My Most Unforgettable Luxury Travel Experiences: What To Put On Your Travel List
You know that feeling when you arrive somewhere and instantly think, Oh… this is different. Not just beautiful, not just fancy—different. Like your nervous system actually starts to settle the second you walk in. That’s the kind of travel I’m talking about here.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to stay in some truly unforgettable places—the kind that don’t just look good in photos, but actually leave a mark.
There’s something about stepping into a place that feels like it was designed for a movie scene—only you’re not watching, you’re in it. You’re greeted with chilled towels and champagne, your luggage somehow vanishes from your hand, and the sunset waits just long enough for you to get the perfect view from your infinity pool. These are the moments that make luxury travel unforgettable—not just because of the extravagance, but because of how present they make you feel.
I still remember arriving in Santorini for the first time. The sea looked like it had been filtered through crystal, the air smelled like salt and white wine, and time slowed in a way that only happens when you’re not checking your phone. It wasn’t just the hotel with cave suites carved into the cliffside or the private yacht waiting to take us around the caldera. It was the stillness. The way luxury gave me space to actually feel the moment, not rush through it.
Travel, at its best, should linger. You should find yourself thinking about the candlelit dinner you had on a rooftop in Marrakech six months after you’ve returned home, or the spa in the Maldives where you forgot what day it was. These memories don’t fade because they weren’t just pretty—they were personal.
This blog isn’t just a highlight reel. It’s a curated list of the places that truly moved me, the destinations that made luxury feel less like a status symbol and more like a state of mind. It’s for the traveler who isn’t just chasing photo ops, but chasing a feeling: of being taken care of, of beauty without chaos, of deep exhale energy.
If you’re planning a bucket-list trip—or you just need a little travel escapism—let this guide be your passport to inspiration. These are the places I’d go back to in a heartbeat, the ones that raised the bar for every trip that came after.
Let’s get into it.
The Places That Stayed With Me (And Why)
I’ve been lucky to visit a lot of beautiful places, but the ones that stay with me? They all have something deeper than just stunning views or a fancy suite. For me, luxury has become less about labels and more about how a place makes me feel—how it slows me down, inspires me, or just lets me breathe a little easier. And these spots gave me that and more.
Crete surprised me. I went expecting beaches—and yes, the beaches are unbelievable—but it was the energy that pulled me in. There’s a softness to Crete that’s hard to explain until you’re there. The food tasted like it had been made by someone’s grandmother (because it probably was), and the hospitality felt so genuine, I never once felt like a tourist. I stayed in a tucked-away villa with panoramic sea views and mornings that started with honey-drenched pastries and ended with golden hour swims. No rushing, no fuss. Just presence. And to me, that’s luxury.
Santorini was the opposite kind of magic. It’s dramatic. Every view looks like a postcard, every sunset feels like it was staged just for you. The hotel I stayed at was built right into the cliffside—it had this quiet, cave-like calm to it—and I remember sitting in the plunge pool one night, watching the sky change colors, thinking, I don’t want to be anywhere else. The calm of the Aegean, the warmth of the people, and the stillness between moments made it unforgettable.
And then there’s Italy. I know it’s popular. I know it’s all over Pinterest. But there’s a reason people fall in love with it—because it really is that good. I could go back a hundred times and still not get over the way it makes me feel.
The Amalfi Coast is where I go when I want to feel like I’m living inside a dream. The lemon groves, the cliffs, the long lunches that turn into golden evenings—it’s all so cinematic. But what I love most is how unapologetically slow everything is. You’re not supposed to rush. You’re supposed to savor.
Sicily has this wild, layered energy that I adore. It’s a little gritty, very real, and absolutely rich in culture. There’s something about Sicily that feels less curated and more lived-in—and that contrast, between the raw and the refined, is where I always find the best kind of luxury.
Lake Como was serenity on another level. It’s elegance without trying too hard. I stayed at a lakeside property where the mornings were quiet, the coffee was strong, and the views felt like therapy. There’s a weightlessness to that kind of peace that’s hard to find.
And of course, Rome. The city I’ll always come back to. For me, luxury in Rome is walking through history with an espresso in hand. It’s late dinners in Trastevere, rooftops with candlelight, and the mix of ancient and modern that somehow works so effortlessly. There’s no “scene,” but there’s style. It never feels overdone. It just feels like Rome.
What all of these places have in common is they made me feel something. That’s my bar for luxury now—it has to move me, not just impress me. I don’t care how exclusive a place is if it doesn’t have heart. I want warmth. I want ease. I want to remember how I felt when I was there.
What all of these places have in common is they made me feel something. That’s my bar for luxury now—it has to move me, not just impress me. I don’t care how exclusive a place is if it doesn’t have heart. I want warmth. I want ease. I want to remember how I felt when I was there.
And the truth is, a lot of this started because of Cinderella Bridez. So many of my first experiences with travel were through destination weddings—serving my brides, being a part of their biggest moments, and getting a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful places on earth. Those trips weren’t just work—they lit a fire in me. They made me want to see more, experience more, and eventually build a business that allowed me to do exactly that.
