Following a prolonged period of pandemic-induced limitations and seclusion, numerous individuals are eager to reserve flights and make up for the lost time. As travel was set aside during the previous few years, those with an insatiable thirst for exploration are investing considerable amounts of hard-earned money to visit the world’s most luxury destinations. Below, we’ve listed ten of the most exceptional luxury destinations globally, which offer unparalleled natural beauty, exceptional hospitality, and extravagant excursions and experiences. We’ve also included hotel recommendations to facilitate vacation planning.
Dubai
The Persian Gulf oasis boasts a surplus of wealth demonstrated through contemporary architecture, extravagant sports cars and artificial islands showcasing stunning ocean vistas and some of the world’s tallest buildings, such as the 163-story Burj Khalifa. Commence your journey in style with a business class flight on Emirates for an unparalleled in-flight experience, complete with full three-course menus, a starry sky ceiling, and the renowned bar seen in the second instalment of Sex and the City.
Where to Stay: Atlantis The Royal, self-proclaimed as the “most ultra-luxury experiential resort in the world. The hotel comprises 43 stories of modern suites, 17 world-class restaurants, multiple pools alongside Bellagio-style fountains and a holistic spa. The crown jewel of the building is the Cloud 22 rooftop bar and club area, featuring private cabanas and an oversized infinity pool with a panoramic view of Palm Island.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is experiencing a significant resurgence as a Caribbean destination. Apart from its crystal-clear turquoise waters that extend for miles across its 700 coral islands, this renowned vacation spot offers a range of luxury destinations and experiences to suit its discerning clientele. Visitors can enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Nassau, which offers golf courses, five-star hotels and numerous ports for daily yacht charters. Alternatively, they can explore more secluded islands like the Exumas, which provide a private and exclusive beachside experience.
Where to Stay: For an authentic immersion in the Bahamas’ stunning sandy beaches and palm trees, consider visiting a lesser-known island. The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is a hidden gem that boasts a world-renowned golf course, and breathtaking beaches. Private club members can rent entire waterside homes for intimate gatherings.
Norway
Norway is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for luxury travellers. This Scandinavian country offers a diverse range of landscapes, majestic fjords, pebble-lined beaches, lush forests and verdant mountains. Its focus on sustainability and conservation places nature at the forefront, making it one of the most awe-inspiring regions on this list, regardless of the season.
Where to Stay: Begin your Norwegian luxury destinations adventure in the northern city of Trondheim at the chic Britannia Hotel, then venture out to the waterside Naustet Stokkoy to stay in a beautifully appointed modern lake house with a full chef’s kitchen and an expansive wooden deck where you can go scallop diving. If planning seems overwhelming, Up Norway specializes in creating personalized itineraries for luxury travellers, featuring hidden gems such as the stunning Øyna Cultural Landscape Hotel, which is nestled in a mountain and surrounded by lush foliage.
Italy
Italy offers a plethora of destinations to discover and explore. The country’s exquisite cuisine, particularly when enjoyed against the backdrop of stunning landscapes such as the sun-kissed valleys of Naples, the cliffside towns of the Amalfi Coast and the canals of Venice adds to its splendour. Italy is a testament to the idea that luxury destinations can be uncomplicated and unpretentious when the food and surroundings are allowed to speak for themselves.
Where to Stay: If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Rome, the Hotel Eden is a must-visit. Its palatial interiors boast plush velvet furnishings, floor-to-ceiling Italian marble and elegant pleated sconces. The attentive staff ensures that guests feel pampered, offering monogrammed leather key holders and a Rolls Royce car service for an extra touch of luxury.
Seychelles
Seychelles, a group of islands located 995 miles off the coast of Kenya, has become one of the best among the ultimate luxury destinations for a honeymoon, and good reason. The remote location means that it takes over 18 hours to reach by plane from New York, providing a feeling of complete seclusion. Guests can indulge in a variety of activities, including snorkelling, SCUBA diving, relaxing on private beaches, sailing and hiking mountains with panoramic views. Seychelles is the perfect destination for those seeking a balance of relaxation and adventure.
