Some places just have it. That indefinable magic that keeps us coming back, year after year. While trendy hotspots might capture the spotlight for a season, there are destinations that never leave the stage—they’re the best of the best in luxury travel.
At Pursuitist, we’ve wandered the world’s finest cities, dipped our toes into private lagoons, and sipped champagne on sun-drenched terraces. And through it all, we’ve noticed something: a handful of destinations always rise above the rest. They’re not just glamorous; they’re timeless.
Here are our Top 10 Best Luxury Travel Destinations That Never Go Out of Style—and, of course, a peek at what Pursuitist loves most about each one.
1. Paris, France – The Eternal City of Luxury
Paris is an endless love affair. The city is alive with artistry, history, and couture, but it’s also about those small, unforgettable moments—standing on a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower at twilight, or savoring a glass of Bordeaux in a tucked-away brasserie.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
A suite at The Ritz Paris, with gilded interiors and unmatched service.
-
Strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries before slipping into the Louvre’s private tours.
-
Avenue Montaigne shopping sprees, where haute couture still reigns supreme.
-
Candlelit dinners at Guy Savoy, where Parisian gastronomy becomes art.
2. Maldives – Private Paradise Islands
Imagine waking up to nothing but the sound of waves brushing against your private deck. The Maldives is serenity personified, a chain of coral atolls where every villa feels like its own kingdom.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
Overwater villas at Soneva Jani, complete with slides into the ocean.
-
Champagne-fueled sunset dolphin cruises.
-
Spa treatments in pavilions suspended over the lagoon.
-
Stargazing beneath retractable villa roofs—because luxury here means blending comfort with nature.
3. New York City, USA – Urban Glamour and Gourmet Dining
New York has a rhythm like no other. It’s where high fashion meets Broadway lights, where history meets reinvention. The city pulses with glamour, yet each visit feels brand new.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
Afternoon tea at The Plaza’s Palm Court—a Manhattan tradition.
-
The indulgence of a suite at The St. Regis, with butler service at your call.
-
Fifth Avenue’s flagship luxury boutiques and private shopping salons.
-
Dinner at Per Se or Eleven Madison Park, where dining feels like theater.
4. Tokyo, Japan – Tradition Meets High-Tech Luxury
Tokyo is a study in contrasts: ancient temples tucked between skyscrapers, quiet gardens just steps from buzzing neon streets. Luxury here is an elegant dance between the past and the future.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
A serene stay at Aman Tokyo, with its minimalist elegance.
-
Dining at an exclusive sushi counter, where chefs prepare omakase just for you.
-
Shopping for avant-garde fashion in Ginza.
-
Escaping into a traditional ryokan with private onsen baths—Tokyo’s secret side of indulgence.
5. Dubai, UAE – Futuristic Opulence
Dubai doesn’t just redefine luxury; it reinvents it daily. It’s where seven-star hotels meet indoor ski slopes, and where desert sands host fine-dining feasts.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
The all-suite Burj Al Arab, still one of the world’s most jaw-dropping hotels.
-
Sunset yacht parties on the Persian Gulf, champagne in hand.
-
Dinner at At.mosphere, perched high in the Burj Khalifa.
-
Luxury desert safaris with gourmet meals beneath a blanket of stars.
6. The Italian Amalfi Coast – Timeless Mediterranean Glamour
The Amalfi Coast is pure cinematic romance—lemon groves, cliffside villas, and winding coastal drives with endless sea views. It’s Italy at its most seductive.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, with infinity pools suspended above the sea.
-
A private boat to Capri, prosecco chilled and ready.
-
Dining on fresh seafood pasta in Positano, waves crashing below.
-
Sipping local limoncello at sunset, the true taste of la Dolce Vita.
7. African Safari (Kenya & Tanzania) – Luxury in the Wild
There’s something primal yet impossibly refined about a luxury safari. You’re immersed in wilderness, yet every detail whispers indulgence.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
Elegant tented suites at Singita Grumeti, complete with plunge pools.
-
Witnessing the Great Migration—one of nature’s most epic spectacles.
-
Champagne sundowners in the Serengeti as elephants wander past.
-
Bespoke private game drives, tailored entirely to you.
