Indulge and Escape: 5 Destinations Perfect for a Luxurious Holiday
There’s something about a luxury holiday that feels like pressing pause on the rest of life. Whether it’s sipping wine on a terrace with sea views, waking up to the gentle lap of waves, or exploring ancient towns with every detail taken care of, the sense of escape is what makes it so memorable.
Luxury doesn’t have to mean over the top – it’s about the small touches that make you feel utterly relaxed. From Europe’s timeless coastlines to exotic retreats further afield, these five destinations blend indulgence, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.
Maldives: Barefoot Paradise
If luxury had a picture, it might just look like the Maldives. This island nation in the Indian Ocean is all about indulgence wrapped in simplicity. Overwater villas give you direct access to crystal-clear lagoons, while spa treatments take place with the sound of waves as your soundtrack.
Days are unhurried – snorkelling with vibrant reef fish, kayaking across calm waters, or simply lying back on a private deck with a book and a cocktail in hand. At night, fine dining often happens under the stars, with fresh seafood caught that very day. While it’s undeniably romantic, the Maldives is just as inviting for those seeking solitude or family time in an unforgettable setting.
The idea of luxury here isn’t just about opulence; it’s about space, peace, and feeling completely removed from the rush of everyday life. It’s barefoot bliss, where every detail feels thoughtfully designed for relaxation.
Croatia: Coastal Elegance
There are few places in Europe where history and luxury blend quite like Croatia. The Adriatic coastline sparkles with turquoise waters, and the walled cities like Dubrovnik and Split offer a timeless backdrop. But the real magic lies in slowing down to experience a cruise through Croatia, drifting between the Dalmatian Islands.
Imagine mornings spent diving into secluded bays and evenings anchored near charming fishing villages with freshly caught seafood waiting for you. The pace is unhurried, the scenery dramatic, and the sense of privacy unmatched. Inland, boutique hotels in Istria mix rustic charm with five-star comforts, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
Croatia’s luxury lies in its contrasts – medieval streets paired with sleek yachts, lively markets followed by quiet coves. It’s a destination where indulgence doesn’t feel staged, but instead flows naturally with the rhythm of coastal life.
Japan: Refined Escapes
Luxury in Japan feels very different: quiet, refined, and deeply rooted in tradition. Imagine checking into a ryokan, where tatami mats, hot spring baths, and impeccable service create a sense of calm unlike anywhere else.
Kyoto, with its tranquil temples and hidden gardens, feels tailor-made for slow exploration, while Tokyo offers sleek skyscraper hotels with every modern indulgence. For food lovers, Japan is heaven; Michelin-starred sushi counters, delicate kaiseki meals, and street food that somehow feels just as special.
Luxury here isn’t about extravagance – it’s about detail, precision, and the art of hospitality. Even simple moments, like sipping matcha overlooking a zen garden or soaking in an onsen while snow falls outside, feel indulgent. Travelling in Japan blends cultural richness with comfort, leaving you both refreshed and inspired. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself savouring not just the sights, but every carefully crafted moment along the way.
Italy: Timeless Indulgence
Few destinations embody effortless luxury quite like Italy. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Tuscany or the shimmering waters of Lake Como, the country seems designed for indulgence. Food and wine naturally take centre stage here, and there’s nothing quite like spending an afternoon on luxury wine tasting tours, sampling Barolo or Chianti while overlooking sun-soaked vineyards.
In Rome and Florence, history adds depth to the experience – think five-star hotels housed in centuries-old palazzos, where frescoed ceilings meet modern comforts. Along the Amalfi Coast, clifftop villas offer panoramic views that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a painting.
Italy’s charm lies in its ability to be both glamorous and grounded. It’s where you can feast on Michelin-starred meals one evening and stumble upon a tiny trattoria the next. Luxury here feels timeless, woven into every cobblestoned street, glass of wine, and golden sunset.
France: Chic Escapes
There’s a reason France remains a top choice for luxury travellers, and that’s because it’s endlessly versatile. Paris sets the tone with grand hotels, designer shopping, and fine dining that feels like theatre. Yet outside the capital, indulgence takes on new forms.
In Provence, luxury is sipping rosé by lavender fields, with cicadas humming in the background. The French Riviera ups the glamour, from private beach clubs in Saint-Tropez to elegant villas overlooking the Mediterranean.
Wine lovers will find their paradise in Bordeaux or Champagne, where tastings often happen in opulent châteaux. Ski resorts like Courchevel and Chamonix redefine winter luxury, with world-class slopes paired with après-ski indulgence.
France manages to balance elegance with ease – it’s sophisticated, yet it never tries too hard. Whether you’re craving city lights, coastal breezes, or mountain air, France delivers luxury in every form, always with a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it unforgettable.
Luxury travel isn’t about extravagance alone; it’s about finding places where comfort, beauty, and experience come together. Croatia offers elegance on the Adriatic, especially when you experience a cruise through Croatia. Italy is all about timeless indulgence, with everything from clifftop villas to luxury wine tasting tours.
The Maldives delivers barefoot bliss, while Japan showcases a more refined, thoughtful kind of luxury. And France, ever versatile, offers chic escapes that span city, coast, and mountains. Each destination has its own flavour of indulgence, but all share one thing in common: they remind you that slowing down and escaping in style is sometimes the greatest luxury of all.