The only way to top an unforgettable day of exploring the world is to spend the night in an equally memorable hotel. Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world are standard inclusions on Luxury Gold journeys, offering you an opportunity to experience supreme luxury even when you’re simply resting your soles from a long day of globetrotting. You may even spot a celebrity or two while you’re there, as rumors have it these are some of the most star-studded hotels in the world. 

Magnificent Stays with Luxury Gold

Don’t just dream about where the rich and famous stay — spend the night at some of the most luxurious resorts in the world on a Luxury Gold tour. 

The Rubens at the Palace | England

Photo credit: @rubenshotel on Instagram

On the Luxury Gold British Royale journey, your first two nights are spent in The Rubens at the Palace in London. This five-star hotel was once part of Buckingham Palace’s estate, so it comes as no surprise that it’s a favorite for legitimate royalty and celebrities alike. 

Meet Doorman John, who’ll be there to welcome you at The Rubens at The Palace

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Canada

With so much of Canada’s scenic splendor in its backyard, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a fitting site for one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock, and Christopher Reeve are among the famous faces who holidayed here. You’ll join them on our Majesty of the Rockies journey which includes at night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, plus stays at its sibling resorts Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Mena House Hotel | Egypt

Photo credit: @marriottmenahousecairo on Instagram

A most luxurious hotel in the world of five-star accommodations, the Mena House Hotel is fit for a pharaoh. Naturally, it’s an inclusion on the Luxury Gold Elegance of the Nile 11-day journey. You’ll spend two nights there as an introduction to Egypt. It may not be the most expensive hotel in the world, but settle into a pyramid view room and you’ll be rewarded with a priceless portrait of Giza’s greatest structures.    

The Leela Palace | India

Both Bollywood and Hollywood stars have checked-in to The Leela Palace’s most luxurious hotels in the world. With 13 properties under its name, big names like Tom Cruise and Akon are no strangers on the reservations list. You’ll find a stunning room at The Leela Palace Udaipur during the two final nights concluding the Imperial Rajasthan tour with Luxury Gold. This includes a celebration dinner with your group at the hotel’s restaurant, The Dining Room, where a banquet of Indian cuisine offers one last taste of this country’s vibrant culture.

Grand Hotel Oslo | Norway

Photo credit: @grandhoteloslo on Instagram

If you think you might be out of place in the most luxurious hotel in the world, we challenge you to stay at the Grand Hotel Oslo. The diverse list of celebrities and dignitaries who’ve stayed here is astoundingly eclectic: Arnold Palmer, Kid Rock, Jesse Owens, Barbara Walters, Vince Vaughn, Kenny Loggins, Mark Twain, Joe Theismann, Eartha Kit, five U.S. presidents, and Darth Vader himself, James Earl Jones. Your name is missing from the list, but joining the Timeless Scandinavia journey with Luxury Gold will change that. 

Alvear Palace Hotel | Argentina

Photo credit: @alvearpalace on Instagram

Alvear Palace Hotel doesn’t need to be the most expensive hotel in the world to draw a famous crowd: Walt Disney found it especially magical on his trip to Buenos Aires, while both Tony Curtis and Argentine poet Horacio Ferrer decided to make it their homes for a spell. We have a feeling you’ll never want to leave Alvear Palace Hotel either when you stay there on the Luxury Gold Grand South America journey. 

Fairmont Monte Carlo | Monaco

Photo credit: @fairmontmonaco on Instagram

Monaco may be a micronation but the immense wealth within its borders constitutes the need for one of the most luxurious hotels in the world for F1 drivers, movie stars, and everyday travelers alike. Whitney Houston, Robert Wagner, Stevie Wonder, and countless race car drivers have slowed down to appreciate this stunning resort set against the Mediterranean. Stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Southern France journey. 

Five-Star Celebrity Haunts

These hotels may not be on a Luxury Gold journey, but are worth keeping on your radar if celebrity spotting is your preferred vacation past time.

Most luxurious hotel in the world | Burj Al Arab, UAE

Discerning travelers who wish to stay in the most luxurious hotel in the world should book a trip to the United Arab Emirates. Burj Al Arab has already enticed the likes of Justin Bieber, Nelson Mandela, and Roger Federer to stay at what’s officially called the world’s only 7-star hotel.

