Luxurious vacations are not always about spending days basking in the sun surrounded by opulent and grand hotels with a 5* status. For some people, luxury means fine dining experiences, immersing in the culture, and exploring the destination in style. Yes, a 5* hotel wouldn't go amiss, but for those who like to combine tranquility with adventure, a hotel isn't the star of the show. Below, we'll look at some of the most luxurious vacation spots that combine serenity and adventure.
Tanzania? You might be asking yourself. There's one location in Tanzania that's put it straight to the top of our list - the Serengeti. Until you have witnessed the utter stillness, tranquility, and thrill of the Serengeti, you've not lived. It's one of the best locations for an Africa luxury safari because not only is it home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet: the luxury lodges ensure you have the most comfortable and catered stay that you could imagine.
Picture this. You've just been out on a safari that saw you up close and personal with a herd of elephants that join you as you gaze out under the moon and stars that light up the Serengeti at night. More often than not, lodges in the Serengeti get you up close and personal with wildlife, whether or not you're out on a safari.
Most of your time here would be spent out on adventures, whether by land or air in the form of hot air balloons - but most lodges have facilities like pools and spas to unwind in.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country in South Asia that has a unique culture, an abundance of natural beauty, luxurious beachfront locations, and plenty of adventure. It's the perfect mix of long sandy beaches, hectic streets filled with mopeds, and serene national parks, making it the ideal destination for any traveller.
Dive into the enticing warm waters and explore the coral reefs, or head out on an excursion to the Sigiriya - whatever you like to do, you won't have a shortage of things to do. Better yet, Sri Lanka is home to luxurious resorts like the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa that'll cater to your every desire on days when you only want to stay by the pool.
Bali is similar to Sri Lanka in location, culture, and vacation style. From the minute you land, you'll realize that relaxed vibes are the theme in Bali. It's very much a travelers hotspot, so you will find that it's full of expats from all over the world living the backpacker lifestyle. Don't let that deter you; it adds vibrance and excitement to the Bali vibes you'll experience. Along the main beach fronts of Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak, you'll find restaurants and beach clubs galore, tons of excursions to book, and plenty of nightlife to explore.
Go further inland to areas like Ubud; you'll walk into the luxuriously serene vibes that you could say the beachfront locations are missing. Wander along the Campuhan Ridge Walk and take in the views, or explore one of the many temples Ubud has to offer. Once finished, you can stroll back to resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan.
Costa Rica, like many of the other options on the list, is a trip that'll immerse you in dreamy coastlines and emerald green inland terrain that ranges from mountains to rainforests. Inland is where the magic happens - Costa Rica is known for its national parks; and boasts some of the most extravagant and thrilling landscapes worldwide. For those of you who prefer to be on the go, the national parks are the place to be. Expect thrills from ziplines, cave tubing, river rafting, and canyoning.
Fancy something different? Take a walk around central locations like San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Here you'll find the culture of Costa Rica at its finest - vibrant and full of character. Costa Rica culture is inspired by its Spanish and Caribbean cultural roots - expect incredible food, drinks, and music.
No matter where you go in the world, it's easy to find a mix of tranquility and adventure. Mixing adventure with relaxation gives you the best of both worlds. Sometimes, it's utterly necessary to spend days poolside ordering food and drinking margaritas. But to experience a destination in all its glory, there has to be some adventure.
