What Defines Luxury?

Sometimes it’s not the things we own that matter, but the moments that stay with us. Luxury, properly experienced, has many faces — and it begins wherever an experience touches both heart and senses.

Perhaps it’s a romantic dinner under the stars in the African bush, a genuine “once in a lifetime” moment that leaves you speechless. A sunset that looks as though nature composed it for you alone. Or a golf hole you’ll never forget — not because of the score, but because of the view.

It might be a glass of perfectly matured Chardonnay in an eighteenth-century wine cellar.

Or a private art museum that leaves you in awe before you’ve even checked in.

It’s the moments and encounters you bring home from luxury travel — and we’ll show you exactly where they’re waiting.

For Golfers and Non-Golfers Alike: The Most Beautiful Luxury Destinations for the Year Ahead.

Finca Cortesin, Spain

A golf resort setting new standards: home of the Solheim Cup and a byword for Mediterranean luxury. Finca Cortesin offers stylish suites, excellent cuisine, an outstanding spa and service of the highest calibre.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

You love golf and fine style, and dream of experiencing South Africa in a completely different way? Then climb aboard — and let yourself be chauffeured from fairway to fairway, through landscapes you’d otherwise only know from documentaries. Straight to the country’s most exclusive golf courses.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The wind stirs the grasses, a bull elephant passes within metres of you, and in the distance a fish eagle calls — the soundtrack of the Okavango Delta. Qorokwe Camp belongs to Wilderness — a multi-award-winning operator of luxury safaris in Africa.

Kempinski Doha, Qatar

Doha is the ideal stopover destination for five days. The Kempinski Marsa Malaz on The Pearl is the perfect luxury basecamp for experiencing the metropolis and playing the two championship courses, Education City and Doha Golf Club.

Fancourt Resort, George

Four golf courses make Fancourt Resort in George one of the best golfing destinations along the Garden Route. Guests staying at the exclusive The Manor House Fancourt gain access to the private “The Links” — South Africa’s number one golf course.

Kempinski Belek, Turkey

The Kempinski The Dome Belek is one of the most exclusive golf hotels — right on the fairways of PGA Sultan and The Pasha. The Lagoon Golf Suites are private retreats with direct access to the lagoon and all-inclusive service.

Jao Camp, Botswana

Jao Camp by Wilderness — one of Africa’s most luxurious safari addresses. By day you experience the Big Five up close, glide through the Okavango Delta by mokoro, and follow tracks in the morning light. By evening, a design lodge awaits with butler service and understated luxury.

Marlfield House, Ireland

Marlfield House Hotel & The Duck Restaurant is a Relais & Châteaux near Dublin with historic country-house charm. Around Dublin you’ll find one of Europe’s densest concentrations of golf courses.

La Residence, South Africa

La Residence in Franschhoek is pure opulence: marble, gold accents, crystal chandeliers — a setting that regularly delights Sir Elton John, too. Franschhoek lies in the Cape Winelands and is considered the gourmet capital of the Western Cape.

Ellerman House, Cape Town

The Relais & Châteaux Ellerman House sits above Bantry Bay in Cape Town and offers absolute exclusivity. A private museum of South African art, gourmet cuisine, a wine cellar and first-class service make it one of the Mother City’s finest addresses.

Royal Malewane, Kruger, Thornybush

From elephant to rhino, lion and hyena — and in between, those magical moments that take your breath away. That’s exactly what the experienced guides and trackers at Royal Malewane deliver: personal, individual and far from the crowds of the Kruger National Park.

Samara Karoo, South Africa

Samara Karoo is our safari insider tip — genuine wilderness, dedicated conservation and a lodge experience that goes straight to the heart. Both Samara Lodge and Plains Camp combine sustainable eco-tourism with a warmth and hospitality found only in family-run reserves.

La Zambra, Andalusia

The chic La Zambra Resort lies between Málaga and Marbella — secluded enough for peace and quiet, central enough for everything that matters. Two golf courses right on the doorstep, with a further ten within easy reach.

Birkenhead House, South Africa

Birkenhead House stands on a cliff directly above the sea. The sound of the waves follows you through every room of the house. Hermanus is considered one of the best places in the world to watch whales.

Puente Romano, Marbella

When you think of Marbella, luxury, lifestyle and sunshine spring to mind. And right there, directly on the coast of the Costa del Sol, you’ll find Puente Romano and Nobu — two hotels that perfectly combine style, comfort and Mediterranean flair.

Castiglion del Bosco, Italy

The 18-hole course ranks among Italy’s top 10 and is accessible only to hotel guests and club members. The Rosewood Hotel occupies Tuscan farmhouses dating from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and then there’s the hotel’s own winery — Tuscany just as it should be.

Old Head Links, Ireland

Old Head is a legend — an Irish links that has topped golfers’ bucket lists for years.

Dramatic cliffs, wild Atlantic air and pure coastal romance make Old Head Golf Links one of Ireland’s most spectacular courses

La Zagaleta, Marbella

La Zagaleta is one of the most exclusive places to live: privacy, luxury and the highest quality of life included — on the Costa del Sol, the “Make life better” philosophy is lived out daily. Plots for your dream house are still available.