Indagare members are now seeking destinations with cooler climates for their summer vacations to avoid the record-breaking heat waves—and growing tourist crowds—that have in recent years swept our favorite getaways in the Mediterranean and American Northeast. From the Faroe Islands to the Andes, these gorgeous locales offer crisp mornings, shaded excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures—plus, exceptional luxury resorts and lodges to call home. Explore our recommendations for the places to keep your cool this summer, below.
1. Ireland & Scotland
Highly accessible from the east coast and home to lush pastures, charming towns packed with history and even some beautiful sandy beaches, Ireland remains one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. And for a supremely elegant summer “coolcation,” Ballyfin Demesne—a historic countryside estate just a 90-minute drive from Dublin—is one of our favorite retreats.
Here, the best of Irish hospitality and nostalgic grandeur meet. From the clean lines of the 19th-century Neoclassical stone mansion to the smiles and stories of the staff—many of whom have been at the property for years—every detail has been considered, while preserving warmth and intimacy. The inviting library, drawing room and dining room are filled with art, antiques, textiles and books, but summer days are best spent roaming the 614 acres of kelly-green fields and woodlands, cycling around the lake and picking flowers in the eight acres of walled gardens. While there are plenty of guided activities to choose from—including falconry, shooting, archery, horseback riding, cooking classes and whiskey tastings—the true pursuit of Ballyfin is refined leisure. The 20 mansion suites and standalone Gardener’s Cottage are each one-of-a-kind masterpieces with such unique details as 17th-century Flemish tapestries, gilded fourposter bed frames and hand-painted wallpaper. (I stayed in The Maryborough Room, and I still dream of it.) There is also a lovely indoor pool and spa on-property, and the Slieve Bloom Mountains are just a thirty-minute drive away for those seeking more robust hiking opportunities. The culinary program—which recently received a Michelin star—is another highlight.
For travelers seeking a more wild, rugged escape, Scotland is just a seven-hour flight from New York City and offers thousands of acres of heathered terrain, ancient mountains, glacial lakes and cozy hamlets. Spend your days here cooling off with plunges in icy, sparkling rivers (where you can also fish for salmon and trout), foraging through shaded glens and hiking to hidden lochs. In the evenings, gather around a wood-burning fire for a wee dram and dig into the richness of Scottish history and lore. At an Indagare-adored property like The Fife Arms, you can also relish in cultural sophistication and luxe creature comforts, thanks to the curation and care of owners Iwan and Manuela Wirth (of Hauser & Wirth), who have brought more than 16,000 pieces of art to the property (including works by Picasso, Freud and Brueghel the Younger)—as well as top-notch local cuisine and one of the most exclusive whisky collections in the world (including the oldest bottle open in the world!).
We loved our meals in the gorgeous dining room, but make sure you come down for the 6:00 p.m. cocktail every evening. The bartender is a magician. There are rain jackets in the closets and Dubarry boots by the front door so you don’t need to overpack. The staff provides fresh flowers from the gardens and does your laundry every day and even leaves a little gift on your bed at night. There are too many special touches to list here. Plus, the sommelier is one of the best and friendliest wine experts we have ever met, and we loved the tastings and his willingness to find just the right wine for us, whether we were having a hamburger or the seven-course menu.”
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A (Very In-Depth) Report on Scotland: The Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh
After visiting the Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highland and Edinburgh, Indagare’s Kathryn Nathanson shares her Scotland travel report.
Member Travels: Five Days in Ireland
One Indagare member reports on her family’s time at Indagare Adored Ballyfin hotel and a literary-focused itinerary in Dublin.
Hotel Legends: Fife Arms with Artfarm CEO Ewan Venters
Nestled in the majestic Scottish Highlands, the Fife Arms was recently named best hotel in the U.K. by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. With over 16,000 pieces of art and antiques, this 19th-century hunting lodge turned hotel in the historical village of Braemar serves as both an international art gallery as well as an eclectic, cozy, and welcoming countryside home. Though a newer hotel (it opened only in 2019), the Fife Arms quickly earned legend status and consistently wows travelers with its drama, eccentricity and charm.
