Asia

If you’re already planning next year’s trip to Asia and need some inspiration, then discover the best places to visit in Asia by Luxury Gold. There are countless beautiful places in Asia, whether you’re after picture-perfect beaches, mountains, ancient temples and civilizations, or sustainable luxury hotels – the world’s largest continent has it all.

Uncover the best places to visit in Asia, and make your 2025 the year of exploration

Siem Reap, Cambodia

There’s a reason why Siem Reap, a town in northwestern Cambodia, is a popular destination for many travelers beacuse it’s one of the best places to visit in Asia when it comes to awe-inspiring temples and UNESCO listed sites. When you visit Siem Reap with Luxury Gold, you’ll stay in the Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, regularly awarded as Siem Reap’s best golf resort, where you can relax with views the ornate gardens after a day of exploring ancient ruins. 

Of course, there’s so much to see beyond your hotel; you’ll dine at Mahob, a stone’s throw away from Angkor Wat located in a cozy garden setting surrounded by trees, flowers and a lotus pond. A must-see when in Siem Reap, you’ll explore the Angkor Archaeological Park with a renowned archaeologist who will enlighten you on the largest religious complex on earth. See what’s happening in modern-day Cambodia as you attend Phare, an incredible show that sees local artists use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian tales brought to life by Phare. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the lives of at-risk Cambodian youth through gainful employment in the arts. 

See it on: Cambodia and Vietnam in Style  

Maldives

For a more ‘no shoes, no news’ kind of vacation, the Maldives is one of the best places to visit in Asia, and its tranquil escapism will leave you feeling truly rested and recharged. One of our best luxury hotels in the world, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives offers the ultimate barefoot luxury experience. Set amidst the stunning Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort is a paradise for those seeking a sustainable escape in a beautiful and intimate setting.  

Gourmet dining options range from the dinner in the treetops to beachside barbecues under the stars for experiences you’ll never forget. The resort makes use of organic produce from its own gardens, meaning the food can even outshine the setting – though with special dining experiences such as the Astronomical Dinner Cruise and the Desert Island Picnic, the views will be unparalleled. 

Related reading: These Are the 10 Best Luxury Hotels in the World

Osaka, Japan

Any trip to Japan is going to be a culinary delight, but Osaka is one of the best places to visit in Asia for food-lovers. Often overlooked in favor of Kyoto, a trip to Osaka will allow you to explore this bustling city, visiting the Tenma, Tsuruhashi, and Shin-Sekai neighborhoods in search of the best teppanyaki. When you visit Osaka with Luxury Gold, you’ll discover why Osaka is known as the ‘kitchen of Japan’ as you stroll through Donburi street with a Local Expert, taste local specialties like takoyaki, crispy battered balls of octopus, spring onions and ginger. When you need to walk off some of the delicious food, you’ll explore the fascinating Osaka Castle, and visit the top of the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building for incredible city views. 

See it on: Majestic Japan 

Agra, India

No visit to India is complete without a trip to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal – but there’s no better way to see this popular destination than with Luxury Gold. Your hotel, an oasis away from the city’s busy streets, is just a stone’s throw away from the Taj Mahal, and you can even see views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site from the pool. You’ll rise before the sun on one of your days in Agra to view the Taj Mahal. With the light of dawn and fewer visitors you’ll have time to fully appreciate its grandeur in peace, accompanied by only the birds and monkeys.  

You’ll leave the grandeur of the monument and meet the community living in the shadow of the Taj Mahal when you take a Mughal Heritage Walk. Discover hidden gems of the area and learn about daily life in the ancient village with impressive vistas of India’s most famous monument. Through this initiative, tourism helps suppoprt the community and improve their living conditions.   

The views continue as you visit the impressive fortress in Agra, delving into the history of the Mughal Dynasty who ruled their empire for over 300 years. Glorious mosques and fairytale palaces are protected within its walls. Get in touch with today’s Indian culture and society as you visit a private colonial bungalow for high tea, meeting the host family and listening to their stories about the British Raj.  

