The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Second Home Destinations in India & Around the World

Where Elegance Resides: A Luxury Abode Global Perspective on Second Home Ownership

In an era where luxury is defined by intent, discretion, and narrative -not excess - the notion of a second home has transcended functionality. Among today’s affluent and globally mobile elite, these residences are seen not merely as seasonal getaways, but as deeply personal sanctuaries and intelligent wealth strategies.

The modern luxury buyer seeks properties that combine architectural eloquence with immersive environments - settings that deliver emotional fulfilment, long-term value, and the privilege of privacy.

This definitive guide on LuxuryAbode explores India’s most coveted second-home destinations and compares them with a curated selection of international havens that embody the art of refined living.

India’s Finest: Elevated Living on Native Soil

Goa: The Coastal Canvas of Sophisticated Leisure

Goa continues to captivate with its lush coconut groves, golden sands, and colonial elegance - but beneath the surface lies a flourishing luxury market tailored to modern sensibilities. In regions like Candolim, Anjuna, Siolim, and Assagao, architectural restraint meets tropical flair, as buyers seek a seamless indoor-outdoor experience paired with refined service.

Developments such as Kasu Vana offer ultra-exclusive private residences for only a handful of buyers, each one a sanctuary of design and privacy. Vianaar Homes has pioneered community-led gated enclaves with private pools, curated landscaping, and full-service management.

Yet, it is Isprava that has redefined villa living in Goa - crafting handcrafted homes that marry Portuguese heritage with European sensibilities. Each Isprava property is bespoke, complete with curated art, vintage finds, and concierge services that echo the standards of five-star hospitality.

Other notable names like MVR Seaview Homes and M3M continue to elevate the Goan skyline with luxury villas offering generous spaces, bespoke detailing, and ocean-kissed elegance.

Alibaug: Mumbai’s Preferred Coastal Counterpart

Long referred to as Mumbai’s weekend escape, Alibaug has matured into a destination for year-round coastal living. With the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and Ro-Ro ferry network improving accessibility, Alibaug has become an attractive alternative for business families, celebrities, and financiers seeking serenity without compromise.

Here too, Isprava leads the luxury narrative with villas that exude timeless grace - think reclaimed wood ceilings, organic textures, and architectural restraint, paired with full-time staff and seamless upkeep. These are homes built not just to inhabit, but to hand down.

Mahindra Meridian in Nagaon and Avas Living’s wellness-driven enclave offer immersive living experiences with curated clubhouses and an emphasis on community. The market has shifted from being speculative to aspirational, driven by long-term investors and end-users who view these homes as part of a generational legacy.

Kasauli: Serenity in the Pines

Cradled in the Himalayan foothills, Kasauli offers a sanctuary for those drawn to forested silence, slow living, and alpine luxury. Its colonial charm remains intact, now complemented by a wave of refined residential developments.

Projects like The Hills Kasauli and The Kasul deliver panoramic views, cedarwood interiors, and fireplaces that whisper of mountain quietude. Upscale villas now include smart automation, curated interiors, and terraces that open to soul-stirring horizons.

With Baikunth Resort, Glenview, and Rosetum raising the bar for hospitality, Kasauli has quietly become a haven for reflective luxury.

World-Class Living Beyond Borders

Dubai: Precision, Prestige, and Possibility

Dubai remains a symbol of curated opulence - where innovation meets investment-grade real estate. From the sculpted residences at AVA by Dorchester Collection to Cavalli Tower and ORLA Infinity, the city offers homes where fashion, design, and hospitality intersect.

For global Indians and NRIs, Dubai’s combination of zero income tax, safety, and global connectivity has made it not just a financial safe haven but a lifestyle upgrade. Prime areas like Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai continue to outperform, supported by infrastructure, eco-conscious planning, and luxury demand that shows no signs of softening.

Portugal: A Refined Life by the AtlanticPortugal’s charm lies not just in its cobblestone charm or golden light, but in its smart residency and taxation policies. Despite the restructuring of the Golden Visa program, Lisbon’s restored palazzos and Algarve’s oceanfront villas continue to attract global citizens with discerning tastes.

Investments now trend toward venture capital funds and philanthropic projects, allowing savvy buyers to blend lifestyle and legacy. Here, art, education, and environment are not buzzwords - but guiding principles.

Bali: Island Living, ElevatedBali has long been a bohemian sanctuary, but today, it’s entering a new chapter of polished, tropical luxury. Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu lead the charge with cliff-side villas, designer pavilions, and development projects like Temple Heights that blend Indonesian craft with global aesthetics.

The island’s infrastructure boom - including an LRT system and Asia’s largest theme park - ensures long-term value. For investors seeking strong rental yields and paradise-inspired architecture, Bali offers an emotionally rich and financially secure destination.

Invest with Intention: Crafting Your Portfolio

Luxury second homes are increasingly seen as hybrid assets - part lifestyle purchase, part financial hedge.

The most compelling properties offer:

Professional property management

Short- and long-term rental potential

Privacy without remoteness

Proximity to infrastructure upgrades

Strong cultural or lifestyle value

From a sea-facing villa in Alibaug to a Lisbon townhouse or a Balinese retreat, the best second homes are those that feel both personal and perennial.

Emerging Destinations to Watch

Discerning buyers are also exploring Montenegro, Riviera Maya (Mexico), and parts of Sri Lanka for their natural beauty, rising infrastructure, and early-stage luxury development. These are the destinations where the next decade’s legacies will be built.

Conclusion: Beyond the Brick - A Life Curated

To own a second home today is to own a mood, a moment, and a mirror of who you are. It is not the square footage that defines luxury, but the space to breathe, create, reconnect, and belong.

Whether it’s an Isprava villa in Goa, a penthouse in Downtown Dubai, or a cliff-side retreat in Bali, the world's finest second homes offer more than architecture - they offer a story worth living.