Luxury Holiday Destinations for your Europe and Africa’s Bucket List

Even travel writers have bucket lists or “DO” lists another word for bucket list, that has that positive spin to it. Pushing our bucket to the side!!! Creating an itinerary to include luxury holiday destinations for the coming year can be an exciting endeavour, choosing sometimes from old favourites or maybe new exciting destinations. Whether its travelling around Europe, the Africa’s, Asia, Oceania, the America’s the Caribbean or the North Atlantic Ocean Islands, you will find a travel writers list is endless.

We have got together with some amazing travel writers to showcase just some of the top luxury holiday destinations that are included in their lists. These really are some of the best places to travel in the world enjoying luxurious holiday destinations.

This is the first of the series of articles highlighting some of the best luxury holiday destinations around the world. In this article we concentrate on luxury holiday destinations in Europe and North Atlantic Ocean Islands.

Read on to find out the just some of the luxury holiday destinations that are on the top of our fellow travel writers bucket “DO” lists. Some are return visits, and some are off for new adventures, but each is in its own right one of the most luxurious holiday destinations. They will inspire you to create your own “DO” List for the year I am sure. 

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Preview – Luxury Holiday Destinations for your Europe and The Africas Bucket List

Our preview briefly highlights what you will discover within. Including some of the best luxury vacation destinations of Europe and the Africa’s, on our awesome travel writers bucket (“DO”) lists. Additionally we have included a brief description of each section and direct links for you benefit.

2. The Africa’s – this region focuses Africa and a selection of islands scattered off the East Coast in the Indian Ocean

Europe

Europe has the ultimate selection of luxury holiday destinations. Steeped in history and culture it is a region that lives and breathes luxury. Included in our luxurious holiday destinations, are country manors, islands seaside resorts. An ideal mix for a great bucket list (DO List) travel destinations .

Greece

Mykonos     

Recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma

Mykonos is truly one of the unique luxury holiday destinations in Greece, because on this island you can enjoy luxury at the highest level, a stunning old town and there is always something going on in one of the many beach clubs. The motto here is: See and be seen. I personally love the islands vibes, so for sure I will be there this year again.

Getting to Mykonos is so easy! The island has its own international airport. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Athens.

A visit to the famous windmills of Mykonos, which adorn the postcards in Greece, is a must on any trip. From there I had the chance to experience the most beautiful sunsets of the Cyclades. Another personal highlight is Little Venice and also the old town of Mykonos, where I was enchanted by the numerous picturesque alleys and the white-washed-townhouses. There are so many boutiques, from normal souvenirs to luxury, perfect if you love shopping. Additionally, I loved the many exquisite restaurants and the chic cocktails bars with sea view.

I personally loved the huge range of fantastic beach clubs on the island. Also, the many beaches on Mykonos are absolutely stunning and I totally felt in love with them. Another thing to do is to go on a day trip to the island of Delos, which is very close and interesting to see.

Honestly, there are so many amazing places to stay in Mykonos! Most of them in an upscaling luxury class. In future I would love to go to Cavo Tagoo Mykonos or to Destino Pacha Mykonos.

For a very special dinner, head to Buddha Bar Beach in Santa Marina. This restaurant offers an exciting culinary and entertaining experience in a class of its own. A reservation in advanced is highly recommended.

Santorini

Recommended by Haley from Haley Blackall Travel

There’s a reason why Santorini Greece has a long-standing spot on the list of top luxury holiday destinations in the world. From honeymooners to solo travellers, there’s something for everyone on this ancient island.

With direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) multiple times a day during the high season (May-September), visiting Santorini is a breeze. And, if you are coming from a neighbouring island like Mykonos, Ios or Naxos, you can reach Santorini easily by the fast SeaJet ferry.

Simply admiring the views of the Caldera, the crescent-shaped cove created from a bygone volcano collapse, is one of my favourite things to do and a top thing to see along any Greece itinerary. Whether I am viewing it from a quaint hilltop cafe, from my suite’s pool or aboard a sunset cruise on a private sailing vessel, it’s an experience to remember. Just one more reason Santorini is one of the best luxury holiday destinations.

