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Why mountains might be the best summer escape

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When most people think of summer, images of sandy beaches, ocean dips and swaying palms are what probably spring to mind. But those really in the know, understand that the ultimate summer escapes can actually be above sea level – among towering pines, crystal clear alpine lakes and cool, mountain air?

From the Alps to the Rockys, summer in the mountains offers luxurious, next-level serenity: no crowds, no stifling heat and no stress. Here’s why mountain escapes are quickly becoming the go-to choice for discerning travellers and where to stay for a truly elevated experience.

Golden days, balmy nights and fresh air on tap

Let’s be honest: urban heatwaves and crowded coastlines aren’t always the epitome of relaxation. A summertime mountain escape offers crisp, clean air and the kind of cool, balmy breeze you’ll crave when city heat just feels sweltering. Even during peak summer, mountain destinations the world over offer an abundance of fresh air and pleasant climes, offering up the perfect conditions for long hikes, forest picnics and lakeside swimming.

Stay here:
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland

This iconic hotel combines alpine charm with high-end luxury, offering panoramic lake and mountain views, Michelin-starred dining and even a private mountain railway experience. The perfect base for exploring the Engadin Valley.

Nature, Reimagined

Mountain scapes always evoke a sense of awe. Imagine waking up to birdsong, sipping hot coffee with mist rolling over the hills and walking through wildflower meadows with not another soul in sight. From glacier-fed lakes to hidden waterfalls, nature takes centre stage in a mountain retreat and it’s nothing short of cinematic.

Stay here:
The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

Tucked at the base of Aspen Mountain, this five-star resort offers ski-in, ski-out access in winter but come summer, it transforms into a tranquil paradise. Think: guided hikes, fly-fishing adventures and wine tastings under the stars.

Wellness with a View

Many luxury mountain resorts are designed with health and wellness in mind – from open-air yoga to forest bathing, wild swimming and even world-class spas that make use of local ingredients like alpine herbs and glacier water. The quiet of the mountains is perfect for allowing your mind to breathe and your body to rest and rejuvenate.

Stay here:
Forestis, Dolomites, Italy

Set in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, Forestis is a luxury wellness sanctuary that blends design, nature and healing. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite, a forest-fed spa and a daily sunrise ritual make it unforgettable.

Adventure at Your Own Pace

Whether it’s mountain biking through pine forests, paragliding over valleys, or simply soaking in an infinity pool surrounded by peaks, a mountain getaway offers just the right balance of thrill and tranquility. You can be as active or as blissfully still as you like.

Stay here:
Aman Le Mélézin, Courchevel, France

Though famous for its ski season, Aman Le Mélézin is a hidden summer gem. Go horse riding through alpine trails, take a private helicopter tour over Mont Blanc or relax in the Japanese onsen-style spa.

Less Crowded, More Exclusive

Let’s face it… coastal hotspots in summer are often overrun. Mountain retreats, on the other hand, tend to attract a more intentional kind of traveller. You’ll find more space, better service and a deeper connection to your surroundings. It’s luxury without the chaos.

Elevated in Every Way

Mountains aren’t just for winter escapes. In summer, they transform into serene, sun-dappled playgrounds, perfect for those seeking both peace and adventure. So, if you’re craving a more elevated summer holiday (literally and figuratively), you might just find your dream escape in the mountains.

Ready to rise above the rest?
Let Travel Seen curate your luxury mountain getaway. From private chalets to exclusive spa resorts, we’ll make sure your summer is anything but ordinary. Call us on 0333 305 9912.

Where to stay in 2025: the new hotels defining luxury in Europe

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Discover the latest luxury stays redefining travel in 2025. From rooftop retreats in Rome to serene sanctuaries in the Greek isles, these brand-new hotels are opening their doors with style, substance and serious wow-factor. Here’s your first look at the standout newcomer’s worth booking early.

Vista Ostuni – Puglia, Italy

A former 16th-century convent reborn as a sustainably minded boutique hotel, Vista Ostuni overlooks the whitewashed city and Adriatic Sea. Featuring three pools (indoor & outdoor), a spa and a rooftop restaurant, it melds minimalist Apulian design with community-focused values – including female leadership and LEED Gold sustainability.

Rosewood Amsterdam – Netherlands

Opened on 1 June 2025 within the iconic Palace of Justice, Rosewood Amsterdam blends historic grandeur with refined comfort. Guests can expect 134 rooms and suites, a tranquil courtyard, canalside dining and a lush urban sanctuary in the heart of the UNESCO Canal District.

Orient Express La Minerva – Rome, Italy

Opened in spring 2025 in a 17th‑century palazzo just steps from the Pantheon, this landmark hotel brings Art Deco flair to Rome. With 93 rooms, a rooftop restaurant, spa inspired by Roman baths and bespoke interiors by Hugo Toro, it’s a timeless tribute to travel and elegance.

Vione Paros – Paros, Greece

Opening June 2025 near Naoussa, this adults-only boutique captures Aegean elegance with 40 sleek suites (many with private pools), a world-class spa and refined Mediterranean cuisine served at Vione by Mario. Muted tones and Cycladic design make it a sanctuary for calm and style.

Six Senses London – UK

A transformative project in Bayswater’s restored Whiteleys department store, opening mid-2025. With 109 guest rooms, 14 branded residences, the expansive Six Senses Place wellness club, indoor pool, spa, Alchemy Bar and wellness-first design by Foster + Partners, it’s the brand’s first UK outpost.