Ewan Venters, the CEO of the hospitality and development company Artfarm, joins Melissa on today’s episode to dive into how he helped transform this landmark hotel into a ‘living contemporary art museum.’For Ewan, “hospitality is all about the generosity of spirit” and he explains how the connection to art and community creates a unique guest experience at the hotel. He reveals the journey of opening the Fife Arms and designing an authentic space for the culturally curious traveler; he talks about the famous whiskey library Bertie’s Bar (named after Queen Victoria's rebellious son) and shares the secret to the hotel’s success (including feedback from the famous actress and prior hotel guest Judi Dench).
Indagare Productions Director Kathryn Nathanson also jumps on to share travel tips for making the most of a trip to the Fife Arms after staying there this past April. She’ll dive into how to get there, what to wear, see, eat and do.
Lightning Round with Ewan:
- What’s your favorite activity to do in the Scottish Highlands? Hiking up Lochnagar, a munro (classified as a mountain in Scotland higher than 3,000 ft) close to Braemar.
- Favorite whiskey? I’ve just had a sneak preview of our new Fife Arms Single Malt, launching in autumn – my new favourite.
- If you could enjoy a whiskey at Bertie’s Bar with a historical figure, who would it be? I think Bertie's mother, Queen Victoria herself, would make for a terrific guest. Apparently Victoria enjoyed a glass of Islay Malt Whisky.
- An artist who inspires you? The Chinese artist, Zhang Enli. His work can be seen in the hotel on the ceiling of the drawing room, inspired by his own visits to the Scottish Highlands. To sit and look up and dream is magical.
- Favorite destination- or one on your bucket list- for viewing art? Arguably there is no country greater than Italy to view incredible art. A few days in Rome, Florence or Venice alone are incredible places to be truly inspired.
Tune in live: July 6, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET
Tune in every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. ET, Channel 132 on SiriusXM Business Radio or listen wherever you download podcasts. Plus, click here to subscribe to SiriusXM for free
2. The Alps
For hiking- and biking-focused summer “coolcations,” there are few destinations superior to the Alps. Whether you opt to enter through Switzerland, northern Italy, Austria, Germany or France—or Slovenia, one of our favorite up-and-coming destinations—this region offers a stunning backdrop of glacial lakes and flower-covered mountains to traverse, authentic villages to explore and indulgent hotels to recharge at. Plus, you can add on a few days in quieter culture capitals like Geneva, Zurich, Ljubljana or Salzburg, where the daytime temperatures may rise, but shade—and a cold local beer at an outdoor café, or a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear (and clean) lake or river—can always be found.
One major new hotel to add to your Alpine wish list? The legendary, centuries-old Hotel Schloss Fuschl, situated on the shores of Lake Fuschl in the Austrian Alps (a 20-minute drive from Salzburg or a four-hour drive from Vienna). It recently reopened under the Rosewood flag, marking the brand’s second property in Austria after the opening of Rosewood Vienna in 2022. Within a fairytale-worthy castle dating back to the 15th century, first built as a royal country escape, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl has 98 guest rooms, including 46 suites and six lakefront chalets, with idyllic views overlooking the lake’s blue-green waters and the surrounding mountains. There is also a signature Asaya spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Plus, over the border in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, the boutique-chic Beaumier group (with properties in Val Thorens, Megève and Courchevel) has brought new energy to the mountain resort of Wengen with the renovation of the Belle Époque Grand Hôtel Belvédère. The 90 rooms and suites, five dining venues and spa were designed by architect Arnaud Christin with local elements like oak, limestone, clay and wool—all to maximize the views of the surrounding valley, which remains unspoiled for hiking (no cars are allowed here). Alternatively, head to Sils Maria—an artistic and intellectual enclave in the folds of the Engadin Valley—to experience Chesa Marchetta, a historic, family-owned guesthouse and restaurant that has just been reopened by Iwan and Manuela Wirth after a four-year restoration led by architect Luis Laplace.
'Geneva is the next Ibiza,’ a resident told me when I visited the city last year. He explained that, last summer, a crew of savvy travelers realized that while Amalfi and Capri were swarming with crowds and hotel prices had skyrocketed (despite ongoing service issues), Geneva presented a great pivot. ‘We have sunshine, water sports, fabulous hotels with excellent service and calm instead of crowds at half the price of St. Tropez and Positano.’ Okay, there isn’t a huge nightlife scene, but many Amalfi and Antibes regulars have aged out of that desire anyway. What they are looking for in a European escape is serious pampering in a beautiful environment with good shopping and dining and excellent service. Geneva ticks those boxes and then some.”
