These luxury travel destinations can help you enjoy serene outdoor experiences, iconic cultural heritage landmarks, and comfortable accommodations, making for a perfect summer trip. The following places make it possible to enjoy the beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities.
Giacomo and Stefania Montegazza welcome guests arriving by boat at their villa, La Cassinella, on … [+]
Italy
Europe travel continues to be one of the most popular post-pandemic destinations, with Italy checking many travel checklist boxes. Italy offers something for almost everybody which is why travelers flock to it yearly.
For example, Rome is an excellent starting point for exploring ancient Roman Empire landmarks that have withstood the test of time, exquisite Catholic cathedrals, and priceless artwork in the Vatican Museums.
The Amalfi Coast and Venetian Riviera, renowned for their exclusivity, are top choices for luxury travel. These destinations boast beachfront all-inclusive resorts, charming small towns waiting to be explored, and a culinary scene that invites you to live la dolce vita in the most luxurious way.
Florence and Milan are also worth visiting for art and architecture lovers. These cities are home to renowned works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, respectively. High-end shoppers will want to squeeze in a visit to Milan. Meanwhile, those looking for a nature escape may relish a stay at Lake Como or Tuscany.
It’s also possible to explore the country with small-group tours and Mediterranean cruises to gain a different perspective of this charming nation.
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana has several all-inclusive resorts and luxury hotels with pristine sand and clear water. The adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana are two of the most popular options.
Tortuga Bay Resort Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club, Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, and Excellence Punta Cana are three highly rated places to stay for travelers who are not necessarily loyal to the World of Hyatt rewards program.
The resort area has ample opportunities to soak in the sun, snorkel, and enjoy one of the finest Caribbean beaches.
Other unique activities include snorkeling in Laguna Bavaro, boating to Saona Island, touring the free-roaming Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, and sneaking in a brief hike to the Hoyo Claro underwater lagoon.
Japan
Japan earns a top spot for luxury travel this summer as its yen currency is at multi-decade lows against the dollar. As a result, American tourists have expansive purchasing power that makes trips to the Far East very affordable and living in the lap of luxury more feasible.
Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo are excellent spots to enjoy ancient and modern Japan in a single swoop. In many instances, Kyoto offers the most historical Japanese experience to escape the big city atmosphere.
When visiting rural areas, consider staying in a traditional ryokan Japanese with a luxury mindset can help build one-of-a-kind memories not available at a standard Western resort or luxury hotel. The oldest ryokan trace their lineage back 1,300 years and feature amenities such as two freshly prepared daily meals, access to natural hot springs, and the chance to interact with local craftsmen and businesses.
Remote beach destinations and luxury cruise packages are easy to overlook but are increasing in demand. Additionally, the country’s reliable high-speed rail system makes it easy to visit multiple cities if you want to visit multiple destinations.
Argentina
Buenos Aires is an enriching luxury destination and is considered the “Paris of South America.” Similar to Japan, it’s also relatively cheap to visit Argentina right now. This country and its capital city are famous for great food, savory wine, beautiful architecture, tango music, and lots of natural wonders ideal for sightseeing.
While many go to Argentina’s capital city, several other destinations are natural fits for luxury experiences.
First, Mendoza is tucked away near the Chile border and home to Argentina’s wine country. The nation’s northeastern corner is home to the world-famous Iguazu Falls, which features 275 cascades.
Other possibilities include an Antarctic cruise, seeing Cape Horn or the Perito Moreno Glacier, and exploring the Patagonia region’s diverse climate and terrain. All of these options are ideal for nature lovers.
As it’s in the southern hemisphere, June through August is actually the country’s cool climate season, while it’s a hot summer north of the equator. It can be a good time to escape the heat back home.
Hawaii
Hawaii is the ultimate tropical paradise for many with its pleasant year-round weather, amplitude of activities, and luxury places to stay. Thankfully, the summer months tend to be the least rainy which thereby increases the likelihood of enjoying idyllic weather.
The various islands are open for tourism although parts of Maui remain closed or have limited availability as the local communities continue recovering from the tragic Lahaina fires in August 2023.
Waikiki on Oahu has plenty of availability at several five-star resorts. This district is near Diamond Head State Monument, which offers breathtaking views and easy access to other tourist activities, including a visit to Honolulu.
While luxury stays are available on the various islands and major Hawaiian cities, the small island of Lana’i is best for privacy. Lana’i has an estimated local population of 3,000 residents and sports two five-star Four Seasons resorts. This remote destination offers backcountry hiking, four-wheel driving experiences, dolphin cruises, and the chance to interact with locals.
Final Thoughts
Adding these luxury travel destinations to the summer schedule can help travelers prepare for trips that offer extraordinary experiences. Each one offers numerous activities to explore, and it’s easy to rest and dine in comfort with any travel style.