See it on: Essence of India

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

Phang Nga Bay, also known as Ao Phang Nga National Park, may be one of the best places to visit in Asia – especially for film buffs, who’ll recognize it as the backdrop for the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with a Golden Gun, featuring Koh Tapu island. Its distinctive limestone cliffs and striking rock formations give it an otherworldly aura, supported by mangrove forests and small islands dotted around. Found between southern Thailand’s mainland and Phuket Island, here you can explore countless caves and lagoons, and snorkel along coral reefs.  

One of the best luxury hotels in the area, Six Senses Yao Noi offers cliffside private villas that feel like staying in a tree house, with incredible views over Phang Nga Bay. The boutique hotel is designed using natural materials that harmonize with the landscape, and when it comes to dining you can relish local, seasonal ingredients. For exclusive dining head to the Hilltop, where you can relish a Thai dinner with exceptional bay views. 

Singapore

The glamor of Singapore can’t be underestimated, with futuristic cityscapes, grand gardens, and incredible restaurants waiting within the city. Take a ride on the Eastern & Oriental Express, as you journey from the urban buzz of Singapore deep into the Malaysian jungle, and back again on this slow and luxurious journey. Don’t miss Singapore’s annual thrill as Formula 1 returns each September at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit. It was F1’s original night race, and the city lights almost outshine the cars. When it comes to dinner, both fine dining and authentic street food are covered; don’t sleep on the latter, with Hawker Centers offering some of the best food in Singapore – Chan Hon Meng was the first Singapore street food chef to win a Michelin star in 2016 for his stall, Hawker Chan. 

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

The unique charm of Nuwara Eliya – a lush, picturesque hill city in central Sri Lanka’s tea country – is that it’s a far cry from the bright sunshine and cloudless beaches you’ll see on postcards, although that doesn’t make it any less picture perfect. At 1,800 meters above sea level you’ll find cool, crisp weather with highs of 22° (72ºF) in April, the region’s hottest month, as well as misty clouds that give it the name ‘Little England’. Like England itself, it’s the kind of climate that invites you to curl up with a steaming cup of tea – which you’ll be doing after a tour of one of Nuwara Eliya’s many historic tea estates. We promise you haven’t tasted tea like this before, with whole Ceylon tea leaves bringing a much more delicate flavor as they’re brewed right at the source. 

Outside of the tea estates, the cooler climate offers the perfect conditions for dramatic, misty hikes through the nearby forests, while the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia, is definitely worth a visit – and contributes to making this one of the best places to visit in Asia. 

Mt. Fuji, Japan

There’s no bad season to travel to Mount Fuji: in the summer it’s officially open for climbing; in fall the foliage turns a symphony of burnt orange and reds; in winter you can ski; and in spring, cherry blossoms are in bloom. While you can spot Fuji on the train between Tokyo and Osaka, it’s worth visiting for more than a fleeting glimpse. The Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain provides picture-perfect views of the mountain, as do Lake Kawaguchiko’s onsens (hot springs). 

See it on: Majestic Japan

Jaipur, India

The capital of India’s Rajasthan state, Jaipur is affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’ for its trademark, dusty pink building color, the most famous of which is Hawa Mahal, a five-story pink sandstone structure in the heart of the city with 953 small windows. If picture-worthy architecture and incredible palaces are on your list, Jaipur will deliver in spades.  

Unique experiences are waiting on your Luxury Gold journey to Jaipur, as you enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah’s personal living room, normally off limits to visitors, before you savor an Indian-inspired high tea on the regal terrace. More architectural marvels await as you stroll through the intricately designed complex of courtyards and halls of Amber Fort, decorated with shimmering walls and ceilings. Embrace the hubbub of the city as you visit Jaipur’s flower and spice market, or attend a traditional prayer ceremony at a white marble Hindu temple. 

See it on: Imperial Rajasthan 

Hue, Vietnam

Hue has a reputation among Vietnamese people as being the most romantic city in the country, and your Luxury Gold trip to Hue will show you the most beautiful sides of it. You’ll stay at Pilgrimage Village, a tranquil hotel situated among leafy trees and quiet countryside. This is your oasis, where you can take part in meditation, yoga or tai chi classes in your free time, and unwind in the steam bath. When you’re out and about, you’ll be cycling through rice fields through the countryside to Thanh Toan village, where you can visit the lively local market, bargain with the locals and see traditional houses. Soak up the agricultural way of life, a suitable contrast to the city.  

