Want 5* service on a backpacker’s budget? Then these affordable luxury travel destinations should be on your list.

The most common concern when it comes to travel is how to afford it. Combine that with every second picture on social media being a rooftop infinity pool or 5 course floating breakfast and you can’t be blamed for thinking that travel is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Well think again, cheap luxury travel destinations exist.

I recognise that I am very fortunate to have the means to pay for flights & hotels. But, to ensure my budget reaches as far around the globe as possible, I am also very careful where and when I choose to go. And most importantly, when to splash out on more than a basic hostel room or supermarket sandwich.
If you’re looking for a touch of affordable luxury travel, here are the countries where you can treat yo’ self without breaking the bank.

Affordable Luxury Travel Around the World

Thailand

A cheap luxury infinity pool hotel was a dream I thought I’d take years to to find. Until I travelled to Thailand in 2016 and spent a weekend in Phuket. I stayed away from the main backpackers area, to avoid the crazy party scene and to enjoy this gorgeous hotel.

• Hotel: Sugar Palm Grand Hillside Hotel (£31 per night)
• Meal: Pad Thai from £2 a meal.

Mexico

Throughout Mexico I stayed in cheap luxury hotels than I would never have been able to afford in Europe or the US. I stayed in nice places in Mexico City and Holbox, but the winner was Merida. Proving that heading to lesser known destinations saves money vs. the busy tourist sights.

• Hotel: Hotel Palacio Maya (£36 per night, Junior Suite)
• Meal: Tacos for £1 you say, sign me up! (One night I panicked when I accidentally ordered twice from Deliveroo… until I realised the total order came to £6.50).

Panama

Panama was a spontaneous weekend trip that I added in last minute. Usually this is a recipe for doubling the cost of hotels, but I still found this an affordable luxury destination. This cheap hotel was right in the city centre. The room itself was fairly standard. But with a pool like this, I barely spent any time indoors!

• Hotel: Innfiniti Hotel & Suites (£44 per night)
• Meal: Gyro & Side Salad – £3.40

Colombia

Colombia was a mixed bag for me. Bogota had an obvious markup on prices, likely due to business travellers and the size of the city. In Cartagena however, I found an absolute gem of an affordable luxury accommodation. A Boca Grande Airbnb condo with, balcony, panoramic views, a rooftop pool & jacuzzi was a similar price to a simpler hotel in the historic centre. While perhaps not the most authentic or traditional setting, I took the opportunity to enjoy some affordable luxury after a long 5 weeks of travelling.

• Hotel: Boca Grande Cartagena Condo, Airbnb (£48 per night)
• Meal: Burrito Bowl – £4

Vietnam

Affordable luxury travel in Vietnam is very possible. Cruises are usually synonymous with expensive, but in Halong Bay, Vietnam you can enjoy one at a fraction of the cost. While probably the most expensive on the list, cruises are around £80-100 a night. The competition is fierce, so be sure to do your research and then haggle on arrival for the best deal. There is nothing more luxurious than Tai Chi on the top deck at 6am surrounded by Lime Stone Peaks.

• Hotel: So many cruises to choose from! We stayed on Paloma and it was beautiful.
• Meal: Usually included in the cruise. Food in Vietnam is generally very affordable – Enjoy a 3 course meal for under £10.

China

While on my trip to China I took advantage of my own tips for finding cheap accommodation and spent some days away from the big cities. Finding this stunning hotel online for £56 a night, with a private outdoor bathtub sold it to me immediately. Affordable luxury travel destination at its finest. Not to mention, China also offers the chance to experience cheap luxury train travel too.

• Hotel: Ancient Street No.5 Youth Chic Hotel (£53 per night)
• Meal: Main meals from £5

Still to see:

I don’t like recommending places that I haven’t been personally, but the list would not be complete without calling our these Meccas of affordable luxury hotels that I’ve heard so much about and can’t wait to see in person.

• Bali: Home of the luxury villa & private pool – Airbnb is a sure-fire winner here.
• Morocco: TBC in 2019, but the riads look incredible and I can’t wait to explore.
• Sri Lanka: Infinity pools and first class service, Sri Lanka offers affordable luxury travel like no other.

For more tips for finding cheap accommodation check out my other blog.