To help luxury travel enthusiasts discover the top destinations to consider for their next retreat or getaway, we asked 18 industry professionals, including travel company founders and luxury travel advisors, to share their recommendations. From resorts in the Maldives to jungle luxury in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, these experts reveal their top picks and the reasons why they recommend them.
Soneva Jani resort in the Maldives
VARIETY IN LUXURY RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES
The Maldives is the most luxurious tropical destination in the world! It is recommended because of the unbeatable level of service, magnificent backdrop, and fantastic food. With a variety of quality properties to choose from, there is a resort for every luxury traveler.
Whether you are seeking an active vacation with scuba diving and Jet Skiing, or something more relaxing in the wellness and spa category, multiple resorts in the Maldives can suit your needs. Ultra-luxury travelers have their pick of resorts that pride themselves on creating one-of-a-kind experiences, such as private island dinners cooked by world-renowned chefs, bespoke wellness programs, 24/7 personal butler service, and custom oceanic excursions.
Vacationers seeking a less tailored approach will find that most resorts have plenty of included programming and services, like paddleboarding, on-site snorkeling, and yoga on the beach. Clients consistently fall in love with the bright turquoise waters and hospitality!
Addie Bell, Founder, Jetset & Travel
BESPOKE EXPERIENCES IN GREECE’S CYCLADES ISLANDS
Greece is my top destination for luxury retreats and getaways. There are so many ways to enjoy the Cyclades Islands. Each island has a distinct personality, and I like to craft bespoke itineraries for my clients.
Some ideas include island-hopping on a catamaran, private cooking classes, and wine tours. The dramatic views, incredible food, wonderful people, and new and renovated properties in Greece are exceptional and have moved Greece toward a new level of luxury. With a destination like the Cyclades Islands, I tailor my clients’ vacations toward their own personalized “luxury retreat.”
Michele Gabel, Luxury Travel Designer, Elli Travel Group
Travel through London in style in a Rolls-Royce
ELEVATE YOUR LONDON EXPERIENCE WITH A CHAUFFEUR
I highly recommend London as the ultimate destination for luxury travel enthusiasts. With its rich history, diverse culture, and world-class attractions, London offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
And what better way to explore this vibrant city than with our chauffeur service, providing elegant and luxurious transfers to top destinations like Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City airports? London also boasts some of the most luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shopping destinations in the world.
Arun Kumar Arasu, Digital Marketer, AZ Luxe
TRANQUILITY AT AMAN TOKYO
Aman Tokyo is located in the Otemachi business district. The hotel covers the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower and provides unparalleled views of the city and the surrounding gardens and grounds.
Aman Tokyo is known for its tranquility and unique integration of traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design. The wellness spa offers conventional Japanese onsen bathing facilities, steam rooms, a vast swimming pool with panoramic city views, and a range of treatments using only the finest natural products. This place is a fusion of modern and traditional Japan, making it the ultimate luxury destination for any travel enthusiast.
Wei Cheng Lau, Founder, Wonderplan
The Punakha Dzong in Bhutan
CULTURAL BLEND IN BHUTAN
Having explored over 20 countries, I find Bhutan to be a top destination for luxury retreats. In Bhutan, you gain private access to ancient monasteries like the iconic Tiger’s Nest and the serene Punakha Dzong, each offering a glimpse into the country’s rich spiritual heritage. Exclusive meetings with Buddhist monks, such as those at the Thimphu Dzong, provide profound insights into mindfulness and inner peace.
For accommodations, resorts like Amankora and Six Senses Bhutan offer unparalleled luxury, nestled in the tranquil Himalayan landscape. Each resort is an oasis of comfort, offering unique experiences like traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths. Bhutan’s policy of high-value, low-impact tourism ensures a level of exclusivity and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for the discerning traveler seeking a blend of luxury, culture, and tranquility.
Ravi Parikh, Founder and CEO, RoverPass
FIND A MULTITUDE OF ACTIVITIES AT ASHFORD CASTLE
Ashford Castle in western Ireland is the height of luxury. Come in October when the weather is mild and the crowds are gone. There are over 40 activities for guests, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, falconry, spa treatments, golf, and afternoon tea service. Dublin, Shannon, and Galway airports are all within a three-hour distance. The Lodge, located on the same property, has suites that are perfect for families.
