While vacay may mean something different to everyone, there is no mistaking luxury. Defined as “a state of great comfort and elegance”, especially when attained by way of great expense, luxury isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Sparing nothing to be surrounded by luxury is one of the best ways to treat yourself and reset the senses.

We know the importance of a well-planned vacation. With so few precious days off, our busy lives only warrant a couple of vacations every year (if we’re lucky), which means we owe it to ourselves to make them count. In this article, we are going to figuratively hit you with the hottest tips for planning a luxury vacation that’s worthy of making every friend jealous.

1.  A Fitting Destination Is Key

Coined in 1944 by British property tycoon Harold Samuel, the term “location, location, location” rings true in the world of luxury vacations. Sure, the hotel that you choose is also important but without a desirable destination, any luxury hotel can quickly feel a little less than desirable.

Tropical destinations like Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula have enough 5-star beachfront hotels to serve the luxury you are searching for. Find a postcard-worthy corner of the world and make sure it’s known for both luxury hotels and pristine scenery. Do this and you will have found your fitting destination.

2.  Blow the Budget

You would be correct in thinking that luxury vacations don’t come cheap. The good news is that flashing extra cash is a guaranteed way of checking into luxury. Now, we aren’t suggesting that you sniff out the most luxurious hotel in the most exclusive location and max out your credit card for a week-long stay. We just think accounting for a spontaneous splurge, here and there, is the golden path to luxury.

3.  Get There in Style

Luxury vacations don’t start when you arrive, they start when you lock your front door and check it twice. The last thing you want is to be burnt out by the extensive travel that’s required to get somewhere, especially when luxury is at stake. Whether that means selecting a destination that doesn’t require two flights, one bus trip, and a taxi to get to. Or, it means treating yourself to business class. Make sure you’re floating into your accommodation and not trudging.

4.  Book a Luxury Resort

This one kind of goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Booking into a five-star resort/ hotel is the number one way of living out your dream holiday. The world could be collapsing around you, but as long as you’re lounging by the poolside cabana bar, you will be okay. Other notable amenities should include a high-end spa, restaurants, tennis courts, and maybe even an around-the-clock butler service. Talk about opulence right?

5.  Secure an Extra-Special Experience

Although this point is very destination-dependent, finding a location’s unique selling point and securing your spot is a one-way ticket to luxury. This could mean a romantic sailing trip to a deserted Caribbean island, or a bird’s eye view courtesy of the resort’s private helicopter.

It may entail a spare-no-expense safari into the heart of South Africa’s uber-exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Whatever your preference may be, spending the extra pennies now on a location’s must-do experience will make your trip feel extra special and luxurious.

6.  Consider Your Guest List

In spite of sounding a little “airy-fairy”, luxury can also be considered a state of mind. You’ll want to ensure that the people you bring along for the ride know the score. If that means leaving the kids with grandma for a week of romance or simply inviting friends who know how to have a good time, keeping your guest list tight is essential.

7.  Factor in the Activity List

Don’t be mistaken, we’re big advocates for lounging poolside. But, day in and day out, it can get a little repetitive. Working an appetite by way of staying active is a great way to have fun and make memories with your nearest and dearest.

Whether you’ve got your eye on a ski trip to the Rockies or a wet and wild time in Hawaii, make sure the place that you’re headed is ready and waiting to offer you an activities list fit for purpose.

8.  Seek Out an All-Inclusive Package

It’s true, all-inclusive doesn’t always scream “luxury” but hear us out. As long as you’ve chosen well on the destination and resort side of things, then whatever all-inclusive package is being offered will be luxurious by default.

High-end resorts that do offer the all-inclusive dream make certain to swap out buffet-style eateries for elegant dining experiences. You may also be treated to an on-the-house spa treatment and an all-access pass to the resort’s endless list of luxury-driven facilities. What could be more luxurious than not having to lift a finger? That’s right, nothing.

9.  Allow Time to Be On Your Side

As previously mentioned, we know that time is of the essence in the modern world, which is why this point is more important than ever. To truly unwind and feel the long-lasting effects of a luxury vacation, there is no greater reward than time.

There’s a reason why a week-long vacation is what most vacationers opt for. Allowing you to really detach from your daily stresses, a week’s stay in luxury is exactly what the doctor’s ordering. Any less and you won’t fully lean into luxury. Any more and getting back into the swing of things could be rather tough.

10.  Scrutinize the Seasons

If a luxury resort is offering a jaw-droppingly good deal at a certain time of the year, then there’s probably a good reason for it. Whether it’s hurricane season in the Caribbean (June to November), or the wet season in Bali (November to March), doing your research is key to avoiding such weather events.

Of course, when vacationing, we are always at the mercy of the weather, but booking the optimal time of year at your dream location is an easy way to ensure your slice of luxury is a dry and desirable one.

Conclusion

It makes perfect sense why the luxury vacation industry is booming right now, as more than ever, people need to get away and recharge their batteries. Whatever your idea of a luxury vacation entails – it will be made all the more special by factoring in the ten tips above. The only question now is, where to?