Where Our Editors Are Going On Summer Vacation This Year
From an iconic hotel in the Côte d'Azur to new hotels in the Aegean Sea, here is where the 84 Rooms team are spending their summer this year.
‘My summer starts every year in July in the South of France, at the iconic Riviera Auberge La Colombe d’Or in the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. There is no beach access, the rooms are understated at its best. There’s nothing new, decidedly modern or accommodating about it, and it couldn’t be more delightful, inspirational, and enriching. It might just be the best way to spend your summer days - if you can get a reservation that is. Find out more about La Colombe d’Or. I am also excited to check out the new Hotel du Couvent in Nice, a quick drive from Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Later in August, my eyes are on the Aegean Islands: Milos (Check out Skinopi Lodge), Sifnos, and Serifos.’
‘With Paris as my base, it’s easy to travel within the country on high-speed trains or hop a 2-hour flight to shimmering waters. New restaurants, old favorites, summer exhibitions, vintage shopping and Bastille Day celebrations can’t be beat. A little outside of the city I can't wait to visit the Jean Cocteau House.
In Aix-en-Provence, I still need to visit the Cezanne’s exhibition.
I visited Menorca for the first time. The island is spectacular - both Torre Vella and Experimental were great hotels. Explore the Hauser & Wirth island, Menorca’s lovely towns and the shimmering seas.
Come mid-July, I’ll be heading to Forte Dei Marmi and Pietrasanta for the first time. While Forte could use some fresh hotels, nothing beats a beach club with spritzes, Tuscan agriturismo food, and biking the town with friends. Pietrasanta is supposed to be full of gems, updated hotels and art galleries. I’ll go north on the coast after and will report back with favorites from the region.'
‘I’ll be kicking off my holidays in Capri, in Anacapri to be specific, the quieter and more relaxed side of the island. As summers in Italy have become so hot in the past years, I try to stay far from the cities and close to the sea. One of my favorite places in Italy is a little town called Atrani — where the new Mr. Ripley series was filmed — located on the Amalfi Coast. For the past five summers, we have been staying in this lovely family-owned property that is a piece of paradise — with its beautiful hidden gardens, rocky steps, private direct access to the sea, and kind-hearted service.’
Read more about Capri here.
‘We just got back from Monte Argentario with some incredible days of sun, sea, and Dolce far Niente. Later this summer we’re going to Portugal and the Atlantic Coast around Cap Ferret and Bordeaux while checking out some new properties.’
Read more about Monte Argentario here.
‘I'll spend weekends on the beautiful Mediterranean islands and coasts in June and July. My first stop is Bonifacio in Corsica, where I'll enjoy lunch in my favorite place, the incredibly unique Domaine de Murtoli. Then it's off to Ibiza, where I can't wait to check out the Aguamadera Hotel, a 19th-century farmhouse in the mountains.
‘This summer, I’m returning to Biarritz. This storied Basque beach town — once the haunt of Coco Chanel and Frank Sinatra — thrums with a rhythm I return to year after year. I start my days at Les Halles, lingering with producers over wedges of sheep’s cheese and fistfuls of wild herbs. The afternoons stretch: a walk through Champ Lacombe’s current show, then down to the beach where I scan the shoreline for a strip of parasol shade that feels like mine. New on my list this year: a swim in Villa Magnan’s newly unveiled pool and lunch at Chez Maya in St Jean de Luz — a spot friends haven’t stopped talking about since last August..’
Read more about Biarritz here.
‘This summer, my aim was to find comfortable villas for extended stays, with a focus on quality time with my family. We stayed at the waterfront villa Agios Minas in July; a serene retreat just 50 minutes from Athens—perfect for off-the-grid relaxation. The area, while understated, offers a simple charm. We ventured out for strolls to nearby fish tavernas along the shore, where one can sink their toes into the sand and watch the moon rise above calm waters. Currently we’re in Kefalonia at our family home, surrounded by the island’s verdant mountains and stunning beaches. An island ideal for day trips by car or boat to explore secret coves and jewel toned waters. A day trip to Assos & Fiskardo is a must—for an elevated dining experience, I recommend Fishkardo and Tra Due. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the local wineries scattered across the island. We’ll finish off the summer on Sifnos, at a private villa. Day plans include easy hikes and long beach days at Plati Gialos, Faros & Fassolou beaches. We’re all about the leisurely lunches with friends: Maiolica , Yalos (Plati Gialos), & Pelicanos (Faros), are just a few of our favourite haunts. For families, Verina Terra is an exceptional choice!
84 Rooms recommends: Where To Stay, Eat, And Play This Summer In Paris, and Three French Island Escapes: A Summer Guider.