Living Large: A Look Inside The World’s Most Extravagant Getaways

As luxury Travel evolves and trends shift, one truth endures: the essence of Travelling opulently is defined by a blend of exquisite accommodations, unparalleled exclusivity, and bespoke experiences tailored to your every whim. To better understand the level of luxury being sought out by the world’s most affluent, we’ve curated a selection of the most extravagant getaways – from over-the-top villas to exclusive vacation itineraries and beyond, all guaranteed to ignite your wanderlust.

Explore World’s most extravagant getaways

The Great Outdoors: A Stay at Alaska’s Sheldon Chalet

Sheldon Chalet, nestled high in Alaska’s Denali National Park, offers a unique and secluded retreat perched 1,800 metres above sea level. Accessible only by private helicopter, this luxury lodge is situated on a nunatak overlooking the icy expanse of the Don Sheldon Amphitheatre and North America’s tallest peak, Denali. With no roads or trails leading to it, the chalet promises an exclusive experience surrounded by unspoiled wilderness. It’s also well-known as one of the most challenging chalet reservations to land.

The five-acre property, the only privately owned land in the park, offers spacious accommodations with five bedrooms for up to 10 guests, a living room with a fireplace, and a full kitchen. All trips are fully customised to each group’s preferences. Depending on when you book your escape,  you can expect to marvel at the Northern Lights as the chalet has been named one of the best places in the world to not only view the aurora borealis but also gaze at meteor showers, and enjoy activities like glacier picnics and ice climbing.

 You can also indulge in plenty of gourmet meals crafted from local ingredients by a team of talented chefs – including one with experience cooking for U.S. presidents and A-list celebrities. The culinary adventure begins the moment you disembark from the helicopter, as guests are re-welcomed with an Alaskan seafood feast and Champagne, setting the tone for a deeply awe-inspiring experience.

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Life At Sea: Around the World with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 140-day voyage aboard the Seven Seas Splendor is an extravagant journey covering six continents, 40 countries, and 71 ports. Setting sail in January 2027, the two guests who opt for the most exclusive tier – priced at US$ 2.2 million – will be treated to a luxury hotel stay in Miami, USA, before embarking on a cruise that will traverse the Caribbean, South Pacific, Australasia, Asia, Africa, and Europe, with up to 486 shore excursions and visits to 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all accompanied by private chauffeurs and guides.

The trip includes a stay for two in the expansive 413-square-metre Regent Suite, which boasts two bedrooms containing beds crafted by master artisans and layered with US$ 208,000 worth of braided horsetail hair, long-fibre cotton, and cushioning flax, as well as two marble bathrooms stocked with sought-after products from Guerlain, Acqua de Parma and L’Occitane.

In addition, the suite is lavishly decorated with rare Picasso lithographs, Lalique art vases, and a custom Steinway Grand Maroque Piano. Its other amenities include a private spa, jacuzzi, and balconies offering panoramic ocean views, all complemented by the attentive service of a dedicated butler.

Guests can drink and dine to their heart’s  content with all-inclusive privileges, as well as enjoy priority reservations at specialty restaurants and access to a private dining room. To sweeten the deal even further, the package also includes a cocktail party for eight and an exclusive dinner with a senior ship officer.

The cruise is said to be so lavish that 14,000 bottles of Champagne, 5,900 kgs of lobster, and 23 kgs of caviar is expected to be served on board. Following the voyage, the guests will unwind for a week in the most expensive hotel room in New York: the US$ 78,000 per-night two-storey penthouse at The Mark Hotel, which features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a library, dining room for 12, private rooftop terrace, and undisrupted views of Central Park.

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Unparalleled Privacy: Escape to Calivigny Island

Calivigny Island is one of the world’s most exclusive island escapes. A slice of paradise located off the coast of Grenada, it operates on a buy-out-only policy, which means guests can enjoy its lush 80 acres all to themselves. The island features two grand villas and three beachfront bungalows, totalling 25 bedrooms and suites that can cater to up to 50  lucky guests.

