9 Dreamy Hotels Our Editors Are Booking This Summer

There’s something about summer travel that makes us crave a little extra magic. Maybe it’s the longer days, the golden sunsets, or the irresistible pull of somewhere new. This year, our editors have been busy planning their own getaways—and the hotel picks are too good not to share. From barefoot-luxury beach retreats to chic city sanctuaries and mountain hideaways, these nine dreamy hotels are the ones we’re personally booking for Summer 2026.

Whether you’re plotting a romantic escape, a solo reset, or a sun-soaked adventure with friends, consider this your curated shortlist. Here’s where to check in next.

1. Barefoot Luxury by the Water

Summer and water are a timeless pairing. These three hotels deliver peak coastal bliss—think turquoise horizons, sea breezes, and design that lets nature take center stage.

1. Hotel Il Pellicano – Tuscany, Italy
Perched dramatically on the Tuscan coast, Il Pellicano is the definition of understated glamour. Terraced gardens tumble toward the sea, striped umbrellas dot the private beach club, and every corner feels like a Slim Aarons photograph come to life.

Why we’re booking: The combination of Michelin-starred dining and old-school Italian hospitality makes this a splurge-worthy classic.

2. One&Only Aesthesis – Athens Riviera, Greece
Just outside Athens, this retro-glam beachfront resort is bringing the Riviera back in style. Low-slung bungalows, pine-scented air, and a private stretch of sand create a serene escape with city access.

Why we’re booking: You can explore the Acropolis in the morning and be swimming in the Aegean by afternoon.

3. Nayara Bocas del Toro – Panama
For those craving something tropical and unique, this adults-only overwater retreat blends sustainability with jaw-dropping design. Think Balinese-inspired villas floating above Caribbean-blue waters.

Why we’re booking: Privacy, crystal-clear snorkeling, and sunsets that feel almost surreal.

Practical Tips for Booking Coastal Hotels:

• Book early: Prime summer weekends sell out months in advance—especially in Europe.
• Request specific room types: Sea-view categories vary widely. Ask about floor level and proximity to amenities.
• Plan transfers: Some coastal gems require boat or private car transfers—budget and schedule accordingly.

2. Chic City Escapes with Summer Energy

If your ideal summer involves rooftop cocktails, gallery hopping, and late-night dinners, these city hotels blend style, location, and serious personality.

4. The Fifth Avenue Hotel – New York City, USA
Housed in a Gilded Age mansion and a modern glass tower, this Manhattan hotspot is maximalist in the best way. Rich colors, layered textures, and a buzzy dining scene make it feel instantly iconic.

Why we’re booking: You’re steps from NoMad’s best restaurants—and the rooftop scene is pure summer magic.

5. Maison Proust – Paris, France
Tucked into Le Marais, this boutique hotel is a romantic fever dream inspired by Belle Époque Paris. Velvet-lined lounges and jewel-toned rooms make it feel like a secret salon.

Why we’re booking: After a day exploring Paris, the intimate spa and cocktail bar feel like stepping into another era.

6. The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza – Tokyo, Japan
Minimalist yet warm, this newer EDITION property brings refined calm to one of Tokyo’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Clean lines, soft lighting, and impeccable service define the stay.

Why we’re booking: Ginza’s luxury shopping and world-class sushi are right outside your door.

Practical Tips for Summer City Stays:

• Look for shoulder-season rates: Late June and late August often offer better pricing than peak July.
• Check rooftop access: Not all rooftops are open to hotel guests without reservations.
• Prioritize walkability: In summer heat, staying central can save time and energy.

3. Mountain & Countryside Retreats for a Cool Escape

When the temperatures rise, heading for higher elevations (or wide-open countryside) is one of the smartest summer moves. These hotels combine fresh air with unforgettable scenery.

7. The Chedi Andermatt – Switzerland
This alpine stunner blends Swiss precision with Asian-inspired serenity. Even in summer, snow-dusted peaks frame green valleys perfect for hiking and biking.

Why we’re booking: The spa alone is worth the trip—and summer rates can be more accessible than ski season.

8. Blackberry Farm – Tennessee, USA
Set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this beloved Relais & Châteaux property offers farm-to-table cuisine, wellness programming, and pastoral charm.

Why we’re booking: It’s an all-American summer fantasy: fireflies, wine tastings, and rolling fields.

Practical Tips for Mountain & Rural Hotels:

• Check activity calendars: Guided hikes, cooking classes, and wellness workshops often require advance sign-up.
• Pack layers: Even in July, mountain evenings can be chilly.
• Consider midweek stays: Countryside properties are especially popular for long weekends.

4. Design-Forward Hideaways Worth the Flight

Sometimes, the hotel is the destination. These final picks are bold, design-led, and unforgettable—perfect for travelers who want something truly different.

9. Amangiri – Utah, USA
Carved into the dramatic desert landscape of Canyon Point, Amangiri is minimalist architecture at its most powerful. Sandstone walls, vast skies, and serene pools create a near-spiritual calm.

Why we’re booking: It’s a bucket-list stay that feels both grounding and otherworldly—ideal for a milestone summer trip.

Bonus Mention: Cap Karoso – Sumba, Indonesia
While technically our “ninth-plus-one,” this rising star deserves attention. Blending contemporary art, regenerative farming, and remote Indonesian beauty, it’s the kind of place travelers will be talking about for years.

Practical Tips for Bucket-List Hotels:

• Monitor availability 6–9 months ahead: Iconic properties release inventory early.
• Ask about packages: Many include experiences or dining credits that add value.
• Use a trusted travel advisor: Perks like upgrades or resort credits can elevate the stay.

Wherever you land this summer—by the sea, in the city, or under wide desert skies—the right hotel transforms a trip into a lasting memory. Our editors chose these nine properties because they offer more than just beautiful rooms; they create a sense of place, spark inspiration, and make slowing down feel effortless.

Ready to plan your own dreamy escape? Start researching availability now, compare seasonal rates, and secure your top choice before summer calendars fill up. The perfect check-in moment is waiting.