Each year, Mercer, the consultancy focused on global economics, publishes its list of the most expensive cities in the world. The index lists 226 cities in the world in order, measuring how ‘expensive’ each one is by comparing the costs of more than 200 items in each location, including transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. Mercer says “the comprehensive ranking serves as a valuable compass, providing guidance through the intricate landscape of living expenses in cities worldwide”. At the other end of the Mercer list, the cities that ranked the lowest for living costs last year are Islamabad, Lagos and Abuja.

Mercer’s list of the most expensive cities in the world is aimed at companies with employees who are assigned internationally and it includes four Swiss cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern). There are other similar lists, including one by The EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit), which publishes a worldwide cost of living survey naming its most expensive cities in the world each year. And there’s another, by Numbeo, which focuses on the prices of consumer goods such as food, restaurants, and transportation, but not housing. Below, we’ve combined our findings to make a list of the 10 most expensive cities in the world, which happen to make wonderful luxury travel destinations.

1. Singapore

Poised at the top of both lists, there is no denying this luxury paradise’s position as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Singapore has pizzazz in abundance – even its botanical garden is described by Lonely Planet as “a S$1 billion, 101-hectare fantasy land of space-age biodomes, high-tech Supertrees and whimsical sculptures”. The soothing Mandarin Oriental overlooks the Marina Bay Sands development – the crown jewel of the skyline, and the symbol of modern Singapore.

2. Hong Kong

This city wears its luxury credentials glamorously, via an iconic skyline, glittering harbour and spectacular restaurant scene. But there are lush green peaks all around, too, offering panoramic views, Hong Kong camellias and sightings of spoon-billed sandpipers. Stay at the Peninsula to absorb some old-world magic, right on the Kowloon waterfront, and dine at Wing, Vicky Cheng’s rule-free fine dining establishment, which celebrates the eight great Chinese cuisines to dazzling effect.

3. Zurich

Another long-term resident of the top 10 list, this Swiss city rides high as a result of expensive housing prices and high transportation costs. Our 10-day Majestic Switzerland journey begins and ends in Zurich, where we stay at the stunning art deco AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac on the shore of Lake Zurich, a short walk from the opera house.

4. Geneva

On the same captivating Switzerland journey, which sweeps round the country with a stint on the Glacier Express, we pause in Geneva for a stay at the uniquely grand but intimate Hotel d’Angleterre, on the shores of the lake. It’s a sumptuous address – lots of dark wood, soothing tones, rich fabrics and imposing drapery. The lake views from the restaurant are exquisite, making for a meal perfectly befitting one of the most expensive cities in the world.

5. Copenhagen

Number 8 on the EIU list, Denmark’s impossibly cool capital is well documented as an expensive destination to while away a weekend. It’s worth every penny. Our Timeless Scandinavia journey combines a divine mix of fjords, scenic railways, countryside abodes and dazzling cities, starting in Copenhagen. Our chosen city lodgings are the epitome of Scandi minimalism: 71 Nyhavn is made up of restored canalside warehouse buildings, originally built in the early 1800s. We dine at the Michelin-star Høst – on the best Nordic ingredients, meticulously assembled.

6. Paris

Naturalement, some of the world’s most fabulous vacations are taken in Paris. On our Ultimate France journey we luxuriate in Paris last of all, so you can also extend your trip and linger longer. We stay at the Hotel Napoleon, a romantic address in the city’s heart, a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe. At the very end, our guests reminisce over dinner on the Eiffel Tower, potentially the most alluring dining destination in the world.

7. New York City

We flock to the Big Apple to shop widely, dine opulently and sleep soundly in some of the world’s most exquisite boudoirs, amid the unmistakable buzz of one of the most expensive cities in the world. Our current hotel pick for sheer grandiosity is the Fifth Avenue Hotel, once part of the estate of a 19th century socialite, sensationally restored with a jewel box palette, elaborate wallpapers, ornate paneling and oysters à la pomme at Café Carmellini.