Most exclusive hotel in the world | The Brando Resort, Tahiti

Photo credit: @thebrandoresort on Instagram

A private island getaway where villas sit in seclusion, The Brando Resort in Tahiti is a luxurious eco-resort where the likes of Oprah, the Obamas, and the Kardashians escape to for uninterrupted bliss. Take one look at the hotel’s name and you’ll not be surprised that it’s one of the most luxurious resorts in the world as far as Marlon Brando is considered: he owned the entire island. 

Most famous hotel in the world | Le Negresco, France

A famous French Riviera hotel rivaling the equally luxe Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Negresco’s century-plus history has an envious guest book, making it one of the most famous hotels in the world. The Fab Four, Liz Taylor, Salvador Dali, Elon John, and Queen Elizabeth II are among the once overnighters. 

Chocolate is arguably one of life’s ultimate indulgences, and no one is more passionate about this decadent treat than the chef chocolatiers of Masion Cailler. Switzerland’s oldest still existing chocolate brand, Maison Cailler has been producing exceptional chocolates since 1819 making it a treasured part of the Alpine nation’s heritage.

Guests on our Majestic Switzerland luxury small group journey will visit Maison Cailler when in Gruyère. We had the pleasure of speaking to award-winning chef chocolatier Géraldine Mueller-Maras, Manager of the Ateliers du Chocolat at Maison Cailler, to learn more about this experience.

For travel inspiration: Switzerland destination guide

An exquisite mix of art and passion  

Photo credit: @cailler_suisse on Instagram

“There is an immense art and passion that goes into making chocolate,” says Géraldine. “In Swiss German, we call it the ‘schoggi job’ (Chocolate job), the best job in the world, because everyone is happy when they encounter chocolate!

“My grandfather was a pastry chef, so I always say that I have this chocolate running in my veins. I’ve worked here at Maison Cailler for 11 years now as a chocolatier and it’s wonderful for your passion to also be your profession.”

After completing a post-school apprenticeship as a pastry chef-confectioner in Switzerland, Géraldine worked in London with Swiss chef Anton Mosimann at The Belfry. She then switched to teaching and spent three  years in Australia at the Sydney branch of the Parisian culinary school Le Cordon Bleu and four years in the Bangkok branch

. An exceptional artist, Géraldine was crowned Swiss Chocolate Master in 2015 and the highest-ranking woman at the 2015 World Chocolate Masters in Paris.

Visit Maison Cailler on: Majestic Switzerland

Maison Cailler, a piece of Swiss history

Photo credit: @cailler_suisse on Instagram

Founded by François-Louis Cailler in 1819, Cailler is the oldest still existing Swiss chocolate brand and leads the country’s love affair with chocolate.

Cailler, a visionary entrepreneur, began selling this delectable treat in 1819. Inspired by the Industrial revolution and the emerging chocolate industry in Europe, he sought to create high-quality chocolates using innovative techniques. Maison Cailler quickly gained recognition for its exquisite chocolates, combining Swiss precision with a passion for craftsmanship. In 1929, the company merged with Chocolaterie Nestlé to form the Nestlé Company.

If Switzerland catches your eye, you may also enjoy reading: Peak Performance: The Best Train Rides in Switzerland

Your chance to indulge

Photo credit: @cailler_suisse on Instagram

Located in Gruyère, in the Swiss Alps, chocolate-lovers enjoy an immersive experience at the Maison Cailler factory. You’ll be taken through the history in a multi-sensory tour, and Géraldine’s team of in-house chocolatiers will introduce you to the art of tempering, conching and ganache-making. They’ll also help you create your own chocolate work of art to take home.

“We bring customers closer to the chocolate,” she explains. “You can touch it, taste it out of the bowl, and make your own personalized mixtures. You can also take what you learned and reproduce it at home. Its lots of fun, and lots of chocolate at the end as well.”

