Planning an urban escape? Want to make it as luxurious as possible so you can truly relax and recuperate, even if you are busy exploring all the museums, art galleries and fine dining experiences you can fit into a weekend? Here’s what you need to do:
- Stay Somewhere Fit for Royalty
Okay, so if you want to make sure your next city break is as luxe as possible, you need to start by booking the best place to stay possible. Wave goodbye to windowless motels and big ugly urban hotels and say hello to AirBnB mansions or boutique hotels with killer views and hottubs, and maybe even a helipad on the roof.
If you’re traveling to a sprawling metropolis, the last thing you want is to spend your entire mini-vacation fighting with traffic in a rickety taxi. Instead, why not arrive James Bond-style in a slick private car service? Or, if you’re channeling your inner influencer, hop onto a rooftop helicopter tour for a jaw-dropping birds-eye view. Who needs postcards when you’ve got epic aerial selfies?
- Feast Like a Food Critic
Luxury is a mindset—especially when it comes to dining. Sure, you could grab a random slice of pizza while strolling through the city streets, but you deserve an experience, darling. Book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a celebrity chef’s latest hotspot. Ask the sommelier to select a wine pairing, and do your best not to flinch at the names you can’t pronounce. Trust me, you’ll be too busy savoring the flavors to worry about mispronouncing “bouillabaisse.”
- Splurge on Sensational Spa Time
Between the hustle of city sightseeing and your determination to try every bakery within a two-mile radius, you’ll need some R&R. Make it count. Consider it non-negotiable to book signature treatments body massage sessions at the most luxurious spa you can find. Hot stones, essential oils, mud wraps—you name it, do it. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel more rejuvenated than a houseplant after a solid watering.
- Indulge in a Little Retail Therapy
Even if your wallet is a tad intimidated, a city break is the perfect opportunity to see what the local shopping scene has to offer. Stroll through high-end boutiques, sample fancy perfumes, and try on items you’d never normally consider (or afford). You don’t necessarily have to buy everything you lay eyes on, but who’s going to judge you if you splurge on a little something to remember the trip by? After all, we’re in full “treat yourself” mode here.
- Go Off the Tourist Track
Luxury doesn’t always mean “sticking to the guidebook.” Sometimes, it’s about discovering hidden gems that only the locals know about. Find that swanky, secret cocktail bar hidden behind a nondescript door. Explore a private gallery opening and pretend you know how to critique modern art. If you really want to level up, arrange a private tour that lets you see the city’s under-the-radar spots—no lines, no crowds, just you and your curiosity.
- Capture the Memories (Without the Stress)
Finally, if you’re feeling extra fancy, book a personal photographer for an hour or two. Forget the wobbly selfies or awkward photos snapped by strangers. Let someone else worry about angles and lighting while you strike your best “I woke up like this” pose in front of iconic landmarks. This little touch of extravagance guarantees you’ll relive those luxe vibes long after you’ve returned to your standard-issue Monday routine.
Here’s to a chic, sophisticated and relaxing urban escape!