Most Exclusive Places to Catch Some Sun This Summer

Most Exclusive Places to Catch Some Sun This Summer
The Private Villa Life at Casa Palopo

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Located on the shoreline of Lake Atitlán, a hidden gem in Guatemala, Casa Palopó is an exclusive retreat featuring a secluded villa that resides 150 cobblestone steps above the main hotel. Complete with two suites, a full kitchen, and the most incredible infinity pool you’ve ever seen, guests who book the private villa get to enjoy the solar-heated swimming pool and its terrace all the themselves! The glamourous area overlooks the lake and its three majestic volcanoes, making it the perfect spot to catch some summertime rays amidst mesmerizing views in the privacy of your own villa -- plus, no interruptions included (other than the butler service delivering delicious cocktails). And just when the sun sets behind the volcanoes, this dream-come-true pool deck boasts an adjacent wood-burning fireplace and jacuzzi to warm you up right before dinner time.

Cruising Through the Galapagos Islands

MV Origin sundeck

Ecoventura

With plush settees, bed-sized chaise loungers, hammocks, an outdoor shower, BBQ and a wet bar, the 20-passenger MV Origin takes the sundeck concept to a new level. With room to accommodate just 20-passengers on each of its seven-night departures, this brand new luxury yacht made its debut in the Galapagos earlier this year, changing the way people cruise the Enchanted Islands. Beyond sunbathing, the sundeck offers guests a vantage point from which to view the islands’ unique scenery and topography (though the views are arguably just as good from the staterooms’ panoramic windows). With twice daily excursions that include snorkeling and kayak tours, and face-to-face encounters with marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore and giant land tortoises, MV Origin’s sundeck is the idyllic spot to indulge in some high-end R&R -- and stargaze at night. Additional information: Galapatours.com

Under the Tuscan Sun at Il Salviatino

Il Salviatino pool

Florence, Italy

Spread among the rolling Tuscan hills on 12 acres of lush park, Il Salviatino is a hand-restored, 15th century villa just minutes outside the pulsing city of Firenze. With just 45 rooms, guests are made to feel as it at home at their own private villa, with all of the offerings and amenities of a five-star hotel provided by a team of dedicated Service Ambassadors. A perfect balance to the fast-paced city of Florence and its surroundings, Il Salviatino’s park and gardens are a sanctuary among the hills. Open from April to October, the two-tiered, heated swimming pool invites guests to sunbathe and relax amidst stunning greenery, with a concierge available to help with sun loungers and provide fresh towels. The pool bar is the perfect setting to grab a casual bite without having to abandon bathing suits and sunglasses...and it’s all best enjoyed with a cold Italian spritz in hand.

From a Private Panamanian Villa Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Casa Naga

Casa Naga / Westin Playa Bonita

VIP guests of The Westin Playa Bonita can rent the resort’s new mega villa, Casa Naga, for a vacation that will make any traveler feel like royalty. Perched at the edge of the Pacific Ocean with sweeping rainforest views, the 25,000 square foot property features an indoor koi pond, six spectacular suites, a massive show kitchen, and open-air living area with a staircase that leads directly down to a 25-meter semi-Olympic infinity pool where guests can soak up the sun while admiring unobstructed panoramic views of the glittering turquoise ocean. A traditional Panamanian rancho (poolside palapa) offers a shaded spot to BBQ and cool off with a cocktail in hand. If you thought it couldn’t get more exclusive, the villa’s master suite features a private plunge pool and sundeck with chaise chairs and plush cabanas for lounging.