Sophistication, glamour and endless possibilities, the “golden era of travel” conjures up nostalgic emotions. And, after a period of enforced abstinence, we are craving the elegance and extravagance more and more.

We take a look into why we crave a new golden era of travel so much, and how you can experience it once again with Luxury Gold.

The Golden Era of Travel

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The period from the 1950s to the 1970s was fondly remembered for its glamor and luxury.

With the birth of commercial air travel came an endless world of possibility and wonder. Complete with cocktail lounges, five course meals and caviar served from ice sculptures, these dreams were fueled with an endless flow of champagne.  The timeless elegance of train travel was revered, with its opulent carriages, exclusive encounters and exceptional dining.

Travel was comfortable and spacious, and guests were lavished with personal attention with no ask too great.

Our yearning today

With the resurgence of travel comes a craving for the nostalgia, elegance and extravagance of golden era travel. And with more money to spend in the ultimate vacation, luxury travelers are looking for something extra special. 86% of respondents to the American Express Travel Global Travel Trends Report said they would spend more or the same on travel in 2022 compared to a typical year before the pandemic. And 65% of respondents agree they would rather take their dream vacation than purchase a new car.

 Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots after hours

A renewed need to spread our wings

Restrictions due to the pandemic placed a curb in what most of us hold so dear, the freedom to move around. For travelers this inability to seek new experiences and discover new lands left many feeling empty and unfulfilled. Leaving time to get nostalgic and to foster even greater expectations.

For many of us travel is an expression, an extension of ourselves, as well as a treat and a break from everyday life. According to the Amex 2022 Global Travel Trends Report, looking beyond the pandemic, travelers are eager to experience the dream destinations they have not previously visited. In fact, 55% of respondents agreed they wanted to book a once-in-a-lifetime vacation this year.

Read more: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Our craving for elegance

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The golden era of travel evokes a picture of elegance and sophistication. As we are able to explore once again, we are yearning for more exquisite hotels, exceptional dining and the very best service every step of the way. When considering why we crave travel, we want to picture ourselves again in the cocktail lounges, being waited on hand and foot, surrounded by opulence and the promise of endless possibilities.

From boutique properties to magnificent castles, at Luxury Gold we understand the craving for excellent and hand select the most exquisite hotels. Guaranteeing exceptional service and the very best amenities, every night is a delight. With multiple night stays at many properties, there is also time to relax in luxurious spas, play a round of golf or simply admire your magnificent surroundings.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

The timeless lure of train travel

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The Golden Age of luxury train travel evokes old-world images of opulent carriages, mahogany-lined cars, and slow-moving scenery at your fingertips. Nowadays the world’s 5-star train journeys are elevating the experience, with everything from personal butlers and Michelin-star dining to luxury suites with bathtubs and marble floors.

If you are nostalgic for the romance of train travel, take a look at our limited edition luxury train journeys. Step onboard and back in time for some very special train tours across Europe, South Africa and North America, where we partner with luxurious trains that perfectly complement our guided tours.

Read more: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys

Unforgettable encounters

When thinking back to the golden era of travel we remember the thrill of the promise of exclusive encounters. A chance meeting or a pre-arranged rendezvous at glamorous locations across the globe. For today’s traveler, the experience is about much more than meets the eye. 70% of respondents to the Amex Survey stated they were interested in cultural immersion on future trips. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences offer a glimpse behind the curtain, into another world and shine a unique, unforgettable light on your destination.

And for the most exclusive of encounters, take a look at the Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection. Often one of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the people we meet. These cherished interactions forge an unforgettable connection with a destination and create lasting memories. Discover exquisite gardens with a Duchess, meet an Austrian Princess and dine with Italian nobility.

Read more: Royalty and Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

The new era is a responsible era

However much we crave the nostalgia, elegance and extravagance of the past, we know that the new golden era of travel comes a strong sense of responsibility. Virtuoso recently released a white paper “Conscious Comeback: Influencing a Sustainable and Regenerative Future for the Travel & Tourism Industry.” which showed that over 80% of respondents feel that the pandemic has made them want to travel more responsibly in the future. Luxury travelers are willing to pay more for sustainable experiences and are becoming increasingly conscious of their role in protecting the planet, communities and wildlife.

Through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences know that you are looking forwards and helping preserve our planet for future generations. From meeting the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipur to learning about the conservation efforts taking place at the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, you can crave the thrill of the past whilst contributing to a better world in the future.

Read more: Alternative dining and CO2 absorbing aprons: welcome to Fotografiska

 If you are looking to embrace a new golden era of travel, then take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection of luxury guided tours.

