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Concierge Tips, Europe

Making it personal: How Travel Concierge Anna elevates your Italy experience

March 17, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Experts in your destination and there to tailor your journey, your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge offers the ultimate service. More than a guide they offer a flawless personal service, tailored to you. To learn how Ultimate Italy is made even more ultimate, we spoke with Travel Concierge Anna to find out more about how she personalizes your tour.

Discover our Italy Luxury Tours and Vacation Packages

Meet Travel Concierge Anna

A specialist in Italy for over 15 years, Travel Concierge Anna knows this beautiful country inside-out. And, a key skill of a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge, she also knows people. “Tailoring the perfect Italy tour comes from our destination experience and understanding our guests. It is also about getting to know people quickly and identifying their wishes and desires.”

Through a combination of conversation and intuition, Anna gets to know guests’ needs right from the start. “I will spend time with them on the first night. As it is always a small group, it’s quite easy to get to know guests fairly quickly and offer a personal one-to-one service. I’ll ask if you have particular things that you’re interested in and would like do.”

But the personalization process doesn’t stop there. Throughout the tour Anna will continue to intuit guest’s likes and dislikes, tailoring the experience as she goes.

“As the trip goes on you learn more and more about people,” she says. “So, we also adapt to guests’ needs as we go. Through my expert knowledge of Italy, I have plenty great ideas up my sleeve to tailor your experience.”

Discover this on Ultimate Italy

Exceptional dining for every palate

@mammarestaurant

Exceptional dining is at the heart of every Luxury Gold journey, with some truly exquisite restaurants featured on our sublime Ultimate Italy tour. There are also opportunities for guests to choose how and where they dine. In a gastronomic haven such as Italy, Travel Concierge Anna’s local knowledge and expertise enables guests to tailor their culinary experience.

“In Capri, we dine at Michelin starred restaurant Mamma, where the food is exquisite and the views are jaw-dropping,” Anna tells us. “You approach through little narrow back alleys, through a tiny little door which then opens up to a panoramic view over the Mediterranean out towards Naples. It is an amazing dining experience.”

Related content: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

“When guest have a free evening, for example in Perugia or Florence, I will help choose where to dine. In each location I’ve hand-selected restaurants that serve delicious fare and are located near the hotel. Each areslightly different, for example one may be fine dining, one may be very atmospheric and local. Another might simply serve outstanding pizzas, we are in Italy of course!” she says with a smile.

“When it comes to gastronomy, every region is totally different. This is something I love to share with guests. Southern Italy is all about seafood and the views. When in Rome it’s all about finding that little backstreet trattoria that has traditional dishes served by Mom and Pop. And in Tuscany, Florentine steak takes pride of place on the menu.

“You may also have particular restaurants that you’ve heard of and wish to visit, in which case I will help with reservations where possible. It becomes apparent very quickly when guests are really into food so I love to help them out on that journey with all that Italy has to offer.”

Related content: Where to Find the Most Rare & Expensive Food in the World

Pick between exclusive experiences

With many exclusive experiences included on Luxury Gold tours, there are also times where guests can personalize their day, through a choice of two different experiences.

Carefully selected by your Travel Concierge, these thoughtful choices are curated with the Luxury Gold guest in mind. “The thing is with Italy, it has so much to offer,” Anna says. “It has art, history, architecture, beaches, mountains and vineyards. And of course, it has fabulous food and wine. It’s an incredible place.

“In the stunning hilltop town of Assisi in the heart of Umbria, knowing that art and culture appeal to our guests, we extend this offering with the opportunity to visit Saint Francis Basilica, to see stunning frescos dating back around 800 years.

“However, we also understand that guests might want something different, so they may prefer to join a local gourmand to taste delicious Umbrian specialities. That might be mushroom or truffle paste on crostini, interesting varieties of salamis or maybe the famous Umbrian pork, along with delicious olive oils.”

Elevating the everyday

“I’m always considering any opportunities to tailor a guest’s experience,” Anna explains. “I can show secret treasures that you might not otherwise find. If I know that someone is really into art, as we are walking through the streets of Rome I might quietly say ‘let’s just pop into this church because I happen to know there’s a Caravaggio in here.’ This is what happens when you are well experienced and know these hidden gems.”

Related content: The Luxury Gold guide to discovering statement art pieces on your travels

Special moments made exceptional

Wherever possible Anna assists with special requests, to make your journey extra special. “Sometimes guests are keen to trace their family history,” she says. “Guests from the United States often have family connections in Italy. If we are staying very close to where their family originates, I might help them make a visit. This can be a very emotional experience for everyone.”

