The Most Luxurious Hotels in the World You Can Stay at With Culture Trip
Content and CRM Executive
From island resorts to modern five-star hotels and luxurious country retreats, we all deserve some indulgent R&R from time to time. With that in mind, here are the most luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges you can stay at on a Culture Trip adventure.
Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge, South Africa
It’s hard to top safari luxury, especially when you have 11,000ha (over 27,000 acres) of private wilderness to play with. That’s the case on Gondwana Game Reserve, undoubtedly the highlight of our 11-day South Africa trip. You’ll get to go on multiple morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five, as well as having the option to rent bikes to explore the area. Pamper yourself with treatments at the Bush Spa, indulge in fine dining at indoor and outdoor restaurants, or simply wind down in the comfort of your luxury suite, styled like traditional Khoi-San huts, with stunning 190-degree panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for passing elephants, especially if you’re going for a dip in the infinity pool – that’s their favourite spot. Our South Africa trip also features stays in a gorgeous wine region guest lodge and Surval Boutique Olive Estate, near Route 62.
From US$2129
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cape Town, South Africa
ENDS AT
Cape Town, South Africa
DURATION
11
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Egypt
Luxor – it’s in the name, right? This city on the bank of the Nile is lined with luxurious hotels that have welcomed some of the most esteemed guests imaginable. Among the impressive collection of east-bank hotels is the Steigenberger, an imposing structure standing tall on the riverside. Two gorgeous outdoor pools overlook the river, while a variety of pampering treatments are offered in the spa and sauna. Hungry? Take your pick from an incredible selection of eight different onsite venues, including Nubian, Lebanese, Thai and Italian restaurants. Our favourite? It has to be the Nile Bar and Lounge, which has spectacular sunset views over the world’s longest river. That’s what luxury in Egypt is all about.
From US$2116
Next available from 11th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cairo, Egypt
ENDS AT
Aswan, Egypt
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Paradise Hotel Busan, South Korea
This spectacular seaside hotel on the northeastern coast of Busan is an oasis of calm on the outskirts of South Korea’s second city. You can soak up the sun at the infinity pool, treat yourself to a soothing massage at the Sundari Retreat spa and sip cocktails or freshly made smoothies at the Crystal Garden. There’s also an on-site casino, a boutique bakery, florist and three superb restaurants overlooking Haeundae Beach. You’ll spend two nights here on our 10-day Korea trip, plenty of time to sample the highest quality Korean beef at Born & Bred and bask in the stunning seaside vistas of Busan.
From US$2414
Next available from 8th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Seoul, South Korea
ENDS AT
Seoul, South Korea
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
The Placencia Resort, Belize
The entirety of our five-day beach retreat in Belize will be spent staying at this luscious resort on the Caribbean peninsula of Placencia. Not only is the hotel home to one of the largest pools in Belize – fit with swim-up bar – but there’s also a gorgeous private beach exclusive to patrons of the resort. Picture pristine white sands, bordered by a row of wavy palm trees on one side and bright blue ocean waters on the other. Usage of kayaks and paddleboards are complimentary, while there are three stunning restaurants to keep you well fed during your stay. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at Capriccio Restaurant, grab light bites for lunch at the Azure Pool bar and enjoy a dreamy Caribbean waterside dinner at sunset from the glorious Pier Lounge Restaurant.
From US$1094
Next available from 7th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Belize City, Belize
ENDS AT
Belize City, Belize
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Culture
Hotel Cefalù Gli Alberi del Parasiso, Sicily
The idea of luxury in Sicily has become a particularly attractive one since season two of The White Lotus wowed visitors with a taste of Sicilian grandeur. Our eight-day trip around Italy’s largest island is an indulgent experience, full of cooking classes, wine tastings, fine chocolate and gelato. In terms of accommodation, the highlight is without doubt our dreamy Cefalu hotel, which you’ll call home on night three. Expect panoramic ocean views throughout this little slice of country paradise, set in a vast park space with three ancient water mills. Highlights include a dreamy swimming pool hidden amid the trees, the outdoor terrace at Al Capone restaurant, the Gardens of Paradise spa and easy access to the beach and reef bar at sister hotel, Le Calette.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Palermo, Italy
ENDS AT
Siracusa, Sicily
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Rawla Narlai Luxury Heritage Hotel, India
This 17th-century country manor in the heart of Rajasthan is a magnificent eggshell-white period building with splashes of colour and beautifully landscaped gardens, which has been converted seamlessly into a luxurious boutique hotel. There are terraces overlooking the twinkling village lights, and tree-shaded courtyards perfect for sipping tea and snoozing. Rooms are grand, spacious and intricately designed, while you can also soak in the picturesque outdoor pool or relax in the tented spa. The onsite cafe and bar are both rather lovely, but don’t miss out on a truly unique dining experience at the Step-Well Dinner – a mystical dining experience, consisting of four Rajasthani courses served in a scenic open-air space, lit by hundreds of oil lamps and accompanied by soulful chants performed by a local Jogi on a tambura – now that’s luxury dining done India style.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Delhi, India
ENDS AT
Udaipur, India
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
Guides & Tips
The Most Amazing Kayaking Experiences With Culture Trip
Guides & Tips
The Best Private Trips to Book for Birthdays
Guides & Tips
The Best Private Trips to Book for a Special Occasion
Guides & Tips
The Best Private Trips You Can Book With Your Friends
Guides & Tips
The Ultimate South Africa Safari Holiday
Guides & Tips
The Best Luxury Trips to Take This Year
Guides & Tips
The Best Places to Travel for Adventure
Guides & Tips
Top Small-Group Tours for Solo Travellers
Guides & Tips
Unforgettable Trips for Exploring National Parks
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels in East London, South Africa, for Every Traveller
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels in Nelspruit for Every Traveller
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book in Knysna, South Africa, for Every Traveller
X
