The Top Summer & Luxury Beach Vacation Destinations
Summer is soon upon us and after a difficult two years, we all deserve to get away and indulge in a luxury vacation.
Luxury can mean many things, whether it's being pampered on the beach, dining at Michelin-star restaurants, living barefoot on a remote island, or sharing bathtubs of champagne with friends.
Ultimately, luxury means whatever you want it to mean, and that’s what makes it such a desirable part of life.
Explore the world’s best luxury beach vacations and summer destinations, from glitzy Caribbean and volcanic Cycladic islands to Roman aristocrat retreats and ancient archeological marvels.
St. Barths, Caribbean
Airport: Gustaf III Airport (SBH)
Where to eat: Beefbar (Gustavia) and La Guérite (Shell Beach)
Where to stay: Eden Rock - St Barths or a luxury private villa
Why best for luxury beach vacations: Cosmopolitan culture and secluded beaches
As well as its remarkable beaches, St. Barths has a cosmopolitan culture unseen on other Caribbean islands, a vibrant nightlife, and a legendary status among celebrities.
Years ago, before Eden Rock was the famous hotel it is today and super celebrities like the Kardashians put it on the map, St Barts hosted the likes of Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes. Stars began to choose St. Barths for its privacy and, of course, its fourteen exceptional beaches set along thirty-two kilometers of coastline and its dramatic backdrop of volcanic scenery.
St. Barths
Now the island is a hub for 5-star hotels, luxury villas, exceptional dining experiences, the latest beauty trends, and unique spa experiences. Gustavia, the island’s capital and main town, is a multi-cultural hive of open-air cafes, fine-dining restaurants, and designer boutiques. Dive into the ultimate travel guide: St. Barths.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
Where to eat: Eolo Ristorante and Da Gemma
Where to stay: Villa Il Sogno and Villa Astor
Why best for luxury beach vacations: Romantic getaways and yacht cruises
Named after the town of Amalfi, the region’s main historical and political center, the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is world-renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and authentic Italian experience.
Perhaps the most iconic town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a picturesque town perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. With its winding streets, colorful buildings, and some of the finest views in Italy, it's the perfect place to relax, eat, shop, and soak up the sun.
Amalfi Coast
One of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is to take a boat tour. Nothing beats exploring seaside towns such as Ravello and Praiano, discovering secret beaches, and entering hidden sea caves from the water. It’s also the best way to enjoy the region’s dramatic views and beautiful sunsets. Tap to explore and discover Amalfi in detail.
Ibiza, Spain
Airport: Ibiza Airport (IBZ)
Where to eat: Lío Ibiza and Es Torrent
Where to stay: Villa Can Nemo and Villa de Sueños
Why best for luxury beach vacations: Epic nightlife and elegant beach parties
Since early settlers arrived on the island, Ibiza has been considered a magic island blessed by the gods. Today, people from all over the world flock to the island for its infectious parties and magnetic Mediterranean atmosphere.
Although renowned for its nightlife and electronic music scene, the island also attracts the jet set with its elegant beach clubs, ancient fortresses, hidden coves, and some of the finest cuisine the Mediterranean has to offer.
Ibiza
Discover Ibiza’s most exclusive beach clubs like Amnesia, Ushuaïa, and Hï Ibiza host some of the biggest international DJs. Sail with a private boat charter, exploring hidden coves, secluded beaches, and nearby Formentera while enjoying Mediterranean views and for a touch of adventure, visit the ancient Can Marçà Caves.
Mykonos, Greece
Airport: Mykonos Island National Airport (JMK)
Where to eat: Nammos and Scorpios Mykonos
Where to stay: Pantheon or Santa Marina
Why best for luxury beach vacations: Lively beach clubs and sun-kissed beaches
First flourishing in the 1960s with the arrival of many famous Athenians and world artists, Mykonos is Greece’s more chilled-out answer to Spain’s party island of Ibiza.
Loved for its spirited beach parties, Mykonos oozes cosmopolitan charm and a “sipping ouzo by ing raves. Combined with its minimalist Cycladic architecture, world-class amenities, and stunning beaches, Mykonos has become a favorite among artists and famous names from all continents.