“We also have guests celebrating big anniversaries, in which case I will help them make it extra special, to find a superb restaurant or location for a truly memorable occasion. There are lots of suggestions that we can make for special moments.”

Related content: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

The best of both worlds

“Whilst guests want their service to be personalized, they also love being in a group, to have fun and share experiences together,” says Anna. “This is the great joy of taking these tours, meeting people and making new friends. But for our guests, knowing that they can also tailor their experience is the best of both worlds.”

To enjoy the wealth of treasures the Italy has to offer, and benefit from the personal service of your Travel Concierge, take a look at our Ultimate Italy limited edition luxury .tour

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Asia, Luxury Journeys

Uncovering India’s cultural riches, with acclaimed historian Rana Safvi

February 28, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

There’s no better way to discover the real India than by meeting those who know her best. And few know her like the renowned writer, scholar and local historian Rana Safvi.

Journey with us to India on a Founder’s Collection and you’ll enjoy an intimate dinner with Rana at Sana-Di-Ge, where she will teach you about her studies of Indian culture and how they relate to present day life in India. Dine on the finest seafood, share experiences and delve deep into the heart of this fascinating country.

We spoke to her to find out more about what Luxury Gold guests can expect when they dine at her side in Delhi.

Discover this on: Imperial Rajasthan

Read more: Exclusive travel encounters: Founder’s Collection

One of India’s most revered minds

Described as a ‘a schoolteacher-turned-veteran writer on premodern India,’ Rana Safvi is one of India’s most acclaimed writers and scholars.

Rana’s authored work focusses on documenting the many monuments, shrines and structures that shine a light on India’s fascinating and extensive past. Through these she tells the story of India’s heritage, with a particular focus on architecture relating to the sultanates that ruled parts of India from the 13th century onwards. “I love interacting with people and showcasing my work and my country,” Rana tells us. “So, I am very excited to be meeting with Luxury Gold guests, and to share my love for India’s monuments and the stories and history around them. This country has such a unique culture and heritage it will be a delight to share stories with guests, and to help them get to know the real India.”

Always inspired and intrigued by her country, Rana began her writing career later on in life. Inspired by her time as a teacher, of her work she has said “The idea was to write narrative history that everybody could relate to, and therefore help reduce misinformation.”

For travel inspiration: India destination guide

 Related content: From off-grid trips to nostalgic getaways: the top luxury holiday destinations for 2023

Making her mark on literature

Rana first emerged as a writer in 2004 when she started her blog ranasafvi.com, which has grown into an archive of cultural, literary and historical heritage. In 2015 she published her first book ‘Where Stones Speak: Historical Trails in Mehrauli.’ The book takes you on a walk through the oldest of Delhi’s seven cities, Mehrauli,. describing the religious diversity of its monuments, each a living memory of an era dissolved in history.

Rana is also a regular contributor to various national newspapers and magazines and is a much-sought after speaker at conferences and seminars. A skilled translator, Rana has also translated original Urdu works for today’s audience.

Related content: The Most Colorful Cities in the World

Unravelling India’s complex and diverse past

 

Through her work, Rana is always keen to communicate that India’s past was diverse and complex. She documents not only Islamic, but Hindu and Buddhist monuments, including the oldest architectural remains of the earliest rock-cut caves.

She has also documented dargahs (shrines built over the graves of revered religious figures), and Delhi’s Jain and Hindu temples. This runs against the narrative that India’s Mughal-era Muslim rulers destroyed such structures.

Rana explains that in recent years, changes to historical curriculum in schools is serving to erase premodern or medieval Indian history from the public domain. This includes the renaming of road, stations and even whole cities. She aims to counter revisionism with ‘accessible’ accounts, as she documents India’s often-overlooked Muslim, Jain and Buddhist monuments.

Culture through cuisine

Passionate about food and its links with culture, Rana is also researching the food history of her country. She’s contributed many articles on the subject, participated in conferences and is currently part of a University of Sheffield project called Forgotten Food. For this she has contributed a chapter on Qorma, Qaliya and Awadh cuisine, for a food anthology which became a bestseller.

Related content: From London to Tokyo: Where to sample the world’s best street food

A deep message to take away

“If guests could take one learning home from their visit to India to share with friends and family back home it would be the country’s rich heritage and culture,” Rana says. “There are so many layers, deeper than what you can see on one visit or read in guidebooks. It is important to be open and inquisitive, and to seek out the lesser-known stories and monuments. From here you can start to uncover the true India and understand all her wonderful complexities.”

