As an avid traveler will tell you, the Earth is filled with many beautiful destinations just waiting to be explored.

There are the rarest of private islands where you can experience peace and seclusion while bustling mega metropolises offer the best in human innovation, art, and culture.

For truly discerning and selective travelers for whom only the best will do, a destination needs to offer a combination of comfort, luxury, style, and oodles of natural and historic cultural sights.

Read on to find out which five destinations we think fit the bill.

1. French Polynesia

Popularly known as Tahiti, this tranquil island is a true slice of paradise. It boasts an ideal location between the South Pacific shores of lush New Zealand and Peru and sits far away from the stresses of modern civilization to give visitors an authentic experience of island life.

The cost of traveling and staying in Tahiti is nothing to sneeze at though, which explains why it is the go-to retreat location for celebrities like Diane Von Furstenberg and Bradley Cooper.

However, the tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes make up for the cost of visiting Tahiti. Actually, enhance its exceptional exclusivity.

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When visiting Tahiti, visitors can look forward to staying in secluded overwater bungalows, from where you can enjoy views of the sea life below, thanks to the crystal clarity of the water.

This also makes French Polynesia the ideal holiday destination to go if you want to enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.

Day-long cruises are also offered, to allow guests the experience of seeing the authentic side of Tahiti, as the cruise boat stops by several Polynesian Islands, in a small and intimate ship where you can enjoy a fully guided tour with a few other fellow travelers.

Apart from the overwater bungalows, there are stunning and marvelous resorts, which are brought to you by some of the world’s most renowned hospitality groups, such as Relais & Chateaux, Four Seasons, and St. Regis. In a nutshell, the unique beauty of Tahiti makes it quite literally, paradise on earth.

2. Thailand

Thailand offers a tantalizing mix of the old and the new, with a rich tradition that stands side-by-side with modern tourist luxuries. It is a versatile holiday location that offers something for everyone.

However, during the past few decades, Thailand has seen an upsurge of interest in luxury-seeking travelers who want to uncover its unique landscape, alongside its exotic attractions, all while staying in the lap of luxury.

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Another attractive characteristic of Thailand is its people, who offer impeccable hospitality, along with placing a great deal of importance on constantly refining the high arts of spa culture, cuisine, and amazing amenities.

The transport system makes it convenient to travel from one part of Thailand to the next, and as a day trip from the vibrant capital of Bangkok to the peaceful yet trendy Koh Samui will prove, there are many facets to the beautiful diamond that is Thailand, each more interesting and marvelous than the last.

3. African Safari

No bucket list is complete without the superb African safari trip as a part of it. This must-see and unique experience is a favorite haunt for luxury travelers the world over, as it offers a bespoke experience of nature that you’ll never see anywhere else in the world.

Top Safari destinations to pick from include South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and Botswana, all of which provide visitors with one-of-a-kind eco-safari adventure, including close encounters with Africa’s renowned Big 5; which includes the African Lion, African Elephant, Black Rhino, African Leopard and the Cape buffalo.

Your choice of lodgings could either be a five-star retreat or an equally impressive lodge or camping experience, from which you can enjoy candlelit dinners under the African night sky and misty mornings that accentuate its unique landscape.

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Safaris can be customized to meet your needs and planned itinerary, from large groups to an intimate couples, while you can also choose your mode of transport from heli-touring to trekking with a Rover, hiking, and biking.

Some of the best Safari destinations offer the best of both worlds with both ‘bush and beach’ attractions so that you can enjoy boat rides to explore more of its natural beauty while returning to an abode with uninterrupted views of the forest and wildlife.

4. Private Caribbean

These days, the only way to experience a luxury Caribbean escape is through one of its exclusive private locations, from which you can enjoy well-appointed luxury at its best.

Each private island location embodies a unique character that speaks to its own type of discerning traveler.

For example, the English-speaking Mustique is a popular haunt for royals and billionaires, while the French and Dutch heritage St. Marten remains a popular holiday destination for well-to-do families wanting to experience its wealth of water recreation and activities, as well as honeymooners that seek to enjoy a sunny and romantic retreat.

St. Barths, Nevis, and St. Lucia are all ideal for travelers that want to experience the peace and quiet of the Caribbean islands along with modern fashion, design, and luxury amenities.

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5. Dazzling Malta

The ideally located and historic island of Malta sits at the very heart of the Mediterranean coast and boasts beautiful private beaches, ancient architecture, rich culture, and exquisite Maltese cuisine.

Malta has all the makings of a luxury European destination, including numerous sightseeing and recreational activities, both on land and in the sea, with deep sea diving being at the top of the list of must-do activities in Malta.

Good quality luxury accommodation is not hard to come by either, as the island is teeming with luxury villas and boutique hotels that you can rent through the convenient shortletsmalta.com website.

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About The Author:   

Travel blogger and ocean enthusiast Elena is a seasoned traveler who currently calls the island of Malta her home, and when she’s not going on underwater excursions, you can find her writing up a storm about her experiences and giving tips on the best accommodation options for your stay on shortletsmalta.com, where she is a contributing writer.

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