Top Luxury Destinations That Get It Right

Ever wondered where the world’s wealthiest escape for their dream holidays?

When private jets are the norm and first-class just won’t cut it, the ultra-rich seek out the most exclusive, breathtaking destinations on Earth.

From luxury safaris in Kenya and overwater villas in the Maldives, to ultra-private Caribbean islands and five-star eco-resorts in the South Pacific, these are the places where billionaires unwind.

Whether it’s spotting the Big Five on a tailor-made safari, relaxing in a villa with a private butler, heli-skiing in the Alps, or diving in untouched coral reefs — if money is no object, these luxury escapes offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Here’s your inside look at the top travel destinations for the ultra-wealthy — the ultimate guide to holidaying like a billionaire.

1. Italy

Best for honeymooners and countryside romantics

In the middle of Tuscany, Castiglion del Bosco is a beautiful place that mixes country style with classic Italian charm. Life here moves slowly and peacefully. You can enjoy wine tastings from the estate’s own vineyard, go truffle hunting in the nearby woods, or learn to make pasta by hand in an old farmhouse. The estate also has a spa and golf course, offering modern comfort while keeping the natural feel of the area. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, it's quieter. And you get to truly enjoy the calm and beauty of this special part of Italy.

2. Japan

Best for culture lovers who want tradition with luxury

Japan is one of the few places that mixes old traditions with new ideas so well. You’ll find special experiences everywhere. Like relaxing in a private hot spring on a quiet mountain, or joining a peaceful tea ceremony with a skilled host in Nara. In Kyoto, ancient temples give you a glimpse into Japan’s history, while Tokyo shines with fancy sushi restaurants, high-end shops, and luxury hotels. If you love nature, Okinawa has calm beaches and Hokkaido is wide with untouched landscapes. Thanks to the fast Shinkansen trains, traveling around the country is easy and stylish. Japan makes luxury travel feel smooth and natural.

3. Bhutan

Best for solo travelers seeking peace and presence

Hidden in a peaceful valley in the Himalayas, Gangtey Lodge is a quiet and special place to truly relax. With only 12 suites, it feels more like a private hideaway than a hotel. Guests can begin their mornings with calm meditations or walks with monks, and end the day with a warm soak in a traditional hot stone bath. The natural, untouched setting invites you to slow down, and the kind, thoughtful service shows that luxury can be simple. If you're looking for peace and quiet with a touch of comfort, this is the perfect place.

4. Chile

Best for couples who wants wild luxury without the crowds

This isn’t just a regular lodge, it’s your own private way to explore Patagonia. Each villa comes with a personal guide and vehicle, so every part of your trip is made just for you. You might hike on quiet trails, find hidden lagoons, or relax with a glass of wine while looking out huge windows at the amazing views. Even though it’s in the middle of nature, Awasi offers top-level service and delicious food, just like a five-star hotel in the city, you’re surrounded by glaciers and wild animals like guanacos.

5. Botswana

Best for eco-conscious travelers who love the wild

Xigera is more than just a fancy lodge, it's built to be eco-friendly and thoughtfully designed. Everything, from the unique rooms to the use of solar power, is made with care. You'll fall asleep to the natural sounds of the Delta, go on game drives or ride in a traditional canoe during the day, and enjoy local food under the stars at night. It's a special, comfortable experience that respects nature without overdoing it.

6. Across Europe

Best for solo travelers and nostalgic romantics

Climb aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to experience the grandeur of 1920s travel. Get on this classic train for multi-day rides throughout Europe such as Paris to Istanbul or Venice to Amsterdam. Cabins are comfortable, service is exquisite and meals come complete with elegant touches like white gloves and crystal glasses. The journey is slow but that’s the point, it’s all about enjoying the ride in style.

7. Maldives

Best for barefoot luxury lovers and private island seekers

Soneva Jani is a dreamy place to stay with overwater villas that have private slides. You can watch movies under the stars or open the roof over your bed to look at the night sky. The staff takes care of everything before you even ask. Whether you're snorkeling with a marine expert or eating dinner on a sandbank, the focus is on special, carefully planned experiences, all in a relaxed and barefoot setting.

8. Australia

Best for off-the-grid luxury with deep cultural roots

Face the majestic Uluru, Longitude 131° pairs desert stillness with top-tier luxury. Every tented pavilion frames the rock in perfect symmetry when the interior showcases native art and modern design. You can enjoy sunset drinks with views that feel spiritual. After a drink, guided walks through Aboriginal lands. As the night comes up, dinners beneath a sky dusted with stars. It's the expansive experience that lingers long after check-out.

