Want to extend your summer vacation? Want to avoid the busy season by planning a trip when others are heading back to work? Our editorial team suggests eight trips to experience an Indian summer. Let’s go!
Earlier in July, Shoelifer shared its eight top destinations for a fully relaxing stay. With that same spirit of maximum relaxation, our editorial team wants to keep the good times rolling. Our motto? Keep extending the summer holidays and continue going on getaways until early autumn. Why? Because the peak tourist season is over, and the Indian summer isn’t just a song by Joe Dassin.
As always, we sought the expertise of Atlas Voyages, the luxury travel agency. Together, we’ve handpicked ideal, ready-to-go destinations where everything you need (activities, excursions, restaurants) is at your fingertips.
However, be cautious—last-minute options are no longer available, so you should book as soon as possible and not wait until the last moment. Your only mission will be to check into your hotel and go with the flow. On the menu: Mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey), which are safe bets, along with the USA, Japan, and Iceland. Let’s not forget the Caribbean. Tempting? Yes, and you haven’t seen anything yet!
The Greek-Italian combo
Can’t decide between Greece and Italy for your summer vacation? Why choose when you can have both? Our ideal trip starts with a first stop in Mykonos, Greece, at the Kalesma hotel. Located in Aleomandra, this luxurious establishment offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and easy access to the stunning Agios Ioannis beach.
Authentic, intimate, rustic-chic, Kalesma charms us with its minimalist Cycladic design, as well as its luxurious suites or private villas, all with private pools. In terms of culinary delights, we love its contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, Pere Ubu Mykonos, and its bar with panoramic views, Aloni Sunset Lounge. Not to mention the spa, with treatments inspired by Greek wellness traditions.
Your summer vacation continues in the bay of Palermo, the capital of Sicily (Italy). Our hotel of choice? Villa Igiea by Rocco Forte, a 19th-century palace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea with easy access to the city’s (rich) historic center.
This classic and refined establishment is a true haven of peace. As for its restaurant, Florio, it enchants us with its high-quality, typically Sicilian dishes.
Odyssey in the City of Angels
Our editorial team has already talked about the United States (especially Florida) for chill, entertaining, and 100% nature-filled stays. For the summer vacation, we’re focusing specifically on Los Angeles, located on the West Coast. Iconic and vibrant, the City of Angels is a temple of cinema and pop culture, set in a region (California) where nature is the true star.
Here, you can move from the Pacific Ocean to the desert, not forgetting the mountains, sequoia forests, canyons, lakes, waterfalls, and the Napa Valley vineyards. Our favorite establishment? The Maybourne Beverly Hills, located near the legendary Rodeo Drive (with its countless luxury boutiques). We’re charmed by its architecture and design, blending Art Deco and retro, Hispanic influences, and 1980s opulence.
Staying there is like living a waking dream (no exaggeration). Luxury spa, panoramic city views, über-chic bars—you can find anything. The must-try? The Terrace, a restaurant that pays homage to Californian cuisine and really stands out! The other highlight? The rooftop pool.
Taking on Tokyo
For a change of pace this summer, why not swap the sea (or mountains) for an ambitious city trip? Our editorial team and Atlas Voyages have set the bar high, as we’ve set our sights on vibrant Tokyo, a very trendy destination. Shoelifer has already highlighted Japan’s wonders (and its capital) during cherry blossom season. To make the most of your city trip (and stay focused), we recommend setting up base at The Peninsula Tokyo.
Besides being a visual delight and a luxury, ultra-modern haven, The Peninsula is located near the Imperial Palace and the shopping district of Ginza—very convenient for your first excursions into this exotic metropolis.
On-site, savor contemporary cuisine at Peter (with views of Tokyo), Cantonese delicacies at Hei Fung Terrace (with views of a Japanese garden), and delicious pastries at The Peninsula Boutique & Café. Don’t forget to unwind at the spa and indoor pool to unwind after a busy day.
The Mediterranean trio
Whether you choose one of these destinations or all three in succession, Italy, Greece, and Spain are reliable picks for your summer vacation—especially when your summer getaway is almost a last-minute plan. To simplify your life, our editorial team and Atlas Voyages suggest opting for Club Med, where fully inclusive stays emphasize excursions, friendliness, and shared experiences. These are also ideal spots for family summer vacations, as we’ve discussed before—particularly Club Med Cefalù in Sicily, Italy.
We also recommend Club Med Gregolimano on the island of Euboea, Greece. A comfy and elegant oasis nestled among olive trees and pine forests, it’s located two hours from Athens. Water sports and wellness activities (yoga, meditation) take center stage here. In Spain, we suggest Club Med Magna Marbella on the Costa del Sol. A luxurious establishment blending contemporary and Arab-Andalusian architecture, it’s very relaxing and soothing.
The pleasures of Turkey
For a summer vacation, Turkey is always a good idea. Our top picks? Six Senses Kaplankaya in Bodrum, an ultra-festive seaside resort.
This splendid establishment is slightly off the beaten path, away from the crazy party scene. Nestled at the edge of a Mediterranean forest and bordering a lovely private beach, it’s perfect for couples and lovers of chill vibes.
For a family summer vacation, we lean more toward Club Med Palmiye near Antalya, Turkey’s other major seaside resort (quieter than Bodrum).
The best part? Its bungalows or suites with private terraces for maximum privacy, along with plenty of activities: sailing, water skiing, flying trapeze, and even archery.
Caribbean pirate adventure
The Caribbean is something our editorial team has already recommended for those seeking adventure and exotic experiences. For summer vacation, we’re keeping it simple but effective with Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic.
An eco-chic village facing a vast paradise beach, we particularly love its outdoor excursions (hiking, horseback riding, eco-tourism activities specially designed for kids and teens), which awaken our explorer spirit but all within a setting of ultra-relaxed comfort.
Still not satisfied? Consider an unforgettable cruise aboard the Icon of the Seas, the grand (and most spectacular) ship from Royal Caribbean. A true floating city, it boasts a lush urban park, extraordinary water attractions, and a flood of entertainment. The itinerary? From Miami to Saint Thomas, with stops at exotic destinations like Labadee, Falmouth, and Cozumel.
The wonders of Bali
Craving a tropical summer vacation? Bali remains a top choice, one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. Here, you’ll be dazzled at first, but mostly you’ll be relaxed (it’s a wellness destination after all). As our editorial team mentioned a few weeks ago, nature reigns supreme here, and spirituality is omnipresent.
Where to stay? At The Legian Seminyak hotel, located on Seminyak Beach by the Indian Ocean. It’s a magical, spacious, and intimate place. The must-have experience: a drink at The Ocean Champagne Bar at sunset.
Icelandic escape
And to finish, here’s a total change of scenery. Forget the Mediterranean, paradise beaches, and tropical settings—enter Iceland, the gem of the far north. With the heatwaves we’ve been experiencing, a bit of coolness is more than welcome to extend our summer vacation. We suggest the ION Adventure Hotel in Nesjavellir.
It’s a luxurious, futuristic, and eco-friendly establishment surrounded by majestic mountains and geothermal hot springs. You can explore Icelandic cuisine (healthy and hearty) at Silfra Restaurant (focused on seafood). Then admire the northern lights at the Northern Lights Bar, a panoramic bar. Don’t miss the relaxing spa treatments and numerous hikes.
Picture (c) : Vilebrequin
