Last updated on September 21st, 2025
Fine linens and freshly cold champagne aren’t the only things that make a place luxurious. It’s about that feeling of stepping into a place where every detail has been thought of, where it feels easy to unwind, and where the memories linger long after you’ve returned home.
Whether you’re in pursuit of grand European cities steeped in culture or hidden alpine retreats, these five destinations are perfect for those seeking escapes brimming with luxurious experiences.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna exudes an aura of elegance, as if it were meticulously crafted for such refinement. Strolling along the majestic boulevards, where horse-drawn carriages pass by and the scents of coffee houses waft into the air, you cannot help but feel a sense of timelessness enveloping the city.
In Vienna, luxury transcends ostentatious displays. Instead, the city embodies a serene sophistication. Spend your time here savouring a velvety hot chocolate in a café adorned with chandeliers, or listening to a live orchestra in the very city that inspired the genius of Mozart and Strauss. And, when you’re simply wandering around the streets of Vienna, even the architecture here is sure to impress. Catch a glimpse of opulent palaces and baroque gardens, providing the perfect excuse to pause and explore.
What makes Vienna truly enchanting is its blend of regal charm and livability. Spend a delightful morning wandering through the museums, then retreat to the lush vineyards just beyond the city to relax and unwind in a beautiful setting. For those who cherish culture paired with a touch of indulgence, Vienna creates the perfect backdrop.
Marbella, Spain
If Vienna epitomises grandeur, Marbella embodies effortless glamour. Situated on the southern coast of Spain, Marbella harmoniously fuses old-world charm with contemporary elegance. The cobbled streets of the historic district are adorned with whitewashed homes and bougainvillaea cascading from balconies, while just moments away, you can discover golden beaches and the shimmering Mediterranean.
The luxury here is derived from the lifestyle. Extended lunches that flow into leisurely afternoons. Sunset walks along the promenade where the sea breeze serves as the ultimate accessory. Evenings brimming with laughter, exquisite seafood, and the soft glow of candlelight. And, when you have spent enough time seeing all that this beautiful destination has to offer, you’ll find an array of luxurious villas in Marbella to sit back and unwind in a gorgeous setting.
It’s the kind of place where you can fill your days with as much or as little as you like. Spend them sailing along the coast, or hide away in a secluded villa with panoramic views of the mountains. Marbella has a knack for making even the simplest moments feel indulgent.
Florence, Italy
Florence has long been a magnet for dreamers, artists, and lovers of beauty. At every turn, you’re met with Renaissance treasures, frescoes, sculptures, and grand piazzas that feel like open-air galleries. Yet, despite its fame, Florence still manages to feel intimate.
Perfect for couples, Florence offers a romantic setting that is hard to find anywhere else. Perhaps it’s the way the Arno River shimmers at dusk, or the scent of fresh leather drifting from tiny workshops. Maybe it’s the fact that you can enjoy some of the world’s finest art in the morning, then find yourself lingering over pasta in a tucked-away trattoria by lunch.
A luxurious experience in Florence is about immersing yourself. Don’t rush the galleries; let yourself be moved by the details. Pause for a moment on Ponte Vecchio and watch the world go by. Florence isn’t just about seeing, it’s about feeling, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Bordeaux, France
There’s something wonderfully indulgent about Bordeaux. Perhaps it’s the wine, this is, after all, one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world. But beyond the vineyards, the city itself offers a refined kind of charm. Elegant townhouses line the boulevards, while lively markets brim with local culinary delights.
Bordeaux has mastered the art of enjoying life. You can spend a morning cycling between châteaux, then reward yourself with a leisurely tasting. Or perhaps relax while soaking up the riverside atmosphere before tucking into a perfectly cooked steak paired with a bold red.
Whether you’re embarking on a Bordeaux wine tasting holiday or simply enjoying the beauty surrounding this outstanding part of France, you’ll find a unique blend of old and new here, catering to all types of travellers. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet the city has a young, creative energy, making it feel alive and constantly evolving.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, Saas-Fee is a car-free village that embodies pristine air, snow-draped summits, and a silence that is perfect for those hoping to escape the hustle and bustle.
The luxury in Saas-Fee isn’t in the fine dining or opulent accommodations, though you’ll find plenty. It is instead rooted in the embrace of nature. Awaken to breathtaking vistas of majestic glaciers, the kind that compel you to pause and inhale deeply, or spend your time on the slopes that have continued to attract snow sport enthusiasts throughout the years.
For those visiting in summer, you’ll also discover an array of alpine trails and endless wildlife meadows. With so much to see and do here, you’re sure to uncover the perfect place for an array of travel itineraries.
Evenings in Saas-Fee offer their own unique form of indulgence. Envision warm fires, exquisite wines, and the crisp mountain breeze wafting through the windows. This experience illustrates that true luxury does not need to be over the top; often, it resides in moments of tranquillity.
Tips for Planning a Luxurious Escape
Planning a luxury trip isn’t just about picking the right destination; it’s about setting the tone for the experience. Here are a few tips to make it seamless:
- Slow down the pace. Luxury travel is about depth, not speed. Give yourself enough time to truly soak up each destination.
- Seek balance. Pair cultural explorations with moments of relaxation. A gallery visit feels even better when followed by a long lunch in the sun.
- Embrace local flavour. Whether it’s wine in Bordeaux, pastries in Vienna, or seafood in Marbella, indulgence is best when it’s authentic.
- Prioritise comfort. The right accommodation can transform a trip. Look for places that match your style — somewhere you’ll want to linger, not just sleep.
- Stay open. Sometimes the most luxurious experiences are the unexpected ones: a hidden square, a chance conversation, a sunrise you didn’t plan to catch.
These five exquisite destinations demonstrate that luxury manifests in various ways, ranging from cultural gems and exquisite wines to serene mountain dawns. The common thread that unites them is the feeling of being entirely immersed in the present, with no obligations other than to savour the moment. And truly, isn’t that the very essence of a genuinely luxurious getaway?
