Skip to search
List
7 nights

Best luxury holiday destinations in the world 

Get the inside scoop on five of the world’s best luxury holiday destinations.
Dreaming of a luxury escape? You’re in for a treat. We’ve rounded up five of the world’s best luxury holiday destinations – from tropical Thailand to gorgeous Greece. These handpicked hotspots pack in sandy beaches, clear waters and cloud-free skies. They line up temples, rainforests and taste bud-tantalising treats, too. The best part? We’ve got tonnes of luxury holidays at wallet-friendly prices, so we’re sure you’ll find something for you…

Once you’ve had a read, take a look at our best luxury holiday deals.

1. Mexico – an action-packed paradise

If the idea of white water rafting or zip-lining through the treetops gets your pulse racing, then Mexico is the destination for you. Want to know more? On top of all that, you can scuba dive the Palancar Reef, tick off Mayan ruins and spot dolphins, turtles and manatees in the jungle at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. With so much to see and do, this country is perfect for trips as a couple, family or with friends. But, don’t be fooled into thinking that national parks and nature reserves are all Mexico has to offer. In places like Cancun on the Caribbean coast, you’ll find 22-kilometres of white sand, shopping malls, and an after-dark scene to rival Rio. There are plenty of hotels in this part of Cancun, if you want to feel like a VIP, opt for the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun – its sea-view infinity pool goes side-by-side with a stretch of sand and there’s live music and foam parties on the agenda most days.

Or, discover Mexico’s best action-packed bits on a Mexico tour.
A palm-fringed beach in Mexico.

2. The Maldives – hot for honeymooners and couples

What could be more luxurious than an escape to a desert island? The Maldives – with its barefoot-ready beaches slipping into clear waters – is real castaway territory. It’s made up of more than 1,000 Indian Ocean isles, so the sea life here is nothing short of amazing. Don your snorkel and your swim gear and wade into the warm waters. You can spot everything from colourful clownfish to massive manta rays. Most of our luxury hotels here – including the Riu Palace Maldivas – have suites on stilts above the water, so you can jump straight into the bright blue, too. When you’re not in the water or kicking back with a cocktail in hand on the soft sands, there’s always a hammock to be swayed and a massage to be booked…

Find out more about the best things to do in the Maldives.
A couple in swimming pool at sunset.

3. Thailand – the family-friendly land of smiles

If your favourite type of holiday involves a mix of postcard-perfect beaches and culture-crammed cities, then add Thailand to your luxury travel wishlist. Why? For starters, it’s home to around 40,000 temples brimming with Thai tradition. Add those to its pristine shores and glossy jungles and you can see why it’s made our luxury top five. Hop on a boat to tree-cloaked islands like Koh Samui or explore the limestone cliffs that line Krabi’s shore. If culture’s your thing, Kamala Beach is a great place to learn the art of Thai cooking. Then, round off your day with a muscle-soothing Thai massage. The TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak is designed for families, so it's the perfect place for a luxury family escape.

Discover the best time to visit Thailand.
A family walking along a beach in Thailand.

4. Turkey – a food lover’s dream

You’re only around a four-hour flight from Turkey, where you can touchdown to over 500 Blue Flag beaches, ancient wonders and the famous Blue Lagoon. Foodies will love this luxury destination. You can munch your way through meze boards of feta cheese, grilled aubergine and smoked sea bass. Sink your teeth into spicy falafels and treat yourself to sweet baklava. Sounds tasty, right? Stay at TUI BLUE Sensatori Akra Fethiye and you’ll be treated to a top-notch dining scene thanks to five à la carte restaurants.

Get clued up on the best things to do in Turkey.
A meze board arranged on a table.

5. Greece – your gateway to sun and sights

This country might not be known for being a luxury destination per se, but head to Santorini, Mykonos or Skiathos in Greece, and you’ll find a cosmopolitan gloss on the classic Greek combination of sun, sea and sand. In Santorini, for example, world-famous sunsets reign supreme. You’ll also find classic whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and never-ending vineyards – perfect for sampling the region’s best wine. Plus, you can secure yourself a luxury retreat on Greece’s big-name islands, too. Take the beachfront TUI BLUE Sensatori Atlantica Dreams Resort and Spa in Rhodes, for instance. It flaunts a prime waterfront postcode and a selection of fancy swim-up rooms.

Struggling to decide which part to pick? Find out which Greek island is best for you.
View over Santorini, Greece.
Ready to pack your suitcase?

Check out our full range of luxury holidays. 

Plus, take a look at our pick of the best swim-up rooms and the best hotels with private islands.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Jessica Houtby and Carla Fabian

Last updated: 15.01.2025

Holiday Type

Destination

Show more