The Best Destinations to Take Luxury Sabbaticals

For many, a work sabbatical can conjure images of a professor taking a year off to conduct research. But this is an outdated perception of a sabbatical. Nowadays, a sabbatical can mean taking an extended break from our daily grind and heading somewhere incredible for a much-needed break.

If you are contemplating going for a sabbatical, take this as a sign to go for it! And while you’re at it, why don’t you splurge and treat yourself to a luxurious trip?

If you’re wondering where to go, here are some of the best destinations to take luxury sabbaticals.

The Galapagos Islands

If you look forward to getting up close and personal with wildlife on your sabbatical trip, you should head to the Galapagos Islands. Located off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean’s eastern section, the archipelago consists of 13 major islands, the largest being Isabela.

The best islands to stay on your sabbatical to the Galapagos are Isabela, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal. The Puerto Ayora town of Santa Cruz Island has numerous luxury accommodations, making it a fantastic base for your luxury sabbatical trip. While the other islands have limited accommodation options, they offer many tours and wildlife experiences.

The Galapagos Islands are best known for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. You’ll spend your sabbatical trip to the archipelago exploring national parks and discovering local wildlife. Some companies can arrange luxury cruises and tours around the Galapagos Islands, which offer a more comfortable and convenient experience.

Aside from the incredible wildlife encounters, the Galapagos Islands offer a chance to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling. As a protected national park, the Galapagos Islands have many hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore and soak up the islands’ natural charms. A snorkeling adventure in the Galapagos is a chance to explore the archipelago’s incredibly fascinating marine creatures, from colorful fish to reef sharks and manta rays.

The United Kingdom

The UK is one of the world’s most historic countries, making it an ideal destination for those who love culture and history. On your trip to the country, you can stay in luxury castles in the UK, which is perfect for those taking a sabbatical here. Packed of historic attractions, picturesque cities, world-class museums, and stunning national parks, the UK can offer a sabbatical holiday you’ll never forget.

The UK has many fantastic cities, offering numerous attractions and activities for visitors. Major cities like London, Edinburgh. and Manchester are the perfect place to base yourself, home to fascinating castle hotels. These cities also offer countless historical sites, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

You’ll find some of the UK’s best attractions in London, from the Big Ben to the Tower of London and the Buckingham Palace. Across the country, you’ll stumble upon numerous historic attractions like ancient castles and lavish estates home to famous people. Not far from London is the Windsor Castle, a royal residence with almost a millennium of architectural history.

For those who love nature and exploring the great outdoors, the UK has numerous national parks for you to explore. Some are areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as those in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

Greece

Renowned for its whitewashed villages, breathtaking islands, fabulous beaches, archaeological sites, mouth-watering cuisines, and ancient ruins, Greece can offer numerous things on your luxury sabbatical trip. The sun-kissed European country is home to a mountainous mainland and thousands of idyllic islands across the blue Aegean and Ionian Sea. With so many incredible places to see in Greece, the country will leave you with holiday experiences you’ll never forget.

Santorini is an incredible island to visit on your luxury sabbatical to Greece. The famous island is home to luxurious hotels and resorts that can make for an excellent place to stay. Many of these hotels have infinity pools overlooking the stunning blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

While in Greece, consider taking a luxury cruise to visit many islands. Santorini is an ideal starting point for exploring the Cyclades islands, such as the Mykonos, Ios, Naxos, and Paros. Aside from visiting these islands, your luxury cruise can take you to secluded beaches accessible only by boat. Depending on the type of cruise, the activity can include a sumptuous dinner with local wine.

Peru

Peru is a unique, colorful, and multicultural destination, leaving you with fabulous experiences on your luxury sabbatical trip. It is home to some of the world’s most notable attractions, such as the Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel perched in the Andes Mountains. Consider booking tours around Machu Picchu, an ideal option for those on a sabbatical.

You can have a fabulous time in Peru regardless of your travel preferences. But if you want to splurge, treat yourself to upscale experiences for a memorable trip. Hop aboard a luxury sleeper train with leather furniture and posh cabins with private bathrooms. Some popular route options are Cusco to Puno and Cusco to Arequipa.

If you prefer to explore from the water, consider a luxury cruise down the Amazon. It’s perfect for those who want to visit the famous jungle and discover incredible wildlife. Many cruises come with upscale amenities like swimming pools and spas. You can also indulge in delectable food and wine onboard.

Hawaii

Hawaii is the perfect destination for luxury sabbaticals, boasting stunning landscapes, fantastic beaches, year-round sunshine, and some of the world’s most luxurious resorts. You’ll likely spend most of your time relaxing at the beach, sipping cocktails, and soaking up the breathtaking scenery.

But there’s more to Hawaii than its beaches. If you are fond of wildlife, consider chartering a private boat for a day cruising in pristine waters with the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. Some cruises include luxury dinners prepared by award-winning chefs.

If you’re taking your partner on your sabbatical trip, indulge in some romantic experiences, such as a dinner under the stars. Many resorts in Maui can arrange private dining experiences in a beach or garden setting. After your dinner, relax in one of the island’s luxurious spas and avail yourself of massages and other treatments.

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