Are you looking to add some luxury and indulgence to your next travel adventure? Get ready to be swept away by breathtaking landscapes, mouth-watering gastronomic experiences, awe-inspiring culture and history, and captivating nightlife.
From small island getaways in the Caribbean Sea to glamorous cities in Europe that never sleep, there’s an endless array of destinations perfect for a luxurious escape! Here are our top picks for the best luxury travel destinations around the world.
The Best Luxury Travel Destinations
Here are some of the most interesting countries to visit right now. From exotic beach retreats to chic European havens, there’s something for everyone.
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
There are many unmissable places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, and the cuisine is as wonderful as the views. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo in Ravello are outstanding and on the coast itself, Sorrento has a charming 1950’s vibe.
There are some very luxurious villas with pools in the area of the Amalfi Coast, which will provide some welcome calm from the hustle and bustle of the towns. Alternatively, Monastero Santa Rosa is a really unique hotel set in a former convent on top of a cliff, with a spectacular infinity pool.
2. Andalusia, Spain
The Paradors of Spain are the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful region of Andalusia in Spain. These historic hotels are situated in former convents, monasteries and palaces.
Some are in World Heritage cities such as Cordoba, Seville, Ubeda and Granada, with the Parador located right inside the Alhambra citadel. They’re easy to explore on an Andalucian road trip.
3. Botswana
One of the most stable countries in Africa, Botswana recently celebrated 50 years of independence. The wildlife is superb, from Chobe National Park, with the largest elephant population in the world, to the majestic Okavango, the largest inland delta.
The chances of spotting the “Big Five” are very high. Many of the safari camps have luxurious spas, so you can relax in style after a day on safari.
4. Costa Rica
If you’re looking for adventure and relaxation all in one trip, then Costa Rica is a great option. The pristine beaches, dense rainforest and abundant wildlife have always been a draw but until recently, the infrastructure was quite undeveloped.
However, with new direct flights from the US and the UK, its appeal is even stronger. Experiential travel, where you value the experiences of travel, is huge right now and Costa Rica has experiences galore, from jungle treks to ziplining above the rainforest canopy.
5. Mauritius
For natural wonders galore, immaculate beaches and an eclectic mix of cultures, Mauritius takes some beating. Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa is one of the many luxury hotels dotting the island.
Take time to visit the Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel, composed of seven distinctly coloured sands. You could also climb to the top of the now dormant volcanic crater or visit Grand Bassin, a crater lake and sacred Hindu site.
6. Monaco
For a small principality, Monaco certainly packs a huge punch as one of the most luxurious holiday destinations. The seemingly endless sunshine, delicious cuisine and many museums are sure to impress.
There’s a stylish Yacht Club, designed by Sir Norman Foster and Partners, and several casinos including the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, built by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. Shopping aficionados will enjoy wandering around the « Carré d’Or » quarter, where you’ll find some very elegant boutiques.
7. Montenegro
Montenegro is a charming country and Kotor, it’s main port was named by Lonely Planet as Best in Travel Cities. A new direct flight route from Manchester to Kotor has launched. Aman Resort Sveti Stefan and The Chedi Lustica Bay are two of the most luxurious hotels.
One &Only also opened its first European resort in Portonovi. There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore, and the marina at Porto Montenegro is home to a plethora of superyachts.
8. Thailand
Thailand has always been popular but it’s seriously upped the ante of late. Phuket is something of a celebrity hotspot, with Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell holidaying there regularly.
You’ll be spoilt for choice for luxury hotels, and one of the most stylish is Kata Rocks, with panoramic sea views, a high tech spa and fabulous Sky Villas with private swimming pools. Another tempting option is The Sarojin in Khao Lak, with the most amazing white sand beach. The restaurants in Bangkok are not to be missed either.
9. Mexico
Beloved of the jetset, Tulum ruins are worth the detour from Cancun International Airport. Tulum has a hippie chic ambiance, quite different from the large resorts in Cancun and fascinating Mayan ruins to explore when you’re done sunbathing.
The Cenotes Dos Ojos is a magical dive site in a natural sinkhole. Hotel Esencia is located halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Set over 50 acres, it was formerly the home of an Italian duchess.
Mayakoba is another great place to stay in Mexico, with four luxury hotels including Andaz Mayakoba. This is a great choice for a relaxing family vacation.
10. Turks and Caicos
With the current emphasis on health and fitness, Turks and Caicos is the Caribbean luxury destination of choice. It is home to some of the best spa and wellness retreats, including Parrot Cay by COMO on its own private island.
Turks and Caicos themselves are composed of over 40 islands so there is plenty to explore, from the stunning white sand of Grace Bay Beach to the conch farm at Caicos. With the third largest coral reef in the world, the diving is second to none.
Final Thoughts on the Top Luxury Travel Destinations
So there you have it: our top picks for luxury travel destinations. Whether you want to be pampered at a five-star resort or enjoy the best foodie cities in the world, we hope this list has inspired your next vacation plans. For more great travel content, be sure to check out our other articles. Bon voyage!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this round up of some of the most luxurious travel destinations. What are your travel plans for the coming year?
