In this exploration of luxury travel, we bring you a selection of the world’s most opulent and expensive holiday destinations, where exquisite retreats and premium paradises redefine the meaning of a lavish getaway.
Welcome to a world where luxury knows no bounds — where indulgence is not just an option but a way of life. From indulging in high-stakes gambling in Monaco and skiing in Gstaad to exploring the depths of the sea with scuba diving in Bora Bora, plan your dream vacation at these luxurious destinations for the picture-perfect trip.
To understand the cost of travelling to these exquisite holiday destinations, we must consider factors such as hotel prices, food expenses, transportation costs within the destinations, and attraction prices. A study by Traveller’s Elixirs factored in these elements and researched over 60 countries to unveil some of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world. Keep in mind that the average cost shared excludes travel expenses like flights, which depend on your departure location.
Dive into luxury at the world’s most expensive holiday destinations
Monaco
The playground of the rich and the famous, Monaco stands as arguably the most expensive holiday destination in the world. With over 30 percent of Monegasques being millionaires, one can only imagine the five-star luxuries awaiting at every corner. Monte Carlo, host to the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show, lures the uber-wealthy for a few days of opulence almost every year.
Places to see and things to do: Have a dreamy vacation in the second-smallest country in the world by exploring the Casino de Monte Carlo, Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Musée océanographique de Monaco, Exotic Garden of Monaco, Grimaldi Forum, Larvotto Beach, Monaco Ville and Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 2,258 (INR 118,129)
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
How to reach: Monaco doesn’t have a commercial airport; Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport in France is the closest.
Book your stay at Le Méridien Beach Plaza via Booking.com
Book your stay at Le Méridien Beach Plaza via Agoda
St Barts
Saint Barthélemy, more commonly known as St Barts, is the Caribbean getaway for global celebrities and icons like the late Princess Diana and the members of the Kardashian family, among others. The island is decked with five-star hotels, luxury private villas, trendy restaurants and grand yachts, offering luxuries beyond imagination. Additionally, there is a five percent per night fee. Refer to our ultimate guide to St Barts for the perfect trip.
Places to see and things to do: While in St Barts, check out the pristine beaches like Colombier Beach, Shell Beach and Saline Beach. Have fun in the water by chartering a yacht, riding jet skis, surfing, snorkelling, flyboarding or scuba diving. Party at the vibrant beach clubs and enjoy meals at the finest restaurants of Gustavia, St Barts’ capital.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 2,181 (INR 181,713)
Best time to visit: November to April
How to reach: Gustaf III Airport, also known as Saint Barthélemy Airport, is the main airport on the island.
Book your stay at Hotel Christopher Saint Barth via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Christopher Saint Barth via Agoda
Gstaad, Switzerland
Where do the wealthy and glamorous go to snowboard and ski? Gstaad! The quaint resort town in the Swiss Alps has been a wintery escape for royalty and celebrities alike. A winter sports hub, it has over 47 chair lifts, accommodating the adventures and thrills of those looking for a snowy vacation.
Places to see and things to do: Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury by staying in a Swiss chalet and spending your days snowboarding, skiing, dog sledding, and enjoying all kinds of snow activities. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, don’t miss out on seeing Lake Lauenensee, Col du Pillon, Mount Eggli and Wispile. Visit tourist attractions like Glacier 3000, Mirage Gstaad, Fondue Caquelon Cheese Grotto, the Yurt, Kunsteisbahn Gstaad Ice Rink and Le Petit Chalet.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 2,065 (INR 172,048)
Best time to visit: November to April
How to reach: Gstaad Saanen Airport is the main airport in the region.
Book your stay at HUUS Gstaad via Booking.com
Book your stay at HUUS Gstaad via Agoda
Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of the “Land of Fire and Ice”, Reykjavik’s dramatic landscapes complement its metropolitan lifestyle. The bustling city stands to show the best of Icelandic culture and is the gateway to exploring the volcanos and glaciers of the nation. Its remote location makes it a pricey city, with restaurant meals costing 44 percent more than the European Union’s average.
Places to see and things to do: Attend the music concerts at the iconic Harpa Concert Hall. Visit the Imagine Peace Tower, Icelandic Phallological Museum, Hallgrimskirkja, Sun Voyager, Árbær Open Air Museum and Aurora Reykjavík. Go whale-watching from the ports of Reykjavik, take a day trip to Thingvellir and see the Silfra Fissure. Or simply relax in the geothermal pool at Blue Lagoon.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 1,919 (INR 159,884)
Best time to visit: June to August
How to reach: Keflavík International Airport is the main airport in the city.
Book your stay at The Reykjavik EDITION via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Reykjavik EDITION via Agoda
Bora Bora
Hidden in French Polynesia, Bora Bora boasts turquoise blue waters, soft sand beaches and alluring water villas set in the South Pacific Ocean. A truly romantic island, it has been chosen as the honeymoon destination by several celebrity couples like Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, as well as Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter. Its uber-luxury properties and untouched environment make it an expensive holiday destination for water enthusiasts. The Polynesian island also charges a tax on tourists, ranging up to France CFP 200 per day (approximately USD 2/INR 166).
