Beauty, elegance, power and rhythm. Flamenco epitomises the heritage and passion of Spain and has become one of the icons of its culture. In Seville, guests of Luxury Gold are invited deep into the heart of this timeless art, with a flamenco class and performance at the acclaimed dance school, the Cristina Heeren Foundation.

Feel the passion behind the choreography on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet students of the school. Discover the history of flamenco, learn some steps before enjoying an intimate, exhilarating performance by some of Spain’s finest Flamenco artists.

Discovering and training the best in the business and preserving this exquisite art form for future generations, Alexandra Hoffer, Director of the Cristina Heeren Foundation tells us more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Discover this on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Making the stars of the future

 “I call all my students my children. It’s amazing to have these people that were just 16 when you started working with them, and now you see them as big flamenco stars,” says Alexandra. “It’s very rewarding, we’ve made many artists. Around 70% of the top dancers are our ex-students. It’s wonderful to see how they evolve.”

Alexandra joined the Cristina Heeren Foundation when it opened in 1996. Named after its president, students study advanced guitar, singing and dance to the highest level. Through this, the foundation is also safeguarding the traditional of flamenco (inscribed in 2010 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) and contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage.

Flamenco has many modern influences, but Alexandra explains “What we teach is the classical tradition of flamenco. We think that in order to evolve, you need to have the basis. We are the only Flamenco school offing the three specialties together – singing, guitar and dancing. So, we have students studying different aspects and they’re together all the time.”

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An exquisite art form and an expression of life

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

Flamenco is formed from a melting pot of music styles that evolved in Andalucía and were transmitted through generations. These styles include Jewish, Arab, Castilian, old Andalusian and gypsy music.

“Flamenco started in the very poor communities, as an expression of life,” Alexandra says. “It celebrates a newborn and a death. Somebody who went to jail, was married, somebody who’s going to work. So, there are many different styles of flamenco and each one of them represents and expresses a different time of your life.”

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Enjoy a flamenco class with the professionals

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

Guests have the opportunity to learn some dance steps, under the expert eye of some of the school’s star pupils. “Flamenco is empowering, we find everyone who tries it loves it” says Alexandra. “In the flamenco class we teach guests different rhythms, and the how to move their hips, arms and feet. It’s a very sensual and enjoyable dance.

“Because you’re all learning, everyone is very supportive and applauds each other. Afterwards we share a glass of sangria and either myself or my companions are there to answer any questions. This is an exclusive opportunity to get to the heart of Flamenco from those who live and breathe it.

“Learning the steps and meeting the dancers also furnishes guests with a deeper knowledge and connection to the flamenco. This makes the show which comes next even more memorable.”

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The best artists, so close you can feel them

Credit: @fundacionflamencoheeren on Instagram

As a grand finale, guests are treated to a thrilling and intimate performance, featuring the very best dancers and musicians. “For our show we have the best flamenco artists you will find” enthuses Alexandra. “As the director of the theater, I only select top professionals. Some of them are very young but are dancing with big companies. It’s really important for me that these are the very best.

“Our theatre is very intimate, and the proximity to the performers takes the appreciation of flamenco to a whole new level. When you go into a big flamenco theatre it’s wonderful, but something gets lost. In my theatre you’re right in amongst it, you can really feel the dancers, the singing and the guitarist. It makes a big difference to the experience.

The school’s performances are renowned amongst locals as well as visitors, a testament to the quality.  “I have one dancer and there’s huge crowd that love her,” Alexandra says. “So, they come all the time and see her because they say it’s amazing that to be able to see her up close and really enjoy her dance. You can see how she breathes and how she moves each single finger. It’s this proximity that makes it very special.”

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We MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Chosen with great care for their positive impact on our planet its people and wildlife, our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This experience directly advances UN SDGs 4: Quality Education and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The school enables students access to cultural education, safeguarding the traditional flamenco dance and Spain’s cultural heritage.

The Cristina Heeren Foundation is also a recipient of a grant from our TreadRight Foundation. Through this the school is able to support four students per year who will benefit from an extra year of study to really mature as dancers.

“We see some artists, some students that are very good, but they still need one more year to keep on specializing” Alexandra explains. “Through the grant we are able to develop them further, keeping even more talent in training for the future and preserving this elite art form for generations to come.”

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To embrace the passion of Spain for yourself, learn steps in a flamenco class and enjoy this memorable performance, take a look at Spain & Portugal in Style

Switzerland is one European country that’s worth every penny spent.

