Eco-savvy trips don’t have to mean compromising on glamour, luxury, or comfort, especially when you choose an eco luxury hotel. In fact, many of the world’s sustainable hotels are made even more indulgent by their environmental credentials, with locally-sourced produce and cutting-edge, energy-efficient technology coming as standard for sustainable stays.

From spa treatments infused with fresh florals foraged from the hotel gardens to outstanding conservation efforts that grant guests the opportunity to help preserve local wildlife, these eco luxury hotels offer a planet-friendly way to travel – coupled with the unparalleled excellence and service Luxury Gold guests expect with a five-star retreat.

Read more: how we’re setting the Gold Standard for sustainable luxury travel

Sani Resort, Halkidiki

 

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For the fourth year running, Greece’s pioneering Sani resort on the shores of the Halkidiki peninsula won the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort at the World Travel Awards in 2023. The Sani Green program is implemented across the five energy-efficient hotels at this dreamlike beach resort – despite its huge scale, it has been running on 100% renewable energy since 2019, and in 2020 Sani became Greece’s very first carbon-neutral resort. 

Commitment to sustainability continues in Sani’s carefully-crafted guest experiences, from eco excursions exploring the 1,000-acre wetland and nature reserve next door, to taking part in wild dolphin surveys and replanting local olive groves. 

Six Senses Svart, Norway

Wellness specialists Six Senses are opening a new base at the foot of a Norwegian fjord later this year; and, in true Scandi sustainable style, it’s hoped that the Six Senses Svart will be the world’s first energy-positive hotel. Not only is the ring-shaped hotel building itself intended to be completely off-grid and self-sufficient thanks to solar and geothermal energy: the supply and transfer boats that dock at the hotel will be too.

Staying at this eco luxury hotel is a lesson in Earth-conscious comfort. Zero-waste dining with farm-to-table ingredients is a given, while sp treatments also utilise locally-foraged produce: think wild Norwegian herbs pounded into soothing body scrubs.

Discover Fotografiska: Stockholm’s delectable plant-based bistro

Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania

 

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Set in the spellbinding Tasmanian wilderness, Saffire Freycinet is one of Australia’s most sustainable hotels. It’s guided by two core principles – protecting healthy sites and healing damaged ones. The hotel stands on the land of a former campsite, where the land had been ravaged by passing vehicles; however, Saffire Freycinet has replanted 30,000 native flora species since it opened in 2010. Charming embellishments – from knitwear to cuddly toys – designed by locals and displayed in the lobbies and rooms keep the hotel’s carbon footprint low, and guests can even take part in a Tasmanian Devil conservation program.

Amazing architecture: the Sydney Opera House at 50

The Brando, French Polynesia

 

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French Polynesia’s paradisiacal islands look as if they have barely been touched by man – and the exclusive Brando private island getaway hopes to keep it that way. Inspired by Marlon Brando’s keenness to preserve sanctuaries for future generations, the understated yet uber-luxe energy-efficient hotel is mostly powered by 4,700 photovoltaic panels. Plus, all food waste is transformed into compost within 24 hours so the next generation of hotel-grown crops can flourish. 

The Brando also works with a Polynesian non-profit, the Tetiaroa Society, to operate the island’s very own Eco-Station – where scientists monitor biodiversity and other crucial aspects of the island’s ecosystem.

Park Hotel Pickering, Singapore

 

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Eco luxury hotels in cities can be harder to find than sustainable rural boltholes, but the Park Hotel Pickering in Singapore bucks the trend. This ‘hotel-within-a-garden’ set along the banks of the Singapore River is literally covered in greenery, with 15,000 square metres of exterior planting, roof gardens and even waterfalls on the walls transforming this five-star hote into a true urban jungle. 

The sustainable credentials continue  inside, too, with tempting pure plant-based menus in the restaurant and electric vehicles used for all guest transfers. No wonder it’s been named the “World’s Leading Green City Hotel” at the World Travel Awards three years in a row.

Take a glimpse: the future of luxury air travel in 50 years

Gaia Hotel and Resort, Costa Rica

Certified by the Costa Rican government as 99.6% sustainable and currently the World’s Leading Green Hotel (at the World Travel Awards), Gaia prides itself on ‘5-star barefoot luxury’ – you’ll feel connected to the glorious rainforest around you within moments of stepping through the door. 

