Heed the call of the great outdoors and get back to nature at these luxurious retreats, immersed in the world’s most beautiful landscapes. From remote chalets in New Zealand’s Fiordland and lavish suites in Kruger National Park to a Nile River cruise and a garden oasis in Vietnam, these are some of the finest nature retreats you can experience with Luxury Gold. 

Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland, New Zealand

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Take a journey to New Zealand’s extraordinary Fiordland National Park and discover the ultimate luxury nature retreat at Milford Sound Lodge. Set on the edge of the iconic Milford Sound and Milford Track, the lodge is surrounded by the rushing Cleddau River, ancient beech tree forest, waterfalls and towering mountains.

With few other buildings (or people) around, this is a rare opportunity to stay in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland. The beautiful, secluded chalets are right on the river and forest, with rushing waterfalls just steps away. With floor-to-ceiling windows and wide open decks to soak it all in, this nature retreat is an unparalleled experience.

Read more: The ultimate nature retreat: welcome to Milford Sound Lodge 

Experience it: The Long White Cloud

River Tosca, Nile River, Egypt

If you’re looking to reconnect with the great outdoors on the water, you’ll be drawn to Egypt’s Nile River. When you cruise the Nile with Luxury Gold, you’ll spend your nights onboard the deluxe River Tosca ship. This is where old-world elegance melds with modern luxuries, with stylish and spacious suites complemented by marble bathrooms. You’ll have a front-row seat to the Nile River as you relax on the sun deck in the pool or under shaded cabanas, watching the ever-changing scenery float by.

Experience it: Elegance of Egypt

The Fairmont Resorts, Banff National Park, Canada

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Two of the most coveted nature retreats in the world are the Fairmont Château Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs, both located in the UNESCO-listed Banff National Park. 

Fairmont Château Lake Louise is set on the shores of the dazzling Lake Louise. Enveloped by the most breathtaking scenery, you’ll feel completely immersed in the soaring mountains and glaciers at this historic hotel. This magnificent castle offers an exceptional experience, and you’ll have opportunities to spot local wildlife, enjoy a lakeside stroll with an award-winning naturalist, or ride a gondola above Lake Louise. 

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Less than an hour away, you’ll find the equally spectacular Fairmont Banff Springs. Known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, Fairmont Banff Springs sits at the base of Rundle Mountain. It’s ringed by lush forest and the turquoise Spray River. You’ll spend your days exploring the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, then enjoy an exquisite dinner of local specialities in the evening. 

Experience both resorts: Majesty of the Rockies

Lions Sands Tinga Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa  

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There are few better places to reconnect with the great outdoors than at the luxurious Lions Sands Tinga Lodge. Set on the banks of the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, you can spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinos, all from your private deck and plunge pool in your grand suite. After spending your days on game drives, you can unwind in the afternoon at the lodge’s infinity pool, bar lounge, library or Africology Spa. As night falls, dine on South African cuisine by candlelight on the terrace, then drift off to the sounds of wild animals in the distance. 

Experience it: Spectacular South Africa

Pilgrimage Village, Hue, Vietnam

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Dreaming of escaping to the quiet countryside? Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa is your oasis in Hue. Surrounded by lush, peaceful gardens, Pilgrimage Village is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature. Wander under leafy trees and cycle past emerald rice fields. Soak in the steam bath or take part in meditation, yoga and tai chi classes in the gardens.

You can also venture to the nearby traditional garden houses of Phu Mong village and be serenaded by local musicians at the Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre. With Luxury Gold, you’ll enjoy a VIP visit to the Imperial Citadel and the royal tomb of Minh Mang. You’ll also meet the headmaster of the Vietnamese Royal Martial Arts Academy or a collector in his private museum, so you can combine the best of culture in the great outdoors on your getaway.

Experience it: Inspiring Indochina

Sails in the Desert, Uluru, Australia

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Set in Australia’s Red Centre on Uluru doorstep, the five-star Sails in the Desert is an immersive nature retreat. While Uluru and the Kata Tjuṯa domes are the stars, this impressive resort amplifies the natural wonders. You’ll go on guided walks around Uluru and through whistling Walpa Gorge. Then enjoy sparkling wine and appetizers as you witness the enchanting sunset over Uluru. At sunrise, you’ll watch Bruce Munro’s Field of Light art installation of coloured glass spheres illuminate Uluru. From hearing the ancient stories of the Anangu people, the traditional guardians of the land, to experiencing the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner, this is a mesmerising retreat in the Australian Outback.

Experience it: Inspiring Australia

Nahargarh Ranthambhore, Ranthambore National Park, India

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Nestled in the foothills of Aravalli Range, right on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, this magnificent palace hotel offers a truly special experience in the great outdoors. Home to around 80 protected Bengal tigers, Ranthambore is one of the best places to see tigers in the wild.

You’ll explore the former royal hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur with a Local Expert. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive tigers on game drives, and also watch out for other animals like leopards and sloth bears. You’ll also see the ancient royal ruins dotted around the park from traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions to a 1,000-year-old fort. In the evening, you’ll return to the elegant Nahargarh Ranthambhore to relax in the pool and superb restaurant. 

