19 Lavish Luxury Vacations Worth Dipping Into Retirement For

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It’s time to treat yourself to experiences that scream opulence and leave you feeling like royalty. We’re talking about those once-in-a-lifetime getaways that will truly let you unwind and leave the stress of work and life behind.

Spending that money can feel daunting, so it’s important to ensure you’re not wasting it on a bland vacation. After consulting seasoned travelers, it’s become obvious that these destinations are well worth their eyewatering price tag.

Santorini, Greece

Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, beaches, and views of iconic whitewashed buildings adorned with blue-domed churches, Santorini is a dream destination for travelers seeking a blissful escape. Visitors can explore picturesque villages perched atop towering cliffs and meander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and seaside cafes.

Santorini’s luxury accommodations are unrivaled. It offers a range of high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and private villas with panoramic views of the caldera and sea.

Beyond its idyllic beauty and luxurious amenities, Santorini also boasts a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history waiting to be explored. You’ll be able to create a robust Santorini itinerary by visiting things to do like ancient ruins and archaeological sites, traditional wineries, and local festivals.

Maldives

The Maldives may be pricey, but those willing to splash out on an overwater villa won’t regret it. In the Maldives, nearly all luxury resorts are on their own private islands, surrounded by the most blue, clear waters you’ll ever see. There are few places in the world with more peace and quiet.

Wake up early for every vivid sunrise and stay up well after the sun sets to be treated to a sky full of stars. During the day, sea life, such as stingrays and angel fish, can be seen swimming right under your patio. To get even closer to these marvelous beings, book a private snorkeling or scuba diving lesson, where you’ll be able to glide over pristine coral reefs and next to large schools of sharks.

This country is a romantic, luxurious destination for couples. Still, solo travel in the Maldives is becoming increasingly popular for travelers looking for pure, quiet bliss.

Florence, Italy

Cobblestone streets wind through Renaissance palaces, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafts through the air in Florence, one of Italy’s top cities to visit.

Florence is home to some of the world’s most iconic masterpieces, from Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. You can skip the lines and experience these cultural treasures up close and personal with exclusive VIP tours and private viewings that will make you feel like a true art connoisseur.

Continue with the best things to do in Florence by shopping the Via de’ Tornabuoni, where you can score the latest trends straight from the Milan catwalks and dine on Michelin-starred Tuscan cuisine nearby before returning to your five-star hotel or Airbnb, seeped in Florentine flair.

Maui, Hawaii, USA

Maui is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand you’ll ever see. Surf or sun on the golden shores of Kaanapali Beach or the secluded beauty of Hana’s black sand beaches. For something more active, hike through the lush rainforests of Haleakala National Park, snorkel alongside colorful marine life at Molokini Crater, or catch waves at world-famous surf spots like Honolua Bay.

Complete your Maui itinerary with a night at a traditional Hawaiian luau, complete with hula dancing, fire poi, and all the kalua pig you can eat. Stay at an Airbnb to save a little money on this luxury haven, or go all out with a sprawling beachside luxury resort.

The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

As one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, the Serengeti is renowned for its vast savannahs, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.

Luxury lodges and tented camps scattered throughout the park provide the perfect base for exploring this untouched wilderness. Tented suites with spacious verandas and lodges with panoramic views of the plains redefine luxury in the heart of the African bush.

The Serengeti is also home to some of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on the planet, including the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. Witnessing thousands of animals thundering across the plains in search of greener pastures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience showcasing the magic of the African safari.

Paris, France

Paris, France, often dubbed the “City of Light,” is synonymous with luxury and refinement. Its elegance and sophistication are unmatched, seen in its iconic landmarks, world-renowned museums, haute couture boutiques, unreal five-star hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Explore Paris’ architectural treasures and top things to do, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, then skip the crowds with a private guided tour of the Palace of Versailles, one of the best day trips from Paris.

