Beyond the Obvious: Unexpected Luxury Destinations You’ll Love
When you think “luxury travel,” your mind might go straight to Capri, the Maldives, or Paris. But the world is wide — and some of the most extraordinary destinations are still flying under the radar.
At The Roam Club, we’re constantly searching for places that surprise us — where luxury feels personal, where stories run deep, and where your presence still feels like discovery. From desert plateaus to Baltic coastlines, here are 9 unexpected destinations where high-end travel takes on a whole new meaning.
1. Puglia, Italy
Why go: Olive groves, whitewashed towns, barefoot elegance
Tucked in Italy’s heel, Puglia is the quieter, slower cousin of Tuscany — and all the better for it. Think masserias turned boutique hotels, fresh orecchiette under pergolas, and Adriatic sunsets you’ll never forget. It’s where tradition and style coexist in perfect harmony.
2. Comporta, Portugal
Why go: Untouched beaches, bohemian-chic design
A laid-back hideaway just south of Lisbon, Comporta is where barefoot luxury lives. Picture pine forests, rice paddies, and thatched-roof villas. There’s a kind of quiet sophistication here — discreet, slow, deeply stylish.
3. Oman
Why go: Epic landscapes, ancient soul, Bedouin hospitality
From the ochre dunes of the Wahiba Sands to the fjord-like coastlines of Musandam, Oman is raw and regal. Stay in tented desert camps or cliffside resorts like Alila Jabal Akhdar. You’ll find luxury here not in excess — but in peace, perspective, and ancient rhythm.
4. Montenegro
Why go: Adriatic beauty, fjord-style bays, new-wave luxury
Often overshadowed by Croatia, Montenegro is the rising star of the Balkans. Think medieval towns like Kotor, dramatic mountains meeting the sea, and resorts like One&Only Portonovi that feel like hidden gems. Less crowded, equally magical.
5. Rwanda
Why go: Luxe lodges, gorilla trekking, soulful landscapes
Rwanda is redefining African travel. With conservation-focused lodges like Singita Kwitonda and Bisate Lodge, you can experience the awe of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild — with every comfort thoughtfully designed. It’s luxury that gives back.
6. Sumba, Indonesia
Why go: Off-the-map island culture, wild beaches
Forget Bali. Sumba is its raw, spiritual sibling. Stay at Cap Karoso or Nihi Sumba and wake to crashing waves, ancestral rituals, and sunsets that feel sacred. This is luxury rooted in culture, not performance.
7. Tasmania, Australia
Why go: Wilderness, design, edge-of-the-world energy
Tasmania offers something almost primal. Hike rainforests, visit design-forward wineries, and stay at architectural marvels like Saffire Freycinet. It’s rugged, refined, and refreshingly under-visited.
8. Salta, Argentina
Why go: Andean calm, boutique wine country
In the far northwest of Argentina, Salta is a dream of ochre valleys, artisan vineyards, and colonial towns. Stay at a finca, sip Torrontés under mountain skies, and slow all the way down. The luxury here is in the pacing.
9. Luang Prabang, Laos
Why go: Golden temples, French-Indochine charm, river rituals
A UNESCO World Heritage site tucked between jungle and river, Luang Prabang is where time slows. Mornings bring almsgiving ceremonies; evenings glow with lanterns. With elegant heritage hotels and Mekong cruises, it’s a place of quiet beauty and soul.
The New Luxury Is Discovery
The world is full of places that haven’t been overdone — yet. Places where you’re not just checking boxes, but finding something real, something rare. At The Roam Club, we believe luxury lies in the unexpected: the villages, valleys and coastlines that speak in whispers rather than shouts.
We curate journeys that feel like a secret shared. Let us plan your next one.
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Email us at hello@theroamclub.co
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