Let me introduce you to Pink City Rickshaw. Rajasthan’s capital of Jaipur lives up to its nickname of The Pink City. Upon arrival, you can see the distinctive salmon hue across the city’s skyline. But beyond appearance, it’s also a place that is steeped in heritage. Traditional folk song and dance, textile markets, handmade designer shopping and local cuisine are all part of Jaipur’s rich culture. 

Newer additions are the bright pink, custom-designed and eco-friendly Jaipur rickshaws driven by local women. What better way to see the city sights? It’s more than just a fun way to explore Jaipur. Pink City Rickshaw employs female rickshaw drivers and offers a unique opportunity to help support more than 200 local women from low-income households. 

Employing and empowering women who often have no work opportunities prior to guiding Jaipur tours, Pink City Rickshaw equips its employees with professional training and opportunities for economic empowerment among their communities. 

Does that sound like your kind of ride? Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury guided tour to meet these women for yourself and learn all about the initiative. Hop in, share stories and see the magnificent sights of Jaipur. 

“Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are a beautiful exchange of values between our guests and the people that we meet,” explains Lucie Dalila, Sustainability Manager, Travel Experiences at Luxury Gold “This is a two-way experience – a sharing of stories, ideas and knowledge that shines a whole new light on your destination. We all leave feeling empowered, inspired and keen to contribute even more.” 

Empowering local women 

Puja Gour, Vice President of ACCESS Development Services, a nonprofit organization based in Jaipur, that partners with Pink City Rickshaw tells us: “Empowering women is our main initiative but creating an engaging and curated experience on our sightseeing tours is a top priority as well. Tourism meets philanthropy as you are guided through the medieval mystique of the walled city, seeing the local culture and sites through the eyes of the smart, enthusiastic and knowledgeable women who navigate Jaipur’s streets.” 

A modern icon since the 1880s 

“The presence of rickshaws in India has played an important role, from the electric cities to the smaller towns of rural regions,” explains Puja. “Growing up in Patna in Bihar, we didn’t have a public transportation system. Hopping on a rickshaw (usually hired by a family or friend) for weekly outings with other neighborhood children continues to hold a warm place in my heart.  While the city’s rickshaw industry has traditionally been dominated by men, the societal backdrop is adapting to the transition of new drivers — giving women the power to gain professional experience and income, while also giving you a fuller experience compared to the standard point A-to-B taxi service.” 

Soaking up the sites 

Sites like the 16th-century Amber Palace and UNESCO world heritage site Jantar Mantar observatory are part of what draw so many visitors to the magic of Jaipur. Stroll Amber Palace’s cobbled paths and take in views of Maota Lake. The magnificent City Palace is home to Mughal and Rajput architecture. It is also the present residence to the last ruling royal family who live in a private section of the palace. 

You’ll also get lost in some more off-the-beaten path destinations. Explore the partially hidden lower level of Mansagar, a beautiful place of solitude often overlooked by the masses.  When you take a tour with the women of Jaipur, you’re making a personal impact on the local community and contributing to a cleaner environment. You’re also experiencing the magic of one of India’s most dynamic cities. 

Feeling inspired to rickshaw around Jaipur? 

Jaipur is a featured destination on our Essence of India with Ranthambore and Spirit of North & South India luxury guided tours. 

Travel to Jaipur with us and enjoy the opulent rooms of the 5-star Jai Mahal Palace.  Discover the 18 acres of Mughal style gardens in this magnificent hotel showcasing Rajasthan’s stunning heritage. 

Sample the best of the city’s exquisite food. Dine at the sumptuous 1135 AD, with its royal interior, traditional music and breathtaking sunset views. And, celebrate the final night of your voyage at the Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace. Here the chef expertly blends traditional and contemporary cuisine from the four princely states of India. It’s an unforgettable feast. 

Visit our website for more information on all our luxury guided tours to India. Download our interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023 Worldwide tours. And learn more about our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. 

Head Chef of The Werf at Boschendal, Allistaire Lawrence offers guests an exceptional soil-to-fork dining experience. Showcasing the spectacular produce of the Cape, he champions simple cuisine starring ethically sourced ingredients and served with unpretentious gourmet flair.

Exclusively for Luxury Gold, we asked Allistaire what our guests can expect when they dine at The Werf. And we also took the opportunity to learn more about South African cuisine.

Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

Meet Allistaire Lawrence

Allistaire with fellow chef Todd English @delicious_al

Trained at the Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA) in Stellenbosch, one of the top three chef training schools in the world, Allistaire Lawrence boast an impressive pedigree. He has led the kitchens at some of the Cape’s most iconic restaurants and is now Executive chef of The Werf at Boschendal. Known for embracing and enhancing the simplicity in foods and letting the ingredients shine, he makes use of the freshest ingredients on his doorstep.