No trip to Hue is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel, a place of historical significance and architectural beauty. Learn about Emperor Gia Long, the first ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty, who made this the center of a unified Vietnam. 

For a truly unique experience you’ll meet celebrated painter and singer, Camille Huyen, dining at her home, the fascinating Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre in Hue. Prepare for a memorable meal and private concert, hearing from her and her husband about their fascinating lives.  

Take to the water on a boat ride to the private museum of Tran Dihn Son, whose great-grandfather was a high-ranking mandarin during the Nguyen Dynasty, where you can see the vast collection of rare antiquities collected by him and his ancestors. 

See it on: Spirit of Vietnam 

Related reading: Hue is Where the Heart is: In Conversation With Artist Camille Huyen

Udaipur, India

Udaipur goes by many nicknames such as ‘City of Lakes’ or ‘Venice of the East’, famous not only for its lakes but also its palaces. On a Luxury Gold journey you’ll witness the city’s historical grandeur as you visit the City Palace complex that towers over the banks of Lake Pichola and lay eyes on the intricate Ranakpur’s Jain Temples, a marvel made up of almost 1500 white marble pillars. Later on, you’re able to cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola or explore the old city’s colorful bazaar. 

You’ll truly experience Udaipur’s palatial architecture as you stay in The Leela Palace Built in the style of a grand Maharaja’s palace, The Leela Palace evokes the mystique of a bygone age where refined service and regal majesty combine to present an unparalleled experience. 

See it on: Imperial Rajasthan 

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a well-trodden destination ever since 2010’s Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts – but there are still relatively undiscovered spots where you can avoid the crowds while taking in Bali’s unparalleled beauty. One of those is Amed, an East Bali beach town and something of a hidden gem. One of the best spots in Asia for scuba diving in the world at Amed Reef, yoga classes overlooking the island at Blue Earth Village, or sundowners at the clifftop infinity pool at Sunset Point, Amed offers a laid-back vacation with plenty to see and do. 

Hoi An, Vietnam

Vietnam’s glowing, lantern-filled city of Hoi An is well-renowned as one of the country’s most romantic places to visit. When you journey with Luxury Gold, you’ll stay at the Anantara Hoi An Resort on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Just moments away from the historic part of Hoi An, this tranquil hotel overlooks the river where you can take in the views from your sunbed, or make use of its spa services when you’re not exploring.  Hoi An’s ancient Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll explore this charming, historic area seeing well-preserved buildings that date back several centuries, spotting hundreds of colorful lanterns along the way. 

When you’re not in the town itself, you’ll visit the beautiful Cam Thanh Village with its dense coconut jungles, learning its history during the Vietnam War and its current status as a supplier of seafood, vegetables and rice. Glide across the water in a traditional bamboo-basket boat to the Thanh Dong village where you’ll hear about local farming customs, continuing through a peaceful water coconut forest to a riverside restaurant overlooking the rice fields. Get stuck into a hands-on cooking class alongside a local chef – and enjoy your hard work for lunch. 

See it on: Spirit of Vietnam 

Kobe, Japan

Don’t overlook cosmopolitan Kobe when thinking of the best places to visit in Asia. Here you can explore the bustling city while still being surrounded by sea and mountains when in downtown Kobe. Walking through Kobe is the best way to see the city, which is on the smaller side compared to goliaths like Tokyo. It’s all too easy to eat and drink your way round Kobe, home of the world-renowned Kobe beef – it won’t taste better than in its home city. Wakkoqu is one of the best restaurants to try Kobe beef, where you can watch the chef prepare your meal in front of you. Kobe is also one of Japan’s leading areas for sake brewing, with sake brewery tours showing you the process from grain to bottle. To relax away from the bustle of city life, visit one of the most famous hot springs in Japan, Arima Onsen, just 30 minutes from downtown Kobe but still within the city limits. Make sure to head out of the city one evening to the mountains where you can see the city lights sparkle, known as the “million dollar night view”. 

Luang Prabang, Laos

Step back in time when you visit Luang Prabang, with its well-preserved colonial architecture and traditional Lao style – the town is also UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you travel with Luxury Gold, the Luang Say Residence will be your home, designed in an elegant colonial style. This 5-star boutique hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, while you can stroll through the lush tropical gardens within the hotel itself. You’ll rise with the sun to participate in the centuries-old Buddhist tradition of offering alms to the monks from the ancient temples of Luang Prabang, sharing this deeply spiritual ceremony with the local people.  

