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Luxury Journeys

Experience Remote Luxury at These Extraordinary Hotels

March 15, 2024 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Exterior shot of the Te Waonui Lodge in New Zealand

Remote luxury is an oxymoron to those who have yet to spoil themselves with a lavish overnight stay, and do so while tucked away from the world in an off-grid hotel.

Luxury Gold travelers, of course, are no strangers to staying in the best city-center hotels in the world, though many will confess that they prefer the particular feeling of escapism that only remote luxury hotels can deliver. 

Whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill seeker, or just desire a break from the crowds on your next vacation, take a peek into the luxurious remote and inaccessible accommodations that globetrotters will stay at during a Luxury Gold tour. 

 

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Canada

 

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Set on the shores of Lac Beauvert, Jasper Park Lodge mixes its backcountry heritage with chalet-style lavishness to create one of the most opulent outdoor retreats in Jasper. Rest your soles after a day hiking with a foot massage at the spa or tighten your cleats and play eighteen at one of Canada’s top-ranked golf resorts. 

Discover the Majesty of the Rockies on this 9-day guided tour. Trek through Alberta and British Columbia, seeing Canada’s best natural playgrounds. From wildlife spotting in Banff National Park to crossing hiking through the canyons of Jasper National Park, this Canadian adventure is unrivaled. 

 

Te Waonui Forest Retreat, New Zealand

Exterior shot of the Te Waonui Lodge in New Zealand

Impeccable eco-luxury surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is remote luxury at its finest. The West Coast of the South Island is your home for the night, but don’t feel limited to just viewing the rainforest from your suite. Explore it. Every step through the lush bush uncovers glaciers, rivers, mountains, lakes — and all of the wildlife that inhabits it.

The Long White Cloud covers 19 cities in just as many days, instantly becoming one of Luxury Gold’s most comprehensive tours of New Zealand. Discover this country from every angle, with curated experiences including an exciting river safari, dinner with a former rugby star, and a private boat tour to the Waitomo Cave.

 

GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca, Peru

 

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Set adrift on Lake Titicaca, the private island of Esteves hosts an unforgettable overnight experience. GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca stands alone on a rocky bayside hill, surrounded by reed forest. You’re welcome to turn in early after a soak in the jacuzzi or sit in the sauna, but the best way to say goodnight is sitting at the hotel’s sunset viewpoint with a hot chocolate in hand.

Feast your eyes upon the Treasures of the Incas during Luxury Gold’s 12-day otherworldly excursion of Peru. From Lima, through the Sacred Valley, and onto Cusco, this tour showcases the landscape of a country that’s far more rich in beauty than its metallic tokens will ever be.

 

Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort, Australia

 

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Leave it to Australia to redefine remote luxury in the desert. Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort refines the standard five-star experience yet leaves your favorite forms of relaxation untouched. Dine on Indigenous-inspired cuisine paired with regional wines then find a shady spot under a gumtree where only the thick heat of the Northern Territory stands between you and a sparkling pool.

Feel revitalized after 13-days spent exploring Inspiring Australia. Start and end in Sydney, departing only to cruise the Great Barrier Reef, savoring a barbecue in the outback, and drinking in the Hunter Valley wine region.

 

Hotel Union Geiranger, Norway

 

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It goes without saying that remote luxury in Scandinavia will include a bevy of spa services so allow Hotel Union Geiranger to slide you a menu without a word. The roaring fireplace crackling beside the pool in the Union Spa does the talking: between the sauna, steam bath, Japanese hot bath, and hydra walk, every muscle of yours will unwind in warm relaxation.  

The Timeless Scandinavia tour combines popular city breaks in Stockholm and Copenhagen with a visit to the mythical Geiranger fjords. Once in a lifetime places to travel are hardly as accessible as this tour makes it seem: the ride on the Flåm Railway Scenic Train itself will show you the raw, untouched beauty of Scandinavia that few people other than passengers ever see. 

