What are the world's most luxurious holiday destinations?

Naturally, Dubai tops this list. This emirate absolutely exudes luxury to the point of being almost over-the-top in its opulence. Here, soaring skyscrapers and palatial properties jostle for attention in a glitzy, glamorous destination that was literally [man] made for luxury holidays. Its immaculately maintained white-sand beaches lapped by the Arabian Gulf make Dubai perfect for beach lounging. Meanwhile, its sumptuous hotels and fabulous high-end shopping malls complete the deluxe holiday experience.

Winged Boots wisdom: Dubai boasts a plethora of world-renowned five-star hotels; but for something a little different, why not book a stay at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai? In an awe-inspiring location amid the Dubai desert’s rolling dunes, this sumptuous oasis offers refuge from the noise and pace of the city. The star-gazing opportunities are incredible, too.
 

Another big-hitter in the line-up of the world’s dreamiest destinations, Mauritius is a beach-lover’s paradise. Miles of coral-trimmed, white-sand beaches washed by crystalline turquoise waters are what await you here. Naturally, it’s a water-sport nirvana, but we would be remiss if we didn’t mention its rich culture and glorious inland beauty – think dramatic mountains and verdant forests – too.

Winged Boots wisdom: There is a host of fabulous beachfront hotels in Mauritius that give you a front-row seat to all that stunning coastal beauty. One such property that we recommend is One&Only Le Saint Géran on the east coast. Nestled amid lush tropical gardens and overlooking flawless white shores, it is an exquisitely beautiful five-star resort with a superb spa.
 

With its bounty of gorgeous beaches, wonderful temples and enchanting spirit, Bali is a popular destination for luxury holidays. Its patchwork quilt of cultures and age-old traditions is intoxicating, even before you’ve witnessed the remarkable landscape of terraced rice paddies and majestic mountains. Be sure to sample the island’s vibrant beach-bar scene and stop to take in its breath-taking sunsets, too.

Winged Boots wisdom: Luxuriate in the opulent surroundings of your private villa or mansion at Bvlgari Resort Bali. The service is impeccable, the restaurants are superb and the heavenly spa is just perfect for gazing at those mesmerising sunsets from its clifftop location.

We couldn’t possibly talk about luxury holidays without mentioning Maldives. This necklace of stunning island gems in the Indian Ocean is synonymous with luxe retreats, owing to its impossibly perfect white beaches and aquamarine waters. The coral reefs that give the Maldivian atolls their incredible shades of blue also create wonderful snorkelling opportunities. And most of the islands’ deluxe resorts boast idyllic overwater villas, perfect for gazing across the magical lagoons.

Winged Boots wisdom: As five-star Maldives hotels go, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, is unsurpassed. On its own secluded island in the Baa Atoll, with the capacity for up to 21 guests only, hire the entire island if you wish. You won’t want to leave either, with a 62-foot yacht, diving centre, bespoke dining and spa treatments, all provided.
 

Leaping now from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic, we simply have to mention New York City luxury holidays. It’s hard not to fall in love with the Big Apple; its energy, bright lights, iconic sights and endless list of things to do won’t fail to captivate. Whatever you want to eat, you can find in NYC, and the array of world-class restaurants is second to none. There is a reason that its stores are globally renowned too. With so many flagship designer boutiques around the Upper East Side and Fifth Avenue, it’s almost ridiculous.

Winged Boots wisdom: We love the Baccarat Hotel New York, for its ultra-luxurious décor that manages to fuse classic sophistication with contemporary design, to stunning effect. Indulge in decadent afternoon tea or top-notch French cuisine at the property’s two restaurants. After a busy day of shopping or taking in the sights, retreat to Spa De La Mer to relax and rejuvenate.
 

The Indian Ocean undoubtedly boasts some of the world’s most incredible beach destinations, with the Seychelles being yet another. This collection of islands have some of the most exquisitely beautiful beaches you will ever see. The turquoise waters that caress them are filled with a myriad of exotic marine life that will have you reaching for your snorkel in no time. And around the coastline are a plethora of superb luxury resorts and first-rate restaurants. What more could you want?

Winged Boots wisdom: That said, if a secluded private-island retreat in the Seychelles is what you desire, then look no further than North Island. This is the ultimate in get-away-from-it-all luxury, with just 11 generously proportioned villas featuring lots of designer touches and private pools. You don’t even need to leave your secluded haven to eat, with in-villa dining available, although an intimate candlelit dinner on the beach can’t be beaten on romantic breaks.
 

There is something truly spellbinding about Thailand. Perhaps it’s in the way that no two parts are the same, and every province offers something unique and special. Perhaps it’s in the warmth of its people, or the beauty of the glittering temples and buddhas that adorn the land. Maybe it’s in the intense, exotic flavours of its famous cuisine; or in the stunning natural landscape, with its lush rice paddies and tropical forests, dramatic cliffs and glorious beaches. In fact, it’s all of these things, combined with incredible five-star resorts, that make Thailand such a magical destination for luxury holidays.

