If you’re planning to summer in Europe (yes, it’s a verb now), you’ll want more than a decent beach and an overpriced spritz. You want discretion. Beauty. Service that doesn’t come with side-eye when you ask for oat milk. The kind of elegance that whispers instead of shouting through a DJ booth.
Here’s where to go when you want your summer to look like a campaign for The Row—but with slightly more rosé.
1. Antibes, France
Why: The French Riviera, minus the flash
Antibes is what St Tropez was before billionaires turned it into an open-air car showroom. It’s old money, coastal chic, and full of linen in varying shades of cream. The kind of place where you sip rosé from a private villa and read a biography about Lee Radziwill just because you can.
Where to Stay:
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
A legend. Frequented by every A-lister who doesn’t need to announce they’re in the south of France.
Belles Rives
Historic, glamorous, and once home to the Fitzgeralds. Come for the art deco interiors, stay for the sea terrace.
Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
Minimalist, modern, and perfectly perched.
What to Do:
Book a boat for the day—ideally one with a skipper who brings champagne.
Visit the Picasso Museum housed in Château Grimaldi.
Take the Sentier du Littoral walk, but only in Loewe sandals.
2. Lake Como, Italy
Why: Cinematic views with matching prices
Lake Como doesn’t do subtle. Nor should it. It’s where you go when you’ve worked too hard all year and want to be rewarded with pasta, silk sheets, and someone offering you another bellini before noon.
Where to Stay:
Villa d’Este
A 16th-century villa that now caters to those who pack more handbags than clothes.
Passalacqua
A newly restored private villa turned boutique hotel with lavish gardens and lake views that feel unreal.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
For vintage glamour with an Aperol-orange pool that floats on the lake.
What to Do:
Take a Riva boat tour, because yes, it is as fabulous as it sounds.
Explore Bellagio and Varenna, then escape the crowds with dinner on your private terrace.
Visit Villa Balbianello, and pretend you’re in a Bond film (because you are).
3. Saint-Tropez, France
Why: Because sometimes excess is the point
If Antibes is for the discreetly rich, Saint-Tropez is for those who like their caviar served with a side of flash photography. But make no mistake—it’s still luxury, just with more bronzer and branded swimwear.
Where to Stay:
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
LVMH’s ultra-luxe outpost with private beach access and a Guerlain spa.
Hotel Byblos
A legendary jet-set hideaway that feels like summer 1971 on the French Riviera.
Pan Deï Palais
An 18th-century mansion turned intimate five-star escape.
What to Do:
Secure a table at Club 55 and act unimpressed.
Shop at Dior’s pop-up, then walk over to Dior Des Lices for lunch.
Charter a yacht. Always.
4. Porto Cervo, Sardinia
Why: Billionaire’s playground with zero influencers
Costa Smeralda is for those who would never dream of “checking in” anywhere. Sardinia’s northeast coast is private, pristine, and priced for discretion. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you’re probably not invited.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Cala di Volpe
Made famous by The Spy Who Loved Me, and somehow still impossibly cool.
Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel
Ultra-luxury with a private beach and serious spa credentials.
Petra Segreta Resort & Spa
Secluded, serene, and perched in the hills for extra peace (and views).
What to Do:
Spend the day at Phi Beach for sunset DJ sets and barefoot elegance.
Book a boat to the Maddalena Islands—Sardinia’s best-kept secret.
Dine at La Pergola in Villa d’Este if you happen to find yourself nearby. If not, fly there.
5. Capri, Italy
Why: Because la dolce vita still means something
Capri has long been the choice of fashion editors, movie stars, and people who still wear actual perfume. It’s the kind of place where everyone looks airbrushed and no one wears a smartwatch.
Where to Stay:
JK Place Capri
Luxe, laid-back, and perched just outside the crowds with unobstructed views.
Hotel Quisisana
An icon with a guestbook that reads like a red carpet lineup.
La Scalinatella
Intimate and impeccably Italian, with staff who remember your name (and your cocktail).
What to Do:
Shop in Capri town (Dolce & Gabbana, Aquazzura, etc.) then lunch at Da Paolino under a canopy of lemon trees.
Take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for dramatic photos you’ll pretend were candid.
Charter a wooden gozzo to tour the Blue Grotto (before 9am, trust me).
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Why: Medieval charm meets mega yachts
Dubrovnik isn’t a secret anymore, but it’s still a spectacle. The Old Town is pure Game of Thrones grandeur, and the coastline is made for champagne toasts and vintage silk headscarves. Come for the views, stay for the Adriatic energy that makes even a Negroni feel crisp.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Excelsior
Classic, elegant, and steps from the Old Town.
What to Do:
Walk the city walls at sunrise, then promptly retreat to the pool.
Visit Lokrum Island for a wild, car-free nature break (there are peacocks, FYI).
Book a table at 360 Restaurant, the Michelin-starred spot overlooking the harbour.
7. Mykonos, Greece
Why: When your idea of luxury includes champagne showers
Mykonos isn’t subtle, but it is stylish. It’s for those who fly private but still want to dance until sunrise in a €700 swimsuit. If you want calm, head to Paros. If you want curated chaos in the chicest setting possible, stay here.
Where to Stay:
Cavo Tagoo
Infamous for its infinity pools and influencer clientele (judge all you want, it’s spectacular).
Kalesma Mykonos
Sleek, serene, and set above Ornos Bay with sunset views that feel fake.
Bill & Coo Coast Suites
Intimate and low-key for when you’ve had enough of Nammos.
What to Do:
Long lunch at Scorpios, where linen and sunglasses do most of the talking.
Wander Mykonos Town’s maze-like alleys for jewellery shopping and selfies you pretend weren’t planned.
Charter a yacht to Delos for a cultural fix (but mainly the boat).
