Do you ever fantasise about taking a luxury getaway to a five star resort or hotel in an exotic location on a tropical island or somewhere equally as enticing? For some of us it is just that – a dream or fantasy. However I am here to tell you that your pipedream of lapping up luxury holidays can now be reality.
Every single day my email inbox is full of wonderful holiday offers to new and exciting travel destinations and every single day I experience a twinge of wanderlust and an overwhelming desire to travel more and more! You can either ignore these alluring offers of holiday specials or do what I do and take a closer look, because some of them are not only very affordable, but are top notch in every sense of the word. You just need to be a bit savvy.
Slumbering in a hammock somewhere in the Caribbean
Although I frequently “rough it” during holidays by either camping or caravanning, I also like lapping up luxury holidays from time to time. This entails being on the lookout for travel deals that are too good to pass up and that means subscribing to travel deal websites like Luxury Escapes, scouring through the travel supplement in the weekend paper and watching out for TV specials on holiday programs like Getaway.
There are times that an escape to a luxury holiday resort is just what the doctor ordered. There is no need to plan a thing because everything is taken care of – from accommodation, flights, airport transfers and meals to holiday activities. Yes that’s right, your holiday is completely planned out for you without having to worry about any tiny details. All you have to do is turn up!
A Bale with a view at a Resort in Bali
Over the years we have purchased some of these exciting luxury holiday deals over the internet and I can confirm that we have never been disappointed – not even once! The variety and diversity of holiday deals range from luxury hotel accommodation in Australian cities, island resort escapes, mountain retreats and beachside stays, to luxury hotel or resort accommodation in overseas countries like Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Fiji, India and even Europe and South America.
Here’s a small selection of luxury holiday deals that we have purchased over the past few years:
Our Resort in Port Douglas
Our 5 night accommodation package of around $700 for two, included a stay in a one bedroom holiday apartment in Port Douglas with a free bottle of bubbly, buffet breakfast each day and a massage each. The apartments were well situated just off the main street of Port Douglas and within a short walk to the beach. All we had to do was organise our flights to Cairns, hire a car and drive the 67 km distance to Port Douglas. The beauty of this was that we could keep and eye out for cheap airfares and then book our accommodation accordingly. It turned out to be a very affordable holiday, particularly since we could cook some of our own meals in the apartment or on the BBQ provided near the pool.
This 8 night package at a five star resort located at Tanah Lot in Bali, was nothing short of absolute luxury. The Pan Pacific Nirwana Resort encompassing a sprawling area that is surrounded by an 18 hole championship golf course, featured some of the most scenic ocean views, three restaurants, four pool areas with play areas for the kids and adults – such as basketball, volleyball, water slides and floating toys.
Bali Resort Grounds
There was also a kids club, day spa, two tennis courts, extensive pathways for walking or cycling, cycle hire, a Sunset Bar, library, gym and a couple of shops. Our deal for $999 each included 8 nights in a comfortable spacious suite with views over the gardens and pools, all of our breakfasts and dinners, afternoon drinks in the clubhouse, tapas at a rooftop bar in Legian, a one way airport transfer, a massage each, a yoga class, a bucket of golf balls on the driving range and a turtle release experience. There was a free shuttle bus service daily into Kuta Beach or Seminyak that is 26 kms away. Such an opulent indulgence and such a bargain!
Relaxing on the beach at Hoi An
Later on this year we are embarking on another luxury holiday to Vietnam for 8 nights, with 2 nights in a 4 star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and 6 nights in a 4.5 star luxury Beach Resort in Hoi An. The entire package cost us $999 each and includes a $400 credit towards our airfares, all breakfasts, lunches or dinners, Spa treatments, Club access, afternoon tea experience, airport transfers, Vietnamese cooking class, poolside drinks and a half day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City. So really our only additional expense is our internal air fares and tours. I estimate that the total cost of this holiday will come close to just under $4,000 for the two of us.
Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui
If you only want a weekend escape for two or three nights then you can check out other great offers for shorter period stays. The choice is really up to you. So now there are no more excuses for escaping on a luxury getaway. These days it is even more affordable and easier than ever! Check out the great deals with Luxury Escapes.