Ascend the sacred mountain, Mount Phousi, taking in the natural beauty from the top as you spot the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers with the jungle-clad mountains rising in the distance. Perhaps you’ll even spot the place where you’ll take a sunset cruise along the Mekong River later on, observing rural life along the tree-lined banks of this magnificent river while enjoying a sundowner and all the burning colors of the magnificent sunset.  

See it on: Sensational Vietnam and Laos

Discover the best places to visit in Asia on a luxury Asia tour with Luxury Gold.

Every year, 600 industry experts combine forces to declare The World’s 50 Best Hotels, celebrating the very best hotel experiences across the globe. The list is published by William Reed, also responsible for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In their own words, “50 Best acknowledges the many levels on which hotels operate as well as the people behind them – recognising and celebrating the most outstanding establishments and the individuals who bring them to life”.

 

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This year, the world’s best hotel is officially Capella, an incredible riverside oasis in Bangkok, which knocked last year’s number one, Passalacqua in Lake Como, down to a highly respectable second place. Bangkok had a bumper year, with four hotels on the list, making Capella’s victory all the sweeter. Of Europe’s 13 entries, there were some urban classics, such as The Connaught and Claridge’s in London and Le Bristol and Hotel de Crillon in Paris. There were a notable number of new entries in more remote destinations, including Kokomo Private Island, Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman and The Brando in French Polynesia.

Below, we’ve chosen six of our favourite hotels from the list – in destinations you can travel to with Luxury Gold. If any of them capture your imagination, or you’d just like to experience one of the world’s best hotels for yourself, consider extending your stay at the beginning or end of your journey with us.

Say hello to the world’s best hotels

No. 6: Aman, Tokyo

At number six, this sleek, hard-edged hotel sits right in the thick of Tokyo, somehow maintaining a zen-like calm in all corners. The lines couldn’t be straighter, the windows couldn’t be bigger, the views through floor-to-ceiling windows couldn’t be more mega – and yet “the transition from city to escapism is instantaneous”. The World’s 50 Best draws particular attention to the window-side stone bathtubs, the temple-like spa, the 30-metre swimming pool and the ethereally light-filled lobby.

Majestic Japan is an 11-day journey taking in Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and more. The last stop is Tokyo, making it easy to add a couple of extra days in the city.

 

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No. 4: Cheval Blanc, Paris

It’s not surprising that LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) makes some of the world’s best hotels, but this is its first maison in a city. It couldn’t be more in Paris – close to the Marais, over the Seine from Saint-Germain, with views of the Eiffel Tower that remain seared in your mind forever. The rooms are chic golden havens, the spa is Dior and Le Tout-Paris is a brasserie that embraces Paris’s skyline like nowhere else. It’s easy to see why this hotel is number 4.

Our Ultimate France journey is two full weeks of French immersion, by way of Monte Carlo, Provence and Bordeaux, finishing – conveniently enough – in Paris.

 

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No. 11: Claridge’s, London

Proving it really is timeless, Mayfair’s art deco icon comes in at number 11. It has been literally and figuratively flying the flag for Great Britain among the world’s best hotels since 1856, but recent years have seen the addition of a five-storey subterranean Japanese-inspired spa and a facelift for many of the sumptuous suites. Known for that very English thing – discretion – Claridge’s remains the host of choice for high society, global dignitaries, designers and celebrities.

Our 10-day British Royal journey starts in London, so you can arrive a little early and start as you mean to go on.

 

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No. 19: Four Seasons Firenze, Florence

There are four Four Seasons hotels on the list this year, all of them completely different in character. At number 19, this one is the most palatial of the properties, surrounded by Florence’s largest private garden, in the impeccably restored 15th-century Medici family palazzo. The interiors fully celebrate the Italian Renaissance, with dramatic floral displays sitting among frescoes, bronze sculptures, mosaics and moldings aplenty.

It’s about three hours to Florence from both Rome and Venice, where Ultimate Italy begins and ends.

