These luxury travel destinations can help you enjoy serene outdoor experiences, iconic cultural heritage sites, and comfortable accommodations, for a perfect summer trip. The following places allow you to enjoy beaches, mountains and bustling cities.
Giacomo and Stefania Montegazza welcome guests arriving by boat to their villa, La Cassinella, the … (+)
Italy
Travel to Europe continues to be one of the most popular destinations post-pandemic, with Italy ticking many boxes on the travel checklist. Italy offers something for almost everyone, which is why travelers flock there every year.
For example, Rome is a great starting point for exploring the monuments of the ancient Roman Empire that have stood the test of time, the magnificent Catholic cathedrals and the priceless works of art in the Vatican Museums.
The Amalfi Coast and Venetian Riviera, renowned for their exclusivity, are prime choices for luxury travel. These destinations offer all-inclusive beachfront resorts, charming small towns to explore, and a culinary scene that invites you to experience la dolce vita in the most luxurious way.
Florence and Milan are also worth a visit for art and architecture lovers. These cities are home to renowned works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci respectively. High-end buyers will want to visit Milan. Meanwhile, those looking for a nature getaway can relish a stay in Lake Como or Tuscany.
It is also possible to explore the country with small group tours and Mediterranean cruises to gain a different perspective of this charming nation.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has several all-inclusive resorts and luxury hotels with pristine sand and clear water. The adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and the family-only Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana are two of the most popular options.
Tortuga Bay Resort Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club, Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, and Excellence Punta Cana are three lodging locations that are popular with travelers who aren't necessarily loyal to the World of Hyatt rewards program.
The resort area offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun, go snorkeling, and enjoy one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Other unique activities include snorkeling in Laguna Bavaro, boating to Saona Island, visiting the free-roaming Monkeyland primate sanctuary, and a brief hike to the Hoyo Claro underwater lagoon.
Japan
Japan is in a prime spot for luxury travel this summer as its currency, the yen, is at a multi-decade low against the dollar. As a result, American tourists have considerable purchasing power that makes travel to the Far East very affordable and makes living in luxury more feasible.
Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo are great places to enjoy ancient and modern Japan in one fell swoop. In many cases, Kyoto offers the most historic Japanese experience to escape the big city atmosphere.
When visiting rural areas, considering staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan with a spirit of luxury can help you create unique memories that are not available at a standard Western resort or luxury hotel. The oldest ryokan dates back 1,300 years and offers amenities such as two freshly prepared meals daily, access to natural hot springs, and the opportunity to interact with local artisans and businesses.
Secluded beach destinations and luxury cruise packages are easy to overlook, but their demand is growing. Plus, the country's reliable high-speed rail system makes it easy to visit multiple cities if you want to visit multiple destinations.
Argentina
Buenos Aires is an enriching luxury destination and is considered the “Paris of South America”. Similar to Japan, it is also relatively cheap to visit Argentina at present. This country and its capital are famous for their good food, tasty wines, beautiful architecture, tango music and many natural wonders ideal for sightseeing.
Although many travel to the Argentine capital, several other destinations naturally lend themselves to luxury experiences.
Firstly, Mendoza is nestled near the Chilean border and is home to Argentina's wine region. The northeast of the country is home to the famous Iguazu Falls, which has 275 waterfalls.
Other possibilities include a cruise to Antarctica, exploring Cape Horn or the Perito Moreno Glacier, and exploring the diverse climate and terrain of Patagonia. All of these options are ideal for nature lovers.
As is the case in the Southern Hemisphere, June to August is actually the country's cool climate season, while summer is hot north of the equator. This may be a good time to escape the heat of home.
Hawaii
Hawaii is for many the ultimate tropical paradise with its year-round pleasant climate, range of activities and luxurious places to stay. Fortunately, the summer months tend to be the least rainy, increasing the chances of enjoying idyllic weather.
The various islands are open for tourism, although parts of Maui remain closed or have limited availability as local communities continue to recover from the tragic Lahaina fires in August 2023.
Waikiki on Oahu has plenty of availability at several five-star resorts. This neighborhood is near Diamond Head State Monument, which offers breathtaking views and easy access to other tourist activities, including a visit to Honolulu.
While luxury stays are available on the various Hawaiian islands and major cities, the small island of Lana'i is best for privacy. Lana'i has an estimated local population of 3,000 and is home to two five-star Four Seasons resorts. This remote destination offers backcountry hikes, 4×4 driving experiences, dolphin cruises and the chance to interact with locals.
Final Thoughts
Adding these luxury destinations to the summer schedule can help travelers prepare for trips that offer extraordinary experiences. Each offers plenty of activities to explore, and it's easy to rest and dine comfortably regardless of travel style.