Marybeth Josey, Travel Agent, Haynie Travel
The Amanwana Resort, Indonesia
SECLUDED PARADISE AT AMANWANA RESORT, INDONESIA
The Amanwana resort on Moyo Island, Indonesia, is a top destination for luxury retreats and getaways. This secluded paradise offers an ultimate escape with its pristine natural surroundings and luxurious accommodations. The resort provides extraordinary experiences for travelers, including private beach villas and adventure spa retreats, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious and exclusive travel experience.
The Amanwana is highly recommended for its exceptional service, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature while enjoying the finest amenities and hospitality.
Javier Villarreal, Texas Personal Injury Lawyer, Villarreal & Begum
Mexico is the 13th largest country in the world, with many experiences to offer
LUXURY AND ULTRA-LUXE IN MEXICO AND SOUTHWEST
The word “getaway” implies “close to the US,” and even with that narrow focus, there are many top destinations! On the Pacific coast of Mexico, there are several luxury and ultra-luxe hotel brands that cater to the ultimate in personalization, pampering, comfort, and cuisine.
Whether the traveler opts for a summer getaway that beats the crowds or a wintertime warm-up, Mexico’s Gold Coast offers luxury getaways only a few hours from home, with a perfect balance of seclusion and community. Closer still, in the desert southwest, find luxurious exclusivity—Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, has over half a million acres of majestic, unspoiled wilderness in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, offering endless opportunities to connect with nature and be immersed in this uniquely restored ecosystem.
The climate ranges from high desert to snow-capped mountain views, where guests can relax, be active, or simply watch the deer and antelope play.
Juliet Weller, Owner, Global Exotic Adventures
PERSONALIZED YACHT VACATION IN CROATIA
As a professional in the travel and tourism industry, I have been to many different luxury retreats, and some are simply not like others. I love to sail and travel by boat, which is why any experience involving a yacht, cruise, or luxury boat will always be something I look to do. In Croatia, we have the perfect conditions for a luxury boat cruise, which is why I will always recommend Master Charter as something to do if you’re visiting this area.
We offer a personalized vacation on one of our beautiful yachts, with high-class and discreet service, customized according to your wishes and requirements. It’s an experience you won’t have anywhere else and is something so different from simply staying at a resort. If you love the water and not being stuck in one particular place, then this is the best experience you can find.
Stipe Petričević, CEO, Master Charter
Santorini, Greece
A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION WITH SANTORINI
I suggest visiting the Greek Islands, especially Santorini, a must-visit for luxury travelers. Santorini’s stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters create a dreamlike atmosphere. You can enjoy private boat tours, cliffside dining, and luxurious resorts with infinity pools overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Ian Sells, CEO, Million Dollar Sellers
UNIQUE LUXURY AT BISATE LODGE, RWANDA
Wilderness Safaris’ recently inaugurated Bisate Lodge is near Volcano National Park in Rwanda. There are just six villas in this remote spot, and they’re all styled to mimic traditional Rwandan royal castles, complete with central fireplaces and decks that provide views of the neighboring volcanoes.
To support the conservation efforts for Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, guests can participate in the lodge’s reforestation project. Nightly rates for rooms begin at $1,100 per person.
Axel Hernborg, Founder and CEO, Tripplo
Soldeu, Andorra
OPULENT EXPERIENCES IN SOLDEU, ANDORRA
Andorra’s hidden gem, Soldeu, is one location luxury travel enthusiasts must visit. This charming village in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and opulent experiences.
Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, you can indulge in world-class skiing, spa treatments, and gourmet dining at high-end resorts like the Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa. Soldeu’s exclusivity lies in its pristine surroundings and the warm hospitality of its locals.
It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a luxurious escape in a tranquil alpine setting, making it a top choice for travelers looking for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Peter Lucas, Owner, Relocate to Andorra
ADVENTURE AT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL, CANADA
If you come from a hot climate, luxury retreats in cold destinations are a must. The Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Canada, is a fabulous destination for anyone interested in skiing, hiking, hot springs, spa days, and local cultural experiences. There are hiking trails and golf courses right on the grounds, including a waterfall and river where you can sometimes spot Canadian wildlife.
