Updated May 9, 2019 by Asher & Lyric Fergusson

Affordable luxury vacations are possible

After having several nightmare experiences with Airbnb, my wife and I thought it would be good to know what it costs for a 5-star luxury hotel as a more reliable alternative to vacation rentals.

By doing this research we’d know our options and whether or not we could afford to stay at the best accommodation in any given destination to which we might be going.

We’ve created this resource to help you plan your next vacation and to show that it is possible to find affordable opulence if you go to the right place!

Us on a luxury Paris vacation.

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Our Methodology

To calculate the yearly and high season average price of 5-star hotels in each destination we used TripAdvisor as our primary data source. However, certain hotels and resorts didn’t have prices displayed, so in that case, we went directly to the hotel website.

We selected one weeknight in December, March, June, and September in 2018 and checked prices for the five best “Traveler Ranked” hotels in each destination and then averaged those prices to get the numbers you see in our dataset. By using this approach we were able to get a highly accurate representation of average hotel prices across the globe.

5-star hotel definition used by TripAdvisor – (Click to expand)

“Amenities typically include gourmet dining, luxury spas, and full-service health clubs with lavish locker rooms. Staff members are generally polished, anticipate guest needs, and consistently address guests by name. Features may include upgraded check-in, a welcome amenity, and butler service on all or select floors. Guestroom decor is often elegant and may include coordinated fabrics on drapes, chairs, headboards, and duvets. Electronic features sometimes include bedside controls for drapes, lighting, and surround-sound. Oversized bathrooms are often clad in marble, with premium, custom-built features, dual-sink vanities, enclosed toilets, premium spa-brand toiletries, and fresh flowers or live plants. Five-star resorts typically offer signature golf courses, tennis centers with choice of playing surfaces, health clubs with personal trainers, luxurious spas, cultural activities, and children’s day camps. In Asia, both hotels and resorts often feature some of these amenities.”

We had to expand the area of several destinations in order to have enough hotels in our dataset. These were mainly islands and small countries regions for example: Bali and Costa Rica. All research for each season was performed at least three months in advance to avoid prices being inflated due to last minute bookings. We ended up with 234 destinations around the world that you can browse in the below table.

 

Use our interactive tool
to find your next 5-star vacation

Instructions: Simply click on the column titles to sort by that filter. For example, click on the “Price” title and the list will show the prices low to high. Click the same title again and it will show it high to low. Then try clicking “Beach,” and it will show places without a beach. If you click it again it will only show beach destinations. If you’re going to Europe, use the search box for the keyword “Europe,” and then you will only see European destinations which you can then filter further by price and destination type, etc.

Key Definitions

• Beach: Has gorgeous, swimmable beaches.
• City: Has over 100,000 population in the city proper.
• Ski: Has a ski mountain nearby 5-star hotels.
• Foodie: Has at least 10 Michelin rated restaurants.
• Wine: Has amazing wineries and wine tasting tours.

Please note: If you’re on a mobile device you can scroll horizontally to see all the data.

Rio De Janeiro, an example of a city/beach/foodie destination.

