10 Luxury Resorts That Are Cheaper Than You’d Expect – 2025 Update
We found the best highly-rated 5-star resorts that cost less than you may think, but still deliver the kind of pampering, scenery, and amenities you’d associate with high-end properties.
How are they able to provide such world-class service and amenities and still be so affordable? It’s usually due to lower local costs for labor and utilities.
Plus, many of these destinations rely on tourism, so they offer very competitive prices to attract international guests, but it;s still the same high quality.
Even luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton and The InterContinental can offer as much as half off their usual prices in places like Southeast Asia and Mexico.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a white-sand tropical coastline or a jungle-shrouded spa oasis, these resorts deliver on luxury—without the typical luxury price tag.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To figure out which resorts deserve a spot on this list, we thoroughly reviewed ratings and customer comments from Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Expedia.
We prioritized guest satisfaction, overall value, upscale amenities, location, and booking rates that were consistently below the expected average. We also considered access to beaches, culinary experiences, spa offerings, and room variety.
Additionally, we only considered properties that met these criteria:
- Official 5-star rating
- 4.5+ out of 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor
- 4.5+ out of 5.0 rating on Google Reviews
- At least 20% cheaper than average 5-star resorts in the city
***Try changing the dates for each resort to find the lowest rates as there could be different high and low seasons in each location***
Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!
10 Best Luxury Resorts That Are Truly Affordable in 2025
10. Padma Resort Ubud
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Key Highlights:
- Upscale rooms and suites with rainforest views and marble bathtubs
- 89-meter heated infinity pool with valley backdrop
- Set on 27 acres of hillside gardens near Payangan forest
Padma Resort Ubud is the kind of resort that, honestly, seems like it would cost a lot more than it does. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest luxury resorts in the world when you consider its prime setting deep in the lush highlands of Bali.
The property sits perched above a river valley, offering panoramic jungle views that you typically only see on postcards or high-end travel ads. It’s extremely tranquil, almost meditative, with koi ponds, curated gardens, and beautifully designed spaces blending Balinese art with contemporary comfort.
The rooms are incredibly spacious and offer extras like espresso machines, daybeds on private balconies, and soaking tubs that look straight out into the wild greenery. Food is a massive highlight here, too—with international buffets, Indonesian specialties, and poolside cocktails that make it hard to leave the property at all.
There’s also a luxurious spa tucked into the hillside, where guests can experience traditional massages in semi-open air pavilions while listening to the sounds of nature. It’s one of the best cheap luxury resorts for couples looking to unwind without stretching their budget.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
9. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Key Highlights:
- All-inclusive resort with access to 7 restaurants and 6 bars
- 3 infinity-edge pools plus an oceanfront firepit
- Access to private beach and free non-motorized water sports
This Montego Bay retreat is, in a way, everything you want from a luxury Caribbean resort—but it happens to fall under the radar in terms of price. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall is part of a dual-resort complex, and guests have access to a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options.
Rooms are polished with hardwood touches and offer ocean, pool, or garden views, plus rainfall showers and spa-like features. There’s an air of sophistication throughout the resort that makes the surprisingly accessible nightly rates even more impressive.
The food and drinks are top-notch, especially when you consider it’s an all-inclusive. That means unlimited gourmet meals, cocktails, poolside snacks, and even beachside wood-fired pizzas are all part of the experience. Guests often rave about the jerk chicken stand and hibachi grill as unexpected highlights.
It’s also great for families or groups. There’s a water park and a kids’ club, but it manages to keep a grown-up elegance across the grounds. If you’re hunting for the best cheap luxury resorts with everything bundled in, this one is a solid pick.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
8. Ayada Maldives
Location: Maldives Islands
Key Highlights:
- 122 villas and suites, many with private pools and butler service
- 7 restaurants and bars, including overwater dining
- Secluded island location in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Ayada Maldives might look like the type of place where a single night would cost more than your flight—but, surprisingly, it often ranks among the cheapest luxury resorts in the world for those booking during shoulder seasons or with promotions.
This property has it all: overwater bungalows, private pools, hammocks suspended above turquoise water, and a full-service spa set on stilts. Despite the luxe aesthetics, prices here are typically hundreds less per night than similar resorts in more trafficked parts of the Maldives.
