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

With everyone looking forward to the crowning moment, one of the most iconic symbols of the British monarchy, the St. Edward’s Crown will take centre stage at the coronation of King Charles III this weekend. This magnificent crown has been worn by many monarchs during their coronation ceremonies, including HRH, the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Made of solid gold and embellished with precious stones, its history dates back over a thousand years.

The role of the St. Edward’s Crown

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A monarch wears the St. Edward’s Crown just once in a lifetime, when the Archbishop of Canterbury places it on their head during the crowning moment of the coronation ceremony. For King Charles III, this will be during his coronation at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6.

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The crown is only worn for a short period of time during the service, after which it is replaced by the Imperial State Crown. This is the crown that the monarch wears to depart from the Abbey, and for all other crown-related moments throughout their reign.

For travel inspiration: England destination guide

A thousand years of history

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The St. Edward’s Crown was made for King Charles II in 1661, as a replacement for the medieval crown which had been melted down in 1649. The original crown can be traced back to the 11th century. It was thought to be first created for the crowning moment of the coronation of King Edward the Confessor in 1066.

Although not an exact replica of the medieval crown, it too features the four crosses-pattée and four fleurs-de-lis, and the two arches of the original design.

The crown is named after King Edward the Confessor, one of England’s most revered monarchs. He was known for his piety and was believed to have been able to perform miracles. Edward the Confessor was considered to be a saintly figure, and it was believed that the crown had the power to bestow divine blessings on the monarch who wore it.

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Dazzling jewels

444 precious and semiprecious gemstones adorn the crown’s gold frame. These include rubies, sapphires, topazes, garnets, amethysts and tourmalines. The solid gold frame weighs 2.23kg (nearly 5lbs).

The largest stone is the magnificent Black Prince’s Ruby. This large red gem is set in the Maltese cross in the front of the crown. In fact, it is not a ruby but is one of the world’s largest gem-quality red spinels, a polished lump 5 cm (2 inches) long, pierced and partly filled with a small ruby.

One of the oldest parts of the Crown jewels, the ruby has been in the possession of the British monarchs since 1367 when it was given to his namesake Edward of Woodstock, known as the Black Prince.

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A revered heritage

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A symbol of the United Kingdom and the enduring power and majesty of the British monarchy, when King Charles III wears the St. Edward’s Crown during the crowing moment of his coronation, he will be following in the footsteps of many of England’s greatest monarchs.

Six have been crowned with St. Edward’s Crown since the Restoration: Charles II (1661), James II (1685), William III (1689), George V (1911), George VI (1937) and Elizabeth II (1953).

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The Tower of London – home of the crown jewels

The St. Edward’s Crown is kept at the Tower of London and is one of the most precious objects in the royal treasury. This iconic Castle and UNESCO World Heritage site is famously home to the Crown Jewels. This is the most complete collection of Royal regalia in the world.

The Crown Jewels have been protected at the Tower of London since the 1660s. They are guarded by the iconic Yeoman Warders. These 32 men and women are drawn from the Armed Forces and go by the nickname of ‘Beefeaters.’

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The Crown Jewels are a working collection that is used at annual state occasions. This includes the annual State Opening of Parliament as well as at less frequent occasions, such as coronations. Included in the collection are the Coronation Regalia, most recently used at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Along with the St. Edward’s Crown you have the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, the Sovereign’s Orb and the Coronation Spoon.

Ceremony of the Keys

An exclusive after-hours visit to the Tower of London is just one of the exclusive experiences that make up our British Royale tour. Set against a backdrop of the twinkling lights of the British capital, walk the castle grounds in privacy and serenity under the watchful eye of a Yeoman Warder.

You’re also invited to experience the historic Ceremony of the Keys. This is the oldest practiced military ceremony in the world in which the outer gates of the fortress are locked for the night. The keys are then delivered to the monarch’s representative in the Tower, the Resident Governor. Enjoy a memorable inside look at the 700-year-old tradition that has stood the tests of even the most tumultuous times.

Discover more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots out of hours

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