Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Travel

Plan your dream luxury getaway with these stellar travel ideas

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Whether you’re seeking an expertly planned adventure across Asia or an off-grid escape among the trees of the Costa Rican rainforest, we’ve curated a list of the ultimate luxury travel ideas to help you plan your ideal holiday.

Experience Mauritius Beyond the Beach

(Heritage-Le-Telfair)

For those seeking more than a typical beach getaway, the five-star Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort offers an array of unique experiences in the stunning south of Mauritius. A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the resort now features an exclusive adults-only section centred around a heated pool, complete with dedicated butler service and refreshing cocktails.

Savour culinary delights at 13 dining venues, including a charming 19th-century plantation house. Golfers get complimentary access to the 18-hole at Le Château Golf Course and will love the new La Réserve Golf Links course, which features ocean views from every hole. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the exceptional wellness centre and spa or embark on thrilling adventures, from quad biking to guided nature walks, in the nearby Bel Ombre Nature Reserve.

Rates start from £393 per night for two on a bed and breakfast basis in a Deluxe Suite.

Book Now

Find your dream property in a year-round destination

(VilamouraW)

Vilamoura, a popular destination in the Algarve, offers sun-soaked landscapes, clear waters and mild weather year-round, making it the perfect place for an autumn getaway. This dynamic neighbourhood in Portugal is not only a top Mediterranean escape but also a vibrant community with exciting new sports and leisure facilities and luxury residential properties.

Renowned for its award-winning marina, stunning beaches and world-class golf courses, Vilamoura also offers excellent educational and healthcare services, ensuring a fabulous quality of life. Recent real estate projects like Natura Village, with villas set amid golf courses and nature parks, and the sustainable Terracota and Nobilus developments, add to its allure.

The Vilamoura Plus programme further enhances the experience for real estate buyers, offering early access to luxury amenities and making Vilamoura an exceptional place to live, not just visit. 

Find Out More

Plan next summer’s unforgettable Austrian mountain getaway

(Hotel-Tennerhof)

Already eagerly planning next summer’s getaway? Consider an enchanting stay at the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof, perched on a quiet slope above Kitzbühel. This charming five-star hotel, with just 39 exclusive rooms and suites, offers a unique blend of luxury, tradition and dedicated personal service, perfect for groups of friends and couples.

Delight in gourmet cuisine at one of Austria’s top award-winning restaurants while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Kitzbühel Alps. Guests can even stay in the James Bond Double Room, dedicated to Ian Fleming, who spent time at Tennerhof.

During summer, the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof provides an ideal base for hiking, golfing or exploring the vibrant town of Kitzbühel. Whether you’re discovering Nordic walking trails, soaring through the mountains on a paragliding adventure, visiting the wildlife park or indulging in a shopping spree, Kitzbühel offers endless experiences to make your summer unforgettable. 

Find Out More

Immerse yourself in nature at a boutique hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest

(Cielo-Lodge)

If you’re in need of a truly secluded getaway, Cielo Lodge, an eco-lodge in Southern Costa Rica, offers a serene off-grid escape on a 380-acre private rainforest reserve overlooking the tranquil Golfo Dulce. Located in the undiscovered town of Golfito, this modern and minimalist lodge is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls and the sea, providing an immersive nature experience.

Golfito shares the same lush greenbelt as the Osa Peninsula and boasts abundant wildlife, making it a leader in community-based eco-tourism. Enjoy activities like dolphin tours, mangrove explorations and guided waterfall hikes. The lodge’s large suites are private and elevated, offering breathtaking views of the forest canopy.

Relax on your outdoor terrace, rejuvenate in the rain shower and let the soothing sounds of the rainforest restore your soul. Cielo Lodge invites you to experience nature as it was meant to be — untouched and up close.

Find Out More

Trek the iconic trails of Peru

(Encuentros Peru Adventure)

Encuentros Peru Adventure is a premier, locally owned tour operating company offering exceptional journeys to the iconic Machu Picchu. Specialising in popular treks such as the Inca Trail and Inca Jungle Trek, the company provides travellers with an authentic and immersive experience in Peru’s stunning landscapes.

What sets Encuentros Peru Adventure apart is its team of seasoned local guides, each bringing years of expertise and an intimate knowledge of the region’s history, culture and natural wonders. The team are passionate about sharing the rich heritage of their homeland, ensuring that every tour is not only an adventure but also a profound cultural exploration.