Villas offer massive outdoor terraces, rainfall showers, oceanfront daybeds, and personal butlers. The resort is also fairly self-sufficient, with everything from fine dining restaurants to an underground wine cellar and a shisha lounge built into a traditional thatched dome.
Because it’s located far from the main island, you get a level of seclusion that’s hard to match. Yet the journey is part of the appeal, and the lower rates make it incredibly attractive for honeymooners wanting a five-star setting without the usual price tag.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Key Highlights:
- Oversized rooms and suites, many with direct pool access
- Private beach at Tri Trang Bay, away from busy Patong
- 3 world-class restaurants and award-winning spa
Set on the edge of a private cove, the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa offers a quiet kind of tropical opulence that’s priced way below what you might expect for a beachfront luxury property in Thailand.
The setting is extremely relaxing, nestled between hills and the clear waters of the Andaman Sea, just far enough from the buzz of Patong to feel exclusive. The resort has a private beach and a collection of lagoon-style pools that curve through lush greenery.
Many of the rooms feature direct pool access or large balconies with sunset views. There’s also a spa that specializes in Thai wellness rituals, as well as a restaurant serving locally inspired dishes with an upscale twist.
It’s popular with both couples and families, thanks to the dedicated kids’ club and wide variety of water activities. Overall, it remains one of the best cheap luxury resorts in Southeast Asia for travelers wanting a beachfront escape that doesn’t max out their credit cards.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. SLS Baha Mar
Location: Nassau, Bahamas
Key Highlights:
- Sleek luxury suites with modern décor and stunning ocean views
- Access to 3,000-foot beachfront and 15-acre private beach club
- Over 20 restaurants and bars within the Baha Mar complex
SLS Baha Mar blends a splash of South Beach-style glamour with the laid-back energy of the Caribbean, and it does all that without charging sky-high rates. As part of the Baha Mar mega-resort in Nassau, guests staying here get full access to an enormous range of luxury amenities—at a price that’s, frankly, lower than you’d expect for this much opulence.
The rooms feature an ultra-modern aesthetic with pops of art, clean lines, and plush bedding that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere twice the price. Guests have access to a full casino, an art gallery, and one of the largest resort waterparks in the region—Baha Bay—which is included in your stay.
Food and drink are serious priorities here, with gourmet options from celebrity chefs, rooftop lounges with ocean views, and poolside service that’s fast, friendly, and always accompanied by premium cocktail menus. Even better, the beach club offers private cabanas and a more relaxed vibe for those avoiding the louder crowds.
For those searching for the best cheap luxury resorts with a big-city energy and Caribbean sunshine, this is one that often slips under the radar.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun – Best-Seller
Location: Cancun, Mexico
Key Highlights:
- 13 outdoor pools and a massive infinity pool with ocean views
- All-inclusive with 9 restaurants and unlimited top-shelf spirits included
- 500+ meters of powdery white sand beachfront
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is that kind of resort that consistently gets top rankings from travelers, and yet, surprisingly, it remains one of the cheapest all inclusive luxury resorts in the world when you compare value for dollar. That’s why it’s a frequent bestseller—and for very good reasons.
The resort’s setting is outrageously picturesque, with crystal-clear water and white sand that actually lives up to the hype. Each suite has a jetted tub for two, a private terrace or balcony, and 24-hour room service included in the all-inclusive plan.
There’s an adults-only atmosphere here, so the whole vibe tends to be quiet, romantic, and very polished. Dining is à la carte, which means every dinner can feel like a private event, and with options ranging from French fine dining to beachfront tacos, there’s always something elevated but not stuffy.
If you’re looking to stretch your travel dollars without giving up any luxury, this resort fits the bill. It often gets listed among the best cheap luxury resorts, especially for honeymoons or anniversary getaways where you want to feel spoiled but stay smart about your spend.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Location: Punta Islita, Costa Rica
Key Highlights:
- Located on 300 tropical acres with mountain-to-sea views
- Infinity-edge pool and separate adults-only and family pools
- Sustainably designed rooms with open-air layouts
Set along Costa Rica’s lesser-trodden Nicoya Peninsula, Punta Islita is the kind of peaceful, eco-luxury escape that many people dream of—and yet, it regularly surprises travelers by ranking among the best cheap luxury resorts available in Central America.
