Where to go for cool summer getaways?

From bike trails to spa stays, these luxe summer spots offer cool escapes and rich culture

Last updated:
Krita Coelho, Editor
4 MIN READ
Rixos Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Rixos Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Omani coastline escape

Set where mountains meet the sea, Shangri-La Muscat is a dreamy summer retreat with private beaches, world-class dining, and family-friendly fun. From snorkelling with turtles to sunset dinners by the Gulf of Oman, this coastal gem promises sun-soaked adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Book the All-Inclusive Stay at Al Waha or enjoy full resort credit with every stay at Al Husn. A perfect mix of luxury, culture, and value — this is summer done right.

Location: Barr Al Jissah, Muscat, Oman

Website: shangri-la.com/muscat

Contact: +968 2477 6666

London’s Coolest Hideaway

For GCC travellers chasing a cooler summer, The Other House South Kensington is the perfect luxury base in London. This stylish ‘Residents Club’ blends apartment living with hotel service, ideal for families or friends. Stay in spacious Club Flats or combine them into private five-bedroom sanctuaries with kitchens and courtyards. Enjoy exclusive access to lounges, a wellness spa, and curated summer experiences — from British Cream Teas to private events at the V&A and Royal Albert Hall. Located in Kensington’s most prestigious postcode, it’s privacy, culture, and comfort in one elegant package.

Location: South Kensington, London

Website: www.otherhouse.com

Contact: +44 20 3846 6000 | reservations@otherhouse.com

All-Inclusive Island Luxury

Opening later this year, Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam brings its signature “All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive” concept to Southeast Asia’s rising island star. Set on Hon Thom, accessible via the world’s longest cable car, the resort features 1,700+ rooms, 22 dining spots, immersive wellness, beachside shows, and family-friendly thrills. Guests can enjoy sand-biking, sunset cocktails, and cultural experiences, all within the vibrant Sun Paradise Land complex. Beyond the resort, Phu Quoc offers diving, fireworks, the record-breaking “Kiss of the Sea” show, and visa-free stays for up to 30 days.

Location: Hon Thom, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Website: www.rixos.com

Contact: reservations@rixos.com

Mindful Escape to Thailand

Tucked into the lush hillside of Koh Samui, Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary offers a soul-nourishing summer retreat for those seeking calm in a hyperconnected world. This award-winning sanctuary blends holistic healing with mindfulness, inviting guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with their inner selves. Programs such as Basic Balance & Revitalise combine Ayurveda, Reiki, bioresonance therapy, and personalised consultations to help restore mind-body balance. Guided meditations, nature walks, mindful eating, and sessions at the ancient Arjan Cave create an immersive, transformative experience. Kamalaya is more than a retreat — it’s a return to presence, clarity, and compassionate self-care.

Location: Koh Samui, Thailand

Website: www.kamalaya.com

Contact: reservations@kamalaya.com

South India, Soulfully Yours

Discover India’s southern spirit through The Leela Palace Trail – South India, a cultural journey across Bengaluru, Chennai, Kovalam, Ashtamudi, and Hyderabad. Designed for mindful travellers, the itinerary blends wellness, local heritage, and serene luxury. Enjoy sunrise yoga by the sea, ayurvedic therapies, houseboat retreats, and temple trails — all while staying at The Leela’s most soulful properties.

Location: Multiple cities, South India

Website: www.theleela.com

Contact: reservations@theleela.com

AlUla Summer Awaits

This summer, AlUla invites travellers to escape to a destination where nature, luxury, and culture collide. Enjoy exclusive seasonal rates at iconic stays like Banyan Tree AlUla, Chedi Hegra, and Our Habitas Resort, with 5-star hotel offers starting at SAR 999. Cool off with poolside DJ sessions, experience thrilling adventures like ziplining and abseiling, or explore the region’s past through immersive heritage walks and desert safaris. AlUla promises a summer unlike any other.

Location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Website: www.experiencealula.com

Contact: info@experiencealula.com | +966 920 025 003

From Alps to Icons

Adventurers will love cycling the scenic route from Lake Constance to Lake Königssee. This trail winds through alpine landscapes, charming Bavarian villages, and historic sites like Neuschwanstein Castle. Glide across emerald waters at Königssee in silent electric boats or pause for a picnic at the famed onion-domed St. Bartholomä Church. This is Germany at its most majestic — where nature, history, and fairy-tale vistas meet.

Location: Bavaria, Southern Germany

Website: www.germany.travel/nature

Contact: info@germany.travel

Halal Luxury in Hong Kong

Overlooking Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Shangri-La in Tsim Sha Tsui East offers a seamless blend of luxury and Muslim-friendly hospitality. As Hong Kong’s first hotel to earn a 5-Crescent Rating, it’s ideal for GCC travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and halal assurance. The hotel features halal-certified kitchens, a dedicated prayer room, and seasonal offerings during Ramadan and Eid. Café Kool, the on-site halal-certified restaurant, serves a wide variety of international cuisines. With nearby shopping, cultural attractions, and world-class service, it’s the perfect summer base for exploring Hong Kong.

Location: Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong

Website: www.shangri-la.com

Contact: reservations.ksl@shangri-la.com

+852 2721 2111

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