11 Unexpected Luxury Destinations to Add to Your Travel Wishlist

Chile is famous for its sparse beauty and the surprising luxuries that accompany remote, untamed wilderness. Creativity and inspiration brought about by secluded salt flats, the Patagonian pampas, and the rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains have resulted in elegant accommodations and unparalleled excursions.

From sensational vineyards to unforgettable starlit nights, Chile, which is often overshadowed by more illustrious destinations, is draped in a blanket of luxurious opportunities for travelers. Whether looking for a quiet place to read Neruda or an active volcano to trek, eager to explore the Patagonian ice fields or indulge in a glass of wine with a view, Chile seamlessly blends natural beauty with effortless hospitality.

Learn more: Luxury Chile Tours • Chile Travel Guide

The Seychelles is luxurious in its sensuousness, less developed than other island nations, while still offering notable contemporary comforts and natural indulgences. From cinnamon to frangipani, fragrant aromas whip the air, while the colors of the Indian Ocean shimmer and shift between pale blues and translucent greens.

With 115 islands, grandeur can feel as opulent or as traditional as you prefer, but once inside accommodations perched on a hill or rocky cove with views of the coastline, you can quickly sink into the soothing ambiance of the secluded island nation. While doing so, embrace powdery beaches laced with palm trees, relax beside an infinity pool, or visit local communities for insight into unique Creole culture shaped by centuries of colonization.

Learn more: Seychelles Vacations

Australia is much more than your typical luxury destination. With seemingly endless coastline, gorgeous rainforests, and the burning sands of the Red Centre, the different ways to explore and experience the country demonstrate the myriad packages in which opulence can come.

From waking up to a remote view of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the heart of the desert to relaxing on one of the secret islands of the Great Barrier Reef, gliding across the sunlit sky at dawn to swimming with whale sharks in a remote corner of the western shores, Australia embodies unique opportunities that shape priceless luxury experiences.

Learn more: Luxury Australia Vacations • Australia Travel Guide

As a luxury destination, Iceland embodies more than the cost of the trip, focusing on the wave of experiences that elevate your Iceland vacation to new and exciting heights. Treasured nature shines in waterfalls and glaciers, active volcanoes with glowing lava flows, and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters flowing between tectonic plates.

Join a safari to view the Northern Light; witness the Vididalstungurett, when the horses return from the highlands in autumn; or find the hidden restaurant that won Iceland’s first Michelin star. A visit to the country is a delightful luxurious retreat that celebrates nature and combines national history and local culture.

Learn more: Luxury Iceland Tours • Iceland Travel Guide

While countries like Kenya and Tanzania have famous, protected lands known for supporting the Big Five and the wildebeests’ Great Migration, Botswana is one of Africa’s ultimate safari destinations.

Luxury in Botswana means exclusive and secluded, offering private views of the untamed wilderness with a low impact on the surrounding areas. Visit meerkats, wind down the canals of the Okavango Delta, or venture off the beaten path to visit one of the oldest indigenous communities in Africa.

From viewing the stars hovering over the Kalahari Desert to embracing the thrills of a mobile safari, Botswana is a destination known for making the dream of tailor-made experiences a reality.

Learn more: Luxury Botswana Safaris • Botswana Safari Guide

The initial appeal of an Antarctica vacation usually stems from a desire to explore the remote continent and witness the icy expanse, but new luxury cruises are taking the entire experience to a new and unexpected level.

While the penguin rookeries and pods of humpback whales may not change, the way you can visit them while traveling along the coast of the islands and mainland can become easier with exciting land excursions, opportunities for heli-hiking, sea kayaking near leopard seal colonies, or scuba diving to explore part of the uncharted territory beneath the icy sea’s surface.

Luxury on an Antarctica cruise can focus on the broader territory or funnel into specific interests, allowing you to examine science experiments, sample unique foods, or relax with access to a spa treatment with a view.

Learn more: Antarctica Cruises, Tours, and Vacations • Antarctica Travel Guide

India is the gateway to incredible luxury in unique spaces, allowing travelers to feel like royalty, experience Bollywood style, or wander along the paths of ancient spice routes. Beaches, oases, and opulent jungle glamping are only the tip of possibilities when experiencing India's legendary colors and aromas.

Ride an elegant train through the countryside or lounge in the grandeur of a historic palace. Embrace a secluded game drive in search of tigers or glide down the Ganges River with open views of the renowned ghats. India is a country that defies expectations, gladly immersing you in unprecedented splendor throughout your trip.

Learn more: Luxury India Tours • India Travel Guide

The glory of Thailand’s luxury experiences is often apart from the typical name brands Western travelers know, found as it is in local experiences you will always cherish.

Magic can come in the form of a luxury train experience with exceptional views of the tropical countryside and its rice fields and villages. Famous for world-class dining in local markets, as well as high-end hotels, Thailand can whisk you into a tropical-island dream, with quiet snorkeling spots protected by national park status, or have you searching for wild tigers during a luxury safari in Khao Sok National Park.

Lounge on powdery white sands, adventure through the northern jungles, bask in the incredible flavors of the celebrated cuisine, or have an entire wardrobe designed for you as you find luxury as a cornerstone of your Thailand experience.

Learn more: Luxury Thailand Tours • Thailand Travel Guide

For decades, Morocco has been a destination for celebrities seeking a luxurious getaway in a unique setting.

Steeped in history and preserved traditions, celebrated for grand riads and exceptional hospitality, Morocco still feels like a hidden treasure of luxury travel. Glamp in the Sahara Desert underneath a blanket of stars, enjoy a hot-air balloon ride over the tumbling Atlas Mountains, or spend time in a blue city with a view over the steep slopes of the Rif Mountains.

Private cooking classes, wine tastings, and an introduction to delectable spices reveal only a minimum of the endless possibilities to enjoy during your luxury vacation.

Learn more: Luxury Morocco Tours • Morocco Travel Guide

As one of the most underrated luxury travel destinations, Panama can feel untouched and immersive, with island havens and cloud rainforests to discover.

Charter a private catamaran to venture into pristine waters and around idyllic archipelagos, trek to the top of a volcano for memorable sunrise views, swim in turquoise water above colorful starfish, and search for quetzal in the highland forests.

The Panama Canal is part of the thrills, beauty, and wonders of the country, but the luxuries travel far beyond the capital and the historic waterway to bring a new perspective of the grandeur created when adventure and comfort meet.

Learn more: Panama Vacations • Panama Travel Guide

The contrasts between cultural diversity and natural wonder, expansive modern cities and French colonial charm, postcard-perfect beaches and lush tropical jungle add to the luxurious allure of Vietnam. Indulge in the simple pleasure or the finer details of an opulent experience when venturing to a boutique spa overlooking the lush mountains or when on a bespoke cruise amongst staggering karsts and exciting caves.

Whether traveling along the Mekong River, uncovering lesser-known corners of a coastline celebrated for pristine golden sands, or sampling the numerous restaurants awarded Michelin stars, you will quickly discover Vietnam’s exceptional commitment to the luxury travel experience.

Learn more: Luxury Vietnam Tours • Vietnam Travel Guide

Luxury is not about where you travel, but how you travel. A true luxury experience is in the details, demonstrated in the level of service found in tiny pleasures and big events. Whether glamping in the mountains of Vietnam or witnessing a parade of elephants in Botswana, the attention to detail will make the largest difference by giving you the peace of mind to embrace the things you most enjoy.

For more inspiration on where to travel, you can view our most popular handcrafted luxury tours  and vacations or look for more information on how to enjoy an opulent experience in our luxury travel guide.