What makes a truly memorable summer holiday? It’s rarely just the destination. More often, it’s the feeling of time expanding; lingering over lunch with family, discovering somewhere new without rushing to the next thing, or ending a sun-drenched day with stories shared around the table. Summer offers a unique opportunity to step away from routine and embrace a different pace of life. Whether that means exploring a Mediterranean coastline, embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or simply spending uninterrupted time with the people who matter most, the best journeys are those that feel effortless, immersive and deeply personal. That philosophy lies at the heart of summer travel with Scott Dunn. Combining expert knowledge, meticulous planning and access to exceptional experiences around the world, they create holidays that go beyond the expected.
There is a particular kind of magic to summer travel. Not the overly filtered fantasy sold to us by Instagram – all infinity pools, floating breakfasts and beaches mysteriously devoid of other humans – but the real thing. Salt drying on your skin after a late-night swim in the Mediterranean. The new friends you meet by the pool who end up joining you for dinner three hours later. The first morning you wake up somewhere new and realise that your shoulders have finally unknotted. The constant, raucous laughter of your family, or chosen family. Summer travel, at its best, allows us to slip into fuller, freer versions of ourselves.
Perhaps that is why summer holidays linger longer in the memory than any others. They become markers in our personal timelines: the birthday that unexpectedly mattered, the long-overdue reunion that actually lived up to the group-chat hype, a romance that altered the course of life. Sometimes the journey itself is the celebration – a solo escape taken simply to honour yourself and where you are in life. Summer has a way of reminding us that time is not something to cautiously preserve for “one day”. It is something to spend gloriously.
For LGBTQ+ travellers especially, summer travel carries an added resonance. Pride season transforms holidays into something more meaningful than a simple escape. They become spaces of affirmation, visibility and joy – opportunities to gather with communities across the world and experience destinations openly, loudly and unapologetically. And given everything happening globally right now, the idea of travel as self-expression feels more significant than ever.
Of course, this extends to other travellers too. Luxury itself has evolved. Increasingly, true luxury is emotional rather than material – feeling welcomed rather than merely waited on, connected rather than curated at. The most memorable destinations today are often the ones that offer beauty without pretension, sophistication without stiffness. Places where experiences feel deeply personal rather than assembled for social media proof-of-life. The freedom to lose entire afternoons over lunch in Italy without once glancing at your phone. Swimming beneath Iceland’s endless summer light. Dancing until sunrise somewhere in Spain. Vanishing for a few glorious days into the slower rhythms of a Greek island where time appears to operate largely as a suggestion.
And for the “I simply can’t get away right now” contingent – we see you. The to-do list is multiplying by the hour. The WhatsApp group still promising dinner “soon”. The alarming realisation that half the year seems to have disappeared while you were replying to emails marked urgent. But the best news is that summer travel, thankfully, now stretches far beyond the traditional calendar.
Late summer has also quietly become the season insiders covet most. Increasingly, luxury travellers are abandoning the frenzy of peak season in favour of those golden final weeks of September, when destinations exhale, and the experience of travel becomes infinitely more seductive.
Partly, it is practical. Europe’s soaring summer temperatures and overtourism have made shoulder-season escapes feel like an “in-the-know” evolution. But there is emotional appeal too: beaches in Greece regain their stillness, Italy softens into honeyed evenings and slower lunches and Spain feels more intimate. Even the Caribbean takes on a quieter sensuality once the social calendar crowd has departed. In many ways, this is the sweeter spot: softer light, fewer crowds, lower blood pressure and considerably better service without the peak-season chaos.
Furthermore, there’s a new luxury is no longer about being “when” everyone else is. It is about space, authenticity and the delicious feeling of discovering a destination just as it settles back into itself. We feel that the most memorable part of summer actually begins precisely when everybody else thinks it is over.
Not that you need convincing, of course. But travel matters because it interrupts us. It pulls us out of routine and reconnects us with the parts of ourselves that daily life tends to mute beneath deadlines, obligations and relentless familiarity. It expands perspective, revives curiosity and leaves behind something more lasting than photographs. Sometimes travel is about celebration; sometimes it is simply about escape – stepping away from the version of yourself shaped by expectation and remembering there are other ways to exist in the world. After all, the journeys we remember most are rarely the ones we almost took.
