12 highlights from Luxury Travel magazine’s new issue

2023 Gold List Award winners

For our cover story, we unveil the highly anticipated and well-deserved winners of the 2023 Gold List Awards including the best luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, sustainability initiatives and more, voted by our esteemed jury and dedicated audience.

Remarkable sights in Saudi Arabia’s AIUla region

“Just a few years ago, no-one had heard of AIUla. Now this starkly beautiful region is drawing visitors with its ancient sites, its modern architecture and its gloriously luxurious desert retreats.” – Ute Junker

Until 2019, Saudi Arabia exclusively embraced religious tourism, but Ute Junker finds the Kingdom now has a very cosmopolitan future. Encouraging visitors to explore its ancient sites, contemporary architecture and luxurious desert retreats, Saudi Arabia is the next big thing in luxury travel.

All aboard the Belmond British Pullman

“Hints of [Wes Anderson’s] signature eccentric aesthetic can be observed in the carriage’s beautifully symmetrical marquetry, and seating covered in rich green upholstery…” – Belinda Craigie

Belinda Craigie rides the rails aboard the Belmond British Pullman in an art-deco ambience en route to London. Discover the key highlights that contribute to making this trip an unforgettable and quintessentially British experience.

Setting sail in French Polynesia

“Over 10 blissful days, Oceania Regatta drops anchor in lagoons so vividly colourful you need to remind yourself you’re not in a famous impressionist painting…” – Sally MacMillan

Aboard Oceania Regatta, Sally Macmillan reports there is much more to French Polynesia than glorious sunsets and pristine snorkelling.

Discover San Antonio

“A fiesta of food and antiquity awaits visitors to the Southern Texas city of San Antonio.” – Catherine Marshall

In a city where diverse cultures collide, Catherine Marshall explores the iconic landmarks, essential activities and noteworthy destinations of San Antonio, Texas. Through her curation, she presents a city guide that highlights the compelling reasons why you should consider visiting San Antonio, a hub of American creativity.

Venturing into Western Australia’s Kimberley Region

““Massaged by the hands of Kimberley Gods” is how one passenger describes the tingle of a walloping waterfall on his back.” – Fiona Harper

Fiona Harper sets sail on the True North II, experiencing a luxurious itinerary that goes beyond conventional exploration. From navigating the Kimberley Region at sea level to soaring above sandstone escarpments in a helicopter, the experience is decadently curated.

The other side of Ibiza

“Ibiza is a place of great beauty, where ultra-clear waters wash quiet coves sheltered by sandstone cliffs, where tradition is nurtured in tranquil villages…” – Ute Junker

We discover how to embrace ‘slow travel’ in Ibiza. Beyond the notorious club scene there is a world of quiet coves adorned with pristine water, a culturally rich and creative community and a slew of wellness practitioners.

Exploring Vietnam’s lesser-known region

“To introduce visitors staying in Anantara Hoi An Resort to Quy Nhon – not yet on the tourist map – the hoteliers figured taking the iconic Reunification Express train that rails the coastline from Hanoi to Saigon would make for a logical and romantic way to travel. They were right.” – Claire Boobbyer

Claire Boobbyer investigates Vietnam’s lesser-known Quy Nhon region – a place to experience a slice of authentic Vietnam.

The coolest Island in the Caribbean

Flick through our colourful and captivating photo essay on Jamaica from lauded book publisher, ASSOULINE‘. As the birthplace of both Reggae and James Bond – it doesn’t get much cooler than Jamaica.

Dubai’s newest showstopper

“If architecture feeds your soul, the diverse dining options at Atlantis will unquestionably satiate your palate. At Estiatorio Milos, I am treated to a rich blend of Mediterranean flavours. Every dish looks and tastes like a work of art.” – Kavita Lala

Atlantis The Royal is taking centre stage in Dubai. Recognised as a global architectural marvel, Kavita Lala delves into the elements that make this destination a must-visit.

Sample Indigenous ingredients at Byron Bay’s Karkalla

“We often feel powerless in our ability to positively impact or help improve our environment, but we have immense power in our choices as consumers and business owners…” – Mindy Woods

At Byron Bay’s Karkalla restaurant, diners are immersed in a one-of-a-kind on-country cultural experience. This innovative Indigenous restaurant trailblazes a menu that pays homage to the world’s oldest ingredients and the ancient landscapes they come from.

At sea on the Crystal Serenity

“There’s a clever flow to the room that creates a sense of light and space, and its features a separate wardrobe, living room, dual-entry bathroom, bedroom and a generous 9m2 teak balcony.” – Katrina Holden

Fresh from an extensive refit, ocean cruise liner Crystal Serenity promises to be exceptional at sea under the new ownership of the A&K Travel Group, finds Katrina Holden.