Explore & Start Planning
Just Back From: Grindelwald, the Swiss Mountain Town We’re Loving
Indagare’s Abby Sandman shares her two-day journey through the Swiss mountains surrounding Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.
Indagare Itineraries: The Ultimate Slovenia Adventure in 9 Days
Slovenia is small but surprisingly diverse. Here, it’s possible to hike the Alps in the morning, then catch a swim in the Adriatic before sunset—or take a ferry to Venice for lunch. Senior editor Elizabeth Harvey scouted the country from top to bottom to bring you the ultimate nine-day itinerary for this enchanting destination, bookable on Indagare.com.
Matchmaker: Best Hotels in St. Moritz & the Engadin, Switzerland
Indagare’s breakdown of the best hotels in St. Moritz and the Engadin, and what distinguishes them from each other.
3. The Nordics
Says travel specialist Jenny Schroder, “For the people who are a bit over the heat in the south of Europe, the Nordics—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden—offer a great alternative.” Those seeking farther-flung adventures should focus on the Faroe Islands—the magical home of puffins and ponies—or the Sápmi region, where you can chase the Midnight Sun. Design lovers and foodies should begin in a capital city, then venture to lesser-known regions like Denmark’s North Jutland or Sweden’s Gothenburg. And a stopover in Stockholm at the Indagare-adored Ett Hem hotel is always a good idea. No matter which you choose, you’re essentially guaranteed that temperatures will stay below 75 degrees Fahrenheit—and you’ll have easy access to plenty of green spaces and bodies of water.
One up-and-coming Nordic destination on our radar? Rich in culture and dense forest landscapes, Finland is seriously overlooked, and its quirky capital city Helsinki has recently welcomed a new property into the ranks of its top hotel options (the edited selection includes the stately Hotel Kämp and the stylish Hotel St. George). The 117-room Waldorf Astoria Helsinki, opened in December 2023, is located in the city’s historic Kruununhaka district, near Senate Square. It has two restaurants helmed by Noma alum Ville Rainio, a boutique showcasing jewelry by emerging Finnish designers and a state-of-the-art spa and wellness club, which is focused on longevity and ancient arctic healing principles (of course, there is a sauna). The hotel comprises four listed buildings dating back to 1885, and the atmosphere delicately blends these antique bones with modern Finnish aesthetics.
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Travel Spotlight: North Jutland, Denmark
Few places in the world feel like discovering your own little secret. That’s what North Jutland, the northernmost region of Denmark, reveals itself to be.
Why the Danish Countryside is Worth the Detour: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
Indagare’s Kathryn Nathanson reports on discovering the Danish countryside beyond Copenhagen, from coastal villages to design-driven farms, with insider tips on where to go, eat and stay.
The Best Places to See the Northern Lights
Read on for the best places to see the Northern Lights in Sweden, Norway, Iceland and more, including where to stay and the best times to go.
4. Alaska, Canada & the Pacific Northwest
Whether you’re hiking in British Columbia, yachting through the fjords of Kenai National Park or indulging in farm-to-table bounty (and punchy pinot noirs) in Oregon, this region of North America offers an invigorating blend of raw nature and understated comfort. Few other places on earth are home to such a wide variety of dramatic landscapes; it’s a veritable ecological wonderland. Here, it’s possible to heli-ski in the morning, have a picnic lunch on a glacier and salmon fish in the afternoon—plus, go mountain biking, bear-viewing, kayaking and mushroom foraging, all in a day’s work.
In the Alaskan backcountry, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge has access to some of the region’s finest heli-skiing terrain, while Sheldon Chalet is built on the only private concession in the mountains of Denali National Park (it can only be reached by helicopter). In Canada, our favorite adventure lodges include Fogo Island Inn, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and Nimmo Bay Resort. For a Willamette Valley wine extension, the The Allison Inn & Spa has long been a favorite of Indagare members, while the Tributary is a 2022 boutique arrival in downtown McMinnville that we’re eager to explore.
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Hotel Legends: Fogo Island Inn with Zita Cobb
Zita Cobb, the extraordinary woman behind the captivating, yet somewhat undiscovered Fogo Island Inn, has impacted and inspired the tourism industry in a multitude of ways. As the founder and CEO of the Canadian foundation Shorefast, and the creator and innkeeper of the Fogo Island Inn, she’s harnessed the power of community in the sub-arctic to create something uniquely innovative. On today’s episode of Passport to Everywhere, Zita joins Melissa to share why Fogo Island Inn is a “place you can’t believe but always hoped existed”.
