Dream destinations for summer
When it comes to destinations for summer, there are plenty of breathtaking places that exude luxury and charm. It can even be a bit overwhelming: see the historical treasures of Greece or climb the Everest? Get in your ten thousand steps a day while sightseeing or bask in the sun with a cocktail in hand? It all depends on your vision for the holidays. My perfect vacation consists of being surrounded by beautiful places and having a more elevated experience than plain day-to-day life.
So here are 5 hotels and stays I think deliver on that promise:
Ash Farm
I’m absolutely not a camping girl, so you’ll never be able to convince me to just pack a backpack and sleep in a tent. However, I too long for the peace and quiet of nature sometimes… The feeling of having no one around and breathing the freshest air is quite unbeatable and, sometimes, very necessary to recharge. So when I saw Ash Farm on an article in Country Living magazine I immediately added it to my wishlist. They’re located in Dorset in the UK. Their core business is deer farming, but the owners wanted to make the most out of the property, so they’ve built these cute little huts, complete with all the amenities you might need - a.k.a. no need to escape to the middle of the forest when nature calls. Enjoy the bucolic English countryside by doing one of the many activities on offer: picking flowers out of a cutting garden, interacting with the farm ponies, browsing through the farm shop. It’s what cottage core dreams are made of!
Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate
This was one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed in! It’s located in the Tsinandali region of Georgia, where wine is made. For those of you who don’t know, this Caucasus country is known for inventing wine production - a much debated fact, especially by my Italian friends but, alas, true. The hotel itself is just splendid! If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll have seen how excited I was about it in my Georgia vlog. It’ located in an estate, previously owned by a war general that apparently was very successful, because the property is vast, lush and filled with little surprises. There are original buildings from the 19th century and even a forest to take morning strolls. The hotel is covered in windows, so you’re bound to get beautiful views and sunlight. They have two pools, a spa and gym, tennis courts, restaurants, wine tastings and even resident dogs who just peacefully stroll around the gardens. So if you want something out of the Europe/America route, but still elegant and magical, this is an absolute must see.
Passalacqua Lake Como
Lake Como is an icon of glamorous traveling. The crystalline waters, the alps in the background that almost look like a painted movie set, the boats smoothly floating around, and of course the thought of accidentally bumping into George Clooney at the nearest caffè make it one of the most sought after destinations in all of Italy. Therefore, it is filled with a wide selection of 5-star hotels to choose from, but Passalacqua is, in my opinion, the most charming of them all. Unlike more high-end modern alternatives that might feel a little sterile, it was created to transmit that villa vibe, that feeling of being at home - or at least of being a house guest of a very fabulous friend. Every nook and cranny is designed to a tee, from the lush gardens to the luxurious rooms, from the shape of their parasols to the vintage look of the buggies used to move around the property. You can choose between staying in the Palazz, which has an old-world country house atmosphere, the opulent Villa located in the middle of the gardens, or right by the water in the Casa al Lago.
https://www.passalacqua.it/en/
Mayflower Inn & Spa
Call me old-fashioned, but to me the idea of an all-American classic resort just seems so appealing and perfect to spend long summer days in total relaxation and innocent fun. Think Midge Maisel in the Catskills, or Baby finding true love and her abilty for salsa at Kellerman’s in Dirty Dancing. The closest - and chicest - alternative I’ve found so far is the Mayflower. The architecture follows the traditional New England style, and the decor is bright and tasteful, with a touch of traditional. As to what activities are in offer, just think of the most wholesome experiences: sipping afternoon cocktails on the porch, playing croquet in the luscious lawn, taking strolls through the perfectly manicured gardens. Bound to put anyone in a good mood!
https://aubergeresorts.com/mayflower/
Fasano Trancoso
Of course I had to add a hotel from my home country to this list. Brazil is beautiful, huge and filled with an array of experiences, from the exotic to the cosmopolitan. But when you stay at a Fasano hotel, the most prestigious group when it comes to Brazilian hospitality, you know that no matter the landscape, the level of service will always be superior. Their Trancoso unit is absolutely breathtaking. Located right by the beach in the sunny state of Bahia, this compound houses 40 bungalows immersed in untouched local biodiversity. As with every other Fasano banner, the decor is quintessential quiet luxury: the Isay Weinfeld project of clean lines integrated with organic materials serves as the perfect frame for the exuberant nature that surrounds it. If you want to immerse yourself in a tropical fantasy, this is the place to do it.