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Australia, Luxury Journeys

This Ancient, Far-Flung Corner of Australia May be its Most Beautiful

January 2, 2024 by kjbirtles No Comments

From Uluru to the Kimberleys, Australia has no shortage of beautiful and ancient regions. But if we had to choose the most iconic Australian landscape, it’s got to be the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef in far north Queensland. As the only place on Earth where two UNESCO sites meet, this is where the world’s oldest rainforest and the world’s largest organism merge into one spectacular region. With its pristine beaches, ancient rainforest, and vibrant coral reefs, this enchanting region is a testament to the breathtaking biodiversity and cultural significance that defines Australia’s natural heritage. We take a look at why you can’t miss visiting this magical region when you visit Australia. 

Experience the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef on: Inspiring Australia

Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef

Photo credit: @queensland

The Daintree Rainforest

The UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest is a living time capsule to the ancient origins of life on Earth. Believed to be 135 to 180 million years old, it’s the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. To put this in perspective, it predates the Amazon Rainforest by around 100 million years. It spans over 463 square miles (1,200 square km), making it four times the size of Malta. 

Home to over 30,000 species of plants and animals, this is one of the most precious natural habitats on the planet. You can find rare and prehistoric creatures that exist nowhere else, such as the endangered Southern Cassowary and the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. You’ll also find 12 of the 19 primitive flowering plant families here. With miles-long beaches fringed with towering trees, lush greenery, and scenic hiking trails, it’s also one of the most peaceful areas and an absolute pleasure to explore. 

But one breathtaking landscape wasn’t enough for this area; it’s the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet. In Cape Tribulation, the emerald rainforest canopy gives way to the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

We think you’ll also like: The irresistible lure of Uluru, Australia’s spiritual hub

Daintree Rainforest

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Daintree Rainforest waterfall

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

The Great Barrier Reef

Stretching over 1,430 miles (2,300 km) along the Queensland coast, the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and largest living structure on Earth. It’s the only living organism that can be seen from space and is bigger than both Victoria and Tasmania combined! 

Home to a third of the world’s coral, this ocean wonderland plays a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate. It’s also a stunning sanctuary for around 5,000 marine and mammals species, including colourful corals, dazzling fish, sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs. From the smallest seahorse to the enormous humpback whales, the Great Barrier Reef is home to the most remarkable biodiversity. You can go sailing, snorkeling and diving here and get a glimpse into an underwater world like no other.

We think you’ll also like: Budding Landscape Artists Will Find Endless Inspiration with Luxury Gold

Great Barrier Reef

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

divers watching fish in Great Barrier Reef

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Indigenous connection and conservation

The Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef are not only ecological marvels but also hold immense cultural significance for the Indigenous peoples of Australia. The Kuku Yalanji people have called the Daintree region home for over 50,000 years and have a deep spiritual connection to the land. Their stories, traditions, and knowledge have been passed down through generations, and they continue to play a vital role in preserving the region’s rich heritage and biodiversity. You can learn more at the Mossman Gorge Centre and take the Dreamtime Walk to explore ancient Indigenous sites.

The Great Barrier Reef also has a profound cultural significance for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. The story of the reef is told through Dreamtime stories and forms an integral part of their cultural identity. Indigenous communities have been actively involved in conservation efforts to protect this natural wonder for future generations.

We think you’ll also like: How We’re Setting the Gold Standard for Sustainable Luxury Travel

cassowary bird in Daintree Rainforest

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Great Barrier Reef coast

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Conservation challenges

Despite their natural and cultural significance, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef face numerous challenges, including climate change, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are causing coral bleaching, threatening the reef’s delicate ecosystem.

This beautiful and ancient corner of Australia is a true wonder of our natural world and it is critical to preserve this irreplaceable region. The spectacular beauty and cultural importance remind us all of our responsibility to protect our planet through conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.

Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Great Barrier Reef

Photo credit: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Experience the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef with Luxury Gold

You’ll explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef on our Inspiring Australia tour. Over three magical days, you’ll join a Local Expert for a fascinating exploration of Daintree National Park, learning about the Kuku Yalanji people and their relationship with the land, and cruise the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. You can also visit the vibrant Kuranda village to take in the local culture and enjoy a seasonal meal at Reef House Restaurant overlooking the Coral Sea.

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Europe, Luxury Journeys

Sophisticated and Stylish: why Southern France is Unmissable

December 19, 2023 by Leanne Williams No Comments

Southern France is synonymous with glamour, indulgence and sublime rural landscapes. Picturesque villages, vineyards, dazzling cities and azure coastlines form an elegant blend of cultural richness and natural beauty.

Lavish hotels, Michelin-starred dining and exclusive events all contribute to its status as a luxury haven. Here, Travel Concierge Helen shares her admiration for French culture and cuisine, along with her personal recommendations to make Ultimate Southern France even more exceptional.

Discover this on: Ultimate Southern France

Sophisticated and stylish

Travel Concierge Helen pictures taking a picture through a picture frame in the Southern France countryside

“What I’ve always loved about France is that it is just so sophisticated,” says Helen. “The French are very stylish.”

“As a culture they really take the time to learn how to prepare something. Take food for example. It takes years to become a chef, and there’s a real respect around acquiring and applying knowledge and producing something of really high quality. This can be seen in many areas, such as with wine, furniture and so on.”

For travel inspiration: France destination guide

Luxury is time

Ancient stone ramparts in Carcasonne, Southern France, with trees in front and a bright blue sky with white clouds

“There’s a different approach to time in France, which I really I really appreciate,” she tells us, adding with a smile that it can also be sometimes frustrating.

 “For me, luxury is all about time. Obviously, it’s the quality of things, but it’s also the luxury of taking the time to enjoy things. Of being able to say we can sit and try the local specialty, be that a patisserie or an aperitif, and break from a world where we’re all so busy. And Ultimate Southern France offers just that.

“We have two nights in Monte Carlo, three days in Aix-en-Provence Two nights in Carcassonne and two in Bordeaux So, the pace of the tour is elegant. We’re not running from hotel to hotel, we have this chance to relax and go a little bit deeper.”

Bookmark for later: These Luxury Travel Experiences Will Never Go Out of Style

The rural pleasure of southern France

An old woddenbarn sits in a field of sunflowers in Provence, Southern France,with a red sun set sky behind

“Often people’s first point of arrival in France would be Paris, the City of Light. Big and beautiful, it’s also big and busy,” says Helen. “The South of France is a haven of tranquility.

“Historically it’s a huge rural economy. So, inevitably, the pace of life is very different. Up until a few decades ago everything would have been based on the agricultural cycle. This routine is maybe not so much the case anymore, but farming and the vineyards are still an incredibly important part of the South of France.”

You may also enjoy: Indulge Your Inner Gourmet With These Luxury Food Experiences

I love this chateau on the French Riviera

The Rothschild Chateau sits on the edge of a lake amongst green trees and gardens, with low tree covered mountains in the background

Credit @villaephrussi on Instagram

The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, stretches from Saint-Tropez to the Italian border, and encompasses iconic cities like Nice and Cannes. This glamorous Mediterranean coastline is renowned for its azure waters and golden beaches, dotted with palm-lined promenades, luxurious yachts, and chic boutiques.

“Elegant and enchanting, there is so much to love about the Côte d’Azur,” says Helen. “My highlight on Ultimate Southern France is the Rothschild Chateau in Nice. “It’s one of the places where everybody asks, ‘what is this about?’ It is so unusual.”

Built in 1905 by Beatrice de Rothschild, the opulent Villa and gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild is home to over 5,000 art objects. Up on the hillside, it looks out over the Côte d’Azur.