8. London

Maintaining its position in the top 10 thanks to enormous demand for a tightly constrained supply of city-centre property, London is still Europe’s biggest financial centre, and the average house costs around 850,000 USD. On our journey through the regal glory of Great Britain, we begin in London – very centrally – across the road from Buckingham Palace. The Rubens at the Palace is a riot of lavish Englishness, with four poster beds, doormen in tailcoats and afternoon tea.

9. Nassau

The high cost of living in Nassau is due to its status as a tourist destination and financial hub, and because of high demand for limited housing from both locals and expatriates. Modern Nassau is all high-end fashion designers, extremely fine dining and superyachts – all with that turquoise backdrop. Soak it up at the Rosewood Baha Mar, a haven of exclusivity, with a golf course, French restaurant and soothing, richly decorated residences, opening on to the powder white sands of Cable Beach.

10. Los Angeles

LA has higher than average costs for housing, taxes, food, transport, health care, and utilities. The most expensive neighbourhood is Bel-Air. If you’re in town, only the rose-coloured Hotel Bel-Air will do, set within 18 acres of bougainvillea, ficus, orange blossom and fern. This classic Hollywood hideaway makes guests feel like A-listers, and is a peaceful antidote to the traffic.

Luxury Gold guests are accustomed to a certain level of comfort, but that doesn’t mean they like to scrimp on adventure. If you have a spirit that can’t be quelled and a bucket list that needs tending to in the next year, we have plenty of ideas for luxury adventure vacations that will capture your imagination.

We give each of our luxury adventure tours an activity level: leisurely, balanced or dynamic. And the level of activity is not necessarily equal to the level of adventure. For instance, on a leisurely (short distances, flat surfaces) luxury vacation in New Zealand, you’ll cover cities, caves, hot springs, waterfalls, and a treewalk made up of 28 suspension bridges, and on a dynamic luxury journey to Italy, the Cinque Terre is more intrepid than it looks (longer distances, trickier terrain). Here are six bucket list trips to get you thinking.

Look for the big five in Kruger National Park

Safaris tend to be quite high on everyone’s list of luxury adventure vacations – is it finally time? If your bucket list priority is to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo (the big five) in one trip, this epic national park offers a diverse range of terrain including mountains, rivers, savannah and tropical forests. On our Spectacular South Africa journey, the private open-air safaris are led by professional trackers over three days and there are plunge pools, starlit dinners and pampering treatments aplenty back at the Lion Sands Game Reserve in between drives. This journey also includes Table Mountain, wineries and more rare wildlife sightings at Boulders Beach.

Board the Rocky Mountaineer, Luxury Gold-style

Adventure travel and rail travel go hand in hand – there is nothing quite like watching the world from your window, particularly if you happen to be sitting in the glass-domed Goldleaf car of the Rocky Mountaineer, on a reclining seat, eating from the a la carte menu (with local wine pairings), with the option of wandering to an open-air viewing vestibule. On our Majesty of the Rockies journey, you’ll travel from Banff to Vancouver, via glaciers, canyons and lakes. Waking up aboard the train on the home-stretch and eating a gourmet breakfast beside some of the most dazzling scenery in the world completes a luxury journey like no other.

Explore the lesser traveled wildernesses of Japan

You may know (and long for) Japan’s cities, sushi, skyscrapers, shrines and cherry blossom sightings but there are breathtaking wonders further afield, too. Oirase Gorge – within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park on the main island – is an enchanting river valley that encompasses verdant forests, dramatic waterfalls and crystal clear streams. Experiencing an onsen in Tokyo is one thing, but taking a soothing soak in the forest is unforgettable. Our Majestic Japan journey is dynamic, which means four miles of walking on some days, with some steep hills. It includes views of Mount Fuji from a cable car, a tea ceremony and a meeting with a cherry blossom doctor, plus mind-expanding meals and some of the most extravagant and cozy hotels in the world.

