As we step into 2024, it promises to be an extraordinary year for those seeking luxury travel experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic train journey or an overwater bungalow, seeking the thrill of a safari adventure or a yacht charter, or planning to turn it up a notch with a private island experience, these are the luxury travel experiences you need to book in 2024. 

Luxury train journeys

Photo credit: @rockymountaineer

Experience the romance of a bygone era with a luxury train journey in 2024. You could board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a nostalgic voyage across Europe, see the South African bushveld aboard the iconic Rovos Rail, or traverse the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer. From regal bedrooms and gourmet dining, to breathtaking scenery and private viewing decks, these journeys are an unforgettable way to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations. 

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After hours VIP experiences

For a true luxury experience, you’ve got to go behind the scenes, where few have gone before. Luxury Gold takes you there with our one-of-a-kind VIP experiences, where you get exclusive, after hours access to some of the world’s most iconic sites. You don’t need to wait in line or battle with the crowds. Simply step beyond the velvet ropes and have the space and time to explore places like the Tower of London, Castle Howard, Schönbrunn Palace, Luxor Temple and Doge’s Palace. You’ll also meet Local Experts in many of these places for a private tour as they share fascinating insights. 

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Yacht charters

Sailing through the world’s most stunning coastlines aboard a private yacht is a luxury travel trend that’s here to stay. Charter a superyacht in the Mediterranean, explore the Caribbean’s hidden coves, or cruise the Galapagos Islands in style. You’ll have the freedom to tailor your itinerary, enjoy water sports, and savor gourmet cuisine prepared by your onboard chef.

Exclusive culinary experiences

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Gastronomy plays a significant role in luxury travel, and 2024 is no exception. With Luxury Gold, you could go from dining at Michelin-starred restaurants like L’Antic Molí in Spain to wine-tasting tours in the world’s most renowned vineyards like South Africa’s Cape Winelands, or opt for exclusive cooking classes with renowned chefs. Whether it’s a private sushi-making class in Tokyo or a cooking class and lunch in Tuscany, you’ll indulge your palate in the most exquisite flavors of the world. 

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Overwater bungalows

Overwater bungalows have long been synonymous with luxury travel. Picture yourself staying in a lavish overwater villa in Bora Bora, the Maldives, or Fiji, where you can step directly from your room into the warm, turquoise ocean. From glass floors and private pools, to direct access to vibrant coral reefs, overwater bungalows are a very special experience.

Safari adventures

Photo credit: @lionsandsgamereserve

If you’ve always wanted to go on a safari, 2024 is your year to experience it. You’ll find exclusive safari lodges and camps in destinations like Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya, where you can witness the Big Five and other remarkable wildlife in their natural habitat. From private game drives and bush picnics, to infinity pools and dining under the stars, you can safari in style.

With Luxury Gold, you’ll visit some of the most extraordinary luxury safari lodges in the world, from Lion Sands Game Reserve or the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge in South Africa to Nahargarh Ranthambhore in India. 

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Wellness retreats

In 2024, prioritize self-care and rejuvenation at the top wellness retreats in destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Costa Rica. Indulge in luxurious spa treatments, yoga sessions, meditation classes, and delicious dining to help you unwind and recharge.

Private island retreats

For ultimate seclusion and exclusivity, private island resorts are the epitome of luxury travel. Properties like Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, North Island in the Seychelles, and Velaa Private Island in the Maldives offer an unparalleled level of privacy and personalized service. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and opulent villas with your own butler, chef, and private infinity pool, you don’t get more luxurious than this.

Scotland’s capital is well known for its warm hospitality and fairytale architecture, but luxury shopping in Edinburgh is also to be revered. One reason is Scotland’s reputation for quality products, from loom-woven tweed to traditional fudge and whiskies distilled over decades. But this city is also physically a delight to shop, with secret-feeling passages and arcades branching off cobbled, sloping streets.  

Of course, any modern European city now has the chain boutiques and typical designer labels you’ll find everywhere. This means, for a quality Edinburgh gift or souvenir you have to know where to go. Whether you’re after quality scarfs and sweaters or a local delicacy to give to friends, visit these seven fabulous shopping spots before you leave. 

