Top 5 Luxury Holiday Destinations to Escape to

1. Kenya

Caressed by the breathtaking azures of the Indian Ocean, equatorial Kenya is the ideal two-for-one destination. Meaning you can seamlessly slip from relaxing on blissful beaches (perhaps on one of Kenya’s idyllic islands) to experiencing full-on safari thrills. Lions, leopards, buffalos and baboons - seeing such magnificent beasts (and many more, of course) up close, in real life, is truly electrifying.

Be assured, though, getting close to nature doesn’t mean going back to basics or skimping on style. Kenya has a host of truly top-class lodges, where your meticulously prepared evening meal is likely to be served in a spot overlooking a wildlife-rich lake, backed by hills ablaze with the glow of the setting sun. There’ll be an understated elegance to your room, too - exquisite tribal art, soft tones, handsome handcrafted furniture. You might have a private pool to relax in, and it’s likely the lodge hosts will offer opportunities to learn about Massai culture.

Meanwhile, on the coast, Kenya’s elite beach resorts and boutique hotels deliver outstanding style, the softest of sand, and the warmest of waters. How about a traditional thatched cottage that opens right onto the mesmerising Indian Ocean? Or a sumptuous suite that blends local craftsmanship with contemporary comfort? Start planning your adventure by taking a look at these enticing itineraries from Kenyan travel experts - all of which can be fully-customised to include everything you want to see and do in Kenya (exactly as it should be during a trip of a lifetime).

2. Indonesia

For high-end elegance and rejuvenation in a mind-blowingly beautiful tropical surroundings, Indonesia sits top of the rainbow gum eucalyptus tree (if you’re wondering, that’s a unique indigenous tree you’ll most likely want to see during your Indonesian sojourn - their trunks really do look like masterfully shaded rainbows).

With 17,000 islands speckled between the Asian mainland and Australia, the Indonesian archipelago is a genuine paradise. A sparkling necklace of peaceful islands lapped by crystalline waters. A place where wildlife wonders await in verdant jungle-clad peaks, with out-of-this-world accommodation options that are easy to feel at home in. Little wonder, then, that Indonesia is undeniably one of the world’s best luxury holiday destinations.

Take NIHI Sumba Resort for example. No stranger to the World’s Best Hotel Awards, each of its uniquely designed villas offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a private pool. It’s the ideal sanctuary for foodies too, with a world-class restaurant delivering unforgettable dining experiences as it serves fresh produce from its organic farm. Life really doesn’t get any more gorgeous.

And beyond your chosen heavenly home-from-home, there are volcanos to climb, turtles to swim with, waterfalls to be invigorated by. For more inspiration, explore itinerary options for trips to Indonesia that can be tailor-made to create your very own version of paradise.

3. Costa Rica

Home to pristine rainforests, majestic volcanoes, tangled mangroves and stunning beaches lapped by both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans, exuberant (and welcoming) Costa Rica exudes life at every turn. Its epic landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife really do stir the soul and inspire a spirit of adventure.

All that considered, Costa Rica is one of the world’s very best luxury holiday destinations for visitors with a passion for nature and exploration; for travellers who want to feel energised by the places they visit.

Picture this: spend your day watching wildlife in the magnificent Monteverde Cloud Forest, looking out for the likes of sloths, spider monkeys, rainbow-billed toucans and Scarlet macaws while trekking tree-top trails. Or you might fancy experiencing the thrills of a zipline, zooming through the forest canopy in the company of howler monkeys. On returning to your luxury lodge, you can relax in a natural hot spring before sipping pre-dinner cocktails on a veranda that serves as a window into the rainforest. Magic.

As for the cuisine, expect the freshest of tropical fruits, the freshest of lime-marinated fish, and gorgeous gallo pinto (“painted rooster”) salads. Colourful, zesty, zingy - just like the country itself. And Costa Rica’s coffee is off-the-scale excellent, too. Try Café Rica as an after-dinner tipple; you’ll never go back to Baileys.

It’s clear to see why Costa Rica’s motto is pura vida - an ethos of living a pure life that runs through the nation’s soul. But carpe diem comes to mind, too - it’s unquestionably a place that inspires a desire to seize every experience. From coast-to-coast trips covering both the Caribbean and Pacific shores, to immersive rainforest adventures, Costa Rica suggests a stack of stunning itineraries that offer oh-so-many unforgettable experiences to be enjoyed in epic - and elegant - style.

4. Croatia

If you’re seeking heritage-rich cities to wine and dine in, stunning forest scenery and unspoiled idyllic islands, Croatia might just be the place you’re looking for. The country exudes an enticingly unique magnetism for travellers seeking an altogether more elegant European experience. It’s certainly one of the best luxury holiday destinations in Europe.

Take Dubrovnik, for example. Backed by rugged mountains, and jutting into the breath-taking Adriatic Sea, this majestic gem is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities, its atmospheric Old Town a maze of pretty passages housing chic boutiques and world-class restaurants.

For outdoor action (and natural beauty), it doesn’t get better than Plitvice Lakes National Park, or Krka National Park - both forested Edens of cobalt lakes and cascading waterfalls. Moving to the islands, Croatia has some of Europe’s best, among them alluringly attractive Hvar. Boasting plenty of secluded coves you won’t have to share, stylish bars, a glamourous marina, and exceptional island-produced wine and olives, there’s a reason it’s been crowned Queen of the Dalmatian Islands.

Hvar’s food scene is outstanding, as is Croatian cuisine more generally. Thanks to its geographical position, it combines the best of central European and Mediterranean influences to delicious effect - fresh seafood, exquisite cheeses, and pasta dishes that really do rival Italy’s best. If that’s tantalised your taste (and travel) buds, why not explore some customisable Croatian itineraries and start planning your trip?

5. Peru

Trekking through the Andes to the awe-inspiring Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is one of those ultimate bucket list experiences - an exhilarating adventure that can’t be beaten when it comes to embracing the great outdoors, absorbing epic scenery (all spiky emerald mountains, plunging valleys, and distant glacial summits), and exploring out-of-this-world ancient architecture.

That said, marvelling at Machu Picchu is only one of many, many reasons to visit Peru, not least if you’re looking for extra-special, luxury experiences melded with a sense of discovery. You’ll find a number of top-class accommodation options located near top attractions, among them Colca Lodge Spa and Hot Springs Hotel.

Surrounded by pre-Incan agricultural terraces that have been designated a Peruvian National Heritage Site, this high-end, eco-friendly gem is the perfect base from which to explore Colca Canyon (one of the world’s deepest canyons), taking in lakes and volcanoes along the route, and epic views from the Cruz de la Condor observation point. Its name derives from the colossal Andean condors you’re likely to see here - the largest bird-of-flight in the world.

To the east, the lush Amazon awaits, where you can enjoy wildlife-watching river trips and canopy treks before relaxing in your perfectly-appointed forest lodge. Posada Amazonas, for example, is an oasis of elegance deep in the jungle. There’s plenty of local life and heritage to explore in Peru, too. Andean culture is thriving, as seen in the many markets and fiestas - where better to try celebrated Peruvian cuisine?

Combining indigenous cooking with four hundred years of European (mostly Spanish) influence, it varies hugely from region to region, but look out for anticuchos (shish kebab made from marinated lamb or beef hearts) and ceviche (raw fish marinated and cured in citrus juice) - a classic dish that’s been eaten for over 2000 years. Oh, and if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you may want to try traditional roasted Guinea pig (look out for cuy on the menu). One thing’s for sure, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to curating your perfect Peruvian itinerary.