Bookmark for later: Spoil Yourself With a Stay at One of These Luxury Resorts in Switzerland

200 years of Swiss heritage

The Maison Cailler factory 75 years ago. Photo credit: @cailler_suisse on Instagram

Founded in 1819, Maison Cailler is now over 200 years old. The Gruyère factory itself was built in 1898. “The walls I touch are 126 years old, and it’s all still working,” says Géraldine proudly. “It’s an incredible place to visit. As well as being a very beautiful setting, you can feel the history, the tradition, the emotions – that’s what is so special.”

It is here that the Cailler chocolate goes through all the stages of production, from the roasting of the beans to the filling of their chocolate creations. These are then packaged in-house, with over 300,000 chocolate temptations leaving the factory each day.

Cailler is also the only brand in Switzerland to use condensed milk instead of powdered milk, giving the product a very rich milky flavor and smooth texture. For this fresh, high quality milk is bought from the farms close to the factory.

Géraldine explains that since it first began making chocolate, Cailler has maintained a close relationship with local milk producers. “Everyone is proud to be a part. You can see that the farms in the region have a special panel saying the milk from our farm goes to Cailler chocolate,” she says.

If you love chocolate, you may also enjoy: Where to find the world’s best hot chocolate

A warm welcome awaits

Photo credit: @cailler_suisse on Instagram

“When I returned to Switzerland from traveling the world, I thought long and hard about where I wanted to work,” says Géraldine. “As well as their excellence in chocolate, Maison Cailler is Swiss history, past and present – the company has not only shaped the world of chocolate but contributed to the cultural fabric of Switzerland.

“It is always such a great pleasure to share this heritage and passion with guests of Luxury Gold, and all our visitors from around the world.”

Experience the glory of Switzerland over 10 days, with 5 star hotels and exceptional dining, and meet the chocolatiers of Maison Cailler on our Majestic Switzerland luxury small-group journey.

Unique travel destinations are subjective: Paris, for instance, may not be a unique place to travel for a museum-hopper yet be a hidden gem for one who enjoys exploring the subterranean levels beneath our cities. 

Luxury Gold knows all too well that every group of travelers will have both common interests and diverse passions. We tailor our itineraries to you, first by selecting only the travel destinations with the potential for the most unique experiences.

We then weave these activities together, connecting them with a range of exciting transportation options and luxurious accommodations that have signature surprises in store. If you’re searching for a unique travel destination that speaks to your soul, we invite you to join a Luxury Gold tour and immerse yourself in our favorite unique places to travel every single day.

For the culturally-curious: Japan

If you’re one who dissects an itinerary in hopes of unlocking the smallest differences and details that make a place unique, then Japan will leave you engulfed in an enriching experience.  

Discover a deeper message and meaning to the magnificent and the mundane when you spend 11 days in the Land of the Rising Sun on our Majestic Japan journey. The itinerary is strewn with golden threads linking the past and the present. You’ll speak to a survivor of the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb, enjoy a private sake tasting, and engage in a traditional Sendai tea ceremony.

Allow your curiosity to go farther with optional experiences like a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to marvel at the astounding kimono collection or a private sushi-making class that demonstrates why a decade is required to perfect the art of rolling sushi.

For Movers and Shakers: USA

Music history, Black history, and American history converge in the Deep South. A literal soundtrack was written during a chapter which saw the birth of the Mississippi Delta Blues, New Orleans jazz, and Nashville country genres.

Savor a sensory experience like no other when you devote 9 days to music and food on our Southern Grace journey. This itinerary was designed to touch your soul, starting with a lesson in music history in Nashville. Catch a live musical performance at the Grand Ole Opry, take a VIP tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame, then record your own song at the legendary Studio B. 

The King awaits your arrival to Graceland and so do stacks of Memphis BBQ. More exceptional dining is on the menu at Mississippi’s Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens and Dunleith Historic Inn. Finally, explore the Big Easy and dance your way through the streets of New Orleans.

For Soulful Escapists: Australia

Australia is one of the most unique travel destinations if for no other reason than this continent’s varied, and often harsh, geography. The Australian Outback, infamous for its inhospitable nature, is your retreat on our Inspiring Australia journey.

You won’t be without creature comforts for all 13 days: much of this 8-city adventure includes cruising out to the Great Barrier Reef, sipping artisanal wines in the Hunter Valley, and pub crawling through Sydney. But for four days, you’ll venture into the Outback where you’ll take guided walks through Walpa Gorge, seek out an ancestral water snake at the Mutitjulu Waterhole, and reflect during sunrise walks in Kings Canyon.