Light-filled rooms are equipped with special sensitive glass, which reduces the need for both artificial heating and cooling. In the grounds, tours of the sustainable luxury hotel’s own nature reserve introduces guests to the resident scarlet macaws, as Gaia hopes to spearhead the reintroduction of the species into the adjacent Manuel Antonio National Park.

Now explore: the Swiss hotel committed to positive environmental change

Stunning landscapes, incredible variety, endless culture. The USA is the ultimate year-round destination. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration then look no further than the soul of the south – Nashville, Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana. A region with an incredible wealth of history, culture and nature, coupled with sensational cuisine and unbeatable music credentials, the Southern USA is the vacation of a lifetime.

In partnership with Visit the USA, we invite you discover the soul of the south and to travel with us on Southern Grace, a 9-day luxury journey from Nashville to New Orleans. To whet your appetite, we’ve picked out some of our favorite moments.

For travel inspiration: USA destination guide

Read more about our Southern Grace tour: High Notes: How Travel Concierge Ann Amplifies the Sounds of the South

Walk in the footsteps of legends in Nashville, Tennessee

A welcoming and vibrant destination for visitors, Nashville has long been at the heart of country music in America. ‘Music City’ as it is affectionally known, is also the birthplace of bluegrass, with a thriving rock and pop scene. A city packed with sensational eateries and exceptional hotels, your stay at the sophisticated Grand Hyatt on our Southern Grace small group journey places you in the center of luxury and the downtown action.

Nashville grew from a foundation based on music and, as the 1800s unfolded it became a national center for music publishing. Join us and discover the music like a VIP. At Studio B – Nashville’s oldest remaining record studio, take part in a private recording session under the guidance of a professional sound engineer. Let your inner songbird free and record a take-home tune just as legends Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton have done before you.

Later, at the Country Music Hall of Fame, as guests of Luxury Gold you’ll enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process with a local songwriter and singer. On your visit you’ll also see memorabilia from stars such as Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison, before topping the night off with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

You may also enjoy reading: For Your Ears Only: Experience the Privilege of Private Live Music

Discover U.S. history in Memphis, Tennessee

Home of ‘The King’, the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is another musical pilgrimage hotspot. But over and above the music, this city holds an essential place in U.S. history, and its civil rights legacy lives on in many ways.

Nowhere is this history brought to life quite like the National Civil Rights Museum, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on Southern Grace. Immerse yourself on a guided tour through the interactive exhibits and poignant storytelling, the museum shares the story of key moments throughout the American Civil Rights Movement, from the history of enslaved people all the way through to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

Memphis, and indeed the whole of Southern USA, is also known for its delicious cuisine including cajun, creole and some of the finest BBQ. To experience traditional cooking at its most tasty, Luxury Gold guests get a backstage pass to Central BBQ – one of the city’s oldest and most iconic establishments. Sweep past the queues (which are usually around the block) for your VIP visit. Inside you will meet Clint Cantwell, a renowned grilling expert to learn how to make the most delicious pulled pork, brisket and ribs – a rare event usually only local insiders get to experience. Followed of course by a scrumptious meal.

Bookmark for later: How We’re Setting the Gold Standard for Sustainable Luxury Travel

Step back in time in Natchez, Mississippi

Stepping away from the hustle and bustle, Natchez is a charming retreat. The oldest city on the Mississippi and one of Southern USA’s hidden gems, more than 1,000 structures in Natchez are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With properties dating to the late 1700s, the South’s unique architecture and history comes to life in Natchez’s antebellum homes.

Your stay in the Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark built in 1818, gives you a timeless feel for the place. An early 19th-century antebellum mansion set in 26 acres of manicured gardens, world class service and historic surroundings combine for a decadent stay.

While in Natchez on Southern Grace, we invite you to personalize your day with a choice of two experiences. Either you can step back in time and take a private tour an 1850s Greek-Revival cottage, the beloved home of a local. Take your time to explore the interior and grounds and let your imagination run wild as you learn about its past. Alternatively you can choose to join a mixology class and learn all about famous Southern cocktails including the ‘Crown Julep’.

You may be interested to read: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

There’s nowhere quite like New Orleans, Louisiana

To cap off your Southern Grace tour the ‘Big Easy’ beckons. A city so steeped in history and culture and rich traditions there’s a tantalizing story around every corner. The Ritz Carlton is your majestic home for three nights and is a destination in itself. The building was built originally in 1908 and it became a luxury hotel in 2000 showcasing the best of American hospitality. Centrally located it means you are just a few steps from the area’s most popular attractions, including the famous Bourbon Street.