Santorini is also known for its high-quality vineyards. I recommend taking a half-day tour of Santorini’s wineries, learning about its 3,000-year-old winemaking tradition, and tasting varietals like Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto. Or for something more adventurous, take a scenic horseback or ATV tour of the horseshoe-shaped isle.

For perfect views of the Caldera, stay in the luxurious Andronis Boutique Hotel in the hilltop town of Oia. Or for something off the beaten path, check out Magma Resort Santorini tucked into the vineyards near Vourvoulos.

Start your day with an espresso at colourful Meteor Cafe, and end your day by booking a table at Fino for a special occasion dinner in a quaint courtyard (my favourite restaurant on the island!).

Malta

Recommended by Lisa from Nova on the Road

Malta is an island with a new surprise around every corner. From dramatic landscapes to ancient buildings to crystal clear blue water. Malta has it all as one of the best luxury holiday destinations!

The reason that Malta is number 1 on my bucket list this year, is because of its nature. You can wake me up in the middle of the night for a mind-blowing landscape, and Malta sure has these!

And if nature’s not enough, Malta is also well-known for its cultural sights. It’s located within easy access from Europe, between Italy and Tunisia. As a former British colony, as you can imagine Malta is quite the cultural mishmash.

The best way to get to Malta from any place in the world is by plane. There’s a small, well-organized airport on the island, so you’ll have no trouble getting there by plane.

Malta is filled with fun activities, like:

• Exploring the capital city: Valetta
• Relax on one of the many glorious beaches
• Have some fun at the theme park: Popeye Village
• Hop on a ferry to Gozo and explore this island
• Go snorkeling in the blue lagoon
• Cruise around the island
• Find the mysteries of St Paul’s Catacombs

Of course, you want this vacation to be luxurious, so you’ll want amazing accommodation. The best places to stay in Malta are The Phoenicia Malta Hotel or Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands. These 2 hotels are the most luxurious and best rated on the island.

But if you’d rather have an entire place for yourself, check out Airbnb.

Another reason to visit Malta is for its cuisine. Eating in the best traditional restaurant will be a real gastronomical adventure!

Restaurants you should definitely check out are:

• Malata
• Palazzo Preca
• Guzé Bistro
• Rampila

Visiting Malta is one of the ultimate luxurious vacation destinations and is something you need to do in your lifetime! Malta is an island everyone can and should visit, it’ll be more than worth it!

Italy

Positano

Recommended by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

Sometimes you visit a destination and realize you didn’t quite do it the “right” way. And that’s why I’d like to revisit Positano, Italy as well as being one of the most magical places in the world.

Positano is one of the optimum luxury holiday destinations located on the Amalfi coast of Italy. A place to splurge a little and indulge in some of the luxury it has to offer. I didn’t do this the last time I was there. This would be my dream trip to Positano my next time around:

Arriving via bus from Sorrento, eliminating the need to have a car and find parking. The hotel I would choose to stay in would be the incredible Villa Fiorentino Stephen for it’s gorgeous views of the hills and ocean from the bedroom balconies. The rooftop also offers pools and more stunning views. I would spend most of my time enjoying the amenities of this hotel, but I’d also spend a day exploring the town. Strolling through the streets admiring the colorful architecture and spend an afternoon relaxing on the sand at Positano Spiaggia.

A restaurant I’d definitely recommend to eat at is Terrazza Celè. The views from the outdoor seating are breathtaking and the architecture of the restaurant itself is striking. The menu features classic Italian dishes that look phenomenal. The perfect way to end a perfect trip.

I’m looking forward to doing Positano the “right” way, and I hope you are too!

Tuscany

Recommended by Milijana from World Travel Connector

I took a fantastic Tuscany road trip a few years ago. However, in 2023 I am planning to revisit this stunning Italian region.

Tuscany is one of the must-visit luxury holiday destinations for art and history lovers, architecture and nature enthusiasts, and wine and food gourmets.

The remarkable Uffizi Gallery with masterpieces like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, and the elegant Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo’s David in Florence are must-visits for art and history lovers. The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Miracle Square are must-sees for architecture and history fans. Moreover, visiting Chianti vineyards and touring Chianti wineries is a ‘dream come true’ for wine lovers.

However, I visited Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, Volterra, Viareggio, Livorno, and some picturesque Tuscan villages on my last trip to Tuscany.

