11 Summer Vacation Ideas

Summer is just around the corner, and the promise of longer, warmer, sun-filled days has the Indagare community buzzing with anticipation for much-needed getaways. Whether you're looking to plan a long weekend close to home, an extended trip to a family-friendly resort or an adventure further afield to top locales in Europe, Asia and beyond, these are a few of our favorite summer vacation ideas, offering fantastic hotels and cuisine, engaging experiences and much more.

Fresh lobster rolls, colonial cottages, sea breezes at sunset: there is a certain magic about summer on the East Coast. Whether you prefer the beach or the country—or a mix of the two—the Northeast has it all for families, friends and couples alike who are looking to keep it simple. From the Hamptons and Fishers Island to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Maine, these points East work for long weekend getaways as well as extended escapes filled with access to quiet beaches and hiking trails, charming restaurants, buzzy outdoor watering holes and historic town centers with artisan boutiques and art scenes. A few of our favorite properties to stay at include: Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; Migis Lodge at Sebago Lake and White Barn Inn, Auberge Collection in Maine; Greydon House on Nantucket; Troutbeck in Hudson Valley, New York; and Twin Farms in Vermont.

If you're craving adventure without crossing borders, consider booking a wild dude ranch escape in Montana, Wyoming, Utah or Colorado. Our favorite properties—like the The Ranch at Rock Creek, Amangani, Paws Up Montana, Taylor River Lodge and the The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection—offer standalone cabin accommodations ideal for privacy; exceptional outdoor activities (with top options including horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, clay shooting, archery, kayaking, ATV touring and biking); and access to some of our finest national parks for off-road exploration, including Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Teton National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

For an out west escape that prioritizes contemporary design and cuisine, don't miss the Paws Up sister property Green O, a sophisticated, adults-only retreat located in Montana’s remote Greenough township, on the southern edge of the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch. The property features 12 design-minded, freestanding “hauses,” a seasonal dining concept, a nature-focused spa and access to 100-plus miles of trails for hiking and riding, as well as 10 miles of the Blackfoot River.

Havens for contemporary design, New Nordic cuisine and gallery hopping—as well as hiking, glamping, birding and boating through miles of untouched forests and coastline—Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland are the ideal destinations for a sophisticated summer itinerary focused on culture, beauty and adventure, with endless sun and cooler temperatures. Combine several nights in stylish cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki (while based at a fantastic hotel like the recently-expanded Ett Hem, Hotel D’Angleterre, Nimb Hotel, the Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Sommerro, Hotel St. George or the new Hotel Maria) with excursions off the beaten path. Top options include a short flight north to the Sápmi region or Faroe Islands for Arctic visions and immersion in nature; a journey through Norway’s dramatic fjords and along its rugged coastline (with highlights including cruising the Geirangerfjord or exploring the Lofoten Islands); a private charter to explore Skåne and the Bjäre Peninsula in the south of Sweden (where visitors cannot miss the Wanas hotel, which brings together cutting-edge art, design and cuisine within an idyllic estate); a laidback coastal escape in one of Denmark's many hidden-gem beach towns (did you know that Denmark is home to 240 Blue Flag beaches—meaning some of the cleanest and most environmentally-protected waters in Europe?); and drives to charming towns like Gothenburg or Porvoo and Turku. Choose one country to focus on or craft an adventurous multi-stop itinerary crossing borders by train or private yacht charter.

The artsy, surfer towns of the southern Iberian Peninsula and the Balearics are having a moment thanks to some seriously stylish hotel openings in recent years.

On the tiny island of Formentera in Spain, a sister property to Mallorca stunner Cap Rocat arrived in May 2024: a 45-room boutique hotel on the white-sand beach of Migjorn named Dunas de Formentera. (The portfolio also includes Gecko, one of the island’s top beach clubs.) Antonio Obrador, who designed Cap Rocat, has created a boho-chic refuge swathed in local textures and natural light. There is also a seaside restaurant serving open-fire Mediterranean cooking, with a pool lounge.

In the Mallorcan village of Puigpunyent (a 15-minute drive from Palma), at the foot of UNESCO World Heritage Site Sierra de Tramuntana, the sister property to Andalucía resort Finca Cortesin—Grand Hotel Son Net—opened in 2023 within a restored 17th-century manor house, redesigned by Lorenzo Castillo (and preserving atmospheric details like an inner courtyard, a spring-fed well, a chapel and antique fireplaces). Guests can enjoy 31 suites and sprawling grounds—including flower, vegetable and herb gardens, organic orchards and a Malvasia vineyard, as well as a small farm. Other amenities include a wellness center with an indoor saltwater pool and thermal circuit, as well as an outdoor pool, and two restaurants and a cocktail bar. And just a 40-minute drive away, a new hotel from Sir Richard Branson—Son Bunyola—sits within a restored 15th-century estate. Of particular interest here are the three private villas (in addition to the 28-room manor house), for the ultimate private hideaway.

