Luxury Vacation Ideas to Escape the Routine

Bored by the idea of a luxury vacation on yet another white sand beach? There are so many more options for your next luxury vacation. From glamping ranches in the mountains of the American West to safari resorts in the African desert, these luxury vacations are anything but routine.

For personal enlightenment

Vacationing provides the perfect opportunity for self discovery. Consider trying some luxury vacations designed to help you relax, reflect and recenter. Vana Malsi EstateTucked away in the Indian Himalayas, the forested Vana Malsi Estate encourages you to truly leave the world behind and start anew. Your luxury wellness package includes meals, airport transportation and special clothing to wear during your introspective retreat. The estate’s website invites visitors to achieve “equilibrium” through a variety of treatments and consultations in its Ayurveda Center, Tibetan Healing Center or a private treatment room in your forest villa. AmanwanaIf your inner peace requires ocean views, just east of Bali on Moyo Island you’ll find Amanwana, a glamping island resort consisting of only 12 canvas-topped suites adjacent to the island’s picturesque jungle and white sand beaches. Explore the abundant jungle and coral reefs in the protected marine park, then unwind with Amanwana spa wellness rituals and ceremonies designed to cleanse and restore.

For mingling with the wild

When your view comes alive with creatures usually only seen in zoos, it can make for a truly magical luxury vacation experience.Little KulalaLittle Kulala’s private villas offer thatched roofs, private plunge pools, indoor/outdoor showers and rooftop sleeping areas where you can drift off under a starry Namibian sky. This wilderness resort also offers nature drives, scorpion night walks and safaris by hot air balloon and horseback to help you get up close and personal with the creatures of the African savannah. Angama MaraIf you’re a fan of “Out of Africa,” you’ll love Angama Mara. This luxury Kenyan camp was the setting for the epic 1985 film adaptation, and its expansive views of Maasai Mara remain largely unchanged 35 years later. Watch the drama of the great migration – the largest mass movement of land mammals in the world – unfold from your hillside villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows, or take in the views from a hot air balloon or open-air vehicle safari drive.

For the greater good

Adding elements of humanitarianism and philanthropy to your luxury vacation can turn an indulgent pursuit into a more fulfilling experience. Fogo Island InnThe icy waters of Newfoundland probably aren’t at the top of your list of luxury vacation destinations, but the stark beauty of Fogo Island Inn might change your mind. Its stunning contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Labrador Sea will wow you, but its commitment to community and sustainability will inspire you. The Inn’s Economic Nutrition Mark shows the impact the inn’s profits have on the community, and its accredited environmental strategy goes above and beyond standard environmental requirements. Ol Jogi The 58,000-acre Ol Jogi ranch/conservancy in Kenya combines luxury vacations with dedicated conservation: 100% of all profits from its seven private residences go toward supporting conservation efforts. Enjoy the massive reserve’s 400 elephants, 50 black rhinos, giraffes, baboons and more while appreciating all the luxuries of manicured gardens, richly decorated colonial-style interiors and meals prepared from the property’s organic garden by the onsite French chef.

For a wilderness adventure

Sometimes you want an opportunity to feel the heart-racing exhilaration that only the most exciting wilderness experiences can provide – but you also want to end your day amid some serious creature comforts. Ultima Thule LodgeOver 100 miles from any road, the Ultima Thule Lodge outside of Anchorage, Alaska, doesn’t have phone service, but the guest-centric hospitality more than makes up for it. And who needs a phone when you have Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest National Park in North America, as your backyard? You can hike, fish, kayak and fly (using the lodge’s fleet of small airplanes) through vast expanses of pristine wilderness. Food is served family style in the main lodge, prepared with wild game and products from the onsite greenhouse. Paws Up RanchIf you ever dreamt of being a cowboy or cowgirl, The Resort at Paws Up is your dream come true – but with a luxury twist. Enjoy glamping in tents with heated floors and jetted hot tubs, or taking up residence in one of the ranch estate houses. Spend your days exploring the Montana ranch’s 37,000 acres on horseback, by ATV, mountain bike, raft, skis, dogsled, sleigh, zip line or hot air balloon. Test your skills with archery, fly fishing, geocaching and clay shooting.

For privacy, customization and value

If your idea of true indulgence is a place to call your own, with the freedom to live like a local and enjoy luxury vacations at your own pace, consider owning a luxury vacation home. Pacaso’s fully managed co-ownership LLC model lets you own a luxury second home for less money and hassle. Explore our luxury listings in some of the nation’s top destinations.

Luxury vacation ideas to escape the routine

For personal enlightenment

For mingling with the wild

For the greater good

For a wilderness adventure

For privacy, customization and value

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