Overwater villas, Michelin restaurants and butler service: The most exclusive destinations for discerning travellers.
The most exclusive luxury destinations are the Maldives and Bora Bora with overwater villas, Dubai with top-class hotels, the Côte d’Azur, Tuscany with its wine estates and the Swiss Alps with grand hotels. True luxury shows in personal service and special experiences; the off-season and early booking noticeably lower prices.
Luxury travel is not just about expensive hotels – it is about unique experiences, personal service and the little details that make the difference. The butler who knows your favourite tea, the private dinner on the beach at sunset, the helicopter transfer instead of a taxi.
Luxury in travel has evolved. Today it is less about ostentation and more about exclusivity, privacy and experiences money alone cannot buy.
This guide shows you the most coveted luxury destinations, gives insider tips on smart booking and helps you plan the perfect indulgent getaway.
From tropical private islands to alpine grand hotels – the best of the best awaits.
The epicentre of luxury tourism: private island resorts, overwater villas with butler service, underwater restaurants and ocean spa.
The city of superlatives: the world's only 7-star hotel, artificial islands, desert resorts and top-tier shopping.
Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Saint-Tropez – Mediterranean flair meets haute couture, Michelin restaurants and legendary beach clubs.
Luxury the Italian way: historic wine estates as boutique hotels, private cooking classes with starred chefs and truffle hunts in Chianti.
The Pearl of the Pacific: a volcanic island surrounded by the world's most beautiful lagoon. The epitome of tropical luxury.
Alpine grand hotels with centuries of tradition: Gstaad, St Moritz, Zermatt – luxury against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
The 6 destinations differ mainly in budget, travel time and best season, for example Maldives (Nov–Apr), Dubai (Oct–Apr) and Cote d'Azur (May–Oct). The table compares all values side by side.
| Destination | Budget | Getting There | Season | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives | $$$$ | 10h flight | Nov–Apr | Island luxury |
| Dubai | $$$$ | 6h flight | Oct–Apr | City & Desert |
| Cote d'Azur | $$$$ | 1.5h flight | May–Oct | Riviera glamour |
| Tuscany | $$$ | 2h flight | Apr–Oct | Gourmet luxury |
| Bora Bora | $$$$ | 22h flight | May–Oct | Tropical paradise |
| Swiss Alps | $$$$ | 4h car | Year-round | Alpine grand hotels |
These 6 tips help most, above all: Book luxury hotels directly, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and Use the off-season. The details for each point follow below.
Booking directly often brings upgrades, included breakfast and better cancellation terms.
With an American Express Platinum, you automatically get room upgrades, late check-out and hotel credit.
Many luxury resorts offer rates 50-60% below peak season – with the same service.
Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Hyatt – loyalty programmes offer suite upgrades and lounge access.
Book a private transfer at your destination airport. Hotels often organise this for free.
Write to the concierge before arrival. Special requests are almost always fulfilled.
3 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: Budget Calculator, Packing List and Holiday Finder. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Maldives: November to April. Dubai: October to April. Côte d’Azur and Bora Bora: May to October. Tuscany: April to October. The Swiss Alps are attractive all year – for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Many luxury resorts are much cheaper in the off-season than in high season. Booking directly with the hotel often brings upgrades or included breakfast, and hotel loyalty programmes offer suite upgrades and lounge access. Package holidays with flight and five-star hotel are also worth comparing.
True luxury shows less in the price than in personal service, privacy and special experiences: the butler who knows your preferences, a private dinner on the beach or a seaplane transfer. Small, exclusive properties often deliver this better than large hotel chains.
If you like Luxury Holiday, you may also enjoy Wellness, Honeymoon and Cruises. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.
Discover the world's most exclusive destinations and treat yourself to the very best.
