{"id":21916,"date":"2022-10-28T15:05:49","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T14:05:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=21916"},"modified":"2023-02-20T16:24:02","modified_gmt":"2023-02-20T16:24:02","slug":"what-does-luxury-holiday-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/what-does-luxury-holiday-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Luxury Holiday Mean to You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21941″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What Luxury Means<\/h2>\n

The Oxford English Dictionary defines luxury as \u201csomething desirable for comfort or enjoyment, but not indispensable\u201d. We beg to differ: in our opinion, holidays are an essential element of a fulfilled life and undoubtedly a luxury. But a luxury holiday doesn\u2019t have to be \u201cchoice or costly\u201d. It could be as simple as communing with nature, immersing oneself in the sights and sounds of a vibrant city, or taking time to simply live in the moment. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our definitions of a holiday luxury are all personal and evolve as our worldliness widens. So here we\u2019ve assembled assorted thoughts on luxury from our travel team and some of you, to offer a new perspective on what extravagance means, and maybe ignite inspiration for an indulgent holiday.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

A luxury holiday is…<\/h2>\n

A change of scene<\/h4>\n

Luxury is something different: a jungle setting, tropical beach, street food market or hidden dive bar. Sometimes it\u2019s also about the hotel, and for me that means somewhere rooted in its sense of place. Amanbagh in Rajasthan<\/a> springs to mind. An <\/span>amazing sense of place but unashamedly luxe<\/span>. Luxury is also about feeling relaxed. When you\u2019re relaxed, you\u2019re more likely to experience those one-off encounters that make travelling so special.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lola<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21929″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Getting away from the everyday<\/h2>\n

The most luxurious thing I\u2019ve ever experienced is staying at <\/span>Soneva Fushi<\/span><\/a> in the Maldives. Everything was perfect. It wasn\u2019t about standing on ceremony \u2013 even the butler was laid back, blending into the background rather than looming over us. There were so many magical experiences, including an otherworldly viewing of the Sombrero Galaxy, Jupiter and Saturn at the resort\u2019s observatory. The whole stay was special, made even more so because it was so far removed from everyday life.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sara<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21936″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Tears of joy<\/h2>\n

We took a chance on <\/span>Ishq<\/span><\/a>, a newly reopened resort in Sri Lanka. It was a great deal, but we were nervous as there were no photos or reviews available. We needn\u2019t have worried: you know it\u2019s a luxury experience when you cry with joy as you walk in. A beautiful villa with a central pool, an expansive garden leading up to the ocean, and our own private bar where the adults could get some time to themselves: that\u2019s the ultimate in luxury.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meriel\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21917″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

A room with a view<\/h2>\n

It can be in a rural location, for example <\/span>Periyar Forest Bungalow<\/span><\/a> in Kerala, India, nestled deep in the national park with rooms facing onto the mysterious, inviting jungle. Or it can be in a city where you have a vantage point of the street life below and you can watch the world go by \u2013 such as a sea view room in the heritage wing of the <\/span>Taj Mahal Palace<\/span><\/a> in Mumbai. It has character, history, and big windows from which to gaze out onto the gateway of India.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

James<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”15351″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Peaceful serenity<\/h2>\n

Sure, I\u2019m fond of a luxury hotel, such as <\/span>The Nam Hai<\/span><\/a> in Hoi An, Vietnam, with its beautiful infinity pool, warm sea swimming, and perfect interior design. But my idea of real luxury is a stay at <\/span>Surya Shanti<\/span><\/a> in Eastern Bali. Palm-thatched cottages in a peaceful setting look out over breath-taking views of emerald rice paddies, mist-shrouded volcanoes and the local river. Rafting, trekking and boat rides are all on offer, but the ultimate luxury lies in the deep relaxation of the serene surrounds.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sam Carr<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21919″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

A natural alternative<\/h2>\n

Having lived in London for over 10 years, heading to a remote national park feels like luxury to me. The space, peace and greenery instantly relax me. It is also a real luxury \u2013 and privilege \u2013 to see wildlife in the countries I travel to. Spotting a tiger in India makes you feel really present in that moment, which can be hard to achieve during a busy day at home. I also love hotels that embrace the natural world they\u2019re set in: places like <\/span>Danum Valley<\/span><\/a> in Malaysia or <\/span>Six Senses, Zighy Bay<\/span><\/a> in Oman. They\u2019re designed around the environment they\u2019re built in, immersing you in nature while you\u2019re there.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Becky<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21920″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Birds, big beds and a well-made G&T<\/h2>\n

Horathapola Coconut Estate<\/span><\/a> in Sri Lanka: that\u2019s my idea of luxury. Extraordinary bird watching right from the lawn, darkly luxuriant woods, massive four-poster beds (I\u2019m very tall), and a veranda for an evening G&T. And best of all, high-quality but simple, local food made with incredible ingredients.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sam\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21937″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Taking it slow<\/h2>\n

To me, luxury is time. My first taste of Asia was as a backpacker, and I was lucky enough to have half a year to explore at my own pace. That\u2019s a rare thing these days, when I can only get away for two weeks and need to cram everything in. Nonetheless, I try to design my travels to create a sense of having time, whether it\u2019s focusing on fewer places so I can properly absorb each one; choosing a train trip over a flight; or simply taking a day or two to wander a new area without plans. This is when I can enjoy the chance to reflect. I\u2019m about to head to Vietnam and I\u2019ve booked two nights of time out at <\/span>Amanoi<\/span><\/a>. An exceptionally luxurious location to enjoy slowly.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Holly<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21938″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Being out in the wild<\/h2>\n

Luxury is feeling like I’m in the wild, camping outside, at one with nature, especially when it\u2019s combined with great service, an incredible location, and a comfortable, clean environment. The ultra-exclusive <\/span>Shinta Mani Wild<\/span><\/a> in Cambodia\u2019s Botum Sakor National Park is the perfect example. A luxury tented camp and conservation project, it\u2019s the best of both worlds.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21921″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

It’s simple things, done well<\/h2>\n

As a teenager with a Saturday job in the hospitality industry, my early perception was that luxury was all about seeming effortless while people beavered madly away behind the scenes. Years later, with kids in tow, I think of luxury differently. It\u2019s simple things, like a break from the hectic pace of day-to-day life at Thailand\u2019s <\/span>Koyao Island Resort<\/span><\/a>, with a chance to spend time with family or just not having to race the clock. You won\u2019t find me saying no to a high-end hotel or a fancy meal, but that\u2019s not all there is to luxury. I don\u2019t want my kids to take these things for granted. Soon they\u2019ll be teenagers themselves, and I might just pack them off to make beds or wait tables, so they can fully appreciate luxury rather than expect it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Melissa<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21939″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

CURIOUS ABOUT TRAVEL?<\/h2>\n

Head to our website for more ideas and information about travelling to Asia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can get in touch on 020 7924 7133<\/span>\r\n \t.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to start your journey<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A room with a view, or the simple things, done well. Luxury is different for everyone, and we are on a mission to find out what a luxury holiday means to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":21941,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1348,1301,62,13,14,12],"tags":[1426,1356],"coauthors":[923],"class_list":["post-21916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-across-asia","category-bhutan","category-india","category-thailand","category-the-maldives","category-vietnam","tag-boutique-hotels","tag-luxury-hotels"],"aioseo_notices":[],"views":3293,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21916"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21916\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21916"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=21916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}