“Far away from far away”, Fogo Island is four times the size of Manhattan with ten different communities and seven seasons surrounded by wild, powerful geography and heart stopping views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Zita details her journey in creating Fogo Island Inn, what to expect when traveling to the island (including how it takes 3 days to fully arrive: first your body arrives, then your mind, then your soul), and herthoughts on the future of travel as AI continues to grow. And to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hotel, we’ve partnered with Fogo Island Inn to offer a 3-night stay for one lucky winner. Head to travel.indagare.com/fogo and enter for your chance to experience this remarkable place in person.
Lightning Round with Zita:
- What’s an activity that every guest should try on the island? Hiking pretty much all year long, but especially in the fall when one can also pick the 27 types of berries found throughout the island.
- Do you have a favorite season (of the 7!) on the island? Berry Season of course! My favourite berry is the partridgeberry, which is called lingonberry in other places that share a boreal climate.
- What’s your favorite thing to order on the menu at the Fogo Island Inn? Cod of course, the most noble fish, any which way!
- What’s your advice for those with big ideas hoping to have a positive impact? Always put community first. Big ideas, to have a positive impact, must benefit people and places. Start there.
- Where to next? Any remote, wild places on your travel wish list? Hiking in the Hebrides in Scotland.
Tune in live: June 29, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET
Tune in every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. ET, Channel 132 on SiriusXM Business Radio or listen wherever you download podcasts. Plus, click here to subscribe to SiriusXM for free
The Best Glamping Experiences in the U.S.
With the “glamping” movement over the past decade, you can experience the wonders of the natural world from a luxurious tented camp.
Alaska
Alaska is a mind-blowing ecological wonderland, encompassing three distinct vegetation zones and bordering the Arctic Circle and three bodies of ocean. Though not a pampering destination, Alaska wows with spectacularly wild landscapes and diverse marine and wildlife, making it one of the world’s great adventure destinations. In short, a trip to Alaska is the adventure of a lifetime.
5. Patagonia
While everyone you know descends upon Jackson Hole, Provence and the Greek Islands, you can head to the southern hemisphere for a much more exclusive survey of another “bucket list” outdoor-centric destination—Patagonia. Whether you base yourself on the Argentine or Chilean side, you can spend your days here surrounded by bright-blue glacial lakes, plentiful wildlife and snow-capped peaks, while enjoying excursions like trekking, fly-fishing and horseback riding on a working estancia. While travelers to the Chilean side can make the Torres del Paine National Park their playground, guests on the Argentine side can extend their journey north for culinary- and culture-focused excursions in Bariloche and Mendoza.
Plus, the ski-obsessed can continue their winter season here—at a much better value. Says Indagare’s resident ski guru Abby Sandman, “For skiers and snowboarders facing withdrawal, come June, ski season is just kicking off in the southern hemisphere, with Chile and Argentina claiming the most popular ski mountains—including a couple of active volcanoes.”
It hit me on my second day in the Lake District that for those who seek a diverse range of wild places and no crowds, there may be no better place in the world to visit than Chile. We were hiking in a spectacular national park with volcanoes, lakes, 700-year-old monkey puzzle trees and lunar-like lava fields—and in six hours of hiking, we saw fewer than a dozen people. The next day on one of the country’s best rivers for white-water rafting, we paddled over Class 3 and 4 rapids without seeing other rafters. In Patagonia, I found myself in spectacular wilderness almost entirely alone. I thought of the crowds in U.S. national parks in recent years: more than 13 million visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024; almost five million head to the Grand Canyon annually, with car queues that can take two hours to even enter the park. And then there is Chile.”
Explore & Start Planning
Getting Remote in Patagonia
Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley shares highlights and discoveries from her time in the remote wilderness of Chilean Patagonia.
Awasi Patagonia
Sitting on a private reserve with view of Torres del Paine's snow-capped mountains, Awasi redefines luxury in Chilean Patagonia.
Argentina
No Latin American destination matches the drama of Argentina—be it the passionate tango or the highest peaks of the Andes rising from the flat plains. Having welcomed more European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries than any country in the world beside the United States, Argentina is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines and experiences. The language is Spanish, but the accent is Italian and the architecture is French. Here, highlights include, but are not limited to: vast Patagonia, the winelands of Mendoza and the cultural hub of Buenos Aires.