“I think it’s this thing of going to a place you might not have gone to yourself, and it is stunning. It’s such a nice surprise because nobody has any expectations.”

You may also be interested to read: How We’re Setting the Gold Standard for Sustainable Luxury Travel

Exquisite dining, perfectly planned

An haute cuisine dish featuring bright red strawberries sits elegantly in a lime green dish with a red jus pouring delicately from a white pot

Credit: @ lepressoirdargentgordonramsay on Instagram

With many exceptional dining experiences included on this tour, from a pastry making lesson with a professional chef to fine dining, you embark on a thrilling gastronomical journey. In addition to the included dining, there are countless options in the South of France to further indulge the taste buds.

“The Pressoir d’Argent, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant is located in Le Grand Hotel Bordeaux and, if you love haute cuisine, then this is an exceptional experience,” says Helen. “Reservations do need to be made around a week in advance, so this is something I talk to guests about at the start of the tour.

“A key aspect of being a Travel Concierge is about being on the front foot all the time with guests. France is my neighborhood and I know all the ways to make this tour exceptional above and beyond the planned itinerary. So, I make sure to impart this knowledge to guests and tailor recommendations to their pleasures, to ensure they can make the most of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

If you love cuisine you may also enjoy: Tokyo’s Finest: Uncover the City’s Top 8 Fine Dining Restaurants

My restaurant recommendations in Nice

An ornate fountain stands in front of a peach coloured state building in Nice, Southern France

Nice, the largest city on the French Riviera, is also one of the most charming. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Maritime Alps, the city offers a unique combination of urban convenience and natural beauty.

Guests on Ultimate Southern France have free time in Nice, to choose where they have lunch and dinner. With so many options, Helen is on hand to help you choose the perfect spot.

“If you really want to sit down and have a nice lunch in Nice, you’ve got the top top option, which is the Hotel Negresco,” Helen advises. “It’s restaurant Le Chantecler, with its 18th century décor, is incredibly decadent, indulgent and fun.

“And if you want something more casual then I’ll send you to the Old Town. In the lovely higgledy piggledy streets, with their gorgeous pink and peachy hues, I recommend you visit ‘Le Panier’.

“Around 100 years ago, a huge wave of Italian immigrants came from Bergamo into southern France and brought their delicious food with them. You must try the ‘socca’, it’s like a frittata but made from chickpea flour. Its great as an aperitif with a beer or glass of wine.”

 You may also enjoy reading: Making it personal: How Travel Concierge Anna elevates your Italy experience

Personalize your day in Aix-en-Provence

A silver metal spire rises out of a water feature, in front of a futuristic glass building with trees in the background

An art installation at Chateau La Coste. Credit: KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

On all Luxury Gold tours, at various points guests can personalize their day with a choice of two experiences. Each thoughtfully chosen with the Luxury Gold guest in mind, they offer contrasting ways to experience your destination.

“In charming Aix-en-Provence, we visit the remarkable Château La Coste, and here guests can choose between a wine tasting or an art walking tour,” Helen explains. “The Chateau La Coste is one of these surprising places where often no one has any expectations when we arrive, and it’s pretty phenomenal. There is a huge vineyard, a beautiful lake and a fascinating outdoor art gallery. Guests also have the opportunity to choose between experiences in Nice and Bordeaux.

“It’s all about personal preference, not just on where your interest lies, but also your rhythm at that point. Some guests may still be tired from their transatlantic flight for example or come from another European trip. So, I encourage people to work out what they need at that moment in time. Maybe it’s to sit down and sip fine wines, or whether you’d like to explore and learn. Indeed, on most occasions, guests can also choose to do both options, this is the beauty of our small group journeys.”

