Splendid properties to bookmark
Summer means something different to everyone. For some, it’s diving into impossibly turquoise waters before breakfast. For others, it’s sipping wine as the sun sets over rolling vineyards, spotting lions on safari at dawn or escaping the heat altogether for crisp mountain air.
Wherever your idea of the perfect holiday takes you, these extraordinary hotels promise far more than just a beautiful place to stay. From barefoot luxury in the Maldives to alpine wellness retreats in Switzerland, these spectacular hotels promise unforgettable experiences for couples, families and solo travellers alike.
Here’s where to book your next luxury summer escape.
Borgo San Vincenzo, Italy
Tucked away among the rolling vineyards of Montepulciano, Borgo San Vincenzo offers an authentic Tuscan summer filled with fine wine, exceptional food and slow living. Guests can cool off beside the pool with seasonal spritzes, join complimentary olive oil tastings, enjoy weekly Tuscan BBQs and indulge in sommelier-led wine experiences. For those keen to explore, the hotel can arrange everything from truffle hunting and hot air balloon rides to Vespa tours through the countryside.
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Summer is one of the best times to experience Tuscany. Expect long sunny days, picturesque vineyards, lively village festivals and leisurely meals enjoyed on shaded terraces. It’s the perfect destination for wine lovers and anyone looking to embrace la dolce vita.
Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland
Perched on the shores of Lake Lucerne beneath the Swiss Alps, Chenot Palace Weggis is where luxury meets cutting-edge wellness. Renowned for its medically supervised detox programmes, the retreat combines diagnostics, personalised nutrition, bioenergetic therapies and Technogym fitness to create transformative wellbeing experiences. It’s the ideal destination for anyone looking to recharge both body and mind.
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Switzerland offers refreshingly cool temperatures during the summer months, making it an ideal escape from intense heat. Visitors can enjoy crystal-clear lakes, mountain hikes, scenic train journeys and postcard-worthy alpine landscapes without the winter crowds.
El Cielo Resort & Winery, Mexico
Set in Baja California’s celebrated Valle de Guadalupe wine region, El Cielo Resort & Winery pairs vineyard views with elegant villa-style suites. Spend your days sampling award-winning wines, dining on gourmet cuisine and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of one of North America’s fastest-growing wine destinations.
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Beyond its beaches, Mexico offers fantastic wine country experiences, colourful culture and exceptional gastronomy. Valle de Guadalupe is especially appealing for food and wine lovers looking for a sophisticated alternative to traditional seaside holidays.
Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Kenya
For families seeking adventure, few holidays compare to Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara. Fairmont Mara Safari Club places guests in the heart of the action, with daily game drives, luxury tented accommodation and front-row seats to the Great Migration. Children can enjoy specially designed safari experiences, while adults unwind overlooking the wildlife-filled plains.
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July through September is migration season, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara. It’s one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles and the perfect time to spot the Big Five.
lebua at State Tower, Thailand
Bangkok’s famous vertical destination is giving family holidays a playful twist with its Monopoly: Bangkok Edition package. Alongside themed snacks, private game experiences and luxury accommodation, guests can explore real-life Monopoly-inspired landmarks via complimentary tuk-tuk before enjoying MICHELIN-starred dining and breathtaking skyline views at The Dome.
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Thailand blends vibrant city life with unforgettable cuisine, luxury hotels and world-famous hospitality. Bangkok offers an exciting mix of culture, shopping, rooftop bars and family-friendly attractions before continuing your holiday to one of the country’s idyllic islands.
Lizard Island, Australia
Hidden within the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island remains one of Australia’s most exclusive island retreats. With just a handful of guests, 24 secluded beaches and countless snorkelling spots, it’s an idyllic escape for honeymooners and couples seeking total privacy.
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The Southern Hemisphere’s winter delivers mild temperatures and excellent visibility across the Great Barrier Reef. It’s one of the best times for diving, snorkelling and exploring Australia’s incredible marine life.
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Few resorts define barefoot luxury quite like Soneva Jani. Its iconic overwater villas feature private water slides, retractable roofs for stargazing and uninterrupted views across impossibly turquoise lagoons. Summer revolves around sunrise yoga, marine adventures, dolphin cruises, family time at The Den and peaceful evenings beneath the stars, creating an effortlessly luxurious island escape.
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While occasional tropical showers are possible, summer brings warm seas, fewer crowds and excellent value at many luxury resorts. It’s a wonderful time for snorkelling, diving, dolphin watching and embracing the slower pace of island life.
Viceroy Bali, Indonesia
Overlooking Bali’s lush Valley of the Kings, Viceroy Bali is a secluded 40-villa retreat just outside Ubud. Every villa boasts its own private infinity pool, while guests can enjoy elephant safaris, volcano treks, helicopter transfers, traditional Balinese dance performances and indulgent treatments at the tranquil Lembah Spa.
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Summer falls during Bali’s dry season, bringing sunny days, lower humidity and perfect conditions for exploring temples, rice terraces, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. Ubud also offers a cooler climate than the coast, making it ideal for sightseeing.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
