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Our Top 100 Luxury Travel Gems: #11–16, Food for Thought

28th June 2025

The greatest journeys leave more than footprints – they leave a legacy. The second chapter in the latest edition of The Concierge Magazine, Top 100 Luxury Travel Gems draws our attention to a collection of travel that considers its impact. These journeys are designed not just for personal enrichment, but for the good of the places, people and environments they touch. Sustainability, cultural respect, and community connection lie at the heart of each one – without ever compromising on comfort or wonder.

 

11. Ireland

There is a quiet richness to Ireland that goes far beyond its rolling green hills. This is a land where culture, craft and community are deeply interwoven. Guests can spend their days exploring coastal walking trails or tucked away in artisan workshops, before returning to heritage manor houses or refined countryside inns. For our advisors, the charm lies in the slower pace – where conversations matter, and every encounter feels personal.

 

12. Adventure World Travel

For those drawn to the road less travelled, Adventure World offers tailor-made journeys that honour both planet and place. Their commitment to responsible travel is woven through every itinerary, from supporting wildlife conservation in Africa to community projects in Nepal. With a focus on low-impact luxury, this is travel that respects what it reveals, and helps protect it for generations to come.

 

13. HX Expeditions

At the edge of the world, a new kind of expedition is emerging. HX Expeditions leads with sustainability at its core, operating hybrid-powered ships and offering immersive learning on board. These voyages blend bold adventure with scientific understanding, inviting guests not only to witness the polar regions, but to better understand and protect them.

 

14. Coral Expeditions

Pioneering small-ship voyages along Australia’s remote coastlines, Coral Expeditions brings a refreshingly grounded approach to luxury exploration. Whether sailing through the Kimberley or the Great Barrier Reef, their itineraries support indigenous partnerships, marine conservation, and deep local storytelling. The result is a journey as enriching for the destination as it is for the traveller.

 

15. Aurora Expeditions

Adventure with Aurora is driven by purpose. With a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, their expert-led voyages – from the Antarctic Peninsula to the Galápagos – champion discovery through a lens of care. Travellers are invited to participate in citizen science projects and learn first-hand about the fragile beauty of Earth’s most remote ecosystems. It’s a journey that broadens not just horizons, but perspective.

 

16. Bunnik Tours

Bunnik’s small group journeys are built on a foundation of cultural respect. Their itineraries focus on immersive, authentic experiences - from dining with local families to supporting small-scale businesses. It’s travel that treads lightly, engages deeply, and allows guests to experience a destination as more than a backdrop, but as a living story, still being written.

In a world where travel has the power to do both harm and good, these journeys remind us what’s possible when thoughtfulness and luxury go hand in hand. At Travel Associates, our advisors are here to guide you toward experiences that mean more – both to you, and to the places you explore.

Ready to start planning your next holiday with purpose? Speak to an advisor or explore the full Top 100 in The Concierge Magazine.