For Lovers of Rugged Luxury: New Zealand

New Zealand’s remote location makes it a unique travel destination for travelers who tend to visit locations with only one geographical hallmark. New Zealand, however, doesn’t make you choose a landscape for your selfie backdrops: glaciers, fiords, mountains, ancient forests, volcanic craters, and dramatic coastlines are all ready for you to explore on Luxury Gold’s The Long White Cloud journey.

This 19-day excursion is one that will rival even the most picturesque of places you’ve visited abroad. You’ll venture across New Zealand’s islands with opportunities to see the changing landscape from every vantage point possible. A catamaran will sail you past cascading waterfalls and imposing cliffs. You’ll cycle along the Arrow River, descend into the Waitomo caves, and trek across the valleys, glaciers, mountain peaks, and lakes of Milford Track. You’ll also stay in 5-star, luxury hotel, such as the Te Waonui Lodge, pictured. 

For Timeless Romantics: United Kingdom

In the Golden Age of Streaming, we’re treated to period dramas that weave as much historical accuracy possible into every scene. If you’ve ever wanted to travel to the unique travel destinations where these royal shows and period-piece movies are filmed, this 10-day British Royale journey transports you through centuries of royal rule and luxuriant glory.

Begin in London waving to Westminster Abbey while en route to a private Tower of London tour. Pass by other iconic sights you’ve only seen on the screen as you visit Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, and medieval York. Tour the 11th-century Alnwick Castle and cruise Ullswater Lake before toasting to an unforgettable trip with a visit to Edinburgh for whiskey tasting. 

For Gourmets (and Gourmands): Italy

What makes Italy such a unique travel destination is that it evokes a different set of feelings and expectations in every traveler. Some envision the ruins of Rome while others think about the fashion trends in Milan. Traditional Tuscan cuisine is at the top of the menu for one traveler while another may desire only white truffles from Alba, pizza from Naples, and gelato in Florence. 

The Luxury Gold Ultimate Italy journey is the ultimate buffet of history, food, and culture for a traveler with an insatiable wanderlust. 12 cities in 12 days means only stopping for the tastiest bites of history and cuisine: viewing the Faraglioni Rocks in Capri, after-hour tour of Doge’s Palace in Venice, and wandering the Vatican Museums. Unexpected delights are also on the menu by way of a journey through the villages of Cinque Terre, an Umbrian tasting experience, and wine sampling in Guardastelle.

For Collectors of Colorful Crafts

From the Sacred Valley to the streets of Lima, artisans long-devoted to their crafts welcome you to admire their handiwork on our Treasures of the Incas journey. Peru is more than Machu Picchu, as you’ll soon discover. Discuss all things art with a local sculptor in Lima. Learn about traditional Peruvian weaving techniques from a Quechua scholar. Break bread with a local family on Amantani Island as you learn about handicrafts that encapsulate thousands of years of Incan culture. And when one of these artisan wares returns home with you, you’ll forever be reminded of this souvenir’s amazing backstory. 

For Drinkers and Thinkers

The French Riviera has a stunning coastline, but if you turn away from the beach, you’ll find a sea of vineyards. If all you need is a bottle of vino, a farm-to-table meal, and a stroll through vibrant, rolling fields, the Luxury Gold Ultimate Southern France journey lets you uncork the French interior. 

Spend a few days under the sun, letting the coastline from Monaco to Saint-Tropez captivate you. Then, begin your wine tasting experience in Aix-en-Provence with organic wine sampling while you learn to make a classic French dessert. More wine awaits with a picnic at Domaine de la Citadelle and a cruise along the Canal du Midi through Languedoc wine country. Finally, savor every last drop of this wine tour opening bottles in Bordeaux and St. Émilion, the oldest active wine-producing appellation in the city. 

Luxury Gold showcases the world’s unique travel destinations through itineraries tailored to diverse travelers. Whatever your age or ability, we have a curated journey featuring the activities and experiences you’re passionate about. Book your vacation today and indulge in your interests.