Summer and vacation are synonymous, and the carefree spirit of the season is the perfect time to discover some of the most beautiful destinations in their prime. From bucket list trips to hidden gems that are so good, you’ll be tempted to keep them to yourself; take this as your sign to start planning a getaway. Whether your goal is to catch up on relaxation on the shores of a tropical paradise or explore the vibrant pulse of the world’s most majestic cities, immersing yourself in new places and experiences makes any amount of travel worthwhile. Here, we share the most beautiful destinations to explore and outfit ideas for the trip of a lifetime.
Why settle for Napa when you can go to Italy, a dream destination for wine lovers that offers breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a culinary scene that's hard to resist, especially in summer? Stay one step ahead of the crowds by visiting Franciacorta—a lesser-known wine lover's paradise nestled just two hours north of Milan in the Lombardy region. The area produces a masterful selection of white and red sparkling wines that rival champagne and offer a tranquil setting for relaxing. The area is also a budding foodie destination for acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants, like Il Colmetto and Michelin-recognized restaurant Al Malo. Book a few nights at L'Albereta for luxe accommodations—a moss-covered 19th-century villa that's set amongst the idyllic rolling hills. Each room, draped in rich Italian fabrics, has a deep soaking tub and outdoor terrace. Spend your days sipping on cuvée at the historic family-run winery Monte Rossa or Le Quattro Terre, a hotel and a restaurant housed in a century-old farmhouse.
For travelers well acquainted with Mallorca, an island in the western Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain, the destination is a no-brainer for its picturesque hillside terrain, quaint villages, and beautiful beaches. The island is the largest in the Balearics, meaning there’s something for every traveler. Just 20 minutes from the main Palma airport, check into the hidden 40-acre estate at Finca Serena. Tucked into the countryside amongst vineyards and olive trees, the property is a private oasis with 25 rooms scattered throughout, an expansive onsite spa and yoga studio, and a two-Michelin star restaurant. While it feels a world away, it's only a short distance from Mallorca's historic towns and secluded beaches. During your time on the island, take a day trip to Deià, a quaint coastal village set back into a ravine on the perch of the mountain with impressive panoramic views. Art lovers should pencil in a visit to the Pilar and Joan Miró gallery— the Spanish artist’s workspace that's been left untouched throughout the decades.
Just a 30-mile drive from Puerto Vallarta’s airport, the 1,500-acre peninsula of Punta Mita was originally home to artists, merchants, and fishermen and offers a beautiful backdrop for experiencing wildlife and exploring the area’s coves and hidden beaches along the Pacific coast. For a completely customized and sustainable stay, make one of the luxury glamping tents at Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico , your home base—where only 15 rooms accommodate a maximum of 30 guests on the property at any given time. Spend zen mornings doing sunrise yoga by the ocean and indulge in a spa day or a traditional Mayan ritual—like a locally-led temazcal or Mayan sweat lodge ceremony. Take a private-led hike to explore the area’s lush terrain and exotic bird species, or take a day trip to Marietas Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage and Bioheritage reserve that's home to exotic birds, fish, dolphins, and turtles. Back at Naviva, try local cuisines like traditional Menudo stew, Birria tacos, and ceviche with nothing but the freshest local ingredients.
A trip to the old merchant city of Venice, Italy, is like being transported to another time and place. From the Grande Canal studded with gondolas to the picturesque centuries-old buildings, Venice is like a fairytale that’s come to life with world-renowned museums, architecture, and rustic Italian cuisine. While the city is small enough to walk in its entirety, connected by over 400 bridges, the Palazzo Venart hotel is a secret hideaway in the heart of the Sestiere Santa Croce and accessible by both walking and gondola. The building, which dates back to the 15th century, has undergone an extensive renovation while the decor keeps Venice’s rich history top-of-mind with luxurious Italian marble, silk wallpapers, and ornate frescos. Spend your days exploring the city to take in landmarks like Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and Basilica di San Marco, and snack on Cicchetti —Venice’s version of the tapas. Don't forget to slow down and partake in Italy's customary Aperitivo hour with an Aperol Spritz.