6. The Peruvian Andes & Atacama Desert
The summer is one of the most popular times to visit Peru’s Sacred Valley and Chile’s Atacama Desert, when the sun may be strong but high altitudes keep humidity low and the morning and evening temperatures cold. Both destinations can get more crowded during this period at top sites like Machu Picchu and the Atacama salt flats—but travelers will also be rewarded with some of the clearest skies for stargazing in the desert and the best hiking conditions along the Inca Trail. To avoid the crowds, we recommend planning an early- or late-summer trip, focusing on May or September, and including time in lesser-known places like the Colca Canyon.
There are still places in this world where time stands still, and you can step out of it—and the Atacama Desert is one of them. Bordered by the Andes mountains, at the point where Chile, Peru and Bolivia meet, it is one of the harshest environments on our planet, and precious few species have managed to take root here, resulting in vast, undisturbed expanses that stretch past the mind’s limits. The Atacama enjoys perfectly clear blue skies for 340 days out of the year, and some parts of the region do not receive rain for years on end. The landscapes seem to be pulled straight from a Dune set, in the highest definition, and mysterious creatures like vicuña and guanaco ignite the imagination as you weave through valleys with names like “Moon” and “Rainbow.” At one of the Atacama’s top attractions, the Tatio Geysers—the third-largest geothermal area in the world, after Yellowstone and Russia’s Dolina Geizerov—clouds of steam bubble and drift across a mirror of minerals that become kaleidoscopic in the morning light. On hiking trails, round, furry cacti seem to shape-shift under the beating sun into strange felines, golden and curled up at your feet. When the sun sets, the mountains transition through more shades of red, purple and orange than can be named. (In the Atacama, I finally understood the link between electronic music festivals and deserts. They’re a trip.) In the words of my guide Rodolfo: “Here we have an extreme life, a strange life and a beautiful life.” He said this as we were driving on the Ruta del Desierto, Atacama’s main highway that has just two lanes—one going in, and one going out.”
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Lunar Landscapes and Island Marvels
Senior editor Elizabeth Harvey reports back from a deep dive into Chile’s Indigenous cultures in some of the world’s most mystical and remote reaches: the Atacama Desert and Rapa Nui (otherwise known as Easter Island).
Indagare Matchmaker: Sacred Valley Hotels
Indagare's hotel matchmaker explains the best places to stay in the Sacred Valley in Peru, from the Belmond Rio Sagrado to Explora Sacred Valley.
Postcard from Peru
Trip designer Wellsley Lowther explores why Peru is just as much a destination for romance as for adventure.
7. The Himalayas
For an early- or late-summer “coolcation” that includes opportunities for spiritual exploration, long-distance trekking and cultural exchange, we recommend an itinerary that weaves through certain parts of the Himalayas, with stops in such destinations as Ladakh in northern India, the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, Tibet or Bhutan. A wide range of experiences are available here, from über-luxurious (yet still soulful) routes hosted by Aman or Six Senses to seriously remote explorations with opportunities for camping and village visits.
Note: Be sure to consult with your trip designer on the goals for your trip when planning summer travels to this region, as the weather can greatly influence your itinerary. For instance, in Bhutan, June is the beginning of the monsoon season, which can negatively impact hiking (May or September are preferable); however, travelers can take advantage of favorable rates and fewer visitors during this month. Reports Indagare editor Abby Sandman, “We were told by our on-the-ground partners that monsoon season isn't quite as problematic for summer travel as it sounds. It’s similar to the Caribbean’s rainy season, where it rains for perhaps an hour or two every day, but then it might be perfectly sunny. And then—similar to the experience of going on safari in the rainy season—the benefit is that the valleys are super green and beautiful. So for flexible travelers seeking the best views, summer in Bhutan can be a great option—just bring a raincoat!” Meanwhile, in other parts of the Himalayas, trails remain inaccessible until mid-June due to snow melt. Our team can match you with the dates and destinations that best suit your interests.
