The spa is inarguably one of the best parts of any luxury hotel experience. It’s the place you go to truly relax and unwind with sumptuous saunas, massages, and endless treatments to soothe and rejuvenate. We asked the Luxury Gold Travel Experiences team for their best hotel spas. From St. Moritz to Sydney, mountain views to mineral wraps, here are their recommendations.

Luxury travel in 2023 is set to be slow, sustainable and immersive. From extended train journeys to memorable encounters with nature and spending longer at each destination, luxury holidaymakers are seeking a more meaningful escape. Research shows that sustainable travel experiences, connecting to the local culture and leaving a positive impact on the places you visit are all high on the travel agenda. We take a look at this gratifying travel trend and show you how our Luxury Gold limited-edition tours can help you tick these boxes.

A new rationale for travel

Travelling slowly, immersively and sustainably is an absolute expectation for luxury travel in 2023. The most recent American Express Global Travel Trends Report revealed widespread changes in the rationale of travelers. 81% of respondents want to visit destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture. 78% of respondents expressed a desire to have a positive impact on the community they were visiting. While 62% agreed they wanted to be more thoughtful about where and how they travel.

While travelers are spending on immersive experiences and longer holidays, the luxury traveler is doing so with an increasingly eco-conscious mindset.

Read more: 5 common misconceptions about luxury travel (and why they are wrong)

Slow and immersive with Luxury Gold

From timeless train journeys to luxury safaris, there are many ways to enjoy slow and immersive travel on our limited-edition journeys. Defining luxury travel in 2023, picture multi-night stays in magnificent hotels that enable you to unwind and make your time more meaningful with friends a family. Private access to galleries and landmarks away from the crowds, enabling you as a VIP traveler to soak up culture at your own pace. And MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you go, the ultimate in immersive responsible travel experiences. Here you can connect to the communities you visit, exchange stories with locals, make a positive impact and create lasting memories.

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

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Sustainable travel has long been at the heart of Luxury Gold. And this is brought to life through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, included on most of our limited-edition tours. Thoughtfully chosen, these experiences offer the chance to immerse yourself deeper in your destination, through its people, nature and wildlife. If you are looking to make time and travel more meaningful, this is a unique opportunity for new learnings. To make lasting connections and leave a positive legacy.

Aligned to the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, each MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience is carefully selected and assessed for its positive, and long-term impact. Even though the experience might be for just a couple of hours, the memory that you leave with, this feeling of having contributed, stays with you forever.

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

If traveling slowly, immersively and sustainably sounds like you, then to whet your appetite further here are three of our limited-edition tours, defining luxury travel in 2023.

Majesty of the Rockies

Meet the Warrior Women and travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer: On the stunning limited-edition tour Majesty of the Rockies we invite you to explore Western Canada’s treasures. Travel through the majestic Rocky Mountains, spending two luxurious days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. Here lose yourself in the most spectacular scenery and take time to reset, admiring nature at its most sublime. The tour also offers a plethora of immersive nature experiences. Including setting foot on a glacier and gentle canyon hikes. Multiple-night stays in the most luxurious mountain retreats allow time to enjoy the amenities, such as golf clubs and spas. This is the ultimate opportunity to relax and absorb the true magnificence of your surroundings, and reflect on the curated experiences you’ve been enjoying.

Read more: Rustic luxury: why Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the ultimate mountain escape

In the stunning setting of Jasper National Park, an exclusive invitation and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits. Here you will meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, over an intimate fireside meal with a spectacular view of Pyramid Mountain. Learn about Indigenous spirituality, music and drumming as you engage in a fascinating conversation about the aboriginal culture of Canada. Leave enthralled and enlightened with some amazing stories to share with family and friends.

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Discover this on: Majesty of the Rockies

Spectacular South Africa

Bask in nature on a three-day safari and support local youth: Experience the magic and wonder of South Africa on Spectacular South Africa. This nine-day luxury tour features an extended stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. And a three-day safari with a stay in a memorable bush lodge. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over Cape Town and view the city from atop Table Mountain. In Kruger National Park, adventure out on a private open-air safari in search of some of the earth’s most magnificent beasts. Led by professional trackers, this once-in-a-lifetime experience unfolds the largest game reserve in South Africa.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

On the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, enjoy the opportunity to connect to the young people of the area as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Amy Foundation. Here you will meet people from the foundation and see first-hand how the lives of vulnerable young people are being transformed through a variety of empowering programs. This is a unique opportunity to see the area through a different lens. And, through your visit, contribute to the important work taking place and give something back.

On Robben Island, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit down with Christo Brand. As former prison guard to Nelson Mandela, you’ll be treated to fascinating stories about one of history’s most inspirational figures.

Read more: Meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela

Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

Majestic Switzerland

Journey aboard the Glacier Express and discover sustainable transport: From St. Moritz to Zermatt and onto Geneva, Majestic Switzerland offers a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary across one of Europe’s most sustainable destinations. Take your first-class seat onboard the Glacier Express, a spectacular and sustainable way to travel through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at unrivaled views of snow-covered peaks, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Ride Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train to the summit of the mountain. Glimpse of some of Switzerland’s highest peaks, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. Then take all the time you need to wander the art-filled halls of the Rosengart Collection on an after-hours private tour. Relax, reflect and enjoy this special time surrounded by the masterpieces of Chagall, Renoir, Kandinksy and Picasso.

