Long-Haul Luxury: 6 Dream Destinations Worth the Flight in 2025
When a quick escape just won’t cut it, these far-flung destinations deliver in every way. Think breathtaking settings, standout stays, and experiences that go beyond the ordinary. These are the kinds of places where luxury feels fresh and exciting. They’re not overdone or overly familiar—instead, they offer something new, something evolving. It might be a jungle villa, a private game drive, or a dinner on the sand—whatever it is, it’s the kind of experience that lingers long after you’ve unpacked
1. Koh Samui, Thailand
Laid-back but undeniably luxurious, Koh Samui is fast becoming one of Asia’s most sought-after escapes. From serene beachfront villas to hillside resorts with panoramic ocean views, the island pairs tropical calm with high-end comfort. Days can be spent unwinding in world-class spas, sipping sundowners at chic beach clubs, or discovering nearby islands by private boat. Whether you're after wellness, romance, or just serious downtime, Koh Samui delivers with style.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui– A serene haven combining oceanfront luxury with traditional Thai touches.
2. Barbados
Barbados needs little introduction, but 2025 is seeing a fresh wave of interest thanks to new luxury openings and tailored experiences. Think barefoot elegance along the Platinum Coast, private catamaran sails, and dining under the stars with your toes in the sand. The island blends Caribbean charm with polished hospitality, offering everything from adults-only hideaways to family-friendly beachfront suites.
Where to stay: Cobblers Cove – An intimate, elegant retreat known for its colonial charm and impeccable service.
3. Bali, Indonesia
For travellers craving a destination that mixes spiritual energy with indulgence, Bali hits the sweet spot. Ubud offers jungle hideouts and holistic retreats, while Seminyak and Uluwatu bring beach glamour and five-star flair. Expect cliffside infinity pools, candlelit dinners in the rice fields, and boutique resorts that feel a world away from the everyday. Bali remains one of the few places where luxury comes wrapped in culture, nature, and soul.
Where to stay: Maya Ubud Resort & Spa – A peaceful jungle escape combining Balinese tradition with laid-back luxury.
4. Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbour, Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as a quieter, more refined UAE escape. Nestled between mountains, desert, and coastline, it’s a destination of contrasts. You’ll find sleek beachfront resorts, desert camps under the stars, and world-class hospitality with just the right dose of adventure. Whether it’s ziplining over Jebel Jais or simply lounging by the pool with sea views, RAK is on the rise for all the right reasons.
For those who want it all—wildlife, wine, beaches, and boutique luxury—South Africa ticks every box. Start with a Big Five safari in a private game reserve, then wind down in the Cape Winelands or soak up city chic in Cape Town. The country balances edge-of-the-world landscapes with standout service and design-led stays. It’s one of the few destinations where you can have multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences in a single trip.
Where to stay: Pumba Private Game Reserve – A luxury eco-safari experience where close-up wildlife encounters meet five-star comfort.
6. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
With its overwater bungalows, glassy lagoons and volcanic peaks, Bora Bora is the image of paradise. But beyond the postcard scenes, this South Pacific island offers privacy, barefoot elegance, and a sense of escape that feels truly exclusive. You can snorkel straight from your overwater bungalow, glide across the lagoon on a private boat, or simply soak in the stillness of the setting—every moment here has its own kind of magic.
Where to stay: Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa – A postcard-perfect retreat offering iconic overwater bungalows, serene island views and timeless Tahitian charm.
If you're ready to go beyond the ordinary, these destinations are well worth the journey. Some destinations ask a little more of your time, but what they give back is immeasurable. In between the long flights and slow arrivals are moments that stay with you—a view you’ll never forget, a new way of seeing the world, or the stillness you’ve been craving for far too long.
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