It feels like everywhere you look (on social media), people are sipping spritzes on the Amalfi Coast or dancing in Mykonos. And while those escapes are downright amazing, the crowds, €25 Aperols, and déjà vu Instagram stories have us wondering: Where’s next? This summer, it’s all about going slightly off-script—places that still feel chic and dreamy, but with fewer influencers in the background of your sunset pics.
According to Ali Duvaras, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Fora and a NYC-based travel advisor, what travelers want out of their vacations is shifting. “Couples are craving connection—think of it as vacation date night mode,” she says, pointing to hotels offering like yoga classes, bike rides, cooking workshops, and boat excursions as the new must-haves. Meanwhile, single travelers—especially from cities like Los Angeles and New York—are seeking a more immersive balance: morning hikes or pilates, followed by natural wine bars, beach clubs, or afternoons wandering ceramic shops in tiny towns. In short, the vibe this season is less about seeing and being seen, and more about actually feeling and experiencing something.
With that in mind, we rounded up the destinations our favorite creators and savvy travel insiders are escaping to this summer. From rainforest getaways in Jamaica to under-the-radar islands off the coast of Spain, these spots serve all the vibes with just the right amount of “wait, where is that?” energy. Bookmark these before you start seeing them all over your feed next year...
Jamaica's Blue Mountains
Chrissy Rutherford, fashion writer and creator of FWD Joy, is kicking off summer in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains at Strawberry Hill, where misty mornings, lush rainforests, and panoramic views create the perfect escape. “The mountain air is so refreshing, and the hotel feels like luxury glamping at its finest. You'll fall asleep to the most serene nature sounds, and don't be surprised by a lizard or two in your room—but the views are Insta-worthy, the food is authentic, and the spa can't be beat,” she says.
Beyond sipping world-famous Blue Mountain coffee at its source, she says you can spend your day hiking to the peak for breathtaking views or exploring the lush Holywell National Park. Don’t miss a visit to Craighton Estate Great House for a low-key coffee tour with stunning valley vistas. For a true local meal, stop at EITS Café (Europe in the Summer) for farm-to-table dishes in an open-air setting tucked into the hillside.
Biarritz, France
Christina Caradona
Christina Caradona, actor and creator, is headed back home to Biarritz, France—a surfing destination and seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast. “In my completely unbiased opinion, [it] is the best destination. It’s a total surfer’s paradise, with the best surf school in the area: Curren Surf School," she says. "I go every summer to see my family and friends. It’s honestly the vibiest place ever, the locals are beautiful, you’ll fall in love and never want to leave!”
And she’s not the only one to think so. Duvaras notes that the destination has become increasingly popular, especially among the Gen Z crowd. Her go-to hotel recommendations? Villa Magnan, Regina Experimental Biarritz, Hôtel du Palais, and Hôtel Le Garage Biarritz.
For exploring, head to the Halles de Biarritz market for local bites like Basque cheese and spicy chorizo before strolling through the charming Port Vieux. Check out Les Baigneuses rooftop bar at sunset or book a table at Saline, a seafood-forward gem loved by locals. If you want a quiet beach break, head to, well, most places along the city coast or take the 15-minute drive to the tucked-away Plage d'Erretegia in Bidart.
Ibiza, Spain
I know what you’re thinking: Doesn’t everyone know to go to Ibiza? But the island is getting a reputational upgrade, attracting more than just those seeking revelry. “I think it gets such a bad rep as a party island, when in reality, it’s so much more,” says Coveteur’s editor-in-chief, Faith Xue. “I'm looking forward to going this year to spend time with my boyfriend and our good friends, to relax by the beaches on the north side of the island, and to eat lots of fresh seafood and paella.” Xue is a big fan of Casa Maca, a hotel and restaurant that overlooks Ibiza Town with stunning views at night. “The rooms are also designed beautifully and a peaceful respite if you want to avoid the crowds of the town.”
“Travelers are finally starting to realize that Ibiza is much more than just the stereotypical party scene,” agrees Duvaras. “The island has so much more to offer, with amazing restaurants, beach clubs, and quaint towns to explore.” Her recommended hotels include (Xue’s favorite) the hideaway of Casa Maca, the laidback Six Senses Ibiza, and heavy-on-the-views The Standard.
Head inland to the bohemian village of Santa Gertrudis for local artisan shops and chilled-out tapas bars. Dine at La Paloma for organic Mediterranean fare in a lemon grove, or visit Cala Llentrisca, one of the island’s most secluded beaches. Some of Xue’s favorites? El Silencio (“Yes it's the same group as the club in Paris, but it couldn't be more different: It's the perfect beachside restaurant with plenty of fresh seafood that's perfect for people watching.); Fish Shack (“There's nothing sceney about it, and that's why it's perfect.”); and Sunset Ashram, her favorite beach to watch the sunset. Don’t skip a stop at the Hippy Market in Las Dalias for one-of-a-kind handmade goods and laid-back vibes.
