The Best Luxury Destinations in the World

Japanese culture has always placed great value on the finer things, be it the craftsmanship of ancient temples or the aesthetics of flower arrangements and tea ceremonies, and that has evolved over the centuries into ultra-modern neon metropolis cities like Tokyo. Meanwhile the importance of hospitality here makes any guest feel special, whatever their wealth. Our 12-day Japan Rail Trip blends the old with the new thanks to the speedy luxury of the Bullet Train. You’ll visit ancient castles, grand Shinto shrines and sacred temples, as well as experiencing the high-tech extravagances of cities like Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo. You’ll even get to experience old school omotenashi hospitality at a traditional ryokan inn, equipped with soothing onsen hot springs – proof that you don’t need modern luxuries to feel extra special.

The beauty of Greece is that you can pick an island depending on your taste and your budget. If you’re looking to really treat yourself, then the only real option is Santorini. There’s something so pristine about those whitewashed walls and pretty little blue-domed churches, while top class restaurants and famously incredible sunsets set the scene for an indulgent Mediterranean retreat. Our eight-day island-hopping odyssey around the Greek Cyclades finishes here, having started off with a whistle-stop tour of Athens, followed by relaxing retreats in the lesser-known islands of Milos and Naxos. After relishing in undiscovered beaches, quaint fishing villages and the very best of Greek cuisine, there’s no better place than Santorini to watch the sun go down over your holiday.

For as long as people have had money to lavishly spend, Italy has been a favourite destination for the partying princes, the flashy businessmen, and the glamorous film stars. It’s not hard to see why, either, with those glorious summers, glistening coastlines and world-renowned gastronomic delights. Nowhere exudes glamour quite like the winding wonder of the Amalfi Coast, which is the starting point of our 10-day Seductive Southern Italy trip. Experience la dolce vita as Fellini defined it by cruising on the Tyrrhenian Sea before crossing over the eastern coastlines of Puglia. There you’ll discover the olive groves and vineyards of the Itria Valley, the stunning beaches of Polignano a Mare and the extravagant architecture of Lecce, the Florence of the South. If the fashion capital of Milan and bougie background of Lake Como are more to your taste, then check out our Classic Northern Italy Rail Trip, while the island of Sicily has recently staked its claim as the go-to luxury destination thanks to season two of The White Lotus.