This post’s travel bucket list ideas are all luxury trips of a lifetime. They are the places I dream about visiting. They are exciting destinations with so many unique extras it blows my mind. I have not stayed in any of them, but maybe like you, I’m dreaming about doing so!
Many travelers, especially those traveling with their families, want to splurge on a suite for extra room to spread out. But added space isn’t the only reason to upgrade your digs. In some cases, reserving a suite unlocks special perks like private guides, access to your own speedboat, free-flowing champagne, and VIP dining experiences—not to mention bragging rights. From a designer suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the world’s largest overwater villa, here are eight places to stay that are my top travel bucket list ideas.
8 Travel Bucket List Ideas For You To Dream About
1. Hotel de Sers, Paris
I adore Paris. It is one of my favorite places in the world. There’s something about the history and the fashion and the food…oh my! Next time I visit the City of Lights, I want to stay at the former mansion for nobility, Hotel de Sers! Hotel de Sers is a five-star hotel in the heart of the golden triangle in the city center. Guests enter through a long gallery linking the discreet reception area to the monumental staircase leading to the former “noble floor” and living room of the mansion of the marquis.
Breathtaking views of Paris and its most beautiful monuments are enjoyed from the Eiffel Suite. I’d be most excited about the magnificent private furnished terrace. The rooms are designed in a palette of blues and gold, enhancing the natural light from the large bay windows. Two deep sofas upholstered in gold velvet face each other in the large living room, giving an overall feeling of comfort and contemporary luxury.
2. Manapany, St. Barth
Manapany, a five-star luxury eco-resort in St. Barth. It has just introduced the four-bedroom Villa Nanne. This villa is a 3,390 square foot villa with a 1,614 square foot terrace perched above Corossol Beach. This would be some family vacation! It offers breathtaking views from the villa’s private infinity pool. Manapany offers an entire luxe experience. There is a private white sandy beach, tranquil spa and on-site vegetable garden that provides many organic ingredients on the restaurant’s menu. Guests can relax or enjoy a variety of activities. They can have surfing lessons, go out on a catamaran, have rum tastings, helicopter tours, shop and more. Villa Nanne was designed and curated by the owner of B Signature Hotels & Resorts, Anne Jousse.
3. Country Club Lima Hotel, Lima, Peru
Lima is the gateway to Machu Picchu in Peru. The Country Club Lima Hotel is the ideal address from which to explore this unique city in South America. The hotel has recently unveiled its new Dom Pérignon Suite with views overlooking San Isidro Golf Club. It boasts a large outdoor terrace and interior space with an expansive living room, dining room, walk-in closet and two marble ensuite bathrooms with Jacuzzis.
Like the enthusiastic effervescence that marks every glass of Dom Pérignon, this exclusive experience practically bubbles over with luxury details. Guests of the Dom Pérignon Suite enjoy an array of complimentary VIP services. They include luxury airport transfer, private in-room check-in and check-out, welcome caviar, butler service and one bottle of Dom Perignon 2009 EVERY NIGHT.
4. Hotel Matilda, San Miquel de Allende, Mexico
This boutique hotel was just named the #1 hotel in Mexico for the second year by Conde Nast Traveler. Hotel Matilda’s fabulous Owner´s Suite A features a large living room and a sumptuous bedroom. You’ll also find interior views of the architectural details of the hotel, a private balcony and a covered terrace ideal for enjoying the sunset. Casa Armida, one of the most relevant design houses in Mexico, redesigned this stunning suite.
5. andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, KwaZula, South Africa
Bringing the kids (and my husband) to South Africa has been a dream of mine for years. It is overwhelming to plan a trip this big, though. But andBeyond makes it seem so easy, especially booking the Family Suite. Designed to provide the right balance of privacy and together-time, the Family Suite at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is cleverly laid out. It will help you make the most of your group safari getaway. A central living room connects the two wings of the suite. Each wing has bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and outdoor showers, and interleading children’s rooms.
A private veranda off the shared lounge offers panoramic views of the surrounding bush. (Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five) and connects directly to the lodge pool. But that’s not all! Book the Family Suite and you’ll get your dedicated private guide and vehicle. You can use them to explore the lodge’s 70,560 acres of protected wildlife land. Look for magnificent animals like cheetahs, black rhinos, and nyala.
6. The Marylebone, London
I’ve never been to London, and this hotel makes me want to start packing for this trip. Get the royal treatment in London by booking the lavish Marylebone Suite. Offering 860 square feet of living space, it’s like owning your own stylish pied-a-terre. It is located in the heart of the city, steps from Hyde Park and Manchester Square. The best place to take in the views is the suite’s Scandi-style terrace. It has a retractable roof and blinds, plush sofas, a fireplace and TV.
You can also relax inside, where a dining area, a marble bathroom and a whirlpool bath will make you feel at home. You will also find freshly cut flowers, and a complimentary selection of alcoholic and soft drinks. Other perks of booking the chic suite include VIP airport pick-up, in-suite check-in, and access to a dedicated guest liaison who can hook you up with dinner reservations, in-room meals or anything else you need.
7. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe
The most luxurious thing I can imagine is riding the Orient Express. The only thing that would make it better is to stay in a suite aboard this elegant historic train. In June 2023, eight new suites will be unveiled aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train. Two original 1920s and 30s carriages, accommodating just four suites on each car, will be carefully restored Their design is inspired by pastoral European landscapes and features plush fabrics and furnishings from renowned brands and makers like Majorelle, Dufrene, Leleu, Rousseau, and Lalique. The suites are portals to the golden day of train travel, with luxuries like private marble ensuite bathrooms and lounging areas that transform into either double or twin beds by night. Additional amenities might include personal 24-hour cabin stewards, complimentary kimonos and slippers, and free-flowing champagne. Cheers!
8. Gili Lankanfushi Private Reserve, Maldives
Can you think of any travel bucket list ideas more exotic than staying on a private reserve on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean? How about staying in the world’s largest overwater villa? Yes, please! The Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi is the world’s largest overwater villa, stretching across the Indian Ocean in multi-level tiers. Guests spend their days lounging by the infinity-edge pool and in the overwater catamaran nets, working out in the air-conditioned gym; pampering themselves with treatments at the private couples’ spa (complete with a steam room and indoor/outdoor treatment rooms). You can even slide down from the top-deck waterslide into the ocean’s turquoise waters.
Guests of Gili Private Reserve have access to their own speed boat, which they can use to travel around the resort or farther afield. By night, enjoy movie screenings at the private cinema, and retire in the guestrooms (two en suite master bedrooms and a guest suite). All of which have doors that open to the breathtaking scenery. Other perks of the Private Reserve include a fully equipped kitchen and the option to curate your own wine selection from the 400-label cellar.
Of course, there are more travel bucket list ideas in the world. But these eight luxury destinations are a great place to start. Enjoy!