8. Bora Bora, French Polynesia – South Pacific Splendor
Bora Bora feels like a dream painted in turquoise and emerald. Its lagoon, protected by a barrier reef, is one of the most dazzling on earth.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
Overwater villas at The St. Regis Bora Bora, complete with butler service.
-
Spa treatments in glass-bottom bungalows where fish swim below.
-
Private catamaran cruises, champagne in hand.
-
Snorkeling with manta rays in crystal-clear waters.
9. St. Moritz, Switzerland – Alpine Luxury and Skiing
Winter glamour doesn’t get chicer than St. Moritz. This alpine town is where après-ski is as glamorous as the slopes themselves.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
The legendary Badrutt’s Palace, where old-world grandeur meets modern indulgence.
-
Horse-drawn carriage rides across frozen lakes.
-
The Snow Polo World Cup, where luxury meets sport.
-
Michelin-starred dining after a day of pristine skiing.
10. Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts), Caribbean – Chic Island Retreat
St. Barts is where Caribbean ease meets French elegance. Discreet, stylish, and sun-soaked, it’s the island for those who want sophistication with their sand.
What Pursuitist Loves:
-
Secluded villas with private chefs, perfect for star-studded escapes.
-
Lunch at Nikki Beach, the island’s see-and-be-seen hub.
-
Exploring Gustavia’s luxury boutiques, blending Parisian chic with island charm.
-
Rosé-filled afternoons on St. Jean Beach.
Conclusion
The world is vast, yet these destinations never fall out of favor. They are the Top 10 Best Luxury Travel Destinations, each with its own timeless charm and Pursuitist-approved indulgences. Whether it’s sipping rosé in St. Barts, gliding into the turquoise waters of Bora Bora, or strolling through Paris in the glow of twilight, these escapes prove that true luxury never goes out of style. They’re not just vacations—they’re experiences that linger long after you’ve returned home, the kind of memories that become chapters in the story of a life well-lived.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Luxury Travel Destinations
1. What is the most luxurious travel destination in the world?
The Maldives often tops the list for sheer exclusivity and natural beauty. With private island resorts, overwater villas, and personal butlers, it’s the ultimate escape for those who want seclusion paired with five-star indulgence.
2. Which luxury destinations are best for honeymoons?
Bora Bora, the Maldives, and St. Barts are perennial favorites. Each offers romance, privacy, and breathtaking backdrops. For couples who prefer cultural immersion, Paris and the Amalfi Coast deliver unforgettable honeymoon moments.
3. Are there luxury destinations that work well for families?
Absolutely. New York City is ideal for multi-generational trips, with Broadway, museums, and family-friendly luxury hotels. The Amalfi Coast and Dubai also offer upscale family villas, private tours, and experiences tailored for children. Safari lodges in Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly family-oriented, with junior ranger programs and child-friendly guides.
4. What’s the best time to visit these luxury destinations?
-
Paris & New York: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
-
Maldives & Bora Bora: November to April for sunny skies.
-
Amalfi Coast: May to September for coastal charm.
-
Safari (Kenya & Tanzania): July to October for the Great Migration.
-
St. Moritz: December to March for peak ski season.
-
Dubai & St. Barts: Year-round, though winter months are particularly ideal.
5. Which luxury destination offers the best shopping?
For haute couture, Paris reigns supreme. For high-end jewelry and designer boutiques, St. Barts and St. Moritz surprise with their curated luxury shops. Tokyo’s Ginza and New York’s Fifth Avenue are also unmatched shopping playgrounds.
6. What makes these destinations timeless instead of trendy?
Timeless destinations combine cultural depth, natural beauty, and consistent excellence in hospitality. They don’t rely on trends—they’ve set the standard for decades (and in some cases, centuries). Whether it’s Parisian elegance, the Amalfi Coast’s cinematic landscapes, or the wild majesty of an African safari, these destinations are woven into the fabric of global luxury travel.
About the Author
Christopher Parr is an award-winning luxury marketing leader, journalist, and the visionary chief content officer of Pursuitist, the leading guide to luxury travel and style. Named one of the Top 10 Luxury Travel Bloggers in the World, Parr has collaborated with the world’s most prestigious brands and has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and USA Today.
Christopher curates the best-of-the-best experiences for discerning travelers who seek more than just a trip—they seek a story worth telling.
Follow his latest adventures on Pursuitist and across social media @Pursuitist.