The property’s terraced layout gives each room and suite exceptional views of the jungle and Pacific coastline. Many have their own plunge pools and open-air living spaces, which make the entire experience feel refreshingly immersive and deeply relaxing.
Guests can enjoy locally sourced cuisine at the on-site restaurant, lounge at the beach club, or explore the expansive property with horseback rides, canopy ziplining, or cultural workshops. It’s a stay that feels purpose-driven and connected to nature, but still offers high-touch service throughout.
While the drive to get there takes a little effort, the resort’s remoteness is a huge part of its charm. And in that case, it’s perfect for anyone seeking the cheapest luxury resorts that still deliver the full 5-star experience—plus a good dose of authenticity.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort – Top Value Pick
Location: Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Key Highlights:
- Opulent rooms, suites, and residences with sleek modern designs
- 6 restaurants, rooftop bar, and an award-winning HARNN Heritage Spa
- Private stretch of Long Beach with calm, swimmable waters
For a destination that delivers serious tropical energy with a surprisingly modest price tag, InterContinental Phu Quoc is, basically, a standout. This Vietnamese island resort is incredibly stylish and ultra-modern but also highly accessible from a cost perspective, making it one of the cheapest luxury resorts in the world for its level.
The property spreads across a long slice of soft sand, with calm waves and epic sunsets that bring people out nightly to the rooftop bar. Rooms are crisp and contemporary, with massive bathrooms, soaking tubs, and design details that mirror luxury hotels twice the price in Europe or the U.S.
The spa is a must-visit, offering Vietnamese herbal treatments and outdoor therapy pavilions that look toward the sea. Guests can also enjoy interactive cooking classes, kid-friendly clubs, and a variety of water sports right from the beach.
It’s an ideal mix of style and affordability, and for travelers who are scouting out the best cheap luxury resorts in Asia, this one hits all the right notes without missing a beat.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar
Location: Tenerife, Spain
Key Highlights:
- Adults-only, all-inclusive European luxury concept with fine dining
- Cliffside location with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Infinity pool, wellness spa, and exclusive butler service
JOIA El Mirador might be one of the most visually stunning resorts in the Canary Islands, yet it flies under the radar internationally. Prices stay relatively low compared to other Mediterranean retreats, which makes this property one of the best cheap luxury resorts for travelers wanting ocean views and refined service.
The resort focuses on personalized attention—think butlers, curated meals, and bespoke wellness sessions. Rooms and suites are elegant, airy, and positioned to catch the sea breeze and golden hour light.
The main infinity pool looks straight out to the horizon, and nearby you’ll find massage decks, wine tastings, and rooftop lounges with live music.
The surrounding area also offers access to black sand beaches, hiking trails in Teide National Park, and charming coastal towns worth exploring between spa appointments and champagne brunches.
It’s a retreat that feels like a five-figure vacation—without ever reaching anywhere close to that in cost.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi – Best Overall
Location: Langkawi, Malaysia
Key Highlights:
- 90 acres of rainforest with direct access to a private beach
- Beautiful rooms, suites, and villas with rainforest and ocean views
- Signature spa with overwater pavilions and Malay-inspired treatments
The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi doesn’t just check the boxes—it rewrites the whole checklist. This might be the best overall choice for travelers who want one of the cheapest luxury resorts in the world that still carries one of the most prestigious names in hospitality.
Set in a rainforest sanctuary, this property is peaceful, polished, and full of jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re lounging in a beachfront villa or relaxing in the overwater spa, every detail feels exceptionally thoughtful—and yet the rates, in many cases, fall well below what you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton anywhere else in the world.
Dining is world-class, with Malaysian cuisine taking center stage, while Japanese and international options round out the menus. There are family-friendly features like nature trails and discovery centers, plus adults-only areas where you can unwind in silence while watching hornbills soar past.
At the end of the day, this retreat blends rugged nature with effortless elegance. If you’re looking for something that balances prestige, beauty, and value—this is, without a doubt, your top-tier pick.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
Articles You Might Also Like