So, to celebrate the season, we turned to our friends at Scott Dunn to find out what is “hot” (or “cool” if you must) for all you summer lovers. Because if anyone understands the art – and emotional necessity – of a truly transformative holiday, it is them.
What sets Scott Dunn apart is not simply the enviable little black book of villas, yachts and impossibly chic hotels (though yes, there is plenty of that too). It is their understanding that travel is deeply personal. No two travellers want the same thing, even if they claim they “just want to relax”. One person’s dream summer is different to the other and Scott Dunn understands that the perfect holiday is never about ticking boxes — it is about understanding people.
And, perhaps more importantly, understanding just how busy you are. Planning a truly memorable trip takes time. Yes, of course, you could do it yourself, but equally, you could hand your summer travel planning over to people who have spent the last four decades meticulously crafting journeys across the globe and know precisely what will give you the biggest bang for your buck. The beauty of having experts curate your holiday is not simply convenience — though there is undeniable luxury in outsourcing the stress. It is the confidence that comes with knowing every detail has been considered by people who genuinely care about how you experience the world. The result is travel that feels seamless, personal and wonderfully effortless — exactly as summer should. So whether you are chasing a coolcation, planning a last-minute escape or searching for somewhere that allows you to fully exhale, this is your invitation to make the season count – and to make this summer part of your story.
Spain … for a summer that starts after sunset >
The Spanish understand summer as both an art form and a lifestyle. From Madrid’s exuberant Pride celebrations and Barcelona’s effortlessly cool beach culture to the slower pleasures of Andalucía’s sun-drenched courtyards and the Balearics’ hidden coves, the country moves to a rhythm that invites indulgence, connection and staying out far later than intended. Spain is one of Europe’s warmest (in all senses) and most inclusive destinations – glamorous when you want it, understated when you don’t – all delivered with a generosity of spirit that’s welcoming and wonderfully unforced.
Scott Dunn Summer Secret: Mission Mallorca >
Discover the thrill of Mallorca’s coastline in this action-packed water adventure! Start with a short, scenic walk to reach the cliffs, where you’ll experience exhilarating jumps into the sea from heights up to 8 metres/Xft. Afterwards, explore a stunning sea cave and observe the vibrant marine life through your diving goggles while snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. This experience is perfect for families and adventurers of all skill levels, combining excitement, natural beauty, and a safe, supervised environment.
Iceland … for a “coolcation” with soul >
Not every great summer escape requires relentless heat, which is precisely why Iceland has become the ultimate “coolcation” destination. Beneath its endless daylight and otherworldly landscapes – volcanic plains, black sand beaches and steaming geothermal lagoons – lies a quieter kind of luxury centred on space, stillness and restoration. Progressive, naturally inclusive (the relaxed Reykjavik Pride is a highlight of each August) and increasingly appealing in late summer when crowds begin to thin, Iceland offers travellers the rare opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with something far bigger than themselves.
Scott Dunn Summer Secret: Astronomical Northern Lights >
Anything is possible in Iceland. One moment, you’re watching the Northern Lights alongside celebrated astronomer Sævar Helgi – Iceland’s answer to Brian Cox – and the next, you’re witnessing a rare solar eclipse over a landscape shaped by fire and ice. For those seeking the extraordinary, we can arrange everything from chasing the aurora by private jet to sipping champagne with an opera singer inside a volcano. In one of the world’s most elemental destinations, every experience feels as though it belongs to another planet.
Italy … for the romanticised summer >
Nobody romanticises summer quite like Italy. Whether it’s the cinematic legacy, the ritual of aperitivo, or simply the way Italians fold beauty into everyday life, the country has a way of making even ordinary moments feel considered. While the Amalfi Coast still delivers its cliffside drama and lemon-bright glamour, more travellers are also drifting towards quieter places where a certain rawness creates a richer, more layered take on summer. For LGBTQ+ travellers, Italy can still feel nuanced compared with some of its European neighbours. Still, cities such as Milan, Rome and Florence are steadily evolving and increasingly focused on genuine inclusivity.
