Splurge-worthy Trips to Book this Summer

From quiet escapes like Sicily and Sorrento, to active and nature trips in Scotland, 2015 promises to be a year for more discovery and stellar culinary experiences, while savoring destination favorites. We've rounded up some of the top locations and packages to book right now:

VERDURA RESORT, SICILY

In honor of the new direct flight access on Meridiana from JFK to Palermo (launched this month), we've rounded up some the top reasons to travel to Sicily this summer. Verdura Resort launched a new Junior Golf Academy, where children are paired with trainers who will help develop their skill such as hitting the ball, chipping, putting, bunker shots, playing on the par-3 course, & an overall introduction to the etiquette and rules of golf. Foodies will love immersing themselves in Verdura's new cooking classes, wine-tasting lessons and mixology classes. Ingredients are all hand-picked from the resort's own garden, so go on-- be a forager! Cycle and experience the natural beauty and history of Sicily from Verdura Resort, a perfect departing position for exploring the island. The resort is currently offering a special group package, for those who wish to see the destination by bike.



THE GLENEAGLES HOTEL, PERTHSIRE, SCOTLAND

The 850-acre countryside estate of Gleneagles has recently launched a new children's program, a new indoor tennis center, and a new luxury goods collection...just in time for summer travel. Gleneaglets is the resort's newest program dedicated to kids and includes golf camps throughout July and August, segway tours of the lush landscape surrounding the property, target archery, and more. Additionally, The Gleneagles Arena opened in May 2015 as an event space, concert venue, and four court in-door tennis center. Tennis programs for all ages are offered on these new all-weather courts as well as on the hotel's five outdoor courts. The hotel also recently debuted The Gleneagles Collection, an exclusive new range of leather goods and accessories. The Collection is available for purchase in the resort’s retail arcade as well as online and includes products such as iPad cases, wallets, handbags, luggage tags briefcases and folios.



THE THINKING TRAVELLER: Think Sicily, Think Puglia, Think Ionian Islands

A boutique collection of exclusive villas in Sicily, Puglia and the Ionian Islands of Greece, these properties range from grand homes for large groups to seaside villas for couples. The newest villa in the Think Puglia collection, Casa Romigi, offers a unique blend of a historic trullo with a modern twist. In addition, the company's Think Experience program organizes customized activities for guests to get out and explore the destination, the newest of which is a three-day art class in Lefkada, a small island in the Ionian Islands that has been inspiring Greek artists for centuries.

A few addition villas of note include Think Sicily's Masseria Costanza, a newly renovated villa with enormous character and charm located exclusively in the Vendicari Nature Reserve; Think Puglia's L'Argentiera; a former bed and breakfast/yacht club turned stunning seafront villa in Puglia; and the addition of four new villas to the growing Think Ionian Islands portfolio including Almyra on Corfu with access to a private beach and Kastanida with sweeping panoramic views of port Lakka.



The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria (Sorrento, Italy)

The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is situated on a high cliff in Sorrento, with spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It is a five-star luxury hotel that boasts exclusive and elegant charm. It has a remarkable history-- dating back to 1834 and through the years has welcomed monarchs, politicians, artists and celebrities (Richard Wagner, Enrico Caruso, Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and more). Today the hotel is in the same ownership of the founding family, Fiorentino and celebrated its 180th anniversary in 2014. The property is located in the center of Sorrento in the same place where, legend has it, the Roman Emperor Augustus had his own villa. The property includes interconnecting blocks build in the Nineteenth century, surrounded by the lush greenery of a unique Mediterranean garden. It's truly stunning! Guests love the easy access to the Amalfi Coast (minus the crowds), romantic and historic Italian charm, quick 40 minute ferry ride directly from hotel to the stunning islands of Ischia and Capri and180 years of incredible service-- after check in, the entire staff seems to know your name and greet you personally.



