With the news that the highly acclaimed ‘world’s best restaurant’ Noma, is closing its doors in 2024, we asked our Luxury Gold Travel Experiences team for their world’s best restaurant recommendations. Whether you love casual and cozy or chic and sophisticated, from Michelin-star dining to traditional surf and turf here are some tantalizing suggestions.

The news about Noma

@nomacph

Despite holding three Michelin stars and the title of the world’s best restaurant, Copenhagen-based restaurant Noma has announced it will close for regular service by the end of 2024. An open letter on Noma’s website explained “In 2025, our restaurant is transforming into a giant lab—a pioneering test kitchen dedicated to the work of food innovation and the development of new flavors, one that will share the fruits of our efforts more widely than ever before.”

Through using ingredients often forgotten or underused, Noma chef, owner and co-founder René Redzepi is credited with inspiring the culinary movement New Nordic cuisine.

The Olive Tree, Bath, England

@olivetreebath

With a commitment to local and seasonal, the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant offers a chic yet informal and welcoming fine dining experience. Set in Bath, the fertile heart of the English countryside, the restaurant is blessed with an abundance of high-quality produce from local suppliers. The only Michelin-star restaurant in Bath, the Olive Tree showcases both the best of Bath and the best of British cuisine.

Chef Chris Cleghorn, who gained his Michelin star in 2019, crafts menus that feature beautiful, fresh and seasonal dishes, with an unusual edge to simple flavors. With the finest meat, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables available right on its doorstep, Cleghorn believes the more he buys from local producers, the more they thrive and carry on producing such great British ingredients. A strong contender for the world’s best restaurant, we are sure you’ll agree.

Discover this on: British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms

Read more: 5 Michelin star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney, Australia

@bennelong_sydney

Located within the famous Sydney Opera House, Bennelong is a unique venue set in the building’s iconic sails. A pinnacle of Sydney’s premier dining experiences, savor Australian produce and award-winning wine, coupled with stunning harbor views.

With Peter Gilmore, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs at the helm, Bennelong showcases the flavor, diversity and quality of Australian produce. Taste dishes such as sashimi scallops with oyster cream, green almonds, rock samphire and black vinegar laver, and Maremma pasture-raised duck with hunter sausage, cherries, and Kampot pepper. Delicious desserts include ‘five textures of Queensland mango’ and pavlova.  A menu befitting of a world’s best restaurant contender.

More than an exceptional dining experience, when you travel with Luxury Gold, you’ll be treated to a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House beforehand. Go behind the scenes and uncover its intriguing secrets.

Discover this on: Inspiring Australia

Related content: Our top ten hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

L’Etoile, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

@letoilrio

Sophisticated and romantic, L’Etoile by Jean Paul Bondoux, combines high-level cuisine with a stunning view of Rio de Janeiro from its 26th-floor setting. Located on the top floor of the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, admire breathtaking views of the Ipanema coastline, whilst dining on French-influenced dishes.

Chef Matias Cifuentes, originally from Chile, presents a menu with classic French gastronomy techniques combined with a contemporary touch in this most luxurious restaurant. His menus include extensive fish and seafood offerings, reflecting the fresh produce of the region, as well as meat and vegetarian options.

A Michelin-award-winning restaurant, L’Etoile also offers a curated wine menu and impeccable service, making it a truly memorable experience.

Discover this on: Classic South America

Gibbys, Montreal, Canada

Take a step back in time as you dine at Gibbys restaurant, housed in a 200-year-old building in Old Montreal. This charming steak and seafood restaurant features historic stone walls, original beamed ceilings and cozy fireplaces along with the very best of fine dining. For locals and tourists alike, a visit to Old Montreal would not be complete without a meal at Gibbys.

Enjoy the finest seafood Montreal has to offer, including chilled oysters and a large choice of fresh fish. Or try one of Gibbys’ expertly aged steaks, cooked to perfection. A Montreal landmark for lovers of fine cuisine, the restaurant has been in operation since 1969 and was the dream of owners and foodies, Gibby and Allan. Prior to opening they traveled the globe and experienced many world-class restaurants. Curating their findings and ideas, the duo opened Gibbys to share their passion for gourmet food.