This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who are as keen as I am to promote the Lovin’ Life mindset. The Lovin’ Life Team includes:
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Deborah
February 23, 2017I have to admit I really feel like I’m past the ‘roughing it’ stage. I didn’t have to do the ‘backpacker’ thing too much when young, but most of my overseas travel was to developing countries and for a lot of that I was a poor volunteer. Later I worked for the government and – generally – got to stay in nicer places…. if they existed.
Italy is on my bucket list (and perhaps some seaside villages in England) but I don’t want to have to skimp too much on either so am biding my time until I win lotto!
Kathy
February 23, 2017Ha ha, you could be waiting a long time Deb! There is no time like the present I say. You will be surprised as to how cheap some of these luxury holidays can be. You should check them out. :)
Jo
February 23, 2017You’ve certainly got my wanderlust going this morning! Your Vietnam deal looks amazing and it’s a place we are really wanting to go to. I like luxury when we visit developing countries, but I’m not averse to being part of the camp and canvas brigade for local weekends away which I also love. #teamlovinlife
Kathy
February 23, 2017Yes I think Vietnam will be wonderful. We have been here previously and loved it but wanted to return to explore some more. As well as spending time in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An we are going to Hanoi and Sapa as well as flying to Laos for 4 days in Luang Prabang. I’m really looking forward to it. Luxury Escapes do offer some fantastic deals. :)
Joanne Tracey
February 23, 2017We’re off to Vietnam in exactly 5 wks. I can’t wait. Great post…
Kathy
February 23, 2017Oh you lucky things! I have been to Vietnam twice already and I’m dying to return. I hope you enjoy it. :) #TeamLovinLife
Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty & Beyond
February 23, 2017Oh yes a little luxury never hurt anyone Kathy. Love your photos and I’m becoming impatient for our holiday in October. I might have to find a short trip before then. Especially if you keep tempting us with beautiful, images. have a great week!
Kathy
February 23, 2017It all looks so tempting Sue and I can understand your anticipation of your holiday. I can highly recommend one of these luxury holiday escapes. To date they have all been wonderful. :) #TeamLovinLife
Anne
February 23, 2017I used to negotiate hotel rates and write travel brochures for a wholesale company. I got to stay in so many amazing resorts and live the high life!
Kathy
February 23, 2017Oh wow! I want that job! It is lovely to stay in luxury hotels once in a while. :) #TeamLovinLife
Min@WriteoftheMiddle
February 23, 2017Wow – you’ve had some great holidays and more to come! I must check out this ‘Luxury Escapes’ website. I do like a little luxury I must say! Sounds like great deals to be got if you keep an eye out. Thanks for sharing! :-) #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
February 23, 2017We have had a few little luxury holidays thrown in amongst the other travel that we do. I think most of us like a little indulgence once in a while. When it’s this cheap we can all bring dreams to reality! Make sure you click on my Luxury Escapes image on my page if you’re going to book a holiday. :)
Lyndall @ Seize The Day Project
February 23, 2017You’ve had some lovely holidays Kathy. I don’t go 5 star, but I do like my comforts. When my friend and I went to Italy, we stayed in a lot of B&Bs, which were all very good. We made sure to do our research beforehand. We are now planning another trip and doing more research to make sure we have the best possible experience during our holiday :) #TeamLovinLIfe
Kathy
February 23, 2017I think it is good to mix it up sometimes. 4 or 5 star is a treat, but B&Bs, cabins, boutique hotels and even the occasional hostel are fine by me too. This is what I love about travel – a variety of experiences with all types of accommodation and ways and means of exploring the destination. A little bit of luxury and self-indulgence is good for the soul occasionally. :)
Nikki @ Wonderfully Women
February 23, 2017Those Luxury Escapes really are the most awesome packages. It’s got to the stage where I need to ban my parents from reading the newspaper as they are booking their next getaway before they have departed on the one they booked earlier!
