At some point in your travel life, a standard break just won’t do: you require something richer, more extraordinary, more thrilling; something like a 5-star holiday.
Luxury travel no longer belongs solely to those with unlimited budgets; with careful planning, 5-star experiences can become possible at a fraction of the cost.
1. Honolulu
Honolulu serves as both capital and gateway city to the Hawaiian Islands, making Waikiki beach its most iconic landmark. Other notable features include Iolani Palace – the only official state residence of a monarch in America; Hawaii Museum of Art (HiSAM), with three galleries and sculpture garden; Shangri-La (home of Doris Duke’s heiress Doris Duke), with its collection of Islamic art; Iolani Palace is another highlight.
Visitors looking for a luxurious travel experience tend to seek out 5-star hotels that provide spacious rooms and suites outfitted with top-of-the-line furnishings, as well as fine dining experiences in restaurants that showcase local ingredients and cuisines.
Honolulu offers guests an inviting subtropical climate, providing numerous ways for guests to unwind, including swimming in both ocean and pool waters, engaging in outdoor activities like walking, running, cycling and yoga as well as golfing at exclusive courses with stunning ocean views.
Downtown and Chinatown neighborhoods of Honolulu offer an abundance of shopping and dining opportunities, while Ala Moana Center stands as one of the world’s largest open-air malls and is an attractive shopping venue.
Honolulu is also home to performing arts venues like a symphony orchestra and theatre. Visitors can learn more about Hawaii at the Hawaiian Historical Society or discover art at the Hawaii Museum of Art.
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2. Lana’i
Lana’i is Maui’s neighboring island and an idyllic, low-key paradise, perfect for unplugging and unwinding with stunning natural beauty and luxurious amenities. Thanks to its small population and isolation, this destination provides ample opportunity for unplug and relax amidst breathtaking natural splendor and luxurious facilities like golfing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and water sports activities – including resorts offering great snorkling adventures and whale watching excursions!
Lana’i Island lies close to Maui and was home to Dole pineapple plantations until its operations ceased in the 1980s, becoming known as “Pineapple Island.” After Dole closed their operations, Lana’i transitioned into tourism mode; currently owned privately by Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison it hosts two luxurious hotels and various cultural sites from ancient Hawaiian culture as well as cliffside golf courses.
Visitors to Lana’i can either fly directly there, or arrive via passenger ferry from Lahaina on Maui several times daily, taking about an hour and often serving as whale-watching tours in winter months. For an even deeper experience, visitors can rent a 4×4 Jeep at one of Lana’i’s resorts or town to explore this idyllic island on their own.
The Four Seasons Hotel and Resort on Lana’i Island has long been a favorite among visitors, having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation in 2016. One of its key draws is Spa at Sensei, offering one of the highest levels of wellness worldwide. Diners may also take advantage of Views by Jack Nicklaus or Nobu Sensei which both feature world-renowned menu items – no other Nobu location offers such unique dishes – located outside the hotel in Lana’i City.
3. Lima
Lima, Peru’s capital city and gateway to Machu Picchu is more than just an introduction. Boasting an eclectic blend of old and new architecture, its dynamic mix of world-class restaurants, luxurious shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife make Lima an unforgettable city experience for visitors. Additionally, historic districts boast top museums.
Lima’s skyline is punctuated with majestic churches. A popular tourist circuit features Lima Cathedral and Monastery of San Francisco – two stunning examples of neoclassicism known for their underground catacombs – while another highlight church must-see is Templo Corazon de Maria which stands 70 meters high dedicated to Mary.
Caral-Supe, an archeological site dating back 3,000 years ago, displays the sophisticated social organization and architecture characteristic of early inhabitants in this South American nation. You can admire remnants from palaces and temples like Inca Templo del sol here as well as social systems dating back centuries before this date.
Lima offers some of the world’s finest cuisine. Traditional Peruvian dishes are served at top restaurants while innovative fusion cuisine fuses Peruvian ingredients with international culinary techniques for an exquisite dining experience.
Lima, Peru’s capital city, boasts several neighborhoods worth exploring, such as Barranco in its modernity and Lima’s historical heart – each offering hotels to meet any taste or budget. If you want to avoid crowds, plan to visit during weekdays.
4. Cusco
Cusco was once the imperial capital of one of the world’s largest and most advanced empires, earning it recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today it remains an irreplaceable historical treasure where Inca and colonial architecture co-exist harmoniously.
Cusco’s heart lies at its central Plaza de Armas, and many of the city’s top attractions can be reached on foot from here. Comprised of whitewashed adobe buildings with red-tile roofs, its main square hosts numerous churches and museums while nearby lies Incan ruins Sacsayhuaman, Qoricancha and former Templo Mayor can all be found nearby.
Plaza San Blas offers a peaceful respite from city life, featuring artisan workshops and a church with cobalt blue balconies. Here, visitors can browse and shop for local art, religious sculptures and woodwork products.
If you want to gain more insight into Inca spiritual practices and beliefs, visit the planetarium in the historic center and gain knowledge about their constellations and the southern night sky. After sunset, take a 30-minute drive up to Tambomachay ruins for an eye-popping display of Inca stonework that takes your breath away as well as spectacular city views from high on a hillside.
Cusco’s high elevation can present travelers with unique challenges, so it is wise to plan their visit well in advance. Depending on your health, it may be necessary to adjust to the altitude before undertaking hikes or touring the city; otherwise altitude sickness could strike even fit travelers; bring plenty of water, enjoy hearty meals, and make sure your stay takes a more leisurely pace than planned.
5. India
No list of 5-star travel destinations would be complete without including Maldives. With its luxurious overwater bungalows and ocean view dining experiences, gourmet dining with sunset views, world-class spa services at luxurious resorts and thrilling adventures like snorkelling or kayaking among vibrant marine life – there’s so much to see and do here. Nepal also provides an enticing luxury retreat offering high-end hotels and restaurants, exclusive jungle safaris and golfing at premium courses with panoramic Himalayan vistas.