The food is also top-notch—there are several restaurants on site, and there’s a real effort to showcase local ingredients like Alberta Beef and Pacific salmon. It’s a refreshing change from beach vacations, and with more options than a lot of luxury resorts. The town is super cute—there are some great little shops for locally made skin-care products, art, and snacks.
Nihan Çolak Erol, COO, Wingie
The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto
TORONTO’S FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK REDEFINING LUXURY
A stay at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto is a luxury experience everyone should try at some point in their life. From there, you can have a fine dinner at the CN Tower 360 Restaurant, where the views of Toronto are top-notch in both winter and summer. I highly recommend the 45-day-aged beef prime rib. It was fantastic.
Tour the city, see the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, and if your schedule permits, make a day trip out to Niagara Falls. You’ll be totally recharged after a weekend getaway in this prime location.
Scott Sidders, Co-Founder, Scott & Yanling Media Inc.
EXPERIENCE PERSONALIZATION IN ST. BARTS
St. Barts’ five-star hotels, picture-perfect beaches, five-star restaurants, high-end stores, and high-class events make it a wealthy person’s fantasy holiday. Because it strives to personalize each vacation, the island attracts luxury travelers.
St. Barts’ boutique hotels and luxury residences have individual rooms with infinity pools, patios, and ocean views. Luxury hotels on the island provide a peaceful retreat for travelers. For its smooth white sand and pure blue ocean, St. Barts’ beaches are famed. Gouverneur Beach and Flamands Beach are lovely spots to sunbathe. Island hilltop residences offer peaceful escapes from daily life and stunning vistas.
Beautiful Gustavia, St. Barts’ capital, has high-end stores. Each year, St. Barts also hosts many fantastic events. These include the St. Barts Film Festival and Les Voiles de St. Barth Regatta. These events cement the island’s prestige as a playground for the privileged.
Luxury does come at a price, but it is a price worth paying.
Aiden Higgins, Senior Editor and Writer, The Broke Backpacker
Kassandra, Greece
KASSANDRA, GREECE, AS AN UNEXPLORED PARADISE
If you’re looking for a slice of high-end paradise that hasn’t been splashed across every travel magazine just yet, set your sights on Kassandra—the hidden gem tucked away in the westernmost nook of Halkidiki, Greece.
It’s a place where the sands whisper tales of ancient times, the sun-kissed shores are your personal haven, and the local Mediterranean fare is a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate. Kassandra is where luxury isn’t just experienced; it’s felt in the very essence of the place.
Travis Dedmore, Luxury Travel Advisor, TravisLi Lux Travel LLC
SOPHISTICATION AND RELAXATION IN FRENCH RIVIERA
France consistently claims its position as a premier destination for luxury travel enthusiasts year after year. The country’s timeless appeal is amplified by a wealth of diverse choices, ensuring that every visit is a unique and enchanting experience. From the iconic charm of Paris to the sun-soaked vineyards of Provence, France seamlessly blends sophistication with relaxation.
Particularly noteworthy is the French Riviera, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and a collection of luxury hotels that redefine opulence. This coastal gem invites travelers to immerse themselves in an exclusive world of indulgence, making it an indispensable stop for those in pursuit of the pinnacle of luxury retreats and French savoir faire.
Cynthia Sauvage, Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Advisor, The Travels Club
JUNGLE LUXURY IN RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO
One of the top destinations for luxury retreats and getaways is Riviera Nayarit, located on the western coast of Mexico, just north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s easy to get to from the U.S. Riviera Nayarit has incredible beach resorts in a jungle setting that offer privacy, luxury spas, and scrumptious food, and are a world away from the huge crowds that visit Riviera Maya.
Some of my favorite resorts there are One&Only Mandarina, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (all-inclusive), Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, and Conrad Punta de Mita. There are plenty of activities available in the area, and a visit to the quaint town of Sayulita is always lots of fun. Beat the crowds and head to this hidden gem area of Mexico!
Alli Allen, Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel Edge
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