Hike to get the best sunset views at Angkor Wat

Together, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam make for one of the most epic luxury adventure vacations you can have. There’s the lush greenery, floating markets and flower farms of the Mekong Delta, the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the sheer magic (and the pho) of Hoi An, the glittering emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, ethereal Luang Prabang (the whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage site) and vistas aplenty in between. Nothing beats the golden, glowing view of Angkor Wat, though, at least as good as everyone says it is, reflected in the water below. On our Inspiring Indochina journey, an archaeologist is on hand to guide you to the best spots.

Walk the steep, rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre

In northwest Italy, the Cinque Terre is made up of five pastel-coloured cliffside villages overlooking the Ligurian Sea, connected by narrow walking paths and a few incredibly precarious mountain roads. The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site – described as a landscape of great scenic and cultural value. There are 120km of trails along this stretch of coastline, and the breathtaking views alone make it a bucket list walk. See this most rugged, enchanting coastline on our Ultimate Italy journey, which also covers Rome, Umbria, Florence and Venice – truly the luxury vacation to Italy you’ve been dreaming of.

Weave through the cloud forest to Machu Picchu

When one thinks of adventure travel, Machu Picchu comes quickly to mind. In the middle of a tropical mountain forest in Peru, 2,430m above sea level, the sprawling Inca citadel must be seen up close to be believed. On our Grand South America journey, you’ll board the panoramic Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, pausing for lunch above the Vilcanota River followed by a guided walk through the unfathomably lush and mesmerizing cloud forest. This luxury vacation also features wine in Casablanca Valley, Eva Peron’s balcony in Buenos Aires and cocktails on Copacabana Beach.

Mountain summits, lakeside forests, sculptural desert rock forms, luminous lagoons… the world is full of wonders to nourish the eye. But where to start? You could form a whole separate bucket list of the most beautiful places in the world, before you begin to break that beauty down by scenery, nature, manmade forms and wildlife. Some landscapes are just pleasing to the eye, and must be protected at all costs; tread lightly when visiting these exceptionally beautiful spots across the globe.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Famously up there with the most beautiful places in the world, the world’s largest coral reef system gleams a neon turquoise. Sailing around and landing on its islands, you’ll see white sand beaches and spot turtles, clownfish and giant clams on snorkels. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Australia tour.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Machu Picchu, Peru

Set 7,972 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this mysterious citadel is not just one of the most beautiful places in the world, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Reached at the end of an epic hike – or a scenic train ride – the classic view of the city is from the Guardian’s House. Take the train option on Luxury Gold’s Treasures of the Incas tour.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Pamukkale, Turkey

This western Turkish town is famous for its natural white travertine terraces, their scoops of natural pools filled by nourishing hot springs. Their gleaming white frame makes the pools an exquisite, luminous ice-blue. Visit on a day-trip from Marmaris or Dalaman on the coast.

Pamukkale’s travertine terraces, Turkey

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Enormous and pillar-like, there’s something uncanny about these vast baobab trees, some of which are over 800 years old and over 98ft tall. Often photographed silhouetted against a fiery Madagascan sunset, they’re found on the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand

Another country that pops up on list of the most beautiful places in the world is New Zealand. Peaceful, uninterrupted nature sprawls across much of its South Island, but most famous is Milford Sound, a shimmering fiord backed by peaks and waterfalls in the Fiordland region. On Luxury Gold’s tour, you’ll visit lesser-known but just as ravishing neighbour, Doubtful Sound, on an overnight cruise.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Bagan, Myanmar

This ancient city and Unesco World Heritage Site is an arresting mix of stupa-topped temples and dense forest, often seen in magical mists. There are more than 3,500 temples and pagodas here, some dating back 800 years and many eerily overgrown with mossy foliage.

Temples in Bagan, Myanmar

Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA

California’s towering redwood trees are one for the bucket list: this west coast state’s hiking trails and national parks are some of the most beautiful places in the world, let alone in North America. Home to the world’s tallest trees – some more than 370ft high – these forest dwarf their visitors and emphasize the sheer force of nature.