A city world renowned for its Mardi Gras celebrations, as part of your exploration of New Orleans we invite you to enjoy an all-access pass to the Mardi Gras World’s Blaine Kern Studios. This workshop has created sensational floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947. Learn how artists and architects build Mardi Gras floats from the ground up and view colorful costumes and props.

Read more about this extraordinary hotel: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

To enjoy the best of the USA with a luxurious visit to the sensational South, take a look at our Southern Gracesmall group journey.

What’s the best restaurant in the world? It’s a great dinner party question, and one that might provoke much discussion – everyone has an opinion on their favorite. But if you want to know what the critics think (and get a decisive answer) then look no further than the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, which has just been released for 2024.  

Introducing the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 

Founded in 2002, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to celebrated the richness and diversity of the world’s culinary landscape. Each year a snapshot of global gastronomy is curated by a panel of 1,080 culinary experts. those on the panel can’t vote for any restaurant they have an economic interest in, and they must have eaten at restaurants that won their votes in the previous 19 months. As a go-to for the best culinary destinations as well as the latest gastronomic trends across the globe, the World’s 50 Best Restauratns is one of the best. 

The highest ranking restaurants in each continent were given a special mention. The best restaurant in Africa was La Colombe. Atomix was the highest ranking restaurant in North America, and the highest ranking restaurant in Asia was Gaggan. The best restaurant in South America for 2024 is Maido. And the best restaurant in Europe, and the winner of The World’s Best Restaurant in 2024, is Disfrutar in Barcelona.  

Below, we’ve chosen five restaurants in countries you can travel to with Luxury Gold. If gastronomic experiences are at the top of your travel list, consider extending your stay in these countries on your Luxury Gold journey – though, needless to say, with an accolade like this make sure you reserve a table well in advance!  

Disfruta 

Barcelona, Spain

 

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Taking the top spot and now the best restaurant in the world is Barcelona’s Disfrutar. It seems as though its fate was always intertwined with the award, as its three owners, Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas, met at the legendary El Bulli which reached No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants five times. Disfrutar opened in 2014 in the Eixample district of Barcelona, serving food in a light-drenched, white-washed dining room and sun-dappled terrace at the rear. 

Choose from two parallel menus on offer, both with around 30 courses. The Classic option is a greatest hits album featuring the chefs’ favorite dishes from the last decade, where you can catch the famously indulgent caviar-filled Panchino doughnut, or the brilliant frozen gazpacho sandwich. On the other hand, the Festival menu is the latest manifestation of the team’s unbounded creativity, always backed with meticulous culinary research. 

What did the judges say? 

“The combination of brilliantly imaginative dishes, unsurpassed technical mastery and playful presentation results in the dining experience of a lifetime, as full of surprises as it is memories. Table theatre and interaction are frequent, executed with a blend of professionalism and humour. Disfrutar remains at the forefront of gastronomic thinking, creating an experience as fun as it is inspired.” 

Our 13-day Spain & Portugal in Style journey embarks from Barcelona. Why not arrive a day early and experience one of the world’s best restaurants for yourself on a luxury Spain vacation? 

Table by Bruno Verjus 

Paris, France 

 

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Taking third place is Table (pronounced a la Française), opened by Bruno Verjus 10 years ago following a career as a journalist, food writer and blogger. The space features a wave-designed counter with private nooks and an open kitchen, allowing guests to follow every gesture and plating, including the “Colours of the Day” – a daily dish of seasonal herbs and vegetables. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, diners can watch as founder Verjus serves green asparagus poached with seaweed or prepares lobster with sugar snap peas, nettle, and caper remoulade. Friendly service and fabulous wine support the incredible food, and Table achieved the rare feat of entering the top 10 on its first appearance in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023, climbing even higher in 2024. 

Our Luxury France guided tours end in Paris, so you can catch Verjus working his magic at Table on your Luxury Gold journey. 

