Luxury Summer Holidays with a Twist
Oliver BroadOriginally published in J’aime Magazine…
RB Collection’s award-winning team shares their top recommendations for an original summer luxury getaway.
This year, we’re seeing clients move away from typical beach holidays in search of more authentic destinations and enriching experiences. While many still crave some rest and relaxation by the sea, the trend is shifting toward destinations that offer unique opportunities rather than simply beautiful pools and pristine beaches.
Based on our clients’ bookings and current industry observations, we’ve identified the most compelling travel trends for this summer season.
The Rise of Luxury Train Travel
One of the most significant shifts we’ve observed is the growing popularity of train travel. More clients are choosing to reach destinations like the Italian Lakes or Southern Spain by rail. You can now depart London St Pancras at breakfast time and enjoy dinner in Barcelona the same evening with just one change in Paris.
We’ve been crafting these bespoke rail journeys for several years, and their popularity continues to soar. Popular stops include Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada (home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace), and Málaga. Many clients opt to combine train travel with a return flight or explore alternative routes home.
This slower-paced approach allows travellers to absorb local scenery and relax in spacious, comfortable environments while minimising time spent in airports. Another favoured route runs from London through Paris to Geneva, Milan, and the Italian Lakes. This summer, Oliver will experience the legendary Glacier Express in Switzerland, a breathtaking alternative that showcases alpine splendour.
La Dolce Vita Orient-Express: A New Era of Luxury Rail
This year marked the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient-Express (pictured above), a stunning new luxury train based in Rome. This retro-styled marvel offers one and two-night journeys throughout Italy, including Venice and Portofino, and even extends to Sicily via an innovative train ferry service.
Hotel group Accor, partnered with luxury giant LVMH, demonstrates serious commitment to transforming luxury travel. Accor has also opened La Minerva in Rome, the first of many planned Orient Express hotels designed to host passengers before and after their rail adventures.
Offering more spacious accommodations than Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, La Dolce Vita caters to a new generation seeking contemporary comfort and style over nostalgic grandeur.
Discovering Alternatives to Overtourism
Italy’s overwhelming popularity has driven prices to unprecedented levels, particularly in destinations like Sicily, which gained fame through shows like “The White Lotus.” Overtourism during peak season has become challenging, prompting us to seek compelling alternatives.
Oliver & Nathan have both now visited Montenegro (pictured above, taken by Oliver in Kotor Bay), on separate trips to visit hotels and explore what is on offer to our clients. With its mirror-like waters in Kotor Bay and stunning mountain regions, Montenegro is emerging as a serious rival to the Italian Lakes—offering similar beauty with lower prices and fewer crowds.
Prestigious brands including Regent, One&Only, Chedi, and Aman have invested in Montenegro, with more development expected under strict building controls that protect the country’s pristine landscapes.
Nathan’s stayed at the One&Only Portonovi and highly recommends it for a great high-end luxury escape.
New Luxury Properties Worth Watching
For beach enthusiasts, Oku opens its fourth property in Andalusia this July, following successful launches in Ibiza, Kos, and Bodrum. These laid-back luxury hotels feature Japanese minimalist design and target younger travelers in vibrant Mediterranean destinations.
Nearby, the new Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol opened in February, offering a more traditional resort experience with its own golf club. Located just 20 minutes from SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, it provides excellent recreational opportunities. The property sits perfectly between Marbella and Málaga to the north and Gibraltar to the south, ensuring easy flight access.
Our favourite spot along this coast remains Marbella Club, perfectly positioned for seafront walks to both Marbella and Puerto Banús. The area excels in shopping, sports, and exploration, with the picturesque historic town of Ronda easily accessible.
Greek Island Glamour
Nathan also visited Greece’s newest luxury destination: One&Only Kéa Island (pictured above), just 45 minutes by speedboat from Athens. Touted as one of this summer’s most glamorous hideaways, it features exclusive private pool villas. Given One&Only’s reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands, bookings are expected to be in high demand following its spring opening.
Nathan has visited the One&Only Kéa Island as well as the One&Only Aesthesis, just outside of Athens.
Long-Haul Value and Cultural Richness
For families seeking better value during school holidays, Mauritius offers tropical paradise at a fraction of traditional European costs. This Indian Ocean destination provides culturally diverse experiences, and while the flight is longer, travellers can easily break the journey in Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai, with convenient departures from regional UK airports.
Bali and Malaysian Borneo present another excellent option for school holidays, offering rich cultural experiences including ancient temples and incredible wildlife in tropical settings. These destinations align perfectly with the growing trend toward more enriching family holiday experiences.
Perfect Short Breaks
Malta’s capital, Valletta (pictured above, taken by Oliver during his recent visit), has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years. While busy during peak summer, it makes an exceptional choice for early or late season breaks. Oliver recently visited and was impressed by the island’s investment in preserving its historic city center, including the extensively refurbished Grandmaster’s Palace.
The city offers charming boutique hotels, many featuring rooftop terraces and small pools, with regular flights from Birmingham making access convenient. Valletta’s abundance of characterful bars and restaurants can be extended with a visit to peaceful Gozo, just a short ferry ride away.
To book your next luxury holiday, contact us on 01543 258631. Visit our luxury travel lounge in Boley Park, Lichfield by appointment.
Main image: The beach at Trou Aux Biches, Mauritius – one of our favourite family-friendly hotels.
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