Luxury Gold - Journey Beyond the Ordinary
  • Home
  • Luxury Journeys
    • Europe
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • USA and Canada
    • Latin America
  • Cuisine
  • Unwind
  • Concierge Tips
  • Make Travel Matter
Luxury Gold - Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Mobile Menu
Home
Luxury Journeys
    Europe
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    USA and Canada
    Latin America
Cuisine
Unwind
Concierge Tips
Make Travel Matter
  • Home
  • Luxury Journeys
    • Europe
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • USA and Canada
    • Latin America
  • Cuisine
  • Unwind
  • Concierge Tips
  • Make Travel Matter
Africa, Luxury Journeys

Meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela

September 29, 2022 by Luxury Gold No Comments

As prison guard to Nelson Mandela, Christo Brand knows what it is like to spend time with one of history’s great heroic figures. Travel on our Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour and have the opportunity to meet with him and hear all about if for yourself.

We had the pleasure to talk with Christo, exclusively for Luxury Gold guests. We asked him his standout memories of Nelson Mandela, what he has learned from the experience, as well as his thoughts on South Africa as a destination.

Your journey to Robben Island is one of the highlights of our 9-Day Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour. Spend the morning at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, and take an insightful tour with an ex political prisoner as your guide. You will then return to the mainland for an exclusive lunch with Christo Brand, at the Amy Foundation. Here you will hear fascinating stories about South Africa’s first Black President, a heroic figure who stood for freedom and justice throughout the late 20th century.

Meet Christo Brand

In 1978, aged just 19 years old, Christo arrived at Robben Island where Nelson Mandela (then aged 60) was being held, having just completed his training as a prison guard. There he was one of several guards responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela and they developed a close friendship over the course of many years.

In 1982 Christo was transferred along with Nelson Mandela to Pollsmoor Prison on the mainland. He was responsible for guarding Nelson for a further six years, and their relationship of trust and mutual respect continued. Nelson Mandela was sentenced in 1964 to life imprisonment for sabotage. He was finally released on 11 February 1990, aged 72. On his release, Mandela organised a job for Christo as an administrative and logistics manager in the Constitutional Assembly and their relationship continued.

With so many years spent alongside such a great man, we started by asking Christo to sum up what Luxury Gold guests can expect to take away from this lunch. “What guests can expect is to understand how a Black man and a white man could become friends [in those times],” he affectionately tells us. “How we became friends, how we met each other and how we changed each other’s lives.”

For inspiration: South Africa destination guide

How would you describe Nelson Mandela to guests?

@christobrand60

“When describing Nelson Mandela to people I always say he was a down to earth, humble person,” Christo remembers fondly. “He was a person who would go out of his way to make others happy around him and give his last away to people to make them smile. He was also a person who loved to educate.

“I met him as a prison guard, and I met him out of prison, and he was exactly the same. He hadn’t changed. When he retired, he was a still a humble person. He would even stand up for me to greet me with that respect. He treated all people with respect.”

What is your most standout memory of your time together?

@robben_island

 “There are a lot of standout moments, but one of the biggest was when I handed a baby to him.” Christo recalls of one occasion when Nelson’s wife Winnie came to Robben Island and she brought a baby with her. It was one of his grandchildren and they managed to enable Nelson to see the baby. “He was not allowed to see children,” Christo explains “When he took the baby from me in that moment, he got so emotional he had tears in his eyes. I could not believe someone could be so hungry for a child like that. That emotion, that is something I will never forget.”

Was there a particular moment when you realized he was special?

@robben_island

 “Nelson Mandela was always a peacemaker,” Christo tells us. “I could see it when there was maybe an argument on the section between two prisoners or a prisoner and a guard. Mandela was the one who walked in and could interact and bring peace and harmony between the two. Immediately when he stared talking, he could calm people down in the heat of the moment, that was something very special.”

How has this experience shaped you as a person?

@christobrand60

 “Nelson Mandela was a person who reached out for people. He always believed that people are more important than yourself, and the more you help people the more you will be blessed with good life.” Christo replies of his learnings as prison guard to Nelson Mandela. “He taught me that even if you don’t see it today or you don’t see it tomorrow, in life good things will come to your side and you won’t know why, but it will be that person. We should focus on respecting each other as human beings on this planet, by reaching out for people. And that has shaped my life to make a better world for people.”

