Luxury Experiences to Treat Yourself (or Others) to This Year
Published on: Fri Apr 29 2022
Updated on: Thu Feb 01 2024
Let’s face it, life can get busy. From work responsibilities to family needs and paying bills, sometimes it can feel like you’re just bouncing from one thing to the next. Self-care? Who has time for that?
Maybe you’re that wildly busy person, or maybe you know someone who really deserves some time off. Either way, a luxury experience can be a fantastic way to take a step back, relax, and de-stress.
If you’re looking for ideas to treat yourself, look no further! We’ve put together a list of some unique luxury experiences to book this year for you or someone else, or to add to your bucket list. From adventurous expeditions for the adrenaline junkie to relaxing stays in gorgeous locations, there are options for every taste. On a budget? Don’t worry—we’ve also got unique suggestions that help you unwind without breaking the bank.
Ready to luxuriate? We are, too. Get started with these one-of-a-kind experiences.
See the world from a new perspective
Are you more of an adventure-seeker? It’s always fun to travel to a new place and see the sights but consider touring some amazing locations in a new way! Go air gliding or whitewater rafting to take in scenic views. Try scuba diving or take an airplane ride to view the city lights from above. Think beyond the traditional tour or hike, and you can find tons of unique experiences that allow you to explore some incredible places!
Spend the night somewhere scenic
Did you know you can stay in a glass igloo and watch the Northern Lights? Or that you can enjoy a luxurious night in the desert outside of Abu Dhabi? Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to feel relaxed and rejuvenated, so why not make that scenery absolutely stunning? If you don’t want to wander too far from home, check out local museums, zoos, aquariums, and other organizations that may offer unique luxury experiences.
Live like a celebrity
Treat yourself to a variety of luxury experiences in one trip. Travel first-class and stay in a five-star hotel. Dine out at a Michelin-starred restaurant and eat to your stomach’s content. Rent a limo or a swanky car and travel in style. And if you can manage to get an invite to a gala or black-tie event, it’s the perfect excuse to finally buy that stunning outfit you’ve been eyeing!
Enjoy some high-quality entertainment
One of the best luxury gifts for yourself is to see your favorite artist in concert or take in a Broadway show. If you can’t make it to NYC, look out for traveling shows coming to your area and book the best possible seats! If you’re more of a sports fan, go from couch to courtside and book tickets to see your favorite team play in person. Feel liberated to splurge on opportunities that will bring you joy.
Get out and get wild
Some of the most memorable once-in-a-lifetime luxury experiences are out there waiting around the world, from taking a stroll with elephants in Thailand to getting up close and personal with wolves in Colorado. Go swimming with dolphins or whale sharks to get an up-close look at marine life. Instead of a ground-level African safari, take a hot-air balloon ride to view wildlife. Whether you love ocean or land wildlife (or both), there are plenty of opportunities to experience your favorite animals in an unforgettable way.
Take in some incredible sights
Is there a location you’ve always wanted to visit? Book that trip and cross it off your bucket list! Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza or explore the Amazon Rainforest. Take an Alaska cruise or book a private tour of the Sistine Chapel. Whether the place you’ve wanted to see for the first time is in your city or across the globe, treat yourself to one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll never forget.
Hit the road
A once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience doesn’t have to be glamorous (unless you want it to be, of course). Sometimes getting out of the house and on the open road is a luxury all its own. Try taking a cross-country road trip or even one a few hours away. You can plan out the places you want to visit or let the road guide you and stop at every fun roadside attraction you see. Who knows what you’ll find on your adventure?
Treating Yourself on a Budget
While once-in-a-lifetime luxury experiences are certainly special, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create memorable moments. There are plenty of ways to treat yourself without traveling to a new place or even leaving your home. Below are a few of our favorite suggestions for treating yourself while sticking to a budget!
Schedule a regular flower delivery
Sometimes the littlest things can add a bit of luxury and joy to your life. Fresh flowers can brighten up your home and your mood with their sweet scents and vibrant colors. You can schedule a monthly flower delivery with a local florist and even change up what flowers you receive, depending on the season. Plus, fresh flowers make a fantastic gift for anyone in your life and show that you appreciate them.
Treat yourself to a day of pampering
A new look can make all the difference in your attitude! Visit your local hair stylist for an update and book a manicure and pedicure while you’re at it. This is a great way to spend a day off and feel pampered and relaxed. If you don’t want to invest in a visit to the salon or spa, bring the spa to you. Use your day at home to take a luxurious bubble bath, apply a face mask, and do your nails—though, we might suggest leaving the hair cutting to the pros. You’ll definitely feel refreshed afterward!
Take yourself out on a date
You don’t need a significant other to enjoy a night out. Get all dressed up and go to your favorite restaurant to treat yourself to a delicious meal. Or see that new movie you’ve been hearing buzz about. You can even enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park by packing your favorite foods and bringing along a book to read. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to show yourself a good time!
Revisit a favorite hobby
Life can get hectic and busy, and the things we love to do often fall by the wayside. If you’re feeling burned out and need a break, consider diving back into a hobby. Go for a jog or a hike. Make some coffee and enjoy a good book or do a puzzle. Whatever you’ve enjoyed doing in the past, take a little time to engage in that activity again. It could be just what you need to recenter yourself.
Buy something nice
Retail therapy can be a great way to treat yourself, so long as you avoid going on a shopping spree. Instead, think of an item you’ve been wanting for a long time, like a fabulous pair of shoes, a new video game, or that perfect bedding. Take the plunge and buy it! A luxury gift for yourself can boost your mood and help you avoid those feelings of burnout.
If you don’t have a specific item in mind, consider some of these products to add a little luxury to your life or to gift to someone on your list to let them know you’re thinking of them:
- A new perfume or cologne to be your signature scent
- A classy watch or new jewellery
- A chic scarf or stylish sunglasses
- A rain showerhead to make showers more relaxing
- Fancy glass and gold storage boxes
- Bluetooth sunglasses that allow you to look cool and listen to music
- New clothes to wear on your next night out
Just relax and do (almost) nothing
We’re often going, going, going with no chance to take a breather. Even when you mean to be relaxing, you may be checking work emails or planning your to-do list for the week. It’s important to take time to genuinely chill out and not worry about being productive. Put your phone in another room and catch up on your favorite TV show, read a book, or even take a nap. Giving your mind a break can be just what you need to feel rejuvenated and ready to face your responsibilities again.
Whether you want to go on an unforgettable new adventure or just want a way to rest on your day off, there are tons of ways you can enjoy luxury experiences, in a five-star hotel or in the comfort of your own home. These experiences also make the perfect corporate gifts for anyone on your list to remind them how much you care and how important it is to take a break and relax.