Destination	Country	Continent	Price	Beach	City	Ski	Foodie	Wine
Gstaad	Switzerland	Europe	$2396	–	–	✔	✔	–
St. Moritz	Switzerland	Europe	$2107	–	–	✔	✔	–
Aspen, CO	United States	N. America	$2021	–	–	✔	–	–
Cayman Islands	United Kingdom	N. America	$1767	✔	–	–	–	–
St. Barts	St. Barts	N. America	$1714	✔	–	–	–	–
Sicily	Italy	Europe	$1398	✔	✔	–	–	–
Amalfi Coast	Italy	Europe	$1381	✔	–	–	✔	–
Lech	Austria	Europe	$1374	–	–	✔	✔	–
Sardinia	Italy	Europe	$1364	✔	–	–	–	–
Bora Bora	French Polynesia	Oceania	$1364	✔	–	–	–	–
Park City, UT	USA	N. America	$1356	–	–	✔	–	–
Napa Valley, CA	USA	N. America	$1355	–	–	–	✔	✔
Niseko	Japan	Asia	$1310	–	–	✔	–	–
Turks and Caicos	UK	N. America	$1248	✔	–	–	–	–
Tokyo	Japan	Asia	$1238	–	✔	–	–	–
Courchevel	France	Europe	$1229	–	–	✔	✔	–
Tuscany	Italy	Europe	$1200	✔	–	–	✔	✔
Jackson Hole, WY	USA	N. America	$1193	–	–	✔	–	–
Antigua	Antigua	N. America	$1139	✔	–	–	–	–
New York City	USA	N. America	$1118	–	✔	–	✔	–
Maui	Hawaii	N. America	$1086	✔	–	–	–	–
Venice	Italy	Europe	$1072	–	✔	–	✔	–
Fiji	Fiji	Oceania	$1043	✔	–	–	–	–
Milan	Italy	Europe	$1031	–	✔	–	✔	–
Santorini	Greece	Europe	$1029	✔	–	–	–	✔
Playa Del Carmen	Mexico	N. America	$1017	✔	✔	–	–	–
Beaver Creek, CO	USA	N. America	$999	–	–	✔	–	–
Bahamas	Bahamas	N. America	$998	✔	–	–	–	–
Zermatt	Switzerland	Europe	$979	–	–	✔	✔	–
Paris	France	Europe	$945	–	✔	–	✔	–
Maldives	Maldives	Asia	$936	✔	–	–	–	–
Florence	Italy	Europe	$919	–	✔	–	✔	–
Saint Lucia	Saint Lucia	N. America	$880	✔	–	–	–	–
Cabo	Mexico	N. America	$876	✔	–	–	–	–
Zurs	Austria	Europe	$872	–	–	✔	–	–
Mauritius	Mauritius	Africa	$862	✔	–	–	–	–
Jamaica	Caribbean	N. America	$861	✔	–	–	–	–
Orlando	USA	N. America	$846	–	✔	–	–	–
Monaco	Monaco	Europe	$832	✔	–	–	✔	–
Munich	Germany	Europe	$815	–	✔	–	✔	–
Costa Rica	Costa Rica	N. America	$811	✔	–	–	–	–
Koh Samui	Thailand	Asia	$801	✔	–	–	–	–
Phuket	Thailand	Asia	$793	✔	–	–	–	–
St. Petersburg	Russia	Europe	$791	–	✔	–	–	–
Osaka	Japan	Asia	$779	–	✔	–	–	–
Riviera Maya	Mexico	N. America	$775	✔	–	–	–	–
Vail, CO	USA	N. America	$775	–	–	✔	–	–
Jaipur	India	Asia	$755	–	✔	–	–	–
Ibiza	Ibiza	Europe	$751	✔	–	–	✔	–
Krabi	Thailand	Asia	$750	✔	✔	–	–	–
Queenstown	New Zealand	Oceania	$742	–	–	✔	–	✔
San Francisco, CA	USA	N. America	$740	–	✔	–	✔	✔
Oman	Oman	Asia	$732	✔	✔	–	–	–
Santa Barbara, CA	USA	N. America	$728	✔	–	–	–	✔
Sorrento	Italy	Europe	$727	✔	–	–	✔	–
Udaipur	India	Asia	$713	–	✔	–	–	–
Hong Kong	China	Asia	$711	–	✔	–	✔	–
Verbier	Switzerland	Europe	$711	–	–	✔	✔	–
Punta Cana	Dominican Rep.	N. America	$709	✔	–	–	–	–
Manama	Bahrain	Asia	$708	✔	✔	–	–	–
Rome	Italy	Europe	$708	–	✔	–	✔	–
Whistler	Canada	N. America	$706	–	–	✔	–	–
Barossa Valley	Australia	Oceania	$704	–	–	–	–	✔
Cancún	Mexico	N. America	$699	✔	✔	–	–	–
Otago	New Zealand	Oceania	$691	–	–	–	–	✔
Boston	USA	N. America	$681	–	✔	–	–	–
Cape Town	South Africa	Africa	$679	✔	✔	–	–	–
Los Angeles	USA	N. America	$662	✔	✔	–	–	–
Amsterdam	Netherlands	Europe	$614	–	✔	–	✔	–
Vienna	Austria	Europe	$613	–	✔	–	✔	✔
Megeve	France	Europe	$581	–	–	✔	✔	–
London	United Kingdom	Europe	$578	–	✔	–	✔	–
Wairarapa	New Zealand	Oceania	$577	–	–	–	–	✔
Marlborough	New Zealand	Oceania	$569	–	–	–	–	✔
