So, how would you spend your money if you won the lottery?
It’s a question that gets the recipient fantasising, day-dreaming and wishing, pledging to donate some to friends, to buy a villa somewhere glamorous, to eat at some of the world’s fanciest restaurants, and to holiday in some truly luxurious destinations.
Though the odds of winning big aren’t exactly short, sometimes a little escapism into the realms of fantasy can be just the ticket (no pun intended).
So, allow us to dream a while, of some of the most popular luxury destinations in the world, including the Maldives, Bora Bora, The Seychelles, Maui, and Aspen. These locations offer stunning natural beauty, world-class accommodation, and a wide variety of leisure activities.
What Makes A Destination Luxurious?
What makes a particular destination luxurious is often subjective. However, there are certain qualities that are universally associated with luxury travel and the holiday splurges of lottery winners, the cast of Succession, and other folk blessed to have more money than they know what to do with.
Some features include five-star hotels and resorts with the most sumptuously dressed beds, Michelin-star restaurants, designer shopping experiences, championship golf courses, and concierge services that cover every whim and want of the customer.
Of course, luxury comes at a price. But if money were no object, here are 5 dream luxury holiday destinations for 2023.
The Maldives: An Overwater Paradise
The Maldives is an overwater paradise that has become increasingly popular in recent years as a holiday destination for the well-heeled and well-known. This small island nation is located in the Indian Ocean and is made up of 26 atolls, and is famed for its clear waters and white sand beaches.
Visitors to the Maldives can enjoy a variety of water-based activities such as snorkelling, diving, and fishing, but if that sounds like too much activity for what’s intended to be a relaxing holiday, then fear not; the Maldives boasts some of the most opulent resort options in the world, including incredible, seemingly gravity-defying overwater villas. There are only 500 in the world and, remarkably, two thirds of those are found here.
In fact, the best resorts are found within the Maldives’ famous atolls – naturally formed, ring shaped coral reefs – which play host to several luxury resorts with their own on-site diving instructors.
Ari Atoll, a half hour’s seaplane flight from the capital Malé, is the most famous; 20 islands within it are designated for tourist resorts. From May through November, you’ll see manta rays, whale and hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and whole host of other amazing sea creatures.
Read: 4 IDEAL things to do on your romantic getaway to the Maldives
Bora Bora: Turquoise Waters & Thatched Roofs
There’s no question that Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The island’s turquoise waters and overwater villas with thatched roofs make it a popular and highly Instagrammable destination for honeymooners and luxury travellers alike. But what makes Bora Bora truly special is its unique culture and history.
The island was first settled by Polynesian migrants around 3,000 years ago. Today, the descendants of those early settlers still make up a large portion of the population. As a result, Bora Bora has a distinctly Polynesian flavour that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
We say flavour very deliberately, as the food here is sensational. A staple of Bora Bora is raw fish with coconut milk, akin to ceviche, which is utterly delicious. In fact, Polynesian seafood is a rich and varied tapestry. Make sure you also try something cooked inside an ahima’a – a traditional oven dug into the ground and lined with hot stones. A suckling pig lifted from one of these, glistening, tender, crisp and moist, is certainly reason alone to hope on a plane here.
If you’re looking for a luxurious destination that offers more than just pretty beaches, then Bora Bora should be at the top of your list.
The Seychelles: Unspoiled Beaches & Lush Vegetation
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. The country is best known for its unspoiled beaches and lush vegetation.
Of those 155 islands, it’s The Seychelles’ North Island which is particularly well-known for luxury, having skyrocketed in popularity as it was chosen as the honeymoon destination by Prince William and Kate Middleton back in 2011. It has been under the spotlight ever since.
It’s been called the world’s most exclusive hideaway for good reason, and requires a twenty minute helicopter ride from Seychelles International Airport, Mahe, to reach it. The best times to visit are April and October, when the water is most calm and temperatures warm; if you can afford to holiday here, you can afford to be picky about the particular month you go.
Maui: A Hawaiian Island Paradise
Known fondly as the ‘Valley Isle’, Maui’s landscape is defined by soaring bamboo forests, picturesque sunsets and extraordinary misty peaks. Incredibly, the destination has also managed to remain largely unspoiled despite receiving huge numbers of tourists year on year, meaning that you can enjoy a truly unique, exclusive experience whichever time of the year you visit.
What’s more, Maui’s surf scene is second to none, with its legendary beach location and golden shoreline spanning more than 120 miles and attracting a vibrant, diverse scene of watersports enthusiasts accordingly.
You don’t even need a visa to visit Maui, as visitors from the UK are allowed to stay in the region for up to 90 days when travelling for recreational purposes. Perfect!
Alternatively, if you’re seeking even greater levels of seclusion, check out neighbouring Kauai.
Aspen: A Mountainous Gem
Aspen is a luxurious vacation spot that is known for its beautiful scenery and world-class skiing. The town is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is a popular destination for both winter and summer vacations.
Aspen is home to many luxury hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. Whether you’re looking for an exciting ski trip or a relaxing summer getaway, Aspen is sure to offer something for everyone.
Or, for somewhere closer to home for those simply looking for a holiday rather than a trip that celebrates a lottery win, why not visit Meribel in France? We’ve written a guide on the best things to do in Meribel that don’t involve skiing – do check it out!
The Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that luxury travel is on the rise. More and more people are interested in spending their hard-earned (or won) money on experiences that are opulent, over-the-top, and totally worth it. If you’re planning a luxurious vacation, you’ll certainly want to add these destinations to your itinerary!