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Related content: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

To sample these, and more of the world’s best restaurants, join us on a luxury, limited-edition tour, where exceptional dining and magnificent hotels bookend every day of your journey.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. And this Sunday, January 22nd, we’re looking forward to ushering in the new year. Whether you were born in the year of rabbit, you’re embracing Chinese New Year’s traditions, or simply looking for a fresh start to 2023, join us in celebrating the year of the rabbit.   

@woutvanacker

The Chinese zodiac 

How does the Chinese zodiac work? This ancient zodiac assigns each person an animal based on the year they were born. The 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is linked to certain characteristics, much like the western zodiac. The animals also rotate each year. So, 2022 was the year of the tiger, 2024 will be the year of the dragon, and the symbol of 2023 is the rabbit.   

@pablomp

Year of the rabbit  

According to the Chinese zodiac, if your birth year falls in the year of the rabbit (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, and 1927), you’re gentle, kind, a seeker of tranquility and have a grounded outlook on life. Rabbits are also said to be quick and skillful. Considering those aspects of their personality, we also dug into what’s to come for rabbits in 2023. 

@eastonmok

What rabbits can expect in 2023   

Some astrologists say rabbits should be prepared for adversity and ready to face challenges head on. 2023 may not be a smooth year, but because the sign of the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture, 2023 is also predicted to be a year of hope. Rabbits, while you may face the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in 2023, you can ride out the storms with your upbeat attitude. Perhaps a trip to one of our calm destinations will keep the positive energy going. 

Another outlook for rabbits 

However, other astrologists predict that 2023 will be a lucky year for rabbits with success in all areas and a time when they will come into their own. After commitment and dedication, they can expect advancements, achievements as a result of their efforts, and may see a boost in their career. Rabbits’ sharp financial sense also makes 2023 a good year to take a financial risk. In general, the year of the rabbit is an auspicious year for risk-takers. 

@sharonmccutcheon

In terms of relationships, this is the time for rabbits to follow their heart to start new romantic relationships as well as a year when they can expect existing relationships to deepen and achieve more harmony. It’s also a good year for rabbits to get married or have children. Similarly, because the rabbit is a symbol of fertility, 2023 is also a good year to start a new business or creative endeavor. Rabbits’ flexibility puts them in a good position to try anything unfamiliar. Rabbits should also focus their energy on their health and maintaining a balanced lifestyle for this year of healing. In summary, rabbits, this is the time you will see the results of your efforts. 

@ninjason

Welcome Chinese New Year 

No matter your sign, you can adopt the Chinese New Year traditions to ring in the new year. The Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is a time to say “goodbye” to the past year and welcome in the luck and prosperity of a new year. So, it’s no surprise that a common practice leading up to the new year is cleaning. By sweeping away the past and eliminating any old bad luck, you’re ushering in a fresh start and good luck. But be sure to finish your cleaning by new year’s day, as that’s a day of celebration and enjoyment. 

@hngstrm

Celebrate New Year

Now that your space is tidy, put up decorations. Fresh flowers and cumquats are said to bring prosperity. And because red is the Chinese color of wealth and good fortune, you’ll find red lanterns decorating many homes and shops that celebrate Chinese New Year. Gifts of money – crisp, clean bills only – are also given in red envelopes. To celebrate, families and friends join to offer sacrifices to ancestors and feast on a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. If you happen to be near a Chinese New Year festival, enjoy a performance of the dragon and lion dances. 

@yuweishaw

Festive foods 

One of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year is feasting on festive foods. Long noodles, or longevity noodles, are a popular dish symbolic of living a long life. Spring rolls and dumplings are also eaten for good fortune. If your mouth isn’t watering from these Chinese dishes yet and you’re still dreaming of your next trip to Asia, check out some of Asia’s best food towns. 

@charlesdeluvio

Still thinking about how to welcome 2023? These are other New Year’s Celebrations around the world. 

Spending a weekend in Auckland? 48 hours in Auckland is just the right amount of time to take in the city’s many splendid sites, tempting flavors and rich history. Our New Zealand tours include the very best Auckland activities with a sprinkling of decadence. 

Your stay at QT Auckland invites you to soak in the energy of the water. Rooms draw inspiration from the shapes and curves of oysters with natural hues and soothing tones. At this 5-Star Design Hotel’s rooftop bar, take in sweeping views of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour paired with Mediterranean snacks and classic cocktails. Continue your culinary tour at the hotel’s Restaurant Esther where head chef Sean Connolly presents flavors of the French Riviera, Sicily and Morocco. 