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Okavango Delta, Botswana

One of the few wetlands systems that does not flow into a sea or ocean, this complex inland waterway is a honeypot for incredible wildlife, with little human development to spoil the view. Visit during the dry season to see elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo and over 560 bird species.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Close to Kyoto, this dense forest of light-filtering bamboo is a restorative place to spend an afternoon. Hiking trails through the tall, thin stems, you’ll feel an immense sense of peace, before exploring the nearby Togetsukyo Bridge and temples in Sagano.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Petra, Jordan

Rose-gold pillars and ornate panels carved into sheer rock face, this desert city in the ancient kingdom of Jordan is a must-see on your travels. Built by the Nabatean civilisation over 2,000 years ago, it looks like a scene from a sci-fi film set on another planet; visit at night to see it illuminated by hundreds of candles.

The ancient city of Petra, Jordan

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Known for the rainbows that float above their crashing mists, these vast waterfalls form a natural border between these two African countries on the Zambezi River. Take the path along the edge to be misted with spray and hear the roar which gave them the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke that Thunders”.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil

A protected swathe of land in northeastern Brazil, this national park has surreal sand dunes cradling turquoise lagoons. A Unesco world heritage site and one of the less obvious of our most beautiful places in the world, its white sand against bright water has an otherworldly beauty to it.

Dunes at Lençois Maranhenses National Park

Rocky Mountains, Canada/USA

These dramatic mountain peaks cut down through North America from Canada well into the United States, a series of craggy charcoal mountains swathed in handsome evergreen forest. Banff National Park is one of the most gorgeous spots; while the Rocky Mountaineer train, travelling through the area, is a bucket list favourite. See the best of the area on Luxury Gold’s Majesty of the Rockies tour.

Sunset in Banff National Park, Canada

Yuanyang Rice Terraces, China

There are around 17,000 hectares of gently shelving rice paddies in this area of Yunnan, China, prompting intrepid visitors to come from far and wide for the local hiking trails and photography opportunities. Part of the UNESCO-recognised Honghe Hani Rice Terraces area, they’re not just one of the most beautiful places in the world, they’re one of the oldest continually-farmed areas anywhere, using the same methods for centuries.

Mount Teide, Tenerife

The highest mountain in Spain sits on the dramatic, volcanic Canary Island of Tenerife. A striking, Mars-like terrain of crumbling black rock and lava forms, it’s also a great place to go stargazing, with some of the clearest skies in Europe. Take the challenging hike or catch the cable car up to the summit.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

This Nordic country is home to more than 20 hot springs and geothermal pools, but this most famous turquoise lagoon is known for its luminous powder-blue waters, mystical clouds of steam and black rocky surrounds. Geothermal heat warms the water to a comfy 99-102 Fahrenheit, creating a natural hot tub with otherworldly views all around.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

A spectacular, barren landscape, Sossusvlei contains both enormous, rust-red sand dunes and flat, white salt pans that make it one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s part of the Namib Desert, with curious plant and wildlife that have adapted to the extreme, arid conditions. You can camp at a luxury tented camp in the area, or fly over the landscape by hot air balloon.

The Pitons, St Lucia

These lush, emerald twin mountain peaks are the gateway to dense forest, cocoa plantations and exotic wildlife on this – perhaps the prettiest of all Caribbean islands. You can see their majesty from many a luxury resort or white sand beach in the area, but the brave choose to climb them at sunrise, or hike around their foot trails.

Trans-Bhutan Trail, Bhutan

Of all of the world’s most naturally-blessed hiking trails, this might be the ultimate. Winding through the cut-off-from-the-world Asian country of Bhutan, the 403km route dates back to the 16th century, but is only just opening up to global tourists. You’ll see rice paddies, huge Buddha statues, incredible mountainside temples and villages with fluttering prayer flags along the way.

