Outline:
- Introduction
- Characteristics of Luxury Travel (Destinations)
- The 6 Best Luxury Destinations in the World
- Other Great Luxury Destinations (List of 12)
- Recap
- Conclusion
Introduction
Would you love to travel the world first-class, shop the most upscale brands, dine in the finest of restaurants, stay at the poshest hotels and resorts, partake in exclusive and engaging fun-filled activities and experience the world from various cultural perspectives? In this post, I present the top 6 best luxury destinations in the world considering five (5) critical defining variables for a perfect luxury travel adventure.
Whether you fly a private jet or exclusively on a first-class or you choose to get to your destination via a chopper rather than go the mainstay routes or you prefer completely customized dining tailored to your personal preference, luxury travel, hence, luxury travellers have a few characteristic things in common.
And it is these “luxury commonalities” that separate true luxury travel (or luxury destination) from mainstream travel (or destination).
Therefore, before I get into the list of my top 6 best luxury destinations in the world, I want to briefly highlight these five (5) major characteristics of a perfect luxury travel hence destination.
Characteristics of Luxury Travel
After reviewing a good number of materials on luxury travel and especially in defining what constitutes luxury travel, I found out that perfect luxury travel is characterised majorly by five (5) core variables.
These characteristic variables cumulated in what I called the “defining model of luxury travel”. And, they include;
- Culture
- Nature
- Hospitality
- Elegance, Exclusivity, Class, and
- Quality and Authenticity
The list of the top 6 best luxury destinations in the world presented in this post is based on these five (5) core luxury travel characteristics.
Read more about A Defining Model for Luxury Travel within which I (concisely) explained each of these characteristics and more.
Therefore, without further ado, what are the top 6 best luxury destinations in the world?
The Top 6 Best Luxury Destinations
An ideal luxury destination is not just anywhere with an expensive price tag. The price must be equal to the quality of products/services and the overall satisfaction derived [Source].
Considering factors such as culture; nature; hospitality; elegance, exclusivity and class; and quality and authenticity my handpicked top 6 best luxury destinations in the world (in no particular order) are:
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Maldives
- France
- Italy
- Mexico, and
- The Caribbean
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
It is almost practically impossible to talk about luxury in the world today without mentioning the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UAE is home to two world-class cities – Abu Dhabi its Capital city and Dubai the largest city in the country!
Dubai
Dubai is both the symbol of modern Arabic opulence [Source: Dubai – the City of Gold – ] as well as one of the luxury wonders of the modern world.
In early 2023, Dubai was announced as the No. 1 Global Destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for a second consecutive year [Source].
There have been several names to describe Dubai two of which are “the City of Gold” and “the City of the Future”.
Dubai is almost always in the top 5 list of any luxury traveller or global luxury ranking.
From the world’s only seven-star hotel (the Burj Al Arab – link) to the world’s tallest building (the Burj Khalifa – link), the largest mall in the world (Dubai Mall – link), collection of top-of-the-world hotels, resorts and restaurants and an endless array of luxury activities and services limited only to your imagination, Dubai is a playground of many seasoned luxury travellers as well as a must-visit for any aspiring traveller who desires the best of luxury amidst an ever thriving Arabic (Emirati) culture.
The Best of Dubai
Luxury shopping at the Dubai Mall is invariably one of the most popular activities in Dubai, you can also visit the Souk (local markets) and experience Dubai culture firsthand through the locals. Or far from the city bustle, revel in a unique grand style in the Dubai desert.
There are several VIP and Exclusive services available in Dubai to make your visit or stay as seamless and elegant as possible.
You can obtain the service(s) of a personal concierge, charter a yacht and explore the Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour, you can even go for VIP fishing, or rent and cruise a luxury car.
Since Dubai is globally known as a world-class luxury shopping centre, you can get yourself a personal fashion shopper.
You definitely should not miss a luxury escape in the Nara Private Desert far away from the bustle of the city.
For the best accommodation, some of the topmost luxury hotels in Dubai are;
- Four Seasons Resort Dubai At Jumeirah Beach
- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
- One&Only The Palm
- Atlantis, The Palm
- Al Maha, A Luxury Collection of Resort and Spa
- The Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Armani Hotel Dubai, Raffles the Palm Dubai, Park Hyatt Dubai and Jumeirah Al Qasr are also amazing luxury hotels to stay in Dubai.
