August
August is a held breath - high summer suspended. The world hums with warmth, water shimmers, afternoons slow to a standstill. It’s the season of return: long meals, late swims, the art of doing nothing well. Travel turns languid, golden, slightly dreamlike.
These curated travel ideas are designed to ignite your wanderlust. Discover the experiences selected to get your mind racing about where to travel this month. Book a call for further inspiration, expert guidance, a tailored itinerary, and insider advice.
Ascona, Switzerland
Swiss summer at its most elegant. Swim, paddleboard, or set sail across the crystal waters of Lake Maggiore. Cycle through Ticino’s sunlit valleys, explore colourful lakeside towns, and visit understated vineyards producing Switzerland’s best-kept wines. Stay in charming boutique hotels or dine alfresco beside the lake in Ascona, where Italian ease meets Swiss precision. Whether it’s wild swims, lazy lunches, or scenic drives through mountain passes, this is Switzerland’s softer side - bright, blue, and beautifully unhurried.
Puglia, Italy
Puglia in August is a celebration of southern Italian life - a region that still feels like an escape from the crowds elsewhere. Stay in immaculately restored luxury masserias surrounded by olive groves, explore baroque towns with your private guide and trulli villages by e-bike, and meet artisans crafting colourful ceramics. Wander the White City of Ostuni, picnic in national parks, and enjoy long, lazy lunches beneath ancient olive trees. Local delicacies, fine wines, and slow rhythms define every day. From Lecce’s baroque streets to the Adriatic’s sparkling coves, Puglia is sun-drenched, stylish, and delicious.
Greece
The essence of Mediterranean summer. Escape the heat with private boat days across the Cyclades or Aegean islands, diving into turquoise bays between whitewashed villages. Indulge in exceptional Greek cuisine - fresh fish, grilled octopus, and chilled wine overlooking the sea. Stay in luxurious island hideaways on Crete or Santorini, or slow down on Folegandros, Milos, and Symi for a more authentic rhythm. Inland, redefine the classic Greek summer with adventures north of Athens - hiking forested trails or soaring over the mountain monasteries of Meteora by helicopter.
Aeolian Islands, Italy
Just north of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands offer slow travel at its most stylish. Sail between volcanic islands -Stromboli, Salina, and Lipari - each with its own pace and charm. Taste Malvasia wine at sunset, swim in cobalt bays, and stay in design-led boutique hotels owned by locals. Dine on seafood, capers, and lemons from the island groves, and watch lava glow in the distance as night falls. The Aeolians are wild, sunlit, and intoxicatingly beautiful — Italy’s last true island escape.
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Slovenia
For those who crave space, nature, and stillness, Slovenia is Europe’s quiet summer secret. Kayak across emerald lakes, hike through alpine forests, and explore the vibrant capital, Ljubljana, with its riverside cafés and creative pulse, guided by a local expert. Stay in boutique lodges or luxury mountain retreats and savour farm-to-table cuisine rooted in local tradition. From the serenity of Lake Bled to the rugged trails of the Julian Alps, Slovenia offers an inspiring mix of adventure and calm - perfect for couples, friends, and families seeking the great outdoors without the crowds.
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Douro Valley, Portugal
Golden light and vineyards heavy with grapes define Portugal’s Douro Valley in summer, as harvest approaches and the landscape glows with abundance. Stay in luxury spa hotels overlooking terraced hills, cruise the river by private boat, and enjoy exclusive tastings at historic quintas. Wander vine-covered trails connecting charming stone villages, unwind by infinity pools, and savour regional dishes paired with fine port wines. Each day unfolds slowly — sun, wine, and timeless beauty blending in perfect balance. For those seeking refinement, stillness, and scenery steeped in heritage, the Douro is Portugal at its most graceful.
Travel Inspiration for the Year
