Dictionary.com defines “luxury” as the state of great comfort and extravagant living. It goes on to say that luxury can be used to describe an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain. For most people, vacations that fall into this expensive and extravagant category never become anything more than a pipe dream.  But for those of you out there unafraid of spending ten grand on a one night getaway, read up on three of the most luxurious travel spots money can buy.

1. St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora
Have you ever seen glamorous photos of those villas atop clear blue waters? If you have, there’s a pretty good chance those villas were from a resort on Bora Bora.  The ultimate luxury resort however, belongs to St. Regis Resort.  The villas have spacious living rooms, terraces for vacationers to catch some rays, and each has a personal butler. They vary in amenities, some of the bungalows with Jacuzzis and others with private plunge pools.  The views of the nearby Mt. Otemanu alone are worth the cost of a one night stay, and with four restaurants right on the resort and a 24-hour-Butler service, you can’t go wrong. And if leaving the kids home isn’t an option, take comfort in the fact that St. Regis was the first resort on the island to create a kids’ club for the young ones.  It’s the experience of a lifetime for the whole family.

© Marlonius

2. Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos continues to be a popular destination for families seeking a relaxing vacation in the Bahamas area or just south. This reigning resort is not often talked about however, perhaps because the rates start at $1,550 a night. But trust this: there’s no place quite like Amanyara.  The resort is secluded and peaceful, and visitors feel like they are on another planet. There are 38 pavilions that offer privacy and allow guests to wake up to views of a reflection pond and oceans views through floor-to-ceiling windows.  Guests can wake up slowly, and bring their coffee out onto private terraces while taking in the gorgeous natural gardens surrounding the resort. There are rain showers in every villa and personal bars in each as well. Guests can take advantage of personal chefs and live music can be found in the restaurants a few nights a week. If you’re looking for a zen vacation, with nearly half an acre of personal property to relax on, Amanyara is the place to be.

© C. Dorobek

3. Zephyr Palace, Costa Rica
If the last two weren’t luxurious (or expensive) enough for you, this next option will surely catch your attention. Room rates range from $400 to $1,600 a night. If one room isn’t enough for you and your crew, they offer the option to rent out the entire palace and it’s private grounds for a price so steep that it’s not disclosed on the website. The palace is decorated in Latin American taste, with each of the seven suites portraying a different theme. Past guests rave over the service, the views, and the incredible food that is served within the palace. The architecture is stunning, complimenting the surrounding tropical forests and the Nicola Gulf. Holding a wedding, family reunion or just on a weekend getaway, Zephyr Palace guarantees it’ll be an unforgettable vacation.

© Dan Gray