9. Mexico

Best for design lovers and low-key luxury seekers

One&Only Mandarina is a tropical architecture, hidden among rainforest cliffs and pacific waves. Treehouse suites and cliffside villas offer the top privacy, while the vibe remains casually luxe. Surf in the morning, lounge by your private plunge pool in the afternoon, and toast the sunset with a smoky mezcal in hand. It’s Mexico, elevated and without the crowds.

10. France

Best for high-style skiers and snow-season escapists

Cheval Blanc is a beautiful and stylish hotel in the French Alps. You can ski right in and out, enjoy food from a three-Michelin-star restaurant, and get service that feels truly personal. The rooms are full of quiet luxury. From skiing during the day to unwinding in the Dior spa at night, this is a stylish winter experience at its finest.

11. South Africa

Best for families and first-time safari goers

Singita Lebombo is a luxury safari lodge set above a river in a private part of Kruger National Park. Its glass-walled rooms let you watch wildlife up close, and your stay helps support nature and local communities. You’ll enjoy amazing wine, guided walks in the bush, and warm, friendly service. It’s a meaningful and unforgettable experience.

12. Dubai

Best for lovers of modern luxury, city glam seekers, and travelers who want fast cars, fine dining, and five-star everything

When it comes to ultra-modern opulence, nowhere does it quite like Dubai. This glittering metropolis in the United Arab Emirates is a playground for the wealthy, where futuristic skyscrapers, gold-plated decor, and record-breaking architecture set the tone. Built almost entirely within the last half-century, the city radiates a sense of polished newness, from its impeccably designed hotels with sky-high penthouses and rooftop infinity pools to its Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shopping malls. At its heart stands the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on Earth, towering above a city that practically redefines excess. Whether you’re sunbathing at private beach clubs or indulging in spa treatments suspended 50 floors above ground, Dubai is where luxury feels limitless.

13. Thailand

Best for beach lovers, culture seekers, and travelers craving a mix of adventure, luxury, and natural beauty

Thailand earns its nickname — the "Land of Smiles" — not just for its famously warm hospitality, but for the sheer joy it brings to every kind of traveler. While the vibrant energy of Bangkok offers a taste of modern Thai life, it’s the islands that truly steal the show for luxury getaways. From the palm-fringed shores of Koh Samui and the dramatic cliffs of Koh Phi Phi to the untouched beauty of Koh Lipe and the coral-rich Similan Islands, Thailand’s coastal gems deliver paradise on demand. Expect white-sand beaches, world-class diving with whale sharks and manta rays, jungle treks through lush national parks, and spiritual moments in ornate, centuries-old temples. Add in floating markets, private beachfront villas, and spa retreats, and you’ve got one of the most rewarding — and rejuvenating — luxury holiday destinations on Earth.

14. Mauritius

Best for honeymooners, beach loungers

If you're dreaming of a postcard-perfect escape, Mauritius delivers it in every sense. Set in the southern Indian Ocean, this lush volcanic island is a haven of style and sunshine, where sparkling lagoons meet powder-white beaches and world-class resorts line the shore. Whether you’re unwinding in a beachfront infinity pool, teeing off on championship golf courses, or indulging in spa treatments with ocean views, relaxation is effortless here. With over 200 miles of pristine coastline, you’re never far from a secluded stretch of sand. But there's more to Mauritius than just looks, its rich Creole heritage, shaped by African, Indian, French, and Chinese influences, adds layers of culture and flavor to every experience, from vibrant street food to temple festivals.

15. Fiji

Best for romance seekers, honeymooners, and travelers chasing that ultimate private island escape

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing castaway with butler service and champagne on ice, Fiji is your paradise. While the main island of Viti Levu offers convenience, the true magic lies in the far-flung island chains like the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, where barefoot luxury meets untouched beauty. Some of these island hideaways are accessible only by seaplane or private boat, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure as you soar over vibrant coral reefs and shimmering turquoise lagoons. Stay in an overwater bure at the exclusive Likuliku Lagoon Resort or claim your own private island experience at ultra-secluded spots like Royal Davui or Tadrai Island Resort. With crystal-clear waters, world-class snorkeling, and warm Fijian hospitality, it’s the kind of place where time simply slows down and stress disappears.

16. Cambodia

Best for cultural enthusiasts and luxury trendsetters

While Cambodia has long been a staple for budget backpackers, it’s fast emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting luxury destinations. Boutique resorts and high-end wellness retreats are transforming the country’s image, and experience. Take Six Senses Krabey Island, where holistic spa treatments and locally inspired cuisine meet private island seclusion, or the beautifully designed Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, a tranquil hideaway just minutes from the iconic Angkor Wat temples. Beyond the well-trodden paths lie hundreds of lesser-known ancient sites, peaceful pagodas, and uncrowded coastal escapes. Whether you're temple-hopping in Siem Reap or lounging on the untouched beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia now offers indulgence with a dose of authenticity.