And for your gastronomic needs, luxury restaurants such as Billionaire Mansion Dubai, Enigma, Cavalli Club Dubai, Ossiano, Zuma, Atmosphere Grill and Lounge, Pierchic and Nobu are always at your culinary service in the “City of Gold”.
See my post on: Dubai – the City of Gold! Why You Should Visit and/or Re-Visit this Amazing City.
Abu Dhabi
Although Abu Dhabi, the political and administrative capital of the UAE is not as globally pronounced as Dubai, Abu Dhabi is also a modern city enriched with attractions and amenities to satisfy any extent of luxury travellers’ revelling appetite.
Abu Dhabi is a great luxury destination NOT as an alternative to Dubai but complimentary within the same country.
Lifestyle in Abu Dhabi is generally laid back and more conservative than in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi is the perfect luxury getaway for people who love urban exclusivity, low crowds and tranquillity.
Many luxury travellers and residents treasure Abu Dhabi for especially its peaceful ambience.
Abu Dhabi is home to UAE’s second “7-Star” Hotel, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi as well as exclusive luxury Islands such as Zaya Nurai Island, Yas Island Al Yamm, and Saadiyat Island.
2. Maldives
As Island vacations and luxury getaways are increasingly becoming popular today, the Maldives, a country famous for its pristine beaches and eclectic resorts is gradually taking centre stage.
Many people don’t even know much about the Maldives other than that it is a world-class luxury resort-filled hospitality and highly touristy archipelago. And Maldives is playing and maintaining its reputation as a forefront global hospitality centre very well.
David Beckham, Idris Elba, Russell Crowe, Roman Abramovich, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Madonna, Lionel Messi, Tom Cruise, Kevin Hart, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Shakira, and Cristiano Ronaldo are a few of the celebrities who have graced the spectacular islands of Maldives with their presence.
The Best of Maldives
Maldives is probably one of the few places in the world today where seaplanes are still very fancy. Seaplanes usually used to commute between the Islands of Maldives are not just simply a means of transportation, many Maldives seaplanes are as posh as any luxury private jet.
As a leading luxury destination in the world today, Maldives features numerous world-class hospitality facilities such as hotels and resorts.
Soneva Jani, Velaa Private Island Resort, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, One & Only Reethi Rah Luxury Resorts, Kudadoo Island Resort, Gill Lankanfushi and Cheval Blanc Randheli are renowned as some of the most upscale hotels and resorts in Maldives.
[External Link: The Most Expensive Resorts in Maldives: Experience Ultra-Luxury]
Activities in Maldives
There are endless streams of activities to experience and enjoy in Maldives. Among them, you can [Source]:
1. Go for a Jet Ski Safari
2. Dive into the MURAKA Undersea Villa
3. Rent and “lose” yourself on a Luxury Private Island
4. Cruise on a Luxury Yacht
5. Play Golf at a Luxury Resort
6. Give yourself a health treat at an Underwater Spa
7. Experience some of Maldive’s top-of-the-world Overwater Bungalows, and
8. Begin your day with a spectacular Floating Breakfast
And if the above still does not fully satisfy your luxury appetite, you can experience a Bedouin-styled sandbank tent overnight, indulge yourself in some Michelin-Starred Underwater treat, go for some ice-skating and top it all officially tie the knot with the love of your life in one of the most serene and romantic destinations in the world.
[External Link: Maldives-Magazine.com – The Maldives’ Most Lavish Experiences Worth the Splurge – The Most Extravagant Experiences in Maldives]
3. France
France has been known for its classy and elegant lifestyle since Medieval times.
The country is not just a significant global powerhouse as a permanent member of the UNSC, France is also notorious as one of the core destinations for unsurpassed European hospitality, food, wine and fashion.
According to the latest ranking of international tourist destinations, with an overwhelming 117 million international tourists to France in 2022, this European gem of a nation was ranked as the top most visited country in the whole world for the year 2023 [Source].