Franschhoek	South Africa	Africa	$567	–	–	–	–	✔
Cortina d'Ampezzo	Italy	Europe	$557	–	–	✔	✔	–
Dublin	Ireland	Europe	$552	–	✔	–	✔	–
San Diego	USA	N. America	$544	✔	✔	–	–	–
Cannes	France	Europe	$540	✔	–	–	✔	–
Zürich	Switzerland	Europe	$539	–	✔	–	✔	–
Dallas	USA	N. America	$532	–	✔	–	–	–
Miami	USA	N. America	$521	✔	✔	–	–	–
Washington, DC	USA	N. America	$520	–	✔	–	✔	✔
Toronto	Canada	N. America	$519	–	✔	–	–	–
Vancouver	Canada	N. America	$504	–	✔	–	–	–
Palm Springs	USA	N. America	$494	✔	–	–	–	–
Honolulu	USA	N. America	$486	✔	✔	–	–	–
Macau	China	Asia	$485	–	✔	–	–	–
Nice	France	Europe	$472	✔	✔	–	✔	–
Jeddah	Saudi Arabia	Asia	$470	–	✔	–	–	–
Edinburgh	Scotland	Europe	$469	–	✔	–	✔	–
Bordeaux	France	Europe	$466	–	✔	–	✔	✔
Dubrovnik	Croatia	Europe	$461	✔	–	–	✔	–
Barcelona	Spain	Europe	$453	–	✔	–	✔	–
Piedmont	Italy	Europe	$451	–	–	–	✔	✔
Montreal	Canada	N. America	$451	–	✔	–	–	✔
Chicago	USA	N. America	$451	–	✔	–	✔	–
Buenos Aires	Argentina	S. America	$451	–	✔	–	–	–
Mykonos	Greece	Europe	$447	✔	–	–	–	–
Catalonia	Spain	Europe	$433	–	–	–	✔	✔
Canary Islands	Spain	Europe	$432	✔	✔	–	–	–
Chiang Mai	Thailand	Asia	$428	–	✔	–	–	–
Bangkok	Thailand	Asia	$412	–	✔	–	✔	–
Muscat	Oman	Asia	$408	–	✔	–	–	–
Budapest	Hungary	Europe	$408	–	✔	–	✔	–
Athens	Greece	Europe	$404	–	✔	–	✔	–
Willamette Valley, OR	USA	N. America	$397	–	–	–	–	✔
Jerusalem	Israel	Asia	$391	–	✔	–	–	–
Rhone Valley	France	Europe	$391	–	–	–	✔	✔
Oslo	Norway	Europe	$384	–	✔	–	✔	–
Las Vegas	USA	N. America	$380	–	✔	–	–	–
Moscow	Russia	Europe	$374	–	✔	–	–	–
Copenhagen	Denmark	Europe	$373	–	✔	–	✔	–
Colombo	Sri Lanka	Asia	$370	✔	✔	–	–	–
Madrid	Spain	Europe	$370	–	✔	–	✔	–
Antalya	Turkey	Asia	$365	✔	✔	–	–	–
Cyprus	Cyprus	Europe	$365	✔	✔	–	–	–
Douro Valley	Portugal	Europe	$363	–	–	–	✔	✔
Dominican Republic	Dominican Rep.	N. America	$358	✔	–	–	–	–
Prague	Czech Republic	Europe	$357	–	✔	–	✔	–
Atlanta	USA	N. America	$357	–	✔	–	–	–
Mornington Peninsula	Australia	Oceania	$354	✔	–	–	–	✔
Dusseldorf	Germany	Europe	$349	–	✔	–	✔	–
Houston	USA	N. America	$344	–	✔	–	–	–
San Carlos de Bariloche	Argentina	S. America	$339	–	✔	✔	–	–
Malta	Malta	Europe	$337	✔	–	–	–	–
Stockholm	Sweden	Europe	$334	–	✔	–	✔	–
Burgundy	France	Europe	$333	–	✔	–	✔	✔
São Paulo	Brazil	S. America	$332	–	✔	–	✔	–
Agra	India	Asia	$329	–	✔	–	–	–
Alentejo	Portugal	Europe	$327	–	–	–	–	✔
Taipei	Taiwan	Asia	$324	–	✔	–	✔	–
Hunter Valley	Australia	Oceania	$323	–	–	–	–	✔
Lisbon	Portugal	Europe	$322	✔	✔	–	✔	–
Istria	Croatia	Europe	$321	✔	–	–	–	✔
Baqueira Beret	Spain	Europe	$319	–	–	✔	–	–
Tel Aviv	Israel	Asia	$318	✔	✔	–	–	–
Hawke's Bay	New Zealand	Oceania	$311	–	–	–	–	✔
Split	Croatia	Europe	$309	–	✔	–	–	–
Crete	Greece	Europe	$307	✔	–	–	–	–
Riyadh	Saudi Arabia	Asia	$304	–	✔	–	–	–
Mecca	Saudi Arabia	Asia	$300	–	✔	–	–	–
Kigali	Rwanda	Africa	$299	–	✔	–	–	–
Marrakech	Morocco	Africa	$299	–	✔	–	–	–
Melbourne	Australia	Oceania	$299	–	✔	–	–	–
Shanghai	China	Asia	$298	–	✔	–	✔	–
Kuwait City	Kuwait	Asia	$288	–	✔	–	–	–
Berlin	Germany	Europe	$286	–	✔	–	✔	–
Abu Dhabi	UAE	Asia	$284	✔	✔	–	–	–
Istanbul	Turkey	Europe	$278	–	✔	–	–	–
Paarl	South Africa	Africa	$275	–	✔	–	–	✔
Stellenbosch	South Africa	Africa	$275	–	–	–	–	✔
