Some summers call for the classics. Others call for a new pin on the map. For luxury travelers, the destination matters, but the experience matters more: a hotel that gets everything right, a pace that feels effortless, and a few unforgettable moments that could only happen there.
Each destination below offers a distinct version of summer luxury, with one common thread: exceptional settings, standout hospitality, and experiences worth crossing oceans for.
Quick Take
If you want summer that feels elevated, not overcrowded, start here:
Ischia for thermal wellness and quiet Italian island glamour
The Dolomites for alpine scenery with five-star comfort
South Africa for a best-in-class safari paired with Cape Town and the Winelands
Croatia for Adriatic island-hopping with yacht culture and rising luxury
Japan for meticulous service, cultural depth, and cities that redefine modern luxury
Ischia: Italy's Thermal Paradise
While neighboring Capri draws the spotlight, Ischia remains a more discreet Italian icon: a volcanic island where thermal springs have attracted those in the know for centuries. It’s the kind of place where sophisticated travelers truly unwind, trading crowds for tranquility without sacrificing luxury.
Ischia’s signature is world-class wellness with authentic island life. Naturally heated waters feed thermal gardens and spa properties, while restaurants deliver refined Mediterranean dining rooted in local ingredients. Privacy comes easily here, with secluded coves, intimate hotels, and a slower rhythm that makes real rest possible.
Best for: Wellness-focused travelers, couples seeking a romantic Mediterranean escape, families who want downtime, and travelers who love Italian culture without the intensity of more crowded islands.
Ideal length of stay: 4–5 nights to sample multiple thermal experiences, explore the island’s different corners, and settle into the restorative pace.
The Dolomites: Alpine Majesty Meets Italian Elegance
Summer is when the Dolomites show off. Meadows bloom, valleys open up for hiking and cycling, and mountain rifugios become perfect stops for local cheese, speck, and regional wines. Cortina d’Ampezzo adds polish with shopping and dining, while valleys like Val Gardena bring a quieter, more authentic mountain feel.
This region’s charm is its blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin influences, paired with luxury hotels that take wellness seriously: beautiful spas, thoughtful design, and dramatic mountain backdrops that make even “doing nothing” feel cinematic.
Best for: Active travelers who want adventure without compromising comfort, food lovers, couples who want a romantic alpine setting, and families seeking a sophisticated mountain summer.
Ideal length of stay: 5–7 nights to explore multiple valleys, mix in hikes or via ferrata, enjoy standout dining, and actually use the spa.
South Africa: Where Safari Meets Sophistication
Few places deliver this much variety in one trip. South Africa pairs world-class safari with coastal scenery, award-winning vineyards, and cities with serious style, all tied together by warm, confident hospitality.
On safari, private reserves like Sabi Sands and Singita set a high bar for exclusivity and service. Think plunge pools overlooking the bush, outdoor showers under the stars, and ranger-led game drives designed around privacy and high-touch guiding.
Beyond the bush, Cape Town brings a striking mix of natural beauty and cosmopolitan energy, with the Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl) offering estate stays, tastings, and dining that can hold their own on any global luxury itinerary.
Best for: Big Five seekers who want five-star comfort, wine lovers, travelers who want range (wildlife + city + vineyards), families that are ready for a big adventure and clients looking for exceptional luxury value.
Ideal length of stay: 9–11 nights, ideally 4–5 nights on safari, 3–4 nights in Cape Town/Winelands, plus optional time to add a scenic extension.
Croatia: The Adriatic's Hidden Gem
Croatia has evolved from a secret to a headline destination, yet it still delivers something rare in the Mediterranean: a sense of discovery with genuine character. Along the Dalmatian Coast, medieval architecture and cinematic seascapes create a naturally luxurious setting that feels both storied and fresh.
The coastline can rival Italy and Greece, but often with more room to explore. Private yacht charters make island-hopping effortless, and the luxury landscape continues to rise. For travelers who want variety without unpacking daily, small-ship luxury cruising offers an elegant way to see multiple ports while keeping comfort front and center.
Best for: Yacht lovers and island-hoppers, history enthusiasts who want refined stays in atmospheric places, food and wine travelers exploring emerging regions, and clients who want Mediterranean beauty with a more curated feel.
Ideal length of stay: 7–10 nights, often built as Dubrovnik + an island stay (like Hvar), with optional additions (Istria wine country or a luxury coastal cruise).
Japan: Where Ancient Tradition Meets Modern Luxury
Japan operates on a different level when it comes to service and attention to detail. Summer brings festivals, fireworks, and a lushness to the countryside, creating experiences that connect travelers to traditions stretching back centuries, all while enjoying comfort and sophistication that’s distinctly contemporary. If you’re shaping a first trip, Japan’s top destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone is a helpful starting point for building the right route and rhythm.
Tokyo demonstrates what a modern luxury city should be. Private guides lead curated experiences, from behind-the-scenes cultural access to evenings designed around the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Hotels like Aman Tokyo bring urban sanctuary to new heights, with design that honors Japanese aesthetics while providing every modern luxury.
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, reveals itself slowly. Narrow streets in Gion lead to kaiseki restaurants where meals become multi-course works of art. Private tea experiences offer a window into Japanese philosophy. Luxury ryokans provide something you can’t replicate elsewhere: tatami rooms, kaiseki dinners, and onsen bathing fed by natural hot springs.
Best for: Cultural travelers seeking deep immersion, food enthusiasts exploring the world's finest cuisine (Japan holds the most Michelin stars globally), those who appreciate meticulous service and attention to detail, and anyone wanting to experience a culture entirely different from Western norms while maintaining five-star comfort.
Ideal length of stay: 9-11 nights for a comprehensive first visit: 3-4 nights in Tokyo, 4 nights in Kyoto with day trips, 2-3 nights in mountain regions or onsen towns, plus time for additional
Planning the Perfect Summer Escape
These destinations are designed to spark new ideas without asking luxury travelers to compromise. Each one delivers a distinct version of summer, anchored by excellent hotels and experiences that feel personal, seamless, and worth the flight.
The key to maximizing any of these lies in working with a travel advisor who will recommend the hotel stay that will fit you the best, will open doors to private tours and give you access to private experiences that can only be unlocked with the connections of an advisor.
It's time to explore new destinations and we're here to help you. Contact a KJ TRAVEL advisor and start planning your summer.
