6 Luxury Resorts to Add to your Bucket List
There are more amazing resorts around the world than any one person could possibly visit. Even with unlimited financial means, you could visit a new one each weekend and still never see them all. Some stand out above the rest, however, and while even those number too many to mention here, I’ve put together a reasonable bucket list of some of the most impressive resorts in the world.
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve – South Africa
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is not the typical picture of a world-class resort. That is, it’s not a complex of modern villas overlooking turquoise waters, nor is it a towering urban hotel. Rather, it’s quite literally a luxurious game reserve, right not the edge of the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.
It’s extremely pricey, but that’s the case for most places that would appear on a bucket list of world resorts, and in addition to awesome accommodations, it affords you an unrivaled opportunity to see African nature up close. And the weather and density of wildlife mean that iconic species can be viewed any time of year.
Travaasa Hana – Hawaii
Set among lush green surroundings and overlooking Kaihalulu Bay on the island of Maui, Travaasa Hana is more or less the definition of a luxurious island getaway. It’s the sort of place a lot of people imagine staying on a trip to Hawaii but few ever actually find (or decide to pay for). Another very cool thing about this resort is that it’s all-inclusive in the truest sense, such that things like horseback riding and snorkeling are included, rather than just food, drink, and accommodations.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa – Maldives
It’s hard to do any sort of objective ranking or rating of beach destinations around the world, but few would dispute the Maldives’ place somewhere near the top of the list. This island location is about as pretty as it gets, and the Lily Beach Resort (another all-inclusive property that includes activities in the price) takes full advantage of its surroundings. Your private accommodations can include an outdoor whirlpool of your own as well as a deck directly over shallow ocean waters.
Marina Bay Sands – Singapore
Marina Bay Sands is an interesting exception among world resorts in that it’s something new on the casino resort front. Even in Las Vegas, one of the newest exciting resorts, the Mandarin Oriental, doesn’t have its own casino! Marina Bay Sands is relatively new however and revolves in part around a massive casino floor. One reason for its success is likely the array of additional activities and attractions however. From its beautiful positioning over the bay in Singapore to its legendary rooftop infinity pool, it’s a fairly incredible place.
Four Seasons Resort – Bora Bora
This is doubling down a little bit, because the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora has many of the same charms as the Lily Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives. But Bora Bora is, for many people, the tropical paradise, so this seemed a worthwhile inclusion. You don’t get much closer to Heaven on Earth.
Auberge du Soleil – California
It goes without saying that Hawaii has great resorts like the one mentioned above, but the mainland United States is also home to all kinds of incredible places to stay and relax.
The Auberge du Soleil is one of the best examples. Surrounded by greenery and good weather, with low hills in the distance, it almost has a Mediterranean vibe, helped along by its own sculpture garden.
The resort itself is a perfect place to relax, though it’s also noteworthy because of its close proximity to the Napa Valley wineries that are famous all over the world.
Combining accommodations like these with wine tours in this particular area makes for about as nice a relaxing getaway as you could dream up.
Thanks for the tips! Now I know where to stay when I go to Hawaii!
Hawaii is on my own bucket list. The Travaasa Hana is amazing!
Amazing list! Thank you for this! I’d certainly love to see those places for real!
Me too! I have a few favorites on here that I will add to my own bucket list!