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There’s nothing like a spot of luxury on your holidays – whether you’d like to get immersed 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 which luxury locations could help your money go further.
Read on to discover cultural hotspots, idyllic island paradises, and cosmopolitan destinations with an opulent flair.
And, if you’d like to start planning your trip, check out our holiday itinerary helper or find hundreds of luxury travel deals using the button below.
1. The Canary Islands, Spain
For a luxurious island escape 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 comprises 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, 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.
2. 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 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 luxury.
3. Mauritius
When we think about luxury locations, many of us picture the Maldives. But to make your money go 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 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.
4. 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 exploration, there’s something for everyone.
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 discover 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 Sigiriya’s iconic rock fortress 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 search for 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 an island paradise. Plus, many resorts here are renowned for their yoga classes and restorative Ayurveda treatments.
5. Thailand
From the mountainous north, where elephants roam, to the tropical islands in the south, Thailand is full of unforgettable experiences. Plus, with reasonable on-the-ground costs, travellers can get a lot more from their 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 some hustle and bustle, take a day trip to Bangkok. Here, lively markets indulge 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 don’t call Thailand ‘the Land of Smiles’ for nothing.
6. Florida, USA
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. Among the famous Art Deco architecture, you’ll find art galleries, designer boutiques, and upmarket 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 many opportunities for cultural discovery, while the wondrous Everglades are a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
Final thoughts…
We all deserve a slice of luxury – especially on holiday. Whether 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 know 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 markets of Thailand, these sixdestinations can offer plenty of amazing experiences at reasonable prices.
Head over to our travel guides section for more budget and luxury travel inspiration – or use the button below to discover hundreds of 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.
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