6 Luxury Vacation Destinations That Are Astonishingly Affordable

If your Instagram feed has you dreaming of exclusive beaches and living the high life in some far-flung cultural hotspot, but you're petrified of taking a glimpse at the price tag, then think again, as paradise is far more affordable than you think.

Forget the eye-watering expense of visiting the Maldives or taking out a second mortgage for a weekend in Paris. Instead, here's a shortlist of six cherry-picked destinations that offer all the trappings of a first-class holiday, but at a fraction of the cost. 

Six Luxurious Destinations That Cost Less Than You Think

No matter how you choose to vacation, whether it's snorkeling the turquoise water of the Caribbean or enjoying an aromatic rooftop dining experience with a Marrakesh sunset in the distance - here are six top destinations that flip the script when it comes to how much you need to pay for luxury travel.

6. Santa Marta, Colombia - Caribbean Luxury With a Wild Side

Flying in the face of most other Caribbean destinations, our first jumping-off point on our shortlist sees us heading to the picturesque tropical haven better known as Santa Marta on Colombia's stunning northern coast. 

Also the gateway to Tayrona National Natural Park, Santa Marta serves up days spent exploring its colorful old town while tucking into freshly grilled Caribbean seafood as you go, before ending each day with a sunset stroll along the jungle-flanked white sandy beaches, safe in the knowledge you've barely made a dent to your bank balance.

Must-Dos in Santa Marta:

• Scuba dive Playa Granate and Isla Aguja
• Hike to the Marinka Waterfalls in Minca

5. Dhërmi and Himarë in the Albanian Riviera: The Med Without the Markup

The thing with emerging travel destinations is, you always get the luxurious perks before the prices catch up, so with that in mind, we head next to the ridiculously blue waters of the Albanian Riviera and the coastal towns of Dhërmi and Himarë. 

Here, you can split your time between Dhërmi's lively beach clubs and the laid-back waterfront living of Himarë while scoping out the Albanian Riviera's countless hidden coves and secluded beaches. After a day of exploring, you can dine out on seafood lunches or take an evening cruise along the Ionian coast - all without the price tag of Europe's better-known sunshine hotspots.

Must-Dos in the Albanian Riviera:

• Boat into the spectacular Gjipe Beach 
• Wander through the historic lanes of Old Himarë

4. Marrakesh, Morocco: Riad Life Without the Royal Budget

Our next top destination is Marrakesh in Morocco, which is a truly unique travel destination designed to awaken your senses. Whether you choose to people-watch in the café-lined squares sipping mint tea beneath the palms or eat like a king every night at the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa night market, Marrakesh is truly exceptional. 

With a fascinating backstory and absolutely packed with cultural heritage, a trip out to Marrakesh offers a wave of inspirational experiences that extend your travel dollar further than you'd ever believe. 

Must-Dos in Marrakesh:

• Marvel at the grandeur of Bahia Palace
• Take a day trip to the port city of Essaouira

3. Ubud, Indonesia: Private Jungle Pools That Don’t Cost the Earth

Next up on our handpicked shortlist of luxurious destinations that are refreshingly inexpensive, we head to Bali's lush cultural heartland, and the town of Ubud in Indonesia. Renowned for its jungle-fringed villas and token infinity pools, here you can certainly live the billionaire lifestyle without paying top dollar.

Days here can be spent exploring its stone-carved temple courtyards and emerald rice terraces before pampering yourself every day with an authentic Balinese massage, which is perhaps why Ubud has also become a hotbed destination for the digital nomad trend. 

Must Dos in Ubud:

• Wander the cascading rice paddies of Tegallalang
• Be captivated by a traditional Balinese dance at Ubud Palace

2. Cape Town, South Africa: Million-Dollar Views for a Lot, Lot Less

If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Cape Town, you’ll already know what we’re talking about - famed for its breathtaking scenery in every direction, its world-class wineries on your doorstep, as well as spectacular coastal drives around the Cape Peninsula. From the city’s magnificent surf beaches to Table Mountain rising in the distance, you can be as bougie as you need to be as the exchange rate and the low cost of living combine to create the perfect extravagant vacation for less. 

Incidentally, Cape Town also happens to be a sports tourism hub as the sports-loving locals regularly host international games of rugby, cricket and soccer, so you never have to miss out on the action.

Must Dos in Cape Town:

• Summit Table Mountain for knockout views across Cape Town
• Wine, dine and estate-hop through the Cape Winelands

1. Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam - Asia’s Favorite Five-Star Destination

Topping off our shortlist of vacations that deliver a sophisticatedly glamorous getaway without the eye-watering price tag are the neighboring cities of Da Nang and Hoi An in Vietnam. Da Nang features incredible, sweeping beaches, loaded with seafood dining experiences that will blow your mind, while Hoi An will undoubtedly dazzle you with its old-world charm.

Here you can split your time evenly between soaking up the sun on the palm-laden beaches of Da Nang, before heading down the coast to explore the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An every evening.

Must-Dos in Da Nang and Hoi An:

• Venture through the caves and pagodas of the Marble Mountains
• Roam through Hoi An’s lantern-lit Ancient Town after dark\

So What Counts as “Luxury-Style” These Days?

Now let’s be clear, exercising a savvy budget doesn’t account for chartering private jets or traveling with your own private butler, but you can definitely seek out private villas, premium restaurants, and spa treatments for mere cents on the dollar.

Furthermore, the most rewarding ‘luxury’ you’ll ever find at these top destinations is the experiences themselves, be that hiking to see the stunning jungle waterfalls of Minca, or dining out in style on the beaches of Da Nang.

Why a Pricier Flight Can Actually Save You Money

While the airfare to some of these amazing destinations costs more than a flight down to Florida, for example, the key to relishing a more upscale vacation is the money you'll save doing all the things you love. Imagine being somewhere where you can tick off bucket list adventures at the drop of a hat, while stretching your travel budget beyond all previous expectations. 

After all, a bargain flight and a budget resort quickly lose their shine once you arrive, so be sure to set your sights further afield to enjoy some of the world's more remarkable destinations for less. And if you're lucky enough to gain access, why not savor the journey even more by stopping in at one of these luxury airport lounges along the way.