There are as many definitions of luxury as there are people in the world. Some associate it with high class hotels, top-notch resorts and nothing but white-glove service and a private butler to satisfy every single wimp. For others, a luxurious travel destination is the one where you can gaze out and not see anyone around, a gourmet meal onlooking the most stunning view or that place off the beaten track. Your idea of luxury and your budget will definitely determine where you’ll travel. At Bonzah, we’ve come up with an assortment of the most luxurious travel destinations and we’ve combined those that require an interesting budget and those that can be more affordable but are known for pampering their tourists.
The Cyclades
This group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea is located around the sacred island of Delos. They are peaks of a submerged mountainous terrain and Milos and Santorini are volcanic islands. Lateate April-June or September-October are the best months to visit them, as during the summer months the beaches are crowded, clubs are noisy, restaurants are packed and all services are overloaded.
The major Cyclades islands are: Santorini, Naxos, Mykonos, Paros and Antiparos. Santorini is a volcanic spectacular island that is world-famous for its rugged landscape and the cubiform, whitewashed houses of Fira and Oia, its main towns, that look onto the steep cliffs and its beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles. Naxos is the largest of the islands and it is haunted by the myth of the ancient Minoan princess Ariadne and the Minotaur; architecture fans will fall in love with its Venetian homes dating from the XVI century. Mykonos is a magnet for travelers of all budgets that are ready to enjoy the golden sandy beaches, the fantastic and joyful nightlife. Paros and Antiparos are hidden jewels that surprise visitors with charm and a romantic atmosphere throughout the day and a great buzz during the nights.
If the Cyclades are your next destination, these are some of the most important sights in the area that you simply can’t miss: the Church of Paraportiani and Little Venice, both in Mykonos, where you can appreciate the highly elaborate houses that were built directly on the seafront;
The archaeological site on the island of Delos is definitely worth exploring. It is the remains of a sanctuary to the gods Apollo and Artemis and the city that developed around it. The on-site museum is home of one of the finest collections of Ancient Greek sculpture, displays exhibiting various artifacts recovered from excavations, etc.
Paris
Romantic, charming and luxurious are three words that describe Paris and therefore it’s considered by many travelers a luxurious destination in their bucket list. Whether you’re interested in an enriching cultural experience, tasting some of the most delicious cuisine and wine or exploring historic buildings, the French capital is your next travel destination.
Its historic boulevards, the artsy cobbled streets of Montmartre or the river Seine just beg to be explored hand-in-hand. Paris is dotted everywhere with breathtaking monuments, charming bistros, tempting fashion boutiques and first-class museums.
There aren’t probably more luxurious experiences in Paris than enjoying a night cruise in any of the bateaux that sail along the Seine (some companies offer dinner service and/or a toast with a glass of champagne), or take a break and sip a cup of coffee in any of the traditional Parisian cafés such as Le Deux Magots or Café du Fiore; watching the locals going by is a must! Or walking graciously along the Champs Elysées!
Paris offers so many interesting places to visit that it easily caters to the expectations of all kinds of travelers. No stay in the city would be complete without admiring the stunning panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower or climbing up the hundreds of steps of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Culture buffs feel at home in Paris! Admire the jaw-dropping collection of art and artifacts at the Louvre Museum, the works of art and lovely architecture of the Musée D’Orsay, the romantic Jardin des Tulleries,watch an opera atthe Palais Garnier, the stunning white dome of Sacre Coeur, the modern building of the Centre Pompidou, the Place des Vosges, the historically important Place de la Bastille, the stunning stained glasses of Sainte Chapelle, Les Invalides where you can appreciate the tomb of Napoleon and the fantastic Cluny Museum with its artifacts and works of art from the Middle Ages.
Africa, A Must For Your Bucket List
Going on an African safari and enjoying a pampering, luxurious experience seemed impossible only a decade ago. But now, Kenia, Zambia, Botswanaor South Africa have become more eco-conscious about the important and rich biodiversity they have and have developed luxurious safari experiences where travelers can admire the jaw-dropping scenery, get close and personal with majestic lions, giraffes, leopards, rhinos and elephants and then relish candlelit dinners and moonlit nights at super comfortable, safe and cozy safari lodges.
In addition, travelers interested in a tailor-made safari experience can customize their wildlife adventure and include hiking and trekking accompanied by an experienced guide, helitouring, swing by the magnificent Victoria Falls… you mention! It’s also possible to rent a whole lodge for an ultra-private and exclusive safari experience.Not to mention that many of the lodges and camps pamper visitors with delightful experiences such as massages, gourmet food, private butlers, etc.
Bora Bora
Located in the French Polynesia, Bora Bora is a dream destination for many. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, it offers a super luxurious experience that only a few can afford. Spending a single night on the island can be quite pricey, not to mention that landing there, in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean is not cheap at present.
