Aussie holiday favourite named best in the world for 'affordable luxury'
Updated . First published
Infinity pools, in-room massages, fine dining, million-dollar views, and hotel rooms you never want to leave.
How good is luxury travel? However, it's one of those things that the majority of us can't afford.
That is, unless you know where to go.
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Indonesia has a huge number of luxury hotels. Getty
In a global ranking, Indonesia has come out on top as the number one place in the world to go for luxury travel experiences, without having to spent a fortune.
Fashion brand AbayaButh ranked a number of popular honeymoon spots to find where travellers can get the best bang for their buck.
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The analysis considered flight prices, five-star hotel rates, luxury resort availability, spa quality and access to private pools and villas.
Indonesia, with its many islands, including the beloved spot Bali, has taken the crown.
One night in a five-star resort averages around $700. For comparison, a similar room in the Maldives averages closer to $2000.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about going to Bali in 2026
Your money goes a long way in Indonesia. Getty
Indonesia has one of the strongest luxury ecosystems of all the countries included in the study. It is home to 177 luxury resorts and 673 five-star spas.
The country also has 538 hotels with private pools, one of the highest proportions globally at nearly 18 per cent.
A slate of new luxury hotels are set to open in Bali in 2026. This includes a new wellness retreat, Umi Resort, which will be just 200m from Uluwatu Beach.
Details on social media reveal it will be all-inclusive, with images showing luxurious, minimal style rooms and guests sipping on coconuts.
New wellness retreat Umi Resort will open in May 2026. Instagram
Thailand came in second on the list, a popular spot for Aussies who want a cheap getaway.
Koh Samui, in particular, is an island that tourists enjoy for its affordable luxury offerings - it was also featured on Season 3 of The White Lotus.
Mexico ranked third, followed by Vietnam and Greece.
READ MORE: This low-key Thai island was crowned best in the world for affordable luxury
Koh Samui is the best Thai island for affordable luxury. Getty
Vietnam is the number one destination for Australians taking international holidays over the peak Christmas and New Year period, according to multiple travel companies.
The destination is especially popular for families, thanks to its relative affordability, safety, and ease of access.
If you're considering a holiday there, Da Nang is the perfect introduction to Vietnam, and a great spot for a laid-back trip.
It's got golden beaches and lush mountains, plus a lively city with a great street food scene that you'd expect in Vietnam.
READ MORE: Here's everything you need to know about a holiday to Da Nang
Da Nang has great beaches. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Best places for affordable luxury:
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Mexico
- Vietnam
- Greece
- Sri Lanka
- UAE
- Bermuda
- Portugal
- Belize
- Türkiye
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Spain
- Morocco
