These exceptionally luxurious trips will fit the bill if you want to go all out for your next vacation. Some of the world’s most incredible destinations that made the list include the British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, and many more. Before you go, make sure your passport is up to date. If you have any questions, check out our up-to-date passport resource page.
The Cotton House - Mustique Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A private island in the Grenadines, Mustique is home to Cotton House, its only full-service hotel. It provides the ultimate in luxuries and exclusivity, attracting many VIPs to enjoy total privacy here, including royalty like William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Combining French West Indies architecture with Caribbean trimmings, accommodation ranges from cozy cottages with private balconies and deluxe suites with private plunge pools to The Residence, a private two-bedroom suite with its own swimming pool, an outdoor shower, and beautiful views across L’Ansecoy Bay.
Amangiri - Big Water, Utah
Amangiri is a very high-end luxury resort nestled in a remote area of Canyon Country in southern Utah. It’s a place where you’ll be treated like a VIP, and not surprisingly, quite a few celebrities have been known to stay here, from Kiley Jenner, Justin and Hailey Bieber to Brad Pitt. Guests can sip their morning coffee while watching a sunrise over 400-year-old limestone formations and then take off on horseback or on foot with a personal guide to explore the red rock canyons. After a day of adventure, there are pampering spa treatments and mind-blowing organic dishes to enjoy before returning to one of the chic suites, all with private plunge pools and terraces that open to a brilliant night sky filled with countless stars.
Longitude 131° - Yulara, Australia
Located in the heart of the Australian Outback, surrounded by the country’s wild, red interior, Longitude 131° faces Uluru Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks in Australia, sacred to the Aborigines since ancient times as one of the planet’s most extraordinary places. The striking red monolith looms over the landscape while bearing multiple inscriptions made by ancestral indigenous peoples. Watching a sunset here with the changing colors of the sky providing a stunning backdrop is unreal. During the day, guests can explore the terrain with personal guides and then come back and enjoy a dip in the pool among the dunes. Dining includes mouthwatering three-course meals paired with fine Australian wine, enjoyed under a canopy of stars, while accommodation is in palatial air-conditioned tents.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island - Maldives
A private island in the Maldives reached via a 40-minute flight from Male, at Kudadoo every wish is granted – “anything, anytime, anywhere.” An all-inclusive resort, it’s all about sustainable luxury. Chefs have time to make what everyone wants, when they want it, whether you’re carving mango and ginger smoothie to enjoy with breakfast or teppanyaki for dinner, enjoyed at night under a blanket of stars. You’ll have your own butler 24/7 who arranges anything you want to do, from diving and kitesurfing to swimming with manta rays, blue-light snorkeling, and even private yacht excursions. The overwater residences all have their own large private pools, and state-of-the-art tech, like 54″ flat-screen TVs with Bang & Olufsen surround sound.
Hana-Maui Resort, Hawaii
Hana-Maui Resort is one of the the most luxurious resorts on Maui, located in the peaceful town of Hana, set among lush rolling fields and palm trees overlooking Kaihalulu Bay. Each of its guest rooms, suites, bungalows and family residences has a private lanai and full or partial ocean views and is designed without clocks, radios, or TVs. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving farm-to-table fare, an indoor and outdoor spa, a yoga center and pavilion, and a wellness center.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort - Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Hayman Island is a stunning private island in Australia, offering a premier location with a front row seat to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s set right within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, stretching for more than 1,400 miles along the Queensland coast in the Whitsunday Islands, internationally renowned as one of the most magnificent stretches of tropical coastline on the planet. A stay on this island means lots of attention to detail and elegant resort living set within three distinct areas, each designed to make the most of the awe-inspiring island views and natural surroundings. Feast on innovative cuisine in a variety of restaurants and take part in all sorts of thrilling activities including helicopter and seaplane adventures, diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, sailing and more. The resort also features the Hayman Spa, a fitness center, tennis courts, and an indoor golf simulator.
Ol Jogi, Kenya
Ol Jogi is a private family ranch owned by the Wildenstein family, offering the best for African safari escapes. Very upscale, there are luxurious touches throughout its cottage suites, like sumptuous Hermes linens and perfectly polished Buccellati silver. The highlight, of course, is the wildlife, and it’s set on 58,000 privately owned, protected areas. It’s home to 64 of the less than 1000 black rhinos in East Africa, thanks to its conservation efforts (all profits support them), as well as some 500 elephants, depending on the season. Activities include walks with baboons, game drives, horseback riding, and more.
