Where to Go This Summer: 10 Must-See European Destinations
BY Jules PEULET
There exists a secret geography of the European summer. A map where, from June to September, the global elite, aesthetes and nobility converge. From the Italian Riviera to the lush hills of the English countryside, these mythical destinations embody the ultimate fantasy of the "Euro Summer". While they attract the gaze of the world, they still harbour sanctuaries invisible to the general public. La Suite has deciphered for you the 10 epicentres of summer luxury in Europe. Here's how to experience the buzz of the most coveted places on the continent, from the absolute comfort of the finest hotel suites.
There exists a secret geography of the European summer. A map where, from June to September, the global elite, aesthetes and nobility converge. From the Italian Riviera to the rolling hills of the English countryside, these mythical destinations embody the ultimate fantasy of the "Euro Summer". While they attract the gaze of the entire world, they still harbour sanctuaries invisible to the general public. La Suite has deciphered for you the 10 epicentres of summer luxury in Europe. Here is how to experience the excitement of the most coveted places on the continent, from the absolute comfort of the finest hotel suites.
1. Porto Cervo — Costa Smeralda, Sardinia (Italy)
The atmosphere this summer
Created from scratch in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Costa Smeralda is the absolute embodiment of Italian summer glamour. This summer, the emerald waters of Sardinia will once again welcome the largest concentration of mega-yachts in Europe. The atmosphere is one of elegant celebration, uninhibited luxury and late dinners in the marina.
The precise spot: The coves of Romazzino and Capriccioli
Far from the much-frequented Piazzetta of Porto Cervo, true insiders isolate themselves on the rocky promontories bordering the white sand beaches of the south of the bay, where properties blend into the maquis.
The aesthetic experience
The architecture of Costa Smeralda invented the Mediterranean "organic" style. The suites embrace the forms of granite rocks and winds. No straight lines, but asymmetrical arcs, hand-smoothed white plaster, junipers sculpted into the walls and ceramics in pastel tones. Private pools seem to have been naturally carved by the sea. It is rustic-chic luxury in palatial proportions.
The Concierge's note: Book a day aboard a classic sailing yacht to explore the nearby La Maddalena archipelago, one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets.
Discover all our suites in Porto Cervo.
2. Saint-Tropez — Côte d'Azur, France
The atmosphere this summer
The Saint-Tropez myth is immortal. At the height of summer, the Var village is the centre of gravity for the European and American jet-set. The effervescence of Pampelonne's beach clubs sets the rhythm of the days, before the port ignites as night falls. Saint-Tropez is a celebration that demands refuges of absolute calm.
The precise spot: The Parcs peninsula and the hills of Ramatuelle
To escape the heat and frenzy of the port, the ultra-wealthy clientele anchors itself in private estates overlooking Canoubiers Bay, or in mansions hidden amidst the vineyards of Ramatuelle.
The aesthetic experience
The design of the finest Tropezian suites oscillates between historic Provence and contemporary minimalism. Centuries-old bastides conceal reinvented interiors: Burgundy stone floors, white linen curtains that drift with the Mistral, contemporary artworks and outdoor marble bathrooms surrounded by lavender fields. The aesthetics are luminous, solar, profoundly elegant.
The Concierge's note: Avoid the summer crowds by booking a helicopter transfer from Nice, offering you a spectacular arrival with sweeping views over Place des Lices.
Discover all our suites in Saint-Tropez.
3. The Cotswolds — English Countryside, United Kingdom
The atmosphere this summer
It is the European answer to the Hamptons. When the Mediterranean overheats, London's establishment and international celebrities retreat to the verdant hills of the Cotswolds. Summer there is mild, punctuated by polo tournaments, garden parties and a refined culture of private country clubs. The pinnacle of "Old Money" aesthetics.
The precise spot: The golden triangle around Chipping Norton
Far from overly touristy villages, the elite's retreats hide at the end of long driveways lined with centuries-old oaks, in the heart of estates spanning several hundred hectares.
The aesthetic experience
The architecture celebrates the local golden stone (the celebrated honey-coloured stone). The suites, arranged in 17th-century Jacobean manors, boldly reimagine British classicism: panoramic floral wallpapers, canopy beds upholstered in velvet, bathrooms housing majestic copper bathtubs on feet, and fireplaces lit on rainy summer evenings.