You’ll never regret immersing yourself in the finer elements of this country’s heritage, culture, and diverse community. From inspired dining that regularly earns Gault-Millau points to luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that have their own private mountain railways, to experience a five-star stay in Switzerland is to embrace an experience as elevated and highly-regarded as the country’s renowned exports. 

Spoil yourself with a stay at one of these luxury resorts in Switzerland.

Ambassador Hotel | Zurich

Credit: Ambassadorhotelzurich on Instagram

A neo-baroque facade opens up into a Belle Époque interior delicately appointed with lavish furnishings. From the rooftop terrace views of Zurich’s lake and downtown to the smooth Milk Punches served in the Silk Bar, the Ambassador Hotel may be one of the smaller luxury hotels in Switzerland, but not a single splendid detail falling below your expectations. You need to only look at the Ambassador Suite for proof of such pure luxury: a stop at the complimentary minibar followed by a seat on the private balcony overlooking the Zurich Opera House will introduce you to rich Swiss accommodation.

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Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski | Saint Moritz

Of the many luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski both tempts you to spend hours indoors while also enticing you to explore the mountains to your heart’s content. Before you even set foot in the lobby, you can take the cable car directly to hiking and skiing trails. Just do remember that this 19th century building is worth wandering in its own right. The Alpine Spa is as inviting as the landscape: a menu of pristine pampering including a Swiss skincare program using anti-aging-trans-dermal technology, facials incorporating organic seaweed science, and restorative rituals that even children can enjoy.

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Mont Cervin Palace | Zermatt

Credit: Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt

A cozy chalet with full view of Switzerland’s four-thousanders. One would think such a place is only found deep within the Alps, not in the center of Zermatt. Mont Cervin Palace has both chalet style and alpine style suites that warmly welcome you to cuddle up beside the fire and gaze out at the Matterhorn. As one of the luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that cater to families, you can make memories with your little ones by renting ice skates and not miss a minute of Mont Cervin Palace’s luxe amenities thanks to babysitting services. While the kids play with their new Swiss mascot friend, Wolli, you’ll savor every Gault-Millau point served at the hotel’s six bars and restaurants. 

Hotel d’Angleterre | Geneva

As elegant as the Lake Geneva shoreline it sits on, Hotel d’Angleterre was designed to reflect Geneva’s beauty. Sumptuous suites with marble-lined bathrooms invite you to wake up or wind down in supreme comfort. You’ll need the rest and relaxation after partaking in one of the hotel’s extraordinary experiences such as taking a night market tour with the hotel’s Executive Chef or spending the afternoon in a watchmaking workshop. Should you need a pre-slumber break, the plush smoke-free cigar lounge has a seat for you. But if you were born to be on your feet, follow the lively music to the Leopard Bar.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern | Lucerne

So many famous faces have laid their heads in Hotel Schweizerhof’s beds since 1845 that you shouldn’t be surprised if you spot a celeb. Like B.B. King and Mark Twain, you can walk into this luxury hotel in Switzerland and feel like a guest of honor. Luxury suites with lake views and plenty of room for guests are your retreat after eating your way through the exotic dishes at Galerie and Pavillion, only a short elevator ride away.  

Explore each of these luxury hotels in Switzerland when you join Luxury Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour. This 10-day journey treats you to a VIP sparkling wine experience, an after-hours tour of the Rosengart Museum, and a ride on the Glacier Express.

After spending 9 days with Luxury Gold, consider extending your stay at one of Switzerland’s best hotels.

Hotel Bellevue Palace | Bern

Credit: Bellevue Palace Bern

A Grand Hotel that evokes a Bern long before the hotel became the official hotel of the Swiss administration, Hotel Bellevue Palace is an intersection for the government and the gourmands. A Finnish sauna, imaginative cocktail list, and a regal Presidential Suite with Bernese Alps views round out the opulence. 

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa | Interlaken

Credit @victoriajungfrau on Instagram

Luxury resorts in Switzerland like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa will make you wonder why you didn’t spend your entire vacation soaking up the Bernese Oberland scenery. An expansive spa, fine dining featuring both authentic Swiss and Italian dishes, and world-class champagnes await your arrival. 

Learn more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge.

Hotel Les Trois Rois | Basel 

Credit @grandhotellestroisrois on Instagram

Hotel Les Trois Rois sits on a spot in Basel’s city center that’s been a hub of history since the Middle Ages. Write your own chapter in the River Suite Napoleon, a space adorned with frescos reminiscent of the Napoleonic era. And to top off its timeless charm, the hotel’s afternoon tea service is one that the Dutch of Bedford would approve of. 

