They say ‘Do it while you’re young’ when it comes to travelling around the world. That’s perfectly understandable: there are so many fantastic places to see and the more time you allow yourself to cram them in, the better. The internet has also made travel more accessible than it’s ever been, which is why so many young people are taking gap years, so many retired people are booking themselves up on long trips and, in general, people are getting itchy feet. The travel bug bites hard!
Naturally, there are some highly luxurious destinations out there that, if you have a bit of money, you might want to splash out on a few flight tickets to visit. Below is a look at some of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations, starting with that old favourite Dubai, out in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dubai
This emirate is well known for its splendour and the lavish lifestyles of people who live there or come to visit. From the Aura Skypool, 50 floors up on the Palm Top, you can soak up a unique pool experience and, at the same time, take in a sweeping view of the emirate, including the Burj Al Arab, the Palm and beyond.
Maybe you thought the Vegas fountains were impressive, but the Dubai Fountain puts them all to shame. It’s the world’s tallest fountain and shoots 22,000 gallons of water 500 feet up in the air. Viewing the fountain is free and there are multiple shows each day.
Monaco
When it comes to luxurious destinations, no list would be complete without Monaco. One thing you absolutely must do is visit the Monte Carlo Casino, located in the legendary Place du Casino. Even if you just wish to take a walk around it’s worth it, just to get a sense of why this casino is such a hit with the high rollers of the world. You can always play casino games online if even the thought of playing at such an illustrious casino is a little on the intimidating side.
Another relaxing activity you can do, and just plain cool too, is watch a film on the terrace jutting out from beneath the Rock. Cinema2Monaco boasts one of Europe’s largest open-air cinema screens. Out in the open with a good movie is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an evening in Monaco.
Bali
The easy-going vibe, the mystical temples and the spotless beaches have bestowed upon Bali a reputation of being a luxurious place to which to escape. Anyone who associates Bali with luxury escapes isn’t far wrong. Beach resort Seminyak spoils you with pristine beaches, luxury spas, stylish beach spas and fashion boutiques. Meanwhile, the mountain town of Ubud is the place to go if you wish to immerse yourself in Balinese culture. There you’ll see rice paddies, lush forests and conservation centres such as the Sacred Monkey Forest, which serves as a home to more than 600 monkeys.
If you like your accommodation luxurious, beach resort Jimbaran Bay will offer you plenty of luxury hotels. Some call it the ‘Beverley Hills of Bali’. Why not pay a visit and see if it lives up to this nickname?
The Seychelles
If you have the budget and really want to get away from it all and bask in luxurious, glorious sunshine, the Seychelles is a beach destination like no other. Staying at the five-star Constance Lemuria rewards you with Anse Georgette, a completely undeveloped beach on which you can relax with a picnic.
While staying in the Seychelles, you might also wish to treat yourself to a meal at the oldest restaurant in the Indian Ocean. Marie Antoinette serves up Creole favourites such as aubergine fritters, mango salad and sweet and sour tuna steak. If you’re the kind of person that will eat any food no matter how unusual or exotic, you might be willing to sample the curried fruit bat. While you’re sampling the culinary delights, large, rescued tortoises will be slowly ambling around in the restaurant’s back garden and delighting any children at the establishment.
The Maldives
Think Maldives and you think luxury. Perfectly understandable considering this archipelagic country boasts 1,200 islands and that 200 of the private islands are resorts. The fact that it’s possible to sleep in an overwater villa and wake up to the sound of the waves goes a long way to making this such a luxurious destination. It has that feel of getting truly away from it all while still offering a glamorous twist.
Come between June and October and, if you’ve got your timing right, you can witness the bioluminescence, which is when bioluminescent organisms in the water are disturbed and the surf glows neon blue at night-time. Vaadhoo is renowned as the place to watch this natural nocturnal phenomenon, but it can happen all over the Maldives. You’ve just got to have a huge dose of luck on your side.
The world has some truly marvelous destinations that will mesmerize you if you have the money to go and visit them. Remember that travel is much more accessible than it used to be, so even if it appears at first glance you might not have the budget, do a little research and search online. You may find you can afford it after all. Other luxurious destinations you might wish to consider include Mauritius, Hawaii and Fiji.