Luxury Travel Destinations That Belong on Your Bucket List
When you say exclusive vacations and high-end travel, you may picture first-class flights, gold-plated hotel suites, and eye-watering extravagance in London, Paris, or New York. And why not? Who doesn’t love a bit of razzle-dazzle? We have, however, compiled this list of luxury travel destinations for those of you who prefer to travel off the beaten track. Our team has lovingly put this bucket list together to broaden your horizons and introduce you to harder-to-find magical experiences in the most spectacular corners of our world.
We start with the azure blue of the Indian Ocean before taking you to breathtaking South American mountain vistas, jungle encounters with wild monkeys and gorillas, cruising on the Amazon, and skiing at world-class resorts. That is all before we suggest relaxation on the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, seclusion on an island paradise, or adventure in the great American Wilderness. They are all out there, ready and waiting for you!
Exploring Zanzibar
No luxury travel guide would be complete without Zanzibar. Hear the word, and you’re immediately whisked off to a world full of Eastern Promise. Forming the original Spice Islands, the Zanzibar Archipelago lies off the East African Coast and offers exquisite beach resorts for high-end travelers. Losing yourself amongst pristine white beaches and turquoise waters makes for an unforgettable exclusive vacation.
Thanks to reefs galore, Zanzibar is diving heaven, but if you are more of a land lover, why not visit Zanzibar City’s labyrinthine old stone town? It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, after all. Imagine a bespoke tour of the city’s ancient spice markets. It all adds up to an unforgettable, colorful, and fragrant experience. As a luxury travel destination, Zanzibar promises a culturally rich escape.
Escaping to Patagonia
Patagonia, Chile, is a remote land of unparalleled beauty, where rugged landscapes and panoramic views provide an exquisite blend of nature and adventure. Our luxury travel guide includes this unspoiled haven because it offers an extraordinary escape to the wilderness. The breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park is home to granite peaks, glacial lakes, and vibrant wildlife. After a day of spectacular hiking, horseback riding, and bespoke tours under the watchful eye of circling Condors, you can retreat to one of the region’s opulent lodges that provide rest for weary travelers.
There can be fewer more exclusive vacations than choosing an eco-friendly stay on the Patagonian steppes. As Chile’s southernmost gem, it is a place where high-end travel and the untouched natural world remain in harmony.
Discovering Rwanda
The forests of Rwanda remain a hidden gem for the adventurous. The highlight of any trip is undoubtedly the region’s wildlife trekking. Encountering majestic mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their misty, lush, untouched habitats is a genuinely transformative experience. These close encounters offer a profound connection with the natural world that, once experienced, is never forgotten.
Thanks to Rwanda’s eco-tourism, considerable investment is being made into protecting the world’s most endangered animals. Poachers have become gamekeepers to support a sustainable high-end travel industry. Rwanda's eco-lodges provide luxurious comfort while protecting the area’s pristine jungle, offering stunning views, gourmet cuisine, and unparalleled hospitality. As a luxury travel destination, Rwanda uniquely combines adventure with supporting vital conservation work. It adds up to a remarkable journey into the wild.
Cruising The Peruvian Amazon
If you are looking for an example of high-end travel and an exclusive vacation, it is hard to imagine anything better than sailing down the Amazon aboard a luxurious river cruiser. Imagine gliding through the world's most biodiverse rainforest, hearing the call of exotic birds, and experiencing the region’s precious flora and fauna - all with the help of exclusive local guides.
Your South American jungle adventure will unfold through a unique combination of tailored excursions, bespoke tours, and inspiring wildlife encounters. Being close to nature does not mean compromising one iota on comfort. On board the river cruiser, guests can indulge in gourmet dining, spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, sun decks, and spa treatments. There is no more opulent way to experience the natural world.
Thrills In The Dolomites
Northern Italy’s Dolomite mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides year-round excitement. In winter, the majestic Dolomite peaks transform into a winter sports paradise. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 1,200 kilometers of world-class pistes, from gentle beginner slopes to exhilarating black runs.