Travel became more than just movement—it became meaning. And that’s what I hope to share with you.
Travel Tips for a Luxe But Stress-Free Trip
Let’s be real: luxury doesn’t mean anything if you’re overwhelmed the whole time. I’ve learned over the years that the real magic of a trip—especially one that’s meant to feel elevated—is in the details. Planning ahead, choosing quality over quantity, and giving yourself space to just be are what make a trip feel intentional instead of exhausting.
Here are a few things I always keep in mind when planning (or packing for) a luxury getaway:
1. Don’t overpack the itinerary.
The biggest mistake I see—even on luxe trips—is trying to cram in too much. You don’t need five activities a day. Some of the best moments I’ve had while traveling were completely unplanned. Leave room for slow mornings, spontaneous adventures, or just a long lunch that turns into an afternoon.
2. Book boutique over big.
Yes, five-star resorts have their place—but I’ve found that smaller, independently owned properties often offer a more personal, curated experience. Think: a welcome drink that actually feels warm, staff who remember your name, and rooms that don’t look like copy-paste templates from city to city.
3. Prioritize how you want to feel, not just what you want to do.
When I plan a trip now, I ask myself: Do I want to feel rested? Inspired? Connected? Romantic? That intention guides everything from where I stay to how I structure my days. Luxury is emotional—it’s about the energy you create around the experience.
4. Choose your travel crew wisely.
Who you travel with can make or break the entire vibe. I’ve had the best trips with people who understand flow, flexibility, and how to balance fun with stillness. Sometimes solo is the answer. Other times, it’s just about choosing people who know how to travel well.
5. Pack light—but thoughtfully.
My go-to travel wardrobe is always built around versatility. Neutrals that mix and match, a few elevated pieces for dinners, and one good pair of sunglasses. And don't forget comfortable shoes for all the walking. Bonus tip? Invest in quality luggage—it just hits different when your suitcase rolls smoothly through a cobblestone alley in Rome.
6. Don’t skip the transport details.
A private driver from the airport, a pre-arranged ferry, or even business class on longer flights—those upgrades can set the tone for your entire trip. They’re not about showing off. They’re about protecting your energy from the moment you leave home.
Even with this list of preparations, I’ve learned that the most luxurious trips aren’t the ones filled with five-star checklists—they’re the ones where everything just makes sense. The pace, the people, the energy—it all aligns. When the planning is thoughtful and the experience feels true to you, you’re not just traveling, you’re actually living in the moment. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.
What’s Still on My List
Even with all the places I’ve explored, there are a few destinations I still dream about—each one calling to a different part of me. Some are about adventure, others about grounding. All of them feel like places that would leave an imprint.
New Zealand – For the stillness, the space, and the sense that nature runs the show. I imagine early mornings with a view that makes you pause, and a kind of quiet that stays with you.
Australia – Equal parts laid-back and effortlessly cool. From the beaches to the cities, there’s a rhythm there I know I’d fall into easily—and probably never want to leave.
Egypt – A place layered in history and mystique. I want to walk through ancient ruins, float down the Nile, and feel what it’s like to be somewhere that’s existed for thousands of years.
Japan – For the beauty in contrast. The calm of traditional rituals, the buzz of neon streets, the deep respect for detail and intention in everything from architecture to food.
Tanzania – A soul-level kind of trip. I want to see the land in its most raw, untouched form. To witness the wildlife, the colors, the silence, and that golden light you only get in places like that.
Each of these places feels like more than just a destination—they feel like experiences that would shift something in me. And that’s what travel is really about, isn’t it?
The Heart Behind the Destinations
There’s a certain kind of magic that lingers long after you leave a place—the way it reshapes your perspective, or how its rhythm somehow syncs with your own. These destinations didn’t just fill my passport; they rewrote parts of my story.
Crete taught me patience through its unhurried pace. Santorini showed me the art of embracing quiet grandeur. Italy—well, Italy became my classroom in savoring life’s simple pleasures, where every meal, every street corner, and every smile held a lesson in living fully.
Because so many of these journeys were woven into my work with Cinderella Bridez, they hold an even deeper meaning. They represent milestones, memories, and moments of creation—reminders that travel isn’t just about seeing new places, but about expanding who you are while you’re there. The connections made, the challenges faced, and the joy found in those moments have shaped not only my travels but my life.
When I share these destinations, it’s not just to inspire wanderlust. It’s to invite you into a space where travel becomes transformative, purposeful, and unforgettable. These places left footprints on my heart, and I hope, if you visit them, they’ll leave footprints on yours too. Because at the end of the day, travel is about the stories we carry forward—and the ones we create along the way.
And if you’re still debating or on the fence about where to travel next, you can always reach out to Luxx Escapes—they’ll help you plan every detail and make sure your trip is effortless and unforgettable. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram andTikTok for more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my journeys.