For as long as I can remember, the Himalayas have pulled at my imagination: the highest and most majestic mountain range on earth, formed by two continents crashing together, a spiritual home for seekers across the millennia. Ten years ago, when I heard about Shakti Himalaya, which offers the chance to live in rural villages in houses equipped with Western comforts, I thought, ‘There’s my way in.’ I set my sights on the Ladakh region of northern India, a high-altitude (10,000-plus feet) landscape of fierce contrasts, with jagged peaks and lunar desert cut through by rivers that make possible fertile green valleys and orchards. Because it has historically been inaccessible six months of the year, due to snow blocking the alpine passes, the region has been forced to develop total self-sufficiency and sustainability. This ancient culture is still very much alive. Ladakh is also a sanctuary and last refuge for Tibetan Buddhism, with whitewashed monasteries built into mountain tops and alpine passes marked by prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Amidst this impressive but unforgiving landscape, Shakti provides a lovely, gentle experience, balancing comfort and authenticity, along with the support of a full team: guides, drivers, a private chef.”
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Dancing with Dragons: Into Bhutan’s Five Main Valleys
Editor Abby Sandman surveys the five main valleys of Bhutan, including history and legends to know, what to do and planning tips.
Travel as a Spiritual Quest: A Journey to the Himalayas
For as long as I can remember, the Himalayas have pulled at my imagination: the highest and most majestic mountain range on earth, formed by two continents crashing together, a spiritual home for seekers across the millennia. Ten years ago, when I heard about Shakti Himalaya, which offers the chance to live in rural villages in houses equipped with Western comforts, I thought: there’s my way in.
Searching for Snow Leopards in the Himalayas
Indagare’s Director of Impact Colin Heinrich is just back from a journey through northern India where he searches for snow leopards, one of nature's rarest sights, on a transformative voyage in the Himalayas.
8. Mongolia
Wedged between Siberia and northern China, Mongolia is the world’s least densely populated country. It is one of the last remaining places on earth where certain landscapes truly feel empty—and temperatures in the summer range between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mongolia’s 3.2 million people proudly keep their ancient history and rich cultural traditions alive—and protect its unique natural charms, from the oldest national park on the planet to the extremely rare Bactrian camel. For a summer “coolcation,” we recommend venturing into the wilds of the steppes and deserts for an unforgettable discovery of a world that transcends time. Contact our team to request the details for our signature 10-night itinerary, which includes time at the member-favorite Three Camel Lodge. For an unforgettable cultural experience, be sure to plan your visit around the Naadam festival (taking place from July 11 to 15, this year). Mongolia’s most important national holiday, the festival highlights traditional sports like archery, wrestling and horsemanship; many other celebrations, like the Mongolian National Costume Festival and the Gobi Camel Festival, also take place during July and August.
Mongolia is one of those places, like Bhutan, Iceland or the Serengeti, where time stops and you feel a rapidly disappearing world is still alive and present. Supporting the destination [through travel]… is a small way of ensuring those intangible treasures stay with us for a couple of generations more.”
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Why Go Now: Mongolia | Just Back From an Insider Journey
Indagare's Diana Li is just back from hosting an Insider Journey to Mongolia. Here's why travelers should add Mongolia to their wish-list.
Three Camel Lodge
Located on the steppe of the South Gobi Desert, this unique 40-room camp is the most luxurious ger accommodation in Mongolia.
Mongolia
Mongolia is the world’s least-densely populated country wedged between Siberia and northern China. For a place with such a storied history and singular culture, the country feels wild and the vast majority is hauntingly empty. Mongolia is home to unique natural charms, from the oldest national park on the planet to the extremely rare Bactrian camel.
9. South Africa & Namibia
From May through September, the cooler temperatures and decreased vegetation of southern Africa’s dry season offer travelers exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities. For first-time safari-goers, South Africa’s Kruger National Park can be combined with hiking and food touring in Cape Town, plus pampering in the Winelands at a fabulous retreat like La Residence or Sterrekopje Farm. Travelers seeking what Indagare’s VP of Sales Elise Bronzo calls a “PhD-level safari” should set their sights on Namibia, where you can climb (and surf) sand dunes (like the infamous “Big Daddy”), participate in cross-cultural exchange with the semi-nomadic Himba people, search for desert-adapted lions, elephants and rhinos and spend every night gazing up into the sky upon millions of stars.
Long spans of open road rendered us silent with the exception of the occasional gasp as we rounded a corner and took in a new view. We tried making sense of the diverse topography, comparing Namibia’s red rock formations to the Grand Canyon and the golden rolling hills to the Isle of Skye. While most travelers consider Namibia to be a safari destination, it would be more accurately described as a wilderness destination suited to nature seekers who love places like Chile, Peru, New Zealand and the American West. For me, it ranks as one of the most humbling landscapes in the world.”
