If you’re looking for opulence and extravagance, look at the world of luxury travel. Everything here is bigger, better, and more beautiful than ever imagined. Full of luxurious holiday destinations. There are sparkling, turquoise waters for you to dive into, feather-soft king-sized beds for you to sprawl across, and international cuisines for you to devour. Luxury travel is a world where anything and everything is possible, where you can experience places and things you’ve only seen in your wildest dreams.
If it’s the best of the best you’re after, then these holiday destinations may be perfect for your next luxury family trip. Let’s take a look.
Lake Como, Italy
There is luxury, and then there’s Lake Como. This prestigious, divinely beautiful lake in Italy, near Milan, is our number one selection for Top Luxury Vacations. One of the three most famous and naturally stunning Italian lakes, Como is where some of the wealthiest people in the world – and those with the best taste – spend their free time. Indeed the mansions and villas on the banks are often centuries old and built in the most opulent styles imaginable. Here, the money is old, and the sensibilities run to extravagance.
The lake’s Mediterranean climate means you’ll have lots of sunshine and bright blue skies, perfect for boating on the lake and sipping a glass of ice-cold champagne. Set against a backdrop of dramatic and imposing mountains, the area around the lake is indeed dotted with impressive villas and little Italian towns just begging to be explored. If that feels a little low on glitz and glam, take a trip to exciting, fast-paced Milan and shop till you drop at Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and the like.
Best place to stay: The Grand Hotel Tremezzo. This decadent hotel was voted one of the best hotels in the world in 2023 by Conde Nast Traveler.
Côte d’Azur, France
The Cote d’Azur – or the French Riviera, as it is more well known in the UK – is undoubtedly a region known far and wide for its stunning natural beauty. Azure accurately describes the cool waters that lap the golden sandy shores of this wealthy coast. This picturesque region in the South of France is a travel hotspot for the world’s elite. Monaco, Nice, St. Tropez, and Cannes are all names that any seasoned luxury traveller knows well, as they attract some of the world’s wealthiest and most refined holidaymakers.
Here, you can soak in the sun in the morning, treat yourself to a few gorgeous new outfits and a face treatment in the afternoon, and enjoy the finest French cuisine you’ve ever tasted after the sun goes down. The grandeur of the yacht races, the nostalgia of the red-roofed towns, the glitz of the nightlife: this is the creme de la creme. If the lap of luxury were a place, this would be it.
Best place to stay: The Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat. Perched on the cast, a mere half an hour from Nice, this collection of villas has everything the discerning traveller could want. One of these holiday destinations you would dream for.
Hallstatt, Austria
If you like the sound of drifting snowflakes and steaming hot drinks more than sizzling in the sun, then Hallstatt is an excellent choice. Upon first glance, this charming alpine village is something straight out of a fairytale. Upon closer inspection, the verdict is the same. To say that this UNESCO heritage site is picturesque is understating the matter entirely. Some say that the town in Frozen was based on this location, and we can see why.
Here, you can walk hand in hand down cobblestoned streets or watch the lights dance off the lake after sunset. Spend blissful days in this village, soaking in the alpine culture, sampling the heavenly food and drink, or just fixing the memory of the mountain-lined lake in your mind’s eye forever. If you’re energetic enough, there’s 200 km worth of skiing to be done – and then there’s apres ski afterwards! If you like things more relaxed, indulge in holistic wellness and self-care at the Krallerhof Hotel and Spa.
Best place to stay: The Hallstatt hideaway. This adults-only lakeside cottage may be small, but it’s the best in terms of views, location, and amenities. Indulge in alone time with your significant other.
The Maldives
Take things in a tropical direction with a getaway to the Maldives. Choose from several accommodation options, from over-water villas to sprawling hotels and spa complexes that offer the best amenities money can buy. On top of that, the islands are where the ideal “beach holiday” dream was born. Here, the sand is white, the water is aquamarine, and the sun simply loves to shine.
Wooden walkways wind along the coast, and tropical fish are just a few metres away from wherever you are. Then if you want a holiday that’s all about relaxing, this tropical escape is your ideal choice. There are water-based activities and hikes if you feel like getting sporty, but there are also five-star local delicacies, hour-long massages, and lots of sea life.
Best place to stay: 193 Villas at Lux South Ari Atoll. The ultimate in island luxury, these over-water villas feature a spa and six restaurants.
Wrapping Up
Luxury travel starts here. These holiday destinations are some of the best the world has to offer, both in natural features and man-made ones. Exploring any of them will add a prestigious feather to your travel cap.