Villa Principe Leopoldo | Lugano 

Credit @villaprincipeleopoldo on Instagram

As if it were dreamt up in a fairytale, the Villa Principe Leopoldo will leave you with a sense of whimsy the moment you lay eyes on this luxury resort in Switzerland. The Princess Garden Suite is an appropriate haven that includes a private jacuzzi and view overlooking Lake Lugano.

Save for later: Seven Reasons to Visit Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland.

Tschuggen Grand Hotel | Davos

Credit @tschuggengrandhotel on Instagram

Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a luxury hotel in Switzerland that has no qualms sending you up to its luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps. Mountain lofts retain all of the five-star amenities and white-glove service of the hotel while offering a quiet escape 1,800 meters above sea level. Their list of curated experiences is impressive in itself, but if you’re merely looking for R&R, use the private mountain railway takes you directly to the pistes and trails.

Indulge in a refined Switzerland vacation tailored to discerning travelers. Find travel tips, destination inspiration, and more information about Switzerland’s best resorts when you book an unforgettable journey with Luxury Gold.

Oozing 1920’s glamour, the Hotel Esplanade Zagreb is a cultural historic icon of Croatia’s capital. The place to see and be seen, in the words of its General Manager Ivica Krizmanic, “If there’s one hotel in Croatia that everyone has heard about, it’s the Esplanade.”

We had the pleasure of speaking to Ivica, to learn more about what Luxury Gold guests can expect from a stay at the Esplanade, and discover what it is the secret to running such an exceptional hotel.

For travel inspiration: Croatia destination guide

Orient Express origins

“The reason why this caliber of hotel was first built in the city was due to the Orient Express, which was passing through Zagreb,” Ivica explains. “In the 1920s, it was necessary to have an exceptional five-star hotel to accommodate the train’s high-society passengers. The Esplanade hotel was built in two years, and it’s been something special from the first day it opened in 1925.”

Designed in the Art Deco style by architect Dionis Sunko the Hotel Esplanade Zagreb quickly became a symbol of luxury and elegance in the city. A full refurbishment in 2004 elevated the interiors and amenities to new heights. “We had a great architect and interior designer who ensured that the Esplanade spirit stayed intact,” says Ivica. “The design really blended together the history with the modern design from today’s era.”

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

It’s all about love and passion

“My father actually worked here before me, for 30 years. He’s the reason why I am here,” Ivica tells us. “In 1992, as a student, he asked me to help out. It was just for a month as a doorman, because they needed some extra staff, and that is where it all began. I was immediately in love with the hotel and have been here ever since.

“For me, the secret to running such an exceptional hotel is love and passion. This is something that it’s necessary to have for the Esplanade because the hotel deserves people who are dedicated to the Esplanade spirit. For all of us here, this is not just a hotel, this is more of an institution. So, for us to work here is something much bigger.

“The Esplanade is a synonym for luxury and good service. People widely connect the hotel with something special. Numerous times I have been in other establishments and have overheard people say (maybe in response to a complaint) ‘you know this is not the Esplanade, Sir.’ It sets the standard.”

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Exquisite rooms

With its 208 rooms and suites, offering stunning views of the city, keeping everything running perfectly at the hotel Esplanade Zagreb is no small task. When we ask how many staff Ivica is responsible for, he tells us that “I have some 170 colleagues depending on the time of year, but we try to do this business with a homely, family feeling. So, I consider it to be that I work for them.

“The rooms are designed in a sophisticated Art Deco style, with all the modern touches needed for today’s travelers. They are all very welcoming and cozy, to make you feel at home. We have marble bathrooms with heated floors, the perfect place to relax and unwind.”

Sumptuous beds, stunning city views and first-class room service complete the picture. Guests can also benefit from the hotel’s exclusive Health Club, offering a range of range of therapies to de-stress, replenish and revitalize.

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Exceptional dining

“I spend lot of time testing the food in the restaurants,” Ivica tells us, an important yet not undesirable part of his role as General Manager. From ‘high society-inspired dining to modern Mediterranean chic’ the Esplanade’s award-winning restaurants are worth a booking in their own right, with Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić at the helm.

Considered one of Zagreb’s finest, Zinfandel’s Restaurant combines the best local ingredients with a broad Mediterranean inspiration. “Here you can see a more Mediterranean style with modern food,” says Ivica, “with local specialties like sea bass baked in sea salt, Istrian truffles or steak tartar.”

