There’s no doubt about it, the world has become more expensive in recent years – whether that’s the weekly bills, school fees or a much-deserved holiday. Fortunately, our experts know which destinations in the world represent best value right now so that you don’t have to compromise; places where dining well doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and where world class boutique hotels deliver authentic charm at sensible prices. See below for a few suggestions, including castaway beach retreats, cultural capitals and spoiling safaris.
VIETNAM
Vibrant Vietnam continues to offer the best value for money in South East Asia for those seeking cultural and culinary adventures and pure beach relaxation. Eating out and luxury hotels are substantially cheaper in Vietnam than elsewhere in the world, and they possess a flavour all of their own. At Anan Saigon, the first restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City to be awarded a Michelin Star, for example, you can enjoy signature dishes such as Wagyu Beef Banh Banh Mi for around $15 per dish, while at La Fontaine French Bistrot, another of the city’s Michelin Star restaurants, main courses are available from just $20. And then there’s the legendary street food scene – flavour, value and authenticity, especially when explored by Vespa! Whether you are discovering Saigon’s Old Town, or taking a leisurely cruise along the winding Mekong, the standard of accommodation and service in Vietnam exceeds expectations at every turn.
Indulgent experiences
- Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants in Saigon for less than $30 per person
- Travel south from Hoi An onboard the Vietage heritage train, enjoying fine dining and supremely attentive service along the way
- Cruise the quieter waters of La Han Bay on a luxurious sail ship
Where to stay
Unwind after your cultural discovery of Vietnam in one of the country's best beach hotels. Set against a backdrop of tropical forests, Zannier Bai San Ho’s stylish villas are secluded amongst the paddy fields, but just a short walk from a glorious beach with powder-soft sands. Prices start from $400 per villa per night.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa trades in the Rand, which continues to exchange very favourably with the Pound, Euro, and US dollar. Add to this a well-developed infrastructure making it relatively easy for lodges to acquire supplies and staff, and you have one of the best-value luxury safari destinations in the world. European visitors will find the minimal time difference and increased connectivity through low-cost carriers such as Norse appealing reasons to visit , but even those visiting from further afield will find South Africa a highly rewarding destination. Whether it is Big Five game viewing in a private reserve, gourmet cuisine and fine wines in Franschhoek or authentic Malay curry at a family home in Cape Town's Bo Kaap district, this really is a destination that ticks all the boxes.
Indulgent experiences
- Enjoy multi-course tasting menus with wine pairings at Cape Town’s top restaurants for irresistible prices
- Stay in a private family safari lodge that includes gourmet meals, private game drives, riverside braais and memorable sundowners
- Taste world-class wines in historic Franschhoek, and discovery its legendary culinary scene
Where to stay
In Cape Town, The Cellars-Hohenort is a price-sensitive choice for couples - expect a serene setting in nine acres of gardens and vineyards, two heated swimming pools, and an outlook of the Table Mountain Range. For a family safari, head to the Morukuru Houses of the Madikwe Reserve, where an all-inclusive private safari experience staying in the Owner's House comes with a price tag that is difficult to match. Upgrade to the three-bedroom Morukuru River House for even more space, and an unforgettable riverside location.
GUATEMALA
Still blissfully under the radar, Guatemala is a country of magnificent Maya ruins, colourful indigenous markets, and dramatic volcanic lakes. It also has a well-established luxury hotel scene, but with prices that represent impressive value for money. Explore Antigua’s picturesque, cobbled streets while staying at a restored colonial mansion house, absorb the tranquility of Lake Atitlan from a luxurious hideaway, and base yourself at a boutique rainforest lodge to uncover mighty Tikal. To round off your cultural adventure on a blissful beach, an easy border crossing into neighbouring Belize opens up plentiful options on the Caribbean coast and the laidback cayes.