On the food philosophy at The Werf Allistaire says, “We are dictated to by the seasons, and the availability of produce from our farm and surroundings. The healthy rich soil for which Boschendal is famous translates into flavor profiles that are earthy and intense, as a result the dishes speak for themselves. I want guests to take away something special from our authentic farm-to-table experience, for it’s a process that continues to teach me so much.”

For inspiration: South Africa destination guide

The Boschendal Wine Estate

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The Werf Restaurant is part of the Wine Farm Franschhoek, situated in the attractively revamped original cellar of the Manor House. All sited on the Boschendal Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, where the overriding philosophy is of family, food and reconnection. With sustainable at its core, the farm employs practices that ensure the soil is left better than found and to deliver quality produce and products.

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With a vast organic vegetable garden and orchards on the doorstep of his kitchen, as Chef of the Werf, Allistaire always has a bounty of fresh ingredients available. In addition, other ingredients are sourced from small producers and farms from the surrounding Winelands, Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

Related content: Mind the culture gap: The chefs who make worlds collide through food

Dining at The Werf

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 With such mouth-watering soil-to-fork dining on offer at The Werf Restaurant, we asked Allistaire Lawrence what Luxury Gold guests will gain from this dining experience. “Dining at the Werf restaurant gives guests an opportunity to make a visual connection with a taste and flavor experience” he tells us.

“Being able to sit and eat food produced on the farm and being able to see a working farm doing what it does, gives you a better appreciation for the food. It allows us to showcase the amazing produce the farm has to offer, while giving the guests an opportunity to sample it, as well as an opportunity to take some of it home, when shopping at our retail store.”

The seasonal menu features treats such as; aged black Angus steak with parsley butter and beef jus served with crispy potatoes with garlic emulsion; cured local trout with charred cucumber, fresh turnip, lemon sauce and foraged sorrels; and broad beans and ricotta, poached boschendal egg with chilli oil, white bean hummus, burnt lemon and hazelnuts.

For the ultimate souvenir of your visit, you can take away a recipe card to recreate one of Allistaire’s dishes at home.

Allistaire Lawrence on South African cuisine

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“South African cuisine has many external influences” Allistaire goes on to explain. “There is no one type of South African cuisine. We all have a version of it based on where we come from.”

We asked him what he feels is so special and distinctive and he proudly told us: “The one thing that makes South African cuisine a magical experience is the extension of hospitality that you feel when you share a South African meal and experience. You are made to feel welcome and like family. We are very proud of what we cook, and we are very eager to share our food and hospitality culture with people.”

Related content: 6 of the best spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

His favorite South African dish?

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When asked his favorite dish Allistaire again reinforces: “Every South African has a different context when it comes to South African cuisine. Our food has been inspired by so many international influences and, due to how things were in the past, your family would have different food experiences to another based on social influences.”

“The one language all South Africans speak is “Braai”” he says, “so anything from a snoek with apricot jam, to wors (sausage) and a skaaptjoppie (lamb chop), to a Skope and pap (sheep’s head and maize meal). Anything over the coals would be a proudly South African meal.” However, to conclude the question without a doubt he tells us: “My favorite South African dish is my mother’s tripe, trotter and sugar beans curry.”

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

His favorite ingredient?

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As Chef of the Werf, there are many fresh ingredients for Allistaire to choose from when we ask his favorite. “South Africa and especially Cape town has an amazing selection of fish to work with. Nothing beats fresh fish, cooked well,” he says. “I’m also a big fan of eggs. Such a simple, yet versatile ingredient.”

Home comfort food

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To conclude our chat, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to ask what an acclaimed chef cooks at home with his family. “Because of the hours I work, cooking at home doesn’t happen too often,” he shares. “When I do cook it will be something hearty like a stew or curry, or something over the coals. I enjoy meals that bring back nostalgia of my family life when I was younger. I’m a sucker for an oven roast chicken, as my mom makes a killer one. My ultimate favorite comfort spoil is my wife’s spaghetti Bolognese – its like a bowl of delicious love.”

Related content: 5 Michelin Star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Allistaire Lawrence’s exceptional cuisine as chef of The Werf Restaurant is one of the culinary highlights on our Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour. A showcase of beautiful wilderness, eclectic cultures, warm hospitality and rich heritage, journey from 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. And why not extend your tour aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail to the mighty Victoria Falls?

Related content: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve