With the new year now fully underway and the promise of warmer spring weather edging closer and closer, it’s a time to look ahead to the summer holiday season and plan in a memorable break. Having something to look forward to is a sure-fire way to get you through the worst bits of winter yet to come – and all the more so if it’s a luxury break in the sun.
Gone are the days when high-end holidays meant all-inclusive resorts only, and these days that bespoke dream getaway is yours for the taking. Whether it’s a luxury Caribbean cruise, a stint in Sir Richard Branson’s opulent tented safari camp in Kenya, or a relaxing week at a secluded island resort you’ve set your sights on, there’s never any need to compromise on those home comforts.
Adding a taste of luxury to your summer holiday doesn’t just begin with your destination of choice, either, and a few careful tweaks to your plans can elevate the entire travel experience to one you’ll never forget. From First Class air travel to airport lounge access, and of course, those all-important private transfers, a luxury travel consultant can help you plan your trip from start to finish – leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of luxury.
All you’ll have to do is pick the destination – so to help you make a decision, we’ve rounded up five of the best destinations to head to for a luxury holiday in 2019.
Zanzibar
If breath-taking beaches are what you’re looking for when planning your next luxury holiday, then Zanzibar has got them by the bucket load. Think silky soft stretches of pure white sand punctuated by swaying palm trees, all set against a backdrop of shimmering, crystal clear water. This beautiful archipelago, located just off the coast of East Africa, is alive with vibrant culture and bustling markets that you can happily get lost in for hours. And better yet, beautiful boutique beach hotels can be found dotted along the beach, offering opulent rooms with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Our picks? The design-led eco resort of Zuri Zanzibar Hotel, in pretty Kendawa, or the spectacular Konokono Beach Resort, which overlooks Chwaka bay on the island’s South East coast and boasts its own stretch of private beach.
For a truly spectacular getaway, why not combine a beach break with an action-packed safari break on mainland Tanzania?
Sri Lanka
Just a decade has passed since Sri Lanka’s civil war finally came to an end, yet it is fast becoming recognised as one of the most alluring travel destinations in South East Asia. Perhaps most famed for its sprawling national parks filled with elephants and buffalo, it’s a nature lover’s dream. Visit the highlands to see the country’s lush tea plantations, head off on a safari, or while away your days exploring incredible ancient ruins which uncover Sri Lanka’s captivating 2,000-year history. King Kasyapa’s ancient rock fortress, Sigiriya, is a must.
For the ultimate glamping experience, check into the Wild Coast Tented Lodge on the edge of the Yala National Park, or head to Kandy for a relaxing getaway at spa and wellness retreat, Santani.
Hong Kong
If you prefer the fast-paced city lifestyle to a lazy week luxuriating on the beach, then head to Hong Kong this summer for a real assault on the senses. Perhaps best known for being a lively financial hub, it has so much more to offer its visitors, and with scores of opulent 5-star hotels to choose from – including Kerry Hotel, which has pride of place on Kowloon’s vibrant waterfront, at the heart of Hung Hom Bay, and Hotel Icon, a stylish hotel designed by famous local architects – it has never been simpler to do it all in style.
Catch the heaving Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour after the sun has gone down, where you can enjoy a spectacular light show each and every evening. Then, head to the much-loved Temple Street Night Market for all the authentic dim sum you can eat. From shopping to avant-garde, there’s something for everyone, but one thing is guaranteed; Hong Kong will blow you away with its towering skyscraper and impressive skyline, and will keep you coming back for more at every opportunity.
Canada
If you’re looking for a chance to immerse yourself in nature, then the peace and tranquillity of rural Canada is unrivalled, boasting a picturesque landscape comprising snow-capped mountains and vast lakes. It might not be the sunshine break you had in mind, but a luxury holiday in Canada has a great deal to offer. It’s easy to see whet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are thought to have chosen to spend their honeymoon here.
The stunning Gwaii Haanas National Park, off the west coast, is well worth a visit, while wildlife enthusiasts will love whale spotting in Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy. Fogo Island Inn, in Newfoundland, offers untold levels of decadence and will serve as a special basecamp for your trip, while the luxury 5-star mountain resort of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, in Alberta’s stunning Jasper National Park, is a charming village of cedar chalets and luxury signature cabin, offering unique access to explore the natural environment that surrounds it.