Singapore	Singapore	Asia	$275	–	✔	–	✔	–
Auckland	New Zealand	Oceania	$274	✔	✔	–	–	✔
Sydney	Australia	Oceania	$273	✔	✔	–	–	–
Maipo Valley	Chile	S. America	$269	–	–	–	–	✔
Santiago	Chile	S. America	$269	–	✔	–	–	–
Accra	Ghana	Africa	$267	✔	✔	–	–	–
Hua Hin	Thailand	Asia	$267	–	–	–	–	✔
Andorra la Vella	Andorra	Europe	$264	–	–	–	✔	–
Lima	Peru	S. America	$264	–	✔	–	–	–
Goa	India	Asia	$262	✔	–	–	–	–
Mexico City	Mexico	N. America	$262	–	✔	–	–	–
Loire Valley	France	Europe	$259	–	–	–	✔	✔
Rio de Janeiro	Brazil	S. America	$253	✔	✔	–	✔	–
Bogota	Colombia	S. America	$253	–	✔	–	–	–
Naples	Italy	Europe	$252	✔	–	–	✔	–
Yarra Valley	Australia	Oceania	$252	–	–	–	–	✔
Canterbury	New Zealand	Oceania	$250	–	–	–	✔	✔
Shenzhen	China	Asia	$248	–	✔	–	–	–
Tallinn	Estonia	Europe	$248	–	✔	–	–	–
Nairobi	Kenya	Africa	$244	–	✔	–	–	–
Seoul	South Korea	Asia	$242	–	✔	–	✔	–
Kampala	Uganda	Africa	$239	–	✔	–	–	–
Beirut	Lebanon	Asia	$239	–	✔	–	–	–
Frankfurt	Germany	Europe	$235	–	✔	–	✔	–
Beijing	China	Asia	$234	–	✔	–	–	–
Tehran	Iran	Asia	$233	–	✔	–	–	–
Guangzhou	China	Asia	$231	–	✔	–	–	–
Krakow	Poland	Europe	$231	–	✔	–	✔	–
Quito	Ecuador	S. America	$227	–	✔	–	–	–
Pattaya	Thailand	Asia	$224	✔	✔	–	–	✔
Hyderabad	India	Asia	$223	–	✔	–	–	–
Kiev	Ukraine	Europe	$223	–	✔	–	–	–
Astana	Kazakhstan	Asia	$219	–	✔	–	–	–
Mumbai	India	Asia	$213	–	✔	–	–	–
Kathmandu	Nepal	Asia	$213	–	✔	–	–	–
Ho Chi Minh City	Vietnam	Asia	$211	–	✔	–	–	–
Johannesburg	South Africa	Africa	$207	–	✔	–	–	–
Addis Ababa	Ethiopia	Africa	$206	–	✔	–	–	–
Jakarta	Indonesia	Asia	$202	–	✔	–	–	–
Riga	Latvia	Europe	$202	–	✔	–	–	–
Dakar	Senegal	Africa	$199	✔	✔	–	–	–
Dhaka City	Bangladesh	Asia	$193	–	✔	–	–	–
Dushanbe	Tajikistan	Asia	$193	–	✔	–	–	–
Amman	Jordan	Asia	$192	–	✔	–	–	–
Rhineland Pfalz	Germany	Europe	$192	–	–	–	✔	✔
Hanoi	Vietnam	Asia	$191	–	✔	–	–	–
Vilnius	Lithuania	Europe	$191	–	✔	–	–	–
Baku	Azerbaijan	Asia	$186	–	✔	–	–	–
Kolkata	India	Asia	$186	–	✔	–	–	–
Bishkek	Kyrgyzstan	Asia	$184	–	✔	–	–	–
New Delhi	India	Asia	$184	–	✔	–	–	–
Luxembourg	Luxembourg	Europe	$183	–	✔	–	✔	–
Kuala Lumpur	Malaysia	Asia	$181	–	✔	–	–	–
Bali	Indonesia	Asia	$180	✔	✔	–	–	✔
Harare	Zimbabwe	Africa	$178	–	✔	–	–	–
Warsaw	Poland	Europe	$176	–	✔	–	✔	–
Brussels	Belgium	Europe	$175	–	✔	–	✔	–
Panama	Panama	N. America	$174	✔	✔	–	–	–
Tashkent	Uzbekistan	Asia	$171	–	✔	–	–	–
Bucharest	Romania	Europe	$167	–	✔	–	–	–
Siem Reap	Cambodia	Asia	$166	–	✔	–	–	–
Cairo	Egypt	Africa	$161	–	✔	–	–	–
Brisbane	Australia	Oceania	$158	–	✔	–	–	–
Nelson	New Zealand	Oceania	$157	–	–	–	–	✔
Bangalore	India	Asia	$155	–	✔	–	–	–
Belgrade	Serbia	Europe	$154	–	✔	–	–	–
Chişinău	Moldova	Europe	$151	–	✔	–	–	–
Yerevan	Armenia	Asia	$147	–	✔	–	–	–
Dubai	UAE	Asia	$146	✔	✔	–	–	–
Bratislava	Slovakia	Europe	$146	–	✔	–	–	–
Skopje	Macedonia	Europe	$142	–	✔	–	–	–
Moravia	Czech Rep.	Europe	$140	–	–	–	–	✔
Chennai	India	Asia	$137	–	✔	–	–	–
Zagreb	Croatia	Europe	$135	–	✔	–	✔	–
Doha	Qatar	Asia	$123	–	✔	–	–	–
Manila	Philippines	Asia	$120	–	✔	–	–	–
Pune	India	Asia	$114	–	✔	–	–	–
Sofia	Bulgaria	Europe	$114	–	✔	–	–	–
Minsk	Belarus	Europe	$110	–	✔	–	–	–
Tirana	Albania	Europe	$93	–	✔	–	–	–
Vientiane	Laos	Asia	$89	–	✔	–	–	–
Yantai	China	Asia	$86	–	✔	–	–	✔

