12 Most Luxurious Places in the World for Your Bucket List

The most luxurious places in the world transform ordinary travel into extraordinary experiences that redefine the very concept of opulence and exclusivity. The global luxury tourism market now exceeds $1.4 trillion annually, with destinations like the Maldives commanding upwards of $50,000 per night for their most lavish overwater villas.

Imagine waking up in an underwater suite at Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase mesmerizing marine life, or sipping champagne aboard a private helicopter tour over Antarctica’s pristine ice fields.

We consulted travel guides and traveler reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Maps, and evaluated each location based on exclusivity, service excellence and unique amenities.

From Monaco’s legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo to Kyoto’s centuries-old ryokans offering $1,000 kaiseki dinners, these are 12 of the most luxurious destinations.

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Dubai 1/5

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Dubai

1 7

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4 4

Monaco

2 6

Bora Bora

4 4

Maldives

3 5

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Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most luxurious places in the world to add to your bucket list. A bit hit with honeymooners and A-listers, this tropical island paradise is renowned for its luxury resorts, turquoise waters, and hot weather. Imagine relaxing in your 5-star overwater bungalow, sipping cocktails, and looking out to the horizon.

When not relaxing, swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel with exotic fish, and participate in activities like boat rides and jet skiing. If you stay at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa-Deluxe All Inclusive, you can stay in an overwater villa with direct access to the sea, a private pool, and a hot tub.

This stunning 5-star hotel is in the Raa Atoll, where bioluminescent plankton can be found.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island in French Polynesia. Like the Maldives, this breathtaking tourist destination is famed for its stunning white sand beaches, 5-star resorts, and turquoise waters. In the summer, you can expect daily highs of 86°F (30°C), so don’t forget your sunscreen.

In Bora Bora, you’ll likely spend most of your time sunbathing at your overwater villa, walking along soft sand beaches like Matira Beach, and eating world-class cuisine. You can also participate in exciting activities, including snorkeling and hiking. The 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) Mount Pahia hiking trail offers magnificent landscape views.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui, with overwater villas and a hilltop spa, is one of the most luxurious resorts on the island.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As far as luxurious cities go, they don’t get much bigger or better than Dubai. Only 100 years ago, Dubai was a small city in the Arabian desert that few tourists visited. However, the discovery of oil changed the city’s fortunes forever and transformed Dubai into a modern metropolis.

Today, Dubai is the Middle East’s premier tourist destination with luxury shopping, ultramodern 5-star hotels, and world-class experiences. It’s hardly surprising that the likes of David Beckham and Brad Pitt own property in the city.

The most luxurious sight in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at an incredible 2,716.5 feet (828 meters). Raffles the Palm offers 5-star accommodation with a private beach, swimming pool, and spa.

Monaco

Monaco might be the second-smallest country in Europe, behind Vatican City, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the world’s most luxurious places. It has a considerable reputation for glitz and glamor. One look at the Monte Carlo Casino and you’ll see what we mean.

This elegant casino is known for its opulent Belle Époque architecture, high-stakes games, and glamorous atmosphere. Like the rest of Monaco, it’s often considered a playground for the rich and famous. Another fine example is the super yacht-filled Port Hercule, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

You’ll also discover upscale restaurants like Le Grill and high-end boutiques like Bottega Veneta and Giorgio Armani. At Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, enjoy a Michelin-starred restaurant, royal-esque bedrooms, and a luxury spa.

Antarctica

One of the world’s most unique, luxurious places to add to your bucket list is Antarctica, the southernmost continent and the home of the South Pole. Traveling to this remote destination might not sound luxurious, but a trip to Antarctica is about as exclusive as it gets.

For starters, trips to this icy realm can cost upwards of $16,400 per person. Furthermore, reaching Antarctica by ship from South America takes multiple days.

This Highlights of Antarctica expedition is an 11-night adventure that explores Antarctica on the MS Fridtjof Nansen. If you book a room with a balcony, you can enjoy panoramic views as you sail around glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled as you might spot whales, orcas, and penguins.

Kenya

Kenya is one of the world’s most luxurious places to spot wildlife. Home to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, travelers can spot lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, and much more. While exploring the Masai Mara on a reasonable budget is possible, the reserve is home to some of the world’s most luxurious safari lodges.