ABERCROMBIE & KENT EUROPEAN JOURNEYS OFFER

Looking ahead, fall will be here in a few short months, and now is the time to plan a sightseeing trip to Europe without the crowds. Abercrombie & Kent has an amazing offer on its Italian Treasures Luxury Small Group Journey...Book by July 31 and save $1,000 per person on a fall travel. This is an unbeatable value for a luxurious Italian tour experience that includes visits to the captivating cities of Vatican City, Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Venice, and insider access throughout, including a private visit to the Vasari Corridor at the Uffizi Gallery and an unforgettable after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica. Led by knowledgeable Abercrombie & Kent guides, travelers will tour Vatican City, visit Rome must-sees such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, enjoy a wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside and awe at famed works of art like Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Limited to groups of 18, the Italian Treasure journey is the best way to see Italy's must-see spots at an unrivaled price of $7,595 per person (originally $8,595). www.abercrombiekent.com



AKYRA MANOR CHIANG MAI

akyra Manor Chiang Mai located on trendy Nimmanhaemin Soi 9, known locally as “Coffee Street,” will open July 1, 2015. The 30-suite, new construction, urban boutique hotel, is the first of its kind in Chiang Mai, a vibrant city in the north of Thailand. Created through the collaboration between AHMS – The Collection and Manor Studio, akyra Manor will also feature Italics, the hotel’s flagship restaurant; Rise, a luxurious rooftop pool bar and lounge; the first organic hotel rooftop nursery in Thailand; and a rotating art collection.



ALEENTA PHUKET

Fresh from a $10.7 million renovation, Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa is debuting a brand new collection of 34 Garden Pool Villas on August 1, 2015. Located on an exclusive stretch of Natai Beach, just 30 minutes north of Phuket International Airport, the new Garden Pool Villas are the final flourish to the boutique resort’s year-long renovation. Embracing and enhancing the resort’s “Outdoor Living-In” ethos, each of the 34 villas are located in tranquil gardens and boast more than 1,500-square-feet of living space, a 24-foot private pool, and an outdoor bath. Additionally, each villa’s western-facing side can be fully opened (with floor-to-ceiling doors) allowing guests to move about—in complete privacy—blurring the line between outside and in. With the completion of the Garden Pool Villas and the overall property makeover, Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa is once again redefining Thai luxury.



LES SOURCES DE CAUDALIE

Les Sources de Caudalie is set in the heart of the family owned Château Smith Haut Lafitte Grand Crus vineyard near Bordeaux. The property recently added 12 suites as well as a new tasting bar, Rouge, to the wine country gem. The 12 new spacious suites have been built on stilts around a small lake and are named after villages on Cap Ferret. Rouge offers guests the chance to order a platter of specialty meats, sample various Bordeaux wines, and select Spanish preserves. All of which can be enjoyed on site or purchased to take away.



CANAVES OIA LUXURY PROPERTIES

Located on one of the highest points of Santorini, Canaves Oia Luxury Properties embrace the iconic white elegance of Santorini with magnificent views. Within the luxury property are the Canaves Oia Suites and the Canaves Oia Villa (both of which recently emerged from a total renovation). The Canaves Oia Suites feature a warm ambience, spacious, chic interiors, and private plunge pools on every balcony. The Canaves Oia Villa, includes three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, vast living areas including separate living and dining rooms; fully equipped kitchen, as well as two large private verandas with an infinity pool, and an open air dining area, featuring panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.



ROSA ALPINA HOTEL & SPA - CHALET ZENO
Chalet Zeno, a serene, mountain-style escape located in San Cassiano in Badia, blends the rugged cliffs of the Dolomites together with the utmost in luxury and comfort. Opened in December 2014, the spacious living area, fire place and private garden of Chalet Zeno can perfectly accommodate up to eight guests. Other features include an outdoor Finnish Sauna and Jacuzzi, a bar that divides the living area from the dining room and kitchen, a Master Grand Suite + a Suite + a De Luxe room with hammam showers. Chalet Zeno is available for bookings seasonally, from December-April and mid-June through the end September.



SORREL RIVER RANCH RESORT & SPA

An upscale retreat in the heart of Moab, Utah’s red rock wilderness, Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa’s 240-acre ranch offers the best in luxury accommodations and adventure travel. The resort recently completed a series of renovations including adding a second bathroom to all of the family suites. Additionally, the new Epic Bar and Lounge was added, offering guests a place to relax, imbibe and enjoy the riverside view. An expansive Vista Deck has also been added to the River Grill Restaurant, affording guests spectacular views of both the river on one side, and the red rock mesas on the other. Perhaps most exciting is the addition of a petting zoo with goats, miniature horses, pigs, chickens, and rabbits!