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Just Back From: A Road Trip Safari in Namibia
Indagare's Elise Bronzo shares what it's like to go on a self-drive road trip safari in Namibia.
La Residence
Originally designed as the private home of South African power couple Phil and Liz Biden, La Residence feels exquisitely personal.
Indagare Matchmaker: Best Safaris in Africa
Looking for the best safari in Africa? Indagare's matchmaker picks the best place for safari in Africa for every type of traveler.
10. Australia & New Zealand
Down under, it’s the winter season from June to August—which means that the climate is quite pleasant and well-suited to a cooler summer getaway. Travelers to Australia can still take advantage of surfing and swimming, especially earlier in the season, and those seeking snow can go heli-skiing on the peaks of New Zealand’s South Island.
Australia is vast, and itinerary options are abundant. (The notion that this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip is misguided, as you could not possibly cover everything of interest in a single visit; even after two weeks in country, I spent the long flight home reviewing all of the places I’d have to come back for—like Perth and the Margaret River, Lord Howe Island and all of Tasmania.) For a first exploration, we typically recommend spending 10 to 14 days (minimum), split between Sydney (and Melbourne, if possible), Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef—with a few nights at a wilderness resort like Lizard Island, Qualia, Longitude 131, Saffire Freycinet or Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. When I traveled to Australia in June 2023, I focused on the southeastern corner, exploring destinations both iconic and off the beaten path in the states of New South Wales and South Australia—which is also a wonderful region for agrotourism and wine tasting.”
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Journey to the Land Down Under: Just Back From Australia
Elizabeth Harvey is just back from Australia, exploring Sydney, Adelaide, the Outback and top wine regions. Get her report on why to go now.
A Hiking Sojourn in New Zealand
Indagare COO Eliza Harris reports on her immersive trip to New Zealand’s South Island.
Hotel Legends: James and Hayley Baillie of Australia's Southern Ocean Lodge
James and Hayley Baillie are the creators of Baillie Lodges, a remarkable collection of seven luxury hotels located in diverse locations around the globe…from Australia’s last frontier to the wild west coast of Canada to the serene landscapes of New Zealand. Their journey began in 2003 when the husband and wife duo opened Lord Howe Island’s Capella Lodge. From these roots grew a portfolio centered in the spirit of generosity where guests feel instantly at home. And this year, two decades later, Baillie Lodges celebrates its 20th anniversary where the brand continues to redefine the meaning of nature based tourism.
Southern Ocean Lodge is the focus of Melissa’s conversation with James and Hayley in today’s episode. Known as the flagship of the portfolio, the property opened in 2008 and quickly emerged as an architectural “pin up” on the remote southwest coast of Kangaroo Island…the lodge is set against the untamed ocean and towering cliffs, an area known as the Galapagos of Australia. The Southern Ocean Lodge story, however, took a turn in 2020 when the original property burned down in the Kangaroo Island wildfires that devastated the island and also swept across mainland Australia in the same year. Yet, from this difficult moment arose an opportunity for rebirth, a chance for James and Hayley to reimagine and rebuild with careful attention to detail honoring the super lodge’s legacy.
In today’s episode, the Baillies share their journey with Melissa, one of passion for nature, sustainability, and premier hospitality. The new Southern Ocean Lodge, which opened on December 6th this year, combines its renowned contemporary design with wilderness and relaxed luxury featuring a view that James describes as just “like a moving painting.” The lodge now holds the largest privately-owned renewable energy system of any Australian hotel, which is just one of the ways the lodge gives back to the environment that it inhabits. The couple’s commitment also extends beyond their portfolio, fostering community partnerships with special local offerings which James and Hayley detail in today’s episode. Tune in to hear the Baillie’s story of resilience and dedication to preserving the natural world that inspires them.
Lighting Round with James and Hayley:
- Favorite view at Southern Ocean Lodge? We love the view from the new Osprey Suite. It’s the suite at the very end of the line of guest suites, and is both very expansive with panoramic views and completely private for guests. The plunge pool and terrace on the lounge offer a chance to guests to really feel at one with this spectacular, wild landscape.
