Have fun dreaming about the holidays you would take if only you hit it big? Or maybe you are one of the lucky few who have the money for a stay at one of these outrageously luxurious resorts? You'd be hard pressed to find anything better than these properties have to offer.
Credit: sonoraresort.comSonora ResortSonora Resort
Sonora Resort, British Columbia, Canada (photos and prices)
While many of these resorts are located in the tropics, this all-inclusive resort on a private island is a gem in some of Canada's most charming and pristine environments, combining island solitude with the beauty of the North. Here, you can expect unparalleled service and five-star facilities, including spacious suites with breathtaking water views. To get here, you'll have to take a water taxi or helicopter ride from Vancouver, but once you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to see grizzly bears, kayak among orcas, go fly-fishing or take a nature tour. All fine dining, most drinks and all resort facilities, including fly-fishing ponds, saunas and tennis courts, are included in all-inclusive rates that start at $500 per room.
Credit: north-island.com Lodge on the North Island Lodge on the North Island
North Island Lodge, Seychelles (photos and prices)
North Island Lodge, located on the edge of the tropical blue waters of the Seychelles, offers a haven for guests and wildlife. Discover 11 handcrafted villas dotted along the main beach of the Ile Du Nord ecological reserve, raised off the ground to catch a gentle breeze as they open onto a private garden and beach. Each villa also has a swimming pool and outdoor shower. All activities are included in the room rates, which start at $2,057 per night, including sunset cruises and scuba diving on the reef. You'll also get your own golf cart and mountain bikes to get around the island.
Credit: facebook.com/copperfieldbayMusha Cay
Musha Cay, Bahamas (photos and prices)
Musha Cay and The Islands of Copperfield Bay - yes, that David Copperfield, are part of the Out Islands of the Exuma, as a collection of 11 picture-perfect islands. You don't have to worry about bumping elbows with too many other guests, as you can choose who they are. That's because you have to rent the whole island and can invite up to 24 guests to stay among the five guesthouses. The rate per night for up to 12 guests starts at $39,000, with a minimum of four nights. This includes all meals and drinks. A personal fireworks display, deep-sea fishing, diving or a customised treasure hunt are just some of the activity options available.
Credit: olhuvelimaldives.comOlhuveli Beach & Spa Resort
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, The Maldives (photos and prices)
This resort is nestled in lush tropical vegetation and swaying palms, surrounded by deserted beaches and a vast crystal-clear lagoon. Each beautifully designed villa rises above the cerulean waters, blending modern elegance with traditional architecture. Here you can be as active as you like, or as quiet as you like, with the Indian Ocean setting offering the ultimate in peace and tranquillity. Guests also have access to two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, volleyball and a water sports centre, with one of the only registered kite-surfing schools in the Maldives. A selection of fantastic restaurants serving delicious dishes are also on site. If you are in need of a massage, the exclusive Jetlag massage is ideal to help you enjoy a pleasant and relaxed holiday that allows you to completely forget the outside world.
Credit: aprivateisland.com Cayo Espanto Cayo Espanto
Cayo Espanto, Belize (photos and prices)
Cayo Espanto, a small four-acre island a short boat ride from the Belizean mainland, offers an idyllic retreat for those in need of some serious pampering. The moment you arrive, you will find the entire staff, including your butler, personal dive master and staff on the dock there to welcome you. With only seven villas on the property, each on the edge of the emerald water with infinity pools, there is no need to worry about crowds, although you can rent the entire island for $11,000 - a real bargain. Otherwise, rates, which are all-inclusive, start at $1,295 per night per villa.
Credit: royalchundu.comKhwai River LodgeKhwai River Lodge
Khwai River Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa (photos and prices)
The all-inclusive Belmond Khwai River Lodge offers an intimate and luxurious retreat from which to observe some of Africa's most incredible creatures. During winter, the landscape of Botswana's Moremi National Park is teeming with animals, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, leopards, hippos, wildebeests and buffalo, which follow the seasonal rains and lush grass growth. A stay at this lodge will give you front row seats to the action, with thousands of animals thundering across the floodplains day after day. You'll stay in luxury tents on raised wooden platforms with traditional African thatched roofs and private decks ââ with hammocks and armchairs for panoramic views. Enjoy al fresco dining overlooking the reserve, swimming pool, gym and spa facilities, traditional Boma dining, local shows and more. Rates start from $3,800.
