Sometimes you just need a little bit of luxury in your life. A little touch of elegance and sophistication to brighten up your day-to-day routine, and something special and exciting to look forward to. A luxury vacation can be just the ticket, particularly when it comes to the darker months of winter when all you crave is some sun, some surf, and a lot of pampering! If you are thinking of treating yourself this year, these are some of the best luxury destinations to save for.
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand is a firm favorite of almost every type of traveller, and while films like The Beach might have highlighted it as a backpacking destination, it is a truly wonderful destination for a luxury vacation as well. The stunning island of Phuket is packed with extravagant hotels, and the beaches and spectacular sunsets here are the epitome of Thailand’s delights. Luxury resorts and hotels on Phuket include Trisara, Andara, & The Naka Island while The Six Senses on the smaller island of Koh Yao Noi offers an extra sense of remote indulgence.
Tahiti, French Polynesia
The last word in romantic honeymoon getaways, a visit to the remote islands of Tahiti is not just for lovebirds and newlyweds. The iconic overwater bungalows of Tahiti and Bora Bora are perfect for anyone who wants unparalleled elegance coupled with the ultimate location, and diving into the warm, shallow lagoon straight from your accommodation is a pretty special experience. The unspoiled coral reefs, pristine white sand beaches and gorgeous scenery make the perfect backdrop to a luxury vacation, with massage and spa treatments on the beach the perfect addition to the perfect trip. The Intercontinental on Bora Bora is renowned as one of the best resorts in French Polynesia, and Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa, and The Brando on Tetiaroa are pretty special as well.
Hawaii, US
Closer to home, Hawaii is the perfect luxury getaway for those who do not want to leave the US. Boasting some of the most spectacular scenery on earth (think active volcanoes, stunning waterfalls and miles and miles of black, red and white sand beaches), Hawaii truly has it all…and then some. The archipelago offers some of the most exciting fine dining restaurants in the world, as well as a huge range of stupendous luxury resorts and hotels, as well as spas, retreats and private beaches. Andaz Maui at the Wailea Resort stands out as one of the finest hotels around, and there are great options to choose from across the islands like The Four Seasons on Lanai, and The Princeville Resort on Kauai.
Tulum, Mexico
An eco-traveller’s paradise, Tulum on the Riviera Maya specializes in laid-back, boho luxury, and is beloved by influencers and celebs worldwide looking for something a little understated yet still totally luxe. The beaches here are extraordinary, with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean nudging up against fine white sand, and some are even overlooked by ancient Mayan ruins! Luxe outdoor dining abounds. Tulum is not short of incredible fresh food and drink. The city is full of exquisite luxury boutique hotels like Azulik, Gramercy and The Nest, each one with its own unique take on beachfront elegance and style.
Bali
Bali’s combination of a deeply spiritual ambiance, stunning natural beauty and some of the best spa hotels in the world make it a hugely popular choice when it comes to luxury vacations. Bali’s elegant resorts are some of the most exclusive in the world, and take you right to the heart of the area’s unique culture. Amankila overlooks the Lombok Strait, with the towering magnificence of Mount Agung in the background, making it one of the more dramatic and picturesque luxury resorts you are likely to find. The Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay is designed to recreate the style and feel of a small Balinese village (with direct access to a private beach), while Mandapa on Ubud is a place for the more spiritual-minded traveller, a temple to self and self-healing.
Oman
The Arabian Peninsula offers plenty of opportunities for luxury travel, from the glitz and glamor of Dubai to the seven star opulence of Abu Dhabi. For adventurous luxury-seekers however, the wild frontier of Oman offers something a little different, and a little more intriguing. With the sundrenched Al-Hajar mountains as a backdrop, the remarkable Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort styles itself as a ‘wilderness hotel’, and takes every Arabian experience to its finest and most elegant extreme. Pool villas almost spill out over the region’s most beautiful canyon, while the hotel design evokes nothing less than the Arabian Nights, fit for a sultan. The resort boasts the highest swimming pools, tennis court, and stargazing platform in the Middle East, and offers experiences from rock climbing to Turkish baths that cater for every single type of luxury traveller.
