Luxury Travel Destinations for 2023

The luxury travel platform, ONEE have released their list of ‘23 Places to visit in 2023'. I have taken the opportunity to share more information about some of these with you, along with one of the luxury accommodation suggestions for each area. There will be more in my next 2 articles too.

At Travel Counsellors, we craft your holiday with care so that you can enjoy making memories irrespective of your budget. But it’s always interesting to see the luxury available to those with the funds to enjoy the finer things in life!??

1.?????Provence, France?

A historical province of southwestern France, Provence has a rich history and is known for its wine, lavender fields, hilltop villages and impressive gorges and canyons.

It’s a beautiful area with amazing scenery, a history that goes back to Roman times, and adorable little villages. Whether you enjoy great food, sipping wine in sumptuous surroundings, or relaxing on the beach, you need to visit Provence!

12 guests can enjoy a luxury stay in a 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom, late 18th?century traditional stone farmhouse with maid and concierge service and food and drink delivery starting from ￡1879 per night.

Located in the heart of the Lubéron region of Provence and set amongst 20 hectares of its own lavender fields, the property has been restored to offer all the comforts of a modern luxury holiday home, with the famous perched villages of Bonnieux and Lacoste and views of the Mont Ventoux as its backdrop.

2.?????Paris, France

The city of love has its own ‘je ne sais quoi’, whether you've been there once, one hundred times or as yet have only seen it in the movies. Either way, Paris has something which other cities don't. Its inhabitants are proud to be Parisian and know that they live in one of the most magical cities in the world.

Paris is full of history; from the Romans and the Sun King to Napoleon and modern French presidents, each of France's rulers has left their imprint on Paris. You see it in the architecture of the city, in the museums and in the culture. You can start in ?le de la Cité (the birthplace of Paris in 300 B.C) with the 12th century Notre Dame and then wander up Haussman's 19th century Champs-Elysees into the heart of modern, commercial Paris.

With lots more to visit, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and even Disneyland, you cannot help but fall in love with Paris!

Listed as a heritage monument, Le Gustave dates back to the reign of King Louis XIV and has since been redesigned by a Parisian architect, allowing guests and residents to immerse themselves in French history, alongside all the contemporary comforts of modern-day luxury living. From ￡791 per night, you can enjoy a luxuriously decorated fully equipped suite with a city view with copious restaurants, bars and cafes all within walking distance!

3.?????The Italian Lakes, Italy?

There are five major lakes in the Italian lake district – from west to east: Lakes Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda – and each has its own particular character.?

Lake Como, also known as Lario, is the third largest Italian lake (after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore). Located at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como offers some of the most romantic and picturesque sceneries in the world.

The entire perimeter of Lake Como is dotted with charming villages and towns. There is no shortage of opportunities for shopping, walking in nature, visiting beautiful villas and botanical gardens, or participating in unforgettable experiences.

Villa Sola Cabiati is an aristocratic residence available for parties up to twelve. Six suites, situated in the wings of the Villa, each comprised of a spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom, offer a unique décor that is as extravagant as it is comfortable. A full dedicated staff, including Villa Manager, butler, chamber maid and housekeeper is at your disposal throughout your stay.

The spirit of indulgence extends to the flowering Italian garden with direct views over the waters, the park bursting with scented trees, and the beautiful outdoor pool, making Villa Sola Cabiati the ideal place for reliving the decadent history of the Lake. From ￡8500 per night.

4.?????Umbria, Italy

Umbria is a region situated in central Italy, it’s frequently named 'the green heart of Italy' for its stunning natural beauty and for its position as the only Italian region which is completely surrounded by Italian lands.

If you’re interested in medieval architecture and art, Umbria is the ideal destination for your trips: all around the region there are the greatest churches, monasteries and basilicas erected during the Middle Ages, perfectly preserved, and they are all situated in little medieval and Etruscan towns, rich in folklore and amazing to visit!?

Umbria is not only about art and religion: if you’re looking for unspoilt nature, you can visit the stunning Marmore falls, at around 165 metres high, they are amongst the highest waterfalls in Europe.

Villa Benedettino is a beautiful, stone walled, 7-bedroom, 6-bathroom villa with its roots dating back to 1227 and the Benedictine monks. Ivy-clad pergolas that offer shelter from the midday sun, hidden water wells and picnic spots, all add to the joy as does the lovely pool and terrace with plenty of sunbathing spots and relaxing locations to dine. You can enjoy a stay here from ￡765 per night.

5.?????Puglia, Italy

Puglia, a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometres of Mediterranean coastline.