Summer means a different adventure, revealing hiking, cycling, climbing, and riding trails that crisscross the region’s stunning landscapes. Or how about a bespoke tour that explores the area’s rich history and vibrant culture? For the ultimate high-end travel adventure, take an exclusive helicopter flight and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites from above. If all that sounds exhausting, relax. You can spend evenings recovering in one of the region’s many luxurious, meticulously kept lodges.
Safaris In Kenya & Tanzania
Compiling a list of luxury travel destinations without mentioning East Africa’s Tarangire, Serengeti, Amboseli, and Masai Mara National Parks is nigh on impossible. Renowned for safari expeditions, they should be on everyone’s exclusive vacation bucket list. Tailored to your every desire, luxury high-end safaris offer bespoke tours and experiences at the heart of Africa's most iconic landscapes. Imagine soaring over the savannah in a hot air balloon at dawn, for example, enjoying dinner under the stars or visiting local villages while encountering the Big Five species: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo with local expert trackers.
Luxurious lodges and impeccably equipped tented camps provide opulent accommodation amidst the wilderness. Importantly, responsibly organized safari adventures also support local conservation efforts, protecting the region’s unmatched biodiversity for future generations.
Relaxation On The Adriatic Coast
The spectacular Adriatic Coast offers serene, crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and romantic hidden coves. The northern corner of the Mediterranean provides a perfect brand of relaxation and a beautiful, untouched landscape. It makes an ideal destination for discerning visitors looking for exclusive, high-end travel experiences far from the rat race.
Beyond the exquisite beaches, the Adriatic Coast is home to Croatia’s most picturesque towns and cities. The region is widely recognized for some of the world's best examples of medieval architecture, but it's not just about the buildings. The locals, known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions, are always ready to share time with visitors. Given its history, culture, and natural wonders, the Adriatic Coast deserves its place on our list of luxury travel destinations.
Experience Cape Town, South Africa
As a luxury travel destination, Cape Town is equally beloved by fans of the great outdoors and lovers of culture. The seat of South Africa’s parliament and the county’s second-largest city sits on Table Bay in the shadow of spectacular Table Mountain. The Dutch East India Company founded Cape Town as a supply station for ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East. It quickly became an economic and transport hub with vibrant colors and traditions.
Visitors wishing to enjoy an exclusive vacation choose to stay in numerous luxurious villas and lodges. Many choose to stay in local picturesque farms or vineyards, a must for all wine lovers, before exploring the Namibian desert, Botswana bush, or Kruger National Park.
The Secret Of The Seychelles
The Seychelles feature in our list of luxury destinations thanks to secluded islands, miles away from the beaten track, that promise unparalleled peace and tranquility. Imagine arriving on an exclusive beach by private catamaran, knowing the only footprints in the sand will be yours. Why not enjoy a gourmet picnic there before returning to an exclusive villa with panoramic ocean views, where you can take advantage of world-class spa treatments? Everything is designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Each private Seychelles island provides an intimate, exclusive vacation perfect for those seeking serenity. As a result, the Seychelles offer a slice of paradise that feels like your very own. What more could you possibly want from a high-end travel experience?
Adventure In Yellowstone, USA
Many luxury travel guides include Yellowstone National Park, describing it as a playground for those seeking adventure with a touch of luxury. There are countless ways to experience the most iconic North American landscape, including hiking, horse riding, climbing, and mountain biking. For an even more exhilarating experience, why take to the skies with a helicopter tour? All of these are available to you with local, private guides who can share their love of the great outdoors with you.
After a day of Yellowstone adventure, nothing is better than unwinding by a campfire under a star-studded sky in a safari-style camp. You can live out your cowboy or cowgirl dreams. Yellowstone is the ideal destination for the discerning high-end traveler seeking excitement and comfort.
Conclusion
Compiling a luxury travel destination list is incredibly challenging. With only ten choices, we have inevitably missed much of the world. However, the Few & Far team hopes it has, at least, inspired you to think differently. Of course, the right trip will depend on you. Some of you, we know, won’t be able to resist the excitement of diving in the Indian Ocean or skiing a black run in the Dolomites. Others might want to lay back and watch the world go by from an exclusive sun-drenched beach while partaking in exquisite local food and wine. The joy of our work is we help customers do both!