Aside from its enormous tourist attractions, activities, hotels, beaches and great weather, three (3) things that characterize every luxury travel to France are:
- The Food
- The Wine, and
- Fashion (Shopping)
I will briefly highlight the Wine character of France in this post.
Wine
For every ardent Wine lover, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne are three words that France has indelibly given to the winery world.
France is not just one of the largest producers of fine wines in the world, the country has also been the origin of several flavours of high-quality grapes used in winemaking.
With several breeds of grapes such as cabernet, merlot, sauvignon, chardonnay, and pinot noir originating from France in addition to its unique oenology styles, exploring French Winery is a whole “Luxury Adventure” on its own.
Ask any seasoned luxury traveller and he will tell you the importance of quality wines in daily life.
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, a “perfect Burgundy”, is the most expensive wine in France and the world.
Wine is very central to French culture!
And this “culture” is practically one of the characteristics that make France one of the most desired luxury destinations in Europe and, not only for wine lovers. Some French wines might make you want to speak French!
Perhaps in another post, I will write extensively about wines, but for now, what are the best luxury destinations in France?
To simplify luxury activities in France, I will group the major luxury destinations in France into three (3) regions which are;
1. Paris
2. Southern France, and
3. The French Riviera
Paris
Paris is the capital and economic powerhouse of France.
The Eiffel Tower one of Paris’s most iconic attractions is also one of the most popular European edifices today.
If you have not experienced the Eiffel Tower, you have not been to Paris.
A city of lights, museums, love, romance, fashion, River cruises, gardens and delectable cuisines, Paris, a lovers’ dream is one of the most visited cities in the world.
And for a luxury traveller, Paris abounds with perfect and exemplary characteristics that give the chance to explore the best of European glamour most nobly.
There are numerous posh activities you can indulge in Paris.
From a Cruise on the River Seine to a Prestigious Wine Tasting, a VIP Michelin Star Food Tour, an exclusive dining experience at the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a city tour in a luxury bus and personalized Fashion Tours and shopping, Paris will leave you with wonderment to remember for life.
Ritzy Paris, Shangri-La Paris, the Peninsula Paris, Mandarin Oriental Paris, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Le Narcisse Blanc, Bulgari Hotel Paris, Le Meurice, the Ritz Paris and Hotel Lutetia are some of the most-upscale hotels that provide luxury accommodation for high-class guests in Paris. You should definitely check in at one of these amazing hotels for a memorable stay in the “City of Love”.
For a classy treat to the best of French cuisines, Guy Savoy is unequivocally the best (and most expensive) restaurant in Paris [Source].
La Grande Cascade, Le Cinq (Four Seasons, Hotel George V), Epicure at Le Bristol, Pierre Gagnaire, and Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice are a few of the super-elegant restaurants to dine in the city [Source].
Southern France
In this post, I classify the region encompassing most of Occitanie, Nouvelle-Acquitaine and the Southwestern part of Provence as Southern France.
This culturally rich region of France is also home to the famous Bordeaux and beautiful French cities such as Marseille, Toulouse, and Montpellier.
Luxury travel to Southern France is not as popular as to Paris and the French Riviera.
However, Southern France is a perfect luxury escape for families. The region is amazing to savour fresh produce, taste some of the finest French wines (directly from the source) and explore historical sights.
With sunshine for 300 days a year, olives-rich cuisines, wines from Bordeaux, Cahors, Languedoc and Madiran as well as Brandy from Armagnac, Southern France is a destination that is worth a visit, especially during a luxury Itinerary to France.
The French Riviera
The French Riviera, also known as Cote d-Azur, is a strip of amazing coastal resort towns on the Mediterranean Sea in South-eastern France.
A historically rich region with heartwarming people, the French Riviera is a luxury haven and playground for the wealthy. This region of eclectic beaches is characterized by superb warm Mediterranean weather, azure (blue) waters, colourful buildings and spectacular sceneries.
Nice, St Tropez, Grasse, Monaco (a city-state), Cannes, Frejus, Antibes, Eze, Menton, Ramatuelle and Villefranche-sur-Mer are some of the most popular destinations in the French Riviera.