Accommodations feature designs by the  likes of Oscar de la Renta, Richard Frinier, and Christopher Guy, and include the lavish Beach House, complete with stunning ocean and garden views, a gym, billiards room, and a premier dining space in its expansive rotunda.

The marble terrace and free-form pool create a perfect setting for dinners and cocktail parties, complemented by a wood-fired pizza oven and teppanyaki grill. The Overhang House, on the other hand, provides nine suites, panoramic ocean views, a freshwater pool, and direct beach access, while each of the three beach bungalows offers intimate lodgings with private Jacuzzis and terraces.

As the stay is all-inclusive, guests can design their perfect vacation accordingly. The island allows for a plethora of activities, ranging from fly-boarding to water-skiing, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and sunset cruises. Moreover, the island boasts six sandy beaches, a floodlit Tennis court, outdoor cinema, a fitness centre, and personalised wellness experiences encompassing yoga, massages, and more.

The dining is curated by Michelin-starred chefs and all culinary offerings are customisable, featuring fresh seafood, organic produce from the island’s farm, and top-shelf ingredients. The island is only accessible by helicopter or private yacht, and rentals begin at US$ 132,000 per night.

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Glitz And Glamour: Check in to Dubai’s Royal Mansion Suite

The Royal Mansion Suite at Atlantis the Royal in Dubai is recognised as the world’s most expensive hotel suite, priced at US$ 100,000 per night. Spanning the 18th and the 19th floors, it boasts a generous 1,129 square metres of indoor space and an additional 476 square metres of outdoor areas. As the dazzling ‘jewel in the crown’ of Atlantis the Royal, it features four bedrooms, a private foyer adorned with century-old olive trees, and sky-high ceilings.

The suite is designed with multiple areas for Entertainment and relaxation, including an infinity pool, a 10-seater sunken Majlis for al fresco gatherings, a 12-seat dining table, in-room library, relaxation room with recliners, gaming systems, a colossal television, and a fully stocked bar. Precious art and rare design elements adorn the suite,  including a Louis Vuitton ping pong table and a limited-edition marble and crystal backgammon set valued at US$ 18,000.

Guests enjoy a wealth of luxury amenities, including a pillow menu with seven different types, 800-thread-count linens, and bespoke Hypnos mattresses for an unrivalled sleeping experience. Each bedroom has multiple walk-in closets and bathrooms with designer Hermès products; complimentary gold-plated toothbrushes, combs, bath brushes, and custom-made razors; and Italian cotton bathrobes from Frette.

A 24-hour butler service and in-room check-in ensure seamless service, while transfers in a Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class add to the convenience. Guests can also indulge in luxury in-room shopping experiences from brands like Valentino and Graff.

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Back In Time: Enjoy the Scenic Route with Rovos Rail

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has been renowned for curating exceptional travel experiences, offering bespoke train safaris that blend breathtaking landscapes with the elegance of travel from a bygone era. These meticulously restored trains accommodate up to 72 passengers in 36 luxurious suites, and can also be chartered for private use and events.

Trips range from 48 hours to 15 nights, and are inclusive of diverse off-train excursions to national parks, Game reserves, and beyond. One of the most iconic Rovos Rail journeys runs between Pretoria and Victoria Falls, traversing the stunning landscapes of Southern Africa. Travellers are treated to panoramic views of majestic landscapes, from the lush, rolling hills of the Limpopo Valley to the vibrant scenery of Hwange National Park, and of course Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Recognised as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, guests are accommodated in lavishly appointed suites featuring plush furnishings, rich mahogany panelling, and ensuite bathrooms with modern amenities. The experience is accentuated by exceptional dining in elegant, period-style dining cars where guests can expect to indulge in gourmet meals paired with a selection of world-class wines.

Afternoon tea in the lounge car and cocktails at sunset on the observation deck are just a few of the additional highlights. Opulent touches further extend beyond the suites and dining, with attentive service from a dedicated staff ensuring your every need is met.

(Hero image credit: Sheldon Chalet)