The Concierge's note: We will arrange a gourmet picnic served from the back of a vintage Land Rover Defender, on the shores of a private lake on the estate.
Discover all our suites in the Cotswolds.
4. Capri — Bay of Naples, Italy
The atmosphere this summer
Capri is not a destination, it is a film set. The rocky island is the timeless symbol of Dolce Vita. This summer, European aristocracy will once again walk through its steep streets perfumed with lemon and jasmine, cultivating this joyful and sunny Italian elegance.
The precise spot: The heights of Anacapri
To escape the crowds of the famous Piazzetta as soon as the ferries arrive, you must climb. Anacapri, perched on the cliff, offers silence, coolness and the most vertiginous views over the Bay of Naples.
The aesthetic experience
Caprese style is grandiose and majestic. The suites of historic palaces offer monumental proportions: vaulted ceilings, hand-painted majolica floors, and crystal chandeliers. The true masterpiece is found outside: gigantic terraces shaded by lemon trees, overlooking the famous Faraglioni rocks directly.
The Concierge's note: Be sure to rent a legendary Riva Aquarama boat at the end of the day to cross the Faraglioni with a glass of Franciacorta in hand.
Discover all our suites in Capri.
5. Portofino — Ligurian Riviera, Italy
The atmosphere this summer
If only one symbol of the summer jet-set had to remain, it would be this tiny cove on the Ligurian coast. Portofino is a global brand. This summer, its microscopic port will once again welcome super-yachts that struggle to moor there. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the 1950s, where Italian elegance is lived on a terrace, a Bellini in hand, protected by dark glasses.
The precise spot: The hills overlooking the Piazzetta
The village itself is tiny and crowded during the day. True luxury consists of gaining height. The initiated reside in historic palaces and private villas clinging to verdant cliffs, offering a plunging and silent view over the port.
The aesthetic experience
Ligurian architecture is a masterpiece of theatricality. The pastel-coloured facades (ochre, terracotta, pink) are often adorned with sumptuous hand-painted trompe-l'œil. The suites of the great establishments embrace classic and luxuriant glamour: wrought iron balconies, polished walnut parquet, black and white Carrara marble bathrooms, and terraced gardens where bougainvilleas and century-old olive trees thrive. The design here refuses minimalism to embrace a vintage elegance deeply cinematic in nature.
The Concierge's Note: Let us charter you a gozzo (the traditional local boat) at dusk to reach the secret abbey of San Fruttuoso, accessible only by sea, for a dinner away from prying eyes.
Discover all our suites in Portofino.
6. Marbella — Andalusia, Spain
The atmosphere this summer
Marbella is the historic playground of Spanish nobility and international fortunes. The microclimate of the Costa del Sol, protected by the La Concha mountain, guarantees perfect summers. Between world-class golf courses and luxury marinas, Marbella cultivates an aura of assumed glamour.
The precise spot: The Golden Mile (La Milla de Oro)
This coastal boulevard connecting Marbella's centre to the Puerto Banús port concentrates the most legendary palaces in Europe. This is where Andalusian hospitality invented the concept of "resort village".
The aesthetic experience
Marbella's aesthetic is a fusion between lush Andalusian patios and contemporary tropical-chic design. The suites, often organized as small bungalows within botanical gardens, celebrate outdoor living: hand-painted azulejos, pergolas draped in bougainvilleas, and bright interiors signed by Spain's finest interior designers.
The Concierge's Note: We will guarantee you a Balinese bed by the water in one of the most coveted beach clubs on the Golden Mile, a precious passport in the heart of summer.
Discover all our suites in Marbella.
7. Mykonos — The Cyclades, Greece
The atmosphere this summer
Mykonos is the beating heart of the young and international jet-set. Magnetic, hedonistic and luxurious, the island attracts the fashion community and tech entrepreneurs. But a Mykonos summer can also be lived in absolute serenity, provided you know where to hide.
The precise spot: Agios Lazaros and Aleomandra
These rocky peninsulas shelter the island's most exclusive hotel enclaves. They are located just minutes by boat from the lively beaches, while guaranteeing complete sound and visual isolation.