Ultima Thule Lodge - Anchorage, Alaska
If your idea of a vacation is spending time in a remote wilderness area with access to thrilling outdoor adventures and an abundance of wildlife, along with all sorts of luxurious amenities, the Ultima Thule Lodge may be for you. This all-inclusive luxury lodge sits in the heart of the Alaska wilderness, 100 miles from the nearest road, the only way to get there is to fly in. You may be in the middle of nowhere, but you’ll get to enjoy a wood-fired cedar sauna as well as dining on gourmet meals, often of fresh fish or game, along with homemade goodies like bread and pastries. Activities include flights over Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (included in the all-inclusive rate), where you’ll land on glaciers and get a bird’s-eye view of wildlife like grizzly bears. Hiking, fishing and kayaking can all be arranged as well.
The Lodge At Pebble Beach - Monterey Peninsula, California
If you’re a golfing enthusiast, one of the world’s very best golf courses can be found on the Monterey Peninsula along California’s Central Coast: Pebble Beach Golf Links. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, sloping greens and clifftop fairways, it will cost you upwards of $500 a round, but if you have the cash, it’s worth the experience. Combine it with the lavish, and expensive, suites at the Lodge at Pebble Beach and you’ll have the ultimate luxury golf vacation. After a day out on the course, you might want to take a scenic drive down Highway One, one of the most legendary drives in the world, to Big Sur’s Esalen Institute to indulge in a massage.
Hôtel de la Cité - Carcassonne, France
Carcassone is a fairytale-like city, the most famous of the medieval walled cities in France, rich in history and legend. Hôtel de la Cité is the only hotel that sits within this UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides awe-inspiring panoramic views of the walls which were in place by 333 AD. What better way to enjoy a luxurious vacation than a stay here – in fact, when the many day-trippers vanish, you’ll be able to enjoy it all with almost no one else around. It all begins with a welcome at the foot of Carcasoone and after crossing Pont Levis, you’ll walk through the grand entrance with its gorgeous wooden fresco that depicts historical and influential figures from the local area. Enjoy an aperitif as you watch an enchanting sunset followed by dinner, a feast that’s fit for a king (or queen) in the Michelin-starred restaurant. There are gardens, an outdoor pool, and an on-site cellar for wine tastings, while the opulent rooms feature modern amenities like Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations, flat-screen satellite TVs, and robes and slippers.
Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort - Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands, a destination that attracts VIPs from around the world. The Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort is the perfect spot to base your stay for enjoying luxury and jaw-dropping scenery, set right along the sands of Agios Ioannis Beach. Scattered between cobbled paths, the rooms and suites blend Cycladic architecture with soothing interior décor while opening out to balconies or patios with pool, garden, or sea views. The property includes multiple restaurants, including an open-air dining room where fresh seafood and other Mediterranean dishes are served. It also has its own private beach, an outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, gym, and amphitheater where yoga classes are offered.
Nayara Tented Camp Hotel - La Fortuna, Costa Rica
An offshoot of Nayra Springs Resort, Nayara Tented Camp Hotel offers luxurious tents inspired by a high-end African safari. They offer 1,700 square feet of living space, each set on its own platform with a plunge pool that’s fed by the hot springs nearby while boasting spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. If it sounds familiar, that might be because Eugene Levy stayed here in episode two of The Reluctant Traveler, a comedic travel documentary on Apple TV. It’s the perfect place to do nothing but relax and perhaps soak in the hot pools or take part in all sorts of activities, from hiking and horseback riding to ziplining, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. There’s a spa with open-sided treatment rooms overlooking the lush surroundings, and outstanding dining on-site in a magnificent rainforest setting too.
Fogo Island Inn - Newfoundland, Canada
An all-inclusive luxury resort, Fogo Island Inn offers one of the world’s most stunning views set on what’s often called the “edge of the Earth.” Located on Fogo Island, accessed by ferry from Farewell on the Newfoundland mainland, it’s an escapist’s fantasy come true. Every room comes with handmade Scandinavian-inspired furniture, a wood stove or fireplace, giant soaking tubs, and expansive ocean views. In the spring, you can watch for blue-tinged icebergs that float by while summer brings the chance to marvel at the whales that come to feast on capelin. In late fall and winter on clear nights, you might even see the colorful northern lights.
Azur Lodge - Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
Located in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, Azur Lodge is perched on a hillside, showcasing the beauty of the Queenstown region just two miles from town while providing easy access to the many activities that await in the country’s adventure capital. Look forward to whitewater rafting, jet boating, bungee jumping, skydiving, and zip-lining, or more gentle pursuits like hiking and biking. Made up of villa accommodations, all include bathrooms with rainforest showers, double spa baths, and huge windows that bring the outdoors in.
