With temperatures soaring in Dubai, now is the perfect time to plan an escape from the scorching summer heat. A luxury holiday can take many forms – lounging barefoot at an island resort, soaking in the buzz of another metropolitan city, or escaping to the natural landscape of an exotic destination.
Exclusive Holiday Destinations
To inspire your next getaway, we've curated a shortlist of impressive luxury holiday destinations, where you can relax and unwind in idyllic settings or experience exciting new adventures.
1. The Côte d’Azur, France
The French Riviera, otherwise known as the Côte d'Azur, has acquired a global reputation, as the destination for culture, art, and sports. The place oozes sophistication and is considered one of the best coastlines in the world. Extending from Cassis to Menton in the far southeastern corner of France, this stunning coastal stretch is home to iconic destinations such as Antibes, Cannes, and St Tropez.
St Tropez, once a humble fishing village, now offers luxury hotels and Michelin-starred dining. Antibes is a magnet for yacht enthusiasts, while Monaco hosts prestigious events like the Grand Prix and famed casino. Film buffs converge on Cannes, and sun-seekers flock to Nice's iconic Promenade des Anglais. To escape the summer crowds, serene offshore islands like the Îles de Lérins and Île de Porquerolles offer pristine beaches and tranquil vistas, making the Côte d'Azur an ideal family retreat.
St Tropez, once a humble fishing village, now offers luxury hotels and Michelin-starred dining. Antibes is a magnet for yacht enthusiasts, while Monaco hosts prestigious events like the Grand Prix and famed casino. Film buffs converge on Cannes, and sun-seekers flock to Nice's iconic Promenade des Anglais. To escape the summer crowds, serene offshore islands like the Îles de Lérins and Île de Porquerolles offer pristine beaches and tranquil vistas, making the Côte d'Azur an ideal family retreat.
2. Lake Como, Tuscany, Portofino, & Costa Smeralda in Italy
Italy has long been celebrated for its timeless beauty, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine, blending old-world charm with modern luxury that attracts discerning travellers from around the globe.
Lake Como, in Lombardy, is a favourite among the affluent, home to neoclassical villas set against the Alpine foothills. The region's landscape, immortalised in Hitchcock's films, exudes a classic glamour reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. Meanwhile, Tuscany's picturesque landscapes, including Chianti’s olive groves, Apennine mountains, and the Tyrrhenian Sea offer a serene escape. Portofino, once a quiet fishing village, has transformed into a celebrity hotspot, making it a great place to consider visiting when discovering Italy. Similarly, Costa Smeralda in Sardinia invites with its beautiful coastline dotted with upscale hotels and boutiques.
3. The Alps, Switzerland
The Alps provide a quintessential winter getaway, steeped in tradition and luxury. Since the glamorous era of the Twenties, skiing has been associated with elite leisure, attracting the upper crust to renowned destinations like St. Moritz, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Gstaad.
Beyond the ski slopes, you'll find charming mountain villages, high-altitude chalets, and world-famous restaurants, offering a luxurious escape amidst the snow-dusted mountains. For families, the French Alps are also home to ski resorts with dedicated kids' slopes. With stunning landscapes and dramatic peaks, The Swiss Alps remain a magnet for skiers and hikers, as well as wildlife lovers.
4. Seychelles
With reliably fabulous weather and beautiful landscapes, Seychelles offers an irresistible year-round escape. Situated in the Indian Ocean, this East African archipelago features stunning white-sand beaches, reef-filled waters teeming with marine life, and lush tropical vegetation. There are around 115 islands to explore, including the famous, Anse Source d’Argent, the most photographed beach in the world and featured in the movie ‘Cast Away’.
There are lots to do on the island, with snorkelling in coral reefs, wildlife watching and hiking. One of the most remarkable experiences found only in Seychelles is the opportunity to swim with 60-foot whale sharks out in the ocean. If relaxation is more your style, you can do so at one of the secluded villas with personal butlers and private swimming pools or rejuvenate at one of the luxurious spas in the resorts.
5. Kenya
Kenya invites you to explore its unrivalled safari experiences, in some of Africa’s finest lodges like Angama Mara and Cottar’s Safari Camp. As the birthplace of the safari, Kenya offers curated wildlife expeditions in luxurious comfort. Private jeep safaris, led by local guides, allow you to spot lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants in their natural habitat.
Here you may get the chance to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration, where more than one million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes cross the border between Tanzania and Kenya each year. Along the way, high drama unfolds as predators lurk and new life emerges, sustaining the circle of life in the African savannah. Back at camp, bush picnics, spa pampering, and gourmet suppers prepared by personal chefs will leave you in awe of Kenyan hospitality.
6. Iceland
Iceland is home to a myriad of natural wonders and always offers an adventure of a lifetime. A drive through Iceland's Golden Circle brings the chance to explore three of the country’s most popular attractions, the mighty Geysir Geothermal Field, the Gullfoss Falls, and Thingvellir National Park, all at your own pace.
Adventure lovers can explore volcanic landscapes on Icelandic horseback rides and take in the thrill of white-water rafting. In the northern regions, you’ll find organised whale-watching trips and bird colonies at Latrabjarg cliffs, home to puffins and various seabird species. Iceland is also one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. September to April is the perfect time to see this beautiful phenomenon and is a bucket list item you should experience with loved ones.
7. Japan
Japan is a unique holiday destination that blends tradition and modernity. Tokyo, a metropolis that pulsates with energy day and night, juxtaposes neon-lit skyscrapers with ancient temples, inviting exploration at every turn. You can channel your inner Mario character as you navigate the city in a street kart, soaking in Tokyo’s eccentricity.
Japan’s culinary heritage unfolds with a sushi-making class in Tsukiji, or a stroll through the streets of Kyoto, where ancient temples and traditional tea houses evoke a bygone era. The iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine's vermilion torii gates offer a sight to marvel at, while the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove's towering stalks provide a serene setting for a relaxing walk. A visit to Japan is best planned between late March and the middle of April to see the cherry blossom, try the Japanese tea ceremony and watch a sumo wrestling competition for a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
8. Vietnam
In the heart of Southeast Asia Vietnam is a land of captivating contrasts and timeless beauty. A holiday destination like no other, Vietnam offers a tapestry of experiences that will awaken your senses and delight your soul with exotic beauty. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, each corner of this enchanting territory holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Kids will love the Cu Chi tunnels, a testament to Vietnam's resilience during wartime, and if you want to explore Vietnam's natural landscape, a trip to the emerald landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with ancient caves and majestic mountains is a must. Other highlights include the Ban Gioc Waterfall, a natural wonder that defies description, and the Golden Bridge, a symbol of Vietnam's innovation and creativity.
Idyllic island getaways under the sun, ski resorts in Europe, cultural experiences in Asia, and close encounters with animals in the wild are only some of the best options for holiday destinations worldwide. With our guide, you're sure to find the ideal place for your next adventure.