 

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Mount Nelson, Cape Town

This is Cape Town’s Grande Dame, affectionately known as The Nellie, or Pink Lady. She’s been with us for over a century and this year she’s the best hotel in Africa, and according to this list, the world’s 28th best hotel. The candyfloss hue of the building flows through the hotel – in the towels, sun loungers, macarons and rose gardens, making for a joyful luxury space. New initiatives include replacing historic oil paintings with emerging African artists. The World’s 50 Best says service is “light-hearted and personality filled”.

Spectacular South Africa is an eight-day journey (or a 10-day journey if you add Victoria Falls), beginning in Cape Town.

 

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No. 43: Suján Jawai, Rajasthan

At number 43 is this rare beauty – a luxury camp set into the plain next to the Aravalli mountains, among billion-year-old granite rock formations, where leopards roam free. It consists of 10 tented suites, each with its own private sit-out in the Jawai wilderness. In the dining tent, meals follow the rhythm of safari – there are no set dining times. At sunrise, freshly-made Indian snacks, tea and coffee are served during the morning game drive, followed by stuffed parathas back at camp.

At the end of our 13-day Imperial Rajasthan journey, most guests fly from Udaipur to Delhi for their homeward flight, but Udaipur happens to be a mere three hours’ drive from Suján Jawai.

 

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The Rest of the Best Hotels in the World 2024:

1. Capella, Bangkok
2. Passalacqua, Lake Como
3. Rosewood, Hong Kong
4. Cheval Blanc, Paris
5. The Upper House, Hong Kong
6. Raffles, Singapore
7. Aman, Tokyo
8. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
9. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
10. Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island
11. Claridge’s, London
12. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
13. Raffles London at The OWO
14. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
15. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
16. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá
17. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
18. Maroma, Riviera Maya
19. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
20. Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
21. Desa Potato Head, Bali
22. Bulgari, Tokyo
23. The Lana, Dubai
24. Rosewood, São Paulo
25. The Calile, Brisbane
26. The Siam, Bangkok
27. Park Hyatt, Kyoto
28. Mount Nelson, Cape Town
29. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit
30. The Carlyle, New York
31. La Mamounia, Marrakech
32. Four Seasons, Madrid
33. Capella, Singapore
34. Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside
35. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
36. Eden Rock, St. Barths
37. Aman, New York
38. Royal Mansour, Marrakech
39. Amangalla, Galle
40. Le Bristol, Paris
41. Gleneagles, Auchterarder
42. Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone
43. Suján Jawai, Rajasthan
44. Singita, Kruger National Park
45. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zaghi
46. The Connaught, London
47. The Brando, Tetiaroa
48. Hotel Esencia, Tulum
49. The Tasman, Hobart
50. Kokomo Private Island, Yaukuve Levu Island

Mountain summits, lakeside forests, sculptural desert rock forms, luminous lagoons… the world is full of wonders to nourish the eye. But where to start? You could form a whole separate bucket list of the most beautiful places in the world, before you begin to break that beauty down by scenery, nature, manmade forms and wildlife. Some landscapes are just pleasing to the eye, and must be protected at all costs; tread lightly when visiting these exceptionally beautiful spots across the globe.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Famously up there with the most beautiful places in the world, the world’s largest coral reef system gleams a neon turquoise. Sailing around and landing on its islands, you’ll see white sand beaches and spot turtles, clownfish and giant clams on snorkels. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Australia tour.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Machu Picchu, Peru

Set 7,972 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this mysterious citadel is not just one of the most beautiful places in the world, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Reached at the end of an epic hike – or a scenic train ride – the classic view of the city is from the Guardian’s House. Take the train option on Luxury Gold’s Treasures of the Incas tour.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Pamukkale, Turkey

This western Turkish town is famous for its natural white travertine terraces, their scoops of natural pools filled by nourishing hot springs. Their gleaming white frame makes the pools an exquisite, luminous ice-blue. Visit on a day-trip from Marmaris or Dalaman on the coast.

