Luxury means so many different things to different people. For some luxury is as simple as having something done by someone else that one might normally be required to do without any assistance at all. For others, luxury implies decadence on a grand scale. And still for others, luxury means “best in class” –immersive experiences complete with those discreet elegant amenities that set a place or an experience apart from all other like options. In singular ways, each of the following five destinations subscribe to all of these definitions in such a way that they represent the penultimate vacation getaways for lovers of luxe.

Palma de Mallorca

In addition to providing a safe harbor for the mega-yachts of the uber-wealthy, Palma de Mallorca has long been known as one of the most popular playgrounds for the rich and the royal in Spain’s Balearic Isles. Former King Juan Carlos has often been spotted taking a break from his royal duties at the island’s swankier watering holes, while other bold-faced names ranging from Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, who until recently owned a 247-acre estate on the island, to Paris Hilton and Brad Pitt have all made the pilgrimage to this rustically luxurious Spanish destination. For the most luxe stay of all, the Belmond La Residencia in Deia is the leading choice for discriminating travelers. Once owned by Richard Branson, La Residencia is the luxury hotel in which Princess Diana famously took refuge when her marriage to Prince Charles reached its well-publicized breaking point, and also the site of Andrew Lloyd Webber 60th birthday celebration for which the entire hotel was hired.  How’s that for discriminating? [Tip: Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera are all just a short ferry ride from Mallorca, which is all just an added bonus.]

Las Vegas

Perhaps the most common misconception about Las Vegas is that it’s primary appeal is gaming. The truth, however, is that there is so much more to do in Las Vegas than taking turns among the plentiful craps tables and slot machines. In fact, with very little effort, you can treat yourself to a luxe holiday in Vegas that has nothing at all to do with any of the aforementioned activities and feel none the lesser for it – particularly given that there is probably more luxury per square foot in Las Vegas than almost anywhere else in the world. Wondering where to start? First of all, there’s pampering at a memorable array of spas like the sleek, modern BATHHOUSE Spa at the Delano, the massive 80,000 square-foot Spa at the Aria, and the serenely gorgeous Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, among others.

Combined with unique, upscale shopping experiences at the likes of the Wynn Esplanade and the Shops at Crystals, fine dining at restaurants helmed by revered chefs like Alain Ducasse (Rivea at the Delano), Julian Serrano (Lago at the Bellagio) and Michael Mina (Bardot Brasserie at the Aria), an assortment of shows featuring the biggest names in music and entertainment, and VIP limo service to and from any and everything, what could make for a more decadent getaway?

London

Does it not seem fitting that the home of the British royal family would also be home to an escape filled with royally, luxurious delights? Such would most definitely be the case. From the old world elegance of the Goring Hotel, where Queen Elizabeth II is a regular guest for afternoon tea, to the sumptuous retail offerings of Bond Street and Dover Street (where Victoria Beckham opened the flagship store for her wildly successful eponymous clothing line), to the five star hotels in May Fair and Knightsbridge (think the classically sophisticated Egerton House, the landmark Claridge’s, the esteemed Connaught and the Firmdale Hotel’s Knightsbridge outpost), luxury is London’s forte. Fill your itinerary with visits to the royal warrant certified providers of goods and services to the royal household and you’ll find yourself in luxe overload,

Carmel-by-the-Sea

If there is one word that best describes the seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, it might be surreal. Santa Barbara may be heralded by some as the California’s answer to the Riviera, but Carmel-by-the Sea is perhaps endowed with a better claim to the title. A charming boutique-filled town commingled with an unspoiled beach dramatically surrounded by bluffs and a rugged coastline evokes the feeling of la dolce vita best embodied by the likes of Capri and St. Tropez. Among the favorite stops for an elegant stay in Carmel is the Doris Day -owned Cypress Inn in the heart of town and the Clint Eastwood-owned Mission Ranch, where the vistas are jaw dropping and the Martinis (along with the company) at the bar are otherworldly.

Turks & Caicos

Extremely elegant accommodations specializing in privacy, pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, perfect weather year-round, a steady flow of rum-inspired cocktails and not a care in the world make Turks & Caicos a standout among luxe travel getaways. Moreover, if a destination is to be judged by the star power of its regular visitors, Turks and Caicos is a winner on multiple levels. Among the starry visitors of late to the islands are Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who spent their holidays at Donna Karan’s villa in Parrot Cay, Justin Bieber, Christie Brinkley, and newlyweds Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello who spent their 7-day honeymoon holed up in a remote villa at the exclusive Parrot Cay Resort. Need I say more?

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Anyone who knows me well will tell you that the only thing I abhor more than early morning activities is waiting in line to indulge in early morning activities. So when I tell you that, at my suggestion, we purposefully awoke at the crack of dawn on Day 20 in Jenner, CA just so that we could make a detour en route to Carmel for a spot of breakfast at Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen, I am already tacitly bestowing a ringing endorsement upon the establishment.