Best of French Riviera
From cruising on the sea to dining out in one of the region’s best luxury restaurants, some of the activities you can experience and things to do on the French Riviera include;
- Cruise and explore the Riviera by Yacht or Luxury Sailboat
- Book an exclusive food and wine tour
- Go on a high-end shopping tour
- Relish in a Gourmet Dining
- Explore the beautiful towns of the Riviera
- Relax on any of the several amazing beaches of the Riviera
- Stroll “majestically” along the boardwalks, and
- Visit some of the local markets – shop for fresh produce, and souvenirs and interact with the locals.
[External Link: 5 Most Luxurious Things to do on the French Riviera]
Aside from the above-listed activities, there are several international festivals and events taking place on the French Riviera throughout the year.
These events include; the Cannes International Film Festival, F1 Monaco Grand Prix, Nice International Fair, Cannes Yachting Festival, and the Monaco Yacht Show [Source].
And to experience the best of accommodation in the Riviera in a grand and noble style, below are some of the poshest hotels you can stay at in Cote d’Azur:
- Grand-Hotel Du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
- Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, An Oetker Collection Hotel, Antibes
- Airelles Saint-Tropez, Chateau De La Messardiere, St. Tropez
- La Reserve Ramatuelle Hotel, SPA and Villas, Ramatuelle
- Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez
- Le Negresco Hotel, Nice
- Cheval Blanc St Tropez
- Hotel Barriere Le Majestic, Cannes
- Hotel Martinez, Cannes, and
- JW Marriot Cannes
4. Italy
Italy is undoubtedly one of the best luxury destinations in the world today. The status of this robust Southern Europe/Mediterranean country has been gracefully upheld since the inception of the Roman dynasties to the Renaissance period and up till modern times.
With over 38 million international tourists, Italy was ranked as the fourth most visited country in the world [Source].
Italy as a country is a powerful European “brand” that is one of the top names in global luxury and tourism today. The “Made in Italy” branding in itself is an unrivalled insignia that represents quality, authenticity, class, and Italian cultural appreciation.
From luxury yachts of all sizes (Benetti, Mangusta, Azimut, and Riva) to automobiles (think of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Maserati, Pagani and Alfa Romeo), luxury fashion brands (Versace, Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Zegna, and Dolce & Gabbana) and cuisines (Tortellini, Pizza, Risotto, Arancini, Fiorentina Steak, Caviar, Gelato and Truffles) anywhere you go in Italy speak of culture, rich history, modern exoticness, and unrivalled opulence.
From mainland Italy to its island of Sardinia and cutting across all sides of its coast and other isles, the 10 best luxury destinations in Italy are;
- Rome – the core of Roman Civilization and the capital of modern Italy
- Milan – the Fashion Capital of the World
- Venice – a picturesque city with impressive monikers such as “La Serenissima – the most Serene”, “Queen of the Adriatic”, and “The Floating City”
- Capri – known as “the Pearl of the Mediterranean”
- Amalfi Coast – a naturally scenic destination renowned for having the finest marine (fish) cuisines in the world
- Lake Regions – Lake Como, Lake Garda (Gardone Riviera), and Lake Maggiore
- Portofino – considered the “eighth wonder of the world” featuring amazing landscapes and a beautiful harbour with pristine water
- Costa Smeralda, Sardinia (Billionaire’s Haven) and Porto Rotondo
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, and
- Porto Ercole
Other terrific luxury destinations in Italy include Florence, Bellagio, Positano, Cinque Terre (Comprising Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore), Forte dei Marmi and Courmayeur.
[External Link: Luxury destinations in Italy: 10 places not to be missed]
5. Mexico
It would be completely inaccurate to curate a list of the top luxury destinations in the world without mentioning the most visited country in Latin America – Mexico!
Mexico has in recent times become an increasingly popular destination among luxury travellers. The country is a perfect destination to experience an untainted natural blend of culture, history, lush forests, lively faunas, great weather, beaches and modernity.
If you want class and exclusivity amidst a rich culture, Mexico is one of the best destinations to be. The country is a perfect luxury getaway with an abundance of luxury resorts, ample activities that can be personalized for your pleasure, great foods, and amazing people.
