There’s nothing like a spot of luxury when it comes to your holidays – whether you want to immerse yourself in local culture, discover awe-inspiring landscapes, or sip cocktails by the pool at an all-inclusive resort.
However, we all like to get the most for our money when booking lavish retreats, so you might be wondering about luxury locations where your money can go further.
Read on to discover cultural hotspots, idyllic island paradises, and cosmopolitan destinations with an opulent flair.
1. The Dominican Republic
The Caribbean islands have long been associated with splendour, with countless five-star resorts spilling onto sugar sand beaches. But, choose your location carefully, and you can land some of the region’s famous luxury for less – and that’s certainly true for the Dominican Republic.
Many come searching for the Caribbean’s famous beaches, but there’s plenty of culture to be unearthed here too – especially in the capital of Santo Domingo. Visitors can marvel at UNESCO World Heritage status cathedrals, learn about the country’s complicated past at museums, and dance along to the silky sounds of bachata music in the lively streets.
Diverse landscapes also abound here, as intrepid explorers can investigate mangrove-fringed lagoons, misty mountains cloaked in dense jungle, and even rolling dunes combed into mesmerising stripes by the wind.
What’s more, the Dominican Republic offers some of the best-value all-inclusive experiences for couples and families. So, between day trips, you can kick back in the lap of luxury.
2. Florida
Famous for its unbeatable theme parks and magnificent weather, Florida is an obvious choice if you’re looking for family-friendly fun in the sun. But rides aren’t all you’ll find in the Sunshine State.
If you’re yearning for a seaside escape, there are plenty more locations to choose from. For stylish sophistication, head to Miami, where, amongst the famous Art Deco architecture, you’ll find more than enough art galleries, designer boutiques, and up-market restaurants.
Or escape to the blissful beaches of the Florida Keys, where the crystalline waters provide a haven for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Alternatively, you could check out lesser-known spots like Naples and Marco Island on the West Coast, where warm Gulf waters mingle with ivory shores. Sarasota offers plenty of opportunities for cultural discovery, while the wondrous Everglades are a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
3. Mauritius
When we think about luxury locations, many of us picture the Maldives. But to make your money go a little further, why not consider Mauritius?
Once compared to heaven by American author Mark Twain, this tiny country in the middle of the Indian Ocean is an oasis of opulence. Collared by kaleidoscopic coral reefs, it’s a haven for snorkellers and scuba divers, but there’s just as much to see above the glass-like waves as there is below.
Between beach days, visitors can hike further inland and discover unique flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for crab-eating macaque monkeys, colourful Mauritius geckoes, and the vast array of rare birds. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you could even consider a helicopter ride over the Le Morne Peninsula and marvel at the underwater waterfall (which is actually a breathtaking optical illusion).
Though nature isn’t the only special part of this far-flung isle, the culture here is a melting pot of Asian, European, and African influences. You can visit rainbow Hindu temples, taste seafood dishes full of French flavours, or attend Tamil fire-walking ceremonies. Or, simply spend your days lounging in an infinity pool or on the pearl-white sand of an exclusive cove – the choice is yours!
4. Turkey
Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences for travellers. And because it’s generally cheaper than many other popular European destinations, you can enjoy a lavish escape for less, without having to fly halfway around the world.
Along its 4,350-mile coast – where soaring pine trees and rugged mountains meet snowy white sands and turquoise seas – you’ll find countless picturesque towns. Here, you can feast on mouthwatering meze served by welcoming locals and explore fascinating ancient sites like the ruins of Ephesus. Or, why not set sail and explore some of the country’s untouched coves by boat?
For something a little wilder, head inland to Cappadocia. This surreal landscape of rose and honey-hued rock is famous for its towering ‘fairy chimney’ formations, mesmeric hot air balloon displays, and rock-cut architecture. You can even stay in luxurious versions of ancient cave dwellings, which offer a delightful mix of Stone Age ruggedness and 21st-century comforts. And that’s all without mentioning the bewitching bazaars of Istanbul!
