With the world at our feet, travelers are spoiled for choice of luxury holiday destinations. Maybe you feel nostalgic for some old-world glamour, or are searching for something a bit different like a burst of culture or a more off-grid experience.
Whether you are a nature lover or a foodie, a sun-seeker or a history lover, there is a luxury vacation for you. To help you choose your next journey, we’ve highlighted some of the top luxury holiday destinations that you should have on your travel bucket list.
1. New Zealand
For the ultimate nature getaway, New Zealand has it all. Its magnificent landscapes behold a fairytale of majestic alps, glaciers, golden sand beaches, snow-capped mountains and views of the Pacific. From enticing cities to boutique wineries, this small but impressive country deservedly rates as one of the world’s best luxury destinations.
Discover this bucket list destination with Luxury Gold and rest and rejuvenate in exquisite wilderness retreats. In Rotorua you are invited to a Māori Hāngī feast, a delicious meal cooked unground with geothermal steam. And in the capital Auckland, be treated to an exclusive dinner with a former New Zealand All Black rugby player. A boutique wine tour of the Craggy Range winery followed by dinner and pairing, is just another delight that lies in store.
Discover this on: The Long White Cloud
Read more: The ultimate nature retreat: welcome to Milford Sound Lodge
2. Japan
Japan is a land of breathtaking beauty that fuses traditions with modern living. It is the perfect destination if you are looking to explore a different culture and a chance to get off the beaten path. Japan has recently opened its borders again to international travelers and is fast becoming one of the world’s top luxury holiday destinations.
From the cutting-edge metropolis of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji, seemingly suspended in time, Japan has something for everyone. Join us on Majestic Japan explore exquisite gardens and enjoy a performance by a Geisha in Kyoto. Learn the delicate art of sushi making with a Tokyo Masterchef and, in the stunning surroundings of Oirase Gorge, meet a Sake Brewmaster and discover the secrets of this sacred drink.
Discover this on: Majestic Japan
Read more: A Journey of a Lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold
3. France
For a nostalgic getaway, the romance and intrigue of France always delivers. Just picture the turquoise waters and glamorous French Riviera beach resorts of the Côte d’Azur and St. Tropez. Imagine the rich aromas and vivid colors of Provence, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Avignon, blended together with world-famous French gastronomy to make this one of the world’s best luxury holiday destinations.
Travel with us and, in Provence, slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. In Avignon, indulge in a dinner at the Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine.
Discover this on: Ultimate Southern France
Read more: In 2022, why we do we crave the New Golden Era of Travel more than ever before
4. India
The Taj Mahal. Vibrant colors. Delicate spices and magnificent palaces. These are just some of the reasons India is an endlessly fascinating destination. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The country’s intriguing culture, exceptional hospitality and exquisite cuisine see it emerging as a top luxury holiday destination.
Disocver Insia with Luxury Gold and enjoy a private tour of Jaipur City Palace, including the maharajah’s personal living room normally off-limits to visitors. In Ranthambore, search out the elusive tigers in their natural habitat. You will explore the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs, peppered with palatial ruins and traditional Chhatri.
Discover this on: Essence of India with Ranthambore
Read more: Meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw
5. Italy
Another truly nostalgic destination, Italy takes you on a timeless journey back to the Renaissance and the Roman Empire. Walk through the cobblestone alleyways and ruins of Pompeii and glide on a gondola through the canals of Venice. Admire masterpieces as you tour the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s revered frescos in the Sistine Chapel.
Join us in Italy and sail to the sun-drenched island of Capri, sit down to a Michelin-starred Italian feast with sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples. In Venice, visit the Doge’s Palace exclusively after hours. And for the ultimate nostalgia trip, choose to extend your tour onboard the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to travel to Paris.