This summer on Mallorca, the boutique property Gran Hotel Margalida and a sprawling Mandarin Oriental resort are the headliners; plus, Vestige Collection is coming to Formentera.

In the Portuguese town of Melides, we're still excited about the first hotel from fashion designer Christian Louboutin (and designer Philippe Starck also owns a home nearby). The boutique 13-room property is said to have been inspired by the signature red of Louboutin heels—but the aesthetic seems more oriented towards whimsy and warmth than high drama (expect frescoes, antique furniture, painted murals, traditional azulejo tiles and carved wood accents). The Xtian restaurant, focused on Portuguese cuisine, and gilded Vermelho Bar are influential additions to the region's growing food scene. This coming summer, Louboutin is expected to launch a small sister property nearby—Vermelho Lagoa—fronting the Melides lagoon. Other Portuguese arrivals of note include Na Praia, a beachy retreat just outside of Comporta, and a Standard hotel in Lisbon, within the Palácio Santa Clara in Alfama.

In a country that is becoming increasingly overrun, it is hard for travelers to find a corner of Italy that still feels like a secret—but the southern island of Ischia, which sits just an hour’s ferry ride west of Naples, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, has retained a sense of untouched magic. This small volcanic island offers the same delicious food and wine, romantic vistas and cerulean blue waters that can be found on the Amalfi Coast, without the crowds of tourists (though Ischia has long been a summer destination of choice both for stylish Italians and international figures of interest, from Truman Capote and Elizabeth Taylor to Angela Merkel—as well as readers of Elena Ferrante). This more relaxed vibe is also drawing wellness-seekers (as it did in ancient times), who come to soak in the island’s natural thermal hot springs. To enjoy Ischia's earthen glories—and a splash of dolce vita glam—an Indagare favorite is the historic Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, which was renovated by Hotel Il Pellicano’s hospitality and design darling Marie-Louise Sciò. Prior to Sciò's stewardship, the property played home to poet Luigi Patalano (in the '30s) and director Luchino Visconti (in the '50s), and its alluring visual drama continues to intoxicate—but now with the gentle blush of Sciò's peachy beach umbrellas, printed china plates and linen textiles.

Nearby, on the Italian island of Sardinia, new development is transforming the historically glamorous Costa Smeralda for further exploration, starting with the reopening of the historic Romazzino hotel (founded by the Aga Khan IV in 1964) after a renovation by Belmond. On the opposite side of the island, Le Dune Piscinas is now welcoming guests to the Costa Verde after a three-year renovation, for those who want an unadulterated taste of Sardinia. In contrast to the jet-set vibe of Smeralda, the terrain here is more wild, with ancient groves of strawberry and juniper trees giving way to sand dunes and rocky coastlines—and the surfing is particularly good—but a dining experience by chef Fabio Ciervo, who earned a Michelin star during his tenure at the Hotel Eden in Rome, promises a taste of indulgence. Later this year, Rocco Forte will open a Patricia Urquiola-designed resort on the bay of Liscia di Vacca in Porto Cervo, amid a lush setting of palm trees, white sand and flower gardens. Mandarin Oriental will also establish a resort nearby, hidden within a forested hillside overlooking the Gulf of Pevero, with a trail providing access down to a private beach. Also in 2026, the Hotel Pitrizza will be unveiled as a Cheval Blanc property, the portfolio’s first in Italy, after extensive renovations.

Indagare Intel: Just in time for summer, Delta is adding sun-soaked Mediterranean isles to its nonstop roster: direct flights from New York's JFK to Sardinia, Italy begin May 20, followed by Valletta, Malta on June 7.

Since being named Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2018, Malta—a tiny archipelago nation rising out of the sea between Sicily and the North African coast—boasts medieval towns and storied harbors that have lately been drawing artists, chefs, winemakers and entrepreneurs, who've imbued the island with fresh energy and innovation. This off-the-beaten-path treasure is equal parts delightful and historical for a balanced summer vacation. Says local insider Sophie Edwards, "Malta is a lively island with so much to offer, but for us, the magic lies in the unspoiled, hidden places, swimming in the deep sea off the rocks, having picnics in quiet spots and soaking in the island’s rich culture. The architecture is endlessly inspiring, and the village festas in summer are always a highlight.”