Pamukkale’s travertine terraces, Turkey

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Enormous and pillar-like, there’s something uncanny about these vast baobab trees, some of which are over 800 years old and over 98ft tall. Often photographed silhouetted against a fiery Madagascan sunset, they’re found on the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand

Another country that pops up on list of the most beautiful places in the world is New Zealand. Peaceful, uninterrupted nature sprawls across much of its South Island, but most famous is Milford Sound, a shimmering fiord backed by peaks and waterfalls in the Fiordland region. On Luxury Gold’s tour, you’ll visit lesser-known but just as ravishing neighbour, Doubtful Sound, on an overnight cruise.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Bagan, Myanmar

This ancient city and Unesco World Heritage Site is an arresting mix of stupa-topped temples and dense forest, often seen in magical mists. There are more than 3,500 temples and pagodas here, some dating back 800 years and many eerily overgrown with mossy foliage.

Temples in Bagan, Myanmar

Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA

California’s towering redwood trees are one for the bucket list: this west coast state’s hiking trails and national parks are some of the most beautiful places in the world, let alone in North America. Home to the world’s tallest trees – some more than 370ft high – these forest dwarf their visitors and emphasize the sheer force of nature.

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Okavango Delta, Botswana

One of the few wetlands systems that does not flow into a sea or ocean, this complex inland waterway is a honeypot for incredible wildlife, with little human development to spoil the view. Visit during the dry season to see elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo and over 560 bird species.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Close to Kyoto, this dense forest of light-filtering bamboo is a restorative place to spend an afternoon. Hiking trails through the tall, thin stems, you’ll feel an immense sense of peace, before exploring the nearby Togetsukyo Bridge and temples in Sagano.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Petra, Jordan

Rose-gold pillars and ornate panels carved into sheer rock face, this desert city in the ancient kingdom of Jordan is a must-see on your travels. Built by the Nabatean civilisation over 2,000 years ago, it looks like a scene from a sci-fi film set on another planet; visit at night to see it illuminated by hundreds of candles.

The ancient city of Petra, Jordan

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Known for the rainbows that float above their crashing mists, these vast waterfalls form a natural border between these two African countries on the Zambezi River. Take the path along the edge to be misted with spray and hear the roar which gave them the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke that Thunders”.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil

A protected swathe of land in northeastern Brazil, this national park has surreal sand dunes cradling turquoise lagoons. A Unesco world heritage site and one of the less obvious of our most beautiful places in the world, its white sand against bright water has an otherworldly beauty to it.

Dunes at Lençois Maranhenses National Park

Rocky Mountains, Canada/USA

These dramatic mountain peaks cut down through North America from Canada well into the United States, a series of craggy charcoal mountains swathed in handsome evergreen forest. Banff National Park is one of the most gorgeous spots; while the Rocky Mountaineer train, travelling through the area, is a bucket list favourite. See the best of the area on Luxury Gold’s Majesty of the Rockies tour.

Sunset in Banff National Park, Canada

Yuanyang Rice Terraces, China

There are around 17,000 hectares of gently shelving rice paddies in this area of Yunnan, China, prompting intrepid visitors to come from far and wide for the local hiking trails and photography opportunities. Part of the UNESCO-recognised Honghe Hani Rice Terraces area, they’re not just one of the most beautiful places in the world, they’re one of the oldest continually-farmed areas anywhere, using the same methods for centuries.

Mount Teide, Tenerife

The highest mountain in Spain sits on the dramatic, volcanic Canary Island of Tenerife. A striking, Mars-like terrain of crumbling black rock and lava forms, it’s also a great place to go stargazing, with some of the clearest skies in Europe. Take the challenging hike or catch the cable car up to the summit.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

This Nordic country is home to more than 20 hot springs and geothermal pools, but this most famous turquoise lagoon is known for its luminous powder-blue waters, mystical clouds of steam and black rocky surrounds. Geothermal heat warms the water to a comfy 99-102 Fahrenheit, creating a natural hot tub with otherworldly views all around.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

A spectacular, barren landscape, Sossusvlei contains both enormous, rust-red sand dunes and flat, white salt pans that make it one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s part of the Namib Desert, with curious plant and wildlife that have adapted to the extreme, arid conditions. You can camp at a luxury tented camp in the area, or fly over the landscape by hot air balloon.

The Pitons, St Lucia

These lush, emerald twin mountain peaks are the gateway to dense forest, cocoa plantations and exotic wildlife on this – perhaps the prettiest of all Caribbean islands. You can see their majesty from many a luxury resort or white sand beach in the area, but the brave choose to climb them at sunrise, or hike around their foot trails.

