THE HOT LIST: 4 SUMMER COOL-CATION DESTINATIONS

In the midst of the daily brouhaha, we sometimes dream of being parachuted into the middle of nowhere to escape the hustle and stress of the city. A prime destination if ever there was one, Europe attracts travellers from all around the world. It's no wonder, given the beauty of its paradisiacal countries. Whisper it, but from high-altitude in the Bernese Alps to breezy beachside retreats, here are our five destinations we will call home this summer.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection always has the right place to stay. And for this one, you can trust us, Ultimate Provence promises the kind of experience you’ll measure all future holidays against. A wild and spoiling spot 50 minutes from Saint-Tropez, surrounded by the Massif des Maures. The hotel, imagined by the French duo Humbert & Poyet, holds a certain je ne sais quoi that makes us feel miles from the world. It combines that easy lived-in feel with the hospitality of a five-star boutique hotel. Striated with AOP Côtes-de-Provence vineyards and set within a vast forested area, the breeze in the vines and the occasional buzzing of the bees are the only faint sounds that break up the dreamy tranquility. It houses 34 luxury rooms and apartments, a restaurant, a library, a spa, and a pool with the peaceful atmosphere of a retreat. At the restaurant, a room infused with bonhomie and good cheer, the table is haute couture, served by Chef Kevin Soria, who knows what he is doing. The menu evolves with the seasons, made up of ingredients carefully selected from local producers.

Must do: strolling through the gardens filled with the scent of umbrella pines, roses, and sage, all the way to the heated pool, an ideal spot to colonise with your tribe.

The French Riviera has long been a magnet for la crème de la crème of French cinema seeking a jet-set atmosphere. An intangible alchemy that has been channeled into La Villa Belrose. Tucked away in Gassin (5 minutes from Saint-Tropez), in the heart of a 9,000 square meter pine forest on the Sinopolis hill, La Villa Belrose, a gem of a hotel affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World, distills a sunny art of living. Away from the crowds and bustling spots of the gulf, this small paradise has been attracting aesthetes seeking tranquility and breathtaking landscapes for years. The fragrances of southern warmth quickly perfume the place, which shelters 40 rooms, 16 villas, a spa, a gym, two restaurants, and 200 square meters of pools (among the largest in the bay). In the lobby, the sea captivates the eye while classics of Italian design lend the setting a haute couture comfort. Summer stretches languorously from the French breakfast to the last drink under the shade of maples and beeches. It’s difficult to imagine a better and more relaxing way to spend a holiday.

Must do: If the sea calls out to you, one activity (organised by the hotel) that’s truly unmissable is the yacht trip.

For those who prefer cities on the little crazy side, cities that are chaotic, troubled, and always looking for places of bust, boom, and late nights that hide their neuroses behind bonhomie : We’ve unearthed a cozy five-star Parisian gem in the Bastille district: Maison Breguet. Decorated by the Sagrada Architecture Studio, known for projects like the Arts Club in London, the hotel charms with its custom seventies-inspired decor. When it comes to dining, the establishment has handed over the reins of its restaurant to Chef Steve Soms (Toque d'Or 2021), praised by Gault & Millau and Le Guide Michelin. The result: Meticulously crafted creations that are a feast for the palate. We’ve fallen for La Petite Maison, a 94-square-meter room haven spread over two floors with its own private garden that we’ve taken over for the weekend. The cherry on the cake? The stop at the hammam to eliminate toxins before relaxing in the sauna and taking a dip or two in the hotel pool. Lounging, breathing, recharging.

Must do: Ditch the taxis and the metro and explore the capital on an electric bike, available at every corner.

Living in an urban jungle, one can’t help but yearn for a sweet escape once summer comes knocking. But instead of the beach, why not consider, let’s say, après-skiing without skis? Nestled in the Bernese Canton, Gstaad — the ski playground of Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor - is well known for its glamorous après-ski. This summer, it is at The Alpina Gstaad that we’re dropping our bags in quest of rejuvenation. This wellness temple houses a large pool carved into the rock, ice showers, a hammam, a salt cave, and a chromotherapy sauna. But most importantly, the customised massages by Antonis Sarris, an expert therapist whose technique is at the crossroads of Thai massage, shiatsu, Ayurvedic aromatherapy, hot stones, and Tibetan sound healing. We’re hooked on Megu, its Japanese restaurant, named by Gault Millau as Switzerland’s top Asian restaurant, skilfully overseen by Tsutomu Kugota, a disciple of Nobu Matsuhisa. The hotel also houses its own permanent art collection, displayed throughout the hotel. It features works by numerous renowned 21st-century artists. Needless to say, the bar has been set high, and admirers (or should we say competitors) have taken note.

Must do: Take a cable car and head to Glacier 3000 for the sunset to enjoy spectacular panoramic views.