Supported by a history going back at least 2,500 years, modern-day Lecce is the main town on Puglia's Salento peninsula and a major draw for the area's tourism industry. You can still see ruins of a Roman theatre and amphitheatre - but the period which led to town's current fame was the 17th century. A period of prosperity led to grand developments and the wholesale construction of palaces and churches. These buildings adapted the fashionable Baroque style to the soft local stone, with decorations and cherubs extravagantly covering facades and doorways. This local style is known as barocco Leccese ('Lecce Baroque').

Situated close to Lecce, The Elvira consists of the main Castle, built in the 20th century, with four elegantly appointed suites as well as two open space lounges, a dining room, a private cinema, an office and the rooftop. There’s also The Cottage with an exclusive infinity pool and a bigger jacuzzi pool in the outdoor green area and The Tower with accommodation for up to nine guests, and an additional two independent garden suites and a dedicated private pool surrounded by ancient olive trees.

From ￡6124 per night, The Elvira invites you to luxuriate in its uniquely designed suites and enjoy exclusive use of the landscaped park and citrus grove. Here, guests can truly indulge in the refined Pugliese hospitality, and can relax knowing that the experienced team on the ground is here to create any bespoke experience desired.

6.?????Corfu, Greece

Kassiopi is a bustling small-town set around a scenic harbour and overlooked by the remains of a Byzantine castle.

An old fishing village which has retained its charm, it’s particularly pretty at night with the lights surrounding the horshoe-shaped harbour reflecting in the water. There’s also ample shopping opportunities and late-night bars as well as peaceful headland walks and pretty views of Mount Pantokrator.?

Kassiopi is popular with internationals, particularly a mature and cosmopolitan British crowd who favour its atmosphere, facilities, and good-quality restaurants over direct beach access. It really is a beautiful place with a lot to offer.

Perched at the foot of a sloping hill that leads down to a small private promenade, Villa Kaija is a stunning 3-bedroom summer home with neoclassical influences. Stone-paved terraces wrap around the house, creating ample space for outdoor arrangements: there are open sky and shaded lounge areas, a shaded dining area that overlooks the seascape and a gorgeous infinity pool that seems to dissolve into the sea. Stay here from ￡3,907 per week.

7.?????Naxos, Greece

Naxos is an island offering a wide variety of things to its visitors.

The popular beaches are located on the western side and are considered among the most beautiful in the Aegean Sea. Pure soft sand and clear turquoise waters are the main features of the shores.

Due to its many plains and valleys, Naxos is famous since ancient times for being fertile and producing various agricultural products like olives, and high-quality wine. Furthermore, meat and cheese are exquisite!

There are archaeological sites such as temples, beautiful Byzantine, and Venetian towers, that demonstrate the prosperous antiquity of the island. There’s also a widespread, organised network of hiking trails passing through fields of olive trees, traditional villages, and abandoned settlements making this island a popular hiking destination in Greece.

A few steps from the serene beach of Agios Prokopios, Villa Karavia is the perfect choice for those seeking privacy.?

From ￡466 per night, spend relaxed hours at the private swimming pool, barefoot afternoons at the gardens of your villa and nights scented with the aromas of the local herbs, the roses and the lemon tree blossom! Enjoy entertainment with your very own home cinema or gazing at the stars of a clear sky while the sea views are spectacular and full of promises for holidays in Naxos that you will never forget!?

8.?????Bodrum, Turkey

Yalikavak is perfectly situated for touring the many resorts of the Bodrum Peninsula. In Yalikavak you will find lovely harbourside bars, uncrowded beaches, clear blue sea, beautiful sunsets, and fantastic restaurants making it the ideal holiday destination.

Life in Yalikavak mainly centres around the beaches, shops and the many small bars and restaurants, many of which are situated alongside the harbour and beaches.

The Marina, Palmarina has a World class nightclub, the Billionaire Club, though this does not spoil the more relaxed ambiance of Yalikvak town. In Palmarina you will also be able to explore the narrow streets to find the boutiques, cafes, restaurants, art galleries and shops that stock many high-quality designer goods.

The surrounding hills offer unique views over the bay and are ideal for long walks and picnics.

Villa Aloe has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms to accommodate 10 guests. This luxurious compound in Yal?kavak was founded in 2018 with the goal of bringing you a unique, perfect holiday and much more in a world where everything is custom designed for you. From ￡954 per night, you can enjoy views of the ocean from your private pool side veranda and stylish accommodation close to all that Yalikavak has to offer.?

I will bring you some more of these unmissable locations in March, but, if any of these have grabbed your attention, get in touch to find out more! [email protected]