The Perfect Summer Escape?
For some, that means sipping ice-cold rosé under the turquoise skies of Santorini, living la dolce vita in Puglia, and roaming the cobblestone streets until the sun sets in southern Spain. This summer, head to the lesser-known landscapes where super-chic hotels await with an unforgettable escape. Whether you seek a more under-the-radar French retreat or a secret Italian island hideaway — here are 5 of our favourite hotels to inspire your travels!
LA CO(O)RNICHE - Dubbed the Cape Cod of France, Cap Ferret (not to be mistaken for it's flashier counterpart Cap Ferrat) is one of the best kept secrets that only the French seemingly know. The beachy headland west of Bordeaux forgoes glamour for the simpler things: surfing, fishermen’s cottages and freshly shucked oysters. Formerly a 1930s, neo-Basque hunting lodge and oyster farming house, La Co(o)rniche has since been reimagined by Cap Ferret regular and famed French designer Philippe Starck. Located in a the heart of a preserved site, the 29-room boutique boasts breathtaking views over the Bassin d'Arcachon and the dune de Pyla, the highest dune in Europe. BOOK NOW
SIKELIA - On Italy’s undiscovered Pantelleria Island, you'll find a sleek, sophisticated and secreted hideaway called Sikelia. Sitting high on the hill of the Italian island, just 62 miles southwest of Sicily and some 40 miles from Tunisia, the newly opened Sikelia offers a dramatic setting to say the least. Housed within porcelain-white dammusi, the island's iconic ancient stone dwellings, the 20-room boutique retreat is an atmospheric escape with effortless style. It's impeccably designed and filled with clever, luxurious details: embroidered Frette linens and sculptural Gessi fixtures nod to Italy’s knack for functional luxury, while pieces by acclaimed Italian artist Gennaro Avallone accent both the rooms and Sikelia’s common areas. BOOK NOW
SUBLIME COMPORTA - Nestled on a stunning 17 acre estate, surrounded by undulating umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, stunning rice fields and over 60km of pristine, white-sand beaches is Sublime Comporta — a magical, unspoiled place yet to be discovered. The rooms and villas stretch across several buildings adding to the exclusivity of the hotel. It the utmost tranquility and simplicity, with deserted beaches and private lakes nearby. BOOK NOW
DOMAINE MISINCU - Formerly the site of the legendary Le Caribou, Domaine Misíncu is an eco-luxury escape in gorgeous grounds on the northern shores of Corsica. First opening its doors in the summer of 2017, the property has given this end of the island a breath of fresh air. From plage to picturesque grounds, nature runs through Domaine Misincu. At the ‘wild’ tip of the island, Cap Corse, this seashore hideaway even has a river running through it – where outdoor yoga and Pilates take place on the banks. With a Zen-like design that soothes from the second you arrive, your only difficulty will be deciding whether to book a room, suite, pool or beach villa. This is Corsica at its best: a refined building, 2 restaurants, a natural spa, beach... Paradise is calling! BOOK NOW
SUMMERCAMP - The iconic Wesley Hotel in Martha's Vineyard has been reborn as Summercamp, combining both history and whimsy, with bright splashes of color inside—think eye-catching oranges plus sleek teals—and all-around camp-themed details. The name is a tribute to the Methodist camp grounds that once occupied the Oak Bluff grounds in the 19th century and is a modern revival with the fairytale gingerbread cottages that sit directly behind it. The 95-room property channels the nostalgia of your childhood summer camp, with a game room, old school canteen, and even an Instagram scavenger hunt. BOOK NOW