Chasing Cooler Days: Our Picks for Last-Minute Luxury Summer Escapes to Beat the Heat

There’s nothing quite like that first wave of real summer heat, the kind that makes you long for shade, sea breezes, or cool mountain mornings. If you're ready to swap that heat for fresh air and a slower pace, this is your list. These cool(er) weather luxury destinations are close enough for a spontaneous summer getaway, but far enough to feel like a full reset. These are the escapes our travel advisors are recommending when five-star comfort and cooler temps are calling.

COLORADO & UTAH

Four Seasons Resort Vail

If you’re craving crisp mountain air and alpine elegance, Four Seasons Vail delivers. Located in the heart of Vail Village, this sleek mountain retreat makes summer feel like a breath of fresh air. Expect spacious rooms with panoramic views of the Rockies, cozy mornings on the balcony, and a heated outdoor pool for peak relaxation. Active days here mean fly-fishing, hiking, and biking through aspen groves; slow ones include spa treatments and locally sourced dishes that celebrate Colorado’s wild beauty. This is one of our favorite cool-weather escapes when everywhere else is overheating.

The St. Regis Deer Valley, Park City

In Utah’s Deer Crest community, The St. Regis Deer Valley blends mountain serenity with five-star indulgence. Ride a private funicular to the resort and take in sweeping Wasatch Range views, plush rooms with marble details, and expansive private terraces. Unwind in the infinity pool, sip wine from the 14,000-bottle cellar, and book a custom treatment at the Remède Spa. For an ultra-refined summer escape in Park City, this is it.

MONTANA & WYOMING

Montage Big Sky

Located in Montana’s Spanish Peaks, just 45 minutes from Yellowstone, Montage Big Sky is a luxury mountain resort that offers year-round adventure and five-star comfort. During the summer months, swap ski boots for hiking boots, saddle up for horseback rides, or cast a fly rod in the river below. Inside, you’ll find rustic-luxe design, five restaurants (including Cortina and the cozy Alpenglow lounge), and an 11,000-square-foot Spa Montage. Each suite or residence is outfitted with warm wood, stone textures, and serene mountain views, making this one of Montana’s best cool-weather retreats.

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

For travelers craving wild landscapes without compromising on service, Four Seasons Jackson Hole offers front-row views of Grand Teton National Park and direct access to outdoor adventures. Located in Teton Village, this alpine resort features ski-in/ski-out access in winter, and in summer, it’s all about fly-fishing, wildlife spotting, and soaking in the stars. End your day with fireside cocktails, elevated dining, or a massage at the tranquil spa. This is the definition of elevated adventure and a true luxury escape in Wyoming.

California

Carmel Valley Ranch

Tucked into 500 acres of wine country in Carmel, California, this all-suite resort is where luxury meets nature. Enjoy morning hikes through oak-covered trails, a round on the Pete Dye golf course, or a treatment at Spa Aiyana. The resort caters to families with kid-friendly programming (think animal encounters and nightly s’mores) while offering couples the kind of quiet luxury that makes Carmel one of California’s top cool-weather getaways. Dining is a highlight especially at Valley Kitchen, where ingredients come straight from the onsite garden.

Montage Laguna Beach

Perched on a bluff above the Pacific, Montage Laguna Beach offers panoramic views, Craftsman-style rooms, and direct access to Treasure Island Beach. Book a couples’ massage at Spa Montage or unwind at the Mosaic Bar and Grille with fresh seafood and a view. With 258 guest rooms and bungalows, all featuring private balconies or patios, this is Southern California at its most luxurious and a perfect summer escape when the heat is rising inland.

Rosewood Miramar Beach, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara brings the best of the American Riviera, beaches, wine country, and effortless elegance and nowhere captures that better than Rosewood Miramar Beach. Oceanfront suites open directly onto the sand, cabanas line the pool, and spa treatments come with a sea view. This is beach luxury at its most refined.

The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast

Looking for an Italian-style getaway without leaving California? Pelican Hill overlooks 500+ acres of oceanfront cliffs and brings European elegance to the California coast. Expect private villas with soaking tubs and limestone fireplaces, two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, and one of the largest circular pools in the world. With a Roman-inspired spa and complimentary beach service to Crystal Cove, this is a five-star resort that checks every box for a relaxing, warm-but-breezy summer retreat.

The Carolinas

For a dose of Southern charm with a breeze, head to the Carolinas. In Charleston, check into The Dewberry for mid-century glamour and rooftop cocktails, or escape the city to The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, where lowcountry calm and coastal elegance meet. Looking for mountain air? Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC and Hotel Domestique near the Blue Ridge Mountains offer upscale comfort and easy access to cool-weather hikes, waterfalls, and wine tastings. Read our guide to Charleston’s best hotels, including The Dunlin.

