25 Luxury Travel Destinations That Are 100% Worth the Splurge
LUXURY TRAVEL
Luxury isn’t just about 5-star hotels—it’s about rare experiences, exclusive locations, and once-in-a-lifetime indulgences. These 25 destinations offer ultra-luxurious vibes without repeating the same places everyone else is talking about. If you’re ready to invest in unforgettable travel, these are the places to do it.
1. Paro Valley, Bhutan
Tucked deep in the Himalayas, Paro is home to luxury lodges like Amankora and dramatic cliffside temples like Tiger’s Nest. Bhutan limits tourism, so splurging here offers serenity, spiritual depth, and breathtaking scenery few ever see.
2. Lanai, Hawaii, USA
Far quieter than Maui or Oahu, the island of Lanai is home to just one luxury resort: the Four Seasons. Think cliffside horseback rides, private snorkeling coves, and high-end exclusivity in a truly off-grid Hawaiian paradise.
3. Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada
Remote and raw, Fogo Island offers rugged coastline views paired with striking design at the Fogo Island Inn. This luxury stay reinvests profits into the local community, creating a rare mix of ultra-comfort and social impact.
4. St. Moritz, Switzerland
This alpine haven redefines winter luxury. With gourmet mountain dining, private ski instructors, high-end wellness spas, and polo on snow, St. Moritz is understated wealth at its peak.
5. Franschhoek, South Africa
Known as the culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek is surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. Wine tram tours, boutique estates, and Michelin-quality meals make this a foodie’s dream destination.
6. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
For an ultra-luxury safari, skip the Serengeti and head to Sabi Sands. Neighboring Kruger National Park, it offers private game drives, open-air spa treatments, and villas where elephants stroll past your plunge pool.
7. Niseko, Japan
This snowy region in Hokkaido is a winter wonderland for skiers—but luxury travelers will love the private onsens, modern ski chalets, and après-ski fine dining with Japanese flair.
8. Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
This under-the-radar wine region is often called “the Napa of Mexico,” but way more affordable. Luxury eco-lodges, boutique vineyards, and chef-driven cuisine make it a sophisticated yet relaxed escape.
9. Musandam Peninsula, Oman
With dramatic fjords, turquoise waters, and desert-meets-ocean backdrops, the Musandam Peninsula offers yacht excursions, luxury beach camps, and serene Arabian Gulf seclusion.
10. Tasmania, Australia
From wilderness lodges on Cradle Mountain to gourmet food tours and whiskey tastings, Tasmania combines untamed nature with subtle luxury. Saffire Freycinet is one of the best eco-luxe stays in the world.
11. Lapa Rios, Costa Rica
Located on the Osa Peninsula, this eco-luxury lodge offers jungle immersion with all the upscale touches—private bungalows, wildlife viewing decks, and organic gourmet cuisine in the treetops.
12. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA
This storybook town on the California coast offers art galleries, cliffside resorts, and intimate wine tastings. Stay in a luxury inn with a fireplace and stroll the white-sand beach at sunset.
13. Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Skip Zurich and Geneva—Lake Lucerne offers alpine elegance with historic hotels like Bürgenstock and scenic boat cruises past medieval towns and snowcapped peaks.
14. Anguilla, Caribbean
A low-key, ultra-luxe island where privacy reigns. Boutique resorts like Belmond Cap Juluca and Malliouhana serve barefoot luxury, Caribbean warmth, and endless white sand.
15. Patagonia Camp, Chile
Stay in a private yurt with panoramic views of the Torres del Paine region. This glamping experience comes with guided treks, high-end cuisine, and one of the most exclusive views on Earth.
16. Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
This ultra-exclusive island group in the Anambas is only accessible by seaplane. With overwater bungalows, pristine reefs, and sustainability at its core, it’s a luxury castaway fantasy.
17. Big Island (Kohanaiki or Waimea), Hawaii, USA
The Big Island’s luxury scene is quieter than Maui’s but no less opulent. Private members-only resorts, black sand beaches, and lava-view suites make it a splurge-worthy secret.
18. Matera, Italy
Sleep in a luxury cave hotel carved into ancient stone dwellings. Matera’s dramatic hilltop scenery and boutique restorations make it one of Italy’s most unique high-end destinations.
19. Isla Holbox, Mexico
Holbox trades Tulum’s trendiness for barefoot, low-key luxury. With no cars, bioluminescent waters, and boutique beachfront stays, it’s paradise with a peaceful twist.
20. Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Once Marlon Brando’s private island, Tetiaroa is now home to The Brando, a stunning eco-luxury resort where celebrities retreat for total privacy and paradise-level beauty.
21. Lamu Island, Kenya
This Swahili island offers elegant simplicity—car-free streets, ancient stone houses, luxury villas with rooftop pools, and dhow sailing into golden sunsets.
22. São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
The Azores are often budget-friendly—but São Miguel’s luxury farm stays, geothermal spas, and clifftop boutique hotels make it an emerging upscale escape.
23. Amalfi’s Cousin: Ischia, Italy
Quieter than Capri or Positano, Ischia is Italy’s secret spa island. Volcanic hot springs, luxury resorts, and lush gardens make it perfect for indulgence without the crowds.
24. Luang Prabang, Laos
Step into quiet luxury with French-colonial mansions, riverside resorts, and spiritual serenity. Private temple tours and world-class hospitality create a uniquely mindful escape.
25. Bhutan’s Gangtey Valley
Nestled among misty forests and traditional villages, Gangtey offers exclusive lodges with panoramic views, monastic experiences, and total tranquility. It’s luxury for the soul.