Explora Patagonia - Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Outdoor adventurers looking for luxuries? Explora offers a unique experience that caters to those who usually avoid all-inclusive getaways. Instead, it provides an “all-inclusive adventure.” It may be the perfect base camp from which to discover the stunning natural surroundings of Torres del Paine National Park, but it’s a whole lot more than that. It includes a traditional quincho, horse stables, a heated pool, multiple open-air Jacuzzis that overlook Paine River, a massage room, and more. Guests can enjoy exploring scenic guided hikes and horseback rides of various lengths, as well as look forward to enjoying dishes that feature Chilean ingredients.
NIHI Sumba - Indonesia
Located on remote Sumba Island, about an hour’s flight from Bali, NIHI Sumba was named the world’s best hotel for two consecutive years by Travel + Leisure. It offers the ultimate in luxuries while being a sustainable, environmentally friendly property. The all-inclusive rates include mouthwatering meals, drinks, a complimentary minibar, and many of the activities on offer, including snorkeling and world-class surfing. There are also unique cultural experiences that include visiting the local villages and markets for local arts and crafts, monumental megalithic burial sites, and more. Each residence, available in one- to five-bedroom options, includes private pools that overlook the beach and the sea, canopy beds, and your own private butler.
Guana Island, British Virgin Islands
Guana Island is a private 850-acre resort island in the British Virgin Islands, known as a playground for Britain’s wealthy. It has no public access, which means that you’ll need to fly into neighboring Beef Island and then take the resort’s boat to your final destination. You can spend your days lounging in a hammock and sipping exotic drinks, enjoying the powdery white sand beaches practically all to yourself. You can get more active by going snorkeling in the clear, warm, azure waters, hiking, and taking yoga or tennis lessons. The all-inclusive experience includes sea view cottages with meals, including gourmet offerings, as well as snacks, wine, and use of all facilities.
Musha Cay and The Islands of Copperfield Bay
Musha Cay and The Islands of Copperfield Bay – yes, that David Copperfield, are part of The Exumas, as a collection of 11 picture-perfect isles. You don’t have to worry about bumping elbows at this top luxury resort in the Caribbean. Musha Cay in the Bahamas epitomizes a magical paradise in every way possible, with 40 white sand beaches lined with native flora and fauna. This is a small, exclusive resort that accommodates just a couple dozen guests in luxurious beach houses. You can savor and enjoy delicious fresh cuisine caught from the neighboring sea after exploring the area of a jet ski or snorkeling adventure.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a tiny island in French Polynesia and one of the most well-known for its luxury hotels and experiences. The average night on the island is around $800, although that does include meals. Not surprisingly, Bora Bora tends to draw a number of celebrities and business elite who are seeking the best of the best, and you’ll be able to enjoy the trip of a lifetime if you can afford it. The Hilton Bora Bora Nui is ideal for beach and water lovers, with some of the best coral near its Polynesian-designed overwater bungalows – all you’ll have to do is walk off your deck and step into the brilliant undersea world.
Turtle Island, Fiji
After Turtle Island was thrust in the spotlight as the location of the 1980 film “The Blue Lagoon,” it became world-famous for its pristine blue waters and fabulous beaches, as well as a very exclusive tourist destination able to accommodate just 14 couples at any one time. It perfectly captures the true romance of the South Pacific with its tranquil beauty, exotic flavors, and ultra-luxe Bures, the Fijian word for a wood-and-straw hut, with views of the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy 14 secluded beaches, moonlit dinners at the edge of the sea, romantic picnics for two, and horseback riding at sunrise. There are lots of water-based activities too, like diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Singita Boulders Lodge - Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
Located along the banks of the Sand River in a privately owned reserve that sits within the Sabi Sand Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Singita Sabi Sand is renowned for its abundance of big game and frequent leopard sightings. There are giraffes, wildebeests, elephants, impala and zebras too, which also makes it popular among lions. The lodge provides an intimate stay in one of 12 one- or two-bedroom suites all of which come with their own private pools, open fireplaces, indoor and outdoor showers, and private game-viewing decks. Rates include all meals, which can be enjoyed in-room or in the restaurant with dishes focused on pan-African, European and Asian flavors.
Onguma The Fort - Namibia
For the ultimate safari experience, Onguma The Fort in Namibia sits on 84,000 private acres of wilderness inhabited by more than 30 different exotic animal species, from elephants, lions, and giraffes, to oryx, leopards, and cheetahs. This is a place where the wildlife can be watched day or night, and in some cases, they may be watching you. The complex is African, Moroccan, and Indian-inspired, with private free-standing suites providing accommodation. All include a wealth of luxurious amenities, including indoor and outdoor showers. The main tower is home to the impressive Sultan Suite, which has a lounge area and private viewing deck. Enjoy some of the best sunsets in Africa, game drives, sunset drives, bush walks, and more.
