This summer’s hottest trend isn’t what it seems! Tomato Girl Summer, recently embraced by the masses of TikTok and celebrities alike, doesn’t just mean we’ll be obsessing over the red fruit this year. Tomato Girl Summer is a term used to describe the easy, breezy “summer in Europe” aesthetic that’s sweeping the Internet.
Think – Alix Earle in Positano, Italy (and Mykonos and Santorini). This trend embodies the summer vacation we all dream of – strolling through the farmer’s markets, eating antipasti in cafes, afternoon swims in the sea, white linen sets, good wine, and a natural tan.
You don’t necessarily have to go to Europe to experience the perfect Tomato Girl Summer – the aesthetic can be found at hotels across the globe! Here are some recommendations, from California to Italy, that embody everything this summer trend stands for.
Rancho Bernardo Inn | San Diego, CA
Tucked away in the secluded hills of North County San Diego, personal luxury meets playful freedom at Rancho Bernardo Inn, located on 265 acres of lush grounds and open air. Keeping true to the Spanish Revival aesthetic of the resort, The Inn boasts recently refreshed rooms and suites, offering the perfect hideaway for rest and relaxation complemented by the sprawling grounds and resort amenities. Traditional elements of the Spanish Revival are romanticized through thoughtful touchpoints – counter stone edges, material selections, the overall color scheme of warm and tonal hues of terracotta and soft blues, and dark bronze accents contrasted with light-painted woods. The resort features three pools, 18 holes of championship golf, a full-service spa and fitness center, horseback riding excursions, biking trails, tennis courts, yoga, and much more. Indulge in garden-to-table dining and an award-winning wine cellar at AVANT, The Inn’s signature dining destination serving an elevated contemporary California cuisine that unites culinary influencers and flavors from Baja California with French techniques and inspiration.
Europa Village | Temecula, CA
Nestled on more than 40 acres of rolling hills and vineyards in Temecula Wine Country, Europa Village offers the charm and character of Europe, transporting guests to the traditional villages of Spain, France, and Italy across three winery destinations - Bolero, a Spanish adventure - and C’est La Vie, a French affair. The next chapter for Europa Village will uncork a third winery - Vienza, inspired by the Italian countryside opening late Fall 2023. Delight in European wine tasting, Spanish-inspired dining at Bolero Restaurante, enchanting accommodations in a private Bolero Casita and much more.
Carmel Valley Ranch | Carmel, CA
Situated on 500 wild acres in the foothills along California’s Central Coast near Big Sur and Monterey, The Ranch is a sophisticated playground for all ages. The resort is an escape with plenty of room and activities to explore including three swimming pools, a four-acre vineyard, an organic garden, an apiary, award-winning restaurants, an artisans-in-residence program, and a herd of animals including horses and goats.
MEXICO
Banyan Tree Puebla | Puebla, MX
Located in the heart of one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities, Banyan Tree Puebla is a cradle of traditions, offering travelers thirsting for authentic culture, timeless history, and the soul of Mexican cuisine an idyllic spot all at their fingertips. The 78-key resort is set in a nineteenth-century building boasting exquisite decor that portrays the essence of old construction while still having all the comforts of contemporary life. Indulge in the resort’s extensive gastronomic variety, find wellness and serenity with a touch of exotic sensuality at Banyan Tree Spa, dive into the rooftop pool overlooking the historic city center and the volcanic belt that surrounds Puebla (on a clear day, all five of the ancient formations are visible: Popacatepetl, Iztaccihualt, La Malinche, Pico de Orizaba, and Cofre de Perote), or embark on culture immersions throughout the city.
Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana | Merida, MX
Just 15 minutes from downtown Merida, experience the traditions of the timeless destination at Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana, where history and tradition come together. Restored to its 18th-century grandeur as one of the most iconic haciendas in the Yucatan, the resort features 18 historic suites that fuse contemporary details with local touches and 36 brand-new, exquisitely-designed suites, offering effortless harmony between nature and modern spaces. Surrounded by four acres of private gardens, the resort is filled with lush vegetation and bright tropical flowers that highlight the beauty that made it one of the most important haciendas in the region. Indulge in regional and spontaneous cuisine at signature restaurant Casa de Piedra – a traditional favorite among locals. A new Olympic-size pool with Bali beds, outdoor showers, poolside snack bar, gym, and Angsana Spa offers tranquil spaces for guests to unwind and immerse in nature, bringing an entirely new concept of luxurious urban resorts to the historic city of Merida.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Los Cabos, MX
The majestic Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is an exclusive haven situated on Cabo San Lucas’ most coveted parcel of land, accessible only by the private Dos Mares tunnel, minutes from the bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas yet seemingly worlds apart on a coveted 24-acre site at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Offering unprecedented luxury, the resort boasts sandstone and desert design matching its natural surroundings, private plunge pools overlooking the sparkling Pacific, an award-winning spa, acclaimed cliff-side dining and private destination-inspired excursions, sunset yacht cruises, and more.
CARIBBEAN
Jamaica Inn | Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Check into Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios! Spread over eight acres, with a 700-foot private white sand beach considered to be one of the best in the Caribbean, with 55 guest suites, all with sea views, including seven secluded cottages with large verandas, sea access, and plunge pools — you’ll never have to leave property to have your ideal tomato girl summer. As soon as you enter, guests are sure to feel the Old Hollywood meets colonial charm at a 65-year, family-run resort where Ian Fleming famously frequented the bar, Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller honeymooned, and Meghan Markle celebrated her (first) wedding. Guests can spend their days strolling through the local Jamaican market with the property’s Shop and Cook experience where you’ll visit the vibrant local market with Jamaica Inn’s charismatic Chef Maurice to source local produce before returning to the property to experience a masterclass in traditional Jamaican cuisine, enjoy late night James Bond movies on the beach or wake up to a full coffee set up on your private porch ready to be enjoyed as you watch the crystal clear ocean waves.
VIRGINIA
The Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards | Bristol, VA
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, with cypress-lined driveways and manicured fields, the family-owned Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is the perfect destination for guests wanting to experience a European summer without leaving the country. Spanning over 450 acres of breathtaking scenery, The property features 28 highly-appointed luxury rooms and suites, nine standalone yurts, and a world-class culinary and wine program, where guests of The Inn have the opportunity to explore the property's vineyards with guided tours and a unique inside look into the entire winemaking process from start to finish. Following the tours, attendees can head to the Tasting Room to experience wine-tasting flights and light bites or enjoy the homegrown wines along with locally-sourced Appalachian cuisine at the property’s signature restaurant, Hickory. At Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, guests have the luxury to lounge by the stunning infinity pool overlooking the property, enjoy a fresh glass of wine and take in the views under the Tuscan-like sun.
SPAIN
Son Bonyola Hotel | Mallorca, Spain
Known as Sir Richard Branson’s “love letter to the Balearic Islands,” the newly restored Son Bunyola Hotel has just opened. Overlooking the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains, this 16th-century Finca has 26 bedrooms and a 28-meter swimming pool with sweeping views across the famous Foradada. The design of the hotel is rich in history, from the original floor tiles to the historic oil press and the original altar, which now takes center stage in the hotel’s Sa Terrassa restaurant. Hike along the mountains or enjoy a local olive oil tasting, and spend an afternoon swim in the pool or boat ride along the coast, before retiring to the tapas restaurant or Sa Terrassa for a late dinner, you’ll be sipping on fine wine late into the warm breezy evening. Son Bunyola Hotel joins three existing ultra-luxurious and private villas on the 1300-acre estate home to extensive almond and olive groves, vines and citrus fruit trees…all complemented by the unspoiled Mediterranean coastline.
