Life is undoubtedly too short. Flash some cash and enjoy a little conspicuous consumption. Here's how…
Camping: Easily dismissed as 'just a phase' we all transcend, camping does have an enduring allure beyond its basic economy. Lochhouses' seven luxurious walk-in tents pitched on the sunny shores of East Lothian are certainly not 'cheap' but they are replete with wood burners, sofas, kitchens with Belfast sinks, big soft beds and proper bathrooms with hot showers - hens may be hired for fresh eggs.
Cruise: A world away from vast, anonymous floating hotels favoured by some cruise lines, Windstar Cruises' mix of four-masted sailing schooners and powered super-yachts maintains a crew to passenger ratio of 1.5 to 1, vessels accommodating 148 to 310 guests. Luxury translates to relaxation, tiresome shipboard etiquette is eschewed, but cabins and dining remain superlative.
King of the Road: Getting away from it, whilst taking some of 'it' with you, is an experience best defined in shining aluminium by an Airstream trailer. Of course this freedom of the open road is best appreciated on the long straight highways of the American west but wherever you choose to roam if there's a glamorous way to take a caravan holiday then surely this is it.
Laird It: Dispense with tiresome fellow guests and keep paparazzi at bay by renting a suitably strong Scottish castle. Aldourie Castle stands by the shores of Loch Ness, set within 500-acres of parkland, woods and formal gardens. 13-bedrooms, some with four-poster beds, are furnished in a suitably grand manner, whilst opulent drawing rooms, lounges and a billiard room complete the accommodation. A Michelin chef and full staff are available on request.
Private Island: Richard Branson's 74-acre Caribbean redoubt of Necker Island has catered to many of Hollywood's A-listers. Usually occupied on an exclusive basis, the island's private white sand beaches are reached by launch or helicopter from neighbouring Tortola. Six thatched one-bedroom Bali Houses together with an eight-bedroom Great House sleep up to 30 in unique barefoot luxury. But ask yourself, would you really want to share?
Rail: Every year the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express retraces the 1883 Paris to Istanbul route - truly a great rail journey. The train comprises fully-restored blue and gold Art Deco Wagons-Lit cars, the polished wood and brass of the Lalique, Etoile du Nord and the Chinoise restaurant cars and the famous piano bar. Guests dress for dinner and those able to impersonate Hercule Poirot probably qualify for a discount.
Safari: Botswana's tourism follows a high-cost low impact policy, safari lodges operated by Wilderness Safaris in the Okavango Delta are amongst the most luxurious in the world. Safari chic treehouse rooms feature al fresco bathrooms, vast double beds and open verandas looking out onto some of Africa's finest wildlife.
Turn Left: If even the promise of 'speedy boarding' doesn't put the romance back into flying then perhaps it's time to upgrade. Emirates' First Class passengers departing from Glasgow are chauffeured to the airport, benefit from fast-track security clearance and have their own dedicated airport lounge. Once onboard and ensconced behind the doors of a private First Class suite attentive cabin service rivals flying by executive jet.
'Seven' Star Hotel: Dubai's sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel was opened in 1999, a time when the Emirate had an excess of ascendant stars. All-suite accommodation, a liberal application of gold leaf and enough personal butlers to form a breeding colony complement a fleet of white Rolls Royces, all loudly shouting overstated luxury. Guests avoid the hoi polloi by landing their chopper on the 210 metre-high heli-pad, though a volley of fireworks ensures each VVIP arrival is noticed.
Supercar Rental: It seems an unwritten rule that car rental always costs more than you expect, so you may as well have some fun. The classic curves of an Aston Martin, sleek beauty of a Ferrari or exuberant howl of Lamborghini can all be yours upon payment of the corresponding daily rate. 24-hour, 100-mile supercar rentals start at around £500 plus hefty security deposit. However, if you're under 25, turn around when possible and return to your Vauxhall Corsa…
This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com
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