Or for ‘seductive French cuisine’ Le Bistro celebrates a wide range of seasonal local produce, and also one particularly famous dish. “We have one signature dish – actually it’s a local specialty but this recipe is exclusive to the hotel – the legendary Esplanade Štrukli,” says Ivica. “It’s a baked pastry, made from thin sheets of dough, filled with fresh cottage cheese with cream. It’s sounds simple, but it’s very tasty and people really love it.”

“We change the menu in both restaurants three or four times a year, reflecting the seasons. You’ll see a mix of international cuisine, with influences from our neighbors. We’re surrounded by Italy and Austria, and obviously close to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has a different culinary profile.”

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A treat for guests, from sunrise to sunset

The ultimate iteration of 1920’s decadence, the Oleander Terrace at the Esplanade offers stunning views across the city, and provides the perfect setting for some enjoyable people watching. A preferred spot for elegant breakfasts, high society lunching, and music and jazz evenings with a stylish Champagne bar. “To stay in the Esplanade Hotel and have a breakfast in the morning on the Oleander Terrace is considered something special,” says Ivica.

 “And in the evening, to relax, the place to be is definitely the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar for the signature cocktails.” Run by some of the best Croatia’s mixologists the bar offers an enticing range of cocktails dating back to the days of the 1920’s Flapper.

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The secret to exceptional service lies in the people

When staying at the Esplanade, each guest is treated as a VIP by attentive and professional staff. “To offer such exceptional service, we focus on finding the right people,” explains Ivica. “We are not necessarily focusing on hospitality experience as we wish to mold them in the Esplanade way – we look for someone with passion.

“Not only love and passion for guests and the hospitality industry, but people who have a connection with the hotel, are proud to work here and willing to do their part to justify our enduring reputation. This takes a special type of person.

“We also empower people to be brave enough to make the special service, to not be afraid to be spontaneous and try something new to satisfy our guests when required.”

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Royal guests and dignitaries

While no two days are the same when working in a hotel, some stand out as special for their own reasons. “We often host state leaders, presidents and royal family members,” says Ivica. “They’re always greeted by myself.

“One day I was waiting, with the Royal assistant, for a Queen and Prince in the lobby. They were attending a lunch at the Presidential Office and, as per protocol, timing was of the utmost importance.  As the Queen and the Prince stepped out of the elevator, we realized that the Prince and the Royal assistant were wearing the same tie. Definitely against protocol!

“There was no time for the Prince to return to the room and change. So, realizing what had happened and thinking quick I just took my tie and gave it to the to the royal assistant. I didn’t think much more of it, but when they came back to the hotel they were talking about the lunch and were saying how I saved the protocol. But it’s all in a day’s work at a hotel such as this.”

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The Esplanade Hotel Zagreb is part of the city

It is said that of Zagreb that ‘life is lived on the streets of the city itself, with public art, street food, and majestic green parks delighting locals and tourists alike in all four seasons.’ As well as being an enchanting Croatian walled city, one of the fabulous things about the capital city is that the region is lush with nature parks.

The Esplanade is perfectly placed to explore the city – just one more reason to select this iconic establishment when considering where to stay in Zagreb. Ivica tells us “it is an important part of Zagreb’s upper town.” One of Zagreb’s main attractions, the historic old town, Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is a myriad of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Church. “Here you can feel really a special history. It’s so preserved that it’s still feels like 100 years ago.” Yet the city is credited as being young and playful at heart.

“Zagreb is a big and small city,” he continues. “Almost everything is within walking distance. So, it is very relaxing for the people to explore. There are a lot of small museums and interesting places, but nothing particular that you have to visit, that is what is so nice about it. It’s very romantic everywhere and there are a lot of coffee shops where people sit outside and watch the movie of life unfold around you.”

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A symbol of Croatia

“We’re proud to represent Zagreb to the world,” says Ivica. “But even more that we represent Croatia. There are a lot of nice hotels in this beautiful country, but there is only one hotel that everybody knows about. If you ask your taxi driver or whoever you meet which hotel is the best in in Croatia, even they have never been for themselves they will say The Esplanade. Even those not from this country.

“Every day is history, and every day is special. Each and every one of our guests are exceptional and make each day memorable. I’ve spent 31 years in the hotel, but every day I’ll see something new, I’ll never grow tired of the Esplanade.”

To experience the magic of the Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb for yourself and enjoy the ultimate Croatian vacation, take a look at our sensational Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast luxury tour.