 

Ashford Castle

 

Aerial view of Ashford Castle hotel and grounds, with views stretching across green fields and woodland

Ireland’s Ashford Castle is far more than a remote luxury hotel in the regal County Mayo. This site has seen nearly a millennia travelers come and go. Follow their footsteps across 350-acres of rolling hills as you engage in falconry, fishing, traditional boating, and archery. And as any good guest should, you’ll pay homage to the Guinness family that once called Ashford Castle home with a pint in the George V dining room.

With imposing fortresses lining the countrysides, Great Britain and Ireland have long coveted remote luxury far removed from the town center. Luxury Gold’s Castles & Kingdoms tour affords you 20 days to indulge in regal experiences throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, including a night spent in the five-star hospitality of Ashford Castle. 

Extraordinary hotel stays are just an average travel day with Luxury Gold. Book the trip of a lifetime today and discover a new level of luxury. 

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Africa, Europe, Latin America, Luxury Journeys, USA and Canada

These Hotels and Experiences Echo Old-World Glamor

February 20, 2024 by kjbirtles No Comments
external facade of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

In a time where travel is often characterized by speed and efficiency, there remains a coveted niche with more travelers seeking out hotels and experiences that hark back to a bygone era of glamor and leisure. Hotels and experiences that echo old-world charm offer more than just luxury. They embody a timeless elegance and storied past, often with a rich historical significance. From grand hotels that have welcomed royalty to regal train journeys that evoke the golden age, here are our top hotels and experiences for old-world glamor.

1. Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

external facade of Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

bartenders shaking cocktails at Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

If you want to experience the old-world glamor of the roaring 20s, you’ve got to go to Paris. It’s the epicenter of The Lost Generation, a legendary group of artists, writers and creators who flocked to the French capital after WWI. The likes of Hemingway, Stein, Picasso, Fitzgerald, Joyce, Pound and Eliot would spend their time swapping ideas and creating art, poems and novels and socializing in bohemian cafés and jazz bars. 

To get a taste of this history, stay at the Hôtel du Louvre, a Parisian icon since the 19th century. Facing the magnificent Louvre Museum, the hotel’s Haussmannian façade and stunning views have inspired countless artists who’ve stayed here including opera singer Enrico Caruso and writer Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s the perfect place to start tracing the steps of Lost Generation, with sumptuous suites, sweeping marble staircases, and traditional French cuisine served at the hotel’s brasserie. 

You might like to begin your exploration of Parisian institutions at Harry’s New York Bar. Founded in 1911, it was a beloved watering hole of the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Porter. The bar continues to exude the glitz of the early 19th century, serving classic cocktails and smooth jazz. 

Stay at the Hôtel du Louvre on: Ultimate Southern France With Paris Extension

We think you’ll also like: Harry’s Bars: The Story of Europe’s Two Most Glamorous Watering Holes

2. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Oleander Terrace at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

dining room at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

Set in the heart of Croatia’s vibrant capital, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a dazzling taste of the roaring 20s. With a legacy dating back to 1925, the hotel was originally built to provide luxurious accommodations for passengers of the famed Orient Express. As you enter the grand lobby, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication, with its Art Deco details echoing the golden age of travel. 

Each room and suite is decked out in rich fabrics, elegant decor, and modern amenities, while the hotel’s signature restaurant, Zinfandel’s, dishes up an artful menu of traditional Croatian cuisine. You can also enjoy Parisian-inspired ambiance and classic Croatian dishes at Le Bistro, or enjoy afternoon tea or cocktail at the Oleander Terrace overlooking the city. 

Having hosted an array of stars, dignitaries and cultural icons over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, Josephine Baker, and Charles Lindbergh, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a true cultural landmark. 

Stay at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more about the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: A Taste of the Roaring Twenties: Inside Zagreb’s Stunning Hotel Esplanade

3. Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

bedroom at Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

courtyard at Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

Set on the edge of the lagoon, a stone’s throw away from St. Mark’s Square, the Hotel Metropole in Venice has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Once an orphanage and church, where Antonio Vivaldi taught music to orphans in the 1700s, the hotel now features a Michelin-starred restaurant, MET, and an acclaimed art collection.

