Growing up in Vermont, I was always drawn to Scandinavia—the climate, the colors, the can-do spirit of people habituated to serious weather. I was also steeped early in Danish and midcentury design by a family that traveled frequently to northern Europe. Other people’s grandparents went to Florida; mine went to Finland.

An August adventure of some kind has become a family tradition, and increasingly, I’m looking for cooler places (both aesthetically and weatherwise) with few tourists. In addition I like comfort, so when I was connected with Torunn Tronsvang, owner of Up Norway, I knew I could delegate the planning of our 8-day escape to her connected team.

While travel can feel hectic—not to mention expensive—these days, adventures and relaxing escapes are in higher demand than ever. From design-led properties with a focus on wellness to sumptuous estates in remote winemaking regions, there are offerings for every age and interest. Whether you’re looking for an art-filled escape or an adrenaline-charged break, the time is now to book a summer holiday to remember.

These new (and, in some cases, improved) properties are just
a few of the highlights that are drawing eager travelers abroad next year. From the historic streets of London to the snow-capped peaks of Megève, these are just a few of the hotels and destinations that are guaranteed to make for memorable adventures.

With the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics right around the corner, the the time to plan your trip is now.

On the heels of the successful Paris Olympics, plans for the next Winter Games are well underway. These will be held primarily in and around the dramatic Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage– designated range named for the pale dolomite rock that forms striking, craggy peaks and some of the best ski terrain on the planet.

Defining features These sleek brushed aluminium cases feature reinforced corners, three closures to keep contents secure, an ergonomic, four-height adjustable handle, speedy wheels and a quilted taffeta lining for extra luxe. Perfect for Chronic over-packers, and anyone who won’t mind inevitable scrapes and dings from the cargo hold.   See also The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder bag (£360).

For those interested in a summer holiday in Europe, the time to start planning is right now. With a strong U.S. dollar, increased flight capacity and added routes to smaller cities, the appetite for adventures abroad shows no signs of waning. Here are just a few of the recently—or soon to be—opened hotels across the Continent and in the U.K. From a chic French chateau to a design-led, historic project by British architect Sir David Chipperfield in central London, travelers are spoiled for stylish choice this spring.

With their baroque palaces, grand hotels and storied cultural venues, the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg are perennial favorites for aesthetes and outdoors people alike. With equal parts old-world glamour and cutting-edge art and cuisine, these cities nestled between pristine lakes and mountains
are calling throughout the seasons.

Set in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe was founded as a Spanish colony in 1610. Throughout its 400-year history, it has remained a center for art, culture and trade. The oldest capital city in the U.S. and a designated Creative City by UNESCO, it continues to draw an international clientele interested in everything from Pueblo-style architecture to inventive cuisine and Indigenous craft. And while many of the city’s stalwarts remain—the colorful galleries that line Canyon Road, green chile stew and sopaipillas, world-famous craft markets and the Santa Fe Opera—new additions continue to enliven the vibrant scene.

Record crowds—not to mention temperatures—made for a busy summer abroad, but the time to really enjoy cultural sights and new hotels is now. With many properties extending their seasons to attract off-peak visitors, fall is the ideal time to wander city streets and even hit the beach when the days are still sunny but cool.

While Switzerland might conjure images of piste rather than pools those in the know relish the calm summer season.

The bucolic hills of Switzerland will be alive this summer with the sound of music—courtesy of the country’s many music festivals and clanging cowbells—but they’ll also be blessedly quiet and free from the typical tourist throngs. While many will flock to summer staples such as the Amalfi Coast and the Côte d’Azur, those looking for a truly regenerative escape might opt for one of the 26 cantons that comprise Switzerland. There, pristine glacial lakes and Alpine adventures (not to mention a fine fondue) await. Direct flights from the U.S. to both Zurich and Geneva—and timely trains from either airport—make accessing the scenic mountain towns a breeze. A night in either city is a pleasure, one that makes the (often early-morning) return flight more manageable.

This month marks the opening of “Cartier Design: A Living Legacy,” a stunning retrospective of the maison’s most iconic creations that runs from March 15 through May 14 at Mexico City’s Museo Jumex. The strikingly spare David Chipperfield-designed museum is the perfect backdrop for the collection of 160 objects that were last exhibited at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in 1999 and offer unique insights into Cartier’s strong cultural ties to Mexico as well as its timeless savoir-faire.

From the bustling plazas and trendy tapas bars of Madrid, to the bustling port city of Barcelona, to the architectural gem that is Seville, Spain is really having a moment. The combination of medieval towns, beautiful beaches, a vibrant art scene and endlessly creative cuisine make this country an appealing destination.

