, there are a couple more ways: there are certain credit cards that come with lounge access, including the American Express Platinum card to access the Delta SkyClub lounge or American Express Centurion lounge, or a Chase Sapphire Reserve card to enter Chase Sapphire lounges in the US.

Most premium lounges also offer entry to certain high-tier members of loyalty programmes with a partner airline, so long as they are flying the lounge’s own airline at the time. For example, Cathay Pacific’s First Class The Pier lounge is only available to First Class flyers as well as Cathay Pacific Diamond club members and Emerald-status OneWorld members (including BA Gold members) who are flying Cathay Pacific.