Formentara, Spain
Faith Xue
If you want to avoid the party crowd altogether, Formentera is the way to go. The smallest of Spain’s Balearic islands, it provides exactly the tranquil nature you’d expect. “I’ve been visiting this tiny island for the last 10 years and while some things have changed, the energy and attitude of the people who choose to visit and stay on the island has not,” says Duvaras. “With new hotels opening (Teranka, Dunas, Hannah Formentera) the laid-back culture continues to be a force for visitors who come to relax and forget about their daily routines. This island allows me to completely immerse myself and disconnect from the outside world. One year I was staying at Gecko Beach Club and Hotel and I gave the concierge my phone for two days as a digital detox to reset my mind. Once you release control, the community of the island comes to life.”
Rent a bike or scooter to explore the hidden coves like Caló des Mort, where turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. Dine at Pastis, a favorite that captures the island’s cool, boho spirit.
Bodrum, Turkey
Content creator Loreen Hwang knows what we all know—Turkey (officially Türkiye) is the place to be this summer (and fall), and it’s on her list to go soon. “In Bodrum I want to stay at Macakizi, Mandarin Oriental, or Maxx Royal," she says. Duvaras says Bodrum is the place to be. “It’s the new hot spot on the Mediterranean—replacing Mykonos," she notes. Other notable hotels include the Bodrum EDITION, Avantgarde Refined Bodrum, Macakizi Bodrum, and Mandorin Oriental Bodrum.
Stroll through the narrow alleys of Bodrum Old Town and visit the lesser-known Zeki Müren Arts Museum, dedicated to the Turkish music legend. For lunch, grab meze at Orfoz, a rustic seaside spot serving some of the freshest seafood around. To escape the crowds, book a private boat tour to the peaceful bays of Kara Ada (Black Island), known for its healing thermal waters.
Duvaras also notes that Kos, Greece is just a 30-minute ferry from Bodrum—a tranquil island escape and is the perfect tail-end or beginning to your Bodrum escape. (She recommends staying at OKU Kos.)
The Scottish Highlands and Cotswolds
“My fiancé and I are actually going to Scotland. Little does he know I’m going to live out my 'Outlander' dream there,” says content creator Léanne Ansar. “[We'll also be] passing through Loch Ness [for] a bunch of history and magical landscape and nature.” She’ll also be traveling through the English countryside, particularly Cotswold, which “reminds me of a village in a storybook.”
In the Highlands, drive the North Coast 500 for dramatic coastal views, and make a stop at the atmospheric ruins of Ardvreck Castle. In the Cotswolds, head to the lesser-trodden villages of Snowshill or Kingham for picturesque charm without the tourist crush. Dine at The Wild Rabbit, a cozy yet refined pub with seasonal British dishes, perfect for a romantic countryside evening.
Ischia, Italy
Duvaras notes that Ischia is where the Italians summer (though brands like Chanel have also started activating htere). “This island is full of magic with beaches and caves that you can’t experience unless by boat—pine trees and hills which makes it more majestic and beautiful," she says. "Hiking and exploring the natural hot springs here is a must." Her hotel rec? Mezzatore Hotel & Thermal Spa: “My favorite part is the clay court tennis lesson you can arrange in the morning before having your breakfast, looking out onto the sea.”
Take a boat to the Grotta Verde or the lesser-known Sant’Angelo Bay for a swim in crystalline waters surrounded by volcanic cliffs. For a rustic, unforgettable meal, hike up to La Cantina del Mare, a family-run trattoria known for slow-cooked rabbit and local wine. Don’t miss a soak at the lesser-known Cavascura thermal baths, a natural hot spring carved into a canyon.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
If planning for late summer and fall (and beyond) Duvaras suggests Puerto Escondido, just a three-hour drive from Oaxaca and with direct flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and a few other cities. It’s an “untouched coastline with boutique properties popping up in the last five years,” she says. "Being able to understand how this area has remained preserved and protected, while building boutique hotels and villas that are using the materials from the land and running off solar energy [is an architectural dream].” Her hotel suggestions? Hotel Escondido, Hotel Terrestre, and Casa Wo.
Spend your mornings watching surfers at Zicatela Beach, then escape to the calm shores of Playa Carrizalillo, accessible by a long stone staircase. Eat wood-fired fish tacos at Almoraduz, a local favorite (and Michelin-recommended spot) known for elevated Oaxacan cuisine with ocean views. For a special treat, book a tour through the bioluminescent Manialtepec Lagoon just after dusk—it’s one of the few places in the world where the water glows when you swim.
