You work hard for your money, and while traveling for the low is never a bad thing, every now and then a girl deserves a little splurge. From spa safaris and private islands to suites fit for royalty, if you want to spend a few coins celebrating you this year, then these five trips are perfect for indulging in luxury like the queen you are.
Sumba Island, Indonesia
Photo Credit: Nihi Sumba Island Resort
While most people head to Bali, just an hour flight away lies an nearly forgotten and untouched paradise. Three times the size of Bali with way less people, Sumba Island is a feast for the eyes. Rolling green rice terraces, spectacular water falls, crystal clear waters, and warm Sumbanese hospitality. Unlike its more famous sibling, Sumba is home to only one major luxury property, Nihi Sumba Island Resort. Nihi is the perfect destination for the adventurer, wanderer, or luxury lover. Grab the Marangga Villa for breathtaking views of the ocean before signing up for one of the resort’s most unique adventures, a spa safari. The NihiOka Spa Safari is a one-of a-kind-experience that starts with an optional 90-minute trek through hills, expansive rice fields and a traditional Sumbanese village, followed by breakfast and half or full day spa treatments in your private cliff side room, which range from body wraps and scrubs to 90-minute massages and an organic facial.
Over Yonder Cay, Bahamas
Photo Credit: Over Yonder Cay
A lot of people sleep on the Bahamas, but that’s because they’ve been doing it all wrong. There’s more to the popular island than cruise ports, swimming with pigs and Atlantis. Skip the usual spots and head over to Over Yonder Cay, a private, eco-friendly island, home to only four villas – all with private beaches and breathtaking views. Book the Meridian House and grab a few girlfriends, so you all can indulge in the all-inclusive amenities the island has to offer. Over Yonder Cay’s endless list of activities that include nature trails, spa treatments, snorkeling safaris, sunset cruises, yoga and remote island beach parties, means you’ll never be bored.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Photo Credit: Asilia Africa
You may have been on a safari before, but we doubt it was anything as luxurious as this. Located on the edge of a mountain forest, The Highlands features eight solar powered luxury domes with king sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, wood burning stoves and floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views that stretch all the way to the Serengeti. Explore wildlife on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater or marvel at the Great Migration with a guide before heading back to your bubble suite to luxuriate in a butler drawn bubble bath, and toast to a gorgeous sunset with a glass of bubbly.
Middleburg, Virginia
Photo Credit: Salamander Resort
Just outside of Washington, D.C. is a getaway destination that just screams romance. Owned by Black Entertainment Television co-founder Sheila C. Johnson, Salamander Resort's 68 guest rooms (including 17 suites), scenic trails, wineries, spa and variety of activities make it the perfect Valentine's Day escape. Spend your days enjoying each other surrounded by nature, and your nights enjoying scrumptious candlelight dinners for two prepared by a top chef.
The countryside of Virginia isn’t typically the first place people think of when looking for a luxe getaway, but that’s because those people have never heard of Salamander Resort and Spa. Founded by Sheila Johnson; entrepreneur, philanthropist and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, is the perfect domestic luxury escape. When guests aren’t luxuriating in one of the 168 guest rooms (including 17 suites), or one of the 14 deluxe treatment rooms in the spa, they can also enjoy a wide variety of activities on the resort including an Equestrian Center with 22 stalls, riding arena, scenic trails, zip-lining, miles of walking and biking trails, a tennis court with outdoor pool complex, and tours of 50 Virginia wineries within 60 minutes of the resort.
Marrakech, Morocco
Photo Credit: Aman Resorts
Like much of Africa, Morocco’s history is filled with royalty, so what better place for a queen to roam than the city of Marrakech. The rose colored walls of Amanjena, inspired by the beauty of old Marrakech, is fit for a queen, and the perfect home base for luxury and adventure. Head to the city’s medina to explore the souks, tanneries, museums, mosques and the Place Jemaa El Fna, visit a Berber village at the base of the Atlas Mountains or do it for the ‘Gram in the colorful port city of Essaouira. Looking to be catered to? Indulge in a luxurious traditional hammam back at the resort that’s meant to cleanse you mind, body and soul.