Indulgent experiences
- Watch the sunset from the top of a Mayan temple at lesser-visited Yaxha
- Practice yoga against a backdrop of sapphire waters and volcanic peaks at Lake Atitlan
- Trace the Mayan heritage of cacao and make your own chocolate during a fascinating workshop in Antigua
Where to stay
Francis Ford Coppola’s La Lancha is one of the best bases for visiting the stunning Maya ruins of Tikal, yet rooms here start from just $200 per night, and for authentic Guatemalan culture and style on Lake Atitlan, Relais & Chateaux haven Casa Palopo is a place that truly soothes the soul.
PUGLIA
Delightfully off-the-beaten-track, but claiming Baroque cities, delicious Italian cuisine and beautiful villas set amidst olive groves, Puglia is a great cost-effective alternative to some of Italy’s bigger hitters. Here, you’ll uncover rich cultural traditions, 500 miles of glorious coastline, and the sunniest weather in mainland Italy. Private villas here reflect the region’s distinct cultural heritage, set in characterful cone-shaped trulli houses or lovingly converted masserie. Prices are highly competitive, and - with a private chef service either included or available at very attractive rates - you may find just the Italian escape you have been looking for.
Indulgent experiences
- Burrata tasting and private wine tastings at small, family-run estates
- A day of Italian seaside glamour in one of Puglia’s exclusive beach clubs
- Absorbing the Baroque splendour of Lecce, the “Florence of the South”
Where to stay
Fully serviced private villas in Puglia start from £5,200 per week, based on 12 people staying in a 6-bedroom property with private pool.
PHILIPPINES
A burgeoning number of luxury resorts and better flight connectivity than ever before is placing the Philippines firmly on the radar for those looking for exceptional value and new experiences. Many of the 7,000 plus islands that make up the Philippines are a showcase of wondrous natural beauty, from pristine waterfalls, towering karst cliffs, and tropical rainforests home to an array of endemic flora and fauna. It is the beaches of the archipelago and the abundant marine life to be found that perhaps draw the most visitors, with pearl-white sands and waters that shimmer in a kaleidoscopic palette of turquoise and aquamarine. Crucially, all-inclusive private island experiences here can be exceptionally good value.
Indulgent experiences
- Go island hopping through azure waters, casting away for a gourmet picnic on a deserted sandbar
- Surrender to a nurturing Hilot massage surrounded by soothing coco palms
- Dine by candlelight on the beach, followed by cinema under the stars
Where to stay
Philippine island escapes do not get much better than Nay Palad Hideaway. Positioned on the sugar-soft sands on Siargao island, the resort is a glowing example of creative attention to detail and warm Philippine hospitality at its very best. It is also incredible value for money when you consider all that is included. The nightly rate of $1,500 per person includes all meals and beverages, spa treatments, unlimited mini bar, all excursions and activities such as island hopping, watersports, Padel tennis, cycling, cookery classes, and yoga. Though Nay Palad’s nine villas each have two bedrooms, the pricing is calculated on a per head basis. So, if you are travelling as a couple, you will have a full villa to yourself for no additional cost.
SRI LANKA
Few places pack such a diverse array of experiences into such a small space as Sri Lanka. And, though not quite as under-the-radar as it once was, the country continues to offer incredible value for money at all levels from dining, guiding, transportation, and fabulous boutique hotels. Contrast the ancient temples of the Cultural Triangle with the rolling hills of the Tea Country, and discover dense jungles home leopards and elephants. Round off your adventures with unadulterated relaxation at one of the many superb beach resorts looking out to the Indian Ocean.
Indulgent experiences
- Enjoy a memorable picnic in the hills of the Tea Country, feasting on gourmet Sri Lankan tiffin
- Learn the art of Sri Lankan cookery from one of the country’s top chefs
- Soothe your soul with restorative Ayurvedic massages, backdropped by the sound of the Indian Ocean
Where to stay
A luxury safari in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park offers incredible value compared to other parts of the world. At Wild Coast Tented Lodge you can stay in a stylish tented suite and enjoy daily game drives and bush walks in search of leopards, sloth bears, and elephants. Rates start from $1,200 per person for a three-night stay, including all meals, drinks and daily activities. Round off your stay with a few nights on the beach, staying in a fabulous resort or private villa that offers similar exceptional value.
