Lake Como, Italy

You might be surprised to find luxury closer to home. Celebrities are known to love Lake Como as a vacation spot, and the lake has been featured in hit television series like Succession. Como is near Milan and is one of the three well-known Italian lakes (along with Garda and Maggiore). By train, the town can be reached in about 45 minutes, though some well-known towns, like Bellagio, are easier to drive to in just over an hour and a half.

The towns on the lake carry just as much glitz and glamour as the fashion capital, with centuries-old mansions and villas lining the banks and pastel-colored buildings falling behind into the lush green hills. Since their construction, many of these mansions have been turned into chic lakeside hotels, offering impeccable views and classical-style luxury.

Mykonos, Greece

Despite being well-known as a party destination, certain areas of Mykonos can provide a pleasant escape from the throng (during peak hours, this is a luxury in and of itself). It’s understandable why millions of tourists visit this Greek island in the Cyclades each year, along with neighboring Santorini. Known for its gilded homes and spired churches that have made its neighbor in the Aegean region so well-known on Instagram, Mykonos offers a comparable level of opulence on its narrow streets and immaculate beaches.

If you do want to venture from your perfect beachside retreat, there is plenty to do in the two biggest villages on the island, Mykonos Town and Ornos. The most popular beach on the island, Psarou, offers a variety of beach clubs, including Nammos and Scorpios, if you want to experience the boujie nightlife.

Seychelles

This 115-island archipelago in the Indian Ocean is located about 1,600 kilometers off the coast of Africa, making it extremely remote and exclusive (and less affected by mass tourism). Although Victoria, the capital, is located on Mahe’s main island, most visitors will probably want to head straight to their beachfront, oceanfront accommodations.

As a popular Indian Ocean destination, the nation will always face competition from the Maldives and Mauritius, but it gained significant points when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came for their honeymoon in 2011. It’s understandable why—this group of islands has endless white sand beaches, towering granite mountains, and warm, turquoise seas.

The Maldives

The Maldives, another popular destination in the Indian Ocean (and on Instagram), is well-known for the abundance of overwater villas that have overtaken its waters. These islands exemplify the epitome of the “dream” beach vacation: pristine white sand beaches fringed with palm trees and glistening turquoise waters, connected by winding wooden walkways that lead to dozens of thatched-roof villas where swimming with tropical fish is just moments away.

Although it’s one of the most opulent places on earth to unwind, the topography and position of the nation are ideal for water-based sports. There are many places where divers and snorkelers can see whale sharks, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks. Additionally, there are lots of chances for sailing, fishing, and surfing.

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Though Oahu has more activities than any other island, it is still a strong contender for best in class. Nearly all of Hawaii offers potential luxury for tourists. Honolulu, the state capital, offers a unique experience in a tropical city that is unlike any other in the world. Standard US-style grandeur is combined with traditional Polynesian influences, though you won’t want to stay there. A perfect luxury getaway can be created by combining amazing fresh food, Hawaiian ceremonies and dancing, and peaceful beach areas.