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The top 10 best luxury travel destinations for couples over 50 include Venice, Rome, Paris, Maldives, the Caribbean, Hawaii, London, Austria, Whistler, and Dubai. We clarify why we have picked these destinations below.
Some people slow down when they hit 50 and look forward to leisurely days on the beach, basking in not having children to take care of. Others miss their frenetic youth and want to gobble up culture, fine dining, and anything they may have missed.
While over 50s are a long way from becoming elderly or seniors, people over 50 are arguably not as young as they once were, so they want their vacations to be even better. Whichever sort of over 50 you are, you will want to spend your hard-earned cash wisely, and we have picked some irresistible luxury destinations for you to travel to.
1. Venice
Venice is magical whether you are a couple over 50 or under 50 or even if you’re a kid. If you travel to Venice internationally, you will fly into Venice airport, which has its own water taxi port where you can catch a sleek speedboat to your chosen destination. If you are on a budget, the water buses are just as fun, although they take longer.
If you arrive by train, you notice the land disappearing as you get close to Venice, and instead, the sea laps on either side of the lengthy bridge that takes the train line into the main Venice station.
Venice has something for everyone. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Venice was a major center for commerce and trade, as it controlled a vast sea-empire and became an extremely wealthy city, which means the historic architecture is exquisite.
If you like to sit out and enjoy a meal on the waterfront, there are thousands of restaurants that offer waterfront dining. If you prefer to sit and watch the world go by, there is no better place than St. Mark’s Square. And for the romantics among us, walking along a cobbled waterfront as the sun sets or taking a gondola ride can’t be beaten.
If you can, stay overnight at one of the many wonderful hotels in Venice. At the luxury end, a new Four Seasons Venice is about to open. This could well be one of the best Four Seasons in the world.
If you are looking for a resort feel, we love the pool and ambiance of Hotel Cipriani. In fact, Hotel Cipriani the best hotel pool in Venice. For those who can’t quite stretch their budget this far, the Venice Hilton is surprisingly luxurious, and the best Marriott in Venice is also a great choice.
2. Lake Como
Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake and one of the deepest in Europe. It is one of the country’s most iconic natural gems. Known for its crystal clear waters, majestic mountains surrounding, and charming coastal towns, Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region.
It is also known for the many historic villas and palaces built along its shores, commissioned by wealthy Italian aristocrats over the centuries. These buildings, which often include beautiful Italian gardens and stunning lake views, have been the backdrop for several blockbuster films, including Casino Royale and Oceans Twelve.
This bucket list destination will soon play host to a brand new Ritz-Carlton hotel, which is set to open in 2016. This hotel will undoubtedly become one of the best Ritz-Carlton hotels in the world and would be one of the ultimate ways to earn and burn Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points.
In the meantime, you could stay at the Sheraton Lake Como if you want to stick with the Marriott brand. You could try the Hilton Lake Como, which is a lovely hotel at a fair price, or if you want to fly home with the ultimate Instagramable shots, Hotel Tremezzo has an incredible setting. You can read our review of Grand Hotel Tremezzo (photographed above) to see just how picturesque this setting is.
3. Hawaii
The best Four Seasons in Hawaii are some of the best luxury hotels in Hawaii, and all but one offer beachfront locations, fabulous rooms with balconies, wonderful restaurants where you can eat out under the stars.
Hawaii is a wonderful place to stroll barefoot under a starlit sky, dipping your toes in the ocean. It’s a wonderful place to relax in the warmth, fine dine alfresco, and walk along the coastal boardwalks. It’s a wonderful place to golf, cycle, and do watersports. It’s ideal for couples Over 50.
4. Maldives
There’s only one place to stay in the Maldives if you can afford the splurge. Soneva Jani. This amazing hotel has slides from your room directly into the ocean!
This hotel is perfect for the young at heart. Add in ultra-luxurious rooms and unlimited snorkeling, and you have the adventure of a lifetime.
5. The Caribbean
With the Caribbean, the question is not if but where. Our top pick is one of the best Four Seasons in the Caribbean. Whether you prefer Nevis, Anguilla, or the Ocean Club in the Bahamas, the formula is the same. Amazing beaches, exceptional service, beautiful setting, and luxury rooms with great beds.
Book one of these hotels from January to April for the best weather and to avoid the Hurricane season. Don’t forget to book via our luxury travel concierge to get free breakfast, hotel credit, room upgrade (subject to availability), and more.
6. Paris
With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, we are all reminded that Paris is the destination for experiencing French chic. Four Seasons Paris is one of the best Four Seasons hotels and probably your best bet in Paris, particularly if you want to experience the best hotel pool in Paris. If you prefer the Marriott brand, we have outlined the best Marriott hotels in Paris for you.
Word of warning: Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe for hotels. Bearing this in mind, it is worth considering the best Paris club lounge to save some cash on snacks and dining.
7. London
“London Baby” is stylish and fun. There are so many attractions, from Big Ben to the Houses of Parliament, the wonderful and numerous gardens, and Buckingham Palace. The bar and restaurant scene is great here, as are the shops (don’t miss Harrods!). We like to stay at the InterContinental Park Lane which has the best club lounge in London.
8. Switzerland
Like your Heidi dreams at one of the best mountain resorts in Switzerland. We traveled on the famous Glacier Express as part of a grand tour around this part of Switzerland. Our first stop was the Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz. We then stayed at and reviewed the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, followed by Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina before heading back down the mountains, to the spa resort of Grand Resort Bad Ragaz.
The train journey was stunning, but my main memory from this trip was walking down the mountain, through Heidi fields and pine copses in the clear mountain shine. The mountain flowers glittered in every color of the rainbow, and there were so many butterflies that you had to be careful not to tread on them. Magic.
9. Whistler
If you haven’t been to Whistler, you should book it. Not least because the wonderful Four Seasons Whistler and Fairmont Chateau Whistler both offer a brilliant place to lay your head.
Whistler Village is a stunning pedestrianized village packed with log-fronted cabins, shops, and restaurants. The slopes are a dream for walkers, skiers, boarders, cyclists and more. These two hotels both have brilliant spas and restaurants. Finally, Whistler tends to offer much better value than its American equivalents, so you can stay in luxury for less, which is always a bonus.
10. French Riviera
Oh, La La! I almost don’t want to share the beauty of the French Riviera in the South of France as I love it so. I worry that if I share my favorite hotels, they will get more popular and go up in price. The best hotel on the French Riviera is Four Season’s Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat. It’s paradise on the end of the French Peninsula of Cap Ferrat. It has a wonderful beach club, superb rooms, caring staff, and an imposing historic setting. I go there for breakfast and evenings on the terrace, where I enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets and the live band plays. If you are looking for paradise, you will find it here.
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