For travel inspiration: Scotland destination guide

Johnstons of Elgin, Multrees Walk 

Credit: @johnstonsofelgin on Instagram

Multrees Walk is Edinburgh’s luxury boutique enclave, where the cashmere and fabrics specialist Johnstons of Elgin nestles alongside Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Max Mara. The textiles company has had a store in Hawick, Scotland since 1797 and created its first tweed in 1846; this ultra-modern two-floor boutique sells menswear, womenswear and accessories, all made in Scotland. From buttery soft cashmere scarves (perfect for the flight home) to Fairisle knitted sweaters and timeless plaid coats, Johnstons has all of the cozy garb you’re craving.  

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Strathberry, Multrees Walk 

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A leader in handcrafted leather goods, Scottish label Strathberry is the place to snap up a smart tote bag or sophisticated leather wallet. An staple of luxury shopping in Edinburgh, it was founded in 2013 by husband and wife duo Leeanne and Guy Hundleby.  The brand is Edinburgh born and raised but inspired by leather artisans in southern Spain, where the couple once lived. Each item is handcrafted in Spain but rooted in the Scottish luxury scene; head to the company’s glossy Multrees Walk boutique to peruse the softly illuminated displays of bags in pine-needle greens, toffee browns and oxblood reds. There are also three branches in London.  

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Hamilton & Inches, George Street 

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Iconic jeweler Hamilton & Inches has had a headquarters in Edinburgh since 1866, with a history as watchmakers to the British royal family as well as high-end jewelry design and expert stone setting. This company’s showroom, all marble pillars and ornate ceiling mouldings is set across five storeys of a Georgian townhouse, looking more like a luxury bank than a jewerly store. This is where the city’s great and good come to get their engagement rings and milestone-marking watches.  

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TBCO (The Tartan Blanket Co), Great Junction Street 

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Situated in the delightful waterfront suburb of Leith, this fabulous woolen goods specialist sells snuggly sofa throws, cushion covers, pajamas, picnic blankets and even Christmas stockings. Its modern collections and fresh colourways are a great example of how Scottish artisan brands can adapt to a modern interiors landscape: many collections are curated with tablescaping or Instagram-worthy picnics in mind, while gift boxes of monogrammed scarves, socks and scrunchies packed with mugs and candles are thoughtfully curated. TBCO is also big on sustainability: look out for the recycled wool blankets for an earth-friendly choice.  

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The Fudge House, Canongate 

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Luxury shopping in Edinburgh isn’t just have to be about wearable goods. For an edible souvenir, you can’t beat fudge – also known as “tablet” in Scotland. This crumbly snack made with milk, butter and condensed milk is mentioned in Scottish records as early as the 17th century, and the most decadent place to shop for it is this third-generation family business dating back to 1949. Based on the iconic Royal Mile, the Fudge House’s team hand-makes small batches of the brown stuff in flavours as diverse as spiced ginger, maple walnut and lemon meringue pie. But purists will want to snap up boxes of the classic Highland Cream style. 

Walker Slater, Victoria Street 

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For elegant menswear that harks back to the past, visit this tailoring and tweed specialist on Victoria Street. The Walker Slater brand originated in the Highlands before opening shops in Glasgow and Edinburgh. At this flagship store, a highlight of luxury shopping in Edinburgh, signature jackets and waistcoats come in flattering cashmere, tweed and lambswool styles. Alongside you will also find more casual cable knits and cotton herringbone shirts. A made-to-measure service ensures you get the perfect fit; and there’s a Walker Slater womenswear boutique at number 46 on the same street. 

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Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop, Canongate

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Tucked into Edinburgh’s labyrinthine old town you will find Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop. This store may look modest in size, but it’s known for a personalized service style that luxury shoppers will love. What the team behind this emerald-green facade doesn’t know about whisky isn’t worth knowing; kindly attendants can help you select rare bottles or give you tasters to try. There’s an olde-worlde charm to the boutique, decorated with dusty bottles, portions of whisky barrel and handwritten labels; be sure to check out the mysterious “cage” of rare and small-batch whiskies. 

To enjoy Edinburgh and Scotland at their luxurious, best take a look at Castles & Kingdoms, British Royale

Down at the southernmost tip of Africa, expansive farms converge with vine-friendly slopes and teeming seas – not to mention dishes shaped by arrivals from all over the globe. The resulting rich and unexpected food scene makes South Africa the ultimate destination for a gourmet foodie road trip, whether you’re sampling a 10-course tasting menu on a wine estate, or tucking into a rustic braai (barbecue) in the bush. 

