1. WHAT NATURE DOES BEST
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer, Amanwana in Indonesia is one of the most beautiful places to be. A wilderness hideaway on the island of Moyo (part of Moyo Satonda National Park), it has just over 15 tents giving the camp untold seclusion and privacy. With jungle or sea views, floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan living spaces, nature is everywhere.
In terms of what to do when there, you can come face-to-face with one of the world’s most majestic creatures on a whale shark excursion, dive to the outer reef of Amanwana Bay to explore its 100-year-old coral, watch turtles hatch around the island (from November to April), go on a stargazing cruise aboard a traditional outrigger, trek around the national park, or join in July’s local harvest festival with celebrations, cooking and performances from the local village.
2. DESIGNER DIGS
Designer-dedicated suites are becoming ever more popular, with hotels the world over paying homage to artistes with haute hospitality offerings. This summer, it’s the turn of Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel in the heart of Brussels, which pays tribute to the Belgian-American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, with its all-new The Diane von Furstenberg Suite.
Adorned with DvF’s signature touches, wild pops of colour, a bold zebra rug, two large silk scarves by Andy Warhol, and a collection of striking artwork celebrate her legacy with her world famous style and influence. The designer’s iconic wrap dress celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and so the hotel is offering a Step into the World of Diane von Furstenberg package, which includes a one-night stay in the suite, breakfast, a box of Laurent Gerbaud chocolates, a private tour of the DvF boutique and tickets to the new DvF exhibition at the Fashion & Lace Museum in the capital.
3. CLUB TROPICANA À LA DIOR
We do love a good beach club takeover, and in celebration of this year’s Dioriviera capsule collection, Dior has taken over the pool at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel this summer. The upper deck has been transformed with pink and grey Dior surf cabins, which frame the outside of the pop-up boutique, inside of which you’ll find life-size giraffes, lions, flora and fauna alongside the fashion and accessories.
Alongside the boutique, Dior has created an exclusive Le Jardin Des Rêves Dior Spa Cabana, available for hotel guests to reserve daily. The indoor-outdoor spa cabana has its own treatment cabine adorned in Toile de Jouy and a relaxation suite of rattan furniture with Dior Maison accents. Pool guests can lounge in luxury surrounded by pink and grey toile de Jouy cabanas, umbrellas, loungers and a Dior ice cream cart, to help you savour summer as only Dior knows how.
4. MOUNTAINS ON MY MIND
Get some good old mountain air in your lungs this summer, with an Alpine-infused stay at Gardena Grödnerhof in Italy. Just reopened for the summer season, this pretty hotel offers a quintessential outdoor experience wrapped up in luxury. From here you can enjoy the beauty of the Dolomite mountains, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a day spent hiking, exploring wild pastures and wild swimming in mountain lakes.
Once worn out, you can return to the hotel and reward yourself with a Finnish sauna, aromatic steam bath, an Ayurvedic treatment or a relaxing dip in the indoor or outdoor pool. From one treat to another, and you’ll enjoy dinner at one Michelin-starred restaurant Anna Stuben all the more, with its focus on regional produce - a feast for the eyes and the palate.
5. CAPTIVATING THE SENSES
Fancy somewhere new to stay this summer, but with all the five-star trademarks of its well-established brand? Then head to Six Senses Crans-Montana, the brand’s first hotel in Switzerland, with its focus on outdoor pursuits and wellness, whatever the weather. Its 78 rooms and suites and cosy and contemporary, with large bay windows and balconies to maximise the natural surrounds.
There’s also a 2,000sqm Six Senses Spa and indoor pool, two restaurants that source ingredients from local farmers and a roster of activities to take part in, from walking with yaks, hiking or mountain biking, paragliding or soaking up some culture in one of the area’s many museums. Taking the family? Then stay in a signature Three-Bedroom Prestige Apartment for all the luxury you could ask for.