 

The most affordable & most expensive destinations for a luxury getaway

Below you will find the 10 most affordable destinations and the 10 most expensive destinations based on high season prices. I have linked them to TripAdvisor so you can check out the hotels (be sure to click the “5 stars” and “Traveler Ranked” filters).

Affordable five-star luxury:

1. Yantai, China = $86
2. Vientiane, Laos = $89
3. Tirana, Albania = $93
4. Minsk, Belarus = $110
5. Pune, India = $114
6. Sofia, Bulgaria = $114
7. Manila, Philippines = $120
8. Doha, Qatar = $123
9. Zagreb, Croatia = $135
10. Chennai, India = $137

Expensive five-star luxury:

1. Gstaad, Switzerland = $2,396
2. St. Moritz, Switzerland = $2,107
3. Aspen, USA = $2,021
4. Cayman Islands = $1,767
5. St. Barts = $1,714
6. Sicily, Italy = $1,398
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy = $1,381
8. Lech, Austria = $1,374
9. Sardinia, Italy = $1,364
10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia = $1,364

 

What a 5-star costs in
North America vs Europe vs Asia

Below you will find a map of North America, Europe, and Asia showing the 5-star hotel pricing for major cities in each region. We excluded South America, Africa, and Oceania because there weren’t enough hotels to fill the maps.