Discover this on: Ultimate Italy
Read more: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold
6. Dubai
Dubai has earned its reputation as a premier luxury destination through a combination of visionary development, enviable hospitality and celebrity allure. Not to mention the year round sunshine. This glamorous city, which transitioned from a modest fishing village to a global metropolis within a few decades, is home to the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only seven-star hotel. The Al Muntaha’s restaurant on the 27th floor offers floor-to-ceiling windows with sensational ocean views. Shaped like a sail, the Burj Al Arab offers a whole next level of luxury, including chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces, personal butlers, and helipads.
A playground for the rich and famous, Dubai also boasts the towering Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the world’s biggest shopping centre The Dubai Mall with luxury brands everywhere you turn. A must see on your visit is Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, featuring upscale resorts like the Atlantis which is known for its underwater suites and celebrity chef restaurants.
7. Necker Island
Necker Island, a private island owned by Sir Richard Branson, is a magnet for the elite and wealthy. Tucked away in the British Virgin Islands between Tortola and Anegada, it is one of the most idyllic and unspoiled locales in all the Caribbean. The island’s charm lies in its pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch amenities, including private chefs, personal staff and world-class water sports facilities.
The Island has hosted everyone from presidents to pop stars – Barack and Michelle Obama, Kate Winslet and Mariah Carey have all enjoyed the island’s privacy and tranquility, which makes it a perfect retreat away from the public eye. It does come with a price tag to match, you’ll pay upwards of $5000 per room per night.
More hotel inspiration: This New Zealand Forest Retreat Combines 5-Star Luxury with Sustainability
8. Lizard Island, Australia
Photo credit: @lizardisland on Instagram
A pristine and secluded location that offers peace, tranquility, and complete privacy. Some ‘off the beaten path’ hotels embody this concept to the extreme, being so remotely situated that they can only be accessed by plane, boat, or other unconventional means, but the journey is part of the allure. These range from breathtaking wilderness lodges to serene beachfront retreats.
Lizard Island is a true sanctuary from the outside world. Boasting 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites, it stands as the most northern resort in tropical Queensland, directly on the Great Barrier Reef within a 1,013-hectare National Park. This island is reserved for the fortunate few who seek an unforgettable vacation unlike any other. Guests can enjoy private picnics and sunset degustations on secluded beaches, savor five-star cuisine at the beautiful Salt Water restaurant, and indulge in luxurious spa treatments at the Essentia Day Spa.
You may also be interested to read: Experience Remote Luxury at These Extraordinary Hotels
9. The Maldives
The Maldives stands as an icon of ultimate luxury travel, offering an idyllic escape with its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and opulent overwater bungalows. Unlike the bustling urban luxury of Dubai, the Maldives captivates with its tranquil, natural beauty and seclusion. Each luxury resort is typically located on its own private island, providing exclusivity and intimacy.
Synonymous with extravagant experiences, guests in the Maldives can indulge in underwater dining at restaurants like Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, enjoy bespoke spa treatments in serene overwater pavilions, or take private yacht excursions to explore the coral reefs and marine life. The Maldives is also famous for its luxurious accommodations; overwater villas often come with private infinity pools, direct lagoon access and personal butler service.
Bookmark for later: Secret islands and snowy retreats: 5 hotspots loved by the British Royal family
10. Echo by White Desert, Antarctica
Echo Camp in Antarctica truly lives up to its reputation as the most remote luxury camp on Earth. Inspired by astronauts and the golden age of space exploration, Echo combines an ultra-luxury experience with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and offers exclusive access to the rarely seen interior of the White Continent.
Notable astronauts like Buzz have visited, comparing the infinite Antarctic landscape and its dramatic mountain ranges to those in space, saying their , beauty surpasses Venus and Mars. Guests are pampered by a team of experienced chefsYou can visit the nearby 28,000-strong Emperor Penguin colony or embarking on a bucket-list journey to the South Pole. Like all White Desert camps, Echo is designed to be dismantled, leaving no trace on the Antarctic landscape.
You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
If you are searching for your next luxury holiday destination, take a look at our collection of limited-edition luxury guided tours. Each journey is specially curated, with exquisite hotels and exceptional cuisine at each destination.
