7 under the radar luxury destinations worth knowing about

Luxury travel isn't always about going where everyone else is going. Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys take you somewhere a little less expected - a private island in Fiji, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic, or a remote corner of Indonesia where the pace is slower and the landscape does most of the talking.

For LuxeWorld, luxury has never been simply about a five-star hotel. It's about the experience around it: the privacy, the sense of place, the people you meet, the way a destination makes you feel and, often, having someone who knows exactly how to bring it all together.

If you've already travelled to the world's classic luxury destinations and are looking for somewhere different, these seven are worth knowing about.

Laucala Island Resort, Fiji

1. Laucala Island, Fiji

For - Total privacy, island escapes and barefoot luxury

There are private islands, and then there is Laucala.

Set among 1,400 hectares of tropical landscape in Fiji's northern islands, Laucala Island is home to just 25 villas, each designed to blend into its surroundings. With private pools, generous living spaces and access to the island's beaches and natural beauty, it offers the kind of privacy that's increasingly difficult to find.

But what makes Laucala particularly interesting is that you don't have to choose between doing nothing and doing everything. Days can be spent swimming, snorkelling and sailing, or exploring the island by horseback, taking to the water or dining on produce grown on Laucala's own farm. The experience is highly personalised, with the freedom to shape each day around you.

LuxeWorld tip - Laucala is the kind of destination where it's worth slowing down. Rather than filling your days with activities, leave room to enjoy the island at your own pace.

2. The Azores, Portugal

For - Dramatic landscapes, nature and a slower side of Portugal

Portugal's Azores archipelago feels a world away from Lisbon's laneways or the beaches of the Algarve.

Spread across nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores are characterised by crater lakes, volcanic landscapes, thermal springs, waterfalls and a spectacular coastline. They're also one of the world's notable whale-watching destinations.

The appeal isn't traditional resort luxury. Instead, it's the combination of extraordinary nature, beautifully considered accommodation, excellent food and the chance to experience a destination that still feels refreshingly unhurried.

Spend the morning hiking through volcanic scenery, soak in a geothermal pool in the afternoon and settle in for a dinner showcasing local seafood and produce.

LuxeWorld tip - The Azores are a wonderful choice for travellers who want luxury with a sense of discovery. Particularly those who would rather be out exploring than beside a resort pool all day.

3. Sumba Island, Indonesia

For - Remote beaches, culture and immersive luxury

If Bali feels familiar, look towards Sumba.

Located east of Bali, Sumba has developed a reputation for spectacular beaches, rugged landscapes and a distinctly different sense of place. Traditional villages, megalithic tombs and longstanding cultural traditions sit alongside some beautifully designed luxury resorts.

This is where luxury and authenticity can work particularly well together.

Days might involve visiting traditional villages, riding along the coast, swimming beneath waterfalls or simply enjoying the privacy of your villa. The island's leading properties place a strong emphasis on their surroundings and local communities, allowing the destination itself to remain central to the experience.

LuxeWorld tip - Sumba is about slowing down and going deeper. It's particularly well suited to travellers who want their luxury escape to come with a strong sense of place.

Wild horses on Sumba

4. Namibia

For - Safari, extraordinary landscapes and remote luxury

Namibia is for travellers who want to go beyond the traditional safari. Its landscapes are almost otherworldly: vast desert plains, towering red dunes, rugged mountains and seemingly endless horizons. In places like Sossusvlei, the landscape itself becomes the experience, while further north, wildlife takes centre stage in destinations such as Etosha National Park.

What makes Namibia particularly special for luxury travellers is the way its remote lodges and camps are woven into these extraordinary surroundings. Think beautifully designed suites with sweeping desert views, private plunge pools, exceptional dining and guides who know the landscape intimately.

Days can begin with an early morning game drive, continue with a scenic flight or desert excursion, and end beneath a sky filled with stars. There's a sense of space here that is increasingly rare and an opportunity to experience Africa at a slower, more considered pace.

LuxeWorld Tip: Namibia is much larger than it looks on a map. A private charter or scenic flight between key regions can save considerable travel time and, importantly, turn the journey itself into part of the experience.

5. The Faroe Islands

For - Adventure, dramatic scenery and something genuinely different.

The Faroe Islands aren't the obvious choice for a luxury holiday. That's part of their appeal.

This remote North Atlantic archipelago is made up of 18 islands, where sheer cliffs rise from the ocean, waterfalls tumble into the sea and small villages sit among some of Europe's most dramatic scenery.

The luxury here isn't about beach clubs or sprawling resorts. It's about having the time and expertise to experience the landscape properly, then returning to a beautifully designed hotel or exceptional restaurant at the end of the day.

Hiking, boat trips, birdwatching and exploring the islands' distinctive villages can all be part of the experience. And for food lovers, the Faroese dining scene is becoming a destination in itself.

LuxeWorld tip - If you've travelled extensively and want somewhere that feels genuinely different, the Faroe Islands offer a compelling combination of adventure, nature and understated luxury.

Faroe Islands - 18 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic

6. Muscat, Oman

For - Desert landscapes, Arabian culture and extraordinary scenery

For travellers looking beyond the traditional Middle Eastern luxury destinations, Oman is one to know. From the dramatic Hajar Mountains and vast Wahiba Sands to the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, Oman offers an impressive variety of landscapes within a single journey. Add ancient forts, traditional villages, bustling souqs and a strong sense of Arabian hospitality, and it becomes a destination that rewards travellers who want to experience more than a beautiful resort.

Luxury in Oman is often about sense of place. Think beautifully designed desert camps, secluded mountain retreats and coastal resorts, paired with experiences that bring you closer to the country's landscapes and culture.

LuxeWorld Tip - Don't limit your Oman experience to Muscat. Combining the capital with the mountains, desert and coast allows you to experience the country's remarkable variety and a private driver can make the journey between them far more comfortable.

7. The Dolomites, Italy

For - Alpine scenery, food and active luxury

Luxury in Italy doesn't have to mean a summer on the Amalfi Coast. In northern Italy, the Dolomites offer a completely different experience: dramatic limestone peaks, alpine villages, beautiful mountain hotels and some of the country's most impressive scenery.

In winter, the region becomes a ski destination, with a range of resorts and terrain to explore. In summer, the mountains lend themselves to hiking, cycling and long days outdoors, followed by excellent food and time spent unwinding at a mountain hotel or spa.

And, of course, being Italy, food is never far from the experience. Expect regional cuisine, excellent wine and the pleasure of lingering over a meal after a day in the mountains.

LuxeWorld tip - Don't overlook the Dolomites in summer. The same dramatic scenery that draws skiers in winter becomes a spectacular backdrop for hiking, cycling and long lunches in the mountains.

Luxury doesn't always look the way you expect

The most interesting luxury destinations aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest resorts or the longest list of 5 star hotels.

Sometimes luxury is privacy. Sometimes it's access. Sometimes it's having a day with nothing planned except where you'd like to go next. And sometimes it's simply knowing where to look.

From the South Pacific to the North Atlantic, these destinations offer a different perspective on luxury travel. One that's more considered, more immersive and often far removed from the expected.

At LuxeWorld, our travel specialists look beyond the obvious to match destinations, hotels and experiences to the way you actually want to travel. Because the right journey isn't necessarily the most famous one. It's the one that feels right for you.

Start planning your next journey with LuxeWorld.