Discover the Best Luxury Locations for Every Budget
Are you missing those summer vibes already? The heady days of July seem like a lifetime ago and, like most Brits, we’re pining for some sun, sea and sand this winter. We think you deserve the best for your budget, so we’ve taken a look at the luxury destinations that deliver the best bang for your buck – as well as the exclusive locales that are worth spending a little bit more on.
Using statistics from Budget Your Trip and Hello Safe, we’ve taken a look at some of 2025’s most popular luxury travel destinations available and planned you an itinerary.
So, whether you want to head to the Maldives on a medium budget, explore the hidden gem of São Tomé and Principe or splash out on the Caribbean, Royal Westmoreland, purveyor of luxury homes in Barbados, has got you covered with expert tips and insider info.
Affordable Winter Sun Escapes
If you’re looking for a luxurious holiday that is still affordable, look no further! It may surprise you to learn that these tourist hot spots – generally assumed to be some of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world – are actually quite adaptable to lower budgets, meaning you can enjoy an unforgettable location without sacrificing your holiday itinerary.
Puerto Rico, £182pp (per day)
Puerto Rico ranked 14th amongst the world’s most expensive holiday destinations – so you might be surprised to find that the average daily spend there is just £182 per person. This stunning island locale is technically part of the United States, but has its own distinct culture and vibe.
In fact, travellers looking to experience this Caribbean hub on a budget can do so for an average of just £82/day – so, if you’re looking for a beach resort haven that flies under many people’s radars, look no further.
Luckily, sunbathing is always free – and while there is no shortage of beautiful beaches to take in, there’s plenty more to see here, too.
Affordable activities in Puerto Rico:
- Visit the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista: This rare new world example of medieval architecture is one of the oldest churches in the Americas, and the second-oldest in the entire western hemisphere!
- Take a dip in the pool at Catarata La Mina: This 35-foot waterfall cascades into a stunning natural pool of cool, crisp water. Pop in for a dip!
- Snorkel at Playa Crash Boat: This beach is home to a wonderful array of marine life – perfect for diving and snorkelling.
- Wander Old San Juan: Historic cobbled streets, colourful buildings with plenty of charm and style – Old San Juan has it all. Explore on foot and get a little culture!
São Tomé and Principe, £197pp (per day)
An underrated and underappreciated travel destination, São Tomé and Principe is an island nation close to the equator, just off the coast of West Africa. Known as the African Galapagos, it’s a hotspot for eco-tourism with an unparalleled range of wildlife to take in.
São Tomé and Principe might be the safest country in Africa. Crime is rare, making it a great place to visit even on a budget. The average tourist spends about £197 a day here, but cheaper trips can clock in at £86 a day, with more lavish holidays reaching up to £376.
Affordable activities in São Tomé and Principe:
- Savour the local seafood: Head to northern São Tomé for a melting pot of uber-fresh seafood, tropical veg and Portuguese flavours.
- Visit the Baía das Agulhas: The Bay of Spires in Principe is home to towering granite stacks jutting out of the sea, making for one of the most breathtaking views on the planet.
- Marvel at the architecture at Roca Agua-Ize: Take in the colonial architecture at one of the island’s first cocoa plantations and learn about the island’s history.
- Explore on foot: Enjoy a historic walking tour around São Tomé and immerse yourself in the natural landscape – waterfalls and secluded jungle trails abound.
Modest Luxury Retreats for Winter Sun
Certainly luxurious, but not the most expensive holiday destinations of 2025, these holiday hot spots are great for those with a modest budget. Let’s dive into some luxury locations for those who wish to spend a modest amount of money while visiting.
Oman, £227pp (per day)
It might not be your first thought for a holiday destination, but that’s because Oman is the Middle East’s best-kept tourism secret. Often overshadowed by neighbouring Dubai, Oman offers a unique experience of its own, promising a rich cultural heritage, year-round sunshine and 1,700 kilometres of coastline.
Oman is reported to cost an average of £227, per day according to the 2025 pricing index. Big spenders typically splurge an average of £422, but for a budget trip, Oman can be enjoyed for just £106 a day.
Mid-Budget activities in Oman:
- See the turtles at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. While the night tours do cost a fee, you can see the turtles themselves for free! The local Chelonia Mydas green turtle is an endangered species native to this area, protected by the conservation centre. This is eco-tourism at its finest.
- Sunbathe on the many beaches, from Al Qurum Beach to Al Mughsail, Oman’s beautiful beaches are equally popular. Its coastline can even be travelled by car, making for a sun-filled road trip.
- Visit the Omani Heritage Gallery, the cultural centre of Muscat. This not-for-profit is free to enter and showcases fantastic artwork and historical pieces.
- Explore the Bimmah Sinkhole, a stunning deep turquoise and azure swimming hole that tourists flock to every summer.
- Visit Wadi Shab, a valley filled with crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. This scenic hiking location is around 2.5km each way, with a rewarding swimming destination at the end of the trail. You’ll pass plantations, donkeys, rocky gorges, pools and waterfalls on this surprisingly easy hike.
Oman gets more popular every year, with more and more happy holiday-goers spreading the word about its natural beauty and rich culture. We can imagine this location continuing to move up the luxury pricing tier over the next decade.
Maldives, £264pp (per day)
The Maldives – a staple holiday location for lovers of the beach, marine life and luxurious relaxation.
This gorgeous holiday destination has racked up quite the celebrity portfolio over the years, including frequent visits from Kate Moss, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry. Even Prince William and Kate Middleton are fans!
In 2025, the Maldives has been reported as the fourth most expensive holiday destination for daily spending – costing an average of £264 per person, per day, when considering all travel styles.