17. Costa Rica

Best for wildlife lovers and eco-conscious travelers.

Few places on Earth rival Costa Rica when it comes to sheer biodiversity, it’s a dream destination for spotting wildlife in its natural habitat. Nestled within lush tropical rainforests, luxury eco-lodges provide front-row seats to nature’s most captivating performances. Wake up to the calls of howler monkeys, glimpse colorful toucans and scarlet macaws fluttering through the canopy, and watch hummingbirds dance just outside your room. For a wild yet refined escape, consider Casa Corcovado for its raw jungle vibe, Origins Lodge for a high-end eco-experience with gourmet dining, or Pacuare Lodge, where the adventure begins with a white-water rafting journey to the doorstep of your suite. Here, sustainability meets serenity in one of the world’s most pristine natural environments.

18. Antarctica

Best for adventurers, luxury explorers, and those seeking the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience

If you're after the world’s most exclusive journey, look no further than an Antarctic cruise, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines extreme isolation with unparalleled luxury. Reaching the bottom of the Earth isn't easy, it takes weeks (three to four weeks, to be exact) aboard a cruise ship, and prices start from a hefty £10,000, soaring well above £50,000 for the more luxurious options. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, these voyages cross the notorious Drake Passage before arriving at Antarctica's icy shores. Zodiac boats take you to remote coves where you can witness the continent’s otherworldly wildlife and even step onto the Antarctic ice itself. For those with a taste for adventure and history, this journey retraces the steps of explorers like Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton. If you can afford it, this epic voyage is the ultimate in exclusive travel.

19. Kenya

Best for luxury travelers, safari enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers seeking a world-class African adventure

Kenya offers some of the most luxurious safari experiences on the planet, with exclusive lodges and camps set in breathtaking locations like Angama Mara, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley, overlooking the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here, you can embark on a private jeep safari led by expert local guides, where spotting the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo - is almost a guarantee. After a thrilling day of wildlife sightings, unwind with a bush picnic, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, and enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by a personal chef at your luxury lodge. As the sun sets, venture out for a final safari under the stars for more unforgettable animal encounters. While these experiences come at a premium, there’s truly no other journey like it on Earth.

20. Tanzania

Best for eco-conscious travelers, glamping enthusiasts, and those seeking safari experience

The Serengeti is the crown jewel of African safaris, where the Big Five roam freely alongside an incredible variety of wildlife. While traditional safari lodges are abundant, the Serengeti's luxury "glamping" experiences offer something more unique and environmentally mindful. Take Cherero Camp, for example, it features solar-powered, safari-style tents elevated on hardwood platforms, combining comfort with minimal environmental impact. Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session, then hop into a private jeep for an exhilarating game drive through the plains. As the day winds down, enjoy sundowners with a view of the sun setting over the savannah, followed by a gourmet dinner. The camp’s secluded location also makes it the perfect base to witness the awe-inspiring annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the iconic Serengeti landscape, a truly unforgettable experience.

Luxury for the Solo Traveler: Is It Really Worth It?

Absolutely, it's worth it. When it is done with purpose. Today more travelers are looking for luxury travel experiences specifically for one. Solo luxury reveals access to unforgettable gateways.

Wellness retreats such as Amanpuri in Thailand or COMO Shambhala in Bali provide solo-friendly offerings—imagine private yoga, spa ceremonies, and customized nutrition. Cuisine-conscious travelers can immerse themselves in Michelin-star tastings in Napa or culinary tours in Tuscany, where solo doesn't equal eating by oneself—it equals delighting in every morsel on your own timeline. For artists, retreats in the Scottish Highlands or Provence provide the time and space to relax, write, or design—luxury reimagined.

Solo travel in luxury destinations is no longer niche—it's a fearless decision for those who care about freedom, personalization, and purpose. Indulgence, when it's for one, becomes an act of self-care.

Choose Luxury That Feeds Your Soul, Not Your Ego

When it comes to luxury travel, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how deeply the experience resonates with you.

Real luxury isn’t loud. It’s thoughtful, personal, and joyful. Whether you're booking a solo retreat or a five-star culinary getaway, the best luxury travel destinations are the ones that align with your values and desires—not just your budget.

Before you book, ask yourself:

What kind of travel makes me feel alive, restored, or inspired?

Is it a serene yoga retreat in Bali?

A food and wine tour in South Australia?

A quiet creative hideaway in the French countryside?

Choose experiences that nurture your spirit, not your ego. Because when you travel with intention, luxury becomes more than comfort—it becomes transformative.