Summer is right around the corner and no matter how many countries your readers have checked off your list, there's always a new city, region, or country to explore. From celebrity loved beaches and train adventures, to picturesque towns and tropical lagoons, here are summer vacation ideas for where to travel in August:
Cavtat, Croatia - Croatia’s Hidden Gem
Cavtat, Croatia, located just south of Dubrovnik, offers a relaxed pace of life, drawing a resemblance to St Tropez before the crowds. The unique town on the Adriatic has a stunning waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, beaches, churches, monuments and museums and full of picturesque outdoor restaurants and cafes, specialty boutiques and gift shops. There are more than 5 miles of crystal clear water, beaches, and hotels of high and luxury class. Located in the heart of the charming historic center of Cavtat, Hotel Supetar Cavtat reopens after seasonal closure. After a complete renovation that debuted in July 2022, all 16 stylish rooms were individually redesigned by Croatian designers STUDIO LACROMA in cooperation with Katarina Alamat Kusijanovic. Food lovers savor Mediterranean fare with a focus on products from the sea, seasonal specialities, and local fresh ingredients, including the oranges from the hotel’s garden. To please the palates of wine lovers, an inviting Wine Bar offers a focus on Dubrovacka Malvasija, the local indigenous white wine grape from the Konavle region. Cavtat is just 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Dubrovnik airport that offers direct flights from New York.
Oslo, Norway - Culture Capital Perfect for Lovers of Heritage, Food and Traditions
Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums, but specifically its deep roots of culture and heritage. Travelers can take a stroll in one of the many lively neighborhoods while exploring everything from innovative architecture and world-class museums to spirited bars and devine eateries. For those searching for guidance on planning a trip in Norway, sustainable luxury travel curator Up Norway has created journeys that start and end in Oslo while taking travelers to hidden gems all over the country. The Arctic Circle Express Train Journey allows travelers to see the best cultural highlights, eat local food, and cross the Arctic Circle all while enjoying the never-ending summer nights under the midnight sun. The Modern Luxury In the Realm of Norwegian Folklore journey deep dives into Oslo’s history through activities with local insiders such as visits to landmarks including the Snøhetta designed opera House, futurist Deichman Library, and the new Munch museum along the fjord line.
Riviera Maya, Mexico - Family Favorite Vacation Destination
A true summer vacationer’s paradise, Riviera Maya consists of over a 100-mile stretch of beautiful beaches and tropical oasis. Running along the Yucatan Peninsula, the world-renowned paradise is home to lagoons, mangroves, ancient Mayan cities, ecological reserves, and even the world's second largest coral reef. With activities for those of all ages Riviera Maya remains a fan favorite destination for family travel year after year. At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Velas Resorts offer special services and activities for all ages to enjoy with their age group or as a family. Younger family members dive into an oasis of fun. Guests ages 4 to 12 can enjoy the ultimate kid’s club complete with board games, XBox and Wii consoles, movies, arts and crafts activities and storytelling that happen daily at the Kids' Club. Teens can enjoy the resort’s teens club featuring a game room, pool table, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, karaoke and more. For Grand Velas’ littlest guests, babies are catered to with a Baby Concierge who can coordinate a crib, Mexican toys, baby floats, gentle bath and shampoo gels, and organic foods in advance. And, to foster quality time together, entertainment for families ranges from astronomy nights, sandcastle building, and human foosball to Mexican Fiesta, drive-in movies, eco-cycling tours, and painting Alebrijes. While the kids are supervised, parents can relax at the SE Spa, awarded 5 stars by Forbes Travel Guide, or dine at one of the resort's 6 fine dining restaurants.