Read more: Geneva’s Hotel D’Angleterre is a hotel committed to positive change

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An inspirational MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience lies in store at the Swiss Transport Museum. From luxe Monteverdi cars to alpine trains, discover Switzerland’s fascinating transportation and energy systems and innovations with your Local Expert. Learn about sustainable energy and fossil fuel alternatives. Chart the history of alternative transport methods, from horses and steam to electric and solar power. As well as a fascinating tour, this experience will leave you educated, and inquisitive to learn more.

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a travel concierge

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

 If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury travel in 2023, take a look at the full Luxury Gold collection of limited-edition tours.

As you start planning your South Africa travels, you’ll quickly realise you need a guide to Cape Town focused on the city’s fantastic food scene. This coastal hot spot has long been revered as an important wine region, but it’s also home to delicious and unique South African food. Luxury Gold’s gastronomic guide will take you through notable Cape Town restaurants and must-try flavors of “Mother City”. 

Braai 

Among the top things to do in Cape Town is try Braai. Braai, meaning to grill meat over an open flame, is more than barbecue. It’s a way of life and part of South African culture. Braai not only refers to how you cook meat, but the joyful gathering and socializing of family and friends. This tradition is so embedded in South African culture that South African Heritage Day is called “Braai Day.” On Braai Day – or any other day people gather for Braai – you can find a variety of marinated meat cooked over wood or charcoal. Lamb, beef, chicken, pork, springbok, warthog, ostrich, eland, kudu, seafood and steak are all popular. Boerewors, beef and pork sausages seasoned with coriander and nutmeg, are often found on the menu, too. Meat is usually accompanied by fresh salads and desserts.  

Mzoli’s  

One of the top spots to try Braai is Mzoli’s. Part butcher shop, part restaurant, this bustling hot spot outside of the city center is the place to go dine like a local. You’ll find out-of-towners and a diverse crowd of Cape Towners at Mzoli’s. It’s that good. Feast on grilled meat with local South African spiced barbecue sauce. Pair your meats with pap (a South African corn dish similar to grits) and chakalaka (a vegetable succotash), for a complete meal. 

@charles_tertiens

Seafood at Codfather 

Any gastronomic guide to Cape Town must also highlight its stunning seafood. We’ve heard that Codfather is the place to go for fresh fish, shellfish and sushi. From prawns and oysters to crayfish and calamari, there’s no shortage of seafood options and variety. What makes Codfather unique is that instead of a printed menu, it presents the fresh, daily offerings on a large display counter – like that of your favorite local fishmonger. Staff are eager to guide you through the fresh catches and flavors that you’ll enjoy the most. You choose the exact amount you want for a completely customizable meal.  

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Old Biscuit Mill 

Can’t decide between Braai and seafood? You don’t have to. Cape Town’s many markets invite you to sample local flavors and dishes from upcoming restauranteurs. On Spectacular South Africa you’ll join a Local Expert to visit the trendy The Old Biscuit Mill, a former biscuit factory turned vibrant market and creative hub in the city. In addition to showcasing local photographers, designers, and other artists, Old Biscuit Mill is the ideal spot to sample local fare. Grab a gourmet burger at Redemption Burgers. Try a Taiwan-inspired bao filled with pickled carrots and cucumber, fresh garden herbs, Asian-style dressing and crispy onions at Bao Now. Or, sip a specialty coffee from Espresso Lab Microroasters.  

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Two don’t-miss restaurants in The Old Biscuit Mill are by Luke Dale-Roberts. The Pot Luck Club tempts with shareable plates in taste categories of salty, sour, sweet, umami and bitter. Try the Asian-style beef tartare with Hoisin dressing, coriander pesto and ponzu mayo. Or, sample Pork Penang Belly with coconut and peanut curry with lime pickled onion. At Dale-Roberts’ other restaurant, The Test Kitchen Fledglings, sushi and scallops sit alongside seafood risotto in a warm space with an important ethos. The Test Kitch Fledglings presents people who previously had no access to the hospitality industry to potentially forge a new career. Full-time employees receive a salary while they are upskilled through on-the-job training.  

@thetestkitchenct

The wines  

No gastronomic guide to Cape Town would be complete without shining a spotlight on its wine industry. In fact, 80% of South African wines are produced in Cape Town province. These ideal climate conditions create a variety of wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot and Cabernet within its five main wine regions. Join a winery tour to some of the many estates or personalize your exploration on a historical, hiking or mountain biking tour through the region. 

Our Spectacular South Africa tour guides you to Vergelegen Estate where you’ll sip award-winning wines over a private tasting. Take time to stroll through some of the 18 unique gardens of the manor house and explore the nearby vineyards by bicycle with a guide. 

To top off your experience, you’ll dine at Boschendal Wine Estate’s Werf Restaurant. This award-winning restaurant within the revamped original cellar of the Manor House is renowned for its sustainability and farm-to-table meals. Chef Allistaire Lawrence presents a menu guided by the seasons with local and ethically sourced produce brought to the forefront of each dish.  

@boschendal

Where else will your South Africa travels take you?