Related content: Meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw

For the opportunity to meet Rana Safvi for yourself, take a look at our Imperial Rajasthan luxury guided tour. To see more exclusive encounters that we have in store on our journeys, read about our Founder’s Collection. Spend time with the people who have shaped the history of the places you go. Meet European nobility, legendary locals and celebrated icons. Curated by our founder, the late Stanley Tollman, these are his friendships from across the globe brought to you through exclusive meet and greets.

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Luxury Journeys

From Off-Grid Trips to Nostalgic Getaways: Top Luxury Holiday Destinations in The World

November 24, 2022 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Amber Fort in Rajasthan, India

With the world at our feet, travelers are spoiled for choice of luxury holiday destinations. Maybe you feel nostalgic for some old-world glamour, or are searching for something a bit different like a burst of culture or a more off-grid experience.

Whether you are a nature lover or a foodie, a sun-seeker or a history lover, there is a luxury vacation for you. To help you choose your next journey, we’ve highlighted some of the top luxury holiday destinations that you should have on your travel bucket list.

1. New Zealand

View of Milford Sound in New Zealand, vast waters with towering mountains. 

For the ultimate nature getaway, New Zealand has it all. Its magnificent landscapes behold a fairytale of majestic alps, glaciers, golden sand beaches, snow-capped mountains and views of the Pacific. From enticing cities to boutique wineries, this small but impressive country deservedly rates as one of the world’s best luxury destinations.

Discover this bucket list destination with Luxury Gold and rest and rejuvenate in exquisite wilderness retreats. In Rotorua you are invited to a Māori Hāngī feast, a delicious meal cooked unground with geothermal steam. And in the capital Auckland, be treated to an exclusive dinner with a former New Zealand All Black rugby player. A boutique wine tour of the Craggy Range winery followed by dinner and pairing, is just another delight that lies in store.

Discover this on: The Long White Cloud

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

2. Japan

Japanese temple in colourful gardens with a pond and traditional trees.

Japan is a land of breathtaking beauty that fuses traditions with modern living. It is the perfect destination if you are looking to explore a different culture and a chance to get off the beaten path. Japan has recently opened its borders again to international travelers and is fast becoming one of the world’s top luxury holiday destinations.

From the cutting-edge metropolis of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji, seemingly suspended in time, Japan has something for everyone. Join us on Majestic Japan explore exquisite gardens and enjoy a performance by a Geisha in Kyoto. Learn the delicate art of sushi making with a Tokyo Masterchef and, in the stunning surroundings of Oirase Gorge, meet a Sake Brewmaster and discover the secrets of this sacred drink.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

Read more: A Journey of a Lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

3. France

Colourful houses line the edge of a marina filled with small boats in France

For a nostalgic getaway, the romance and intrigue of France always delivers. Just picture the turquoise waters and glamorous French Riviera beach resorts of the Côte d’Azur and St. Tropez. Imagine the rich aromas and vivid colors of Provence, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Avignon, blended together with world-famous French gastronomy to make this one of the world’s best luxury holiday destinations.

Travel with us and, in Provence, slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. In Avignon, indulge in a dinner at the Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine.

 Discover this on: Ultimate Southern France

 Read more: In 2022, why we do we crave the New Golden Era of Travel more than ever before

4. India

The Taj Mahal in luxury destination India stands at the end of a blue pond with ornate trees lining the sides.

The Taj Mahal. Vibrant colors. Delicate spices and magnificent palaces. These are just some of the reasons India is an endlessly fascinating destination. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The country’s intriguing culture, exceptional hospitality and exquisite cuisine see it emerging as a top luxury holiday destination.

Disocver Insia with Luxury Gold and enjoy a private tour of Jaipur City Palace, including the maharajah’s personal living room normally off-limits to visitors. In Ranthambore, search out the elusive tigers in their natural habitat. You will explore the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs, peppered with palatial ruins and traditional Chhatri.

Discover this on: Essence of India with Ranthambore

Read more: Meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw

5. Italy

Ancient ruins of Pompei show the historical nostalgia of luxury destination Italy

Another truly nostalgic destination, Italy takes you on a timeless journey back to the Renaissance and the Roman Empire. Walk through the cobblestone alleyways and ruins of Pompeii and glide on a gondola through the canals of Venice. Admire masterpieces as you tour the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s revered frescos in the Sistine Chapel.

Join us in Italy and sail to the sun-drenched island of Capri, sit down to a Michelin-starred Italian feast with sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples. In Venice, visit the Doge’s Palace exclusively after hours. And for the ultimate nostalgia trip, choose to extend your tour onboard the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to travel to Paris.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Read more: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

6. Dubai

The towering buildings if Dubai are shown looking through palm trees across the water.

