When it comes to luxury travel, the world really is your oyster, with numerous destinations across the globe offering lavish accommodation options, breath-taking views, and all the fine food and wine you could possibly consume.
If you’re on the hunt for some inspiration for your next booking, then you needn’t look far – with plenty of options beckoning, whether long-haul or closer to home. Whether you’re looking for a blissful beach break, a sightseeing spree, or an infinity pool you can set up next to for the entire fortnight, we’ve rounded up our seven favourite luxury holiday destinations for 2018/19 to help get you started. It’s time to start packing that suitcase!
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Perfect for those looking for a tropical beach holiday, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a dream destination, offering beautiful accommodation choices, picturesque ‘playas’ and a good dose of culture, too.
For luxury, the Riviera Maya is hard to beat. It boasts a string of impressive all-inclusive resorts set right on the beach, usually offering numerous watersports activities as part of the package. Some even have on-site spas, too – so if you’re looking for a week or two of rest and sheer relaxation, then this is the place to go. Sightseeing opportunities are plentiful and trips can often be organised by your hotel. A trip to see the ancient ruins of Tulum and the iconic pyramid at Chichen Itza is a must. For a mix of relaxation and local culture, Riviera Maya is the place that has it all.
Mauritius
Idyllic Mauritius, with its top-class golf courses, diving opportunities and beachfront hotels, offers tranquility all the way. This Indian island gem exudes class and away from the chic spa hotels, you can visit botanical gardens, rainforests and crocodile farms. There’s even a volcano! Meanwhile, for those who prefer to do nothing at all, the picture-postcard beaches are the perfect place, with many hotels located beachfront and offering direct and private access. Adventurous travellers may wish to head inland to visit Black Gorges National Park to marvel at impressive waterfalls and natural beauty.
Jamaica
Offering everything you’d want from a Caribbean getaway, plus a little more, laid-back Jamaica has every reason to be your next destination of choice. Negril, a town in western Jamaica, is renowned for its endless white sands, sunny climate and turquoise waters. There is a selection of luxury hotels in Jamaica, many of which offer decadent swim-up suites, extensive dining options and watersports galore. There are plenty of sightseeing options too, with a day at Dunn’s River Falls and Park high on visitors’ to-do lists. Fans of the late Bob Marley may wish to make the pilgrimage to Kingston, to check out the museum dedicated to the great man and his work.
Dominican Republic
When it comes to affordable luxury, the Dominican Republic is a great place to consider. One half of Hispaniola Island, this Caribbean retreat offers heavenly beaches, swaying palms and crystal clear waters. Add to this a sprinkling of attractive and inclusive resort hotels and you have all the right ingredients for a pleasurable and self-indulgent getaway. Whether you’re in search of a family-friendly break or adults only seclusion, this destination is hard to beat, so lie back, sip an all-inclusive cocktail and catch up on that bestseller you’ve been longing to read.
Egypt & Red Sea Riviera
Land of the pharaohs, Egypt certainly packs a punch when it comes to luxury breaks and the Red Sea resort of Hurghada boasts high-end hotels offering everything from extensive dining and afternoon teas, to watersports and sumptuous spas. It’s an area renowned for underwater activities, so add scuba diving to your list of planned activities. Sharm El Sheikh also has its fair share of upmarket options, many of which are in the Naama Bay area. Expect soft sands, clear waters, plentiful watersports and hotels with expansive pools incorporating decadent swim-up bars.
Zante
For those who don’t fancy a long-haul flight, the Greek Islands are a great option that is closer to home. Zante, in particular, offers up an impressive selection of luxury hotels. Suitable for both couples and families looking for well-equipped properties with kids’ clubs and spas for mum and dad, the glorious coastline has beaches to die for. Smugglers cove, perhaps its most photographed stretch of sand, features a now-famous ship wreck, which appeared in the 1980s and is also home to the loggerhead turtle. The little creature descends on the shore at Laganas beach each year, around July and August, to lay their eggs – and it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
Cyprus
Another short haul option is Cyprus, and once again, there are a wealth of high-end hotels offering swim-up suites, à la carte dining options and luxurious spas, so you can indulge in some much deserved ‘you time’. The west coast region of Paphos, with its Blue Flag beach and UNESCO sights, is the place to go. If you can tear yourself away from your infinity pool lounger, spare a few hours to visit the historic Tomb of the Kings, which dates back more than 1,000 years. There are also plenty of nature trails close by, for active types – so don’t forget those walking shoes.
Luxury getaways are all about you, so make sure you get the most from your holiday by doing some research before you decide where to jet off to next. Hopefully these suggestions have given you some food for thought, as we all deserve a bit of indulgence when it comes to our leisure time. Choose wisely and enjoy.
