

European elegance
Europe is one of the world's premier luxury travel destinations for many reasons. It offers Old-World charm, history and some of the most incredible sites on the planet.1. London
If your idea of luxury is a combination of history, shopping and culture, you'd have a hard time finding a better destination than London, England. Start your London trip with a helicopter ride over the city to get a bird's-eye view of one of Europe's gems before checking into a room at The Savoy or a hotel in another of London's finest neighborhoods, where you'll experience the very best service, beautiful rooms and views that will be the envy of your friends. At night, you can take in a show in the West End. During the day, go shopping at Harrods t before afternoon tea at The Ritz.2. Paris
Paris is synonymous with luxury. From five-star dining to high-end fashion and some of the world's finest museums, there is no shortage of things to do and see in the City of Lights (and no shortage of great places to live). Enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's fabled cafes before heading to the Louvre for a private tour to see some of the world's best art. The Golden Triangle is where you'll find the famous Paris shopping experience. Retire to your room at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée to relax in true Parisian style (Eiffel Tower view included!).Luxury Travel Tip: Consider getting a Eurail Pass when visiting continental Europe. Many other countries are just a short train ride away, and you'll get to experience incredible views as you go. |
3. Monaco
Monaco has been a haven for tourists seeking the finest things for decades. From incredible lodging and food to sailing, gambling and sightseeing, Monaco is one of Europe's most famous luxury vacation spots for those who desire comfort and indulgence. Monaco's proximity to France and Italy makes it a great place to spend time between other luxury destinations.Book a room at the Hôtel de Paris, one of the country's most beautiful hotels, located in the heart of Monte Carlo. If you like to gamble, the casinos will make the experience absolutely worth your time. For racing enthusiasts, make sure to grab a ticket to the Monaco Grand Prix so you can sit in the stands to watch the action or look for a hotel that offers a terrace view.4. Portugal
Portugal has everything a luxury traveler could hope for: incredible weather, excellent food, shopping and a relaxed pace. The country features bucolic rural areas like the Douro Valley (the oldest wine region in the world) and modern conveniences in cities like Lisbon. The Six Senses Douro Valley hotel has comfortable, large rooms in a restored 19th-century manor that looks out over the valley. Its famous spa will help you relax before you enjoy food and wine grown in the area surrounding the hotel. If you prefer staying in a city, the Palácio Belmonte in Lisbon makes a great starting point for a luxury vacation that should include a tour of the area's best eateries and great shopping.5. Italy
Italy is one of Europe’s most popular luxury vacation destinations. It's a truly unique intersection of culture, history, fashion and food. Whether you want to visit some of the world’s finest wine regions like Tuscany or Sicily or you want to see the finest art at museums like the Uffizi Gallery or the Vatican Museums, you can do it all in Italy — one of the most luxurious places in the world.If you've taken luxury vacations to Italy before or you want your experience to be as unique as possible, you might want to go a little deeper into the cities and the countryside. For example, take a cooking class at a villa or go truffle hunting in Piedmont. If you want to take relaxation to another level, make a reservation at the Amalfi Coast's Hotel Caruso, a castle built in the 1200s. Looking to get your blood pumping? Test drive a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati or another supercar at Maranello.Luxury Travel Tip: Consider booking your trip to Italy with a luxury tour company or join a luxury vacation club for special access to some of the most popular sites. |

Icy-hot adventures
If a sweltering tropical climate isn’t your idea of a perfect vacation, unique luxury vacations in these areas offer bracing temperatures, unique natural scenery and lots of opportunities for relaxation and sightseeing. These are also perfect luxury holiday destinations if you want to spend your holidays sitting by a warm fire and watching the snow fall.6. Antarctica
Antarctica is one of the most remote and least-visited places on Earth, making it a perfect, if not surprising, spot for luxury vacations. Several high-end cruise companies are now offering cruises that combine the ruggedness of the frozen continent with the amenities of a luxe cruise ship, including spa treatments.Once you arrive in the waters around Antarctica, you can take a helicopter tour to see the surprisingly large and varied geography of the areas from the sky. You can also rent a kayak to experience the massive glaciers and icebergs up close. If you're a shutterbug or wildlife enthusiast, there are guided photography workshops that will help you capture stunning images of whales, penguins and other animals.Luxury Travel Tip: Antarctica has the most mild temperatures from October to March but you'll still want to pack plenty of warm and water-resistant clothing, especially if you're spending time on the continent or on smaller watercraft. |