ROMANIA
Not only does Romania offer spectacular mountain landscapes, historic castles, and picturesque Saxon villages; it is also one of Europe’s most affordable destinations for a cultural holiday. Escape the summer crowds and delve into Romania’s invigorating landscapes and multilayered history. In rural areas, accommodation tends to be made up of family-run hotels and welcoming guesthouses. The luxury brands are beginning to expand their reach into Romania, however, with the Intercontinental Athenée Palace currently the number one address in Bucharest, soon to be followed by the arrival of the Corinthia in 2025.
Indulgent experiences
- Visit the former Transylvanian home of HRH King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who first fell in love with Romania some 25 years ago
- Feel the Medieval streets of Sighisoara come alive on a private tour with a passionate local guide
- Sample Romania’s national spirit of Palinca – a potent plum brandy
Where to stay
In accommodation quite literally fit for royalty, you can stay in a Transylvanian guesthouse currently owned by King Charles III, set in the exquisite countryside of the Zalan Valley. Rooms start from £120 per night.
SOUTH WEST FRANCE
From the late spring right through until the middle of autumn, canny Francophiles go west. South west, in fact, where gorgeous beaches can be found on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, rich history comes alive in fortified Medieval towns, and nature lovers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Dordogne. And that is before you even begin on the food and wine. Characterful villas represent remarkable value for money - you may even wish to treat yourself to a stay in a converted chateau!
Indulgent experiences
- Private tastings of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru in picturesque vineyards
- Fresh oysters and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for lunch by the sea in Cap Ferret
- A private chateau stay in the heart of the Dordogne
Where to stay
Fully serviced private villas with private pools and spacious gardens start from just £4,000 per week (based on a 5-bedroom villa). For larger gatherings with extended family or friends, the glorious villa of Domaine de Corbieres accommodates up to 22 people with rentals from less than £15,000 for a week in peak season.
PERU
With world wonders stretching from the Andes to the Amazon, and Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu, Peru is a destination that should be visited at least once in your lifetime. Even though a visit here is still an investment, many express surprise at the value still to be found. This extends to everything from accommodation and guiding to the country’s world-renowned foodie scene - without compromising on comfort or experience. Boutique Amazon cruises offer a memorable way to experience the world’s largest rainforest, while the Peruvian owned hotel group Inkaterra offer the perfect balance of luxury and sustainability in their beautifully appointed properties across the country.
Indulgent experiences
- Enjoy an Andean picnic on the shores of a hidden lake in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Unwind after a day exploring Machu Picchu with a soothing massage at your hotel spa on the edge of the cloud forest
- Feast on a gourmet barbecue looking out over the rooftops of the majestic former Inca capital of Cusco
Where to stay
Combine the boutique splendour of Cusco colonial manor house La Casona with nature-centred luxury at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.
BUDAPEST
For a spellbinding European city break that will not break the bank, Hungary’s capital city should be at the top of your list. If you plan carefully, you can save an impressive 15% on five star accommodation, simply choosing to stay mid-week. Budapest’s heady mix of architecture melds Gothic, Neoclassical and Baroque styles in the historic centre, Palace District, and Castle District. Night owls are well catered for in the city’s vibrant ‘ruin bars’, and you can recover from any excess with a restorative soak in one of the Budapest’s many Ottoman-era thermal baths. For further grand European opulence, you could even extend your adventure by taking the train to Vienna. Here, the finest hotel in the city, the Sacher Wien, offers a similar saving of 15% for those not staying at weekends.
Indulgent experiences
- Take an evening Champagne river cruise along the Danube, enjoying the glittering lights of the city by night
- Soak your limbs in the enchanting setting of the Gellért thermal baths
- Absorb the Renaissance and Baroque splendour of the Budapest Opera House
Where to stay
For boutique flair and stunning views from its rooftop terrace, Aria Budapest is one of the best places to stay in the city.