The aesthetic experience
Cycladic luxury has been radically reinvented here. Gone is the picturesque, making way for sculptural minimalism. The suites are carved out of volcanic rock. The brilliant white of the walls softens contemporary geometric lines, while raw materials (driftwood, polished cement) reign supreme. Private pools seamlessly blend with the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea.
Concierge Note: Request the organization of a private chef on your suite's terrace for dinner at sunset, when the neighboring island of Delos lights up.
Discover all our suites in Mykonos.
8. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin — French Riviera, France / Monaco
The atmosphere this summer
At the immediate border of Monaco, where the corniche drops sheer into the sea, the atmosphere evokes the splendor of the Riviera's golden years. Summer is punctuated by the great galas of Monaco. It is the refuge of great fortunes orbiting the Principality, yet demanding height, space, and design.
The precise spot: The cliffs overlooking the Blue Gulf
Rising from the sea to the sky, this stretch of coast welcomes the avant-garde of modernist architecture and boldly luxurious hotels, commanding the Mediterranean majestically.
The aesthetic experience
Here, architecture defies gravity. The suites are suspended in mid-air, offering ultra-sophisticated contemporary design: steel structures, floor-to-ceiling bay windows offering views of three countries (France, Monaco, Italy), rare marbles, and bespoke furniture. Swimming in an infinity pool anchored to the cliff offers a sensation of absolute dominion.
Concierge Note: Rent a classic car (a Mercedes Pagode or Porsche 356) to drive the legendary cornices at dusk, Grace Kelly style.
Discover all our suites in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
9. Lake Como — Lombardy, Italy
The atmosphere this summer
Lake Como is the embodiment of aristocracy. In the height of summer, when coastal shores suffer from the heat, the lake's alpine microclimate offers sublime respite. Milanese fashion and European industrial dynasties gather here for a summer in chiaroscuro, between Renaissance gardens and dinners on the water.
The precise spot: Tremezzo and Bellagio
The center of the lake (the famous inverted "Y") concentrates the most spectacular historic palaces. Luxury properties often benefit from direct private water access, guaranteeing absolute discretion for distinguished guests.
The aesthetic experience
Italian classicism reaches its summit here. The suites of Como's palaces are neoclassical masterpieces: local silk adorning the walls, intricate stuccos, four-poster beds, and heavy carved stone balconies opening onto the lake. Modern luxury integrates in the form of heated pools floating directly on the lake's waters and sumptuous spas concealed within vaulted basements.
The Concierge's note: Book a seaplane from your hotel's marina to fly over the neighboring Swiss Alps and historic villas seen from the sky.
Discover all our suites at Lake Como.
10. Ibiza — The Balearic Islands, Spain
The atmosphere this summer
Ibiza has two faces. While the south of the island attracts revelers from around the world, the most discerning jet-set has claimed the north and center of the island. This is the era of holistic luxury: the elite comes here to disconnect, rejuvenate in absolute silence, and live barefoot in completely reimagined opulence.
The precise spot: San Juan and Santa Gertrudis
It is in the countryside (the campo), amid almond-covered hills, that the new fincas (old farms) reinvented as absolutely rare boutique hotels are hidden.
The aesthetic experience
Contemporary Ibiza is the world capital of bohemian-chic Wabi-Sabi style. The architecture respects thick whitewashed walls to maintain coolness. The suites are a tribute to the elements: raw stone floors, beams of sabine wood (the aromatic local timber), wrinkled linen, basins carved from rock and outdoor showers beneath the trees. The terraces are designed for contemplation under a preserved starry sky.
The Concierge's note: Let our concierge book you a private Sound Healing session at sunset, in the absolute intimacy of your suite's garden.
Discover all our suites in Ibiza.
In conclusion: Summer, a matter of spatial privilege
Experiencing Europe's most sought-after summer destinations without suffering their drawbacks is the ultimate art of travel. The difference between a good vacation and a memorable experience lies in the precision of your chosen address. Space, silence, and design excellence are the true markers of luxury today. By booking one of these suites curated by La Suite, you secure a pass to the most exclusive and confidential version of the European summer.