Set in the stylish residential area of Chamberí, Santo Mauro offers an opulent step back in time—to an 18th century mansion with a mix of period styles and global influences. Interiors have been overseen by noted designer Lorenzo Castillo whose preference for rich fabrics and elegant antiques makes the 49 palatial rooms and suites—as well as libraries and a bijoux bar—feel like a welcoming home away from home. Three historic buildings—one a horse sta- ble that has been turned into light-filled rooms—are surrounded by lush gardens and make Santo Mauro a truly unique find.

La dolce vita never gets old and this season promises to be one of the very best. Visit new hotspots in Capri, Verona and beyond.

After several years of travel disruptions, no place is more in demand this summer than the chic cities and dramatic coastlines of Italy. Adding to the general excitement are the opening of new properties from the shores of Lake Como to the cliffs of Capri—all luxurious hotels, restaurants and villas with a rich sense of history and the latest in luxury amenities—and each with its own particular brand of warm, Italian hospitality.

From chic boutique escapes in Scotland to villas on the white sand beaches of St. Barths, new properties and restaurants are popping
up all over the globe and are ready to welcome visitors eager to explore

Mikaela Shiffrin’s guide to Colorado

The skier and two-time Olympic gold medallist shares the charms of her mountain home in the Vail Valley

Ski season is here, and with it comes everything from high-speed state of the art lifts to design led hotels and designer clothing collaborations. Here are just a few of this winter’s high altitude highlights.

The highly anticipated Montage Big Sky opens with 139 guest rooms, suites and residences all designed in a neutral palette using natural materials, in keeping with the rugged Rocky Mountain setting. Ski across 5,850 Big Sky acres followed by a satisfying meal at Cortina, where wood-fired Northern Italian fare is on offer, or hit Alpenglow—named after Big Sky Country’s stunning sunsets over the Spanish Peaks—for savory snacks and craft beers.

Dispatch from France

Paris is bursting with culinary excitement. From restaurants set within luxury hotels to more off the beaten path boites, there’s lots to explore in the French capital this season.

London is the place to be this season, with a slew of new hotels, exhibitions, theater offerings and restaurants. Before you book, consider a few of the latest additions to the excellent lodging scene.

Set in the leafy green heart of Chelsea, the recently opened Beaverbrook Town House combines Georgian glamour with cosseting, luxe interiors (think lacquer, velvet, theatrical curtains and opulent carpets) by local designer Nicola Harding. The 15,000-square-foot heritage hotel occupies two imposing townhouses just across from bucolic Cadogan Gardens on Sloane Street that have been reimagined in the spirit of its namesake, Lord Beaverbrook—the former press baron and MP whose inner circle included the likes of Ian Fleming, Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor. Guests at this home-away-from-home will be ensconced in vibrant, jewel-toned color, as well as art, photography and memorabilia from the Lord’s impressive private collection.

Gary Tinterow, director of Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts, on the pioneering spirit of America’s third-largest city

After a long, pandemic-induced slumber, the City of Light is starting to twinkle again with a slew of stunning hotel, restaurant and retail openings this fall and beyond. From the lush grounds at Versailles to the Côte d’Azur, the latest hospitality experiences outside the French capital also make visitors feel cosseted as never before. We suggest booking a ticket on all-business class boutique airline La Compagnie, which flies daily from New York to Paris and Nice.

After a difficult 18 months, Italy is back and better than ever with these exciting new hospitality offerings.

In the heart of northern Italy’s Piedmont region, overlooking 100 acres of working vineyards and rolling hills, is Casa di Langa, a new 39-room boutique hotel. From a commitment to carbon neutrality to the use of 100 percent recycled water for irrigation, geothermal heating throughout, zero single-use plastic and solar panels, the property’s owners are dedicated to offering a sustainable and luxurious experience. Fàula Ristorante, overseen by chef Manuel Bouchard, focuses on traditional cuisine and innovative creations utilizing local ingredients sourced from their own gardens and local producers. At Sorì Cocktail Bar, guests can indulge in wines from around the world and neighboring vineyards, including rare bottles from its sister wineries Vietti and Enrico Serafino.

If ever there was a city synonymous with fall, it would have to be Boston, with its many academic institutions, stately brownstones lining the leafy streets of Back Bay, the sweeping Charles River and a generally tweedy vibe. This autumn, there are even more reasons to return—and rest—in sumptuous style with the reimagining of several of the city’s storied properties. Here are just a few of the best places to perch before setting off to see this year’s stunning New England foliage.

Welcome to Napa 2.0 — The New Provence

If your dreams of spending the summer in the Mediterranean feel a little too complicated this year, look to Napa, which is fast becoming the New Provence. Contributing editor Christina Ohly has a look at the area's best new offerings.

Why go now? For a completely relaxing vacation with no big brand hotels, golf courses or spas, look no further than this part of the Bahamas….

The German poet’s home has been gloriously restored, and has views to match

The Argentine developer and hotelier has enlisted Pritzker Prize-winning architects Norman Foster and Rem Koolhaas to design his new cultural and residential Faena Miami Beach