Top 15 luxury travel destinations
The 15 Luxurious Destinations That Turn Travel Dreams Into Reality
Luxury destinations share certain defining traits: breathtaking natural settings, often framed by stunning landscapes, warm turquoise seas bordered by sandy beaches and lush, vibant vegetation. Add to that the allure of 5* hotels or sprawling seaside villas with private pools. To complete the dream, add a variety of individual sports, gourmet restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene. Sprinkle in some luxury boutiques for good measure… And yet, each destination retains its own distinct charm. While some are timeless classics, others are rising stars, capturing the imagination of a discerning, elite clientele.
1 - The French Riviera: Timeless Elegance
Always imitated, never equaled! With sun-drenched Provençal hills tumbling into the sparkling Mediterranean, a mild climate and a legacy of legendary parties and luxury, the French Riviera continues to enchant the world’s wealthiest elite. During carnival season, private jets touch down in Nice; in May, visitors must choose between the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival, two iconic events, each with its own unique charm. One village captures the very soul of the French Riviera: Saint-Tropez, immortalized by Brigitte Bardot who famously walked its cobbled streets barefoot. Whether it’s a villa on the French Riviera or an estate in Provence, luxury villas in the South of France are abundant, both inland and along the Mediterranean coast.
2 - The Maldives: Dreamy Overwater Villas
A thousand coral islands form the 26 atolls that emerge from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, creating the Maldives. Clusters of luxurious overwater bungalows stand here, each with a private jetty and lush tropical vegetation on the horizon. The warm sea welcomes fortunate visitors for swimming, snorkeling with manta rays, reef sharks and dolphins, as well as scuba diving. While every atoll has its own unique charm, the best restaurants can be found on Cocoa Island, offering exquisite fresh fish dishes and Kerala-inspired culinary traditions.
3 - Spain’s Luxurious Side
According to the Luxury Holiday Habits 2024 international tourism study, Spain tops the list as as the world's leading luxury travel destination. Luxury villas in Spain are highly sought-after in must-visit locations such as Marbella, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Cadaqués, facing the stunning Cap de Creus. Spain’s luxury scene benefits from an incredible diversity of cultures and cuisines, particularly on its islands, where visitors can relax by the beach while enjoying warm, lively nights. Even on the mainland, staying in a seaside luxury villa opens up new horizons.
4 – HOLIDAY Like a Princess in Austria
For years, Vienna has been voted the “most livable city in the world.” Between Art Nouveau villas near Schönbrunn Palace and luxury hotels discreetly nestled in the surrounding hills with breathtaking views of the Danube, this destination blends an elegant lifestyle with organic gastronomy.
But most importantly, Austria’s finest ski resorts are just a two-hour drive away! The most exclusive and luxurious village is known as “Kitz” short for Kitzbühel, a haven of high-end chalets near legendary slopes like the Hahnenkamm, famous for its thrilling ski descents. Luxury hotels and chalets have quietly multiplied here, offering refined elegance and seclusion.
5 – Muscat, the Enchanting Escape
As Dubai’s glitter has dimmed beneath the weight of its own excess, a new intimate luxury destination emerges: Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. An Arabian Nights dream brought to life, Muscat stretches along the shores of the Gulf of Oman, where around twenty high-end hotels some exclusively for adults, offer unparalleled tranquility. Visitors indulge in starry nights under luxurious Bedouin tents in the heart of the desert and discover the hidden magic of freshwater pools tucked away in hidden oases.
6 – Saint Barth: Caribbean Chic
Saint Barthélemy, affectionately known as Saint Barth by celebrities, has mastered the art of relaxed glamour. Picture the Caribbean’s white sandy beaches and marinas dotted with the world’s most spectacular yachts. The island’s French heritage adds an exotic yet familiar touch to this luxury haven, offering a singular mix of refined sophistication and laid-back charm, a paradise where elegance never tries too hard.