Although the average nightly price in North America is $884, the most common nightly price is between $500 and $750 as shown in the above histogram. As a rule of thumb you will see that generally islands and ski mountains are much more expensive than normal cities.

The real outlier in the USA is New York City which is far more expensive than any other major city. While Las Vegas, Houston and Atlanta offer some of the cheapest luxury accommodations in the USA. If you’re wanting a 5-star Caribbean beach experience on a budget then Cancun is your best bet.

Ojai Valley Inn, CA – a luxury resort we stayed at before our wedding.

Even though the average nightly price in Europe is $716, the most common nightly price is between $250 and $500 as shown in the above histogram. There is an interesting diagonal line that runs from Santorini through Italy and Switzerland to Paris where the luxury hotels are commanding much higher prices than almost anywhere else in Europe. This no doubt stems from their huge popularity among foreign tourists who clearly have money to burn.

The outliers that really caught our eye were Brussels and Berlin – two very fun cities with surprisingly affordable fancy accommodation. When you compare the Europe histogram to the North America histogram it is clear that overall the prices in Europe are significantly cheaper than North America.

Maison Albar, Paris – the 5-star hotel we went to when Airbnb failed us.

Note: If you’re looking for more budget accommodation in Paris I recommend this resource:
15 best hostels in Paris ➜

Although the average nightly price in Asia is $416, the vast majority of nightly prices are under $250 as shown above. It is very clear that Asia is the place to go for a true luxury experience while maintaining a healthy budget that shouldn’t max out your credit cards. We have personally loved staying in over eight different 5-star hotels across India (including on our 2015 honeymoon).

Japan and the Maldives are clear outliers with some astronomical prices in comparison to the rest of Asia. When you compare the Asia histogram to Europe and North America, it is obviously the most affordable luxury destination in the world. So if you’re craving some serious pampering, why not consider Asia where you’ll be able to afford to stay longer and experience the cultural delights and exquisite gastronomy to boot!

Leela Palace, Chennai – one of the luxury hotels we stayed at on our honeymoon in India.

 
Fun Fact! In addition to researching hotels we love writing about what to pack for a vacation to destinations around the world. Here are around forty of our most popular packing lists (shown alphabetically):

Africa | Amsterdam | Australia | Bali | Barcelona | Beach | Belize | Cambodia | Cancun | China | Costa Rica | Cozumel | Croatia | Cruise | Disney | Europe | Germany | Greece | Hawaii | Iceland | India | International | Ireland | Italy | Japan | Kauai | Kenya | London | Machu Picchu | Maui | Mexico | Morocco | Nepal | New Zealand | Paris | Patagonia | Peru | Philippines | Portugal | Puerto Rico | Scotland | SE Asia | Spain | Tanzania | Thailand | Vietnam |

7 Insanely expensive hotel suites only the uber rich could afford

The Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco

At almost all the hotels we looked at there is usually a penthouse suite available (sometimes only if you ask) that is far more expensive than any other room and these rooms are typically reserved for millionaires or billionaires who have bottomless pockets.

Here are some of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world:

1. $100,000 per night – The Sky Villa at the Palms Hotel, Las Vegas
2. $80,000 per night – Royal Penthouse Suite at Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland
3. $75,000 per night – Mark Penthouse Suite, The Mark Hotel, New York City
4. $53,000 per night –The Penthouse Suite, Hôtel Martinez, Cannes, France
5. $50,000 per night – Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons, New York City
6. $45,000 per night – The Hilltop Villa, Laucala Island, Fiji
7. $43,000 per night – The Grand Riad, The Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco

Source: HighSnobiety.com
 

Asher & Lyric’s bucket list hotels

After reviewing over 1,000 hotels and resorts around the world, we’ve come across some real gems. Below you find our three bucket list hotels that we can’t wait to stay at in each category: beach, city, ski mountain, foodie and wine country. Here are the 15 destinations we’ve selected.

