Times are tough and inflation is real, but this holiday season, it’s still possible to shower your loved ones in luxury without breaking the bank.
There’s no rule that says indulgence has to come with a hefty price tag. As my friend Nicole likes to say, a luxury item is one that you wouldn’t think of buying yourself.
Does anyone need an iPhone case in rich pebbled leather? Probably not, but they absolutely might enjoy one.
On this list of gifts that feel expensive (but aren’t), you’ll find a rich smelling high-end candle alternative, an elevated bottle of indie nail polish with a display-worthy brass cap and one of the best olive oils you’ll ever taste from the fruit of 100-year-old California olive trees.
My editor challenged me to keep all the gifts under $40, and dear Gift Guide reader, I rose to the challenge — if you don’t count shipping costs. Remember: Luxury is a matter of extravagance, not price.
If you make a purchase using some of our links, the L.A. Times may be compensated. Prices and availability of items and experiences in the Gift Guide and on latimes.com are subject to change.
We have a fantastic trip up for grabs, with breakfast and dinner included and a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio
Titanic Hotel Belfast
We have teamed up with Aer Lingus and Titanic Hotel Belfast to give you the chance to win an unforgettable two-night stay in Belfast.
The prize for two includes return flights to Belfast City Airport from any UK airport on the Aer Lingus Regional network. You’ll stay at the multi award winning Titanic Hotel Belfast, a landmark destination in the city’s iconic Titanic Quarter with breakfast each morning, plus an unforgettable evening of fine dining with a three-course dinner at the hotel’s renowned Wolff Grill. Blending timeless heritage with contemporary luxury, this is the ultimate way to discover Belfast’s maritime legacy.
The lucky winner will also have the opportunity to step into the heart of filmmaking with a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio where the world of Westeros was created. Explore the groundbreaking craftsmanship and technical artistry that brought one of television’s most celebrated series to life.
Simply fill in the form below for the chance to win this complete package! The competition closes on 31st October. If you can’t see the form click here.
Aer Lingus Regional flights to/from Belfast City Airport include:
Birmingham | Up to 6 flights daily
Cardiff | Daily flights
Edinburgh | Up to 3 flights daily
East Midlands | Daily flights
Glasgow | Daily flights
Leeds Bradford | Up to 4 flights daily
Manchester | Up to 4 flights daily
Exeter | 2 flights weekly
Southampton | Up to 3 flights daily
Aer Lingus Regional is exclusively operated by Emerald Airlines. Emerald Airlines was named the most punctual airline in the UK, 2024.* Based on data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Trends Report for 2024.
This old RAF bunker once helped keep Britain’s radar network running during World War II – and is now a unique holiday home with incredible views of the Dorset coast
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter
03:00, 29 Sep 2025
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During the darkest days of the Battle of Britain, it would’ve seemed just a little unlikely that the concrete bunkers built to defend against the Luftwaffe would one day see cheery holidaymakers arrive with luggage in tow.
But few getaways offer quite the same experience as the Standby Generator Bunker in Ringstead, Dorset, a converted former World War II radar facility that’s now a unique holiday destination.
Built in 1941, this hidden gem once housed a large generator that was crucial to keeping the Chain Home radar network running if the power grid failed, forming one of six subterranean spaces on the former RAF Ringstead site.
Its job was to provide back-up power for a transmitter bunker located a short distance up the road, which sent out radio waves into the Channel that would bounce back to a receiver if an enemy aircraft was detected. This information was then relayed to RAF Fighter Command, who was given the all-important task of intercepting German bomber planes before they could reach Britain’s major towns and cities.
After victory over the Axis was assured in 1945, RAF Ringstead carried on as a Rotor station during the first years of the Cold War, to guard against the new Soviet threat. The generator bunker was eventually decommissioned in 1956, and stayed empty for almost seventy years, disappearing further into overgrowth as the decades passed by.
Now marvellously restored and repurposed as a luxury holiday let, this Grade II listed structure sprang back to life as a holiday cottage in late 2024, with its owners keen to retain original wartime features while furnishing it with all the luxuries desired by a 21st-century holidaymaker.
I arrived on a pleasant September afternoon to find the bunker in tiptop condition. What’s obvious straight away is just how well this once-functional space has been adapted to its new role as somewhere to truly unwind and ‘get away from it all’, with comfortable furniture and an island kitchen spread across the spacious open-plan front room, all facing towards the enormous window.
Three bedrooms are located over two floors, including one double room, with the property sleeping eight people in total.
On the walls are some wonderful bits of wartime ephemera, including a selection of British and American civilian posters directed at the civilian population, as well as photographs showing the Chain Home network and RAF aircraft in action.
And then there’s the sublime coastal view – framed in a blast-shaped opening from the concrete surround – of the English Channel, which stretches out effortlessly into the horizon as you peer through a row of trees at the bottom of the garden.
A spot of lunch or perhaps a glass of wine can be enjoyed out on the balcony, giving you the same perspective that was once keenly surveyed by the military, albeit with the task of national survival on their minds, rather than rest and relaxation.
On the first day of our stay, my other half and I ventured down to Ringstead Bay to make the most of a spot of bright autumn weather. We acquainted ourselves with the giant seaweed on the pebble beach as we walked to the charming town of Osmington Mills.
By the following day, a Met Office weather warning had been ushered in across the south of England, and we elected to do what any sane person would in such a situation – head to the pub.
