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

A Family Trip to Disneyland Paris

Family vacations at Disney guarantee an unforgettable and magical stay. It’s also THE quintessential intergenerational destination (from 2 to 90 years old), still as successful as ever for 30 years, where both young and old find their favorite universes and heroes. Something for everyone! The plus side? Disney parks offer a plethora of attractions, activities, and shows. They have also significantly improved and upgraded their Deluxe deals, combining entertainment and comfort.

Disneyland Paris 

Disneyland Paris is the perfect tourist resort for family vacations, and less than a 3-hour flight  from Morocco. It therefore remains at the top of our list. Inaugurated in 1992, it is instantly recognizable  thanks to its life-size (and iconic) Sleeping Beauty Castle. And don’t forget  its daily parades (with Disney heroes) and breathtaking nighttime shows! Above all, it never stops evolving. The latest gem? The Walt Disney Studio Park (behind-the-scenes of film shoots) transformed into Disney Adventure World (inaugurated just a few days ago), where visitors can experience completely immersive adventures.

For accomodation,  the editorial team and Atlas Voyages have three big favorites (out of seven existing establishments) specially adapted for family vacations. First is the Disneyland Hotel, renovated and reopened on January 5, 2024.

All suites are, of course, inspired by Disney animated films. Thus, the princely suite is dedicated to the universe of Beauty and the Beast, and the royal suite to  Frozen. Its perks? The Castle Club, offering a stay in refined rooms or signature suites, with a view of Sleeping Beauty Castle and also the possibility of having  breakfast with Disney princesses AND the benefit of a private elevator with direct access to Disneyland Park.

 We also appreciate the Royal Kid Club, an immersive space in augmented reality for the youngest guests. And the Spa for adults: Crystal Pool & Disney Hotel Spa by Clarins. After all, at the end of a marathon day at Disney, relaxing a bit in a serene atmosphere is just what the doctor ordered! 

Our second favorite: the Disney Newport Bay Club, inspired by the coastal villas of New England.

Located right next to Disney’s manmade lake, it offers picturesque and bucolic views. Staying at the Newport Bay Club is also an opportunity to take a breather, away from the frenzy of the amusement park (long walks along the lake, little pockets of nature, etc.). The  warm and family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for  a family vacation. We especially love  the privileged access to the Disney park (with early entry hours) and the possibility of  reserving FastPasses (to avoid long lines).

Finally, for fans of urban style and the Marvel universe, we are always happy to stay  at the Disney Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel.

It’s a little piece of  New York City —  in the heart of the Parisian region. It’s also an ultra-design establishment offering a unique immersive experience: a collection of exclusive Marvel artwork, meetings with Marvel characters, film screenings, animations, and interactive activities. Not to mention a delicious cuisine inspired by the Marvel universe (Eat like Iron Man? Don’t mind if I do!) 

Family vacation at PortAventura World Resort, in Spain

 We now leave the magic of Disney (and Paris) to fly towards the Costa Dorada, in Spain, about 100 kilometers from Barcelona (2.5 hours from Casablanca). Ah, the “Golden Coast,” its Mediterranean beaches AND its emblematic theme park, namely PortAventura World Resort. Why do we love it? First, because this park offers several thematic universes: Mediterranean, Polynesian, Mexican,  Wild West, and the Sesamo Aventura (inspired by Sesame Street).

With all this, you’re guaranteed never to get  bored while also taking in  lots of sights along the way. But it’s also thrilling: : the attractions are crazy, the shows are vibrant. In short, it’s ideal for sensational family vacations. On-site, we enthusiastically stay n at the PortAventura Hotel, with Mediterranean design, warm and comfortable.

It’s an establishment with many leisure facilities (outdoor pools, sports fields, children’s clubs), several bars and restaurants (international and local cuisine), as well as privileged access to the park.

For families wishing to prioritize a stay in Barcelona: go for the W Barcelona.

It’s a hotel favored by celebrities as it is a true haven of peace in the heart of this cosmopolitan metropolis. It offers panoramic sea views, spa and rooftop, and direct access to the beach (and its seaside restaurants, chiringuito in Spanish). Also, its nightlife is famous. To top it off, the architecture and design are  by the illustrious Ricardo Bofill.

Family vacation in Dubai

Dubai is full of attractions and theme parks. It is a destination conducive to family vacations because the Emirate is partly designed to be a “paradise for children,” while being ultra-secure. Some useful information: there are direct 7-hour flights between Casablanca and Dubai.

