Think about the perfect luxurious vacation. If you had your choice, would you pick a pristine beach on a gorgeous island, the greenery of gently rolling hills and ancient wineries, or a destination known for its after-hours nightclubs? Maybe you would prefer to snorkel and dive in warm blue waters, or rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Fabulous vacation destinations await, but be warned. It helps to bring along an ample supply of cash.
- Dazzling Anguilla
Anguilla is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean Sea with temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year around. To get there, hop a plane from neighboring St. Martin or Puerto Rico directly into the Anguilla airport. Anguilla is known for its elaborate high end hotels, and this miniature island features over 30 spectacular beaches with offshore cays, perfect for snorkeling. After a day of deep sea fishing and water sports, try the delectable international and local Caribbean cuisine at one of the island’s restaurants. Do not miss the rum punch at Uncle Ernie’s Shoal Bay beach bar.
- Ancient Tuscany
The storied Tuscany region in Italy is a land of sunflowers, olive trees and ancient vineyards. Wine lovers will love exploring towns with familiar names like Siena, Lucca and Montepulciano. Make your way past small towns set on the Tuscan hilltops and stop to explore stone houses set on ancient cobblestone streets. Do some sightseeing in San Gimignano, the bell tower town, and continue on to Florence for world-class art and history. Visit Michelangelo’s David, and do some shopping for Italian jewelry, handbags and leather jackets along the Ponte Vecchio, the famed medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Arno River.
- Electrifying St. Maarten
St. Maarten is an island that has it all, from sun-drenched beaches to water sports, gourmet restaurants and an electrifying night life. It is no wonder that the island draws so many tourists year after year. The island has a split personality, with one side dominated by Dutch culture and the other side French. The Dutch side offers more action, with casinos, night clubs and the excitement of Phillipsburg. The French side is more elegant and laid back, with renowned restaurants in the tiny towns of Grand Case and Marigot. Enjoy eco adventures like scuba diving and zip lining, and of course, duty free shopping.
- The Invigorating French Alps
If you love skiing, the French Alps is the ultimate skiing experience. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain peak in the region, soaring over 15,000 feet. Well-heeled visitors enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter and white water rafting and bungee jumping in the summertime. The Alps were carved by glaciers and crystalline lakes surround Alpine towns. Chamonix, located at the base of Mont Blanc, is the best known city in the French Alps. If you go, visit one of the largest glaciers in Europe, Mer de Glace.
- Sun-Drenched Andalusia
To get the flavor of the Andalusia region of Spain, admire the awesome sight of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. Admire mega yachts at Puerto Banus and if you are in the mood for shopping, join the affluent visitors and sample shops with world-class names including Bulgari, Versace and Christian Dior. When it is time for some serious fun, drive down to the famous town of Marbella situated on the Costa del Sol, long known as the playground of the rich and famous. Try the hot spots along the Golden Mile with live music and a sophisticated ambiance.
- Natural St. John
The United States Virgin Island of St. John is situated only four miles to the east of better known St. Thomas, but the two islands could not be more different. While St. Thomas is filled with action, minimally developed St. John is prized for its pristine beaches and draws an upscale crowd of vacationers. St. John bears the influence of Laurance Rockefeller, who donated more than half the land on the island as protected parkland. The magazine Conde Nast Traveler named Trunk Bay Beach as one of the ten best beaches in the entire world.
- The Unparalleled French Riviera
Valued as one of the best travel destinations, the unparalleled French Riviera has it all, from scenic beauty to boutique shopping and an exhilarating night life that draws affluent visitors and celebrities from all over the world. This is a region of sleek mega yachts, beautiful beaches and coastal towns. Cannes, known as the home of the International Film Festival, along with San Tropez, Cap d’Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer are home to resident billionaires.
- The Intriguing Out Islands of the Bahamas
If you appreciate the mystery of exotic marvels, the Out Islands of the Bahamas are the place to go. Discover why Ernest Hemingway was drawn to the area and why James Bond movies where filmed there. Visit mystifying blue holes, part of an underwater cave system hundreds of years in the making. If you are an experienced diver, you may want to try the incredible 6,000-mile drop dubbed the Tongue of the Ocean. Then explore the so-called Bimini Road that some say is the highway leading to the lost city of Atlantis.
- Scenic Provence
For a relaxing vacation filled with delicious food and wine, scenic views and historical towns, plan a trip to Provence in France. Walk in the footsteps of artists like Vincent Van Gogh who were attracted there for the extraordinary luminous quality of the light. Enjoy days filled with views of hilltop villages perched against the mountains and relish the fragrant aroma of lavender that permeates the region. Stop for a meal prepared with fresh local ingredients, order a bottle of Chateau Neuf du Pape and explore Avignon and the Roman town of Arles.
- Active St. Thomas
For an active vacation, spend some time on bustling St. Thomas. Enjoy dinner at a pirate’s castle, play a round of golf at a Tom Fazio golf course and snorkel right off the beach. Explore the town of Charlotte Amalie, where the harbor was once a haven for pirates and now features cruise ships and private mega yachts. See the island from the Skyride and enjoy a Bird Show when you reach the top of Flagg Hill. Top off the day with dinner in the clouds as you watch the setting sun.
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