You may also enjoy: Luxury travel experiences you need to book in 2024

Elevated souvenirs – a timeless piece of French history

A pile of intricately patterned quilts, with a variety of colours

Par Original téléversé par Christophe.moustier sur Wikipédia français. — Transféré de fr.wikipedia à Commons par Bloody-libu utilisant CommonsHelper., CC BY-SA 3.0,

“My advice for a fabulous souvenir would be ‘les boutis,’” Helen says. “You can find some of the best examples of these elegant textiles at the market we visit when in Lourmarin.

“In the 1700s there was a strong commerce connection between the southern French city of Marseille and India, which saw the arrival of amazing fabrics. The French found the prints so beautiful they decided to begin making their own. So, when you see Provençal material, like tablecloths, serviettes or bedspreads, it’s likely that that print came India 300 years ago and has become part of a kind of cannon of prints that haven’t really changed ever since.

“Aesthetically, they’re beautiful – a timeless classic. They don’t age and still look as good today as they did say 50 years ago.

Bookmark for later: The Ultimate Luxury Gold Souvenir Guide to Europe

My pick of the exceptional hotels

The front of the hotels La Mageleine in Southern France is lit up with warm yellow colours with trees in the foreground and a small ornate pond.

Credit: @lamagdeleinemathiasdandine on Instagram

A hallmark of Luxury Gold tours are the exceptional five-star hotels. Each one hand selected, they not only bookend each day, but are often a destination in themselves. “Each hotel is stunning but different, which I love about Ultimate Southern France,” says Helen. “All reflect the sophistication and excellence of French hospitality, whilst offering a variety of decadent experiences.”

“The 18th century La Magdeleine – Mathias Dandine, where we stay for three nights when visiting Aix-en-Provence is definitely a highlight,” says Helen. “An elegant Provençale country house, you’re at the foot of the Sainte-Baume Mountains and get a real taste of the spirit of living in Provence.

“Then in contrast in the heart of the city, Le Grand Hotel Bordeaux in terms of luxury is phenomenal. I love this hotel because it’s got a superb relaxation and wellbeing space with a lovely indoor pool and rooftop terrace. We spend two nights here at the end of the tour so you can really relax and make the most of the amenities, and it’s perfectly placed for easy sightseeing.”

For more hotel recommendations: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

The beauty of a Luxury Gold tour

“With Luxury Gold, everything is personal,” explains Helen. “With an average of just 20 people on a tour, our small group journeys leave plenty of time for one-to-one attention from your Travel Concierge.

“We’re able to respond to the ideas, needs and desires of guests and also of the group. For example, with one group, in Aix-en-Provence, some wanted to come to the Chateau, and some wanted to rest back at the hotel for us to collect them later. This is the kind of thing we can do on Luxury Gold, we have that flexibility, which I love.”

To experience the sophistication for yourself, take a look at Ultimate Southern France, just one of our exquisite small group journeys.

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Luxury Journeys

What happens on a private tour of Vienna’s iconic Royal Palace

December 16, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Sconbrunnpalace in Vienna and gardens in foreground

Schönbrunn Palace is an iconic landmark — and you get to savor it after-hours during a VIP visit on Luxury Gold’s Harmony of Central Europe tour. 

A private tour of Vienna, and this Vienna royal palace, is the perfect introduction to the grandeur of Wien. Famous for a myriad of reasons, including hosting a performance by a young Wolfgang Mozart, Schönbrunn Palace sits on a site that’s been occupied since the Middle Ages. 

Skip the line at Schloss Schönbrunn and enjoy a crowd-free visit to this Vienna royal palace on your fourth day of travel with Luxury Gold. Until then, here’s everything you need to know about this private tour of Vienna’s regal estate. 

The Royal Treatment: All the ways we make your trip exceptional

 

A Brief History of Schönbrunn Palace

Front facade of Schonbrunn palace in Vienna

Long before Mozart’s music filled these halls, a summer retreat and hunting lodge were just two of a number of guises this storied building took in its early years. 