This year I am visiting Cortona, Montepulciano, Arezzo, and Pienza in the western part of Tuscany. Flying into Florence airport in Tuscany, renting a car, and heading to Arezzo. I love road trips, and Tuscany is a great place for road tripping.

Arezzo is only a one-hour drive from Florence. I’m planning to make the 5-star Badia di Pomaio in the outskirt of Arezzo my base for this trip. This impressive hotel is a restored abbey. It comes with an infinity pool and a wine cellar in a natural cave, a fantastic addition for one of the top luxury holiday destinations. Besides sightseeing in the city, dining in the upscale Michelin-star Terramira restaurant with views of the River Arno in Arezzo is on my bucket list.

Furthermore, the filming locations of the legendary ‘Under Tuscan Sun’ in Cortona and taking a pizza and pasta cooking class in Cortona are on my list to do in Tuscany.

Additionally on my list is to take a Historical Cellars Guided Tour & Wine Tasting in Montepulciano. The famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a must-try in Montepulciano.

One more must do on for this luxury holiday destination is Pienza, a World Heritage site in the dream-like Val d’Orcia valley. A must-visit in western Tuscany to complete this as one of our luxury holiday destinations.

If you are anything like me, you will love to travel to Tuscany, Italy!

Dolomiti

Recommended by Candice from Mom in Italy

I’ll be heading to Italy’s mountain playground this summer, just like every year since 2004 (we even managed an ‘isolated’ trip during 2020!).  While you probably think of rugged accommodation and ‘roughing it’ when you think of the mountains, the Dolomiti, in Italy is one of the best luxury holiday destinations. That has some amazing luxurious accommodations and dining options.

Spectacular mountain landscapes, Michelin-star meals, and dreamy family-run hotels – it’s everything I want and need in a summer vacation.

I usually drive up from Tuscany, but you can easily reach the area from Milan or Venice airports.  I recommend entering via Bolzano or Cortina d’Ampezzo.  It’s also simple to arrive by train from any major Italian city, using Italy’s high-speed train network (state-run Trenitalia or privately-run Italo Treno).

My favourite things to do in the Dolomiti are:

• Go hiking with my family (especially on the Alpe di Siusi)
• Relax at the spa (I love hay baths and getting facials with locally-made products)
• Enjoy the area’s cuisine (must-try foods include canederli, speck, and kaiserschmarrn)
• Watch the sunset colours on the mountains with a Hugo spritz (prounounced ‘OOH-goh’) in hand

Other fun activities include:

• Tasting some of the area’s red and white wines – I enjoy the Lagrein and Gewurztraminer.
• Touring the area’s numerous Michelin-star restaurants
• Visiting the World War 1 open-air museums (my favourite is at the Cinque Torri near Cortina)
• Cycling – both road cycling and mountain biking are incredible here!
• Identifying wildflowers – the fields and meadows explode with colours in the summer
• Seeing Ötzi, the Iceman, in Bolzano

There are luxury accommodations around every corner (or mountain), but a few of my favourites include:

• Hotel La Perla (Corvara in Badia)
• Rosa Alpina (San Cassiano)
• Romantik Hotel Turm (Fiè allo Sciliar)

I never miss a visit to Gelateria Eccetera (Bolzano), the sausage stand in Piazza delle Erbe (Bolzano), Romantik Hotel Turm’s restaurant (Fiè allo Sciliar), or Rosa Alpina’s Wine Bar & Grill (San Cassiano).

I can’t wait to go back this summer!

Disclaimer:  When traveling to the Dolomites with my children, we stay in an apartment.  It’s much more practical.  I still try to sneak away for a spa visit!

Germany

Würzburg

Recommended by Jeanine from Lets go a Wandering

Honestly, anywhere in Germany is on our DO list whether it’s a new exciting place or an old favourite of ours. Though Würzburg, is one of the best luxury holiday destinations, to start your Romantic Road Itinerary. However, it is just the beginning of a wonderful experience, as the town is steeped in history, culture and has one of the most beautiful castle hotels, Schlosshotel Steinburg.

Best way to get there is flying into Frankfurt AM Main Airport (FRA), then proceeding to the train station at the airport (Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf) here you can catch a train that takes you directly to Würzburg (approx. 1.5 hrs).