The archipelago has wanted for high-end hotel options to cater to discerning travelers—but that will soon change with the May arrival of Casa Bonavita, a family home turned boutique hotel just 20 minutes from Valletta. The 18th-century house—formerly occupied by Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, creators of The Rug Company and now first-time hoteliers—was renovated over five years to become guest-ready, with 17 rooms (many with their own outdoor spaces), as well as gardens, two swimming pools and a spa with a hammam, cold plunge, sauna and gym.

Polished and buzzing with that uniquely Swiss sense of controlled style and energy, Zurich is an unexpectedly charming European city for a summer getaway. Zurich is spread out and bright with greenery and aqua water sources, keeping temperatures bearable and the air fresh. The city's hotels are perky and boutique-chic, with top choices including the Widder (whose street-facing restaurant is a must for people-watching over lunch or an aperitif) and La Réserve Eden au Lac, which was reconstructed by Philippe Starck and reopened in 2020 (for those who prefer more of a grande-dame vibe, The Dolder Grand, Mandarin Oriental Savoy and Baur au Lac are the top choices). While there is something to be said for simply soaking in the scenery, any itinerary for a summer vacation to Zurich should feature time exploring the city's vibrant art and design scenes. From June 12–14, the Zurich Art Weekend festival features public contemporary art exhibitions and events at over 62 venues—while an extension to the Kunsthaus Museum by David Chipperfield warrants a first or return visit to what is now the largest art museum in Switzerland.

Beyond the city, Switzerland’s countryside delivers some of Europe’s most cinematic summer landscapes—emerald valleys, glacial lakes and storybook Alpine villages—all easily accessed by the country’s seamless railway network. The Engadin Valley remains a perennial favorite for its high-altitude light and pristine hiking trails, with standout stays including Badrutt's Palace Hotel and the sleek, design-forward Kulm Hotel. In the Bernese Oberland, travelers can base themselves in Gstaad or near Interlaken for access to the Jungfrau region, where iconic peaks and waterfalls define the experience; The Alpina Gstaad continues to set the standard for contemporary Alpine luxury, while historic grande dames like the Victoria-jungfrau Hotel & Spa offer a more classic resort feel.

Plus: As a major hub for international flights (and railways), Switzerland pairs beautifully with other countryside escapes like the northern Italian lakes Como and Garda or the Bavarian or Austrian Alps, for a well-rounded summer vacation. A few favorite properties we recommend: Schloss Elmau, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli, Villa d'Este and Passalacqua.

For a riviera getaway with the glamour quotient of Capri, St. Tropez or Mykonos, but a bit more intrigue (and fewer crowds), Bodrum is a favorite Aegean escape for the Mediterranean and European set (with a lovely shoulder season stretching into early fall). There's no shortage of glitzy beach clubs and nightlife for those seeking them—along with luxury hotels from such brands as Aman, Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental and EDITION—but there's also soul and deeply historical sites (the city of Ephesus, whose Temple of Artemis was one of the ancient world’s seven wonders, is just a few hours' drive away—while the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, also a wonder of the ancient world, is right in Bodrum proper). And in this place where the contemporary meets the epic, travelers can enjoy Turkey's many cultural enchantments at a more leisurely pace: freshly blended hummus drizzled in pressed olive oil, and the stickiness of a plate of figs and honey; the wafting scent of eucalyptus carried on the steam of the hammam; the thick, velvety fibers of kilim rugs and glossy tiles in the souks; the eternally yearning call to prayer—and the electrifying realization, every now and then, that you're walking in the footsteps of legend and myth.

Beyond Bodrum, the Turkish Riviera unfolds along a spectacular stretch of coastline where pine-clad hills meet crystal-clear water, revealing a more nuanced vision of the Mediterranean. To the west, the Datça Peninsula remains under the radar, with rugged landscapes and quiet coves that appeal to those seeking privacy and authenticity; new boutique hotels and design-forward villas are beginning to emerge here, while the ancient ruins of Knidos offer a cultural counterpoint to days spent at sea. Further east, the Fethiye region and the Turquoise Coast are defined by dramatic scenery, from the lagoon at Ölüdeniz to hidden bays accessible only by boat and the Lycian Way, one of the world’s most scenic long-distance hiking routes.

The ultimate destination for a picture-perfect safari, Botswana is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife-viewing in Africa—and according to Indagare's resident safari expert, Rose Taylor, "The winter months—which take place during our summer in the States—are the best for the most prolific wildlife-viewing." Adventurous travelers opting for bush over beach can spend their days with expert local guides in 4x4s and mokoro canoes searching for lions, elephants, hippos, leopards, wild dogs and hundreds of species of birds—all while enjoying awe-inspiring scenery, communion with Mother Earth and plenty of pampering at design-forward lodges like Xigera and Duke's Camp, and freshly renovated favorites like Wilderness DumaTau and Jack’s Camp—or classics like Wilderness Mombo, Great Plains Selinda Camp and Great Plains Zarafa Camp.