Credit: chantours.comCotton HouseCotton House
Cotton House, Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (photos and prices)
Mustique is a private island in the Grenadines, known as one of the most exclusive in the world, and the Cotton House is its only full-service hotel.This bubble of total luxury at the edge of turquoise waters is known as a haven for celebrities and royalty as it is renowned for its seclusion. In fact, Prince William and his wife Catherine spent several days here. This coral-white boutique resort combines French West Indian architecture with Caribbean details, with most of its distinctive rooms and suites featuring private pools and modern comforts and luxuries.
Credit: fortevillageresort.comLe DuneLe Dune
Le Dune, Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, Italy (photos and prices)
The Fort Village Resort, located in the middle of a wide bay on the south-western coast of Sardinia, is home to a series of luxury bungalows and suites known as Le Dune, which occupy a spectacular area close to the edge of the sea, offering an idyllic blend of nature, tranquillity and elegance. The resort is internationally renowned for its spa, with treatments based on marine elements such as water, sand and seaweed, all aimed at restoring the senses and the spirit. Offering the seclusion of a private villa and the exceptional service of a world-class hotel, Le Dune provides an idyllic escape.
Credit: facebook.com/guanaislandGuana Island
Guana Island, British Virgin Islands (photos and prices)
Guana Island is an 850-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands with no public access. This tourist island offers a particularly tranquil tropical holiday, home to seven powdery white sand beaches and an abundance of animal and plant life, particularly bird species. It is also ideal for snorkelling, which is possible on three coral reefs. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience in sea view cottages from $695 per night for couples in low season with three meals per day, snacks, wine and use of all facilities included. Dine on excellent gourmet selections at the on-site restaurant and enjoy yoga, tennis or even an aromatherapy massage overlooking the beach.
Credit: comohotels.com Cocoa Island
Cocoa Island, Maldives (photos and prices)
This resort is not really on an island as the accommodations are located directly above the sparkling blue waters and are connected to Cocoa Island by a walkway. They range from two-level suites to two-bedroom villas, all with a private terrace. Some of the resort's activities include fishing, catamaran snorkelling, exceptional scuba diving and even island-to-island excursions. Indulge in holistic wellness treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, dine on South Indian-influenced organic cuisine and then come back and relax in your luxurious overwater villa with a soothing white-on-white interior and teak floors.
Credit: hayman.oneandonlyresorts.comHayman
Hayman, Great Barrier Reef, Australia (photos and prices)
Hayman Island is another stunning private island, offering a prime location for a front window spot on the Great Barrier Reef, situated just inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which stretches over 1400 miles along the Queensland coastline in the Whitsunday Islands, internationally renowned as one of the most magnificent stretches of tropical coastline on the planet. A stay on this island means much attention to detail and elegant resort life set in three distinct areas, each designed to make the most of the island's impressive views and natural surroundings. Savour innovative cuisine in a variety of restaurants and participate in all kinds of thrilling activities, including helicopter and seaplane adventures, diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, sailing and more. The resort also offers the One & Only Spa, a fitness centre, tennis courts and a driving range.
Credit: belmond.comMaromaMaroma
Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico (photos and prices)
Maroma sits amidst lush jungle beside a white sandy beach between Cancun and Tulum, on a privileged stretch of Riviera Maya beachfront. This luxurious paradise offers the chance to start the day with an individual yoga class or take a refreshing dip in the private pool - every suite has one here. You can also relax at the Mayan-inspired Kinan Spa and indulge in the exclusive self-service mud bar. A host of activities and attractions await, including exploring some of the country's great heritage sites, diving in underwater caves and shopping in Cancun. In the evening, enjoy modern Mayan Creole dishes followed by a session in the traditional temazcal sauna.
Credit: villacorallina.comVilla Corallina
Villa Corallina, Tahiti (photos and prices)
Villa Corallina is an intimate resort offering the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience on a secluded island surrounded by nature and its own private beach. Located on the small island of Motu Fareone, off the coast of Moorea, the entire resort consists of just one villa. There are no roads, shopping malls, nightclubs or swimming pools - just glorious sunsets, white coral sand beaches and coconut palms. You won't even find a restaurant here, but Moorea will serve you food, or you can take the free boat shuttle across the lagoon for your meals. It's hard to find better, and all for $350 a night for two.
Credit: bungarayaresort.comBunga Raya Island ResortBunga Raya Island Resort
Bunga Raya Island Resort, Malaysia (photos and prices)
This small island is located off the coast of Borneo, with 47 villas overlooking the beach and the South China Sea. Each villa, built by a local tradesman using a variety of natural materials with traditional Borneo architecture combined with a wealth of luxury touches and modern amenities, are just a few steps from the sand, ranging from log homes to luxurious three-bedroom private pool digs Activities include opportunities to dive among whale sharks and sea turtles, explore virgin forests and mangroves, followed by relaxing indulgent spa treatments. Guests also have access to a premium wine cellar and a range of dining choices, some accessible only by boat. Rates start at $540 and include breakfast for two.