On the top of our list is Würzburg Residence a stunning 18^th Baroque Palace that includes the UNESCO heritage listed gardens and square. As we love to wander about, we be wandering across Alte Mainbrücke (old bridge) continuing up the hill to Festung Marienberg (Fortress Marienberg) that overlooks the city.

Considering we are at the gateway to Germany’s Romantische Straße (Romantic Road) a promotional tourism project of the 1950’s. Creating a route loosely based on an old roman road designed to boost tourism to an area. We are currently creating the perfect itinerary between Würzburg and Füssen with varied transport.

When looking to complement our luxury holiday destinations, we always look for some of the more luxurious accommodations in town. Especially if travelling in winter, in the event the Schlosshotel Steinburg is not available, or you wish to be in the centre of the city. Our other choices include two hotels that are stand outs the Boutique Hotel Canel and DAS v EVERT – am Congress Centrum Würzburg Hotel. These offer larger rooms and suites and are both within walking distance of the railway station, which is usually our choice of transportation when in Germany.

Restaurants/Food Places: German food is high up on our “love” list and we always love to eat in at least one beer garden the Brauerei-Gasthof & Biergarten Alter Kranen, comes highly recommended. Two other restaurants that have been highly recommended are Backoefele and the Stachel Restaurant & Weinhaus. The latter having a 600yr history!

Isn’t Würzburg fantastic addition to your luxury holidays destinations DO list!!!

Switzerland

Bernese Oberland

Recommended by Paul from PaulMarina Travel

The Bernese Oberland in Switzerland is one of these dreamy, picture-perfect places that I cannot recommend enough to all those who love mountains and nature. From turquoise mountain lakes, to green pastures and snow-capped mountains, the Bernese highlands are everything that we imagine when we think of the country of chocolate and cheese. It really is one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in the world.

The top luxury holiday destinations in this area to add to your list should include the Lauterbrunnen valley, Grindelwald and Interlaken. The Staubbach waterfall in Lauterbrunnen is one of the top highlights in the area. I think, the best part was to take the cable car to the Schilthorn peak and to take in the view to the Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau mountains. The villages, Mürren and Wengen can only be accessed with a mountain train, and the hiking trails in the region will bring you closer to the untouched and well-preserved natural surroundings.

Another special experience is to take the Jungfrau train to the highest train station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch at 11000 meter feet altitude. Known as the top of Europe, you can expect to experience high altitude conditions on a glacier. The best way to access the area is by train with the Swiss Travel Pass. Swiss train connections are some of the best in the world and remote destinations are served well and frequently.

The next major city is Bern, which is about an hour away and Zürich and Basel are both about 2 hours away from the Bernese Oberland area. Hotels such as the Viktoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel in Interlaken and assorted 5-star chalets offer top of the class luxury accommodations and will make you feel like at home. My last recommendation is a cheese fondue with a view of the mountains in Wengen or with a view of the blue lakes in Interlaken to complete a perfect trip to the Swiss alps.

France

Paris

Recommended by Amber from Amber Everywhere

My Why: There’s nowhere quite like Paris as one of the best luxury holiday destinations. Where you can sit on a terrace and sip a glass of fabulous wine and watch the world go by – one of life’s greatest pleasures.

The best way to get there: If you’ll be arriving by plane, fly into Orly or Charles de Gaulle. Many airlines will fly into the nearby Paris-Beauvais Airport, but it’s a real hassle to get to the city from Beauvais. Paris is also accessible by train from several European cities.

Top things you’ll be doing: If I’m only visiting Paris for a weekend, I’ll be sure to spend a few hours at the Louvre Museum. I’ll be sure to also make time to see the Eiffel Tower glitter at night, sip wine on a terrace along Rue Cler, and, of course, eat some chocolate croissants.

Some unique things to do: For something a little further off the beaten path, go for a walk along the Promenade Plantée, an elevated greenway that stretches for three miles from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. I also enjoy looking for giant clam shells, often used as basins for holy water in churches throughout the city.

Luxury Accommodation Options: There are wonderful hotels throughout the city, just be sure to choose an option within about a 20 minute walk of the River Seine. The Hôtel Le Walt would be a fabulous choice, especially if you are able to reserve a room that overlooks the Eiffel Tower.