Kathy
February 24, 2017Ha ha, we do the same Nikki. We are always booking holiday specials and often have a couple pre-purchased at a time. It’s the only way to live when you get to our age! #TeamLovinLife
jodie
February 23, 2017This is my kind of vacation—-I just want to explore and enjoy and not worry about all the details!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Kathy
February 24, 2017Yes it takes all the organisation and planning out of the equation and lets you have a completely relaxing holiday.:) #TeamLovinLife
Sydney Shop Girl
February 24, 2017Bliss! What a restful post to read at the end of a long week!!
SSG xxx
Kathy
February 24, 2017You’re very welcome! I’m happy to provide some bliss at the end of the week. :) #TeamLovinLife
Janet Camilleri
February 24, 2017I think we’ve already done our overseas luxury holiday for this year (Bali last month) … but I’m hoping to convince the hubster we need to do regular weekend getaways too. Your Port Douglas deal sounds amazing will keep my eye out for something similar!
Kathy
February 24, 2017Oh yes your Bali holiday looked amazing. We often buy Luxury Escape Vouchers ahead of time because they are normally valid for 12 months and then use them when we’ve saved some more dollars to go. The Port Douglas offer was a great deal. Remember to book via my website if you are looking at future holidays! :) #TeamLovinLife
Jan
February 24, 2017Too too much temptation in that post Kathy you evil woman! I hope you love Vietnam as much as we did, Hoi An in particular is such a delightful spot to hang out it and it looks like Luxury Escapes have all the details nailed for you.
Kathy
February 24, 2017I am an evil woman Jan! I thought you’d know that by now! We have been to Vietnam twice previously and absolutely loved it. We are returning to Hoi An because we enjoyed it so much and also we are going to Sapa up in the north and over to Luang Prabang in Laos. I can highly recommend Luxury Escapes. :) #TeamLovinLife
Chris
February 24, 2017We are blessed to be able to go to so many different, wonderful places, and sometimes not so expensive if you look hard. I’m just about to head to Tahiti – half price deal but still not cheap!! We had 6 nights in Hoi An recently – the jewel of Vietnam. Found some great restaurants, and a couple which were popular but over-rated. Did some blog posts and reviews about them. Also a photography workshop which was great.
Kathy
February 24, 2017Tahiti would be divine. We are hoping to do a cruise around French Polynesia at some stage. Hoi An is such a gorgeous place and I’m looking forward to visiting it again. I will look up your blog posts and read up on it before I go. :) #TeamLovinLife
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
February 25, 2017You’re definitely lapping it up!
My last luxury holiday like this was in Aruba last year.
This year we’re doing Thailand at a resort town (after a week of adventures stuff and an eco village first). The name of the town escapes me right now …
Kathy
February 25, 2017I’ve been to Aruba on a Caribbean Cruise a few years ago now. It was a fascinating island with beautiful beaches but with a very arid desert terrain and not much rainfall. I’ve also been to Thailand many times and find it very relaxing. There are several places you can go to that are out of the busy and hectic Patong Beach. I hope you enjoy it. :) #TeamLovinLife
Kirsty @ My Home Truths
February 25, 2017I’ve never been game enough to take up those offers, mostly because they are usually out of school holiday time for us (as my husband is a teacher we’re tied to school holidays for the moment). But we were converted to resort holidays when we stayed at a resort at Walt Disney World back in 2015. Having it all sorted out for us was exactly what we needed. Enjoy your upcoming trip x
Kathy
February 25, 2017Kirsty they are perfectly ok. I have never noticed a blackout period during school holidays, but I can understand that they wouldn’t be suitable in your situation. It sucks that holidays are dearer during school holidays. Even air fares are dearer during these periods. We used to go camping when our kids were little and they loved it. Now that we are older we enjoy a few luxury holidays. :) #TeamLovinLife
budget jan
February 26, 2017I’m sure you will love your Vietnamese holiday. Two nights in Ho Chi Minh with it’s lovely restaurants and a chilled 6 days at Hoi An (beach) will be a lovely mix. The food is great in Hoi An too! Good to know that those offers are genuine.
Kathy
February 26, 2017Yes we are looking forward to Vietnam and Laos afterwards. We have 4 nights in Luang Prabang, where I know you have been. We have been to Hoi An before but wanted to return. These Luxury Holidays are fantastic. We haven’t been disappointed with any of them so far. :) #TeamLovinLife