5. Sri Lanka
Over the past few years, this teardrop-shaped island nation has quickly become a go-to destination for budget-conscious, luxury-minded holidaymakers – and it’s easy to see why. With glamorous but reasonably-priced resorts, wonderful wildlife, flawless beaches, and plenty of opportunities for cultural discovery, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re looking to get the most from your money in Sri Lanka, it’s worth making one of the many glorious hotels or resorts on the captivating coast your bolthole. From here, you can easily set off on day trips to explore the island’s lush hinterland. Personal drivers – who can take you to all the best sights while offering local knowledge – are surprisingly affordable.
Magnificent cultural relics like the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya and the ancient city of Anuradhapura top many people’s must-see lists. However, if nature is your thing, be sure to visit the undulating tea plantations in the Hill Country and go in search of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears in Yala National Park.
If a slower-paced vacation is in order, you’ll find that in Sri Lanka too. The palm-fringed beaches paint the perfect picture of island paradise. Plus, many of the resorts here are renowned for their yoga classes and restorative Ayurveda treatments.
6. The Canary Islands
For a luxurious island escape that’s closer to home, why not consider the Canary Islands? Here, you’ll encounter vast swathes of golden sand and white-washed villages at the foot of tawny volcanic peaks.
This astounding archipelago is made up of eight main islands, each offering completely different experiences for travellers in search of luxurious locations. Plus, with temperatures regularly soaring into the 20°Cs from December to February, the Canaries are a great winter sun destination to escape the gloomy UK weather.
If stunning natural scenery is what you seek, you can’t go wrong with Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Hikers can explore the Mars-like landscape of Tenerife’s Teide National Park – home to Spain’s highest peak, El Teide – before roaming the pastel-painted streets of La Laguna. And while Gran Canaria’s southern shores boast plenty of beaches and swanky hotels, visitors can wander the scenic interior, which is filled with enchanting forests and volcanic valleys.
For slightly more family-friendly options, check out Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Combined, these idyllic islands have over 300 miles of coastline embellished with lavish resorts and bronze ribbons of beach. Fuerteventura is a must-visit for watersport lovers, while Lanzarote is famous for delectable wines.
7. Thailand
From the mountainous north where elephants roam to the tropical tapestry of islands in the south, Thailand is a must-visit for anyone interested in unforgettable experiences. Plus, with reasonable on-the-ground costs, travellers can get a lot more from their spending money here than in other luxury locations.
As in Sri Lanka, a good tactic for budget-conscious travellers is to make a beachside base in the sublime south – for example, in Krabi, Phuket, or Koh Samui, where relaxation is a prerequisite. Here, you can lounge on impossibly white sand, sip Thai sabai at laid-back beach bars, and take leisurely boat rides through emerald waters studded with palm-crested islands.
For a dose of hustle and bustle, take a day trip to Bangkok. Here, busy markets promise to overwhelm the senses with fragrant spices, sizzling barbecued meat, and endless choices of delectable dishes. Why not set off on a ritzy cruise down the Chao Phraya River and watch the setting sun glint off soaring skyscrapers and golden-spired Buddhist monasteries?
And when you’ve had your fill of city life, there’s always the countryside, where thick jungles and rolling rice fields dominate the landscape. They certainly don’t call Thailand ‘the Land of Smiles’ for nothing.
Final thoughts…
We all deserve a slice of luxury once in a while – especially on holiday. Whether it’s through world-class amenities, deluxe accommodation, or access to one-of-a-kind activities, travelling allows us to experience the finer things in extraordinary locations. But, when we book, we want to be sure we’re getting the most out of our hard-earned money.
With this in mind, we hope our list has helped inspire your next lavish retreat. From the sunny isles of the Caribbean to the bustling bazaars of Turkey, these seven destinations can offer plenty of amazing experiences at reasonable prices.
Head over to our travel guides section for more budget and luxury travel inspiration – and use the button below to discover travel deals.
Are you inspired by any of these destinations? Or have you visited any of them before? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.