Mykonos
Apart from the beach clubs and parties, the capital of Mykonos island, Chora, is worth visiting in its own right. Little Venice is the most picturesque quarter of Chora, with colorful houses constructed right by the sea, vivid nightlife, and cozy cafeterias.
Contact a trusted travel agency and explore activities, top places to visit and more.
Lake Como, Italy
Airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Where to eat: Villa d'Este and Il Gatto Nero
Where to stay: Villa Balbiano or Mosaic House
Why best for luxury summer vacations: Charming villages and historic villas
Italy’s and perhaps Europe’s most famous lake, Lake Como is an A-lister paradise framed by dramatic pine-swathed mountains, charming villages, neoclassical villas, luxurious hotels, and breathtaking mountain views.
Lake Como was first popular as a retreat for Roman aristocrats and later served as a place of inspiration for writers, poets, and philosophers. Today, huge stars such as George Clooney, Ronaldinho, Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, Richard Branson, and Gianni Versace own or have owned villas on or around Lake Como’s shores.
Lake Como
Known as the pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio is one of the most glamorous towns in Italy. It is home to a colorful historic center, beautiful gardens (parks of Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi), and charming neighborhoods (such as Pescallo or San Giovanni). The town even has a famous hotel named after it in Las Vegas.
Book your stay and unlock curated experiences and detailed information.
Santorini, Greece
Airport: Santorini International Airport (JTR)
Where to eat: Argo Restaurant and Ambrosia Restaurant
Where to stay: Erossea or EROSANTORINI
Why best for luxury beach vacations: Stunning sunsets and romantic escapes
The ancient volcanic island of Thira, now known as Santorini, is a natural wonder that’s famous for its cliff-top villages, active volcano, magical sunsets, huge caldera, and colorful beaches.
Formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, the island has a unique landscape and dramatic vantage points for enjoying romantic evenings and watching the sunset. Sitting high above the port of Ammoudi, Oia village is famed for its white-washed buildings, dome churches, and iconic sunsets, while Akrotiri is home to Red Beach, known for its dramatic red-stained cliffs and volcanic sands.
Santorini
Santorini’s caldera, a large and mostly submerged volcanic crater, is the home of myths and mysteries. Often called the balcony of Santorini, Imerovigli is the highest point of the caldera and a must-visit for its stunning views.
Sardinia, Italy
Airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB)
Where to eat: Il Pescatore (Porto Cervo) and La Pergola (Cala di Volpe)
Where to stay: Noam Porto Rotondo or Villa Mimmosa
Why best for luxury beach vacations: Exclusive yachting and rich Mediterranean cuisine
Unlike Sicily, an island close to the mainland that shares the same languages and customs of southern Italy, the island of Sardinia is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and has thus developed its own customs, language, and history.
Its remote location makes it an exclusive hideaway with incredible nature and history, including a ruggedly scenic interior, enchantingly blue waters, archeological sites that predate Rome by thousands of years, and some of the best beaches in the world.
Sardinia
A stretch of pristine coastline in northern Sardinia, The Costa Smeralda is world-renowned for its glitzy and glamorous resorts, the many color variations of its waters, and its delicious cuisine. Porto Cervo in The Costa Smeralda is the most popular destination among celebrities for its numerous high fashion boutiques, exclusive clubs, and luxury yachts. Book now to access extraordinary escapes and bespoke activities
Maldives
Airport: Velana International Airport (MLE)
Where to eat: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Conrad Maldives Rangali Island) and The Whale Bar (St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort)
Where to stay: Ithaafushi Private Island or Cheval Blanc Randheli
Why best for luxury beach vacations: Luxury overwater bungalows, diving, and snorkeling
Consisting of more than 1,200 white sand islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to countless coral reefs and a hugely diverse marine life, making it one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in the world.
The abundant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters rich in dissolved minerals help create the vivid blue appearance of the water that the Maldives is known for. This has made it one of the best places in the world to experience an overwater bungalow or luxury villa in a private island resort.
Maldives
One of the top private island resorts include The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. For those seeking ultra-luxury, the resort features 7 best restaurants and bars in Maldives from Culinary Island, Grand Sunset Beach, and Fari Marina Village, offering curated experiences for all tastes.
Start planning your summer getaway or luxury beach vacation today by contacting an authorized luxury travel concierge and booking everything from exclusive transfers and accommodation to gourmet dining and VIP events.