Maido 

Lima, Peru 

 

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Maido is an elegant restaurant found in Lima’s trendy Miraflores neighborhood. It’s been making waves since respected chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura opened it in 2009, combining Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients into Nikkei cuisine. Guests can choose from either a tasting or à la carte menu. Make sure to look our for delicacies like The Triple, a combination of avocado, eggs, tomato and chashu (braised pork belly); and caracoles al sillao (soy sauce), sea snails, with yellow chili foam and Nikkei sauce. Not only has the restaurant scooped up 5th place, but chef Micha also took home the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, a peer-voted accolade honoring chefs who make a positive contribution to the global culinary scene each year. 

Our Luxury Treasures of the Incas tour starts and ends in Lima, so why not visit Maido on your trip with Luxury Gold? 

Alchemist 

Copenhagen, Denmark 

 

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Taking 8th place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants is Alchemist, a completely immersive and thoroughly unusual restaurant found in Refshaleøen, a relatively remote part of Copenhagen. Enter through two-tonne-heavy bronze doors which automatically swing open, signalling the beginning of what can only be called a show. The theatrical and immersive dining experience, led by Rasmus Munk, takes place under a domed roof with various graphics which change according to the dishes. Expect flavorful food made with exceptional produce, with a side of environmental awareness 

Our 12-day Luxury Scandinavia guided tour begins in Copenhagen, where you can experience this other-worldly restaurant for yourself. 

Don Julio 

Buenos Aires, Argentina 

 

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Taking 10th place is Pablo Rivero’s Don Julio, which he opened during his early 20s in 1999. After 25 years it’s still a family-run affair, showcasing Argentinian cuisine to the world through Rivero’s dedication to organic agriculture and local produce. As it originally opened as a neighborhood parrilla (an Argentinian steakhouse), it’s no surprise that specialty steak is highly prized here, meanwhile executive chef Guido Tassi designs the menu ‘around the seed,’ focusing on seasonal crops. Pair your meal with one of the 14,000 Argentine wine labels in the restaurant’s cellar –  Rivero also took home the Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award 2024 at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.  

Our 12-day luxury South America tour spends three nights in Buenos Aires – why not book ahead and secure Don Julio for one of your evenings? 

Lido 84 

Gardone Riviera, Italy 

Coming in 12th place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants is Lido 84, serving quintessentially Italian food with a twist. Years of research into local ingredients, old recipe books, and international cooking techniques, combined with a love for art and a customer-first philosophy, have turned Riccardo and Giancarlo Camanini’s restaurant into a masterpiece. Housed in a former lido, the building was bought and transformed by the Camaninis in 2013 with unparalleled views of Lake Garda. The dining room is decorated with eclectic art pieces, and when the weather is good guests can dine out on the terrace overlooking the lake. Expect to be warmly welcomed by Giancarlo’s exceptional service, and enjoy Riccardo’s exquisite culinary creations. 

Our Luxury Italy guided tour finishes in Venice, just an hour or so from Lake Garda. Why not extend your stay and try this award-winning Italian food for yourself? 

What are the World’s 50 Best Restaurants? 

Find the full list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants below. 

1. Disfrutar, Barcelona
2. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain
3. Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris
4. Diverxo, Madrid
5. Maido, Lima
6. Atomix, New York
7. Quintonil, Mexico City
8. Alchemist, Copenhagen
9. Gaggan, Bangkok
10. Don Julio, Buenos Aires
11. Septime, Paris
12. Lido 84, Gardone Riviera
13. Trèsind Studio, Dubai
14. Quique Dacosta, Dénia
15. Sézanne, Tokyo
16. Kjolle, Lima
17. Kol, London
18. Plénitude, Paris
19. Reale, Castel di Sangro
20. Wing, Hong Kong
21. Florilège, Tokyo
22. Steirereck, Vienna
23. Sühring, Bangkok
24. Odette, Singapore
25. El Chato, Bogotá
26. The Chairman, Hong Kong
27. A Casa do Porco, São Paulo
28. Elkano, Getaria
29. Boragó, Santiago
30. Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin
31. Belcanto, Lisbon
32. Den, Tokyo
33. Pujol, Mexico City
34. Rosetta, Mexico City
35. Frantzen, Stockholm
36. The Jane, Antwerp
37. Oteque, Rio
38. Sorn, Bangkok
39. Piazza Duomo, Alba
40. Le Du, Bangkok
41. Mayta, Lima
42. Ikoyi, London
43. Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin
44. Mingles, Seoul
45. Arpege, Paris
46. Single Thread, Healdsburg
47. Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau
48. Hisa Franko, Kobarid
49. La Colombe, Cape Town
50. Uliassi, Senigallia