Rome, Italy - For The Fashion and Art Trip of a Lifetime
Will Rome ever go out of style? A simple answer - no. Rome will continue to be a coveted destination this summer due to its fashion scene and perfect mix of art, history, and culture. Travelers looking to enjoy the Eternal City from a new perspective will delight in a stay at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. With a offering from the hotel, men are invited to revamp their style by creating a custom wardrobe with the help of Italian fashion influencer, menswear consultant, and model Giorgio Giangiulio. He will share the key elements to a classic Italian wardrobe, coordinate stops at some of the city’s top custom wardrobe spots, and offer styling tricks to guests. Ladies can opt for a luxury fashion experience featuring a private wardrobe curated by Italian fashion influencer Selvaggia Capizzi. Selvaggia curates unique experiences for guests at renowned design houses and new hot spot boutiques all over the historical city. For photography lovers, this experience allows travelers to capture the Eternal City from the lens of renowned photographer Ryan Neeven. Through tailored experiences, guests will embark on a photo tour around Rome led by the @DoorsofItaly founder to not only see the historical sites, culinary highlights and modern marvels of the city, but also learn how to professionally capture them. Travelers visiting Rome even have the possibility to explore the Eternal City’s secret sites with ArcheoRunning during a Hidden Rome Tour. Participants will immerse themselves in the narrow streets of Rome while hearing unique stories during a two-hour tour with Isabella Calidonna, an art historian, certified tour guide and coach for Fidal (Italian Athletics Federation) and Coni (Italian National Olympic Committee).
Mendoza, Argentina - Cool Break
For travelers looking for a cool break to escape the summer heat, winter in Mendoza, Argentina is the ultimate time of year to explore its vast wonders. The cool days are illuminated by warm sunshine allowing travelers to enjoy every activity that’s available in the land of Malbec. In Mendoza the temperature ranges from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit during this time of year, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities during the day and also ideal to relax and unwind during the night. Travelers can choose to stay at the new SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, from pioneer Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, where the in house experience coordinator can help guests choose from various activities such as horseback riding, trekking, air safari aboard a private seaplane, heli wine tour, and even a hot air balloon over the vineyards. Of course a visit to the Susana Balbo Winery is a must when in the destination, and in winter guests can enjoy lunch on the outdoor terrace of the winery restaurant. After a day full of exploration and adventure, guests can retire to SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites to enjoy on property activities as wine tastings, cooking classes, blending games, wellness rituals, gastronomy offerings, and more.
Embrace or Escape the August Climate with HomeExchange Collection
With HomeExchange Collection, an elite home exchange community, members can choose to embrace the April weather or escape to a different climate. Access over 4,000 luxury homes across 70 countries, meticulously evaluated for lavish design, amenities, and prime locations. From penthouses in bustling cities to historic villas amidst olive groves, the possibilities are endless. Travelers can immerse in authentic local cultures guided by the advice of fellow members, embracing the true essence of luxury travel.
Corfu, Greece | Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
Summer is peak tourist season in Greece, with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, high temperatures, and a vast cultural tapestry. Popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini get crowded with both international and local tourists, but those seeking an undiscovered hidden gem, that's equally as beautiful, can head to the lesser-known island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea. With an enchanting coastline, mountains with incredible hiking, and an Old Town boasting Venetian architecture (it's part of the UNESCO World Heritage List), Corfu is the ideal summer spot. The Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa sits hillside with panoramic views of both the sea and countryside. The property features 196 rooms, suites and luxury villas, and five-star amenities including an award-winning spa, nine restaurants and bars – including the largest Skybar in the Ionian Islands, a private beach with watersports, a range of on-site cultural experiences, speedboat transfers to the Old Town and more.
County Laois, Ireland | Ballyfin
It is no secret that summertime is the best season to wander and wind through the Emerald Isle. In the very center of Ireland sits Ballyfin, a long-admired Regency era country house hotel restored to its original 1820’s grandeur. Set within a massive walled estate on 614 private acres, Ballyfin has just 21 suites and thus even in the peak of high season occupancy is rarely noticed. Lavish interiors are decorated with Irish art and antiques, while rolling historic grounds include a 28-acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, an indoor pool and spa, and quintessential country activities such as fishing, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry and more. Perfect for couples, families with older children and friends, Ballyfin provides an enchanting retreat from the modern age, immersing guests in old world luxury, romance, and tranquility. This summer guests can enjoy lunch in the newly renovated Conservatory, accessed through secret doors in the library, once the orangery for the lady of the house.