You’ll be swept away in time, with elaborate tapestries, frescoes, and Murano glass chandeliers. Music is still at the heart of the Hotel Metropole, with icons like Lou Reed, Patty Smith, Lenny Kravitz, and Grace Jones all staying here over the years. There’s also a luxurious spa and a private water taxi service to explore the canals of Venice. 

If you want to continue your immersion into old-world glamor, visit “the other” legendary Harry’s Bar. Founded in 1931, it’s the birthplace of the Bellini and was once a favored watering hole of Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Orson Welle. Today, Harry’s Bar remains a symbol of 20th-century literature, art and Venetian culinary traditions.

Stay at the Hotel Metropole on: Ultimate Italy

We think you’ll also like: Hiding in Plain Sight: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels

4. The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

lobby at The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

dining room at The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

Follow the rhythms of jazz to The Ritz Carlton in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Housed in the historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building on Canal Street, this hotel blends the old-world glamor of New Orleans with the impeccable service of the Ritz.

The hotel’s ornate architecture, grand lobby, and stylish suites transport you to an era of opulence, but the Ritz Carlton New Orleans is much more than a place to stay; it’s a celebration of the Big Easy’s unique charm and southern hospitality. Guests can indulge in the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans at the M Bistro and enjoy live jazz music while sipping on cocktails at the Davenport Lounge. There’s also a rejuvenating spa with treatments that blend local ingredients and healing practice, or you can get out and explore the French Quarter’s famed music venues, galleries and restaurants.

Stay at The Ritz Carlton New Orleans on: Southern Grace 

Read more about The Ritz Carlton New Orleans: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

5. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

aerial view of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

lounge area of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

Perched atop Cape Diamond overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is an icon of Quebec City. With châteauesque architecture, opulent ballrooms and a storied past dating back to the late 19th century, this hotel drips in the grandeur of a bygone era. 

The rooms and suites are a blend of old-world glamor and modern elegance, with stunning views of the old city or flowing river below. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant features exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients. The 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar offers a cozy ambiance for guests to sample the finest Quebecois cheeses paired with world-class wines. 

The Château Frontenac has also played host to world leaders, royalty and celebrities, and its halls echo with the whispers of historical events that shaped the world. Queen Elizabeth II, Charles de Gaulle, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, and Celine Dion have all stayed here, while Alfred Hitchcock chose the Château Frontenac as a location for his 1953 film “I Confess”. Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and William Lyon Mackenzie King also famously met at this hotel during WWII to discuss strategies. 

Stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Read more about Château Frontenac: The revered Quebec City hotel with an iconic movie star reputation

6. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

aerial view of Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

swimming pool at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

Overlooking the grand Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is a spectacular stay. The hotel offers unparalleled views of the world’s largest waterfall system, but it also exudes an air of old-world glamor. The regal suites are filled with plush furnishing, artisanal fabrics, locally-commissioned artworks, and Portuguese-colonial architecture. 

Surrounded by the sounds of the lush jungle, the pastel-pink retreat has welcomed a host of luminaries, including Princess Diana, Prince Albert of Monaco, David Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Jackie Chan, and Paul Simon. You’ll walk in their footsteps as you wander through the orchid gardens, sip caipirinhas by the tranquil pool, and enjoy spa treatments with local, responsibly harvested ingredients.

Stay at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas: Classic South America

We think you’ll also like: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

7. Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

aerial view of Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

reading room at Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

The Isle of Capri is synonymous with glitz and luxury, and the Grand Hotel Quisisana lives up to this reputation. Nestled in the heart of Capri, the hotel has been a hub of elegance and exclusivity since its inception in 1845. Originally conceived as a sanatorium (Quisisana means ‘here one heals’) by a doctor, the hotel transformed into a luxurious cultural and social hub. It still hosts glamorous events like fashion shows and art exhibitions today.

The Quisisana’s guest list reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries. Artists, writers, stars, and dignitaries all found solace and inspiration within its walls, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Audrey Hepburn, and Jean Paul Sartre. 

