If you’re looking for a truly exotic and luxurious vacation for you and your family, you have to look beyond the ‘typical’ destinations, like State Parks, or DisneyWorld. While those can be great fun and full of adventure, sometimes you need to add real excitement and spark to your vacation. Here are just a few ideas that will turn an ordinary vacation into one that will create lasting memories:
1. Hermitage Bay, Antigua
What makes it great/biggest attractions: Blue beaches, white sand, and palm trees– what else could you ask for? If it’s paradise you’re after, Antigua could be your ideal destination. If you’re going sightseeing, you’ll want to make sure you add a sunset cruise, a trip to Admiral’s House Museum and a private yacht charter to your itinerary.
Where to stay: Dickenson Bay Cottages offer self-catering villas; Anchorage Inn, Keyonna Beach Resort, and Hawksbill Hotel are also great choices.
2. Palm Springs
What makes it great/biggest attractions: Palm Springs may not be located in the Caribbean or in a tropical area of the world, but it is luxurious nonetheless. There is no shortage of things to do and see and is a great destination for the entire family. Shopping, dining, museums, and beaches await. Must-see attractions include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the Joshua Tree Hummer Adventure.
Where to stay: There is no shortage of places to stay while you’re vacationing in Palm Springs. For a truly luxurious experience, consider Palm Springs Resorts that provide all the amenities you need. Many resorts are equipped with kitchens; this can save you money by not having to eat out every night.
3. Brazil
What makes it great/biggest attractions: While Rio de Janeiro may be the most popular Brazilian destination, there are other great cities to visit, including Salvador and Sao Paulo. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll be surrounded by majestic beauty and incredible sights. Some of the biggest attractions include Sugar Loaf (Rio de Janeiro), Cristo Redentor (Rio de Janeiro), and Salvador’s Pelourinho, where you’ll find some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful architecture.
Where to stay: Major chains such as The Hilton and the Marriott are popular; there are also a number of B&B’s, family-owned Inns, and smaller hotels that provide excellent service, with all the amenities.
4. Greece
What makes it great/biggest attractions: With thousands of islands throughout the Ionian and Aegean seas, Greece is the ultimate luxury vacation. With stunning beaches and some of the oldest architecture in the world, Greece remains as much a mystery as it is a breathtaking destination. Mount Athos, Lindos, and Myrtos Beach are popular destinations for tourists around the world.
Where to stay: If you’re looking for an apartment with concierge services, Live in Athens is a good choice; there are also many family-owned hotels and inns with in-house restaurants and shopping.
5. Fiji:
What makes it great/biggest attractions: This country in the South Pacific is made up of over 300 islands. Coral reefs with clear lagoons, palm trees lining the blue waters of the ocean and rugged landscapes await you here. For the ultimate luxurious vacation, Fiji should definitely be on your bucket list. The Fiji Museum, Blue Lagoon Cruises, and Bouma National Heritage Park (Taveuni Island) are some of the top attractions here.
Where to stay: Some of the most popular hotels include Paradise Cove Resort, Castaway Island (a remote island resort), and Teitei Resort.
Wherever you decide to go, make sure you plan ahead and build your itinerary on activities and attractions that the whole family will enjoy. If you’re vacationing with little ones, take plenty of rest breaks and remember to bring plenty of sunscreen!
Punit