Luxury Vacation Guide & Planning Tips
When you are planning to spend $5,000, $10,000 or more on a luxury vacation, you can go pretty much anywhere in the world, from exotic destinations like the Maldives and Bali to five star city hotels in Beverly Hills or Manhattan. Although money may be no object, everyone loves a good deal and getting what they want. Don’t finalize your plans until you read our tips below.
- Last Minute Deals: Luxury resorts are rarely completely occupied, even during the holidays. If you are planning a last minute getaway, look for deals either by calling the hotel directly or comparing prices at several online travel agencies like Expedia and Orbitz. Social media sites can be a good resource also – many hotels and resorts Tweet about their last minute specials because they would rather discount than have empty rooms. Specials include free nights, room upgrades, resort credits, massages, free golf and second room at 50% off for families with kids. Another way to get more luxury for less is to book a vacation rental.
- What to Bring: Think casual Friday when packing for a luxury resort vacation. Clothing should be comfortable so that you can enjoy different activities while still looking stylish. Bring several fun outfits for dinner, but don’t obsess over shoes because once your toes touch the sand you may decide to kick off the shoes altogether for the duration of your trip.
- How to Find the Perfect Luxury Suite: The best hotel suite may not be the biggest. Presidential suites often have sprawling layouts which are great for corporate parties, but too impersonal for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Look for a luxury suite with a great view and personalized touches that will make you feel more at home, whether that’s a particular kind of art that you like, color scheme or bathroom design. When you are staying in a suite, expect VIP treatment such as limo pickup at the airport, access to a chauffeur to take you shopping, fridge stocked with your favorite foods and more.
- Where to Go: Most destinations have the best time to visit, whether you are interested in a particular activity like whale watching, once in a year event, festival or the best weather for your time of the beach. If you have a couple of destinations in mind, find out what the weather is like during the time you plan to visit. Finally, pick the destination that offers the most of what you wish to experience.
What kind of a vacation are you looking for?
Do you want to go skiing in the Swiss Alps, relax on the beach in the Caribbean, go wine tasting in California, get pampered at an amazing spa or plan a luxury trip with kids? Here are some options and trip ideas.
- Luxury Beach Vacations: Beaches are very popular with most travelers because they offer us that lazy relaxation that everyone craves after long days at the office. Kids are happy on the beach and grown-ups have time to chat, sip a cocktail and watch a colorful sunset. Couples who need to spend quality time together often pick a beach resort in Hawaii, Bermuda, Bahamas, Bali, Fiji or the Florida Keys to kick back and relax.
- Family: When planning a trip with kids, it’s a good idea to pick a destination where you will have a diverse choice of activities so that everyone can feel that they experienced something amazing on vacation. Some of the top family resorts in the world will offer clubs and facilities for kids of different age groups, from playgrounds for toddlers and little kids to teen clubs with video games and other activities that will let them socialize and make new friends. Grownups should look for luxurious spas, oceanview golf courses and shopping. Guests of all ages enjoy a choice of watersports such as paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Islands: Island vacations are very popular among travelers looking for luxury. Honeymooners who are looking for a unique experience will look for resorts in the Caribbean, South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Croatia and the Greek Islands. There are many amazing private island resorts in French Polynesia, Fiji, Bora Bora, Belize, Maldives and in Florida. The biggest draw are secluded sandy beaches where couples have romantic picnics while snorkeling and sunbathing. Getting away to a remote island has other advantages too: amazing starry night sky, unique overwater bungalows and beach villas on the water that make you feel like Robinson Crusoe.
- All inclusive: Many of the island resorts that you visit will offer an all inclusive option, especially if there are limited dining and activity options in the area. The advantage of all inclusive pricing is having access to all of the activities the resort has to offer, from beach gear rentals to tennis courts and sometimes even golf. Be sure to read the fine print when booking an all inclusive package. Often specialized tours like scuba diving or heli-skiing will not be include in the cost of your stay.
- Honeymoon: Honeymoon is the time when couples decide to splurge on a luxury getaway and travel to an exotic spot which they will remember for the rest of their lives. Honeymooners have access to exclusive packages such as free nights, VIP amenities like champagne, chocolate and flowers, limo transfer from the airport and free massages. Sometimes you will be asked to show the marriage certificate to prove that you were recently married when checking in. Luxury honeymoons are not just about traveling to a secluded island. Active couples can plan an amazing vacation to the Rockies and stay at five star hotels in Aspen while hiking, mountain biking or skiing.
- Romantic Getaways: Top reason couples get away to a luxury hotel include anniversary celebrations, birthdays or to elope with an intimate wedding ceremony. Most vacation spots will offer extra romantic touches which you can book in the form of a package or an add-on. Looking for a romantic rose petal turn-down or a candlelight dinner on a secluded bay overlooking the sea? Get in touch with the hotel concierge to get help with the planning and get more ideas that you may not be aware of. Some hotels have started offering a dedicated romance concierge who will help you arrange hard-to-get event tickets to concerts, shows, sports events, hot restaurants, as well as arrange the perfect wedding proposal.
- Luxury Vacation Packages: Luxury packages are usually not so much about saving money but more about giving you extra perks such as expediting you through customs and immigration, a driver to take you shopping, a bath butler to draw the perfect bath and a private chef to prepare the ultimate dinner in the privacy of your own villa. Sometimes hotels offer ultra-luxury packages that include a diamond engagement ring or a private yacht charter.
- Luxury Retreats: For a vacation that will let you get away from it all, unwind and rejuvenate in a new setting surrounded by interesting people, check into one of the destination spas which offer week-long retreats. Canyon Ranch was one of the first to offer comprehensive mind-body programs, complete with nutrition education, an array of fitness classes and relaxing massages. There are many more choices now than 20 years ago, whether you want to lose weight, get in shape or simply relax by yourself to unplug and unwind. Click here for some top choices.
Best Luxury Destinations
Below are some of the top luxury destinations around the world.