Where To Travel Now: 9 Crowd-Free Luxury Destinations, Curated By The Experts

Planning an escape? If you wince at the thought of crowded beaches and overtourism, we know how hard it can be to pin down your next destination of dreams. That’s why we lean on the leading travel experts to do the hard part for us; they’ve been almost everywhere, and come brimming with insight into the must-visit yet still crowd-free luxury destinations dotted across the globe. Below, we share their secrets.

9 Off The Beaten Path Luxury Travel Destinations

Iguazu Falls, Patagonia

As the founder of unique London bookshop Travellers’ Tales, Jayne Alexander also creates bespoke itineraries to some of the world’s most sought after destinations. From tailor-made holidays to the Azores, a chain of nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic, or to Ladakh, a breathtaking high-altitude desert in the Indian Himalayas, her luxury travel wheelhouse is vast. But for the intrepid traveller who likes their home comforts, Awasi Iguazu is her top recommendation. Nestled near Iguazu Falls, a private rainforest sanctuary in Patagonia, the area is one of the world’s greatest wildernesses, famed for its dramatic granite peaks, vast glaciers and unforgettable wildlife. A stay there could include tracking wild pumas in Chile’s Torres del Paine, visiting boutique wineries in Mendoza, or saddling up with legendary gauchos and experiencing authentic Patagonian ranch life.

(© Jayne Alexander)

Svalbard, Norway

For those in search of a thrill, Jayne is planning an expedition to Svalbard, a Norwegian island set deep within the Arctic Circle. Originally a whaling spot, Svalbard has developed into one of the world’s most important destinations for polar science and expedition tourism. To follow her snowshoe steps, book a stay at Basecamp Hotel where only 16 rustic rooms await. You will be led on cruises through glacier-filled fjords, spot polar bears, walruses and Arctic foxes, and embark on guided glacier hikes and kayaking. (Book through Jayne Alexander on 0203 931 5500 or book an appointment at travellerstaleslondon.co.uk)

Pembrokeshire, Wales

For those who prefer to keep a little closer to home, Gareth Allen’s Big House Experience is your bible for the very best of the British Isles. Its shining star is Bay View House set on the idyllic Pembrokeshire coastline. Sleeping up to 30 guests, the beachside property boasts direct, private access to a sandy bay, while inside a games room, a cinema room and a bar all make for a cosseting home-from-home. Just a 15 minute journey to Tenby, guests can also take a private boat trip to Caldey Island to taste handmade chocolates or dine at the Michelin-starred ANNWN restaurant which champions local, sustainable produce.

Colorado, USA

So vast is the USA, it is a widely held belief that you can experience each and every type of holiday without ever leaving the country. Nestled in the heart of the country, the San Juan Mountain range in Colorado is one of the country’s best kept secrets, and is a firm favourite of travel expert Rob Holmes. At Journeyscape, he specialises in tailor-made holidays to the USA. For a uniquely Colorado experience, a stay at Dunton Hot Springs is a must, he tells C&TH. One of America’s most luxurious retreats, the alpine scenery is dotted with historic log cabins and natural pools. Hiking, flyfishing, horseriding and guided excursions through the wilderness are all available.

Arizona, USA

Twelve hours south of Colorado is another of Rob’s top recommendations. Sedona, Arizona offers some of the most striking scenery in the American Southwest. A stay at Enchantment Resort within the spectacular red rock of Boynton Canyon promises a stay with a view. Rooms are surrounded by towing sandstone cliffs and dramatic desert landscapes. Guests can also enjoy the world class spa and golf course, or partake in one of the many activities offered, whether that’s hiking, mountain biking, tennis or pickleball.

Islas Secas, Panama

For Oliver Browne from True Summit Adventures, nowhere is better than an island retreat, and Panama private island resort Islas Secas gives guests access to some of the richest marine environments in the Americas. Stay in one of the island’s smattering of guesthouses, dive volcanic reefs, search for humpback whales and take part in world class diving in Cohiba National Park — all while feeling totally alone.

Scarborough, South Africa

For Helen Untiedt, founder of Perfect Hideaways, Scarborough on the West Coast Peninsula of South Africa is the ultimate seaside destination sans overtourism. Described as a surfer’s paradise, the area offers hiking in Cape Point Nature Reserve, penguin spotting at the nearby Boulders Beach and swimming in the tidal pools of Buffel’s Bay. Surrounded by ’70s revitalised architecture, when staying at Baskloof House, guests can also enjoy cooking in the outdoor kitchen and swimming with a view of the reserve in its circular pool.

Samos, Greece

Greece is often struck from the hit list of the crowd averse as hordes of tourists flock to islands like Crete and Santorini every summer. However hospitality expert Remo Masala is nudging luxury travellers to enjoy the peace of the lesser-visited isle of Samos, set just off the coast of Turkey with its mountains, waterfalls, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Pythagoreion, the birthplace of Pythagoras, and the Temple of the Greek Goddess Hera). Here the adults-only Casa Cook Samos offers earthy interiors that blend with the natural land surroundings. As well as direct beach access, guests can enjoy six swimming pools, a gym, an outdoor yoga shala and a wellness centre complete with spa suites and a hammam.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore

Though best known for its bustling city life, Singapore is also home to a host of nature and wildlife. Last April, hotelier power couple Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang opened a new venture to the north of the city proper, in the heart of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree has everything you could ever need for a relaxing getaway, especially with little ones in tow: rooms with views over the rainforest, wildlife expeditions to meet Giant Pandas at Singapore’s Zoo, an immersive kids club, plus starlit rooftop dining for when the children are asleep.

Looking for summer destinations in particular? Here four stylish travel experts share their secret escapes.