Scott Dunn Summer Secret: Aperitivo time in Trastevere >
In Rome’s atmospheric Trastevere, the cherished ritual of aperitivo comes vividly to life. In the company of a professional sommelier, discover the history and artistry behind Italy’s most elegant pre-dinner tradition. Savour a curated tasting of classic aperitivi paired with refined finger foods, while learning the craft of the perfect Martini and Spritz. Set against cobbled streets and golden-hour light, this immersive experience celebrates conviviality, culture, and the timeless pleasure of Italian social ritual.
Greece … for island escapism >
Greece offers not just postcard beauty but a slower, more soulful rhythm that feels increasingly rare in the Mediterranean. From Athens’ vibrant and inclusive creative scene to the Cycladic charm of Paros and Naxos, the mythic landscapes of Crete on the rebound and the enduring glamour of Mykonos (with its occasional penchant for hedonism, like during its infamous XLSIOR festival), the country balances sophistication with an effortless sense of ease. Better still, late summer brings warmer seas, softer light and fewer crowds, extending Greece’s timeless allure.
Scott Dunn Summer Secret: Sailing to Kleftiko >
Embark on a private RIB adventure and discover the hidden wonders of Milos from the sea. Cruise past dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters to explore Gerakas, Tsigrado, Kleftiko and the breathtaking roofless cave of Sikia. Swim, snorkel and uncover secluded beaches, colourful sulfur mines and bubbling thermal springs. Enjoy freshly prepared snacks, wine, beer, and cocktails throughout the day, while a drone and action camera capture every unforgettable moment, preserving the magic of your Aegean journey.
Costa Rica … for a natural nirvana >
Costa Rica is a natural playground for OutThere travellers, where biodiversity, adventure and meaningful connection converge. From the cultural heartbeat of San José and the coffee-clad Central Valley to the mist-shrouded cloud forests of Monteverde, every landscape invites exploration. Spot rare quetzals, glide through the canopy on exhilarating ziplines or soak in volcanic hot springs beneath Arenal’s towering peak. Whether you’re seeking world-class surfing on the Pacific coast, immersive wildlife encounters or regenerative luxury experiences, Costa Rica offers extraordinary diversity (and inclusivity).
Scott Dunn Summer Secret: Rainforest and rivers >
Set deep within Costa Rica’s Turrialba Valley, Pacuare Lodge is a secluded jungle sanctuary where the Pacuare River carves through virgin rainforest in a rush of Class III–IV rapids. Arrive by white-water raft and step into an eco-luxury hideaway of palm-thatched bungalows, canopy beds and open-air terraces immersed in nature. Days unfold with canopy ziplines, waterfall hikes and encounters with vibrant wildlife, before evenings of stillness and river sounds. Here, sustainability and sensory immersion meet in perfect harmony.
Peru … for endless seasons in one journey >
Because we like something a little different, Peru offers a summer escape that unfolds in Southern Hemisphere winter. Peru is a compelling choice for OutThere travellers, with an increasingly inclusive spirit and welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. It suits honeymooners seeking refined dining, families craving discovery, and adventurers drawn to the Amazon rainforest. From Lima’s culinary capital and Cusco’s historic streets to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, culture runs deep. Tailor-made journeys feature boutique jungle lodges, private guides and seamless luxury, curated for every traveller without exception and genuine personal freedom.
Scott Dunn Summer Secret: Amazing Amazon >
Where Machu Picchu draws historians and hikers, Peru’s Amazon calls to wildlife lovers, photographers and explorers seeking a deeper connection with nature. In the world’s largest rainforest, expect immersive travel, where over 1,800 bird species, elusive jaguars and extraordinary biodiversity define every moment. Scott Dunn crafts tailor-made journeys with naturalist guides, blending comfort and adventure – birdwatching dawn, canopy walks, indigenous encounters and nocturnal safaris.
Where your journey meets our legacy
For more than four decades, Scott Dunn has been redefining luxury travel, earning its reputation as one of the world’s leading travel specialists. Combining seamless service with unrivalled destination expertise, the company crafts bespoke journeys that go far beyond the expected. From privileged access to iconic landmarks and hidden local experiences to carefully curated itineraries tailored to individual interests, every detail is designed with purpose. Because no two travellers are alike, no two Scott Dunn holidays are either – each one thoughtfully created to deliver a deeply personal and truly exceptional experience.
www.scottdunn.com
Photography courtesy of Scott Dunn