Want to do it on a budget? Average daily spends are around £106 per day according to BudgetYourTrip. However, if you want to go large, you can spend up to £640 a day on a lavish Maldives experience.
Mid-Budget budget activities in the Maldives:
- Meet dolphins up close and personal on a dolphin-watching cruise. The Maldives is a dolphin cruise hot spot – especially in Gili Lankanfushi, where dolphins are often spotted playing in the clear waters.
- Say hello to the fish on a snorkelling excursion. Reefs in the Maldives are teeming with marine life. Enjoy a group snorkelling tour for the chance to spot everything from rare fish to turtles.
- Go Island hopping. Islands in the Maldives all have their own exciting, unique activities and associations. From water sports at Maafushi and whale shark tours in Dhigurah, to surfing in Thulusdhoo and a collection of resort islands with entertainment.
- Try water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Watersports are a popular activity in the Maldives, thanks to it being an ideal swimming location. With beginner sessions available, as well as advanced sessions for the more experienced, there’s more than just relaxation on offer.
- Rejuvenate body and mind at a spa. The Maldives is known for its wellness spa culture, with more spa resorts and individual treatment centres than you could dream of! This is perfect for those who want a full recharge on holiday.
The Maldives can be as exciting as you want it to be. A luxury mid-range holiday destination, this location is perfectly suited to lovers of sand, sea and unforgettable massages.
Lavish Winter Sun Getaways
Say hello to the cream of the crop – the most luxurious of the locations – the most exclusive holiday destinations of 2025.
The following holiday hot spots topped the 2025 daily spend index, making them the ultimate in luxurious holiday destinations. While these locations can be visited on lower budgets, going big here means experiencing some of the finest holidays that money can buy this winter.
Antigua and Barbuda, £304pp (per day)
Twin islands in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda, are celebrated for their pristine beaches, sailing and yachting culture, luxury resorts and vibrant festivals.
This awe-inspiring destination has plenty to offer, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to private islands and more – so it’s little surprise that an average daily spend is around £304pp.
Data from previous travellers shows that keen budgeters can spend under half that, at £125 a day. If you’ve got the cash to spend in Antigua and Barbuda, however, you can really make the most of one of the world’s most-exclusive holiday destinations.
Luxury budget activities in Antigua and Barbuda:
- Enjoy fine beachfront dining. Special eateries such as Sheer Rocks and The Cove offer fantastic Caribbean-fusion dishes, including breathtaking seaside views.
- Have a luxury spa day. Luxury spa treatments can be found at the many island resorts in Antigua and Barbuda, allowing discerning holidaymakers to unwind in luxury.
- Experience the privacy of your own island. Caribbean islands offer exclusive private island day trips, including luxury boat transfers to Green Island.
- Ride a horse across a stunning beach. Enjoy a unique, secluded beach horseback riding experience, complete with luxury seafood lunches and tours of the most beautiful local landmarks.
- Take a private guided tour of Nelson’s Dockyard. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelson’s Dockyard was built in the 18th century as a key British naval base. The dockyard features original Georgian buildings, now used as boutiques, museums and more.
There’s no denying that Antigua and Barbuda are truly luxurious holiday destinations, but there is one more that trumps them for the number one spot…
Barbados, £330pp (per day)
Barbados is the holiday hotspot with the highest average daily budget in 2025, totalling an average of £330pp, per day – so if you’re feeling flush and looking for the perfect place to splash the cash, look no further.
Known as The Land of the Flying Fish, Barbados is the home of global superstar Rihanna. Famous for its annual carnival extraordinaire Crop Over, this stunning island is the place for world-renowned rum and some of the most luxurious beaches on earth. When you take a peek at what’s on offer, it’s understandable why Barbados has taken the top spot for the most exclusive holiday destination in 2025.
When on a luxury budget, it’s currently being reported that daily spending in Barbados can tally around £806 per person, per day. Of course, this is only for the most exclusive of accommodations and experiences, with shoestring budgets as low as £133 per person per day.
Luxury budget activities in Barbados:
- Stay in a luxurious villa. Barbados is famous for its range of luxurious villas, so much so that it has attracted many famous celebrities to invest in the property. Why not have a taste of celebrity life?
- Enjoy fine dining at an iconic restaurant. The Cliff, a famous restaurant perched above the ocean, offers an exceptional fine dining experience for those who want to experience delicious examples of unique Caribbean cuisine.
- Practise your swing. Did you know that Barbados attracts thousands of golfers every year? Barbados is home to exclusive golfing resorts, perfect for those who wish to golf in sunny weather, year-round.
- Sail on a private catamaran. Holidaymakers can spend the day exploring the island’s picturesque coastline on a private catamaran cruise. You can also enjoy snorkelling and exploring the gorgeous sandy beaches.
- Go beach hopping. Not to be missed on any budget,Barbados’ many holidaymakers spend full days enjoying the island’s world-famous beaches, including Crane Beach, Bathsheba Beach and Carlisle Bay – known for their crystal-clear turquoise waters and water sports activities.
- Try world-famous rum. Mount Gay Distillery offers world-class tasting experiences for discerning customers, including rum and chocolate pairings, plus exclusive evening experiences.
With the most-expensive average daily budget for a holiday destination in 2025, Barbados’ reputation as a holiday destination for celebrities, the discerning and those who value lavish lifestyles has only increased.
Will Barbados continue to be the most exclusive holiday destination come the end of winter? One thing’s for sure, the wealth of luxurious experiences, accommodation and activities on offer are here to stay.
Will you be considering any of the luxurious locations on this list for your winter getaway?
