2020. It’s the start of a new decade, and the perfect opportunity to do something big to really kick these ten years off as you mean to go on. So, if you’re not planning the trip of a lifetime, then now is the time to get started.
If you’re partial to a touch of the Champagne lifestyle and enjoy your flights first class every time, then now is the time to treat yourself to a truly indulgent getaway. How about a five-star break to an exotic location, complete with private butler – or a shopping trip to New York with a stay in one of the city’s top hotels?
Whatever your taste happens to be, it’s time to make 2020 a year to remember. And, if you’re not fortunate enough to be on a million pound annual wage, then you might just have to rob a bank, borrow some money from your grandmother or take out a loan – because these luxury breaks are too good to miss. When money is no object, the whole world becomes a destination, and the only thing left to decide is, where to first?
Cocoa Island, the Maldives
Amongst the many stunning island beaches in the Maldives, Cocoa Island is one of the most expensive islands to visit. With its mesmerising beauty and pristine sand beaches, staying over the turquoise water to experience the beauty of nature costs around $750 (INR 48,670) for a night. Despite everything, this island still remains one of the top places that you should definitely visit with your partner!
Where: South Malé Atoll, Maldives.
Famous for: This island is home to some of the most exotic beaches of the Maldives, and is one of the best romantic retreats to visit on your honeymoon.
Things to do: Enjoy scuba diving, explore the marine life, or savour the beauty of nature while you spend some romantic time with your spouse.
Places to stay: COMO Cocoa Island hotels and resorts.
How to reach: You can reach here either by taking a seaplane or sea boat from Male International Airport.
Best month to visit: June – August.
Fregate Island, the Seychelles
Fregate Island is not just another one amongst the most expensive islands in the world, it has private luxury resorts, seven beautiful beaches, and water sports like swimming, snorkelling, and deep sea diving etc. Nothing ordinary and absolutely worth experiencing since it is one of the most luxurious private islands in the world! It costs around $3,422 to $4,985 (INR 2,22,055 to INR 3,23,475) a day. So, savour the gorgeous pictures until you strike this place off your bucket list!
Where: Fregate Island, Seychelles.
Famous for: This private island resort is renowned for its luxury villas with infinity pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Things to do: Snorkelling, diving, cycling, hiking, canoeing, exploring the library, windsurfing, billiards and fishing are just some of the endless things to do here.
Places to stay: Fregate Island Private.
How to reach: Fregate can be accessed via a chartered aeroplane, helicopter, or boat. Most air and sea transfers originate at Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island.
Best month to visit: April-May or October-November.
The Pikaia Lodge in Ecuador
Pay homage to evolution with a stay on Darwin’s favourite archipelago, the Galapagos. The Pikaia Lodge was ‘designed for the environmentally conscious, physically active and adventurous traveller,’ and is centrally located to allow easy access to all of the islands.
Guests can dine at the lodge’s restaurant on the edge of a crater or wander around the facilities and come face-to-face with a giant tortoise. A week’s stay in the lodge’s pool suite starts at $10,205 per person.
The Post House at the Post Inn Ranch, Big Sur, California
The wealthy clientele who stay at the Post Ranch Inn generally do so to escape the rest of the world while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. The luxury resort’s most expensive accommodation takes these wishes up to the next level, with an added dash of cosiness. Guests at the Post House have unparalleled views of the ocean, whether that’s through the floor-to-ceiling windows from their beds or across the horizon from their private Jacuzzis. The room is available for $4,350 per night.
White Desert ‘Greatest Trip’ to Antarctica
For those who want an ultimate luxury vacation but don’t have much time to spend, White Desert offers a one-day trip to Antarctica. Starting off from Cape Town, guests board a Gulfstream private jet and set off for the icy continent. Travellers have about eight hours to explore, ending in a gourmet Champagne dinner. The entire trip lasts less than 24 hours but will set you back $195,000.