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Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (photos and prices)
This luxurious five-star resort located in one of the most beautiful areas of Fuerteventura, directly by the sea near the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, is famous for its magnificent views of the islands of Lobos and Lanzarote. It features spectacular gardens, an outdoor pool and a huge wellness centre with 17 personalised treatment rooms and a gym offering more than 40 weekly group classes. You don't have to leave the resort unless you want to, as it also has five themed restaurants along with a Michelin-starred restaurant, Piano Bar and Beach Club. You will probably want time to explore the surroundings, with a well-known nature reserve and fine sandy beaches within walking distance. Within a mile are also shops and entertainment venues.
Credit: matangiisland.comMantangi Private Island Resort
Mantangi Private Island Resort, Fiji (photos and prices)
The Mantangi Private Island Resort is known as one of the best resorts in the South Pacific, offering an unforgettable holiday or honeymoon experience. It is the only resort on this 240-acre horseshoe-shaped private island, offering the option of staying along the beach or among the trees in its famous tree house with an outdoor hot tub and lava stone shower. Visitors can enjoy exploring the rainforest as well as snorkelling and diving in the crystal clear waters. The Vale-ni-Kana dining room offers breathtaking ocean views and cuisine largely influenced by the tropical surroundings, Fijian heritage and unique flavours of the South Pacific. Indulge in the 'Ocean Spa', with its deck over the water and a wide variety of treatments that reflect Fiji's natural environment and culture. Rates, including three gourmet meals a day, start at $610 per night.
Credit: canouan.comCanouan ResortCanouan Resort
Canouan Resort, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (photos and prices)
The Canouan Resort is located on a five-square-kilometre island in the Caribbean, surrounded by one of the world's largest coral reefs in the spectacular Grenadines. It features a collection of sumptuous rooms, suites and villas on a 300-acre property with breathtaking views, full-immersion bathtubs and private pools. The highlight here is the endless expanse of fine, powdery white sands that provide a dramatic contrast to the turquoise sea, with the spacious, light-filled suites and luxurious villas overlooking the sea nestled among the hills. Guests also enjoy access to an 18-hole championship golf course, water sports, three exclusive restaurants and bars and the impressive Canouan Resort Spa. Rates start from $2,592 per night.
Credit: maia.com.scMaia Luxury Resort & SpaMaia Luxury Resort & Spa
Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, Anse Louis, Seychelles (photos and prices)
The Maia Luxury Resort & Spa offers a stay on its own private peninsula overlooking Anse Louis beach on the southwest coast of Mahe, Seychelles. Often referred to as a hedonist's retreat, it is five-star service, with opulence and over-the-top paradise waiting just outside the door. You'll find all the clichés of the Indian Ocean, and then some, including palm trees swaying gently in the warm breeze and surprisingly white sands silhouetted against azure waters. An extensive menu of Omorovicza spa treatments are provided in three open-air thatched pavilions, including three types of massages and a wide range of facials. Free morning and qi gong sessions are also offered. The Ocean Panoramic Villas are the best of the best with breathtaking 180-degree views of the sea and lush surroundings. Rates, starting from $1,840 for a double room, include all meals, with exquisite Indian, Asian, Oriental and Creole cuisine, most drinks, welcome champagne, introductory and exploratory scuba diving, non-motorised water sports, fitness classes and more.
Credit: facebook.com/theranchatrockcreekThe Ranch at Rock CreekThe Ranch at Rock Creek
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana (photos and prices)
This spectacular wilderness ranch covers over 6,600 acres, bordered by the Sapphire, Flint Creek and Anaconda Mountains of Montana. You'll enjoy world-class, regionally inspired cuisine at this all-inclusive luxury resort, which includes Montana-raised beef, lamb and chicken, as well as locally produced organic produce. The activities here are virtually endless, including fly fishing in legendary streams, horseback riding through miles of wildflower-filled meadows and around high country lakes, hiking and wildlife watching. This region is home to moose, elk, deer, great horned, wolves, beavers, foxes and a multitude of bird species such as bald and golden eagles, ospreys, falcons and more. The wide variety of accommodation includes large log cabins with private hot tubs, restored barns, luxurious lodge rooms and even 'Glamping', in luxury tents along the creek. Rates start at $2,395 per night.