Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise has charmed travelers from all over the world for over a century. The iconic hotel is a timeless testament to luxury and natural beauty, with a rich history, awe-inspiring location, world-class facilities, and unforgettable activities. To celebrate International Mountain Day, we’re taking a closer look at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, one of the world’s most remarkable mountain resorts. 

Stay at the on: Majesty of the Rockies 

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

A century of history

The Fairmont Château Lake Louise had humble beginnings, opening in 1890 as a one-story log cabin with just two bedrooms. Over the years, it evolved into a grand five-star hotel, with a charming European alpine architectural style. It has welcomed royalty, celebrities and distinguished guests from around the globe and has been a favored luxury destination for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and romantics for generations. 

We think you’ll also like: Reconnect with the great outdoors at these luxurious back-to-nature retreats

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Unparalleled location

Set on the shores of the dazzling Lake Louise and surrounded by towering mountain peaks, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise boasts one of the most picturesque settings in the world. The turquoise waters of the lake, framed by glaciers and evergreen forests, provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. The hotel’s location also offers year-round activities, from hiking and kayaking in the summer to ice skating and skiing in the winter.

We think you’ll also like: In Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Natural Wellness and Luxury Go Hand in Hand

World-class facilities

The hotel features over 500 glamorous rooms and suites, many with stunning views of the lake and mountains. Unwind at the serene spa, take a dip in the heated indoor pool, and enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s exquisite bars and restaurants, which offer a range of seasonal culinary delights. There’s also a fitness center, a kids’ club, and boutique shops to explore.

We think you’ll also like: Dive Into Luxury at These Incredible Hotel Pools

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Award-winning excellence

Over the years, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise has received dozens of accolades and awards, solidifying its status as a world-class resort. It has been consistently recognized as one of the best resorts and for its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. It’s also received many awards for its restaurants.

We think you’ll also like: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Remarkable experiences

While the hotel is spectacular enough, there are endless things to do around the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. In the summer, there’s hiking, horseback riding, golfing, or canoeing the pristine Lake Louise. In the winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, with skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating opportunities. No matter the season, you can relax in the pools or enjoy the iconic afternoon tea with a stunning backdrop.

Beyond the hotel, the Banff area offers some incredible outdoor adventures. Explore Banff National Park, home to diverse wildlife, emerald lakes, and stunning mountain landscapes. Take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway or visit the charming town of Banff for shopping and dining. 

We think you’ll also like: Expert selected: the 4 best hotel spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Stay at Fairmont Château Lake Louise with Luxury Gold

When you travel on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury tour, you’ll enjoy a lavish stay at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Stroll along the beautiful lakeshore admiring the waterfall. Feast on local specialties on a Dine-Around evening. Or simply soak it all in from the comfort of your gorgeous lakeview room. If you want to get outdoors, you can explore Moraine Lake beneath the 10 towering peaks. Or travel the Icefields Parkway and Athabasca Glacier aboard an Ice Explorer. You’ll also meet First Nations Warrior Women and learn about their Indigenous culture over a homecooked barbecue dinner with storytelling, drumming and songs.

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. 

We think you’ll also like: Get to the Heart of Your Destination With These Boutique Train Journeys

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. 

We think you’ll also like: After Hours: Travel Like a VIP With These Exclusive Experiences

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

Photo credit: @lanticmoli

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. 

We think you’ll also like: Indulge Your Inner Gourmet With These Luxury Food Experiences

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. 

We think you’ll also like: Private Game Drives and Five-Star Stays: How Luxury Gold Does Safari Differently

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.  

Discover Edinburgh on: Castles & Kingdoms, British Royale

Strathberry, Multrees Walk 

Credit: @strathberry on Instagram

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.  

You may also enjoy reading: The Luxury Gold guide to the finest Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh

Hamilton & Inches, George Street 

Credit: @hamitoninches on Instagram

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.  

We also think you’ll like: Our Favourite Legendary and Lesser-Known Shopping Streets 

TBCO (The Tartan Blanket Co), Great Junction Street 

Credit: @wearetbco on Instagram

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.  

Bookmark for later: A Fair Price: The Timeless Luxury of Fair Isle Knits

The Fudge House, Canongate 

Credit: @thefudgehouse on Instagram

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 

Credit: @walkerslater on Instagram

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. 

You may also be interested to read: The Luxury Gold guide to the finest Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh

Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop, Canongate

Credit: @wmcadenheads on Instagram

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