 

The Middles Ages through Schönbrunn Palace’s naming

Glasshouse at schonbrunn palace, vienna

Since the Middle Ages, the land that Schönbrunn Palace sits on has been developed and redeveloped to suit the owners of the day. It wasn’t until hundreds of years after the first structure was erected that the estate began appearing in historical record as the Katterburg estate. 

1548 saw a major extension of the estate, which was extended further in 1569 to include a game park. The estate gained the name we know it by today Emperor Matthias found a fair spring (or Schöner Brunnen) while hunting. The official name change was first documented in 1642.

17th & 18th Centuries

Interior of grand room at schonbrunn palace with visitors, Vienna

Despite such continued architectural attention, Schönbrunn Palace was heavily damaged when  invading Turks seized Vienna in the late-1600s. The former manor house was then rebuilt as a hunting lodge for Emperor Joseph I, though he died before it was completed. 

The palace changed hands again and again, before Emperor Charles VI gave it to his daughter, Maria Theresa. She had the hunting lodge rebuilt as a palatial summer residence where it would become a center of political and court life in Vienna.

Her husband, Franz Stephen of Lorraine, was crowned Roman-German Emperor in the 1740s, and the palace began to grow alongside the new imperial family. Opulent staircases, grand galleries, a theater, and more were designed with ceiling frescos and intricate stucco detailing. More than 1,000 people were accommodated in this Vienna royal palace. Maria Theresa continued renovating the palace even after her husband’s untimely death. 

She died in 1780, just before the palace and garden renovations were completed. 

 

Read next: What to expect when you meet Princess Anita Von Hohenberg

19th Century

As you stroll the halls during a private tour of the Vienna royal palace, you’ll wonder how this magnificent palace could remain relatively empty from the time of Maria Theresa’s death until the 1810s. Save for Napoleon occupying it in both 1805 and 1809, the beautiful Vienna royal palace began to wilt. 

By 1814, Schönbrunn Palace began another decades-long chapter of renovations and regal residences. The state took over ownership of Schönbrunn Vienna royal palace after World War I and it was deemed worthy for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.

 

Schönbrunn Palace Today

No matter the century, Schönbrunn Palace has always been and will likely always be one of the most prestigious landmarks in Austria’s capital. International tour groups as well as Vienna tours by locals almost always include either a public guided or an audio-guided private tour of Vienna’s royal palace on the itinerary. 

Learn more: A Taste of the Roaring Twenties: Inside Zagreb’s Stunning Hotel Esplanade

 

What to know before a private tour of Vienna Schönbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn palsace closeup of stucco facade

Any traveler can come to Schönbrunn Palace without required reading and instantly fall under its opulent spell — though we recommend knowing a few key facts about this Vienna royal Palace:

  • It was designed by Fischer von Erlach, an architect who also designed the Palace Schwarzenberg and the Karlskirche.
  • Mozart performed for the royal family in Schönbrunn Palace when he was only six years old.
  • Marie Antoinette, daughter of Maria Theresa, was born inside this Vienna royal palace. 
  • The hallmark yellow color of Schönbrunn Palace isn’t the hue it’s always shone; testing suggests it was orange, red, and white prior to its new yellow coat in the 1800s. 

And one critical fact to remember: an estimated 8 million people visit Schönbrunn Palace each year, but with a private tour of Vienna’s palace from Luxury Gold, you get to explore its splendor without the crowds.

 

Other harmonious activities on this journey

Closeup of Prague's Astronomical Clock

Schönbrunn Palace is a favorite for many on our 13-day Harmony of Europe journey, but it’s far from the only gem on the itinerary. You’ll also:

  • See Prague’s Astronomical Clock
  • Sit front row for a Mozart and Strauss concert
  • Dine at the Michelin-starred Borkonyha Winekitchen in Budapest
  • Visit Melk’s historic hilltop Abbey
  • Stay at the Grand Hotel Krakow

Experience a VIP private tour of a Vienna royal palace this year with Luxury Gold.

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