With a focus on personalised service, safety and environmental responsibility, Encuentros Peru Adventure offers an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

Find Out More

Relax and unwind in the most renowned wine region of Spain

(Natura-Resorts)

Located among some of the region’s most renowned wineries, Natura Resorts is a luxurious resort in La Rioja, Spain. Wake up amid stunning vineyards, enjoy a large seasonal swimming pool and partake in activities like padel, basketball, aqua gym and yoga.

Dining at Otium, the on-site restaurant, features fresh, local ingredients, including produce from the resort’s own garden, with options ranging from casual a la carte to gourmet tasting menus. Pet-friendly and ideal for families, Natura Resorts provides thoughtful services like luggage transport by buggy, in-villa dining and personalised wine tastings.

Just an hour from Bilbao and two hours from Santander, it’s a perfect stop for travellers exploring Spain or heading to the south or islands. With sustainable practices, including solar panels and free electric car charging stations, Natura Resorts is a model of eco-conscious luxury in the heart of Rioja Alta. 

Find Out More

Set sail on a Caribbean Sea adventure

(Windward yachts)

Founded in 1998 by seasoned captain Emmanuel Pertuisot, Windward Yachts has become a leader in luxury yacht charters in the Caribbean. For the winter season, Windward Yachts offers two exceptional fully crewed catamarans for charter.

WONDERFUL, a luxurious cruising Gunboat catamaran, combines performance with elegance, ideal for a high-end charter experience. The brand new Samana 59 OKINAWA, with a crew of three, is perfect for exploring the stunning waters around Guadeloupe and the Leeward Islands, including Antigua and Saint Martin.

Both catamarans promise an unforgettable sailing adventure, catering to guests seeking top-tier comfort, service and excitement

Find Out More

Embark on a luxury train journey to Venice at Christmas

(Planet-Rail)

Christmas is the perfect time to try those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that truly bring the magic of the season to life. Indulge in a luxurious travel experience aboard the iconic Venice-Simplon-Orient Express, journeying from Paris to Venice.

Departing from London via Eurostar on 22 December 2024, travellers will embark on the classic route through the breathtaking Alps, arriving in the enchanting city of Venice. Enjoy three magical days filled with festive activities and soak in the unique atmosphere of a luxury train. The return journey includes First-Class rail travel and an overnight stay in the picturesque Swiss lakeside town of Montreux.

Save up to £500 per person quoting code VSOE at planetrail.co.uk. Offer ends 30 November 2024 – subject to availability.

Book Now

Experience transformative healing at a private retreat in Bali

(THE-PLACE-RETREATS)

The Place Retreats is an award-winning, residential intensive psychotherapeutic retreat located in Bali. Dedicated to holistic healing, it offers personalised programmes that integrate psychological support with a variety of holistic modalities, focusing on mind, body and soul wellbeing.

Engage in a range of transformative therapies tailored to your needs, addressing issues such as burnout recovery, grief and bereavement, depression, anxiety and emotional trauma healing. The retreat provides a safe and confidential environment, ensuring privacy and discretion for all participants.

With a team of experienced professionals, guests benefit from a blend of therapies, consultations, fitness activities and nutrition guidance. The Place Retreats is ideal for individuals seeking profound emotional and psychological healing, making it a perfect sanctuary for those looking to embark on a journey of personal growth and renewal in a tranquil setting. 

Book Now

Book an expertly planned holiday experience to Asia

(Your Luxury Holiday)

As a new family business with extensive experience in the travel industry, Your Luxury Holiday knows how to create the perfect getaway.

Understanding that time is precious, the dedicated team take on the stress of planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip — whether you prefer relaxation or adventure. With a strong emphasis on concierge-style service, guests receive round-the-clock support and access to local expertise.

Specialising in luxury tours to Asia, the team curate tailored suggestions and activities based on your unique preferences. From golf trips and city breaks to cruises and beach getaways, Your Luxury Tours leverages more than 20 years of travel experience in the region to craft your ideal escape.

Receive 10% off tailored package trips with a minimum spend of £1,000 per person with code GLFIND2024 at checkout (offer valid until 31 December 2024).

Find out more

This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.