St Moritz, Switzerland

Views of the Swiss Alps from the Alpine towns of St Moritz and Zermatt are unparalleled. Expect snow-capped mountain peaks, mirror-smooth lakes, fairytale evergreen forests and more from one of the most beautiful places in the world. To see these areas and ride the sought-after Glacier Express train, visit on Luxury’s Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour.

St. Moritz at dusk

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

With enormous limestone karsts rising up from tranquil waters like the humps of a sea monster, this bay in northeast Vietnam is one of the most sought-after sights in Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s traditional wooden junks and overnight tourist cruises ply the waters, passing white beaches and turquoise lagoon – visit on Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Indochina tour.

Serene Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Geirangerfjord, Norway

Norway’s fjords are a soothing prospect: vast and unspoiled, their towering, mossy cliffs lead to pure forest and snow-capped heights. This Unesco World Heritage Site might be the most fairytale-perfect, with skyscraper-tall waterfalls and tiny, elfin cottages trimming its shores. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Timeless Scandinavia tour.

Geraingerfjord is Norway’s largest fjord

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s carefully protected interior is known for its complex ecosystems – in Monteverde, you’ll find over 2,500 species of plant and more than 500 types of orchid alone, not to mention 30 species of hummingbird and sloths, toucans and golden toads. Strolling along suspended walkways through the treetops is a magical experience.

Colorful toucan in Costa Rica

Table Mountain, South Africa

South Africa is packed with incredible vistas, from its wave-lashed coastline (where whales and sharks can be seen from above) to the dense green pastures of its Cape Winelands, and idyllic Garden Route beaches. Table Mountain is the must-see for visitors to Cape Town, with panoramic views over the city’s skirts and a “tablecloth” of mist and cloud often draped over its heights. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Spectacular South Africa tour.

Table Mountain’s “tablecloth” of mist

Monument Valley, USA

There’s a lunar-like quality to this dry, nature-sculpted valley on the border of Arizona and Utah; but rendered in fierce Martian reds. Huge sandstone buttes and mesas are the “monuments” here, where hiking trails, sunset tours and Navajo heritage tours best showcase one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

Monument Valley, magical even at night

Iguassu Falls, Argentina

It’s hard to get your head around the sheer scale of these powerful, semicircular falls, thundering down from 80m at their highest. Dividing Argentina and Brazil, and visited in protected parks either side of the border, the area is also a honeypot of great wildlife: tapirs, howler monkeys, caimans and even jaguars. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Grand South America tour.

Iguassu Falls, on the Brazil/Argentina border

Scottish Highlands, UK

Not all beautiful locations are sun-soaked and tropical – many come in frostier, mistier forms. Take Scotland’s remote, rambling Highlands, where you might visit the enchanting Loch Lomond, see coastal castles crumbling into the sea, spot a stag on heathery heathland or visit a far-flung whisky distillery on a tiny island.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands

Jaipur, India

Known as the “Pink City”,  Rajasthan state’s rose-tinted capital is packed with some of India’s loveliest architecture. Alongside the ornately decorated, 18th-century City Palace, there are forts, temples and bazzars to explore – visit on Luxury Gold’s Essence of India tour.

The Pink Palace, Jaipur

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

This South Pacific nation is about as paradisiacal as paradise gets, but Bora Bora is the real pin-up. White sand beaches, thatched bungalows on stilts in neon bright lagoons, looming, forested island and some of the world’s best reefs to snorkel and dive mean it’s a magnet for super-luxurious resorts.

Palm trees on French Polynesia

Wulingyuan, China

Another Unesco World Heritage Site, this area of Hunan Province is famous for its natural sandstone pillars and slim mountain peaks, rising out of misty, remote countryside. It inspired film director James Cameron’s “floating islands” in the movie Avatar, and intrepid tourists still visit to see its dizzying cliffside walkways, local caves and waterfalls.

The limestone karst towers of Wulingyuan, China