Beach Destinations

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Official description: “Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia’s south-western Caribbean coastline is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St. Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: Their rooms are designed with an open fourth wall which makes you feel at one with the breathtaking surroundings. They have fifteen-foot ceilings and over a thousand square feet of space. Twenty-four of the suites also come with a private infinity pool and an unparalleled view of the Caribbean Sea and the Pinton Mountains. I can’t think of a more romantic vacation spot for me and my hubby!
 

Four Seasons, Bora Bora

Official description: “Toast sunsets from your private plunge pool, marvel at the Tahitian night sky, or simply lose yourself in our lagoon, where the waters teem with exotic reef fish and colourful corals.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: Overwater bungalows anyone? White sand and turquoise water paired with the luxury and elegance of the Four Seasons and being located out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is what makes this Bora Bora resort so off the charts. It’s the ultimate place to unplug from the world… The rooms are stunning and if you’ve ever wanted a massage while looking through a glass floor into the ocean, this is your place!
 

Ayodya Resort, Bali

Official description: “At Ayodya Resort Bali, we painstakingly blend the hospitality and grace of Bali’s engaging people with Ayodya standards of excellence.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: This idyllic luxury hotel is surprisingly affordable. Each room in the Ayodya Resort has gorgeous Balinese woodwork and meticulous attention to detail. The bathrooms are huge with big soaking tubs and stone floors. It has seven in-resort restaurants, a private beach, and for a little more per night you can add in your own private butler service.

City Destinations

San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice

Official description: “Enjoy the classic decor of 190 rooms and suites overlooking the lagoon or the centuries-old park. Indulge in our three restaurants… while tantalising your senses with exceptional interpretations of iconic Italian and Venetian specialities.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: I never thought I could travel to Venice and stay on a private island in the Venetian Lagoon for around $300 a night. This hotel is on my bucket list, not only because of its affordability but because it has all of the stunning Venetian decor without feeling gaudy or over-the-top. The rooms are beautifully designed, and the grounds are stunning, offering breathtaking outdoor dining options.
 

Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town

Official description: “An oasis of calm within Cape Town’s beating heart. Uncover the soul of South Africa at this vibrant hideaway with a star-studded history…Within, the magic of a bygone era awaits. Delight in exquisitely restored interiors with quirky modern touches.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: Designed in a colonial style with a modern twist, The Belmond Mount Nelson feels a bit like being magically transported to the 1920s. The hotel also has a lot of amazing history (John Lennon meditated on the grounds!) and because it is set against the beautiful Table Mountains, you get a true sense of serenity in the heart of busy Cape Town.
 

The Langham, Sydney

Official description: “From stunning Western Harbour facing views to our Historic Rocks district location, The Langham, Sydney is truly Sydney’s most exclusive address.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: Sydney real estate is some of the most expensive in the world, with a studio apartment easily costing over a million bucks, and yet somehow you can stay at the beautiful apartment-like Langham Hotel for around $200 a night. I love the elegantly-designed rooms, the beautiful views of the harbor, and the delicious dining options that make this affordable luxury a no-brainer.

Mountain Destinations

Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah

Official description: “Montage Deer Valley offers unrivaled ski‐in / ski‐out access to one of America’s best ski resorts, the largest spa in Utah, five inspired dining options including a pub with its own bowling alley.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: I lived in Park City for a couple years while growing up and I love it there. This particular place is nestled in the mountains with ski-in ski-out access to epic Deer Valley Resort. The stately rooms are made cozy with a fireplace and heated bathroom floors in each, with some offering additional amenities like a private ensuite massage room.
 

Grand Hotel Kronenhof, St. Moritz

Official description: “Elegant light-filled rooms and suites, one of the finest spa facilities in the world and a superb location in the heart of the Swiss Alps – this unique mix of the magic of times long past, modern comfort, and the beautiful natural world all around is what makes the Grand Hotel Kronenhof so special and unique.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: This is hands down one of my favorite hotels. For around $350 in the summer you can stay in the heart of the Swiss Alps in an exquisitely designed hotel that will make you feel like royalty. The views of the mountains are breathtaking, and the rooms have a warm, inviting feel to them which is just what I look for after a day on the slopes.
 

