Upgrade Your Vacation with These Six Luxury Travel Ideas

Luxury travel means something slightly different to every kind of globetrotter. That’s why it’s not enough to put a star rating on a resort or experience and call it “the best.” It’s so subjective in fact, that different countries have entirely different definitions of what it means to be a 5-star or a 3-star property, along with vast differences in what constitutes “top shelf” service.

One way to cut through this is to focus on what’s unique in a destination, meaning finding accommodation that emphasizes its strengths and enhances your vacation, as well as being a comfortable place to stay. This could be through accentuating the beauty of natural surroundings, embracing a style of accommodation unavailable elsewhere, or creating an environment optimized for health and relaxation. Here are six luxurious travel experiences suited to six very different styles of luxury travel.

Of course, if you just want to add these six new items to your bucket list, that’s fine too!

Camp in Outback Style at Longitude 131

Few destinations sound more rugged than the Australian Outback. To a certain extent, that’s why you’re here, for an adventure in one of the harshest climates on earth. But the climate is exactly what makes a comfortable place to stay all the more important. How do you feel about sipping cocktails in air conditioned comfort overlooking Uluru after a full day exploring the area’s rich indigenous history? That’s Longitude 131, where just 15 private tents sit beneath cloudless desert skies, offering every modern convenience in between adventures in this ancient land. You may even wish to add dinner under the stars for an extra special evening in the Outback.

Suggested Itinerary:
3-Day Longitude 131: Stay of Distinction

Sail the Nile Aboard a Dahabiya

Find your inner Cleopatra and set off on the river that has nurtured and fed Egypt for thousands of years. A leisurely week sailing in comfort fit for royalty takes you from Aswan to Luxor, stopping in at the region’s most stunning temples, tipping your hat to history’s rulers in the Valley of the Kings, and learning about Egypt’s crucial relationship with the world’s second longest river. To address the political elephant in the room, security and stability returned to this part of Egypt some time ago, but the crowds, for now, have not. That means there’s never been a better time to be treated like a queen… or a Pharaoh.

Suggested Itinerary:
8-Day Nile River Cruise: Creative om Kolthoum Dahabiyas

Railway Opulence in the UK and Ireland

There’s no better way to explore Ireland than by train, and there’s no rail journey in Ireland more luxurious than a Belmond train. The Belmond Grand Hibernian offers a range of itineraries throughout Ireland, from a mere taste to a grand tour. If you’re taking an extended trip through the UK and Ireland, why not pair this with a stay at the Balmoral in Edinburgh, or the Langham Hotel in London… or both? A UK history tour is an excellent way to connect these two capital cities, particularly with a stay that’s fit for a king or queen at either end.

Suggested Itinerary:
3-7 Day The Belmond Grand Hibernian

Bask in The Brando

You know a destination has some serious luxury cred when Hollywood royalty decides to not just visit, but to buy a slice of it for themselves. The Islands of Tahiti are one such destination, defined by verdant peaks that rise from picture-perfect azure lagoons. One of the Islands of Tahiti, Tetiaroa, is no longer owned by the late Marlon Brando’s estate, but the actor’s love of his island escape is immortalized in The Brando, a 5-star eco-luxury resort that will make any visitor feel like a star.

Suggested Itinerary:
6-Day Tetiaroa: The Brando

Indulge at a Thailand Luxury Spa

A trip to Thailand can do wonders for your health at any time, but a stay at a luxury spa resort like Well Hotel in Bangkok, or Amatara Resort and Wellness in Phuket will take your wellness vacation to another level entirely. The latter is in fact a fully equipped wellness resort, with a choice of six different focuses – detox, spa revive, weight management, active, yoga, and holistic anti-aging. Plus, there’s no better country in which to enjoy a rejuvenating massage, perfect for recharging between the ancient sights and unique cultural highlights of Thailand.

Suggested Itinerary:
8-Day Thailand Wellness & Luxury Spa

A Luxury Cruise in the Galapagos

Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are nature’s ultimate showcase, where unique native species have been allowed to thrive, almost entirely undisturbed. A Galapagos cruise is a once in a lifetime trip, and so deserves once in a lifetime accommodation aboard a comfortable vessel like the Galapagos Sea Star. Accommodating just 16 travellers, this vessel ensures a high level of personalized service for all passengers, maximizing your time among the wildlife, and ensuring a green, low-impact stay.

Suggested Itineraries:
Cruising Galapagos 5 Days (M/Y Galapagos Sea Star)
Cruising Galapagos 10 Days (M/Y Galapagos Sea Star)