Restaurants/Food Places: I never skip a trip to Breizh Cafe, a restaurant that serves savory galettes or buckwheat crepes. For a nicer dinner out, I will usually make a reservation at Le Florimond, a small bistro located about a 10 minute walk from the edge of Champs du Mars, the park near the Eiffel Tower. For macarons, I prefer Pierre Herme (try the passion fruit and chocolate macarons, they’re my favorite!).

Lyon

Recommended by Kristin Global Travel Escapades

Lyon is one of the best luxury holiday destinations that has plenty on offer, though a must for the food and wine lovers of the world.

Why: I’d love to revisit Lyon because I was only able to spend a couple of days in the city when I first visited and want the opportunity to taste all the delicious French cuisine and wine!

Best Way to Get there: To get to Lyon, you can fly into the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport or take the train to Lyon-Part Dieu train station!

Top things to do: The next time I visit, I plan on making my way to the Musée des Confluences as well as checking out the zoo that can be found within the Parc de la Tête d’Or!

Other unique things to do: If you’re a foodie like me, then an absolute must is trying the dishes specific to Lyon. For example, the city is known for its sweet neon pink pralines. You can find them incorporated into all kinds of dessert dishes.

What are the luxury accommodations: For a luxury experience, consider staying at Villa Florentine, which is in the centre of Lyon’s Old Town!

French Riviera

Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise

Destination: French Riviera

Why: Although I have visited before, the Côte d’Azur has so many gorgeous spots along the Mediterranean Sea. I just can’t get enough, it truly is one of the most amazing luxury holiday destinations.

The Best way to get there: Marseille and Nice both offer airports and major train stations.

Top things to I’ll do: One must do for me is to take a boat tour of the Calanque National Park. Last time I was there I hiked it, but this time I’d like to do it a little (or a lot) more luxuriously. I’d also like to explore the upscale harbor town of San Tropez and see what all the fuss is about.

Unique things to do: Taking a weekend trip to Corsica, is one of the most unique things to do from Nice. Ferries run daily in the high season and it’s a great way to discover the amazing coastline of this small island.

Things to do: It goes without saying that there are dozens of amazing beaches on the Riviera, but there’s so much more to see. Oozing with wealth, Monaco offers the glitz and glam of their Casinos. Nice and Marseille are the largest cities with museums, gardens, and historic sights. But most of all, I love some of the charming seaside villages like Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Eze perched on a cliff.

Luxury Accommodation Options: Staying in both Nice and Marseille will give you two good hubs for both the east and west ends of the French Riviera. In Nice, the Negresco with its Mediterranean views and central location is the place to stay. And in Marseille, the Radisson Blue overlooks the old harbor and is in walking distance to most of the main attractions.

Restaurants: Marseille and Nice are also fabulous for their restaurant options. Marseille is known for its bouillabaisse. You cannot come to the south of France without eating an authentic version like the one at Le Miramar in the old harbor. On the other end of the riviera, many of the best restaurants in Nice are located in the old town, or Vieux Ville. My favourites are with Bistro d’Antoine and Comptoir du Marché. Just the icing on the cake for the French Riviera to be on the top of your must see luxury holiday destinations.

Spain

Valencia

Recommended by Valencia Revealed

Why: Valencia has unique blend of modern and historic attractions, beautiful beaches and gardens, and delicious local cuisine. This makes it one of the perfect luxury holiday destinations for all types of travelers.

Best way to get there: Valencia is situated some 350km south of Barcelona. There are several ways to get to Valencia from Barcelona, including by train, bus, or car. The most convenient way is by taking the train from Barcelona-Sants railway station. The journey lasts approximately 3 hours. Depending on the number of people in your party, hiring a car might be considerably cheaper.

Top things to do: One of the best things to do in Valencia is a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences. My second favourite activity is a visit to Mercado Central, the largest fresh produce market in Europe. This is the perfect place to indulge and taste all kinds of exotic and locally grown fruits as well as delicious sandwiches by a Michelin-starred chef. A perfect mix for one of the best luxury holiday destinations.