Experience it: Essence of India

A source of life and power for millennia the River Nile is rightfully known as the grandest river in the world. Its history, prestige and modern-day influence is rooted in its central role in the development of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. The Nile is not only a source of stunning scenery, but also a treasure trove of historic sites that provide a glimpse into the rich and fascinating history of Egypt.

A sacred river

The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching over 4,000 miles from its source in Lake Victoria to its mouth at the Mediterranean Sea. For thousands of years, it has been a vital lifeline for the people of Egypt, providing water for agriculture, transportation and trade. The river was also a key factor in the rise of ancient Egyptian civilization, with many of the country’s most iconic landmarks and monuments situated along its banks.

The Nile was not only a source of life for the people who lived along its banks but also a key factor in their social, political and economic systems. In ancient times, the Nile was worshipped as the god Hapi, who was believed to be the source of all life. The annual flooding was seen as a gift from the gods, as it provided the necessary water and nutrients to sustain crops and livestock.

For travel inspiration: Egypt destination guide

Known for its strategic importance

The Nile also provided a means of transportation for goods and people, which facilitated trade and commerce throughout the region. During the colonial period, European powers recognized the strategic importance of controlling the Nile and its tributaries. The Nile Valley became a focal point of international competition, and Britain, France and Italy vied for control of the region.

Today, the Nile remains a vital source of water, food, and energy for millions of people in Egypt, Sudan and other countries along its banks. The Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, harnesses the power of the Nile to generate electricity and irrigate crops. It ended the cycle of flood and drought in the Nile River region, and exploited a tremendous source of renewable energy, but had a controversial environmental impact.

Discover this on: Elegance of Egypt

Sublime from the water

One of the best ways to experience the Nile is by boarding a luxury river cruise. From the comfort of your ship, you’ll be able to soak up the stunning scenery and visit some of Egypt’s most famous landmarks and historical sites.

As you cruise down the Nile, you’ll see why it is the grandest river in the world. Here you can relax and soak up the spectacular scenery. From the lush green banks of the river to the stark desert landscape beyond, the Nile offers a breathtaking variety of landscapes to admire. And as the sun sets over the river, the atmosphere becomes even more magical, with the sound of traditional music and the scent of exotic spices filling the air.

Discover this on: Elegance of the Nile

Cairo

One of the major sights of the Nile is Cairo. The ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ is the capital of Egypt and is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. A city rich in history, museums and ancient artefacts, Cairo is also the place to indulge in exceptional hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Egyptian food is a mixture of all the different civilizations that came to Egypt. Savoury dishes, with aromatic spices enable you to taste all these cultures on one plate. In ancient times, the proximity of Egypt to the Middle East and the presence of the River Nile, made trade easy. Hence Egypt enjoyed produce from foreign countries as well, heavily influenced their cuisine.

Cairo is also famous for the Giza Pyramids Complex, which holds one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Pyramid of King Khufu.

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Giza – the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids

A spectacular landmark that can be seen from the Nile, the Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. This magnificent statue of a lion with a human head is one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt, along with the great Pyramids. The Pyramids of Giza were built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure in the 26th century BCE. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and most famous, standing at over 480 feet tall.

Discover this on: Elegance of the Pharaohs

Read more: Six Spectacular Egyptian Temples

The Luxor Temple complex

The spectacular Luxor Temple complex spans both banks of the Nile, the grandest river in the world, and houses seven great temples and monuments: Goornah, Deir-el-Bahari, the Colossi of Memnon, the Ramesseum, and Medinet Habu on the West Bank; and Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank. A stunning example of ancient Egyptian architecture and art, the temples were dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu.

This vast complex of temples and chapels was built over a period of 2,000 years and is one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Towering columns and intricate carvings reveal what life was like for the pharaohs and priests who once worshipped here. The avenue of sphinxes, which connects the temples to the Karnak Temple complex, is also a major highlight.

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Kom Ombo

 The Temple of Kom Ombo is another historic site along the Nile and was built in the 2nd century BCE during the Ptolemaic dynasty. The temple is unique in that it is dedicated to two gods: the falcon-headed Horus and the crocodile-headed Sobek. Its divided into two sections, each with its own entrance, hall and sanctuary.

One of the most interesting features of the Temple of Kom Ombo is the presence of a number of medical texts and surgical instruments. These artifacts suggest that the temple may have been used as a centre for healing and that the priests who served there may have been skilled in medicine.

 Abu Simbel

Another must-see historical site along the grandest river in the world is Abu Simbel, located in southern Egypt near the border with Sudan. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to two temples built by the pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. The temples are famous for their colossal statues of the pharaoh, which are over 60 feet tall, and for their intricate carvings and hieroglyphs.

The most magnificent of the monuments Ramses II built, Abu Simbel is both the perfect example of the ambition of this pharaoh’s reign and also a model illustration of the achievements of modern engineering and global cooperation. Today, visitors here still crane their necks in disbelief at the behemoth temples just as the pharaoh’s subjects would have done when the temples were first raised.

The entire temple complex was transplanted from its original location and lifted piece by piece to its current site by an international UNESCO team working against the clock to preserve it from being flooded by the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s.

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To savor the riches of the Nile, the grandest river in the world for yourself, take a look at our limited-edition tours to Egypt. Whether you choose to cruise the waters or travel by land, enjoy luxurious accommodations, exceptional cuisine and first-class service every step of the way.