- Favorite meal at Southern Ocean Lodge? There’s an abundance of fresh seafood on Kangaroo Island so we usually opt for these dishes that pair oysters, fresh fish and shellfish with local ingredients for a real taste of Kangaroo Island. Some local favourites are King George Whiting and also the marron – or freshwater crayfish – that are sustainably farmed by a couple of local producers, one of them Scott Wilson who also created our 125-metre limestone feature wall that’s the backbone of the lodge.
- Most memorable wildlife encounter? There are so many incredible wildlife encounters on Kangaroo Island it’s impossible to name just one! I’m always in awe when I see a kestrel hovering on the ocean air currents outside the lodge, or seeing the Osprey with her chicks in her nest along the Coastal Cliff Top Walk. Seeing sea lion pups seeking out their mums at Seal Bay is always heartwarming and in mating season we sometimes spot an echidna train as the males court their would-be mate.
- Best season to visit Kangaroo Island? We love the winter, when the Southern Ocean is at its most dramatic and makes for great viewing from the warmth of the Great Room, set in front of the suspended open fireplace with a glass of fine South Australian red wine
- Favorite activity on Kangaroo Island? We love the hikes – especially along a section of the KI Wilderness Trail that stretches from the Remarkable Rocks along the coastline, past Cape Younghusband to Southern Ocean Lodge. It’s a half day walk and with lunch enjoyed along the way it’s a wonderful way to experience the island’s rugged wilderness and stretch your legs!
- Favorite Australian phrase? She’ll be right, mate!
11. The Arctic
For a “coolcation” that’s truly ice-cold, the Arctic is best visited between June and September, when the temperatures are mild, wildflowers bloom across the tundra and the chances for sighting polar bears, walruses, whales, seabirds and other endemic species are strongest. Indagare partners with sustainability-oriented expedition yachts like Quark’s Ultramarine and Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot to venture responsibly to places like Svalbard, Greenland and the Northwest Passage; contact your trip designer to explore upcoming departures.
There is a real risk that polar bears in the region will become extinct within 50 years. This is one of those stats that gets rattled off in seemingly every nature documentary that comes out nowadays. But it’s all too easy to ignore it and become habituated to the idea of the polar bear as some kind of National Geographic prop for fundraising efforts. But these are intelligent, living creatures. They exist in a land of wild beauty: as dots on a horizon of ice, occasionally dipping into the water and occasionally playing in the snow like dogs. Seeing them in their natural environment (and not plunging into a pool at the San Diego Zoo) affords one a sudden sense of stewardship towards their safekeeping that I haven’t experienced since seeing gorillas in the mountains of Rwanda. For me, Svalbard was the ‘Final Frontier,’ a place I couldn’t hope to go beyond. But for these incredible animals, it was simply home, and how lucky was I to be able to see it.”
Explore & Start Planning
Just Back from Oslo and Svalbard: The Final Frontier
Svalbard is a rugged archipelago most famous for polar bears. Indagare's Colin Heinrich reports on his trip to its 'final frontier.'
What It’s Like to Go to the North Pole on a Luxury Icebreaker
18 Days. 10 polar bears. A lot of Champagne. Indagare editor Peter Schlesinger reports on his journey to the top of the world on Le Commandant Charcot.
Octola
Octola is an exclusive private wilderness retreat concept in Finnish Lapland, featuring two distinct destinations; Octola I and Octola II. Set within their own 700 hectares (1,730 acres) of private wilderness, both locations offer discerning travelers complete seclusion, full buyout privacy, Michelin-level dining and once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experiences. At this wilderness hideaway, adventure and relaxation exist in equal measure.
Octola I and II welcome guests into their own private estate, surrounded by near-silent boreal forests, untouched snowfields and panoramic views of the Arctic horizon. The locations offer the rarest natural luxuries: near-total silence, uninterrupted serenity and some of the world’s most spectacular aurora borealis displays—visible over 200 nights a year. Accessible only by private transfer, the retreat remains completely off-grid, ensuring absolute seclusion.
There is also a sauna, a wellness center and rustically designed common spaces to be enjoyed when not partaking in Arctic expeditions like snowshoeing, ice skating and husky sledging. Since Octola is open year round, the activities will vary by season, and summertime visits will also mean 24-hour daylight, otherwise known as the midnight sun.
Full Indagare review coming soon.
Book hotels online with our perks for a summer “coolcation”—or upgrade your membership to work with a dedicated trip designer. Contact our team to get started.
Updated onApril 4, 2025
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