ITALY
Casoli | Abruzzo, Italy
Located in the heart of the “green lung” of Italy, the Abruzzo region, Casoli is a medieval-era mountain village. Just thirty minutes from the slopes and 30 minutes from the seaside, Casoli is ideal for those who crave the outdoors, love meandering through farmers' markets and want a taste of the authentic Italian lifestyle, its unique histories and local traditions. For those looking for a permanent European home, Palazzo Ricci, a 220-year-old soon-to-be restored Italian palace, will debut as a private residence club (fractional ownership) in 2024, with one, two, three-bedroom options, a sweeping 10,000-square-foot garden, outdoor pool, large screening lounge, game room, Roman bath, 24/7 concierge services, and more.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Lake Como, Italy
Overlooking the lake with unparalleled views of Bellagio and the stunning Gringe mountains, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the only family-owned, five-star luxury lakeside hotels on Lake Como - a true Italian icon. With over 100 years of history as the first hotel on Lake Como, the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo is set in an elegant Art Nouveau palazzo surrounded by a private park offering spectacular views over the lake and Grigne Mountains from its 84 guest rooms including 19 suites. Some of Italy’s finest gastronomy can be found in its five restaurants, there are three pools for lakeside relaxation, a gorgeous T Spa, offering intimate private treatment rooms, and two ways to explore in style: two Venetian motor launches at the T Marina or the rare 1960s Amphicar. Guests from all over the world continue to favor Grand Hotel Tremezzo for its superior service and beautiful interior design that combine to form an unrivaled atmosphere of cozy and welcoming elegance with the traditional Italian values of family and hospitality at its heart.
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace invites you to embrace the Tomato Girl Summer, with the timeless elegance of Italian design, mouthwatering cuisine, and captivating experiences. The latest TikTok trend is inspired by European destinations known for tomato-based dishes and cities where you'll find girls frolicking through the streets, reading romance novels at cafés, and watching sunsets from their backyards. At InterContinental Rome guests discover the soul of Rome as they wander through iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon just moments away from the hotel. Travelers can lose themselves in the enchanting streets of the Eternal City, where every corner reveals a piece of history, culture, and the Tomato Girl's zest for life. Make unforgettable memories and embrace the joyous Italian energy that defines the Tomato Girl lifestyle at InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace.
GREECE
Andronis Boutique Hotel, Oia, Santorini
Found amongst the iconic whitewashed buildings of Oia, the traditional-style cave suites at the luxurious Andronis Boutique Hotel offer an oasis of calm amongst the bustling village. Guests can choose from a range of different size suites and Villas, many equipped with private cave plunge pools, elegant terraces and jacuzzis and all boasting privacy, seclusion and breathtaking views over the picturesque white-washed houses of Oia and the infinite blue Aegean sea. Those able to tear themselves away from their luxurious hideaway should head to the Lauda Restaurant. Courtesy of the legendary Chef Emmanuel Renaut, founder of Flocons de Sel, the renowned three Michelin Starred restaurant of Megève, an authentic gastronomic experience as exclusive as the hotel's accommodation is guaranteed. From fresh yellowtail with fennel to a local pistachio lemon and orange blossom tart crafted using only local ingredients grown on the island's rich organic soil, the 6-course menu recommended by Chef Emmanuel is a must. And if that was not enough, an even more exuberant 9-course menu is on offer serving Greek Gamberoni, Caviar, Scorpion Fish and so much more. A stay at Andronis Boutique Hotel promises to exceed all expectations of Santorini.
SAINT LUCIA
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort | St. Lucia
Set within more than 100 acres of pristine rainforest, in the embrace of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Val des Pitons, Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons, along with all of the 18th-century Colonial charm that St. Lucia is known for–and perfect for a ‘Tomato Girl Summer’. Sitting on the site of an old sugar plantation, the resort boasts a variety of different luxury rooms, cottages, bungalows and villas — each with its own private plunge pool. After a long day, refuel at onsite bars and restaurants that harmonize the taste of the island’s fresh local fare with the resort’s history. The resort's Rainforest Spa boasts individual treatment rooms housed in their own unique treehouse, where guests can indulge in signature experiences like bamboo massages, hot rock therapies and holistic treatments, each harnessing the ingredients of nearby volcanic springs and fertile cocoa plantations.
