Cheap(ish) holidays in the world's most luxurious destinations

Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

Thought the Maldives were only for millionaires? Or that Barbados was exclusive to travellers with big budgets? Well, we've got proof that you don't have to be rich and famous to experience a holiday in the most luxurious destinations.

You can mingle with the royals in Majorca for less than £150, explore the British Virgin Islands (yes - where Sir Richard Branson's exclusive Necker Island is located!) for under £800 and see the sights of Moscow for as little as £222.

Click through our gallery of luxury holidays with affordable alternatives, and you'll be amazed at the places you can see without breaking the bank. And if you are looking to blow the budget this year, we've thrown in some fantastic packages for you to holiday in style...

Luxury vs. affordable getaways

..or £145
 You don't have to be a member of a royal family to enjoy sunny Majorca. There are spectacular beaches dotted around the island, the dramatic north coast to drive to for a great day out and the city of Palma with the Gothic Le Seu, a beautiful cathedral to see. <a href="http://www.lowcostholidays.com/spain/majorca/alcudia/club-bellevue-apartments.htm" target="_blank">lowcostholidays.com</a> offers seven nights in Majorca from £145 per person when you stay at the four-star Club Bellevue Apartments in Alcudia on a self-catering basis, including flights from Stansted.
Explore the British Virgin Islands for £1,950...
 The British Virgin Islands are where you'll find some of the Caribbean's most exclusive properties, such as Richard Branson's Necker Island, as well as isolated resorts and stunning landscapes. Peter Island is a privately owned resort accessible by boat or helicopter, making it perfect for a proper island getaway, with an abundance of activities, from snorkelling to kayaking. <a href="http://www.itcclassics.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/virgin-islands/hotels/peter-island" target="_blank">ITC Classics</a> offers seven nights in Peter Island from £1,950 per person on a room-only basis in an Ocean View Room, including flights and transfers.
...or £795
 If you're on a budget but still want to see the best of the the British Virgin islands head for the main island Tortola, which combines ancient ruins, colourful events and spectacular white sand beaches. Sugar Mill Hotel is a great option for visitors in search of an affordable holiday without compromising luxury. Set on a hillside amid tropical gardens, the hotel overlooks neighbouring islands and offers breathtaking views. Spend seven nights at Sugar Mill Hotel from £795 per person on a B&B basis including flights with <a href="http://www.bviholidays.com/tortola/hotel/sugar-mill-hotel" target="_blank">BVI Holidays</a>.
See the city of Moscow for £1,245...
 Opulent palaces and majestic cathedrals reflect the grandeur and luxury of Moscow. The wealthy and intriguing Russian capital makes for an exciting city break, with amazing art, architecture and shopping. Enjoy a four-night Russian adventure and stay at the five-star Radisson Royal Hotel with <a href="http://www.intouristuk.com/luxury_holidays/luxury_moscow_city_break-city_break_itinerary.php" target="_blank">IntouristUK</a>. From £1,245 per person, the city break includes flights from London and private transfers, guided excursions to magnificent attractions and tickets to a Bolshoi Ballet performance.
...or £222
 A long weekend in Moscow doesn't have to cost the earth and promises a vast array of culture, entertainment and history. <a href="http://www.easyjet.com/en" target="_blank">Easyjet </a>launched low-cost flights to the city in March 2013 from £47.49 one way. Maxima Slavia is a three-star hotel located just outside the city centre close to metro stations to take you to the main attractions, like the Moscow New Opera Theatre and Lokomotiv Stadium. Four nights at the hotel on a B&B basis and flights from Gatwick costs from £222 per person with <a href="http://holidays.easyjet.com/" target="_blank">easyJet Holidays</a>.
Escape to Mauritius for £1,364...
 Mauritius offers spectacular beaches and a marvellous mix of African, European, Indian and Oriental influences. If it's the romance of the island you're after, Le Touessrok is the ultimate resort in which to splurge, with an array of accommodation, amazing chefs and lush spa treatments. <a href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/mauritius/hotels/le-touessrok" target="_blank">Kuoni</a> offers seven nights on a half-board basis at the five-star hotel in a Deluxe Room, including flights from Gatwick and private transfers from £1,364 per person.
...or £737
 As hard as it may sound, it is possible to visit Mauritius on a shoestring and if you're the kind of traveller who likes to spend most of your time outside of your hotel exploring, you probably won't want the distraction of a super-luxe hotel! Some of the best beaches are public  -check out Pereybere and Trou aux Biches -  so don't worry if your hotel doesn't have its own private stretch of sand. Stay at the two-star De Conti Hotel in Pointe Aux Piments for seven nights for £737 per person, including flights and B&B with <a href="http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;" target="_blank">Cheapflights.co.uk</a>.
Be a VIP in Dubai for £1,349...
 A popular holiday destination for celebrities and the super-rich, Dubai is a millionaire's playground but with plenty to see and do for all. Experience being a VIP in Dubai when you check in to a superior deluxe room at The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage from £1,349 per person for five nights, including flights from Heathrow and transfers with <a href="http://www.premierholidays.co.uk/middle_east/dubai/one_and_only_royal_mirage" target="_blank">Premier Holidays</a>.
...or £437
