Pack your bags because we’re going to eight of the most luxurious destinations from around the globe.
With travel restrictions behind us, it’s finally time to set your sights on your long overdue getaway. The pandemic gave a lot of us itchy feet and an urgency to travel. In fact, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, December 2021 saw a monthly increase in total departures of 136,130 trips from Australia.
If you’re raring to visit some of the best travel destinations, bar the tourist crowds, check out this round-up of luxury destinations that are sure to take your breath away.
Procida, Italy
Escape the crowds in Procida, Italy, a tiny island in the Bay of Naples between Ischia and Capri. Procida will deliver the pastel-coloured houses, cobalt waters and delicious Italian food the country is known for, minus the heaving crowds that flock to Italy during the peak summer season.
It’s no wonder Procida was named Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022 with its bustling eateries, marinas and endless golden beaches. Its eclectic architecture and vista views make it easy to see why the town has served as the set for the movies The Talented Mr. Ripley and Il Positano.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
St. Lucia will wrap you up in its glorious natural landscapes, black sand beaches, volcanoes and rainforests. You can choose from a never-ending list of adventures including a visit to the sulphur springs, mud baths, diamond botanical gardens.
Or, if you’re here for a spot of relaxation, make the most of the local cuisine of green figs, seafood and cassava bread and spend your days by the pool. The Jade Mountain Resort is crowned the most luxurious stay on the island and has seen a long list of high-profile names stay in its luxury resorts.
Palm Cove, Australia
Slipping under the radar is Palm Cove in Queensland, a top travel destination positioned between the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest which is estimated to be almost 180 million years old. Experience the height of coastal living in the Alamanda Palm Cove, a five-star hotel stay located a short distance away from Palm Cove’s main beach.
Ko Samui, Thailand
Ko Samui is the cosmopolitan paradise you’ve been waiting for. With soft, white sandy beaches, vibrant village life and endless adventuring activities, Ko Samui has something for everyone. Spend your days on a chartered boat trip in pristine waters or explore the rich jungle paradise of the surrounding islands.
Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
Nestled in the majestic landscape of Canyon Point, Utah, is this utopian luxury resort. Amangiri is a worthwhile destination all in itself, never mind the desert oasis that surrounds it.
The stark landscape, concrete finishings and stretching glass windows may seem familiar to you. The five-star resort has been a celebrity favourite destination since its opening in 1998 and has hosted the likes of celebrities Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner and Justin Bieber.
Lake Como, Italy
We’re back in Italy for round two and this time it’s to visit the much-loved destination of Lake Como. A hot spot for the rich and famous, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe and is surrounded by Italianate villas and verdant gardens.
Bellagio village, often referred to as the pearl of Lake Como, is a famous town overlooking the waters. The perfect day trip, Bellagio is a culmination of tiny cobbled streets, exquisite local food and luxury boutique shopping. The town is so compact it only has a single main road, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, which will take you to the centre of the village in an easy 10 minutes.
Annecy, France
Often referred to as the “Venice of the French Alps”, Annecy is a small town at the bottom of the French Alps that has a lot to offer. Annecy is a mix of historic old town architecture and shops as well as luxury ski resorts and apartments, all set to the soaring Alpine landscape behind it.
Annecy is also home to “Europe’s Cleanest Lake”, delivering transparent waters framed by lush foliage and landscapes. Spend your days traversing the medieval town or hiking the lakeshore to take in the entrancing vistas.
Kawazu, Japan
The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually from February to early March in Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula. The festival is a celebration of the Kawazakura variety of cherry tree, which was intentionally planted in the 1950s along the Kawazu River in Japan. Today, the cherry trees stretch for approximately four kilometres, along the town’s central river.
If you visit Kawazu during its peak cherry blossom season, expect to see bustling festival stalls selling everything from local food to small cherry blossom trees to bring home.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next international luxury holiday, check out The Official Top Travel Destinations For 2022. Or for your Italian getaway, discover Seven of the Most Picturesque Places to Visit in Italy.