Take Angama Mara, for example. This stunning resort sits 1,000 feet (305 meters) in the air, overlooking the Masai Mara. The lodge offers spectacular views, fitness rooms, swimming pools, and a photography studio. Meanwhile, the luxury tent-style suites have bathtubs overlooking the Masai Mara.

As for activities, you’re spoilt for choice. Angama Mara offers game drives, guided walking tours, hot air balloon tours, and arts and crafts workshops.

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New York, United States

Most Luxurious Cities in the US_New York City, New York — © MDV Edwards / Shutterstock

New York is one of the most luxurious cities in the world for your bucket list. The Big Apple offers big spenders world-class 5-star hotels, multi-million dollar apartments, high-end shopping centers, and iconic tourist attractions. Luxurious neighborhoods like Hudson Yards impress travelers with modern architecture, upscale dining, and spectacular viewpoints.

The Edge, a 100-storey-high observation platform, offers magnificent city views. Meanwhile, The Peak, offering scenic city views and contemporary American cuisine, is an addition to the Michelin Guide. Of course, you also don’t want to miss New York’s famous attractions, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.

If you stay at the Mandarin Oriental, you can enjoy the 5-star treatment and impressive Central Park views.

Paris, France

Paris, France’s bustling capital, is one of Europe’s most luxurious cities. This romantic tourist destination is famed for offering travelers luxury shopping experiences, elegant tourist attractions, world-class cuisine, and iconic sights.

From boutique designers along the Champs-Élysées and quaint patisseries to art galleries with expensive masterpieces and 5-star hotels, Paris has it all.

When you’re not shopping in Louis Vuitton, enjoy the Eiffel Tower’s scenic views and admire the Mona Lisa’s beauty. In the evening, watch the sunset from Jardins du Trocadéro or tuck into a Michelin-starred meal at Le Jules Verne, inside the Eiffel Tower.

For accommodation, check into the Hotel Parister Piscine & Spa. This 5-star hotel has luxurious bedrooms, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a spa.

Kyoto, Japan

Famous Landmarks in Japan Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto — © FrentaN / Shutterstock

In Kyoto, luxury travelers can enjoy a blend of traditional Japanese culture, high-end accommodations, unique experiences, and exquisite cuisine. You can explore centuries-old temples like Kiyomizu-dera, surrounded by cherry blossoms, relax in Kurama Onsen, and eat Japanese seafood at Fudo.

Other must-see attractions in Kyoto include Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijō Castle, and Kinkaku-ji. Regarding accommodation, you can’t go wrong with the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.

This stunning hotel combines modern luxury with Japanese tradition. It features a swimming pool and fitness center and is surrounded by a Japanese garden with cherry blossoms.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the most luxurious cities in Asia. Not too long ago, this small island nation and city-state in Southeast Asia was a sleepy fishing island. However, it became one of the world’s most dazzling tourist destinations.

This ultra-modern city’s class, sophistication, and beauty are beautifully displayed at Gardens by the Bay. This 259-acre (105-hectare) waterfront area is home to attractions, including the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. However, the main attraction is Supertree Grove, an otherworldly site with 18 164-foot (50-meter) towers and an observation deck.

Also found at Gardens by the Bay is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels: Marina Bay Sands. This 5-star hotel is known for its SkyPark with an infinity pool, casino, luxury shops, and elegant bedrooms.

Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos are perfect for a warm-weather getaway or once-in-a-lifetime luxury vacation. They are an archipelago of 40 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Like much of the Caribbean, the islands are well known for their tropical beaches, 5-star resorts, and barrier reefs teeming with marine life.

Relaxing on white sand beaches like Grace Bay Beach will be a top priority, alongside snorkeling at Leeward Cut Reef or riding jet skis with Mako Watersports.

You’ll also find many luxury resorts in Turks and Caicos, including the beachfront Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos. This 5-star resort features pools, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants.

Seychelles

In the Seychelles, an archipelago of islands in East Africa, travelers can enjoy breathtaking white sand beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife-packed nature reserves.

Mahé, the country’s largest island, is home to beautiful beaches like Grand Anse, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Royale. All three beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Meanwhile, Anse Source D’Argent is a popular place to go kayaking with unique granite rock formations.

You can kick back in a 5-star resort when you’re not exploring the islands. L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa is one of the best 5-star hotels in the Seychelles, with ocean-view rooms, spa facilities, a fitness center, a sun terrace, and a restaurant.