 We bet you didn't think you could visit this fabulous beach city on a budget? As well as being a place for wealthy travellers, Dubai is a a good bet for families and couples looking for an affordable break in the sun. Save on your holiday by staying in charming old Dubai. Stay five nights at the four-star Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa on a room-only basis from £437 per person, including flights from Heathrow with <a href="http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cheapflights.co.uk</a>. The hotel is close to Dubai creek, where you can visit the gold and spice souks and take a ride on an abra for just 1d (17p).
Relax in Santorini for £5,195...
 Think of Santorini and you probably imagine whitewashed villages, picture-perfect sunsets and blue-domed churches. The island offers all -out luxury, lavish villas and plenty of culture and relaxation for an idyllic getaway. At the opulent Katikies Hotel in Oia, you can experience staying in a striking design hotel. Seven nights in the top suite costs from £5,195 per person with <a href="http://www.destinology.co.uk/santorini/hotel/katikies-the-hotel/18761/" target="_blank">Destinology</a>, including champagne breakfasts, private transfers and flights from Gatwick.
...or £299
 While Oia and Fira are two of the most sought-after spots for visitors to the Santorini, they're not the most purse-friendly. For an affordable break, opt for the east of the island where you'll find wonderful black sand beaches in Perissa and Kamari. For £249 per person, <a href="http://www.olympicholidays.com/greece/santorini/perissa/sandy-villas/q.sp.8505.q.html" target="_blank">Olympic Holidays</a> offers a seven-night holiday at the Sandy Villas in Perissa, including flights from Manchester and studio accommodation.
Soak up the sunshine in Barbados for £1,379...
 For a sophisticated Caribbean paradise and some of the world's finest resorts, look no further than beautiful Barbados. <a href="http://www.destinology.co.uk/barbados/hotel/cobblers-cove/8474/" target="_blank">Destinology</a> offers seven nights at five-star Cobblers Cove from just £1,379 per person in a superior suite on a B&B basis and return flights from Gatwick. The hotel is set in a secluded bay on the west coast of the island and boasts a top notch restaurant, laidback lounge areas and a freshwater pool.
...or £638
 Want to fit in as much beach time as possible and still soak up the local atmosphere? The fishing town of Oistins offers shopping, great beaches, nightlife and the famous Fish Fry every weekend. The Butterfly Beach Hotel is the beachfront, close to Oistins and St Lawrence Gap, where you'll find some of the island's best restaurants. <a href="http://www.sunshine.co.uk/hotels/Butterfly_Beach_Hotel-1977.html" target="_blank">Sunshine.co.uk</a> offers seven nights at the four-star hotel and flights from Gatwick with Virgin from £638 per person.
Shop 'til you drop in New York for £1,479
 New York's Upper East Side is known as the posh part of town. For bohemian chic, head to the West Village and China Town, Little Italy and Spanish Harlem reflect the diversity of New York. Take a five-night trip with <a href="http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/brochures/usa/holidays/new_york/new_york/the_london_nyc_midtown/" target="_blank">Virgin Holidays</a>, including flights from Heathrow and accommodation at the five-star London NYC on a room-only basis from £1,479 per person.
...or £709
 Do New York City on a budget and you can see some of the most famous attractions without paying a penny. Stroll through Central Park where countless films have been set, be amazed by the High Line project and visit the iconic Grand Central Terminal, one of America's most historical landmarks. Astor on the Park is a two-star hotel that boasts a fantastic location along Central Park West. <a href="http://www.lowcostholidays.com/united-states/new-york/manhattan/82/astor-on-the-park.htm" target="_blank">lowcostholidays.com</a> offers a five-night break on a room-only basis and Delta flights from Heathrow from £709 per person.
Experience paradise in the Maldives for £2,149...
 Far-flung and picture-perfect, these Indian Ocean islands provide the ultimate beach getaway. The South Ari Atoll is home to the five-star all-inclusive Lily Beach Resort, best known for its pristine beaches, lush vegetation and spectacular house reefs. Seven nights at the resort with Emirates flights from Gatwick and transfers costs from £2,149 with <a href="http://www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/hotel/112978" target="_blank">Hayes & Jarvis</a>.
...or £779
 Thought the Maldives was only for the rich and famous? Think again, as you can enjoy the paradise islands that have been visited by Victoria Beckham and Penelope Cruz without breaking the bank. A week at the four-star Reethi Beach Resort in the Baa Atoll costs from £779 per person with <a href="http://www.travelbag.co.uk/destinations/indian-ocean/maldives/holidays/reethi-beach-resort?id=290" target="_blank">Travelbag</a> for a seven-night stay on a B&B basis and flights. The picture-perfect resort boasts palm trees, white sand beaches and an aquamarine lagoon.
Bliss in Majorca for £1,240...
 Majorca is a varied surprise, with tranquil villages, beautiful beaches and olive groves. It's also the island to rub shoulders with royalty as the Spanish royal family spend their summers here. Majorca also boasts Hollywood credentials and was the honeymoon island of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Hotel Formentor, where the couple stayed, is set amid landscaped gardens in a peaceful, unspoilt bay. A seven-night stays costs from £1,240 per person, including private transfers and BA flights with <a href="http://www.scottdunn.com/luxury-holidays/europe/southern-europe/spain/mallorca/hotel-formentor" target="_blank">Scott Dunn</a>.