Some destinations are memorable for their scenery, while others draw travellers with experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else. Imagine playing a round of golf on a celebrated coastal course, visiting a centuries-old monastery perched high above a valley, or exploring a secluded wilderness where wildlife encounters are part of the experience.
For travellers planning an extraordinary getaway, the appeal often lies in the details, from historic architecture and local craftsmanship to exclusive access and carefully considered accommodations. These five destinations reward a more considered approach to travel, with experiences that deserve more than a brief stop on a busy itinerary.
Along the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, La Romana is home to Teeth of the Dog, the celebrated golf course designed by Pete Dye at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. Seven of its 18 holes run directly alongside the Caribbean Sea, where coral rock formations, ocean breezes, and carefully positioned bunkers challenge even experienced golfers. Originally opened in 1971, the course underwent an extensive restoration before reopening in December 2025, preserving Dye's original vision while improving the playing conditions.
The appeal extends beyond the fairways. Casa de Campo offers access to Minitas Beach, an equestrian centre, and a marina where visitors can arrange private fishing charters or enjoy waterfront dining. Its collection of private estates provides a more secluded alternative to traditional resort accommodations, with spacious grounds, swimming pools, and options for personalised service.
December through April generally brings drier weather, making it a popular period for golf and outdoor activities. When browsing luxury villas in the Dominican Republic, pay attention to properties within Casa de Campo, as access to Teeth of the Dog is restricted to registered resort guests, villa owners, residents, and their accompanying guests. Confirm access arrangements before booking your stay, and reserve tee times in advance, particularly during the busy winter season.
High above Bhutan's Paro Valley, Paro Taktsang, better known as Tiger's Nest Monastery, clings to a sheer cliff nearly 900 metres above the valley floor. Built in 1692, the sacred complex is associated with Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have meditated in a cave at the site. Reaching the monastery is an adventure in itself, following a winding trail through pine forests and past fluttering prayer flags. Along the way, viewpoints reveal increasingly impressive views of the whitewashed buildings perched against the mountainside.
The final approach involves descending steep stone steps before crossing a bridge and climbing toward the monastery entrance. Inside, visitors can explore sacred shrines decorated with Buddhist paintings and statues, although photography is prohibited. A knowledgeable Bhutanese guide can explain the monastery's religious significance and the traditions that continue to shape everyday life in the kingdom. For travellers interested in cultural heritage, the experience offers a fascinating introduction to Bhutanese Buddhism.
Allow around five to six hours for the return hike, including time to explore the monastery. The trail involves sustained uphill walking at high altitude, so comfortable hiking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are essential. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, generally bring favourable conditions and clearer mountain views. Bhutan requires visitors to travel with a licensed guide, making it possible to arrange a privately guided visit at a comfortable pace. Plan to begin early in the morning and wear modest clothing suitable for entering a religious site.
Botswana's Okavango Delta is an extraordinary wetland surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, where seasonal floodwaters create a maze of channels, lagoons and grassy islands. Private wildlife concessions around the Moremi Game Reserve provide access to remote areas with relatively few safari vehicles. One of the most memorable ways to explore is aboard a traditional-style mokoro canoe, quietly propelled through shallow waterways by an experienced local guide. From the water, you can observe lilies, reed frogs and aquatic birds among the papyrus-lined channels.
The experience continues on land, where guided game drives bring opportunities to spot elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards across the floodplains and surrounding woodlands. Many private concessions offer greater flexibility for activities such as walking safaris and evening game drives. Accommodation ranges from intimate tented camps to secluded lodges overlooking the wetlands, some featuring private plunge pools and spacious decks where guests can watch wildlife passing nearby.
June to September is generally an excellent time for water-based safaris, when floodwaters arriving from Angola fill many of the seasonal channels. However, water levels vary, so confirm that mokoro excursions will be available at your chosen camp. Remote lodges are often reached by light aircraft from Maun, adding another perspective on the Delta's waterways and islands. For a more varied safari, consider a camp that offers both water activities and game drives, allowing you to experience different parts of this remarkable ecosystem.
Few journeys bring travellers as close to Antarctica's wildlife and ice-filled landscapes as a small-ship expedition along the Antarctic Peninsula. When conditions permit, Zodiac boats carry passengers to remote beaches near gentoo and chinstrap penguin colonies, where expert naturalists lead carefully managed shore walks. Back on the water, humpback whales may surface among the icebergs, while seals rest on drifting ice. Towering glaciers descend from snow-covered mountains into sheltered bays, occasionally breaking apart with a thunderous sound.
The experience is particularly appealing aboard a luxury expedition vessel, where days exploring the wilderness are followed by comfortable evenings at sea. Select ships offer spacious suites, fine dining, spa facilities, and lectures by polar specialists. Smaller expedition vessels also provide opportunities for guided Zodiac excursions and shore landings, allowing passengers to explore beyond the ship. All activities follow strict environmental guidelines, and itineraries may change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Most Antarctic Peninsula voyages depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, between November and March, although fly-cruise itineraries are available for travellers who prefer to avoid the Drake Passage crossing. December and January bring long daylight hours and opportunities to observe penguin chicks, while February and March are generally better for whale watching. If stepping ashore is a priority, choose an expedition that includes guided landings, and book well in advance to secure your preferred departure dates and accommodations.
Lake Como has long attracted travellers drawn to its grand waterfront villas, mountain scenery, and Italian craftsmanship. One of the most memorable ways to explore is aboard a classic wooden Riva motorboat, with its polished mahogany finish and distinctive vintage design. Private charters take guests along the shoreline, passing historic estates such as Villa del Balbianello, which stands on a wooded promontory overlooking the lake. The elegant terraces, landscaped gardens, and ornate architecture are particularly impressive when viewed from the water.
A longer boat excursion can include stops in Bellagio, Varenna, or Tremezzo, where cobblestone streets, waterfront restaurants, and historic properties invite further exploration. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is especially interesting for its botanical gardens and art collections, while Villa del Balbianello welcomes visitors to its gardens and historic interiors. For lunch, choose a lakeside restaurant serving freshly caught fish and regional Lombardy wines before continuing your journey across the lake.
May, June, and September are particularly pleasant months for boating, with generally comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors than during the height of summer. Morning cruises often bring calmer water and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. If you plan to explore the villas, reserve admission to Villa del Balbianello in advance and confirm that your boat itinerary allows enough time ashore. Authentic Riva boats are available through specialist charter operators, so reserve ahead and confirm the vessel type when arranging your excursion.
Choosing an ultra-luxe journey comes down to the experiences that matter most to you. From playing golf along the Dominican Republic's dramatic coastline and hiking to a Himalayan monastery to exploring Botswana's waterways, encountering Antarctica's wildlife, or cruising Lake Como aboard a classic wooden Riva boat, each destination offers a compelling reason to travel across the world.
What makes these journeys exceptional are the remarkable landscapes, cultural heritage, and experiences that are difficult to find elsewhere. Private excursions, knowledgeable local guides, and carefully chosen accommodations can further enrich the experience. For those planning a milestone trip, the best destination is ultimately one that reflects their interests and leaves lasting memories long after they've returned home.