Guests on Luxury Gold’s nine-day Spectacular South Africa tour, for example, will tuck into seafood at the sea-view Harbour Restaurant in Kalk Bay, before enjoying a locally-sourced dinner at the world-renowned Boschendal Wine Estate – then dine under the stars in Kruger National Park.  

The sheer beauty of South Africa’s scenery – from wave-lashed coastline to green mountain slopes and dry savanna – means dramatic views from many of its most famous restaurants, while the contents of your plate are often firmly rooted in the terrain around you. Here are some of the culinary stops that have made this country the food destination it is today. 

Fine dining capital 

The perfect place to start any foodie road trip is Cape Town. One of the world’s great gourmet cities, Cape Town is teeming with innovative chefs both homegrown and imported making headlines with their menus. Here, Luxury Gold guests enjoy a visit the Old Biscuit Mill, once a series of factories but now transformed into trendy bakeries, boutiques, jewelers and cult restaurants. One such eatery, The Potluck Club, is an upmarket local favourite, with modern, arty small plates from star chef Luke Dale Roberts (most famous for the now-shuttered Test Kitchen). Expect dishes like springbok tataki and mussels with braised beef tongue, with a down-to-earth atmosphere and great sunset views over the Lion’s Head peak. The Old Biscuit Mill’s food market, Neighbourgoods Market, is a hit with trendy locals, and a must-see on your visit. 

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A taste of the Winelands 

Credit: @boschendal on Instagram

Sitting among acres of vines glowing gold in the sunlight, you swirl your first jewel-bright taster of wine around the glass. A vineyard visit is a standout moment of any South Africa tour, and its Cape Winelands are not only a ravishing place to do it – all imposing mountains, undulating vineyards and quaint towns of boutiques and restaurants – they’re also a hub of exciting chef activity. Take Boschendal Estate, a working farm between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek where you can go horse riding, tour the kitchen gardens, indulge in a picnic or just come for the main event: a glorious farm-to-table lunch. Sitting out at the Werf Restaurant, a highlight of any foodie road trip with its incredible views of the countryside, you’ll taste the likes of flame-cooked asparagus, forest-reared Duroc pork and tandoor cauliflower – all part of what chef Eric Bulpitt calls “soil to fork” cuisine.  

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Destination restaurants  

Credit: @harbourhouse on Instagram

South Africa is a country of destination restaurants worth the detour. Venturing outside of Cape Town, you might head to the coastal suburbs for a slap-up seafood meal. The iconic Harbour House restaurant in Kalk Bay is on your South Africa itinerary, where head chef Ryan Lee Van Rooyen dishes up elegant sushi rolls, dressed oysters and show-stopping seafood platters. But you might also linger for La Colombe in Constantia, one of the world’s best fine dining restaurants where you’ll try intriguing dishes such as the Dove’s Nest, featuring eggshells you uncork to eat with a straw, and a tuna starter served in a tuna tin with the lid peeled back. Or travel to pretty Franschhoek in the winelands for salt-sugar-cured pork belly and amarula panna cotta at stylish local’s favourite, Reuben’s.  

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A braai in the bush 

Credit: @lionsandsgamereserve on Instagram

Safari trips aren’t renowned for their food, but a luxurious reserve like Kruger National Park’s Lion Sands will host some of the most memorable meals of your trip. One highlight at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge – the base for game drives on the Spectacular South Africa tour – is the Celebration Dinner, an atmospheric barbecue grilled up in the wilderness near the camp.

As part of a full-board stay, you and the other guests at this upmarket lodge will follow staff to a lantern-lit spot in the reserve, where expert chefs will grill game and fish over a traditional South African barbecue while you chat in the light of a roaring log fire. It’s served in the traditional style, with pap (polenta), salad and sheba (a traditional tomato-and-onion sauce). And don’t worry about big cats or wild dogs intruding on the feast – staff are discreetly positioned to look out for any carnivorous visitors attracted by the aroma.  

To enjoy a gourmet foodie road trip and taste the best of South Africa, along with magnificent hotels and exclusive experiences take a look at our Spectacular South Africa luxury journey.