Several months back, my first experience with Brown Sugar Kitchen, Chef Tanya Holland’s new soul food cuisine outpost located on Oakland’s formerly derelict Mandela Parkway, resulted in a case of love at first bite. So much so, that I clearly could not resist the urge for a return visit when I was practically in the neighborhood again. In fact, like Nettie in The Color Purple, “Nothing but death could keep from it” — even if it meant waiting in an hour-long queue on a chilly Sunday morning, which is precisely what occurred.

Once inside the seemingly always packed restaurant, I renewed my love affair with Chef Holland’s signature savory and sweet combo of organic buttermilk fried chicken and light as air cornmeal waffles served with a dollop of brown sugar butter and a soupcon of apple cider syrup. While other eateries claim to do chicken and waffles, rarely have I seen the pairing prepared with such finesse, hence the urgency of my return. On this visit I also got acquainted with the day’s special, a smoked pork hash highlighting the smokey product of another of Chef Holland’s nearby restaurants, B-Side BBQ with which I could easily begin an adulterous liaison as well. If ever you’re in the vicinity of Brown Sugar Kitchen (and by vicinity I mean within a 100 miles), I highly recommend a visit. And even if you’re not near or plan to be in Oakland, you can sample the experience via Chef Holland’s gorgeous new cookbook Brown Sugar Kitchen: New-Style Down-Home Recipes from Sweet West Oakland.

Sated with down-home goodness, the hour and half drive to Carmel post breakfast seemed to breeze by. Before I knew it, we were pulling up to elegant Cypress Inn nestled among the boutiques that dot the streets and alleys of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. I had read much about the Cypress Inn but, like so many of the other properties on my itinerary for this trip, I had never experienced it theretofore. However, I can now say that the regal hotel meets its high recommendations with dead on accuracy.

Famously co-owned by screen legend and songstress, Doris Day, Cypress Inn is imbued with an easy grandeur augmented by rooms filled with an array of tempting amenities including fresh floral arrangements, complimentary cream sherry, carafes of filtered or sparkling water on demand, and fresh fruit and snacks. We were booked into the King Suite Deluxe which boasts an intimate sitting area, a private entrance from the street and a second entrance that opens onto the splendid garden courtyard and into the old world luxe of the 44-room boutique hotel’s bar, dining room and lobby. Despite its thoroughly California location in seaside Carmel, to its credit, the rambling Mediterranean-themed property very much put me in the mind of a beloved hôtel de charme in Brittany.

With the beach, just a short walk away, we headed down to scope out more breathtaking views of the stunning coastline before popping over to take a peek at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch Hotel, where we mingled with the locals over Martinis. Intimate and clubby, the restaurant and piano bar at the Mission Ranch is a hub of local social life in Carmel and one that Mr. Eastwood is known to frequent, though there have never been any sightings of the man himself on my watch.

Later that evening we dined just around the corner from the Cypress Inn at the Cantinetta Luca, another local institution, where more Martinis were poured as we sampled everything from classic Panzanella and Arancini to crispy pizza topped with Mozzarella, Fontina, prosciutto, Rucola and Shaved Parmesan and Spaghetti Alla Romana prepared with housemade pancetta, shallots, chili, and white wine. Classically Italian, with superlative service Cantinetta Luca is both memorable and delectable, making it a must for any Carmel itinerary.

Since we arrived a little too late to properly partake in the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea as planned, after dinner we opted to do a little window shopping on a late night stroll (flashlight in hand) through the village to make the most of the less than 24 hours we had to enjoy this seaside slice of paradise. On a crisp cool night, it was the perfect way to wind down at the end of gloriously picture perfect day, that was only further abetted by an oh-so-very civilized nip of that wonderful sherry that awaited back at the Inn.

Tomorrow it’s off to San Francisco and the last 48 hours of the LivingWellsCalifornia adventure but for now here’s a look back at Day 20 in pictures:

Good morning and goodbye Jenner!

Breakfast time at Brown Sugar Kitchen

Chef Tanya Holland's Brown Sugar Kitchen, West Oakland

Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Garden Courtyard at Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Inside King Deluxe Suite, Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Sitting Room, King Deluxe Suite, Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Early evening in the garden courtyard at Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Scenes from the Carmel Coast

Ready for the beach

Scenes from the Carmel Coast

Another view of the Carmel Coast

Welcome to the Mission Ranch

A view from the Mission Ranch Inn

Inside Cantinetta Luca

Sampling the fare at Cantinetta Luca

Cantinetta Luca Sign

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(Additional photography by Rob Musick)

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