The top luxury Destinations in Mexico which also doubles as favourites of celebrities and influential guests to this Latina paradise are;
- Acapulco
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Mexico City
- Oaxaca
- Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo
- San Miguel de Allende
- Cozumel
- Puerto Vallarta, and
- Playa del Carmen
Mexico is a touristically bi-dynamic country with the most luxury attractions and facilities spanning across its Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean coasts. I will therefore simplify the major luxury destinations in Mexico into;
- Baja California
- Yucatan Peninsula/Riviera Maya
- Guerrero Region, and
- The Central Highlands
[External Link: CNN Travel: 7 places for a luxury vacation in Mexico]
Several luxury and mainstream cruise ships as well as private yachts bring millions of guests to Mexico every year |See]. Aside from sea cruises to Mexico, there are over 100 major and international airports in Mexico serving all classes of air travellers to and within the country.
With over 50 million international guests visiting Mexico in 2022, Mexico was ranked as the second most visited country in the world for the year 2023 [Source].
No matter your travel preference and the scale of opulence you desire, Mexico is a heartwarming host as well as a perfect luxury destination.
6. The Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean Islands have grown over the years to become one of the most remarkable paradises for luxury travellers around the world.
The region, characterized by clean turquoise sea waters, beautiful white sandy beaches, lush islands, amazing weather, friendly people and yummy gourmets was the most visited destination in the world for the year 2022 (by cruises).
One of the core factors that make the Caribbean a top choice among travellers of various classes is the serenity of the islands, the laid-back vibes perfect for a relaxing island lifestyle while you rejuvenate, an “endless” array of luxury hotels and resorts (most with private beaches) and the unmatched natural calmness of the territory and its people.
Whether it is a celebrity, successful business magnate, sports star, or just a wealthy individual, some of the most favoured luxury destinations in the Caribbean include:
- Saint Martin
- The Bahamas
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- The British Virgin Islands
- St. Barthelemy (St. Barts)
- Barbados
- The Cayman Islands
- Antigua and Barbuda
- St. Kitts and Nevis, and
- St. Lucia
Other amazing luxury destinations in the Caribbean also frequented by the rich, famous and wealthy are; Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the Dutch Caribbean Islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.
[External Link: The 16 Most Expensive Caribbean Islands: Find Your Luxury Escape]
Other Notable Luxury Destinations Around the World
The world is filled with numerous fascinating destinations that can be a perfect luxury escape for your revelling delight.
Some of these other luxury destinations popular among luxury travellers around the world are listed in no particular order below:
- Spain – Mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands
- Greece
- Adriatic Countries – Croatia and Montenegro
- Turkey
- United States
- Costa Rica
- England
- Hong Kong
- Australia
- South Africa
- Pacific Islands – Fiji, Cook Islands and French Polynesia, and
- East Africa – Kenya, Tanzania and Seychelles
Recap
In this post, I briefly introduced the “defining model of luxury travel” which comprises five (5) major characteristics of authentic luxury travel. Based on these defining characteristics, I highlight the top 6 best luxury destinations in the world.
These top luxury destinations are:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Maldives
- France
- Italy
- Mexico, and
- The Caribbean
Conclusion
Luxury travel is not an experience of chance, for most luxury travellers, this is essentially a lifestyle!
The world abounds with amazing places and destinations that really worth exploring, visiting and revelling in. Every luxury destination and travel have common characteristics that distinguish them from mainstream travel endeavours.
From luxurious cities such as Dubai and Paris to island’s luxury getaways in the Caribbean or Pacific, at the core of authentic luxury travel is human culture appreciation, a conducive and appealing natural environment, the noblest of hospitality, an inseparable blend of elegance, exclusivity and class as well as quality and authentic luxury services.
The United Arab Emirates (featuring Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Maldives, France (Paris, Southern France and the French Riviera), Italy, Mexico, and the Caribbean are my handpicked top 6 best luxury destinations in the world.
Deciding the best luxury destination can often be a personal endeavour that considers an individual’s core interests and revelling desires.
However, if you ask any true luxury traveller about their favourite destinations, they are more likely to mention at least one (or more) of the top 6 best luxury destinations presented in this post – without blinking!
I will finally wrap up this post by reiterating the quote:
Quote:
Luxury travel is not an experience of chance, for most luxury travellers, this is essentially a lifestyle!
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