Other unique things to do: Valencia is also known for its beaches, especially the famous Malvarrosa beach. The city has several beautiful gardens, including a former riverbed turned into a lush park. Valencia is also a great destination for food lovers. Paella, a traditional dish from Valencia, is a must-try.

Luxury Accommodation Options: Las Arenas Balneario Resort is the epitome of luxury in Valencia. This is a popular wedding venue complete with a spa, a restaurant, and stunning views to the sea.

Restaurants/Food Places of interest: The Voltereta restaurants are in high demand in Valencia right now. Each of them has a unique decor that transports you to places such as Bali, Manhattan and Kyoto.

Ibiza

Recommended by Jaclyn from MyRestingBeachFace

Why: Although Ibiza is mainly thought of as a party scene, and yes, there are clubs and party promoters along the beach. However, there is so much more to this beautiful island especially as one of the best luxury holiday destinations. Ibiza if full of luxury, restaurants that are drool worthy, hotels and vacation homes that have you feeling as if you are in another world, sat against idyllic views that are untamed. I am packed and ready with everything I need for not only an amazing luxury beach vacation, and some scenic excursions on the side.

Top attractions (cont…):

• Atzaro Spa for a serene spa day along the countryside
• A day trip to Formentera for bike for the day
• Ibiza Cathedral
• Shopping at the Las Dalias Hippy Market and Forada Market
• Rooftop bar hopping
  • Radio ME
  • Mayamanta
  • Malecon at Cubanito
  • Sa Punta Restaurant
  • Rooftop Nine’

Marbella

Recommended by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

If I could only pick of the best luxury holiday destinations in Spain, it would be Marbella. Located in the south of Spain, in the province of Malaga, Marbella enjoys plenty of sunny days and an incredible climate all year-round.

There are plenty of things to do in Marbella – from exploring its old town to relaxing at one of its beautiful beaches or having a fine dining experience.

The old town is the most unique place in Marbella. Wander its narrow and picturesque streets with bright bougainvillaea flowers hanging down the walls, see historic buildings like Marbella Castle and stop by Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square) for a coffee. I love the atmosphere there!

If you want to experience the luxury side of Marbella, you must visit Puerto Banús. This marina has some of the most exclusive high-end stores, restaurants and yachts.

When visiting Marbella, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try traditional dishes like espetos (sardine skewers) and ajoblanco (a cold almond soup). One of my favourite restaurants to eat fish and local dishes is Restaurante La Lonja. However, if you want a top-notch dining experience, head to Skina.

The best way to get to Marbella is by flying to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and renting a car or getting the coach. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

Last but not least, Marbella has a wide range of accommodations, especially 4- or 5-star hotels. Some of the best luxury hotels in Marbella are Nobu Marbella, Amare Beach Hotel (adults-only) and Puente Romano Beach Resort.”

Ireland

Ballyfin     

Recommended by Kaz from The Honeymoon Guide

There aren’t enough superlatives to tell you how beautiful Ireland’s most luxurious country manor, Ballyfin, Co Laois, Ireland is. It fits right at the top of the list of one of the ultimate luxury holiday destinations. The painstaking restoration of this colonial house in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Co. Laois was a labour of love by entrepreneur Fred Krehbiel and his Irish wife, Kay.

From Dublin Airport, Ballyfin House is around 90-minute drive or 110km/70 miles. Ballyfin can also organise a helicopter transfer. The service is impeccable, as you would expect from the very best in Irish hospitality. From dispensing with check-in (yes, just head straight to the restaurant for a glass of champagne instead) to the little snack pack left in your car on departure, seamless.

We stayed in the Trellis Room. I’m still thinking if I can recreate the heavenly mirrored bathroom at home. All mod cons, including Dyson hairdryers. All rooms and suites at Ballyfin are uniquely decorated.

Guests can go horse riding or kick back instead on a horse & carriage ride. Try falconry, fishing, mountain biking and the spa. Take a boat trip on the lake with a picnic after by the lakeside. History buffs will love the butler’s tour of the house. The house has a long and storied history. In fact, our guide went to school there. (in its previous iteration). We loved grabbing a buggy to explore the estate.