Bora Bora has everything that you would expect from a Pacific island: a thick rain-forest, a classic turquoise lagoon bordered by coral reefs, tiny islets, lovely white-sandy beaches, tall coconut trees that swing left and right with the wind and ancient Polynesian temples hidden in the jungle.
Enjoy its fascinating sea life, enjoy scuba-diving or snorkeling and, of course, long walks along the beach.
If you just need to be in Bora Bora, take advantage of vacation deals offered by all-inclusive resorts and hotels or plan your stay between December and March and you’ll probably be able to score better rates.
While in Bora Bora, rent a motorboat to explore the lagoon, have the most thrilling experience swimming with sharks or with manta rays and dare to feed sharks with the help of experienced divers!
Hong Kong
Enigmatic, mysterious, cosmopolitan and with an ever-expanding skyline, Hong Kong is a strong magnet for travelers on business and pleasure for around the world. Food is incredible, nightlife is amazing and fun and cultural buffs will love to explore its varied cultural attractions. Besides its financial importance in such a complex market as the Asian, Hong Kong is an exciting city with an unmatchable atmosphere.
Hong Kong is a paradise for shopping fans and indulging in a rewarding shopping experience is definitely part of a luxurious and pampering experience. Causeway Bay is the place where you’ll find flagship designer stores and Tsim Sha Tsui has many hip boutiques. There are plenty of malls in the city and you’ll definitely find something for you.
Eating in Hong Kong is an adventure that caters even the most demanding palates. Visitors can try traditional Cantonese classics to haute cuisine from international chefs. Then, get ready to enjoy the fantastic and lively nightlife scene. For a more laid-back experience, head to Kennedy Town but if you are after crowds, Lan Kwai Fong is your place.
The surrounding natural scenery is probably one of the most fascinating aspects of this cosmopolitan city. The hiking trails of Lantau Island to Aberdden Country Park, the alpine beauty of Victoria Peak or the pink dolphins of Tai O fishing village are just some of the luxurious and nature-rich experiences you can enjoy. As regards the top Hong Kong sights you can miss: the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Victoria Peak and the Victoria Peak Tram, the striking Tian Tan Buddha, the Hong Kong Museum of Art with its extensive collection of Chinese art, and the magnific Chi Lin Nunnery, which was built in the early 1930s without using a single nail.
Dubai
Located in the Middle East, Dubai is a mecca for travelers interested in seeing it all and enjoying it all in a single place. Dubai is a place to see and be seen: man-made islands, the luxurious soaring towers of the Burj Al Arab, jaw-dropping malls and hundreds of experiences that are all about luxury and being pampered such as day-trips on yachts, exclusive helicopter rides or expensive outings.
Tons of sunshine, white sandy beaches, heat, a quiet natural beauty, Bedouin culture, bustling souks, jaw-dropping modern architecture, international cuisine and a clean, clear sea is part of what Dubai has to offer. And speaking about luxury, the city really knows how to cast the spell! Not only are shopping malls and theme parks just out of this world but any public space is just so luxuriously and charmingly set up that they are just delightful.
Theme parks are fantastic: extreme rides, amusement rides, water games and international expos showcase how cosmopolitan the city is.
These are just some of the fantastic attractions you’ll be able to enjoy: Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk or Dubai’s largest gold market; the Spice Souk where you can find a wide range of species, herbs, incense and traditional medicine products; Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood where you can appreciate the traditional way of life from the XIX century until the 1970’s and home of varied artistic and cultural venues; the Textile Souk where visitors can purchase all kinds of textile products; Ski Dubai, an exciting miniature mountain resort where visitors can go skiing down the slopes!; and crown it all by enjoying a delicious drink and admire panoramic views of the city at the Burj Khalifa, the most luxurious and expensive hotel in the world!
New York City
New York City is a touristic destination that usually makes it to the bucket list of thousands of tourists every year.It’s a exuberant city bustling with places to visit, attractions to enjoy and experiences to have.
The city is famous for its vibe! Surprisingly tall skyscrapers, the energetic neon lights from Times Square, the leafy paths of Central Park, its unforgettable icons and its international cuisine all contribute to make of NYC the jewel of the crown for many world travelers.
Strolling along Central Park, taking in the green scenery around you can be a luxurious activity in the busy and hectic daily life of a New Yorker. For some travellers, walking along the charming Fifth Avenue where the most famous and highly rated fashion brands can be found can be the best pampering experience.
Make sure you climb up the Statue of Liberty, admire the art works at the Modern Museum of Art, let your jaw drop in amuse at the gigantic dinosaurs of the American Museum of Natural History, admire the stunning collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, enjoy reading a good novel at New York Public Library.
For the most comfortable and luxurious accommodation, you can rent a room at the Mandarin Oriental or the Four Seasons Hotel, for a bedding experience to match.