Dubai has earned its reputation as a premier luxury destination through a combination of visionary development, enviable hospitality and celebrity allure. Not to mention the year round sunshine. This glamorous city, which transitioned from a modest fishing village to a global metropolis within a few decades, is home to the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only seven-star hotel. The Al Muntaha’s  restaurant on the 27th floor offers floor-to-ceiling windows with sensational ocean views. Shaped like a sail, the Burj Al Arab offers a whole next level of luxury, including chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces, personal butlers, and helipads.

A playground for the rich and famous, Dubai also boasts the towering Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the world’s biggest shopping centre The Dubai Mall with luxury brands everywhere you turn. A must see on your visit is Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, featuring upscale resorts like the Atlantis which is known for its underwater suites and celebrity chef restaurants.

7. Necker Island

A golden sand beach of luxury destination Necker Island

Necker Island, a private island owned by Sir Richard Branson, is a magnet for the elite and wealthy. Tucked away in the British Virgin Islands between Tortola and Anegada, it is one of the most idyllic and unspoiled locales in all the Caribbean. The island’s charm lies in its pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch amenities, including private chefs, personal staff and world-class water sports facilities.

The Island has hosted everyone from presidents to pop stars – Barack and Michelle Obama, Kate Winslet and Mariah Carey have all enjoyed the island’s privacy and tranquility, which makes it a perfect retreat away from the public eye. It does come with a price tag to match, you’ll pay upwards of $5000 per room per night.

More hotel inspiration: This New Zealand Forest Retreat Combines 5-Star Luxury with Sustainability

8. Lizard Island, Australia

The view from a white hotel room, showing trees, ocean and mountains.

Photo credit: @lizardisland on Instagram

A pristine and secluded location that offers peace, tranquility, and complete privacy. Some ‘off the beaten path’ hotels embody this concept to the extreme, being so remotely situated that they can only be accessed by plane, boat, or other unconventional means, but the journey is part of the allure. These range from breathtaking wilderness lodges to serene beachfront retreats.

Lizard Island is a true sanctuary from the outside world. Boasting 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites, it stands as the most northern resort in tropical Queensland, directly on the Great Barrier Reef within a 1,013-hectare National Park. This island is reserved for the fortunate few who seek an unforgettable vacation unlike any other. Guests can enjoy private picnics and sunset degustations on secluded beaches, savor five-star cuisine at the beautiful Salt Water restaurant, and indulge in luxurious spa treatments at the Essentia Day Spa.

You may also be interested to read: Experience Remote Luxury at These Extraordinary Hotels

9. The Maldives

a wooden bridge stretches to a private over water villa with azure waters beneath and a bright blue sky.

The Maldives stands as an icon of ultimate luxury travel, offering an idyllic escape with its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and opulent overwater bungalows. Unlike the bustling urban luxury of Dubai, the Maldives captivates with its tranquil, natural beauty and seclusion. Each luxury resort is typically located on its own private island, providing exclusivity and intimacy.

Synonymous with extravagant experiences, guests in the Maldives can indulge in underwater dining at restaurants like Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, enjoy bespoke spa treatments in serene overwater pavilions, or take private yacht excursions to explore the coral reefs and marine life. The Maldives is also famous for its luxurious accommodations; overwater villas often come with private infinity pools, direct lagoon access and personal butler service.

Bookmark for later: Secret islands and snowy retreats: 5 hotspots loved by the British Royal family

10. Echo by White Desert, Antarctica

Penguin colonies sit on islands of ice in the antarctic, with bright blue water and dark rocky islands.

Echo Camp in Antarctica truly lives up to its reputation as the most remote luxury camp on Earth. Inspired by astronauts and the golden age of space exploration, Echo combines an ultra-luxury experience with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and offers exclusive access to the rarely seen interior of the White Continent.

Notable astronauts like Buzz have visited, comparing the infinite Antarctic landscape and its dramatic mountain ranges to those in space, saying their , beauty surpasses Venus and Mars. Guests are pampered by a team of experienced chefsYou can visit the nearby 28,000-strong Emperor Penguin colony or embarking on a bucket-list journey to the South Pole. Like all White Desert camps, Echo is designed to be dismantled, leaving no trace on the Antarctic landscape.

You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

If you are searching for your next luxury holiday destination, take a look at our collection of limited-edition luxury guided tours. Each journey is specially curated, with exquisite hotels and exceptional cuisine at each destination.

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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.
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