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Elegant Traveller

Five Escapes Beyond the Familiar

schedule4 Minute Read

06-Aug-2026 Samantha Crosby

Five Escapes Beyond the Familiar

Luxury experiences designed to surprise and inspire...

It's easy to let a destination's reputation shape your expectations before you've even arrived; the Maldives conjures visions of overwater villas, Costa Rica promises wildlife and adventure, while Bangkok and Phuket are synonymous with energy and island escapism. Yet beyond these familiar perceptions are experiences that challenge convention and offer a different perspective.
From innovative luxury concepts and tranquil sanctuaries in surprising settings to extraordinary journeys that combine iconic sights in unexpected ways, there's always more to discover beyond what we think we know.

Where Land Meets Lagoon

Exterior view of Four Bedroom Residence
Four Bedroom Residence
At .Here Baa Atoll Maldives, one of the country's newest luxury openings, every detail is designed to surpass your expectations, starting with the resort's nine spectacular residences. Split across a pair of private islands, their innovative design redefines the traditional Maldivian experience.
While other resorts might ask you to choose between a shoreside sanctuary or an overwater retreat, .Here's extraordinary villas combine both, offering ultra-luxurious hideaways that stretch from powder-soft sands to the turquoise lagoon beyond. It's a concept that feels refreshingly different, challenging one of the Maldives' most familiar holiday dilemmas and delivering a completely reimagined take on luxury island living.

Nature and Nurture

View of Lapa Rios villa
Lapa Rios Lodge - Villa
Woman having a spa treatment
Spa Treatment at Hacienda AltaGracia
Costa Rica has long been lauded as the ultimate holiday destination for nature lovers, but while the country's rainforests, beaches and national parks often steal the spotlight, there's also a more indulgent side to this incredible destination.
The Rainforest, Rivers and Remote Wilderness itinerary invites you to experience Costa Rica at a collection of remarkable hotels, each offering its own distinct take on luxury. Discover elevated eco-luxury at the award-winning Lapa Rios Lodge, where stylish rainforest bungalows, fresh farm-to-table dining and inspiring conservation and cultural experiences create an authentic connection. From here, continue to Hacienda AltaGracia, a holistic mountain haven home to the renowned Casa de Agua Wellness Centre and an array of grounding experiences, including yoga, meditation and even slackline balance sessions. The path to restoration continues at an adults-only retreat set beneath the volcano in Arenal, complete with secluded villas each with their own naturally heated thermal plunge pool, before reaching its conclusion surrounded by spectacular canyon scenery in the mineral-rich thermal waters of Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River. The perfect Costa Rica trip for anyone looking to balance adventure with rest and rejuvenation, this thoughtfully curated journey pairs Costa Rica's remarkable natural splendour with enriching experiences and wellness-centric luxury stays.

From Alaskan Shores to Canadian Peaks

Crystal cruise ship in front of a glacier
Crystal cruise ship
Rocky Mountaineer train in front of mountains
Rocky Mountaineer Golf Leaf Carriage
North America holds the key to countless bucket-list adventures, but few can rival the appeal of an Alaskan cruise or exploring the Canadian Rockies. Typically enjoyed as separate holidays, the Canadian Rockies by Sea, Rail and Road | Luxury Cruise takes a different approach, combining both into one extraordinary itinerary.
From cruising through glacier-carved fjords to travelling on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer and driving the spectacular route from Jasper to Banff, it offers the chance to experience Alaska and Canada's most celebrated landscapes in one unforgettable escape.

Finding Serenity in Phuket

View of the beach and villas at Trisara
The beach and villas at Trisara
On the Thai island of Phuket, lively beaches and buzzy resorts have long attracted travellers to its palm-fringed shores. But on the north-western coast, luxury hideaway Trisara proposes a more serene pace, centred around a secluded golden-sand cove where peace and privacy replace vibrant hustle and bustle.
Protected by coral-rich shallows that help preserve its tranquillity, it's an idyllic spot for swimming, snorkelling or a quiet stroll while taking in sweeping sea views. Enhancing this intimate retreat's restorative appeal is JARA Wellness. Nestled on a jungle-clad hillside, it offers far more than traditional spa treatments, inviting you to embark on a bespoke wellness journey inspired by nature, balance and spirituality.

An Urban Sanctuary

The wellness pavillion at RAKxa Integrative Wellness
Wellness pavillion at RAKxa Integrative Wellness
Back in the country's capital, Bangkok is better known for its frenetic streets and energetic atmosphere than stillness and slowing down, so RAKxa Integrative Wellness is an unexpected treat. Found tucked away within Bang Krachao island, the city's lush 'Green Lung', book into this exceptional escape for personalised diagnostics and a tailored wellness journey crafted just for you. Complemented by extensive grounds, stylish villa accommodation and warm Thai hospitality, it proves that even amid one of Asia's most dynamic cities, profound relaxation is never far away.

Embrace The Unfamiliar

From the Indian Ocean and Asia to the Americas and beyond, our Luxury Travel Specialists are ready to help you plan a luxury holiday that's anything but ordinary. Get in touch today and let us tailor your next journey.
Woman in plunge pool at Nayara Springs, Costa Rica
Plunge Pool at Nayara Springs, Costa Rica
Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Filled with first-hand travel tales, expert destination guides and more, our luxury online travel blog can help.
Samantha  Crosby

Samantha Crosby

Marketing Executive

Holidays make me happy. Feeling the sun on my face on a beautiful beach, exploring city sights or taking in remote views, there's nothing I love more than getting out into the world. I've been lucky enough to spend much of my life visiting interesting places all across the globe and I hope it continues for many more years to come!