Philipsburg, Montana | The Ranch at Rock Creek
Find respite in nature and inspiration in the legendary West. Long summer sundrenched days riding across fields of wildflowers or casting into rivers, streams and lakes end with star filled nights blanketing the big sky of Montana. The Ranch at Rock Creek beacons those who seek the romance of the West with a river running through it on 6,600 acres of rugged Montana wilderness. Situated on the outskirts of the quaint mining town of Philipsburg, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star guest ranch offers an array of rustic yet elegant accommodations, including luxury suites in The Granite Lodge, authentic log cabins, original homestead barn accommodations and several glamping cabins meandering along Rock Creek. Guests of all ages and skill level can enjoy a variety of activities, including fly fishing, horseback riding, sporting clay shooting, sapphire mining, hiking, biking, archery and more. This summer, two new 3-bedroom, 3.5 baths homes sleeping up to 8 guests will debut for multi-gens to have the option of staying on a private knoll overlooking the stunning valley below.
Quebec City, Canada | Auberge Saint-Antoine
Steeped in over 400 years of history, Quebec City is the cradle of French civilization in North America with Nouvelle France architecture, cuisine, and culture offering a taste of Europe close to home with without a long-haul flight. Quebec City heats up as visitors explore the city’s abundant nature and summer festivities such as Festival d'été de Québec, the annual summer music festival held July 4-14. Take a cable car ride or zip line over the Montmorency Falls, visit the local wineries on Île d’Orleans, or explore Jacques-Cartier National Park for hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking. Stay at the Auberge Saint-Antoine, a Relais & Chateaux museum-inspired hotel centrally located in the heart of Quebec City’s Old Port astride the St. Lawrence River. Built on a major archeological site, Auberge St. Antoine displays hundreds of artifacts from the French and British colonial regimes, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the oldest colonial city in North America. The hotel’s central location allows guests to inhabit all of Quebec City’s best moments within walking distance.
Priorat, Spain | Mas d’en Bruno
Nestled in the heart of Spain's internationally renowned Priorat wine region, Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno, opened in May 2023, emerges as the perfect summer destination. This beautiful Relais & Chateaux property is the first full service, five-star hotel in Priorat and boasts luxurious accommodations and a plethora of experiences perfectly tailored for the summer season. The hotel’s 24 spacious suites offer unique features such as double-sided fireplaces, bespoke roman tubs, terraces nestled into the surrounding vineyards providing views of the adjacent hills and mountains. Guests can enjoy a spectacular infinity pool, cabañas and an outdoor jacuzzi all integrated into the surrounding vines, a gourmet and a casual restaurant, a wine cellar lined with bottles and barrels for private wine tastings and a complete spa built into the property’s ancient olive oil press. On-site, guests will find many unique experiences including electronic bikes, olive oil tastings, astronomical immersions such as stargazing, masterclasses on wine with top regional producers, and more.
Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts | Nantucket Hotel & Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Two of New England’s most beloved vacation spots, the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard combine scenic beauty, charming downtowns, and relaxed atmospheres. The historic Nantucket Hotel, established in 1891, serves as Nantucket’s only year-round resort and is steps from downtown with a renowned wellness club. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort is the only beachside resort on Martha’s Vineyard situated on 11 acres with a private path to South Beach and complimentary shuttle service to downtown Edgartown. Both properties are known for their range of accommodations and family-friendly amenities, including a supervised Children's Program, locally inspired cuisine, fitness centers and pools, and array of outdoor activities like traditional clambakes and antique truck rides. During the summer, the sister resorts offer a Two-Island Adventure complete with transportation, so you don't have to choose between the two hot spots.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica | Villa Avellana (Buy-Out Only)
Looking ahead to the summer, the month of July is a magical time at Villa Avellana, a private beachfront villa for up to 23 guests, and the North Pacific coast of Guanacaste. It's a break from the rainy season, with clear skies, sunshine, and sparkling oceans. Guests can explore the lush tropical dry forest, dive into crystal-clear blue seas, and partake in activities like scuba diving, free diving, surfing, and more. Its staff team of 20 is there to make sure every moment is filled with adventure and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As an extraordinary addition, guests have access to a personal luxury yacht ready to carry visitors on oceanic explorations throughout their stay. Guests also have exclusive access to Peninsula Papagayo's myriad offerings, including golf, tennis, private beach clubs, luxury hotel brands, invigorating tours, scenic trails, and fitness facilities. Villa Avellana— calling all nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the magic of Costa Rica’s ‘pura vida.’
