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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. That’s why we’ve teamed up with award-winning holiday provider Kuoni to bring you seven locations that offer great value luxury.
Read on to discover cultural hotspots, idyllic island paradises, and cosmopolitan destinations with an opulent flair.
If you’d like to search for holidays on Kuoni now, head over to their website below. Or if you’d prefer to speak to someone, contact a Kuoni Travel Expert here.
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 many 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.
Head over to the Kuoni website to discover hotels and resorts in this opulent locale.
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Dominican Republic | 7 nights | Flights Included
All Inclusive | Junior Suite Tropical View
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Dominican Republic | 7 nights | Flights Included
All Inclusive | Deluxe Tropical View Room
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Dominican Republic | 7 nights
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, between trips to Universal Studios and Disney World, you don’t need to settle for less.
Kuoni’s range of accommodation includes exquisite villas where everyone can stay together and spread costs – ideal if you’re travelling with extended family or a big group of friends. Or, if there are just a couple of you, why not check out what self-catered condos are available?
Rides aren’t all you’ll find in the Sunshine State though. 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.
On Kuoni’s website, you’ll find plenty of tours and accommodation to help you sample all the riches of this sun-kissed peninsula.
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USA | 7 nights | Flights Included
Disney Quick Dining | Flights with British Airways from London Gatwick | Price per family of 4
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USA | 7 nights | Flights Included
Self-Catering | Flights with Aer Lingus from Manchester
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USA | 12 nights | Flights Included
Price based on 4 people travelling | Flights with British Airways from London Gatwick
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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!
Visit the Kuoni website to discover their selection of hotels and tours on this isolated island.
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Mauritius | 7 nights | Flights Included
Half Board | Coral Deluxe Ocean View Room
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Mauritius | 7 nights | Flights Included
Half Board | Prestige Room
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Kuoni 4* Zilwa Attitude*
Mauritius | 10 nights | Flights Included
All Inclusive | Family Deluxe Room | Price per family
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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!
Kuoni’s selection of Turkish hotels and resorts stretches from the country’s rugged heartland to its sparkling seas.
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Turkey | 6 nights | Flights Included
Room & Breakfast | Fly with Turkish Airlines from London Gatwick
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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 – like the AVANI Kalutara Resort and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort – are renowned for their yoga classes and restorative Ayurveda treatments.
You can visit Kuoni’s website to find out more about the hotels and tours on offer.
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Sri Lanka | 7 nights
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Sri Lanka | 14 nights | Flights Included
Half Board | Avani Courtyard View Room
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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.
On Kuoni’s website, you’ll find splendid hotels and resorts on all four of these islands – plus the gloriously unspoilt La Gomera.
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Spain | 7 nights | Flights Included
Room & Breakfast | Standard Garden View
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Spain | 7 nights
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 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, chattering 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.
Head over to Kuoni’s website to discover the gorgeous accommodation and awe-inspiring experiences on offer.
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Thailand | 10 nights | Flights Included
Room & Breakfast | Family Room | Price per family
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Kuoni 5* Santiburi Koh Samui*
Thailand | 7 nights | Flights Included
Room & Breakfast | Two Bedroom Duplex Suite | Price per family
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Final thoughts…
We all deserve a slice of luxury once in a while – especially on our holidays. 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.
Which? Recommended Provider Kuoni has more than 50 years of experience delivering dream holidays. To explore their full range of luxurious destinations and offers, head over to their website or contact them in the way that suits you.
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.