Virginia

Primland Resort, Blue Ridge Mountains

 Set on 12,000 private acres in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland is one of our go-to summer destinations for peace, space, and elevated wilderness. Forest trails, fly fishing in a private stream,sporting clay and golf courses, and an onsite observatory make this property feel like its own little world. Stargazing, spa treatments, and fireside bourbon all come standard at this Auberge Resorts Collection escape. Want a deeper look at what it’s really like? Read KJT advisor Chelsea full recap here.

Ready to Cool Off in Style?

Whether you want to head for the hills or unwind on the coast, we’ll help you find the right luxury resort to match your pace. These aren’t just vacations, they’re your reset button.

Click here to start planning your cool-weather summer escape.

The Only Summer Packing List You’ll Ever Need: What to Pack for Europe

There’s nothing quite like summer travel, think golden hour strolls, iced drinks by the water, and that warm, sun-kissed feeling after a day of exploring. Whether you're headed to the Amalfi Coast, hopping between Greek islands, or cruising on the Mediterranean, packing smart (and chic) is key and we are here to help!

This is your go-to packing guide for European summer travel, designed to help you feel prepared, polished, and perfectly dressed, no matter the itinerary.

What to Wear: Clothing Essentials by Occasion

For Everyday (Light layers are your best friend)

For Women:

  • Linen or cotton tops (button-downs, tanks, or short sleeves)

  • Dresses (day-to-night versatility is the goal)

  • Lightweight pants or skirts

  • Denim or tailored shorts

For Men:

  • Linen or lightweight cotton shirts or polos

  • Tailored chino shorts (knee-length or just above) or pants

  • Light Sweater or Unstructured Blazer (for cooler nights or places with A/C)

Smart Casual Evenings & Dining Out

Europeans tend to dress a little sharper and many restaurants require smart casual attire.

For Women:

  • Breezy midi or maxi dresses (day-to-night versatility is key)

  • Linen or cotton blouses with elevated pants or skirts

  • Light sweaters or wraps for breezy rooftop dinners 

For Men:

  • Lightweight button-downs (linen is your friend)

  • Chino-style trousers or tailored lightweight pants

  • No sandals opt for loafers or leather sneaker


    Pro Tip:
    If you're traveling through multiple climates (like coastal towns + cities), stick to a neutral color palette so everything mixes and matches easily.

Other notes: No athletic shorts at dinner, ever.

Touring Religious Sites (Cathedrals, Vatican, etc.)

Many historic sites enforce dress codes, especially religious ones.

Women:

  • Shoulders covered (a lightweight scarf or wrap works wonders)

  • Lightweight pants, Knee-length skirts or dresses 

Men:

  • No shorts

  • Lightweight trousers and a short-sleeved button-down or polo

Pro Tip: Packing a versatile scarf or button-down shirt makes transitions between sightseeing and sacred spaces seamless.

Active Adventures & Day Trips

From e-bike tours in Tuscany to cliff walks in the Greek isles, a bit of athleisure goes a long way.

  • Breathable, sporty outfits

  • Lightweight, supportive sneakers (that you’ve already broken in!)

  • A small daypack or belt bag

Shoes & Accessories: Function Meets Fashion

  • Sturdy sandals for full-day walking tours (cobblestones are no joke)

  • Chicer sandals or wedges for dinners (make sure they’re broken in)

  • Flimsy flip-flops or slides for pool and beach days only

  • Sun hat or baseball cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Lightweight scarf (doubles as a wrap for chilly interiors or modesty)

Swimwear & Sun Protection

Whether you're lounging at a beach club in Mallorca or heading off on a yacht day from the Amalfi Coast, pack like you're ready for it.

  • Swimsuits

  • Cover-up or sarong

  • Reef-safe SPF (face + body)

  • Aloe or after-sun gel

  • Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag

Pro Tip: Heading straight to the water after you land? Pack your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on.

Need help finding the essentials?  Explore our new curated ShopMy with all our favorite summer picks from shoes to sunscreen.

New KJT Shopmy

Whether you're dreaming of a summer escape, planning for fall, or looking ahead to next year, we’re here to make it effortless. From custom itineraries to what-to-pack lists, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s plan your next perfect escape. Click here to start.

KJ Travel's Family Mountain Vacation Packing List

The snow has finally melted and the mountains are ready to be explored! Below is a travel checklist of a few essentials we always pack when headed to the mountains. 

CARRY ON ESSENTIALS

FOR THE KIDS

FOR THE ADULTS

TOILETRIES

OUTDOOR GEAR

Did we miss anything? Leave a comment below and let us know your mountain retreat favorites.

Click here to print your copy.

 
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