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You’ve had enough of overpriced coffee shops and crowded tourist traps, right? It’s time for a change, something grander.
A place where you’re treated like royalty. You can leave the crowds behind, and instead, settle into a lifestyle that makes you feel like the king or queen you deserve to be.
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These eight destinations? They’re perfect for that.
Each offers a slice of luxury and indulgence that’ll have you wondering why you’ve been wasting time with anything else.
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the place where you’ll want to check your bank account balance every five minutes—because, well, it’s all about excess here. But don’t let that scare you off. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the insane shopping malls, everything in Dubai shouts luxury.
There’s no subtlety here. Want to shop in a mall with an indoor ski slope? Of course you do. Want to take a private yacht through the world’s only 7-star hotel? Yes, that’s a thing. And don’t forget the endless stretches of desert where you can hop on a private dune buggy or a camel if you’re in the mood for something a bit more… royal.
2. Monaco
Monaco is tiny, but it’s packed with enough glamour and wealth to make your head spin. This is where the world’s rich and famous come to play—and not just for the Grand Prix. The Monte Carlo Casino is the obvious highlight, but don’t overlook the exclusive yachts and luxury boutiques that line the marina.
You’ll find yourself staring out over the harbor wondering if the next luxury yacht is owned by some random billionaire or, perhaps, a celebrity. The best part? Monaco doesn’t even have an airport. You’ll have to land in Nice, France, and take a helicopter to get here—because why not?
3. St. Bart’s, Caribbean
Let’s be honest, St. Bart’s is as exclusive as it gets in the Caribbean. It’s a small island, but one that punches way above its weight.
There are no overcrowded beaches, no noisy tourists—just pristine sand, clear waters, and the type of villas that make you question your life choices. You’ll find private yachts and secluded beaches here, and if you’re into the whole luxury thing, then sipping cocktails while you look out over the water is about as royal as it gets.
Sure, it’s a little quiet, but that’s the charm. In a world where you’re never truly alone, a peaceful, luxurious escape here will remind you what it’s like to actually enjoy life.
4. The Maldives
Yes, the Maldives might be cliché at this point, but there’s a reason for that: it’s ridiculously luxurious. Floating villas? Check. Crystal-clear waters? You bet. Private chefs who’ll make you food you’ll feel guilty eating? Oh, absolutely. The Maldives is where you come when you want to do absolutely nothing in style.
You can spend your days lounging in an overwater bungalow, watching the fish swim beneath you. Or, if you’re more of the active type, you can dive into the azure waters and discover the underwater world. Either way, you’ll leave feeling like you should probably start wearing a crown just because.
5. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are basically a luxury retreat for anyone who likes their nature mixed with a bit of elegance. Skiing down pristine slopes in the morning and indulging in five-star dining at night? Yes, please.
You could book yourself into one of the region’s extravagant chalets, complete with private chefs, personal drivers, and a spa that’ll make you feel like you’ve just stepped into the pages of a glossy magazine. And when the snow falls, it’s the kind of view that looks like it’s been created for royalty. Even the cows in Switzerland are well-dressed. It’s all very… Swiss.
6. Paris, France
If there’s a place that’s earned the title of “luxurious,” it’s Paris. Paris isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower and a café on every corner; it’s about walking the streets with the sense that you’re the main character in a movie. It’s about shopping on the Champs-Élysées with an iced coffee in hand.
It’s about eating your weight in croissants at a Michelin-starred restaurant, knowing full well that life doesn’t get much better than this. You don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy Paris—but if you are a millionaire, then be prepared to make all your dreams come true here, from private art tours to boat rides along the Seine. Oh, and a private table at Le Meurice never hurt anyone.
7. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto offers a different kind of luxury. It’s not about skyscrapers and champagne parties—it’s about quiet elegance. Here, luxury is found in the small details: the way a traditional Japanese tea ceremony feels more like a spiritual experience than a drink, or how staying in a ryokan (a traditional inn) feels like entering a centuries-old storybook.
The luxury is found in the peace, the history, and the culture. The Zen gardens, ancient temples, and tranquil tea houses make Kyoto a rare destination where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a quieter, more refined world. And it’s not crowded either, which makes the whole experience that much more special.
8. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is the kind of place where you sit back and think, “I really should have been born into this lifestyle.” The villas that line the shores are so grand, you’ll wonder if they’re actually castles in disguise.
But beyond the grandeur, Lake Como offers a truly relaxed kind of luxury. You won’t find huge crowds, but you will find boat rides across the lake, picnics in idyllic gardens, and Italian food so good you’ll be convinced you’ve died and gone to heaven. The fact that George Clooney has a house here only adds to the allure (because, let’s be real, if it’s good enough for George, it’s good enough for you).
Final Words
These aren’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill destinations. These are places where you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different world—one where luxury isn’t just a bonus, it’s a lifestyle.
But if you’re going to go to one of these places, don’t bother trying to be modest. Embrace the opulence. Drink the champagne, wear the expensive sunglasses, and enjoy every second of it. Because, let’s face it, you probably deserve it.