At Ballyfin, much of the produce is grown or foraged within the Ballyfin Demesne. Grab a copy of the Irish Times and enjoy breakfast in the restaurant. By night, enjoy an apéritif in the drawing room library and an after dinner cocktail in the Gold Room (my favourite).

This beautiful hotel, voted the best in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, is the Irish destination of choice of the Kardashian-West (in happier times) and George & Amal Clooney.

The Africa’s

Kenyan Highlands     

Recommended by Emily from Pets Around the World

When people think of an African safari, they usually picture the grassy savannah lands with a few acacias scattered through the landscape.  They don’t always realize, the highlands of Kenya are filled with lush dense misty forests making it one of the best luxury holiday destinations. Where you can actually experience the wildlife up close by literally walking, eating, and sleeping with zebras and giraffes.

The Ark Lodge is in the heart of the Aberdare National Park about 3 hours outside of Nairobi where we had to leave our dogs at home since pets are not allowed in Kenyan national parks.  The Ark is no usual hotel. It is an entire experience.  My family and I drove to the Aberdare Country Club just in time for an all-inclusive delicious lunch that includes a mixture of British, Indian, and African cuisine.

Stuffed, we walked one of the many trails around the game park where herbivores are free to roam.  A warthog mom trotted by, tail in the air, with her troop of piglets following in tow.  Farther down the path giraffes, 20 yards away turned their heads to gaze in our direction before returning to munch on the leaves of the trees.

All the guests for the evening clambered aboard the bus which provides the only way in and out to the Ark. Meaning we have the entire forest to ourselves, the optimum of luxury holiday destinations.  I barely noticed the bumpy road as we drove into the thick forest our eyes primed for any sighting of the elusive leopard. After 10 years of living in Africa, this was the first time I spotted one up close.  It sauntered out in front of us and continued on its way.

The forest opened up to the hotel shaped – you guessed it – like the biblical Noah’s ark.  The rooms, while tasteful, are not the highlight here.  It’s the 4 stories of plate glass windows overlooking a popular animal watering hole and salt lick. One that draws tons of elephants, wildebeest, and every other animal you might want to see during your time in Kenya.  We never had to miss a thing because the staff keep an eye out throughout the entire night and called our rooms to catch a glimpse of a lion who decided to pay a visit at 3 am.

A trip to the Ark is an unforgettable and exclusive experience. You get to be part of a small group of people to be welcomed in by the cool mist of the Aberdare Forest, and if you sit quietly, it will reward you with a magical wildlife experience.

Seychelles

Recommended  by Samantha Tatro from Undiscovered Path Home

If you’re looking for one of the most luxury holiday destinations to visit in the world, why not add the Seychelles to your list? This archipelago of islands is known for their beautiful beaches, year-round tropical weather, and luxury hotel destinations. My husband and I first visited in 2022 for our honeymoon, but it’s at the top of our list for a return trip thanks to their gorgeous scenery and endless luxury accommodation options.

Those planning a bucket-list trip to these islands should plan to fly into Seychelles International Airport on Mahe Island. From there, you can take a plane to Praslin or a ferry to Silhouette Island (home to the luxurious Hilton Seychelles LaBriz Resort & Spa on a private island) or La Digue Island.

Some of the most sought-after accommodations include the Four Seasons on Desrouche Island, a private island getaway, Six Senses Zil Payson, the Raffles Seychelles, or Constance LeMuria Seychelles. While on your vacation, plan to snorkel as much as possible, island hop, go hiking, and soak up the spa and the pool at your hotel. It’s truly a luxury holiday destination for as little or as much as you wish to do.

Our Pre-travel Checklists will help you as you plan your next luxury holiday destination. Everything you need to do whether it’s a local trip or you’re travelling overseas, we have a check point for it. Seamlessly plan your next adventure.

Other articles that may help you.

Travel insurance – Do YOU really need it?

The Points or Pay system when travelling??

6 steps to Create YOUR Perfect itinerary

9 Tips for YOUR Perfect Travel Plan and Budget

7 Essentials to Pack for Cold Climate Destinations

6 Luxury Accommodation Styles Pros and Cons

10 Essential International Travel Checklist Points – All you need to know

I am always happy to reply to any comments, suggestions for next articles or a hello. You can contact me through our Social Media or at jeanine@letsgoawandering.com with any questions or comments.