AC Luxe, the boutique luxury Destination Management Company (DMC) and part of AC Group, unveils new additions to its Journeys Beyond Ordinary collection for 2026, introducing exclusive experiences across the UK, Ireland and France.
Originally launched at World Travel Market (WTM) in 2025, Journeys Beyond Ordinary helps travel partners create more memorable itineraries through exclusive access, specialist-led experiences and authentic local encounters.
Responding to growing demand for travel shaped around personal interests, the 2026 collection introduces experiences across gastronomy, music, heritage, sport and culture, giving partners more ways to tailor itineraries across the UK, Ireland and France. The focus is on experiences that offer a stronger sense of place, deeper local insight and access travellers would be unlikely to arrange independently.
Leading the new England experiences is Michelin Moments at The Hand & Flowers, an exclusive AC Luxe package at Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin-starred gastro pub in Marlow.
Available only through AC Luxe, the experience includes dinner, an overnight stay, breakfast and a signed cookbook keepsake.
Equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy Ride Badminton with Mary King MBE, a private riding experience for just eight guests hosted by Olympic medallist and multiple Badminton winner Mary King MBE at the historic Badminton Estate. London Without Limits combines a classic car, private helicopter and Venetian-style water taxi, offering a unique perspective of the capital by road, air and river. Music lovers can also enjoy an Exclusive After-Hours Beatles Tour at Liverpool Beatles Museum, with private access and insights from legendary Beatles insiders.
Scotland’s experiences include Highland Hearth Bothy Lunch, a private Land Rover journey to a hidden candlelit bothy for a chef-led lunch celebrating local produce, whisky and Highland storytelling. Golf enthusiasts can experience St Andrews – Home of Golf through a private guided tour with a local expert, while Brucefield Estate offers an exclusive tour alongside The Lady Balfour of Burleigh, a direct descendant of Robert the Bruce. Guests can also Tee Off Like a Local in Edinburgh alongside a local golfer, with panoramic views across the city.
In Ireland, travellers can explore Killarney’s dramatic landscapes on horseback, enjoy guided whiskey tastings in Dublin, or discover Belfast’s sweet-making heritage through a private candy-making experience. Families and nature lovers can also enjoy Alpaca Adventures by the Lough, where guests can meet, feed and walk alongside alpacas while admiring views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.
In France, travellers can experience aristocratic entertaining at Vaux-le-Vicomte, blend Calvados in Normandy, or enjoy exclusive access at Maison Martell in Cognac, where exceptional tastings are paired with Michelin-starred dining and rare cellar experiences. New for 2026, The Prestige of Chambord offers an intimate tasting of exceptional Chambord wines and local delicacies within an elegant château room rarely open to the public.
Rob Russell, CEO of AC Group, said: “Since launching Journeys Beyond Ordinary, we’ve been really encouraged by the response from partners and clients. What’s been especially interesting is seeing the experiences people connect with most – the ones that help them experience somewhere differently, or give them access they simply wouldn’t find on their own.
“Luxury travel is becoming far more personal. People still want iconic destinations, but increasingly they want experiences that reflect what they genuinely love – whether that’s food, golf, music, equestrian pursuits or history. We wanted to give our partners more breadth across the UK, Ireland and France so they have even more flexibility when building itineraries.”
Tom Kerridge, chef-owner of The Hand & Flowers, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with AC and featuring in Journeys Beyond Ordinary and look forward to welcoming guests to The Hand & Flowers for a truly
unique experience.”