Winged Boots wisdom: Whatever you desire from your luxe Thailand holiday, you will find it in Thailand. For breath-taking sea vistas and all-out opulence, choose Six Senses Yao Noi in Ko Yao Noi. Alternatively, seek out the celebrity-favoured Phuket sanctuary that is Amanpuri. For an other-worldly experience, Keemala Phuket with its fairy tale-like treetop villas, can’t be beaten.
 

Soak up the laidback Bajan vibe and glorious year-round sunshine on luxury holidays in Barbados. With its beautiful beaches and fabulous azure sea, it’s easy to see why this vibrant destination is considered to be ‘the jewel of the Caribbean.’ Naturally, stretching out on those sun-kissed sands with a local rum cocktail is all part of the pleasure of Barbados holidays. But sampling the array of water sports on offer, and experiencing the famed Oistins Fish Fry are musts, too.

Winged Boots wisdom: Barbados hotels don’t get better than Sandy Lane, in its perfect position overlooking the scenic shoreline and pristine sands. If you need further help unwinding, then the fantastic spa is the place to head to. Meanwhile, four outstanding restaurants are waiting to satisfy your appetite with their diverse and tantalising menus.
 

If it’s good enough for George Clooney… The A-lister, as most people know, was so enamoured with Lake Como that he bought himself a fabulous mansion house there. And who can blame the star for falling in love with this spectacular region of Italy. The lakes are jaw-droppingly beautiful: sprawling expanses of shimmering clear waters framed by verdant hills and peppered with enchanting towns and eateries. We love quaint Bellagio with its array of boutiques. Magnificent Lake Garda, meanwhile, is a hotspot for outdoor adventure and wine tasting at its scenic vineyards.

Winged Boots wisdom: A perfect choice for Lake Como luxury holidays, Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como boasts a pool which sits directly on the lake’s waters; giving you a front-row seat for all that scenic splendour. Alternatively, the elegant Villa Cortine Palace Hotel on the southern side of Lake Garda, is ideally situated for exploring this glorious region.
 

Antigua’s gorgeous golden beaches – 365 of them! – and balmy year-round climate are a huge draw in themselves; but that isn’t all that this beautiful Caribbean destination has to offer. You will also be spoilt for choice for stunning five-star hotels on luxury Antigua holidays. We would be doing this West Indian gem a disservice too, if we didn’t mention its plentiful cultural offerings – Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Devil’s Bridge and Betty’s Hope, are all must-see attractions.

Winged Boots wisdom: Located on its own private island, Jumby Bay Island offers the ultimate in seclusion for luxurious Antigua retreats. Crowds most certainly won’t be an issue as you unwind on the soft sands of the resort’s private beach. Yet more serenity awaits at the heavenly spa, while a choice of seven restaurants means never having to leave the island.
 

Get the full Pretty Woman experience on Los Angeles luxury holidays. This of course means making for Beverly Hills and the designer-boutique heaven that is Rodeo Drive. Why not hire a sports car to complete your high-end holiday, and cruise around the Golden Triangle stopping at Jimmy Choo, Prada, Versace and just about every designer store you can think of? When you’re ready for a break, an abundance of superb al fresco eateries are waiting, too.

Winged Boots wisdom: If we’re talking Pretty Woman then of course our hotel of choice has to be the famous Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, where Edward and Vivian stayed in the hit movie. Relive some of the film’s magical moments at this iconic five-star property, where the classic décor and award-winning restaurants have stood the test of time.
 

Not an obvious choice as a luxury holiday destination perhaps, but believe us when we tell you that this often overlooked African gem is something truly special. For natural beauty, Rwanda is off the scale. Think magnificent mountains or volcanoes rising above lush bamboo forests where gorillas roam free. There are some rather wonderful beaches around Lake Kivu too, while the vibrant capital city of Kigali is well worth a visit.

Winged Boots wisdom: We mentioned gorillas above, and it’s with these extraordinary animals in mind that we recommend One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. This unique luxury resort places you in the heart of gorilla country, nestled as it is in the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. Book a gorilla trek experience for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these incredible primates.
 

Otherwise known as the French Riviera, this ultra-glamorous stretch of coastline in France runs from Saint Tropez to Monaco and beyond. Its reputation precedes it as one of the most celebrated coastal areas in the world; strewn with stunning beaches, luxury resorts and high-end bars. Every town in between has its own world-renowned boast too: Saint Tropez for its superyacht-filled harbour; Cannes for its festival; Monaco for the Grand Prix, and so it goes on.

Winged Boots wisdom: Nestled among shady palms and only a short drive away from gorgeous Pampelonne Beach, La Bastide de Saint-Tropez will tick all of your boxes for a five-star hotel stay on the Côte d'Azur. Its décor exudes style and opulence, while the award-winning restaurants ensure a premier gastronomic experience.
 

For an out-of-this-world safari experience, it has to be Kenya. Choose from a host of luxury lodges and glamping-style accommodation that place you in the centre of the action, for the safari adventure of a lifetime. Book a private jeep excursion with a knowledgeable local guide to be taken on a thrilling ride into the wildlands, where big cats, rhinos and elephants roam. 