Paris is also a paradise for luxury shopping enthusiasts, with its famed avenues like the Champs-Élysées and Rue Saint-Honoré lined with designer boutiques and flagship stores. On these streets, haute couture fashion houses like Chanel and Louis Vuitton and prestigious jewelers like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels entice the fashion-forward with lower prices than in the United States and a VAT refund that makes the flight feel worth it.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora, with its mesmerizing turquoise lagoons and iconic overwater bungalows, is the epitome of luxury travel. This French Polynesian paradise offers an unmatched level of exclusivity. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.

One of the highlights of Bora Bora is its luxurious overwater bungalows, where you can wake up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against your private deck and spend your days lounging in the sun or snorkeling in the waters below. Many resorts also offer indulgent amenities such as private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and direct access to the lagoon.

Embrace each other on a romantic sunset cruise followed by a gourmet dining experience, or seek thrills with water sports.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Fine wine, fantastic food, cliffside pastel villages, and lavish beach resorts complete with relaxing spas—what else could a luxury vacation need?

The Amalfi Coast boasts world-class accommodations perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Take a dip in infinity pools with panoramic views, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing the finest Italian cuisine, or unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments. Afterward, stroll through charming Positano or Ravello and charter a private boat tour along the coast.

If booking a vacation to Italy’s luxury hotspot isn’t within your budget, consider traveling to the Amalfi Coast in the winter, when rates are much better and crowds are thinner.

Seychelles

The Seychelles flies relatively under the radar compared to other tropical islands around the world, but it isn’t for lack of luxury.

Sink your powder-white sands and cool off in crystal-clear waters as palm trees sway in the breeze, like something out of a postcard. Swim alongside colorful fish and sea turtles, maybe even catching a glimpse of a majestic manta ray or two in the country’s renowned coral reefs.

When you need a little more adventure, hike through lush rainforests to zip-lining through the treetops, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities to keep you on your toes.

Kyoto, Japan

Renowned for its breathtaking temples, meticulously landscaped gardens, and exquisite cuisine, Kyoto exudes tranquility and refinement. It’s worth a visit, even if you can only manage a one-day itinerary in Kyoto.

Stay in a traditional ryokan, or Japanese inn, where guests can immerse themselves in the art of omotenashi, or hospitality. These accommodations are a retreat from the bustling city, featuring tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji doors, and private hot spring baths.

Venture out to Kyoto’s cultural landmarks, like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the historic Gion district. Finish your day with some of Kyoto’s lauded cuisine such as kaiseki, the traditional multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation.

St. Barts, Caribbean

St. Barts, a Caribbean playground for the rich and famous is not just a destination; it’s a lifestyle—one that’s all about living your best, most fabulous life.

Party on the powdery white shores of St. Jean and get some sun on the secluded coves of Colombier. Each beach is more breathtaking than the last, offering clear waters and picture-perfect views. Bring your credit card and an extra suitcase for life after the beach—designer boutiques line the streets of Gustavia, offering everything from high-end fashion to exclusive jewelry and accessories.

Snag reservations at world-class restaurants like Le Gaiac and Le Tamarin, where Michelin-starred chefs whip up culinary masterpieces using the freshest local ingredients. Then, retreat to a luxury villa or resort in the world, where you can live like royalty with private infinity pools, personal chefs, and breathtaking ocean views.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

Renowned as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts, Aspen offers world-class skiing and snowboarding across its four renowned mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. In the warmer months, the town transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and golf amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.

Aspen boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class festivals, art galleries, and performing arts venues dotting its streets. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s heritage by exploring historic landmarks, such as the Wheeler Opera House and the Aspen Art Museum.

Relax and rejuvenate from a long day of adventure with spa retreats, wellness centers, and yoga studios, where guests can unwind and recharge amidst serene mountain surroundings.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is an enchanting haven for those seeking an exclusive retreat. Azure waters shimmer beneath the sun, framed by verdant hillsides with cute villages and historic villas. A leisurely boat cruise along its serene expanse offers a front-row seat to this captivating panorama, with each turn revealing new vistas of unparalleled splendor.

Visitors can wander through the opulent halls of grand palaces, such as the iconic Villa del Balbianello, or stroll amidst the meticulously manicured gardens of Villa Carlotta, where art and nature intertwine in perfect harmony.