We tucked into a hearty roast at the Smuggler’s Inn, a 13th-century pub around 20 minutes walk away. Our visit coincided with the Iron Man triathlon in nearby Weymouth, and ripples of applause bounced around the cosy interior as competitors reunited with their families for a well-earned pint following a mammoth 69-mile trek.
For the final day, Durdle Door was top of our to-see list, as it should be for anyone who finds themselves in this part of the country. This famous colossal limestone arch has been shaped over millions of years by the relentless force of the sea, and attracts visitors from all over the world with its postcard-perfect beauty.
A choppy sea on our visit meant a particularly spectacular display of the waves crashing up against the sides of the arch, delighting the gaggle of tourists who lined the beach, taking selfies.
We then took a short walk over to Lulworth Cove, a natural horseshoe bay surrounded by dramatic jagged cliffs and rolling hills. One particularly recent addition to this beauty spot has been the Weld Estate’s Saltwater Sauna, which since April has given visitors the opportunity to get themselves nice and steamy in a booth overlooking the beach, before dashing into the cool waters a few yards below.
A great natural high, I’m told, though admittedly I was more interested in the comfort offered by the sausage rolls sold by the harbour.
And that was my time in Dorset, spent enjoying just a small slice of what this handsome area has to offer, and lounging in accommodation quite unlike any other I’ve ever been to.
When the autumn weather does catch up with you, there is certainly something to be said for coming back to a bunker like this one, with its living roof, expansive views and intriguing backstory. There being such fine scenery quite literally on your doorstep, you really don’t have to be a history buff to get into what the Standby Generator Bunker has to offer – though I would say in my case, it certainly didn’t hurt.
Book it
The Standby Generator Bunker is available for bookings through Sykes Cottages, starting from £1001 for seven nights.
Luxury cruising has become synonymous with opulence and service, and these ships are some of the most expensive in the world – but they offer something a little bit special
Explora 1, the flagship of Explora Journeys(Image: Getty)
Luxury cruising has evolved beyond simply travelling from port to port – it’s now about embracing a way of life filled with sophistication, comfort and carefully crafted experiences on the open seas.
Throughout the last ten years, cruise operators have revolutionised their fleets into floating masterpieces, combining the personal touch of boutique accommodation with the magnificence of top-tier resorts.
Freshly rejuvenated, the Crystal Serenity merges traditional elegance with modern luxury. Cabins and suites boast generous proportions, showcasing premium furnishings, private balconies and considerate details including pillow menus and bespoke evening service, reports the Express.
Restaurant options include the Waterside main dining room serving internationally influenced dishes, an elegant Marketplace buffet and the exclusive Vintage Room offering wine-pairing experiences.
Seabourn Venture represents the pinnacle of ultraluxury expedition cruising(Image: Getty)
Frequently dubbed the globe’s inaugural “discovery yacht,” Scenic Eclipse provides ultra-premium expedition adventures that merge luxury with exploration. Equipped with twin helicopters, a submersible and numerous Zodiacs, it provides access to isolated locations such as the Arctic, Antarctica and the Mediterranean.
Passengers can enjoy helicopter excursions for panoramic viewing, explore underwater in the submarine, or paddle alongside marine life in pristine waters. 5.
EVRIMA – THE RITZCARLTON YACHT COLLECTION.
Evrima, the inaugural yacht of The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection, sets a new standard by combining the intimate feel of a private yacht with the brand’s signature service and sophistication. Suites are designed with warm natural materials, plush furnishings and luxurious amenities to create serene retreats.
Its intimate size allows access to exclusive, lesser-travelled ports and hidden coves that larger ships cannot reach, delivering unique, immersive destination experiences.
4. EXPLORA 1 – EXPLORA JOURNEYS.
Explora 1, the flagship of Explora Journeys from MSC Group, aims to redefine elegant ocean travel with sustainability and personalisation at its core. Hosting around 918 guests, it offers an intimate atmosphere with spacious, contemporary suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and a minimalist aesthetic inspired by the Mediterranean.
State-of-the-art technology reduces its environmental footprint, including advanced wastewater treatment and energy-efficient systems.
3. SILVER ENDEAVOUR – SILVERSEA CRUISES.
Purpose-built for polar exploration, Silver Endeavour brings ultra-luxury to the world’s most remote regions without compromising comfort. With an ice-class 6 rating, it navigates Arctic and Antarctic waters to reach pristine destinations such as the Ross Sea and the Northwest Passage.
Onboard, spacious suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows or private verandas, plush bedding and personalised butler service to ensure every detail is attended to.
2. SEABOURN VENTURE – SEABOURN CRUISE LINE.
Seabourn Venture represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury expedition cruising, combining extraordinary adventures with the brand’s lavish comforts. Carrying just 264 guests and built to a robust Polar Class 6 standard, it explores remote polar regions and hidden tropical paradises with confidence.
All-suite accommodations feature elegant furnishings, private verandas and modern amenities including custom-designed beds and deep soaking tubs.
1. SEVEN SEAS SPLENDOR – REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES.
Seven Seas Splendor is widely described as the most refined ship ever built, with a construction cost exceeding $600 million – the most expensive cruise ship on a per-passenger basis. Designed for just 750 guests, it delivers exclusivity and sophistication, from custom-crafted furnishings to fine Italian marble.
Suites rank among the most spacious at sea, complete with private balconies, expansive living areas and indulgent marble bathrooms.
