The best luxury experiences in the world

Finland is one of the best places in the world to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon, and what better way to do it than to spend a couple of nights in a luxury glass igloo? 

The excellent Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort features cosy glass bubble accommodation with sauna access as well as world-class resort facilities. On a clear night you can look up at the sky and watch the northern lights right from your bed!

Aurora season lasts from late August to the end of April so whether you fancy chasing the autumn northern lights on horseback or speeding things up on an exciting snowmobile during the winter, it’s guaranteed to be a truly magical experience.

There are many epic train journeys across the globe, but few can match the old-world glamour and charm of the Royal Scotsman traversing through the glorious Highlands. 

Its luxury cabins are adorned with soft Scottish wools, rich tartans, and intricate wooden marquetry, while the mahogany-panelled dining cars provide a sumptuous space to savour world-class cuisine and perhaps the odd whisky or two.

The Grand Western Scenic Wonders tour takes guests on a seven-night adventure. Setting off from Edinburgh, you’ll observe magnificent sights such as Ben Nevis, Mount Stuart, the Morar Sands and historical landmarks like Eilean Donan Castle.

You’ll also pass through cities like Fife, Aberdeen, and Inverness on an incredible, one-of-a-kind voyage.

Taking glamping to the next level are the captivating Bedouin tents amid the vast landscape of Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert. 

Luxury holidays here involve riding a camel or a 4x4 across the undulating sand dunes to the camp of your choice before immersing yourself in the tranquil backdrop of the desert, its imposing sandstone mountains and its wondrous valleys and canyons. 

Many camps are family run and offer various types of accommodation including luxury glass domes with private bathrooms and panoramic views of the twinkling desert night sky – sometimes called Martian tents. 

Many of these cool bubble pods also feature Jacuzzis, private terraces, air conditioning, marble flooring and lavish furnishings to really elevate your trip to five-star levels of comfort. 

Absorb the beauty of life in the desert as well as the culture and traditions of the Bedouin people. Also, try sandboarding, go hot air ballooning, or simply lay back under a blanket of stars for an unforgettable stay in this unique, other-worldly setting.

It’s safe to say that a trip to the Galápagos Islands is the most unparalleled wildlife encounter on the planet. 

Approximately 1,000km off the Ecuadorian coast, it’s famously known as the place where Charles Darwin stopped off almost 200 years ago on a trip that later inspired his Theory of Evolution. 

Tourism here remains fairly limited to protect the wildlife and environment, but there are a few ways in which to experience this extraordinary place including by private yacht, luxury catamaran, or a small cruise ship, as well as diving and land-based adventure tours – all equally as remarkable. 

This UNESCO-listed archipelago of wonder is home to a world of unusual flora and fauna, including marina iguanas, giant tortoises, and an array of intriguing subspecies of finches and mockingbirds. 

Its coral reefs and diversity of underwater marine life is unlike anything else in the world and it’s hard not to overstate what a truly privileged experience it is to visit here.

How about a spectacular hot air balloon ride watching the sunrise creep over the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park? It’s certainly worth the 6am start. Once in the air you’ll float peacefully above the canopies and witness this beautiful place from an unparalleled perspective. 

If you visit Tanzania between December and March you may get lucky and catch a glimpse of the mesmerising Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra embark on their annual 800-kilometre trek in search of rains and greener pastures.

Back on terra firma after about 50-70 minutes, your trip finishes with a sumptuous champagne breakfast – the perfect ending to an extraordinary experience that you will treasure forever.

The Maldives is known for being one of the world’s foremost luxury holiday destinations, with picture-perfect beaches, crystal-clear waters, and five-star resort accommodation geared towards couples and families. 

The facilities on offer here are also outstanding and include world-class water sports activities, spa experiences and out-of-this-world dining.

For a truly memorable romantic meal, book yourselves a private sandbank experience and become castaways – albeit waited on hand and foot – and camp overnight on your very own slice of paradise under the Maldivian stars. 

Your Bedouin-style tent with its own bathroom awaits, alongside personal attendants who will prepare and serve you an intimate candlelit dinner on the unspoiled powder-white sands. In the morning, wake and have a sumptuous breakfast delivered before heading back to the hotel.

Check out the inimitable Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll for one of the best private dining experiences and an eco-friendly destination in the Maldives!

The Monaco Grand Prix often features in the world’s best luxury tours and itineraries and is an experience like no other. Racing fan or not, it’s undeniably cool. 

The diminutive city-state of Monaco is one of the chicest destinations along the French Riviera and is frequented by the rich and famous as the place to see and be seen – preferably behind the wheel of a luxurious supercar.

Hop on a short flight to Nice and spend a few nights luxuriating in a five-star Monte-Carlo hotel.  Perhaps have a flutter in a world-famous casino first, then enjoy some extravagant retail therapy and finally take your seats at the incomparable Monaco Grand Prix for a rush of adrenaline.