Luxury Holidays

The currency you’ll need depends on your chosen luxury holiday destination. Many popular European destinations, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece, use the euro (€).

Other luxury holiday destinations use their own currencies, including:

• 
  Maldives: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)

• Mauritius: Mauritian rupee (MUR)

• Seychelles: Seychellois rupee (SCR)

• United Arab Emirates: UAE dirham (AED)

• Thailand: Thai baht (THB)

• United States: US dollar (USD)

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted at luxury hotels, resorts and restaurants. However, it can be useful to carry some local cash for tips, smaller purchases and local markets. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before travelling, and find out whether your hotel accepts card payments for all services.

Luxury holidays are all about enjoying exceptional experiences, beautiful surroundings and the freedom to spend your time exactly as you wish. Whether you’re dreaming of a private beachfront villa, a five-star city hotel or a secluded island retreat, there are options to suit a variety of travel styles.

Spend your days relaxing beside an infinity pool, unwinding with a spa treatment or enjoying a private stretch of beach. Many luxury resorts offer gourmet dining, personalised service, spacious suites and exclusive experiences designed to make your stay extra special.

For those who enjoy exploring, you could arrange a private guided tour, take a sunset cruise, discover local culture or enjoy a wine-tasting experience. Active travellers may prefer championship golf courses, diving excursions, sailing trips or guided hikes through spectacular landscapes.

Luxury holidays can also be tailored to special occasions. Honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays and family celebrations can be made memorable with romantic dinners, private transfers, room upgrades or bespoke excursions, subject to availability and any additional charges.

The best time to enjoy a luxury holiday depends on your destination, preferred climate and the experiences you want to include. Some destinations are ideal for winter sunshine, while others are best enjoyed during the summer or their drier seasons.

• 
  Spring (March to May): A lovely time for Mediterranean escapes, city breaks and exploring destinations before the busiest summer months. Mauritius and parts of Southeast Asia may also appeal, depending on local weather patterns.

• 
  Summer (June to August): Ideal for luxury European beach resorts, private villas, island-hopping and Mediterranean sailing holidays. Popular destinations can be busier, so booking ahead is advisable.

• 
  Autumn (September to November): A good option for quieter European escapes and selected Indian Ocean destinations. Weather varies considerably, so check the seasonal conditions for your chosen location.

• 
  Winter (December to February): Perfect for escaping colder weather with a luxury beach holiday in destinations such as the Maldives, the Caribbean, Dubai or Thailand, depending on the season and region.

For a luxury holiday in the Maldives, the period from roughly November to April is often popular for its generally drier conditions. Mauritius and the Seychelles have different seasonal weather patterns, so it’s worth checking the best time to visit the particular island or coast you’re considering.

If you’re travelling during Christmas, New Year or school holidays, booking early can give you a better choice of rooms, villas and flight options.

Maldives

The Maldives is an exceptional choice for a secluded luxury escape, with white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and private island resorts. Choose from overwater villas, beachfront accommodation, spa experiences and dining overlooking the ocean. Snorkelling, scuba diving and sunset cruises are popular activities, making it particularly appealing to couples and honeymooners.

Mauritius

Mauritius combines beautiful beaches with lush landscapes, excellent hospitality and a rich mix of cultures. Luxury resorts often feature spacious suites, swimming pools, spa facilities and a choice of restaurants. Beyond the beach, you can explore botanical gardens, take boat trips, visit local markets or discover the island’s waterfalls and mountainous scenery.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is known for its striking beaches, granite rock formations and tropical scenery. It’s ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat, island-hopping experiences and opportunities to discover nature. Enjoy secluded coves, private boat trips, snorkelling and elegant boutique resorts set among beautiful landscapes.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai offers a glamorous blend of luxury hotels, fine dining, shopping and impressive modern attractions. Stay in a beachfront resort, enjoy a rooftop restaurant or arrange a desert excursion. With its combination of city experiences, beaches and high-end hospitality, Dubai is suitable for couples, families and travellers looking for a sophisticated escape.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a popular destination for romantic luxury breaks, with whitewashed buildings, dramatic volcanic scenery and beautiful sunsets. Stay in a boutique hotel with a private terrace or infinity pool, explore the island’s villages and vineyards, and enjoy leisurely meals overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Barbados, Caribbean

Barbados is an excellent choice for a luxury Caribbean holiday, offering beautiful beaches, warm hospitality and a relaxed island atmosphere. Enjoy beachfront accommodation, catamaran cruises, watersports and excellent dining, or explore the island’s cultural attractions and lively local scene.

Thailand

Thailand offers a variety of luxury experiences, from stylish city hotels in Bangkok to peaceful beachfront resorts in Phuket and Koh Samui. Discover Thai cuisine, arrange private island excursions, visit temples or enjoy spa treatments. It’s a great option for travellers who want to combine relaxation with culture and adventure.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali combines luxury villas and tropical scenery with a distinctive cultural atmosphere. Choose a private pool villa in Ubud, a beachfront resort or a stylish hotel near the island’s restaurants and beaches. Explore temples, rice terraces and local markets, or enjoy yoga, wellness retreats and personalised excursions.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is ideal for a sophisticated European escape, with colourful coastal villages, dramatic sea views and excellent Italian cuisine. Stay in a boutique hotel or luxury resort, explore Positano and Ravello, arrange a private boat trip or enjoy leisurely lunches overlooking the Mediterranean.

South Africa

South Africa offers a different style of luxury holiday, combining elegant city hotels, scenic wine regions, coastal retreats and exclusive safari lodges. You could explore Cape Town, enjoy wine tasting in the Winelands or experience wildlife viewing in a private reserve. It’s particularly appealing to travellers seeking a holiday with a mix of adventure and indulgence.