You’ll find your own slice of restoration here, with the hotel’s soothing QuisiBeauty spa and gorgeous pool. There’s also several impressive restaurants overlooking the ​​glittering Gulf of Naples, with views of the Faraglioni rocks. It’s all backed by marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and curated art collections. There’s even a Liberty-style theatre designed by the famous architect Giò Ponti in 1929. 

Stay at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on: Ultimate Italy

Read more about Capri: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

8. Rovos Rail, South Africa

bedroom suite on the Rovos Rail, South Africa

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

lounge carriage on the Rovos Rail, South Africa

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

Rovos Rail is a journey into the heart of South Africa, wrapped in the luxury and nostalgia of the golden age of travel. Step aboard the Rovos Rail and settle into Edwardian elegance, with remarkably plush interiors. The regal wood paneling and thick carpeting give way to modern amenities including air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. As you marvel at the passing landscapes from the lush Cape Winelands to the dramatic Great Karoo and the vast African bushveld, you’ll appreciate the art of slow rail travel.

Dining is also a highlight, with gourmet meals prepared by chefs using local ingredients, served in the sophisticated dining cars. Whether you sip cocktails in the moody bars or relax in the observation car, Rovos Rail is true old-world glamor.

Experience the Rovos Rail journey on: Spectacular South Africa with Rovos Rail

Discover more luxury train journeys: Get to the Heart of Your Destination With These Boutique Train Journeys

9. Nile River cruise, Egypt

swimming pool and deck on Nile River cruise ship

chef and guests chatting over dinner on Nile River cruise ship

Embark on a timeless journey along the world’s longest river onboard an exclusive, five-star cruise. As you glide along the Nile, you’ll come face-to-face with ancient temples, tombs and treasures that have stood for millennia. Sail from Luxor to Aswan to discover the Valley of the Kings. Explore Karnak Temple and Kom Obo accompanied by an expert Egyptologist. Back on board the ship, enjoy the sun deck, pool and gourmet dining showcasing the best of Egyptian cuisine. You’ll retreat to stylish suites with stunning river views, providing a truly intimate exploration of the Nile’s grandeur. 

Embark on a Nile River cruise on: Elegance of the Nile

Read more about the Nile: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

Banner photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

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Europe, Luxury Journeys

Sunshine on a plate: Travel Concierge Dom on his love of Iberia

January 17, 2024 by Leanne Williams No Comments

To dream of Iberia is to dream of passion, culture and exceptional cuisine. To elicit the true essence of Spain and Portugal, there’s no one quite like your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.

More than a local expert, they live and breathe your destination. Offering a personal, tailored service, combined with a black book of contacts known only to locals, they make our limited-edition journeys exceptional.

Here, Travel Concierge Dom shares his passion for Iberia, what makes Spain and Portugal so unique and tells us how to savor the best of this exceptional region.

For travel inspiration read our destination guides: Spain and Portugal

Why Iberia has my heart

Travel Concierge Dom smiling and wearing a navy suit jacket

“My love of travel, and of Iberia, started young when I would travel to Spain on family holidays,” Dom tells us. “As a kid I loved the differences, the foreignness, the desire to explore another culture. And at that age it involved making friends with the local kids, joining in crab fishing on the beach, for example. Despite not understanding the language at the time, I found I had a natural ability to assimilate, and I developed a yearning to know and experience more.

“As I got older, I became addicted to seeing other cultures and comparing them to mine. Iberia was a natural gravitation. It’s sunny, the people are great. I’m really interested in the history and the culture, and I really enjoy sharing this love with others. My love of travel grew, ultimately leading me to become a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.”

 Discover Iberia on: Spain & Portugal in Style

 An exquisitely crafted itinerary

Aerial shot of Lisbon showing red and white houses with a chateau on a hill and water in the background 

“The Spain & Portugal in Style itinerary is so well curated,” says Dom. “You go from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, from Barcelona through Southern Spain and over to Lisbon. ‘You see the capital cities and all the big hitters, and there’s plenty of free time to appreciate what else each location has to offer as well.