@qtauckland

 Another dining highlight of your tour will surely be dinner with one of New Zealand’s famous former All Black rugby players. Rub shoulders with a former member of the All Blacks as you learn about the world’s leading rugby team, his personal victories and how passionate Kiwis are about their national sport. 

Fine dining for a weekend in Auckland   

When it comes to fine dining in Auckland, why not go all out at the famous Sugar Club? Located in the Sky Tower, The Sugar Club sits 53 floors above Auckland boasting views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf. In addition to the impressive views, the impressive Chef’s menu showcases sustainably sourced produce. You’ll be in good hands of Chef Peter Gordon who has been called “the ‘Godfather’ of fusion cuisine.” From sashimi to beef fillet and a plant-based tasting menu, a decadent evening is always in store at The Sugar Club. 

@thesugarclubakl

Another option to pair fine dining with fabulous views is Sidart Restaurant. This New Zealand-Indian fusion restaurant offers imaginative cuisine including black truffle paneer, market fish tikka and crayfish and moilee sauce. Select a tasting menu from the five- or nine-course options with wine pairings. You may also opt for The Chef’s Table Experience to go behind the scenes and watch dishes being prepared in the kitchen and let the chef guide you through the menu. This exclusive dining experience, from Champagne on arrival to the final seventh course, is a memorable way to try the finest flavors.  

@sidart_auckland

Queen Street 

With one or two decadent dining experiences ticked off your bucket list, you’ll be ready to explore. You don’t have to venture far from the centrally located QT Auckland to find things to do in Auckland. Legendary and lively Queen Street in the Central Business District boasts high-end shops of international and local brands. Treat yourself to a designer bag and take a break in a café and watch the world go by. Extend your exploration with a visit to the nearby Auckland Art Gallery’s collection of international and New Zealand art on the edge of elegant Albert Park. On the other side of the park is Princes Street. Here, historic merchant’s houses from the late 1800s, now a heritage site, line the boulevard.  

@lex.moskov

Parnell  

Continue your discovery of what to do in Auckland exploring nearby Parnell, one of Auckland’s affluent and oldest neighborhoods. Stroll the tree-lined streets past Edwardian townhouses, restored Victorian shops, boutiques, and cafes. If you’re in Parnell over a weekend, don’t miss La Cigale French Market. Voted Auckland’s ‘Best Food Market’ by Metro Magazine, the market invites you to take your time browsing fresh produce, pâtés, terrines and pastries. You’ll feel like you’re in Paris as you absorb the sights and heavenly aromas. Take a rest at one of the market’s communal tables to enjoy a latte and croissant. The nearby Parnell Rose Gardens with over 5,000 roses enhances your decadent discovery. 

Parnell’s Auckland War Memorial Museum is another recommendation of what to see in Auckland. View the historic exhibits including an 80-foot Māori war canoe dating from 1836. Current and upcoming special exhibits include Secrets of Stonehenge and Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs. 

Waitemata Harbor Cruise  

After soaking in the city sites on your weekend in Auckland, take to the water. A Waitemata Harbor cocktail or dinner cruise will show you the city from a different vantage point. Cruises also conveniently depart from near the city center. You’ll soon realize why Waitemata means “sparkling waters” in the Māori language. Onboard, take in the skyline framed against volcanic peaks. Sail under the Harbor Bridge sipping on cocktails and nibbling canapes. Glide past the North Head, Bean Rock Lighthouse and Devonport’s historic naval base. 

Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands  

If you have time for a daytime cruise on your weekend in Auckland, why not set sail to the picturesque Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands? The volcanic Rangitoto Island is covered in native forests and lava caves and displays 360-degree views of Auckland harbor.  

Heading further east, a 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island, the “Hamptons of New Zealand,” will delight you with pastoral splendor. Visit one of the more than 40 vineyards and olive groves. Sample the local products and take home a bottle or two. Waiheke also offers many trails ideal for a jaunt up to the cliff tops or down to the beaches. Art lovers take note: every two years, Sculpture on the Gulf is held on the Matiatia Coastal Walkway for you to bask in works of contemporary art surrounded by bucolic scenery.  

 Whether you’re in search of fine dining or photo-ops, history or high-end shops, a weekend in Auckland will leave you satisfied. Let us show you what we love about New Zealand.