Fiji

Fiji, a jewel in the South Pacific, is an escape to paradise. If you’re seeking the ultimate luxury getaway, this island ticks all the boxes and then some. Picture-perfect turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Luxury in Fiji goes beyond lavish resorts (though there are plenty of those!). It’s immersing yourself in a world of peace and gorgeous nature. The unparalleled hospitality and warmth of the Fijian people truly sets it apart. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with genuine smiles and heartfelt greetings, making you feel like a VIP from the start (if your business class ticket on Fiji Airways didn’t already).

For a little extra luxury, partake in a rejuvenating spa treatment overlooking the ocean, or embark on a private yacht charter to explore hidden coves and deserted islands.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos has long attracted luxury travelers for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and exclusive accommodations. Wake up in a beachfront suite, greeted by the gentle sound of waves and a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea. Private villas nestled amidst tropical gardens offer secluded retreats, while boutique hotels exude elegance and charm.

Try local cuisine at beachfront seafood shacks serving freshly caught lobster and conch or savor gourmet cuisine at fine dining establishments with curated wine pairings. Dive into waters teeming with marine life or explore uninhabited cays aboard a private yacht. For adventure seekers, kitesurfing and deep-sea fishing await. To keep things quieter, play a round of golf at one of the many courses.

Bali, Indonesia

Bohemian Bali has emerged as a sanctuary for luxury seekers for its larger-than-life wellness experiences that are just as indulgent as they are affordable. Start your trip by staying at an exclusive beachfront villa, complete with a private infinity pool gazing out onto the cerulean sea.

Engage in Balinese culture with tailor-made spa rituals, merging ancient wellness traditions with contemporary elegance. Delight your palate at coastal bistros, where local flavors harmonize with global influences, crafting unforgettable gastronomic journeys.

Go on adventures through Bali’s verdant landscapes, uncovering hidden waterfalls concealed within lush jungles or scaling sacred volcanoes for sunrise vistas. On personalized excursions, traverse secluded shores and clandestine corners, reveling in the island’s serene ambiance.

The French Riviera, France

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is the epitome of offers old-school glamor that blends stunning landscapes, chic accommodations, and exclusive experiences. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, basking in the Mediterranean sun as yachts bob in the waters alongside you.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on a private terrace overlooking the sparkling sea, then venture out to explore villages like Saint-Tropez, a hotspot for designer boutiques.

For the ultimate indulgence, charter a yacht and cruise along the coast, stopping to swim in hidden coves and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. Back on land, sip champagne at glamorous beach clubs in Cannes or Monte Carlo, where the glitterati come to see and be seen. Adventurous spirits can take to the skies for a helicopter tour of the Riviera, soaring over dramatic cliffs and sprawling vineyards before touching down for a gourmet picnic in the countryside.

Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Lake Geneva is a realm of exclusive experiences. Begin your day aboard a private yacht, gliding across the tranquil waters, soaking in the beauty of historic chateaux and villages dotting the shoreline.

Take to the skies again for heli-skiing on untouched slopes and soaring over dramatic valleys in a paraglider. Afterward, unwind in one of the region’s renowned wellness spas, where indigenous therapies and Alpine botanicals rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.

The Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Set along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands is one of the top destinations to visit in the country for adventure and luxury travelers alike. Begin your journey with a scenic helicopter flight over the iconic Heart Reef, a breathtaking natural marvel that epitomizes romance and luxury. Then, plunge into coral gardens, some of the best in the world.

The Whitsundays offer an array of adrenaline-pumping activities. Zoom across the waves on a high-speed jet ski tour, or zip through lush rainforest canopies on a thrilling zip line adventure. Delve into the indigenous history of the region with a visit to the Aboriginal Ngaro Cultural Site, where ancient rock art and sacred sites offer insight into millennia-old traditions. After, board a private yacht, where champagne flows freely and gourmet seafood delights tantalize the palate.

Looking for a beach that won’t break the bank?

The United States is full of inexpensive beach getaways that won’t break the bank, like the colorful island above.

Select images provided by Depositphotos.