“Harnessing the true passion of Iberia, a highlight for guests in Seville is a flamenco dance lesson and performance at the Christina Heeren Foundation. I’ve seen many flamenco shows but this is just another level of excellence. The dancing and the musicians, they are the top of their game, literally the best artists in the world.”

Read more about this exclusive flamenco experience: Discovering the Soul of Spain with Alexandra Hoffer in Seville

Spain and Portugal – alike yet unique

Torre Belem in Lisbon, Portugal at sunset

“The history of Spain and Portugal differs to the rest of Europe,” Dom explains. “These distinctive cultural influences, garnered from an eclectic peopling of Iberia, mean that today they have their own way of doing things. Both countries are very European, but at the same time there’s a unique look to their architecture, their food and so forth.

“Spain and Portugal then differ from each other, through influences from their respective explorations and empires. Portuguese also sounds very different to Spanish, and the people are often a bit more reserved, particularly compared to those in southern Spain.

“A key part of my role is to bring the history to life for guests, along with guiding them through the nuances and differences. I love sharing these stories as we travel between locations.

“As you cross the border and travel into Portugal, changes are subtle, such as seeing road signs in a different language. Then once you start to travel onwards through the countryside, the Atlantic influence reveals itself in the flora and fauna.”

You may also be interested to read: Connect With the Natural World Through These Exclusive Experiences

Iberian food culture – a perfect fit for small group travel

Aerial shot of hands chinking wine glasses, with tapas below

“On Spain & Portugal in Style we’ve got some outstanding restaurants, and many ways to enjoy food, from Michelin-starred dining to a cooking class,” Dom tells us. “Food in Iberia is such a big thing; the culture revolves around the cuisine and dining experience.

“I love how Luxury Gold guests really adopt the culinary culture of the places that we’re going to. Just like the Spanish and the Portuguese, we have long lunches and big sociable dinners.”

My foodie highlights – Spanish fine dining and local Portuguese fare

Fine dining dish of colourful ingredients

Credit: @lanticmoli on Instagram

“L’Antic Moli in southern Catalonia is definitely one of my highlights – Michelin-starred dining and a true Spanish cultural experience,” Dom says. “On my last tour we were there for three hours. Course after course of impeccable flavors and textures, and lots of talking; no one wanted to leave!

“In contrast, when we cross over into Portugal, we stop in a very small village called Serpa – the kind of place you wouldn’t know to go to. Here  as part of the itinerary, we experienced something very different in a local restaurant: Cante Alentejano polyphonic singing. The restaurant was rustic, with wooden tables and vegetables and meats brought out in big terracotta bowls, all accompanied by this wonderful authentic music. That is also one of my favorites and the contrasts just blow me away.”

Read more: Meet Michelin-star chef Vicent Guimerà of Spain’s L’Antic Molí restaurant

My favorite ingredients and dishes

“For me it’s all about the simple ingredients – the fresh Mediterranean salad for example is always a winner. I also recommend the tortilla (Spanish omelet) which I eat daily. In Spain you will find even the basic things are done in such a wonderful way. The Mediterranean diet is also of course very famous for its health benefits.

“My favorite Portuguese dish is a fish one, cod of course, the country’s specialty. There is a dish called ‘Bacalhau com natas’, a delicious combination of shredded cod with cream, sliced potatoes, onion and cheese, all baked in the oven, which is best washed down with vinho verde, green wine. And for dessert, the original, impeccable pastel de nata, custard tart. Yum!”

You may also enjoy reading: Cape expectations: how Travel Concierge Jameel makes South Africa sing

Savor seafood in Barcelona

Spanish gambas served on a white dish

“Both Spain and Portugal have some of the most incredible seafood in the world,” says Dom, “and a great place to indulge is Barcelona.

“I used to live in Barcelona, so I know it well, and I recommend guests head out the seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta. This old fishing village is now home to multi-million dollar yachts and some outstanding eateries.

“The 7 Portes restaurant, which is 186 years old, is the ideal place for old school Barcelona food. It is famed for its rice dishes and paellas, tapas and traditional cannelloni.

