Russia is a land of contrasts, where travellers can find their ideal holiday experience. Some are drawn to the endless forests and steppes, whilst others seek something truly unique: luxury hotels, private villas, gastronomic delights and world-class service. Yes, we offer this sort of holiday too. If Turkey or the Maldives no longer impress you with their service, you can set off on a journey through Russia in pleasant company.
Laksheri – a holiday on the world’s deepest lake
Lake Baikal is one of the country’s symbols, a place that could be described as one of the modern wonders of the world. Here, the cold air meets the crystal-clear water. Despite the lake’s distance from major cities, a holiday here can be truly comfortable.
In summer, the most popular routes take you through the ‘Small Sea’ – a series of bays with warm water where you can go on exclusive boat trips. In winter, Lake Baikal transforms into a boundless world of ice: on a hired buggy or a khivus (an air-cushion craft), you can reach even the most remote places.
An option for discerning travellers: private helicopter tours to Olkhon Island or the Valley of Volcanoes in Buryatia. This offers the chance to see unique sights that are inaccessible to most tourists, including thermal springs and places of spiritual power. Prices for such excursions start from 500,000 roubles, but you simply won’t find experiences like this anywhere else.
Lake Baikal is also home to Russia’s most expensive resort, «Baran Yar». The cost of a week’s stay here can run into millions of roubles.
Other luxury holiday resorts:
- «Porto Mare» in Listvyanka is renowned for its seclusion. The villas are equipped with jacuzzis overlooking Lake Baikal, and you can spend the evening on the terrace watching the sunset with a glass of fine wine in hand.
- «Baikal Village» offers not only relaxation but also adventure: gastronomic tours, including tastings of omul, caviar and unique Buryat dishes. Guided safaris across the frozen lake are also organised here.
Lake Baikal is a gourmet’s paradise. As well as the traditional fish soup made from Baikal omul, many holiday resorts include dishes on their menus that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in Russia. Try Buryat specialities, adapted for modern haute cuisine, or the traditional seal dish, which is served only at exclusive dinners.
Krasnaya Polyana
Krasnaya Polyana is a symbol of comfort and luxury holidays. In recent years, this resort in Sochi has become a hub for high-end tourism, where visitors can enjoy the mountain air whilst experiencing first-class service.
The private chalets and penthouses are equipped with fireplaces, saunas and private terraces overlooking snow-capped peaks. If you’re looking for the most expensive mountain holiday in Russia, Sochi has luxury properties that cost hundreds of thousands of roubles a night to rent. Everything you need for a premium holiday is included in the price: even a personal chef who will cook meals right in your kitchen. There are also «ski-in/ski-out» hotels and holiday homes — these are situated right next to the slopes, so you can start skiing the moment you step outside.
Things to do in Sochi
- Paragliding — professional pilots will guide you over the mountain peaks. Flights reach an altitude of 1,500 metres, and prices for this activity start at 35,000 roubles per flight.
- A popular summer activity is off-road tours. You can visit canyons, mountain lakes and even watch the sunset at high altitude, where there are hardly any other tourists. For couples, an evening picnic with champagne and canapés can be arranged.
- The restaurants in Krasnaya Polyana are renowned for their culinary delights. The menus feature not only Black Sea fish and local produce, but also signature dishes from world-class guest chefs. Be sure to try the tasting menu at the Red Fox restaurant, created by Michelin-starred chefs.
Premium services:
- «Kempinski» or «Rixos» and other upmarket hotels offer spa treatments with mountain views. Why not try the heated pools, thermal areas or massages using oils made from Caucasian herbs?.
- The Ski Concierge is an exclusive service that allows you to avoid queues and the hustle and bustle entirely. All your equipment will be delivered to your room, and a personal instructor will plan a bespoke itinerary tailored to your skiing ability.
Whatever the season, the ski resort in Sochi guarantees a unique experience that you’ll look back on with delight.
Warm and welcoming Crimea
Despite its reputation as a mass-market holiday destination, Crimea also offers ultra-luxury options. One of the most expensive places to stay is the «Mriya Resort & Spa». This resort complex has repeatedly featured on lists of the world’s best hotels. The unique architecture of this venue was designed by the British architect Norman Foster. Prices for villas at the Mriya Resort in Crimea start from 100,000 roubles per night. This includes comfortable accommodation, private swimming pools, panoramic views of the Black Sea and access to exclusive spa treatments.
At «Villas in Simeiz», the cost of renting luxury villas can reach 200–300 thousand roubles per day. Here, holidaymakers can enjoy private beaches, personal chefs and bespoke service, ensuring they take away the very best memories of their stay in Crimea.
