Look it up in the dictionary and luxury is defined as a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense. Who wouldn’t like a little luxury travel in their lives from time to time, and the chance to sample the extravagant delights of an opulent retreat or venue?
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But what exactly makes a luxury venue and what can visitors expect when they visit? Here’s our guide to the global destinations that attract the rich and famous, and a glimpse at some of the most luxurious places in the world.
Luxury travel: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Located on a private, rainforest covered island in the beautiful Maldives, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort overlooks the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. This eco conscious destination is the ultimate in peace and tranquillity, offering tropical beauty and incredible marine life.
Facilities
There’s a private lagoon, Spa and an outdoor infinity pool for relaxation. While a wide choice of water sports and excursions can be arranged at the resorts diving centre for the more adventurous.
Food and drink
A selection of restaurants and bars await guests, with Asian haute cuisine, pizza, Middle Eastern gourmet interpretations and Italian classics just some of the fine dining available. The Whale Bar is an exclusive overwater lounge where guests can enjoy a drink and take in the sunset over the coral reef.
Accommodation
There are 33 on-land and 44 over-water villas that provide picturesque ocean or garden views from private terraces and pools. The St. Regis Butlers are always on hand to deliver bespoke service day or night.
Photo by Hamdhulla Shakeeb on Unsplash
Luxury travel: Casino de Monte Carlo
Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is the ultimate destination when it comes to luxury. Over 30% of the population are millionaires which means supercars, designer brands, plush hotels and super yachts are the norm.
Casinos are synonymous with the area and the Casino de Monte Carlo is one of the oldest and most famous in the world. Popular with the world’s super rich, this historical building with its Belle Époque architecture, has a strict entry policy.
Made famous by James Bond, the casino has an exceptional selection of games, including French Roulette, Baccarat, Black Jack, Craps and Poker Texas Hold’em Ultimate. While in the Salle Renaissance or Salon Touzet, there’s over 600 slot machines to choose from, including popular Slingo slots such as Rainbow Riches Casino.
The Casino de Monte Carlo offers superb service, sophistication, and attention to detail, that helps create an immersive gaming experience unlike any other. And when you need to take a break, there’s people watching, fine dining, shopping, and the Mediterranean to keep you entertained.
Photo by Jannis Lucas on Unsplash
Photo by Jannis Lucas on Unsplash
Luxury travel: Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz
The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz with its breath-taking views of lake St. Moritz, is luxury personified, with its classic architecture, incredible location and remarkable heritage. Regarded as the origin of winter tourism, the history of this beautiful hotel dates back over 160 years. unique views over Lake St. Moritz.
Facilities
The luxurious 2000m2 Kulm Spa St. Moritz is the perfect hideaway for those seeking the ultimate relaxation and comfort. There are multiple treatments available offering relaxation, detoxification and regeneration.
Food and drink
There is a rich and diverse cuisine here, from local Engadine specialities to international haute cuisine, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Accommodation
The elegant accommodation has 164 rooms that range from standard, all the way up to luxury suites. The Suites boast the finest furnishings with some rooms having open log fires, balconies and wonderful views.
Activities
Guests can enjoy a variety of sports including trying out the Cresta Run, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, curling, mountain biking, paddle boarding, golf, tennis and more. There are also plenty of excursions to enjoy, including visiting the Alps.
Images via Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
The Savoy, London
Perfectly located on the river Thames in the heart of London, The Savoy is the very epitome of luxury. With over 130 years of rich history, the hotel is the go-to destination for movie stars and billionaires.
Food and drink
The Savoy has some of the best London restaurants and bars on its premises, including the Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay, the River Restaurant and Restaurant 1890. Or you could sample the famous Savoy Afternoon Tea.
Image by Damien Hewetson
Accommodation
The Savoy offers 267 rooms and suites that are decorated in either an elegant Edwardian or Art Deco style. Many boast incredible views across the River Thames and London’s skyline.
Activities
London is one of the greatest cultural cities on the planet, so guests can enjoy world class opera, ballet, and theatre, featuring famous performers. There’s also one of the best shopping experiences around, with all the top name brands and latest products.
The world’s best galleries are also on the doorstep, offering modern and classical art form the world’s most famous artists. If that’s not enough, there’s always sightseeing to enjoy, with Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard, just some of the many attractions.
Image by Damien Hewetson
Qualia Luxury Resort, Australia
The website for this immaculate resort says it all, ‘An oasis of Australian style, Qualia provides exceptional levels of award-winning luxury and intuitive, friendly service.’
Set on Hamilton Island, this picturesque retreat is not only perfectly situated to explore the famous Great Barrier Reef, but is actually part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Ocean views, coral reefs, and sunsets, make this hotel a stand out boutique destination.
Access is easy thanks to its very own airport, and the island offers guests fine dining, and a variety of activities including a spa, sailing and paddle boarding. So, whether you want to get back to nature, relax or be a little more adventurous, this resort caters for your every need.
Top image via Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
Image: Qualia.com.au
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
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