Luxury Destinations You Might Not Have Thought Of
5 Secret Luxury Escapes You Haven’t Thought Of (Yet)
We all know the heavy hitters of luxury travel. The Maldives is stunning, Paris is chic, and the Amalfi Coast is… well, very busy. But sometimes, true luxury isn’t just about five-star service; it’s about discovery. It’s about going somewhere your neighbours haven’t been, finding space to breathe, and experiencing that rare feeling of having a world-class destination all to yourself.
1. Oman: The Authentic Arabian Night
Forget the skyscrapers and bustle of Dubai. Oman is the sophisticated, serene sibling that quietly steals the show. It offers a raw, dramatic beauty that feels ancient and untouched, yet it houses some of the most opulent retreats in the Middle East.
Why it’s pure luxury: Imagine arriving at your resort not by taxi, but by paragliding off a mountain down to a private bay. Or perhaps you’d prefer a private luxury camp deep in the Wahiba Sands, where you can dine on gourmet cuisine under a blanket of stars so bright they look fake. Oman masters the art of "silent luxury"—think private wadis (canyons) with crystal clear pools, world-class spas that smell of frankincense, and empty golden beaches that stretch for miles. It’s adventuresome, but you end the day in 1,000-thread-count sheets.
Best time to travel: October to April creates the perfect climate—warm sunny days and cooler evenings, ideal for desert adventures.
2. Bhutan: The Kingdom of Quiet
Bhutan isn’t just a country; it’s a reset button for your soul. Famous for prioritising "Gross National Happiness," this Himalayan kingdom limits tourism, meaning you never have to fight for a view.
Why it’s pure luxury: This is spiritual luxury. The hotels here are intimate lodges nestled in pine forests, offering sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. Your days are spent hiking up to cliffside monasteries like the Tiger’s Nest, but the real magic happens afterwards. We’re talking traditional hot stone baths prepared privately for you in a farmhouse, private archery lessons (the national sport), and guided meditations with monks. It’s the perfect antidote to a high-stress life—exclusive, peaceful, and profoundly moving.
Best time to travel: March to May for the rhododendrons in bloom, or September to November for crystal clear mountain views.
3. Rwanda: The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter
If you think a safari means "roughing it," Rwanda will happily prove you wrong. This is one of the safest, cleanest, and most stunningly green countries in Africa, and it has rapidly become a hotspot for high-end eco-tourism.
Why it’s pure luxury: The headline act is, of course, the mountain gorillas. Sitting a few metres away from a silverback is a life-changing experience that money can’t buy—but the logistics are where the luxury comes in. You can stay in lodges that rival the best hotels in London or New York, perched right on the edge of ancient volcanoes. After a morning trek, you return to a personal butler, a deep soak in your private plunge pool overlooking the mist-covered forest, and a massage to sort out those hiking muscles. It is wild, yes, but incredibly refined.
Best time to travel: The dry seasons are best for trekking—mid-December to early February, or June to September.
4. Montenegro: The New Riviera
Move over, Nice and Cannes. Montenegro is quickly becoming the playground for those who love the Adriatic Sea but want to avoid the crushing summer crowds of Croatia or France. It has all the Venetian architecture and fjord-like beauty, but with a fresh, exclusive energy.
Why it’s pure luxury: Picture the drama of Norwegian fjords combined with the warmth of the Mediterranean. The Bay of Kotor is stunningly beautiful, lined with medieval stone towns and palatial hotels that have opened in recent years. You can charter a private vintage yacht to explore the "Blue Cave," enjoy a private dinner on a tiny island church, or simply sip local wine on a terrace overlooking the superyachts in Porto Montenegro. It feels classic, glamorous, and wonderfully unhurried.
Best time to travel: May and June, or September and October. You get the glorious sunshine without the peak summer heat (or the cruise ships).
5. Slovenia: The Fairytale Hideaway
Slovenia is often overlooked in favour of its neighbours, Italy and Austria, but that is exactly why it’s such a gem. It is a country of emerald rivers, towering alps, and castles that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a storybook.
Why it’s pure luxury: Slovenia has mastered "glamping" and boutique eco-luxury like nowhere else. You can stay in a luxury treehouse with a private jacuzzi, or a converted castle on a river island. The food scene is exploding too, with incredible farm-to-table dining experiences and world-class wines that you can taste in private, centuries-old cellars. A private boat ride to the island church on Lake Bled at sunset, with no one else around, is one of the most romantic things you will ever do.
Best time to travel: May to September brings the best weather for enjoying the lush outdoors and dining al fresco.
