5 Ideas For The Ultimate Luxury Travel Experience

Tired of the same old destinations and tasteless hotel rooms? Why not trying something different this year? From safaris in Africa to urban luxury in Bangkok and glamorous parties on the Mediterranean shores, the summer has something for everyone, so why waiting?

1. Experience Florence Like A Royalty

Few cities in the world are as charming and pleasing to the eye as Florence, the cradle of Renaissance and capital of gorgeous Tuscany. Filled with priceless art treasures, history and sights that spark your imagination, Italy’s open-air museum makes for a delightful experience.

Don’t make plans, just stroll the streets of Florence, take in the awe-inspiring architecture and soak up the vibe. Each path you’ll take will lead you to a world-class art gallery, a richly decorated church, or a lively piazza where you can grab a gelato or stop for an espresso at a sidewalk café in the shade of an Italian palazzo. That’s Florence, a monumental city where you don’t have to visit the Duomo, the Ufizzi Gallery, or the grandiose Palazzo Vecchio, to fall in love with its beauty, elegance, and artistic flair. You’re in one of the world’s most spectacular cities, a place where walking among pieces of art, dining al fresco, and sleeping in a palazzo that belonged to a noble family are part of everyday life.

Stay: Conveniently located in Florence’s Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo welcomes you in a sophisticated atmosphere with 18th century frescoes, fine antiques and characterful suites.

2. Rent Your Own Island

If booking a private-island vacation is not the ultimate getaway, then I don’t know what could be. And don’t say you haven’t dreamed about it at least once in your lifetime. If your budget is on the high end, we have great news. You can now rent an island all for yourself, explore its wilderness, relax in luxury, enchanting decors and do whatever crosses your mind without worrying about who else might hear or see.

Private-island vacations are available all over the world from the exquisite Maldives and the amazing New Zealand to the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. So, whether you opt for an opulent resort with 5-star facilities, a secluded getaway where you can indulge in privacy and barefoot luxury or a more rustic version of it, chances are you'll have the time of your life.

Stay: Blending luxury with nature, the exclusive Tagomago Island off the coast of Ibiza is an ideal destination to combine pure seclusion and relaxation with the magic and energy of the Island That Never Sleeps.

3. Get A Taste Of Urban Luxury In Bangkok

Sparkling and stylish, yet spiritual and lovable, Bangkok is a fantastic fusion of sights, sounds and flavors. From sacred temples to bustling mega malls and from high-rise buildings to alluring floating markets, everything in Thailand’s capital seems alive and vibrant. Home to an amazing culture, the finest street food on the planet and some of the most sophisticated designer hotels, it’s no wonder it tops the list of the world’s 10 most visited cities.

Probably the best thing about Bangkok is that your experience here can be as easygoing or as luxurious as you want it to be. For the latter, however, pamper yourself in the city’s fabulous spas, sip classy cocktails in the spectacular rooftop bars, tour the dazzling temples and palaces (Grand Palace is a must), and go to Siam Paragon for some high-end shopping.

Stay: Enrich your luxury break with a 5-star stay in one of the city’s iconic hotels - the recently opened W Bangkok.

4. Go Wild In Africa

Get the experience of a lifetime with an African safari! From mesmerizing Tanzania to incredibly varied South Africa, this extraordinary continent boasts a myriad of vibrant cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, dramatic wildlife, as well as safari parks and reserves, making for a fabulous escape. Some of the most inspiring destinations include Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, the exquisite Kruger Park and private reserve of South Africa, Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya and Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Famed especially for its boat safaris, this fantastic area is dotted with a variety of unique landscapes and luxury safari lodges.

Stay: Located on the edge of Kruger National Park in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is an ideal choice for a stylish safari experience.

5. Party It Up In Style In Barcelona

With its stunning parade of Modernista architecture, exquisite cuisine and laid-back Mediterranean charm, it’s no wonder Barcelona is one of Europe’s most delightful cities and so is its lively and varied party scene. From peculiar fiestas and beach summer parties to classy jazz lounges and big name clubs with glamorous interiors and world-famous DJs, there’s absolutely nothing you can’t find in the marvelous Catalan capital, where daytime parties are as vibrant as the nighttime offerings.

Barceloneta and the stylish Port Olympic strip play host to a number of extravagant beach clubs where you can indulge in glamorous decors, chill out tunes and ice cold champagne. Some of the hippest include the legendary Carpe Diem Lounge Bar and the Ibiza-style Mac Arena Mar. For some serious night time action, however, head to Catwalk, Shoko, Opium Mar or Sutton.

Stay: There’s no better place to relax and rest your feet after all that dancing than one of the astonishing designer rooms of Barcelona’s Hotel Arts. Not to mention, you’ll have the opportunity to try the only urban spa operated by Six Senses.