Where to Stay: The Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas offer exceptional service with a dedicated butler, secluded villas and breathtaking infinity pools that extend towards the ocean. This resort provides an ideal environment to disconnect unwind and indulge in luxury.
Maldives
The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations, where indulgence is the norm. With its iconic overwater bungalows, guests can immerse themselves in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean while enjoying locally sourced cuisine and pampering in-room spa treatments. It’s a place where you can simply relax and unwind while basking in the tropical sun and taking in the stunning surroundings.
Where to Stay: The Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is a truly exceptional destination that exudes luxury from every angle. Recently ranked as one of the world’s top resorts, this brand-new property boasts stunning architecture and a host of premium amenities, including a tea lounge, fitness centre and spa, all perched above the crystal-clear waters filled with vibrant tropical fish. Every detail has been meticulously considered to ensure an unforgettable experience for guests.
Argentina
Buenos Aires may have a European vibe, but Argentina is a vast country with many other captivating regions to explore. From the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls to the imposing glaciers of Patagonia, there is no shortage of natural wonders to behold. And after a day of adventure, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a juicy, flavorful steak dinner, a hallmark of Argentine cuisine
Where to Stay: Escape to Argentina’s wine country and indulge in a luxurious stay at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites. The spacious rooms offer fully integrated in-room spa facilities including a sensations shower, massage table, steam room and dry sauna, all designed to offer wine-themed treatments. Guests can also enjoy sipping on the property’s wine and soaking in the tranquillity of rural living. For an unforgettable experience, book a private seaplane for day or overnight trips to explore the Esteros del Iberá, Andes Mountains, and Patagonia’s breathtaking sights.
Hawaii
Sometimes, in our eagerness to escape the pressures of daily life, we overlook the splendour that exists right in our surroundings. While a flight to Hawaii may not be the quickest option, particularly for those on the East Coast, a taste of luxury can be found without the need for a passport, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid customs and the immigration process. The Aloha State offers an array of possibilities for exploration, with each island boasting its unique features, from the trendy and sophisticated city of Honolulu to the enchanting and cinematic landscapes of Kauai. You can plan a diverse itinerary that allows you to experience it all while still indulging in the five-star accommodations that offer relaxation during downtime.
Where to Stay: For a truly memorable experience, visit Maui and book a stay in one of the luxurious suites or villas at the Fairmont Kea Lani. These accommodations are conveniently situated just a few steps away from Polo Beach, where you can bask in the sun, snorkel, and swim during the warmer months, and even catch glimpses of majestic whales during the winter season. While you’re there, make sure to wake up early and witness E Ala Ē, a traditional Hawaiian sunrise chant that takes place on the resort’s beach.
France
France, with its picturesque lavender fields in Provence and stunning beaches in Saint-Tropez, is a country that many Americans fall in love with and never want to leave. The locals’ blasé attitude and effortless luxury can be so overwhelming that you may feel unworthy at times during your trip.
Where to Stay: Exuding opulence and grandeur, the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris is a symbol of French wealth and prosperity. The hotel boasts lavish gold-adorned furniture, elegant light fixtures, and beautifully framed paintings fit for royalty. Located just steps away from the iconic Champs-Élysées, the hotel’s suites offer breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, and the nearby shops of Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent add to the allure of this famed establishment.
Iceland
Although Iceland is often marketed as an adventurous, nature-filled destination, it’s also possible to explore the island in comfort and style. Furthermore, with its low population and vast stretches of uninhabited land, Iceland has become a sought-after wellness destination, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves.
Where to Stay: Located adjacent to the renowned Blue Lagoon in Reykjanes, The Retreat provides guests with exclusive access to the geothermal pools and spa treatments offered in them. The rooms boast breathtaking panoramic views of the ice-blue waters and craggy rocks that surround them. The decor creates a calm and inviting atmosphere with its understated and minimalist style. Additionally, the rooms feature rainfall showers and standalone tubs, providing guests with the opportunity to indulge in self-pampering between the hotel’s pampering treatments.