Plus: Those hoping to witness the incredible movement of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, impala—and their predators on their heels—across the Serengeti-Mara, known as the Great Migration, have wonderful chances to experience it in Tanzania in June and July—and then in Kenya in August. One of the latest villa offerings within Singita’s Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania, Milele—which means “forever” in Swahili—offers five suites, an infinity pool and two master suite hot tubs overlooking the Grumeti landscape—while in Kenya, the new luxury lodge Angama Amboseli sits on a centuries-old migratory path between Amboseli National Park and the Chyulu Hills and provides one-of-a-kind opportunities to see the endangered Super Tusker elephants (fewer than 20 of these elephants are believed to be left in the world—and their tusks weigh more than 100 pounds each). The 10-suite camp's communal pool is outfitted with a drinking trough to attract encounters up close—with views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Dereck and Beverly Joubert's Great Plains Conservation group has also added a new-ish camp to its collection in Kenya's Mara North Conservancy and the Maasai Mara Reserve (which currently includes Mara Plains, Mara Nyika and Mara Expedition Camp). To creatively address annual flooding that happens in their existing Toto campsite, the redesigned lodge now features four treehouse-style suites—offering adventurous travelers a unique perspective over one of Africa's most iconic safari landscapes.

Mongolia is the world's least-densely populated country, wedged between Siberia and northern China. It is one of the last remaining places on earth where the silence and emptiness of the landscapes around you truly fill your soul. Still, 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. This East Asian nation is best enjoyed during the summer, when the weather is quite similar to that of the American West (including snowfall in the mountain regions). Indagare's Diana Li led a group of Indagare travelers to Mongolia and said of the experience: "We hiked the Flaming Cliffs, where the 80-million-year-old Protoceratops dinosaur eggs were first found 100 years ago. As we enjoyed our Mongolian vodka sundowners, we observed nature's entertainment at its best: herds of sheep and goat grazing across the grasslands beneath the cliffs just as dark storm clouds rolled in, contrasting with the glowing red cliffs. From here we moved to the Altai Mountains. Over the next three days, we not only bonded with each other, but we spent time with two Kazakh families, who welcomed us warmly. In fact, when many nomadic families tend to livestock far away, they'll leave their yurts unlocked and tables filled with a spread of curds for wanderers in need." (Read more about the trip here.)

This nation of more than a thousand tiny islands contains a water world to satisfy the tropical fantasies of surfers, scuba divers, beach lovers and honeymooners. For an extended summer vacation that is truly far-flung—with five-star service and amenities—escape to one of the many luxurious overwater bungalows and beachfront villas available at properties like One&Only Reethi Rah. The biggest island resort in the Maldives and arguably its most indulgent, this One&Only property has been raising the bar for celebrities and loyal repeaters every year since it opened in 2005. A Rolls-Royce of a beach hotel, Reethi Rah offers 109 acres and has six kilometers of white-sand coastline and a lush, tropical interior. Guests are whisked through tunnels of tropical greenery on golf carts to their private villas, where butlers manage their stay. Amongst the 130 villas are 32 overwater villas and a variety of beach villas. Plus: The state-of-the-art Marine Center has a resident marine biologist as well as scuba instructors and cruises to see sharks, whales, dolphins and manta rays—and there are seven restaurants on the island.

In 2024, in the Maldives' most remote atoll, celebrated Southeast Asia sustainability and wellness brand Soneva launched a new resort concept thirty years in the making: Soneva Secret. The first Soneva Secret property features 14 sprawling beach and overwater villas, including lagoon villas accessible only by boat, and the Castaway, the first floating villa in the Maldives. The experience is completely oriented around privacy, access and personalization—and each villa includes the bespoke services of your own "Barefoot Guardian" and "Barefoot Assistant." Each guest will also enjoy a personal chef for the duration of their stay, who can craft dining experiences exactly to your tastes—to be enjoyed in the comfort of your villa or in secret spots around the island. In addition to a custom program of yoga, fitness and spa experiences (which can be enjoyed in your villa's dedicated wellness space), guests can spend time exploring the atoll, with activities like picnics on hidden shores, snorkeling with a marine biologist, sunset cruising over pods of dolphins and whale sharks, or guided astronomy sessions in your villa (each is outfitted with a sliding roof for star-gazing). In short—all can be designed to your liking.