7 – Martha’s Vineyard: “The Vineyards”
In Massachusetts, Boston attracts the best students and researchers, while Martha’s Vineyard draws presidents and elite families. This classic New England island appeals to travelers who shun ostentatious luxury and poolside tanning, yet its exclusivity is unmistakable from the grandeur of its charming “gingerbread” houses to the ease of finding freshly caught lobster at every turn.
8 – Paris Is a Celebration
The City of Light and capital of romance has only grown more enchanting, especially since Céline Dion’s unforgettable rendition of a Piaf classic from the glittering Eiffel Tower. Paris has always dazzled with its world renowned attractions and luxury boutiques captivating even the most discerning travelers. The transformation of La Samaritaine into a luxury shopping haven under the LVMH group and a new generation of Michelin-starred restaurants continue to elevate Paris’s timeless charm. Stay near its most iconic landmarks in our stunning Eiffel Tower-view apartments or luxury penthouses in Paris.
9 – Luxury ALPINE Chalets
From Megève to Méribel and La Clusaz, the French Alps are home to some of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts, where luxury chalets blend alpine charm with modern elegance. Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end boutiques have followed their elite clientele to the Savoyard peaks, where helicopter landings on glaciers are just as popular as lively après-ski celebrations in the picturesque mountain villages below.
10 – Tuscany: A Feast of Art and Cuisine
Living inside a Renaissance masterpiece while staying by the sea is a dream that comes true in Tuscany. Florence gave birth to some of Italy’s most prestigious luxury brands, while its cuisine and marble sculptures celebrate the finest local ingredients like lardocolonnato paired with world-renowned wines. For an immersive experience, connoisseurs opt for a luxury estate in Grosseto or Porto Ercole, just 100 kilometers from Siena and Pisa.
11 – Sardinia: A Luxury Hideaway
Since the 1950s, this Mediterranean island has been synonymous with exclusivity. It was during this time that the Aga Khan transformed a remote village into a private retreat, welcoming only his closest friends. While the Costa Smeralda has slightly opened to a wider audience, Sardinia remains untouched by mass tourism, offering a sanctuary for privileged travelers in search of secluded luxury.
12 – Sandhamn: Baltic Bliss
Scandinavians consistently rank among the world’s happiest people, and while they may lack sunlight in winter, they have their own Côte d’Azur. The Sandhamn archipelago plays this role for Swedes, boasting grand wooden villas, countless islands and boats of all sizes. Summers here are filled with festive gatherings and golden sunsets that never quite disappear, making it a magical retreat for those seeking understated elegance.
13 – African Explorer: A Journey of Luxury and Wilderness
For those who dream of the romance of the Orient Express, the African Explorer offers a nomadic yet lavish experience. This luxury train voyage travels leisurely from Cape Town to Windhoek, with days spent gazing at landscapes from panoramic carriages and nights in sumptuous cabins. The journey offers the rare thrill of safari on rails, with stops allowing travelers to experience star-lit stays in exclusive lodges.
14 – British Virgin Islands: A Caribbean Paradise
The United Kingdom’s tropical retreat lies just a short sail from the French West Indies. Among the 16 inhabited islands, you'll find warm turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and charming wooden luxury villas painted in vibrant hues. Our top pick? Virgin Gorda, home to The Baths, where massive volcanic granite boulders, smoothed by time, form an enchanting natural maze between sun-drenched tidal pools.
15 – French Polynesia: A Dream at the Edge of the World
Scattered across the South Pacific, the volcanic islands of French Polynesia offer some of the world’s most breathtaking seascapes. Destinations like Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea and Papeete conjure images of crystal-clear lagoons, overwater bungalows with palm-thatched roofs and lush tropical flowers. The ultimate luxury here is time, time to arrive at your own pace and island-hop through paradise without a care in the world.
This journey through the world’s most luxurious destinations has taken you far, yet the dream of a luxury vacation can be much closer. France is home to many stunning regions and high-end rentals, from luxury villas with pool to seaside retreats and enchanting estates.