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Ooo Suze, there are a lot of countries that are already on my wishlist here, but Montenegro is a new one! Time to do a bit of research…
Polly xx
Montenegro is high on my wishlist too, Polly!
Costa Rica has crept on to my wish list recently 🙂
It seems to have so much to offer, hope you get to visit
I’d like to discover more of my own continent : Europe so a lot of trips overthere and also Dubaï and Singapor ! 🙂
What are your plans ?
Kenza from http://travelwithkenza.blogspot.fr/
Sounds like you’ve got some brilliant trips planned and looking forward to reading all about them. I’m heading to Switzerland, Andalusia in Spain and hopefully a few places further afield like Thailand
I really wanna go to Spain this year! These photos make me wanna go on vacay!
www.thequinoxfashion.com
I’m really excited to be visiting Andalusia – love the food in Spain!
I would like to visit Costa Rica, asap!!!!
Wishing you a very happy new year!
Kisses, Paola.
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I’d love to do the zip lining there! Although I’d choose one of the low routes 😉
The Amalfi Coast…would love to visit it one day! Already read so much about it….
You would really love it, there’s something so retro and charming about it not to mention amazing food!
Such dreamy destinations. I have some travel wishes on my list but for now I’m only planning 3 months ahead at a time.
www.LUXESSED.com
Funnily enough I’m in a similar situation, the furthest I have planned so far is to April
Beautiful, I would love to travel to these places
Happy New Year
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
You and me both, Laura! I have a few in the pipeline, fingers crossed
Suze, I love your choices! Botswana is one of my most favorite countries…everyone should go!
Ooh I’d absolutely love to visit Botswana, I had an amazing time in Tanzania so would love to do another safari
So enticing! Andalusia and Montenegro sound fantastic. Just my thing. I know I want to go to Europe again this year! Happy New Year to you!
Http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
I’ve got Andalusia booked in but not yet planned out Montenegro, it does look amazing! Happy belated New Year to you too
Great list! I went to Botswana a few years ago and loved it. I’m heading to Rwanda this month and can’t wait!
Botswana must have been amazing, I’m looking forward to hearing all about your Rwanda stay
I’d love to visit all these places, especially Turks and Caicos. I haven’t made any list yet however I will surely have some of these destinations on my list.
www.elabellaworld.com
Turks and Caicos would be very high on my list too, it looks so relaxing!
What lovely destinations! The Delta looks stunning.
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Botswana really must be amazing, I’d love to visit!
I hope you get to visit the Amalfi Coast, it really is stunning!
I may have to hide in a few suitcases just to get to these places, but dammit, YOLO 2016 XD
Ha ha, now that’s a great idea, Frankie
I visited Monaco during the Summer and it’s a very interesting place. I think the surrounding areas of NICE in the South of France are worth visiting as they just beautiful. Villefranche was a highlight for me during the Summer, it was just stunning, I think you would really like it.
Great posts and makes me want to book a flight away somewhere soon.
Laura 🙂
www.shehearts.net xx
I loved the South of France too and will be writing about that soon, sadly we didn’t get any time in Nice but would love to return!
It was the surrounding areas of Nice I loved the most, Nice itself was lovely but certainly fell in love with VilleFranche more so, it was picture perfect and the beach was really pretty.
Want to visit the South of France again soon, so many beautiful areas to visit!
Laura www.shehearts.net x
Mexico on my list 😀
Happy New Year!!!
*_*
Kisses,
Nicoleta
http://reinventyourself.guide
I can see why, Nico – hope you get to visit it!
Thanks Lu, happy New Year 2016! Wishing you lots of fun travels for the year ahead
Safe to say that this is ALL on my list at the moment! What an inspiring round up 🙂 I’m hoping to visit either Mauritius and/ or Thailand soon as I’m based out of Bombay for the next coupla months and both are super close! xxx
I want to go to them all!! I’ve been to a few of these places but would love to return to Botswana and some other places in Africa. We were backpacking when we visited so would love to visit again and do it in luxury this time!
amazing photo!!! Happy new hear!!
Kisses, Paola.
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Too long since I’ve been to Mauritius – one of my favourite beach/golf destinations. Lots planned for this year – just back from skiing in Austria and next stop is Costa Adeje, Tenerife for some sun at the end of January. Where are you off to next?
Unfortunately I don’t have any travel plans for this year but I’d love to go to Costa Rica or Mauritius. Hopefully will make it to Bali or California this year though as well as some places in Europe – maybe the Cinque Terre!
Don’t know if I love or hate these posts. . I love em! I wish I could travel to all of the above mentioned destinations. I will be able to hopefully hit one soon. Thanks for the awesome read!
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I’ve only been to two of the destinations in this post. I love places where you find luxury unexpectedly!
Great list, Suze! Seems like you’ve got almost all of the continents covered 🙂
Oh My God, the destinations enlisted here are out of this World!!! They all look so awesome!! Wish I’d visit these places soon…