7. Iceland
Luxury travelers looking for a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation will love Iceland. You can stay at a resort in the city or book lodgings in one of the many beautiful natural areas of the country. At the Blue Lagoon, for example, you can enjoy spa treatments or soak in the warm, beautiful blue waters of the lagoon while surrounded by stark, otherworldly lava canyons. To admire the contrasts that make Iceland so picturesque, hop on a helicopter for a guided tour of the island's unique sites, including its many volcanoes, glaciers and rivers. The combination of luxury and adventure make Reykjavik, the country’s capital, one of the best vacation spots for couples. What could be more romantic than a private tour to see the Northern Lights in all their beauty?8. Newfoundland
Sometimes the best fancy vacation spots are the ones that seem the most like home. Newfoundland, Canada, has beautiful forests and access to the ocean and looks similar to many parts of the United States. But its remote location and luxury lodgings, along with world-famous hunting and Atlantic salmon fishing, make it perfect for travelers who love to rough it a little.There’s also a great arts scene in St. John's for anyone who wants to take in some culture on their luxury vacations. A private whale-watching tour is a great way to comfortably experience the beauty of nature, and a helicopter tour will let you see the coastline and icebergs commonly found around Fogo Island.9. Greenland
Stunning landscapes and proximity to the North Pole mean that if you love spending your vacation seeing things you've never seen before, you'll fall in love with Greenland. You can spend time glamping in the wilderness, taking a dog sledding tour and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights. If you love the views but don't want to deal with chilly temperatures, stay at the Hotel Arctic. It's located on the Ilulissat Icefjord, where some of the world's most active glaciers move across the ocean. While you're there, you can enjoy foods crafted with local, in-season ingredients. Greenland is also a popular spot for Arctic sea cruises.
Tropical paradise
Alt text: A photo shows lounge chairs and beach umbrellas next to an infinity pool in Bali, a top luxury vacation spot.Some of the most luxurious vacations can be found in tropical areas. The rich greenery, beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere make these locations some of the most desired vacation spots on the planet.10. Cabo San Lucas
One of Mexico's most beautiful resort areas is Cabo San Lucas. Situated at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, this area has some of the most pristine beaches and great places to stay, like the cliffside Los Cabos Pedregal, that will make even a short stay feel like a long, relaxing luxury vacation. The perfect weather, vibrant nightlife and ocean activities (including whale watching on a private catamaran or a cruise to the Arch at Land's End) make it a great spot for every kind of traveler. December through April has the best weather, making it an ideal time to visit Cabo, especially if you're planning for a romantic date on the beach with a meal created for you by a private chef.11. Maldives
Rising out of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are an archipelago of islands sure to please even the most discriminating travelers. You can stay in a resort that offers private cabins right on the water, like at the Soneva Jani — perfect for families or couples. If you love the water, spend time relaxing on the beach surrounded by tropical reefs or take a sunset cruise to spot playful dolphins. If you want to play a short round of golf on a beautiful island course, several resorts offer this amenity right on their grounds. The Maldives is also home to the world's largest underwater restaurant, 5.8 Undersea, where you can enjoy a meal among the fish and other ocean life.The location of the islands means you can experience a unique culture influenced by many of the surrounding areas.Luxury Travel Tip: When you visit an archipelago, plan to hop around the different islands — you might find a hidden gem that will make your trip an extra special experience. |
12. Bali
Bali is home to some of the most beautiful resorts and jungle villas in the world. The Kayon Resort and Udaya Resorts & Spa offer comfortable rooms and views of picturesque jungles and white sand beaches. Whether you're visiting with your family or you're taking a momcation, Bali gives you equal measures of luxury and fun.Eat at elegant restaurants, take in natural marvels like waterfalls and see how the locals live by visiting areas like the Jatiluwih rice terraces to get a full picture of this part of Indonesia. Helicopter tours give you breathtaking views of Mount Batur and other volcanoes in the area.