Whether you're looking for majestic
mountains dropping away to the sea, vibrant and dynamic cities, or an island
paradise in a glittering ocean, the world is full of unique destinations to
explore.
If you’re looking for a little luxury, but
also want to go somewhere different, here are some unique luxury destinations
you could consider.
A surprising number of luxury options are available these days, even in the most remote locations; you certainly don’t need to share your piece of
paradise with hundreds of others.Whatever you're looking for in your next luxury holiday, there are always options. If you're interested in inspiration to plan a trip somewhere a little different, read on!
Tahiti, South
Pacific
The guide says go
to Bora Bora - Go to Rangiroa instead
 |
| Tahiti, French Polynesia |
I have to start
with Tahiti as the terms ‘luxury escape’ and ‘south pacific’ are almost
synonymous. The island nation of French Polynesia is a real gem in the Pacific.
The natural beauty of the islands leaps out of travel brochures but for those
who have experienced it first hand, it remains a magical memory forever.
Just over an
hour’s flight from Tahiti’s main airport on Pape’ete, Bora Bora is known as the
‘romantic’ island of the group and indeed, the island surrounded by a coral
reef that forms a natural lagoon is a picture perfect location. However, with
10 resorts lining the edge of the lagoon, Bora Bora is a surprisingly busy
place.
To make your
south pacific experience more personal, why not visit Rangiroa, an hour’s
flight to the north east of Pape’ete? A series of tiny islands join in a chain
to form another lagoon offering spectacular snorkelling, virtually untouched
dive sites, and even pearl farms. Despite Rangiroa’s remote setting over-water
bungalows are available, as well as other luxury accommodation options.
Best time to
visit: April to November
Caribbean
The guide says to
go to Saint Bart’s - Go to
Barbados instead
 |
| Barbados, Caribbean, West Indies |
Saint Bart’s is
known as a destination of the rich and famous and, while the island is
beautiful, there is plenty of luxury available across the Caribbean on islands that feel more friendly.
For an equally
luxurious and fun alternative, why not visit Barbados?
The island’s western Platinum Coast offers spectacular sandy beaches and some
of the best dining in the Caribbean. If you’d prefer to be more remote,
Barbados’ south east coast has a ‘wilder’ feel, where waves finally reach the shore
after crossing the Atlantic. It's a great spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing!
Best time to
visit: November to May
Asia
The guide says go
to Thailand - Go to
Langkawi instead
 |
| Traditional Langkawi architecture, Malaysia |
There are
hundreds of pretty islands scattered across Asia so choosing just
one destination is hard. Thailand’s islands are very busy these days and,
while they boast some remarkable scenery, peace and quiet on the beach is hard
to come by.
For the best of
both worlds, head to Langkawi in Malaysia. Just south of Malaysia’s mainland
border with Thailand, Langkawi has all the scenery of Thailand’s islands, but
without the crowds. The island offers snorkelling and diving, as well as
mangrove tours and delicious Malaysian cooking classes. Nearby Penang is a
UNESCO World Heritage listed centre, and is definitely worth a daytrip. If you're really desperate to go to the southern islands of Thailand, you can always go on a daytrip there too.
Best time to
visit: November to August
Australia
The guide says to
go to the Great Barrier Reef - Go to
Ningaloo Reef instead
 |
| Ningaloo Reef coast, Western Australia, Australia |
Queensland’s
Great Barrier Reef is one of the few wonders of the world that is visible from
space, and there is a lot of it. However, it is also one of the most popular
places to visit in Australia, so it can get crowded. If you prefer your luxury reef experience
to be a bit more personal, why not consider visiting Western Australia’s
Ningaloo Reef?
Just two hours’
flight north from Perth, the small town of Exmouth nestles in the red earth of
Western Australia, and is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest
fringing reef. The reef is home to incredible corals, fish, whales, turtles,
dolphins, rays and other marine life, and if you visit between April and July,
you will probably also see Whale Sharks as they feed before migrating north. Other
activities include eco safaris and game fishing. Exmouth itself is a very small
town, but there are some lovely resorts along the coast.
Best time to
visit: April to October (April to July for whale sharks)
Europe
The guide says go
to Paris - Go to
the French Riviera instead
 |
| Nice region, French Riviera, France |
Paris is a stunning
city, certainly in a league of its own, but while there is a lot to be said for
the ‘City of Love’, there is plenty of luxury elsewhere in Europe. For a more
personal taste of Europe, why not head south to the French Riviera?
The spectacular French
Riviera stretches along the eastern-most edge of France’s Mediterranean coast.
The glitzy seaside towns of Cannes, Antibes and Nice thrive with buzz and
glamour, while Provence’s more low-key way of life is alive in the hilltop
villages. Every luxury is available on the Riviera, which has been catering to
visitors for centuries. Nice is a large city and offers unique architecture,
shopping boulevards and magnificent restaurants. Enjoy the scents of
perfume-making in Grasse, admire the lavender fields of the Valensole, try your luck in the Monte Carlo casino, feast on
Italian-influenced cuisine in Nice, and visit historic sites in Antibes.
There’s also the beach of course!
Best time to
visit: April to October
Photo: Dupont_Thomas
