Luxury Vacations at the World's Most Spiritual Sites

While pilgrimages of a very different, and vastly more humble nature have been taking place to these sites for many hundreds of years, the luxury market is now taking more travelers than ever before to experience closeness to God – and the supreme being of just about every faith. Those seeking enlightenment, or wishing to satiate their curiosity, need look no further than stimulating resources such as The Way International blog; sites such as this are a fantastic source of information, and inspiration.

So, where should those in search of luxury, peace, and spiritual awareness head first?

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, Paris

When it comes to luxury vacations few destinations are as beautiful, or rich in sights and sounds as Paris; named the City of Love, the French capital should certainly top any traveler's bucket list. Renowned for its role in French literary history as well as for its spiritual significance, Notre Dame de Paris is a glorious example of early French gothic architecture, boasting religious artifacts, striking stained glass windows, and impressive stonework. Considered one of the world's most famous church buildings, the Notre Dame de Paris, or ‘Our Lady of Paris', invites travelers inside for a moment of quiet contemplation, or to marvel at the sheer beauty on show; the senses of romance and magnificence that hang in the air will inspire spirituality in the most reserved of tourists.

The first word in luxury: Paris is an effortlessly luxurious destination, with five star hotels and boutique bed and breakfasts, and numerous fine-dining opportunities can be found along its historic streets. For the ultimate Parisian experience tourists should indulge in a cruise along the River Seine; ideal for spotting the sights they'd like to see next.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK

Nestled in the heart of England's vast and beautiful countryside, and surrounded by mystery and intrigue, Stonehenge is one of the world's earliest religious sites; many believe that the stones have stood for some four or five millennia, and to this day they attract many hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Stonehenge is undeniably mystical, an English Heritage Site of historic importance. Travelers to the monument come in search of enlightenment, peace, and to get closer to the pagan and druidic ways of life – as well as celebrating seasonal events such as the summer solstice.

The first word in luxury: While a group of stones may not seem the perfect focal point for a luxurious trip Stonehenge is located within easy reach of some gorgeous quaint villages, stunning landscape that is to be savored, and many other sites of historic and cultural importance. Afternoon tea, a quintessentially English pastime, must be enjoyed by anyone passing by.

Jerusalem, Israel

There can be few destinations as spiritual, or indeed holy, as Jerusalem, which stands at the heart of Christianity, Judaism, and the Islamic faith. Once mapped as sitting at the center of the world, Jerusalem is west of the Dead Sea and contains the City of David (part of the old city), the Temple Mount, the Muslim Dome of the Rock (pictured at top), and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as a myriad of other sites central to all three monotheistic religions. Its importance to practicing Christians, Jews, and Muslims around the world is insurmountable, while its ability to inspire those unsure of their spirituality is a wonder.

The first word in luxury: From humble roots Jerusalem now has a burgeoning luxury market, spurred on by the many thousands of tourists paying a visit each year. There are numerous five star hotels to be found within the city's limits, while river cruises and tours will provide the perfect itinerary in this holy place.

There are, of course, numerous religious and spiritual sites around the world, each offering something incredibly special to those choosing to make that pilgrimage. From Mecca to the ancient temples of South America and the home of Catholicism in Rome, to the tombs and monuments found in the furthest reaches of the Middle and Far East, such sites have been inviting travelers and encouraging a sense of spirituality long before luxury travel was invented. These days, however, luxury cruises, city breaks, and resort excursions are some of the very best ways to access these wonders, enabling travelers to sample the best of the ancient and contemporary worlds; they simply need to decide where to head to first…