Places to see and things to do: Embrace island life by hiking the extinct volcano Mount Otemanu, going on a safari in the tropical forests, enjoying a boat tour of the sand-fringed motus (islets) around Bora Bora, and sunbathing on Matira Beach. Explore the aquatic life by scuba diving in the coral reefs and perhaps encountering stingrays (and experiencing feeding them underwater). Don’t forget to relax in a luxurious beach resort or a picturesque water villa.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 1,918 (INR 159,801)
Best time to visit: November to April
How to reach: Bora Bora Airport, also known as the Motu Mute Airport, is the main airport on the island.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora via Agoda
Honolulu, Hawaii
The beautiful coastal town is the gateway to the wonderful islands of Hawaii, charming travellers with its gorgeous coastlines, towering five-star hotels, historic landmarks, fine dining and indulgent nightlife. Besides the lavish lifestyle one enjoys on vacation in Honolulu, there is also a high tourist tax in Honolulu that adds to the budget (approximately ten percent Hawaii hotel tax and an additional three percent surcharge in Honolulu).
Places to see and things to do: Experience the culture, traditions and natural beauty of Honolulu at Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Diamond Head, Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, Koko Crater Railway Trailhead, Lanikai Beach, Manoa Falls and Iolani Palace. Immerse yourself in the Hawaiian lifestyle by attending an authentic Luau, and afterwards, watch dolphins, sea turtles and whales in their natural habitat.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 1,914 (INR 159,468)
Best time to visit: June to September
How to reach: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also known as Honolulu International Airport, is the city’s main airport.
Book your stay at Sheraton Waikiki via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sheraton Waikiki via Agoda
San Francisco, the United States
The majestic picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, set on the Golden Gate Strait, comes to mind when thinking of San Francisco. This global city is home to the famed tech hub of Silicon Valley and a financial centre, making travelling to San Francisco an extravagant affair.
Places to see and things to do
Exploring the “City By The Bay” is an exciting adventure with much to see. Witness the thriving arts, culture and science scene at the Palace of Fine Arts, California Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium. Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or hop on a boat to the historical Alcatraz Island. Shop and eat at Pier 39, where you even catch a glimpse of sea lions.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 1,885 (INR 157,051)
Best time to visit: September to November
How to reach: San Francisco International Airport is the main airport in the city.
Book your stay at Hotel Nikko San Francisco via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Nikko San Francisco via Agoda
New York, the United States
Ranked as the wealthiest city in the world and the third-best globally in 2023, New York is a financial, commercial and cultural hub, alluring people with its stunning skyscrapers. From iconic TV shows like Friends to the classic movie King Kong, Hollywood has romanticised the city through its film reel, striking the desire among travellers to visit the city and experience the NYC life portrayed on screens.
Places to see and things to do: There is no shortage of things to do in New York, and here are some that should be at the top of your list. Witness the vibrant arts culture of MoMA, MET and the Guggenheim. Stroll around the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the High Line and Central Park. Go to the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. Experience the thriving New York food culture and catch a Broadway show.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 1,779 (INR 148,220)
Best time to visit: May to September
How to reach: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are the main airports in New York City.
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton New York via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton New York via Agoda
Grand Cayman
The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman, is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. A cherished vacation spot for Hollywood stars, the island has some of the most luxurious resorts designed to provide the perfect escape for A-listers.
Places to see and things to do: Explore the natural aquatic wonders of Grand Cayman by kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay, hiking the Mastic Trail, scuba diving at the Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef, swimming with stingrays at Stingray City, and exploring the Cayman Crystal Caves. Experience the lifestyle of the island at Seven Mile Beach, Camana Bay and Governor’s Beach. Charter a private boat and explore the rest of the Cayman Islands.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 1,637 (136,389)
Best time to visit: December to April
How to reach: Owen Roberts International Airport is the main airport on the island.
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman via Agoda
Venice, Italy
Over 118 islands come together, connected by meandering canals, to create the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Venice! The unique and beautiful architecture and design of the ancient city make it one of the top places to visit in the world. What’s more surprising is that Venice is expected to sink soon, giving travellers a deadline to experience this city. These factors make the destination expensive, and the crème de la crème love to spend their vacations here. The city has also implemented a tourist tax, requiring travellers visiting for a day will have to pay up to EUR 5 (approximately USD 5.5/INR 458) per night per person.
Places to see and things to do: Make the most of your vacation in Venice and experience it all before time runs out. See the stunning Venetian architecture of Ponte di Rialto, San Sebastiano, Piazza San Marco and Palazzo Ducale. Learn how the famed Italian Murano glass is made at the Murano Glass Museum and go on a food and wine tour at the Mercato di Rialto. Be serenaded by Gondoliers while boating on the Grand Canal.
Average cost of a five-day trip per person: USD 1,548 (INR 128,974)
Best time to visit: April to June
How to reach: Venice Marco Polo Airport is the main airport in the city.
Book your stay at the St. Regis Venice via Booking.com
Book your stay at the St. Regis Venice via Agoda
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(All currency conversions were done at the time of writing)
(Feature image credit: NeilMorrell/Pixabay)
Related: Warm Up Your Winter At These Sun-Kissed Destinations In Europe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Why is Bora Bora known as one of the most expensive holiday destinations?
Bora Bora, a French Polynesian island, has earned its reputation as one of the most expensive holiday destinations due to its array of luxurious resorts, attracting an exclusive clientele, including celebrities.
– What makes St Barts a luxurious holiday destination?
St Barts caters to the affluent, offering elite holidays characterised by luxurious yachts, grand private mansions, and stunning beaches. This combination makes it a lavish holiday destination.
– Why is Monaco considered an expensive destination?
Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world, is deemed one of the most expensive holiday destinations. This status is attributed to the opulent Monegasque culture and lifestyle that permeates the entire experience of visiting this glamorous location.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. ..Read More