Shoelifer and Atlas Voyages highly recommend Dubai Parks & Resort. It’s a mega-complex bringing together several theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park. Eclectic, exotic, thrilling, it has everything you need for  successful family vacations.

For water sports enthusiasts, consider also stopping at Aquaventure Waterpark, located on Palm Jumeirah Island,one of the world’s largest and most popular water parks. With slides, rapids, private beaches, and more, everything is there for the delight of young and old alike.

The highlight? Swimming in the Ambassador Lagoon with over 65,000 marine species (including dolphins and sharks — all very friendly, so no need to panic!).

To stay in the aquatic theme (which is frankly almost necessary  given the high temperatures in the Emirate), we recommend staying at Atlantis Royal Hotel.

It is a spectacular and futuristic establishment, with a luxury spa, underwater suites, and an aqua theater. All with restaurants run by world-renowned chefs and super festive evening shows. Our favorite: the Enfuego Dubai restaurant, a tribute to South America. Arriba!

Remember: : There are a thousand and one attractions for children in Dubai. Among them, IMG Worlds of Adventure, an indoor theme park dedicated to the Marvel, Cartoon Network, and Jurassic World universe (the largest of its kind in the world). Outside of theme parks, the illustrious Dubai Mall also offers a plethora of attractions for kids: KidZania (where children play adults by participating in a variety of professions: firefighters, pilots, doctors). There is also the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo (a giant and immersive aquarium), as well as the e Dubai Ice Rink, perfect  for the whole family.

Family vacations at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

For a family vacation, it’s hard to overlook the world’s largest Disney leisure complex: Walt Disney World, located in the highly touristy state of Florida.

To make your stay 100% successful, here are, according to the editorial team and Atlas Voyages, the most beautiful and original hotels. Number 1: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, an iconic Victorian luxury establishment, with upscale restaurants, a world-class spa, and breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Number 2: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, inspired by the Pacific Islands, with a lagoon-side pool, exotic cuisine, and nightly fireworks. Number 3: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with its Lion King savanna ambiance with a great view of the animals) and authentic African cuisine.

Family vacations with all-inclusive resorts

If theme parks are definitely not your cup of tea, you can opt for all-inclusive resorts. Why is this a good option? Because these establishments combine relaxation, leisure, and excursions. This way you  benefit from a harmonious setting with  a secure, high-end stay, without sacrificing authenticity and discovering the host country. This is an ideal compromise  when considering organizing family vacations.

According to the editorial team and the wise advice of Atlas Voyages, we unhesitatingly recommend  Ikos Resorts and Club Med.

The first, Ikos Resorts, specializes in lifestyle and high-end stays along the most beautiful coasts of the Mediterranean. Its strengths? Exceptional gastronomy, top-quality drinks (local wines, creative cocktails), and various activities (water sports, cooking classes, programs for children and teenagers, shows).

Our first gold medal goes to Ikos Oceania Chalcidique, located in northern Greece and preserved from mass tourism. This region is even  nicknamed “blessed by the gods,” the “paradise of Greece.”

Our second gold medal goes to Ikos Porto Petro, located on the island of Majorca, Spain. Originally, Porto Petro was an old fishing village, an hour and a half from Palma. Here again, far from the hustle and bustle and the crowd.

It promises lto  be a family vacation in an authentic, yet chic, preserved, and ultra-chill setting.

As for Club Med (now present worldwide, beyond the Mediterranean), family vacations are designed around a friendly atmosphere, sharing, and social bonds. Stays are entirely inclusive and include accommodation, meals, and leisure activities,  with a strong emphasis on local excursions. Not to mention the famous kids clubs, programs for teenagers, AND baby facilities!

We recommend Club Med Cefalù, in Sicily (Italy), nestled on a wild cape, overlooking the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. The perfect combination of escape, nature, and heritage (including Arab-Norman and Byzantine splendors with Sicilian cultural and gastronomic heritage).

But don’t forget  Club Med Bodrum, in Turkey. Do we still need to introduce Bodrum, one of the most beautiful and lively seaside resorts in the Mediterranean? It offers private beaches, sailing sports, boat excursions, and a bobo beach club atmosphere. In short, it’s the perfect mix for unforgettable family vacations!                          family vacation