Trans-Bhutan Trail, Bhutan

Of all of the world’s most naturally-blessed hiking trails, this might be the ultimate. Winding through the cut-off-from-the-world Asian country of Bhutan, the 403km route dates back to the 16th century, but is only just opening up to global tourists. You’ll see rice paddies, huge Buddha statues, incredible mountainside temples and villages with fluttering prayer flags along the way.

St Moritz, Switzerland

Views of the Swiss Alps from the Alpine towns of St Moritz and Zermatt are unparalleled. Expect snow-capped mountain peaks, mirror-smooth lakes, fairytale evergreen forests and more from one of the most beautiful places in the world. To see these areas and ride the sought-after Glacier Express train, visit on Luxury’s Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour.

St. Moritz at dusk

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

With enormous limestone karsts rising up from tranquil waters like the humps of a sea monster, this bay in northeast Vietnam is one of the most sought-after sights in Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s traditional wooden junks and overnight tourist cruises ply the waters, passing white beaches and turquoise lagoon – visit on Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Indochina tour.

Serene Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Geirangerfjord, Norway

Norway’s fjords are a soothing prospect: vast and unspoiled, their towering, mossy cliffs lead to pure forest and snow-capped heights. This Unesco World Heritage Site might be the most fairytale-perfect, with skyscraper-tall waterfalls and tiny, elfin cottages trimming its shores. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Timeless Scandinavia tour.

Geraingerfjord is Norway’s largest fjord

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s carefully protected interior is known for its complex ecosystems – in Monteverde, you’ll find over 2,500 species of plant and more than 500 types of orchid alone, not to mention 30 species of hummingbird and sloths, toucans and golden toads. Strolling along suspended walkways through the treetops is a magical experience.

Colorful toucan in Costa Rica

Table Mountain, South Africa

South Africa is packed with incredible vistas, from its wave-lashed coastline (where whales and sharks can be seen from above) to the dense green pastures of its Cape Winelands, and idyllic Garden Route beaches. Table Mountain is the must-see for visitors to Cape Town, with panoramic views over the city’s skirts and a “tablecloth” of mist and cloud often draped over its heights. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Spectacular South Africa tour.

Table Mountain’s “tablecloth” of mist

Monument Valley, USA

There’s a lunar-like quality to this dry, nature-sculpted valley on the border of Arizona and Utah; but rendered in fierce Martian reds. Huge sandstone buttes and mesas are the “monuments” here, where hiking trails, sunset tours and Navajo heritage tours best showcase one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

Monument Valley, magical even at night

Iguassu Falls, Argentina

It’s hard to get your head around the sheer scale of these powerful, semicircular falls, thundering down from 80m at their highest. Dividing Argentina and Brazil, and visited in protected parks either side of the border, the area is also a honeypot of great wildlife: tapirs, howler monkeys, caimans and even jaguars. Visit on Luxury Gold’s Grand South America tour.

Iguassu Falls, on the Brazil/Argentina border

Scottish Highlands, UK

Not all beautiful locations are sun-soaked and tropical – many come in frostier, mistier forms. Take Scotland’s remote, rambling Highlands, where you might visit the enchanting Loch Lomond, see coastal castles crumbling into the sea, spot a stag on heathery heathland or visit a far-flung whisky distillery on a tiny island.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands

Jaipur, India

Known as the “Pink City”,  Rajasthan state’s rose-tinted capital is packed with some of India’s loveliest architecture. Alongside the ornately decorated, 18th-century City Palace, there are forts, temples and bazzars to explore – visit on Luxury Gold’s Essence of India tour.

The Pink Palace, Jaipur

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

This South Pacific nation is about as paradisiacal as paradise gets, but Bora Bora is the real pin-up. White sand beaches, thatched bungalows on stilts in neon bright lagoons, looming, forested island and some of the world’s best reefs to snorkel and dive mean it’s a magnet for super-luxurious resorts.

Palm trees on French Polynesia

Wulingyuan, China

Another Unesco World Heritage Site, this area of Hunan Province is famous for its natural sandstone pillars and slim mountain peaks, rising out of misty, remote countryside. It inspired film director James Cameron’s “floating islands” in the movie Avatar, and intrepid tourists still visit to see its dizzying cliffside walkways, local caves and waterfalls.

The limestone karst towers of Wulingyuan, China