The Rees Hotel & Lakeside Residences, Queenstown

Official description: “The Rees Hotel Queenstown is a sophisticated five-star hotel situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Lakeside Residences, all with terraces, showcasing spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu to the alpine panorama of the Remarkable Mountain range.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: At the Rees, it’s like you have your own apartment in Queenstown. It’s really beautifully furnished, the views of the mountains are gorgeous, and it has windows as big as walls. It really makes you feel like you are in luxury while being in the middle of the mountains, all at an affordable $200.

Foodie Destinations

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris

Official description: “True to its extraordinary city, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is no ordinary hotel. Here, on the prestigious avenue Montaigne, the tree-lined boulevard of French fashion, our hotel proudly offers guests the very best of Paris.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: This hotel is a must for the bucket list – the restaurant inside has 3 Michelin stars! The stunning rooms are palatial and ensure you get the real French experience here with the silk, the beautiful furniture, and the many other luxurious touches throughout.
 

The Dolder Grand, Zurich

Official description: “The perfect setting for a stay you will never forget – in beautiful natural surroundings and with a fantastic view out over Zurich. Our City Resort on the edge of the Adlisberg forest, just a few minutes from the city centre, is a real oasis of serenity.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: The restaurant inside this hotel is one of the most highly rated in Zurich, and staying here is like being in a fairy tale castle. It has amazing views that you simply can’t find anywhere else, the rooms are heavenly with the height of luxury…it’s a perfect place to indulge in every comfort.
 

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Official description: “Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is as legendary as the city itself. With a central location and five-star facilities, we are renowned for our sleek design, impressive service and exquisite blend of luxury, comfort and style.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: Most locations in our “Foodie” category are in Europe, but I wouldn’t miss the incredible food that other continents have to offer. Hong Kong is an exciting city with a culture as unique as its food’s flavors, and it just can’t be missed when looking for an amazing dining experience. In addition to chic rooms with panoramic views, this impeccably decorated hotel has a number of fine-dining restaurants in-house.

Wine Country Destinations

Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany

Official description: “Situated in the heart of Tuscany near Siena, Borgo Santo Pietro is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel with a holistic spa, cooking school, Michelin-starred restaurant, 200-acre organic farm, vineyards and 13-acre beautifully manicured gardens. Experience the ultimate luxury Tuscan vacation at Borgo Santo Pietro, your home away from home in Tuscany.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: Honestly, for me, this is the perfect idea of what Tuscany is like — with the rolling hills and the amazing dining, and the traditional, rustic charm. The rooms are exquisite, and the attention to detail in all the decorations of the hotel is just gorgeous. They offer a ton of activities at the hotel and even have a resident artist who gives drawing and painting lessons.
 

Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini

Official description: “Canaves Oia Suites invites guests seeking luxury accommodation in Oia Santorini to relish in the elegance of a most cherished holiday retreat. Freshly renovated luxury suites offering the ultimate in modern facilities and stunning views to the Caldera and the Aegean Sea, with spacious living areas and private plunge pools, ideal to house your memorable days and nights in one of the world’s most stunning sceneries.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: Santorini is known for its white and blue buildings and amazing views of the ocean on the cliffs. This hotel has all of that and at the same time is very luxurious, giving you an unbeatable Santorini experience. The rooms are little suites so you have the space and privacy of a seaside apartment with the amenities of a 5-star hotel. The island is known for its good wine, and offers gourmet dining in the most beautiful settings.
 

Six Senses, Douro Valley

Official description: “Six Senses Douro Valley presents a superbly renovated 19th-century manor house set high on a hill overlooking the vine covered rolling hills of the Douro Valley and the river below. A spa, a selection of rooms, suites and villas, restaurants, wine library, swimming pools and organic garden are but a few of the many features offered.”

Why it’s on our bucket list: The Douro Valley is a gorgeous area with so much to do for wine enthusiasts. This hotel offers tours through historic wineries where you can meet with the winemakers and even stomp the grapes (which is a bucket list experience in itself!) The stylish, modern rooms have picturesque views of the hills and Douro River, which I could just admire for hours.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed daydreaming about your next 5-star getaway. We definitely had a lot of fun putting this page together and hope that it will become a resource for other travelers seeking the finer things in life. Bon Voyage!