Winged Boots wisdom: Mahali Mzuri, the Richard Branson-owned luxury property in Kenya was voted #1 Hotel in the World in the Travel + Leisure Awards. Need we say more? But just to elaborate, this 12-tented five-star base overlooks the private Olare Motorogi reserve in the Maasai Mara, giving you a front-row seat to one of nature’s most incredible spectacles: the Great Migration.
 

A unique collection of eight, innately beautiful islands, Hawaii is known for its exceptional beaches and irresistibly laidback vibe. Each island offers something different and wonderful – from the glorious national parks of ‘Big Island’ and majestic mountain ranges of Maui, to the fabulous underwater playground of the Northwest coast. Simply pick your perfect luxury hotel and get ready to say “Aloha” to Hawaii!

Winged Boots wisdom: Boasting its own private beach and gorgeous views of Hulopoe Bay, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is an ideal choice for luxe-holidays in Hawaii. An array of rooms and suites will suit both couples and groups; while a spa, trio of boutiques and choice of restaurants complete this five-star property’s fabulous host of amenities.
 

The captivating City of Light is on everybody’s bucket list, so all you need to do is choose your ideal five-star hotel for an unforgettable luxury Paris break. Of course, there are the essential sights and experiences to tick off your list including climbing the Eiffel Tower; a boat ride on the Seine; visiting the Louvre and so on. Here in the culinary capital of France, you will also be spoiled with a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants. And be sure to head to the renowned Triangle D’Or fashion district for the finest Haute Couture boutiques in Paris.

Winged Boots wisdom: The art-deco opulence of the Shangri-La Hotel Paris will take your breath away from the moment that you step inside. The wow-factor continues with the superb health club and spacious rooms or suites with magnificent vistas of the city. Superlative cuisine, courtesy of the hotel’s three restaurants, is the icing on this decadent cake.
 

Not only will you receive a warm welcome from the famously hospitable locals, you will also be greeted by some of the most incredible scenery imaginable on Fiji luxury holidays. The South Sea archipelago is a true slice of paradise, with impossibly beautiful beaches and the brightest blue waters that you have ever seen. Vast coral reefs teem with marine life, making for a snorkelling and diving heaven. Inland meanwhile, lush forests are ripe for rambling and hiking. If nightlife is what you are after though, vibrant Suva and Savusavu won’t disappoint.

Winged Boots wisdom: Choose between a variety of fabulous deluxe villas and residences with their own private pools, as a guest of the stunning Six Senses Fiji. Luxuriate at the serene spa amid lush tropical greenery, or savour cuisine from around the globe at a choice of three top-notch restaurants. The Ice Creamery, with its delectable homemade treats, is a must!
 

How to describe Costa Rica? It’s like a huge adventure playground for adults, where the luxury holiday of a lifetime awaits, courtesy of out-of-this-world hotels. Unleash your inner adrenaline junkie in this outdoor-adventure paradise. Hurtle through rainforest canopies on a zipwire; hike through jungle thriving with tropical birds and monkeys; or dive into waters inhabited by every amazing marine creature imaginable. This is one luxe-adventure that you will never forget.

Winged Boots wisdom: Staying in a tent might not sound luxurious at first, but wait until you see these ones… Kasiiya Papagayo’s ethos hinges on striking ‘the perfect balance between comfort and wilderness’; which it does to jaw-dropping effect. Every tent suite boasts all the deluxe amenities that you could wish for, while immersing you in tropical jungle surroundings with views to die for.
 

Discover a unique land of volcanic islands, where soft-sand beaches come in shades of pink and black, and the crystal-clear waters are impossibly blue. Tahiti is the central isle of French Polynesia, where cultures converge and age-old traditions are embraced. You will find some of the bluest waters on Bora Bora holidays, where a host of luxe-resorts boast diving amenities to help you explore the magical marine life that inhabit this island’s magnificent atolls.

Winged Boots wisdom: There are a handful of white-sand beaches to be found in French Polynesia, and the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is located on one of them. In fact, this five-star hotel is situated on Bora Bora’s longest stretch of white sands, with overwater villas giving you panoramic vistas of the achingly beautiful lagoon, too.

If you are seeking the safari experience of a lifetime without compromising on luxury accommodation, then Tanzania and its stunning five-star resorts are for you. Here is where all the wonder of the Serengeti National Park awaits, with scenes that recreate memorable moments from The Lion King. There are 12 other parks that beg to be explored on safari walks or drives, while mighty Mount Kilamanjaro is a must-see for the adventurous. And that’s just the beginning.

Winged Boots wisdom: How does watching the crimson sun set over the Serengeti National Park from your luxury hotel room sound? That is precisely what you can experience as a guest of the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. This incredible five-star property boasts truly spectacular vistas of Africa and its wildlife congregated around a watering hole from the comfort of its opulent rooms, suites and villas. A spa is the perfect place to unwind after your day’s safari adventure, too.