“One of my favorite seafood restaurants is called Botafumeiro which is also not far from our hotel. The dishes here include warm spider crab pie, a Botafumeiro-style Spiny-lobster and grilled Palamós shrimps.”

For more Barcelona dining recommendations: For Fine Dining in Spain, This City Sets the Gold Standard

Indulge in Gaudi

The colourful mosaics of Pauk Guell in Barcelona, blue sky in background

Of course, Spain & Portugal in Style about more than food. Visiting all the top sights, the tour starts on a cultural high. “Whilst there we visit Gaudi’s iconic Barcelona masterpiece La Sagrada Familia with THE best local specialist,” says Dom. This unique modern temple has been under construction since 1882 and is not actually yet finished.

“All I can hear is guests saying, wow, wow and everyone has really sore necks because you always looking up in wonder! We also visit Park Güell up on the hill where Gaudi’s architecture meets his inspiration – nature.

“There are so many more outstanding buildings from Gaudi in Barcelona. So, with their spare time I often advise guests to visit these – the Casa Mila, the Casa Vicens and many others.

“Continuing on an art theme of recommendations for guests, Picasso grew up in Barcelona and lived very close to the previously mentioned 7 Portes Gates restaurant. The Picasso Museum houses an extensive collection and is well worth a visit.”

Bright blue rooftop pool at the Ohla Eixample hotel Barcelona

Luxury Gold guests can in fact rest their sore necks from admiring Gaudi and all these art works by booking a ‘Bath butler’ at the five-star Ohla Eixample where we stay whilst in Barcelona. Coming back after a long day and finding the perfect bath waiting for you: salts, candles, relaxing herbal tea or a bottle of cava. Just one of the exceptional hotels that are a hallmark of every Luxury Gold journey.

You may also enjoy reading: Hiding in Plain Sight: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels

My hotel highlight – Evora’s Convento do Espinheiro

Bedroom of Ohla Eixample hotel in Barcelona whooping white bed lined, red and brown furnishings and a window view of trees and blue sky

“Each of the hotels is fabulous, and has their own style, but the one that always amazes me the Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal,” says Dom. The stunning 15th century building and gardens was once a convent, with rooms featuring antique or 1950s-inspired furnishings.

Ornate chapel with frescos of the Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal

“The cloisters and the chapel are still there, it’s quite remarkable. We have dinner in the Cellars where they used to make the wine and the olive oil. As well as the exceptional service, the uniqueness of staying in what used to be a convent is really special. You’d never think really to stay in in such a place.

Discover more of our exceptional hotels: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

Personalize your day in Madrid

Marbel facade of the Prado Museum in Madrid

A key feature on all Luxury Gold tours are the opportunities for guests to personalize their day with a choice of two experiences. These offer contrasting ways to explore and experience your destination, each carefully curated with the Luxury Gold guest in mind,

In Madrid guests have the option to visit the Prado Museum with an art historian, or to take a walking tour through Madrid’s Old Town.

“For art lovers, or just those with an interest in Spain and its history this is the one to take,” says Dom. “In European terms Italy and France are famed for their museums but Spain often gets overlooked. The Prado is a world class gallery, and you can learn about the history and story of Spain from these masterpieces. There are the Royal portraits from artists such as Velazquez and Goya. There are also many international artists on display, Titian and Bosch, for example. There’s even a copy of Mona Lisa from DaVinci’s workshop. Not a lot of people know that.”

Colourful back streets of Madrid

“Then those who want to be a bit more active and see kind of the backstreets of Old Madrid and some kind of little secret corners there, the way to go would be The Walking tour. This is also the perfect opportunity to get churros, a highlight of any day!”

“In fact, on this day, people can do both experiences in Madrid if they want,” Dom adds. “This is one of the many benefits of our Spain and Portugal itinerary, and of small group journeys – the flexibility to adapt to how our guests may be feeling on any given day.”

You may also be interested to read: Why Spain Sets the Gold Standard for Art Museums

Visit Spain and Portugal or the ultimate luxury vacation with exceptional hotels and exquisite cuisine, on Spain & Portugal in Style, or choose from our worldwide collection of small group journeys.

 

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