What is so special about South Africa?

@meetsouthafrica

 “South Africa is a beautiful country and is famous for its diversity. From our coastal areas, the dramatic mountains through to the famous Kruger National Park and our many other parks there is something for everyone,” Christo explains. “Also, its people are known for their friendliness and hospitality and our food and wine are exceptional, especially our wine.

“The country has a lot to offer, there is a lot of history in South Africa, a history of change. Through Nelson Mandela’s’ story we can tell that change. He walked out of prison with a changed mindset. He followed the footsteps of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi in that he was that type of person also.”

Related content: In the kitchen with Allistaire Lawrence, head chef of the Werf

What is the one thing in South Africa everyone should see?

@table_mountain

“Table Mountain. If you are in Cape Town don’t miss out the mountain,” Christo enthuses. This flat-topped mountain, at 1,085 meters high, is Cape Town’s most iconic and photographed landmark “This is the only place on the world from which you can enjoy such a spectacular view, including two World Heritage Sites. Table Mountain National Park being one itself and you can also see Robben Island.”

Related content: This is what it’s actually like to travel on South Africa’s Rovos Rail

Spectacular South Africa

If you would love to meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela then take a look at our Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour. A showcase of beautiful wilderness, eclectic cultures, warm hospitality and rich heritage, this tour will take you from cosmopolitan Cape Town into the heart of Big Five territory. Discover Robben Island, Table Mountain, the finest wineries and view iconic wildlife on a luxury safari.vAnd, why not extend your journey aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail for a timeless journey to the mighty Victoria Falls?

Share:
Reading time: 6 min
Europe, Luxury Journeys, Uncategorized

Geneva’s Hotel d’Angleterre is a hotel committed to positive change

September 25, 2022 by Leanne Williams No Comments

More than just a spectacular stay, Geneva’s Hotel d’Angleterre is also deeply committed to sustainability and the community. From sumptuous rooms and sublime views to the employment of AI technology to cut food waste, there’s more than meets the eye to this magnificent hotel.

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

Luxury on the lake

@hoteldanglaterre

Renowned for offering “the finest British hospitality in Switzerland”, the Hotel d’Angleterre sits proudly on the edge of Lake Geneva. Here you can throw open the windows and breath in the fresh mountain air. Set in the heart of Geneva, the hotel combines all the joys of a central location with the relaxing atmosphere of a lakeside retreat. The sublime views across the lake are set against an unforgettable backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the majestic Mont Blanc.

For inspiration: Switzerland destination guide

Travel like a VIP and explore Geneva in style with a complimentary boat shuttle that leaves from just outside the hotel. It will transport you across the lake, past the impressive Jet d’Eau, the 140m fountain that is iconic to the Geneva skyline. Step out into streets lined with Cartier, Patek Phillipe and Dior and enjoy some of the finest shopping in Europe.

Related content: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a chic 24 hours in St. Moritz

Decadent rooms

@hoteldangleterre

Sumptuous rooms and suites at the Hotel d’Angleterre reflect the 5-star grandeur and European elegance for which Geneva is renowned. With silk curtains and rich, fabric-lined walls giving a cosy yet sumptuous feel no two rooms are alike. Some suites have private balconies overlooking the lake, while others feature fine art lithographs by Miró, Calder and Picasso. All are designed with guests’ comfort at front of mind, with elegant marble and onyx bathrooms providing the perfect place to pamper and relax.

Afternoon Tea and fine dining

@hoteldanglaterre

There’s no finer place in Geneva to enjoy the decent ritual of afternoon tea than the Hotel d’Angleterre. Here you can savor an array of tempting treats including delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet homemade pastries. Perfectly accompanied of course by an extensive tea menu or a glass of Champagne to enhance the occasion. At the Hotel’s Windows restaurant the food and scenery come with service to match. Executive Chef Alexandre Cardiga offers a wide spectrum of sought-after specialities, international favourites and homely dishes.

A commitment to sustainability

@hoteldangleterre

The Hotel d’Angleterre is a Red Carnation Hotel, a family-run collection of 19 exceptional properties around the world. Unique and special, The Red Carnation Hotels share a strong commitment to sustainability. As part of the TTC Family of brands they work together with the Treadright Foundation to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®.

Related content: 4 incredible MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences you can enjoy with Luxury Gold

Cutting food waste

@hoteldangleterre 

The hotel places a great emphasis on eliminating food waste. Global food losses and food waste amounts to $1 trillion per year. In partnership with Winnow Solutions, a waste management company, the hotel is employing “intelligent” waste management techniques.

The Hotel d’Angleterre used ground-breaking AI technology to run a more productive, profitable and sustainable kitchen. Identifying what ingredients go to waste at the end of each day, they plan meals and order produce much more efficiently.

Not only does the technology help to save the business money on unused food products, it also helps to reduce their carbon impact by eliminating unnecessary food waste. There is also a great focus on the elimination of single use plastics, another great contributor to waste.

Related content: Alternative dining and CO2 absorbing aprons: welcome to Fotografiska

Local partnerships

@hoteldangleterre

The hotel partners exclusively with food suppliers and businesses that share our eco-friendly values and commitment to reaching carbon neutrality. Our strong focus on local ingredients from local producers results in lower food miles.

Related content: 5 Michelin-star chefs celebrating local culture through food

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

@hoteldanglaterre

For all guests to the hotel, a special lake-to-plate MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is offered (at additional cost). You can join a seasoned local Swiss fisherman on Lake Geneva for a three-hour fishing tour, to learn the local fishing practices and catch some fish. Then take your bounty back to Executive Chef Alexandre Cardiga, who will prepare a sublime dish for you to enjoy in the hotel’s Windows Restaurant overlooking the lake and the Jet d’Eau.

Related content: Luxury travelers are willing to pay more for sustainable experiences

A commitment to the community

@hoteldangleterre

Community also sits at the heart of the Hotel d’Angleterre’s manifesto. In collaboration with the UNHCR Refugee Food Festival, the hotel invites talented refugee chefs to promote their food culture and showcase their cuisine in their kitchen, with the profits donated to charity.

The annual event is a fantastic showcase for refugee chefs in the area to show their talents and share in food and friendship in the city. This year the Hotel d’Angleterre Geneva showcased an Iranian menu prepared by chef Mostafa Mohjib Nurbakhsh.

The hotel also supports important charities such as the Make a Wish Foundation. This global organization grants the most heartfelt wishes of children aged between 3 and 18 living with a serious medical condition to give them hope, strength and joy.

Related content: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge

Majestic Switzerland

@myswitzerland

To enjoy the delights of the Hotel d’Angleterre for yourself take a look at our Majestic Switzerland luxury guided tour. Over 10-Days, enjoy the most amazing alpine scenery, exceptional dining and exquisite hotels.  Explore Zurich, St Moritz and Lucerne. Enjoy VIP experiences and take an unforgettable journey through the Alps aboard the Glacier Express.

 Related content: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots out of hours

Created in partnership with Tourism Switzerland.

Share:
Reading time: 5 min
Concierge Tips, Luxury Journeys

The Luxury Gold guide to investing in luggage

September 21, 2022 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Investing in luggage that lasts is necessary for any world traveler. But how do you choose luggage that fits your style and destination when your travels may range from epic safaris to multi-week South American tours and holidays in Europe? You want to invest in quality pieces that match your travel style and can adapt to your travel interests. A more active adventure one year can lead to a more relaxed journey the next—and you don’t want to have to reinvest each year. Here’s our tips on how to choose luggage bags to go the distance. 

RELATED CONTENT: What to pack for a trip to India  

 The best travel luggage for tours 

Joining us on one of our tours? We’re so glad to have you! An ideal piece of travel luggage will take you to a range of destinations and tours. For most Luxury Gold journeys from 7 to 22 days, a sturdy wheeled suitcase will go the distance and still be easy to move from between destinations. We love a collection of hardback wheeled suitcases to have at the ready. Grab the smallest size for long weekends. It also makes an excellent “traveling companion” for journeys longer than a week with cruise or train getaway.

Three white suitcases

Best luggage bag for getaways 

Speaking of getaways… When your tour includes one of our unique getaways by train, ship or even vintage car, you want the best luggage bag to keep you mobile, ready and stylish. A smart leather duffel ensures that you have room for overnight clothing and necessities—as well as room for a few souvenirs. A duffel bag is also easy to stash in train or ship compartments. Our Vietnam tours that include an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay are the perfect place to take a chic carry-on bag. 

Leather duffel

RELATED CONTENT: Our favorite Calmest Cities in the World are all in Asia

Best luggage bag for trains 

Train journeys are one of the most exciting and intimate ways to immerse yourself in the landscape. What better way to take in the Scottish Highlands, Rocky Mountains or South African landscape than watching it just outside your window? A roomy duffel or large handled bag ensures you have everything you need, and nothing you don’t. 

Royal Scotsman train

RELATED CONTENT: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys 

Best travel bag for day trips 

Should your travels take you on more active adventures, you’ll want the best travel bag for hands-free exploration. A chic yet adventure-ready back pack is the ideal choice for day trips. Whether you’re taking in the grand scenery of Banff National Park or venturing through a charming European town, a small pack has room for all the necessities. Pack your wallet, phone/camera, a layer or two and off you go. 

RELATED CONTENT: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve 

Banff National Park backpack

@luxurygoldvacations

Best travel bag for epic drives 

Drive in the country, anyone? A simple crossbody bag will take you from your luxury hotel to a picnic (rest assured your Travel Concierge has packed a lovely spread) to an acclaimed winery. We love the look of a crossbody bag as both a fashion accessory and travel bag. Our Ultimate France tour chauffeurs you through the countryside in a vintage Citroen 2CV to Domaine de la Citadelle. Our tour of Italy finds you arriving in style for your overnight stay in Capri by open-top taxi. 

Crossbody bag

Investing in luggage for a lifetime

Investing in luggage is a combination of style and necessity. You want to make a purchase that will last through your upcoming adventure and beyond. A bag that matches the destinations you want to explore as well as your personal style. A bag that is manageable and keeps you light on your feet. Your favorite piece of luggage is one aspect of your travels you can own, feel proud of and that will keep you stress-free. Because once you arrive, your Travel Concierge is on hand to cater to your needs. Just pack your bags and we’ll take care of the rest.  

RELATED CONTENT: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free 

Where will your luggage take you next?

Share:
Reading time: 3 min
Page 66 of 126« First...102030«65666768»708090...Last »
Canada Unlocked: An Interview with Travelling Concierge Andrea Dionne

Canada Unlocked: An Interview with Travelling Concierge Andrea Dionne

March 21, 2016
The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

October 2, 2017
7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

August 31, 2022
The 30 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Need to Visit

The 30 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Need to Visit

August 27, 2024
The Ultimate Nature Retreat: Welcome To Milford Sound Lodge

The Ultimate Nature Retreat: Welcome To Milford Sound Lodge

November 25, 2024

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive curated news, special offers and travel inspiration straight to your inbox.

Please note that the information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of this request.

Categories

  • Luxury Journeys
    • Europe
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • USA and Canada
    • Latin America
  • Make Travel Matter
  • Cuisine
  • Unwind
  • Concierge Tips

Tags

Africa Asia Australia Canada Croatia Cuisine Destinations Egypt England Europe Exceptional Dining Fine Dining Food France History Imperial Rajasthan India Ireland Italy Japan Luxury Luxury Gold Luxury Hotels Luxury Travel Make Travel Matter New Zealand Peru Portugal Safari Scotland South Africa Spain Sustainability Sustainable Tourism Sustainable Travel Switzerland Travel Travel Concierge Travel Tips Travel Trends TreadRight USA Venice Vietnam Wildlife

Search

Recent Posts

20 Best Restaurants in France

20 Best Restaurants in France

May 21, 2025
10 Best Places for Stargazing in the World

10 Best Places for Stargazing in the World

May 19, 2025

More About Luxury Gold

We invite you to embark on a travel experience unlike any other. Join us as we explore exotic lands and distinctive destinations, in exquisite style and comfort. At Luxury Gold, it’s our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. Allow us to share our unparalleled wealth of expertise and insights, accumulated over nearly 100 years as leaders in luxury travel.
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
© Copyright 2023 Luxury Gold. All Rights Reserved.