Anapa
Anapa also has options for those seeking a luxurious holiday. For example, the «Grand Hotel Valentina» is one of the most prestigious hotels in the region. Rooms with designer interiors, a premium-class spa complex and a restaurant serving signature cuisine make it a popular choice amongst affluent tourists. Rates for luxury rooms start from 25,000 roubles per night.
In the upmarket village of Sukko, you can rent villas in Anapa from 100,000 roubles per night. From here, guests can book yacht trips along the Black Sea coast, Kuban wine tastings or personalised tours of local wineries and natural attractions, including Bolshoy Utrish.
Wildlife for the select few
A visit to Kamchatka is not just a holiday, but an adventure for those who want to be closer to nature without sacrificing comfort.
You can stay at the luxury holiday resort «Kamchatka Lodge». Here, you’ll find cosy cottages set amongst volcanoes, with open-air hot springs.
Real adventures await you in Kamchatka. Just imagine: a helicopter touches down gently at the foot of a volcano, and there you are, standing on the edge of a hot lake, surrounded by steam. For fishing enthusiasts, this place is paradise. Here, you can not only catch salmon or Kamchatka crab, but also go on a special tour where experienced guides will show you the best spots, hidden from the eyes of ordinary tourists. And after a busy day, nothing beats a dip in a thermal spring.
Altai — a harmony of nature and cosiness
In Altai, you can experience a sense of complete harmony with the world around you, without compromising on premium service.
«Altai Residence» is a true gem amongst eco-resorts. Each cottage is situated so that guests can enjoy complete tranquillity and privacy. The surrounding pine forest creates a unique atmosphere, whilst the resort itself features thermal pools, a spa centre and an exquisite restaurant serving local and European cuisine.
If you want to feel closer to nature, you can hire a luxurious glass dome. It’s a brilliant place to spend some time on your own or in the company of a beautiful girl. Just imagine: you drift off to sleep gazing at the starry sky, surrounded by nothing but majestic mountains.
Entertainment
- One of the most memorable experiences you can have on a holiday in Altai is a jeep tour along the mountain trails. Not only will you be shown places that ordinary tourists don’t usually get to, but you’ll also be told local legends. And at the end of the route, a picnic awaits you with views of the valleys and mountain peaks.
- For those who love peace and quiet and are seeking inner harmony, meditation sessions are organised on mountain tops. You’ll be able to let go of your everyday worries and focus on your own feelings.
- One of the unusual aspects of Altai culture is photo shoots with tame eagles.
- Local eco-estates invite visitors to tea tastings featuring teas made from rare Altai herbs. Many of these herbs have medicinal properties.
Altai is more than just a holiday destination. There’s something for everyone here: meditation in the mountains, luxurious eco-cottages or off-road adventures.
Karelia — a northern retreat
Karelia is a region where you can leave the hustle and bustle behind and enjoy some peace and quiet. There are some truly luxurious places here for a comfortable holiday.
On the island of Kizhi, famous for its wooden churches, there is a unique hotel complex. The suites offer stunning views of these architectural landmarks, and you can book a private tour to explore the island in peace and quiet.
Premium private villas with their own jetties are available on Lake Ladoga. Guests can use a private yacht to explore the lake and enjoy dinner on board.
In winter, active holidays turn into a real adventure. Dog-sled rides offer an incredible experience, whilst snowmobile safaris across the frozen lakes allow you to enjoy the northern wilderness in all its rugged splendour. In summer, on these same bodies of water, you can try your hand at jet-skiing or go fishing for trophy pike.
Kaliningrad — European luxury in Russia
The Kaliningrad Region is a little piece of Europe within Russia. What is there of interest here for a well-heeled traveller and his lovely companion?
- One of the most luxurious accommodation options is the «Schloss Hotel», built in the style of a German castle. Situated right on the shores of the Baltic Sea, it offers guests luxurious rooms with sea views, exquisite cuisine and the chance to enjoy some privacy in a historic setting. Rates start from 25,000 roubles per night during the high season.
- If you prefer a bit of privacy, why not rent a private cottage in Svetlogorsk with panoramic windows and terraces? The villas here are equipped with modern amenities, and rental rates start from 15,000 roubles per night.
- For those who love adventure and unique experiences, we recommend a helicopter flight over the Curonian Spit. During the tour, you’ll see the winding sand dunes from a bird’s-eye view. This will cost around 60,000–100,000 roubles per hour of flight.
- Boat trips are another must-do. You can look forward not only to the journey itself, but also to sampling local delicacies, including the famous Baltic sprat and the freshest smoked fish, served right on board.
Russia never ceases to amaze. The key is knowing where to look and who to travel with!
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