Nobu Hotel Sevilla – Seville, Spain

New in 2025, this sleek urban retreat combines Andalusian flair with Nobu’s signature dining. Featuring minimalist rooms, a rooftop pool and bar and contemporary design, it’s a polished getaway in the heart of historic Seville.

Final Thoughts

From Italian heritage revivals to Greek island sanctuaries and wellness-centric urban gems, 2025’s luxury hotel scene offers unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you’re drawn to design, dining, or mindfulness, these new openings promise to inspire your next escape.

Interested? Call us on 0333 305 9912 and we can plan your trip for you.

Europe’s chicest boutique hotels that are actually worth the trip

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There’s something irresistible about boutique hotels. Fewer crowds, more character and the kind of interiors you’ll mentally pin to your dream home mood board. If you prefer low-key luxury over five-star fuss and hidden gems over high-rise chains, this is definitely the edit for you.

We’ve scouted Europe for those boutique stays that go beyond just nice and land firmly in never want to leave. And whether your vibe is retro Riviera glamour or Greek island minimalism, these picks all have main character energy. Are you ready to check in yet?

Belmond Splendido – Portofino, Italy

Italian Riviera chic and old-school dolce vita combine…

Perched above Portofino’s pastel harbour, Belmond Splendido is more than a hotel, it’s practically a movie scene. Think sunrise saltwater swims, followed by al fresco breakfast (all with an Aperol in hand). Once a summer home to Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, the Belmond Splendido still channels effortless glamour: white robes, Ligurian views and la dolce vita done right.

Vibe: Retro Italian glamour
Best for: Celebrating something (or nothing) in serious style

Villa Treville – Positano, Italy

The Amalfi Coast, but make it private

Once owned by opera director Franco Zeffirelli, Villa Treville is Positano’s crown jewel. With ocean-view balconies, fragrant gardens and just a handful of suites, it’s more clifftop residence than hotel. The views? Cancel-your-flight-home good.

Vibe: Amalfi fantasy with aristocratic flair
Best for: Honeymoons, romantic escapism and golden hour selfies

Parīlio – Paros, Greece

Minimalist calm on a Cycladic island

Tucked near Kolymbithres beach on the island of Paros, Parīlio brings ancient spirit into modern design. Expect arched doorways, earthy tones and a postcard-worthy pool. The name means “sun-bright” and you’ll feel it in every light-soaked corner.

Vibe: Slow Greek living meets design-led calm
Best for: Sun, style and salty skin

Nobis Hotel – Palma Old Town, Mallorca

A Nordic-style sanctuary in the heart of Palma

Set in a 12th-century stone building, Nobis is the kind of place that gets the balance right. Cool but not try-hard, historic but definitely not heavy. Wander from bold art pieces to serene corners, then head out to explore the Old Town… or just stay in and order another cocktail.

Vibe: Understated elegance with a Scandi soul
Best for: City breaks, culture trips and design lovers

Cap Rocat – Mallorca, Spain

A fortress turned fantasy

Cap Rocat doesn’t just sit on the coast, it’s carved into it. This 19th-century fortress is now an ultra-luxury retreat, with private plunge pools, secret sun decks and a restaurant that’s actually inside the old watchtower. Cinematic doesn’t quite cover it.

Vibe: Secluded and striking, with a Bond villain edge
Best for: Off-the-grid romance and milestone moments

Let Travel Seen Take You There

Luxury isn’t about show. It’s about feel; the right light, the right linen, the right kind of atmosphere.

At Travel Seen, we don’t just recommend these places. We plan every detail, so all you have to do is check in.

We know the spots. Let’s make it happen.
📞 0333 305 9912

 

Step inside the world of Netflix’s Sirens: the real locations behind TV’s most addictive summer drama

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Netflix’s Sirens isn’t just a show – it’s an aesthetic. A razor-sharp blend of wealth, family dysfunction and pastel-soaked scenery that’s as seductive as the secrets at its core.

Set in the fictional town of Port Haven, Sirens follows the elite Kell family through a world of manicured lawns, beachfront whispers, and generational power struggles. But while Port Haven doesn’t exist, the locations are very real — and you can visit them. From the windswept vineyards of North Fork to the storied mansions of Long Island, here’s how to recreate the Sirens experience in real life.

Cliff House

Filming Location: Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Lloyd Harbor, Long Island
The grand estate of Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore) sets the tone: elevated, exclusive, and steeped in quiet power. While the interiors were shot on a soundstage, the estate’s exteriors were filmed at Caumsett State Park — a sprawling 1,750-acre property with coastal views, formal gardens, and trails made for contemplative walks (or dramatic exits).

Oregon Road & Southold

Filming Location: North Fork, Long Island
The show’s sun-bleached coastal roads and vineyard-laced drives were filmed in Southold, a laid-back but luxurious corner of Long Island wine country. Oregon Road’s cinematic views and timeless calm capture the spirit of Port Haven – secluded, seductive, and unmistakably East Coast.

The Interiors

Filming Location: Steiner Studios, Brooklyn Navy Yard
The pale-pink parlours, curated kitchens and softly lit tension all came to life at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn. While you can’t tour the sets, the surrounding Navy Yard is home to cafés, creatives, and skyline views that rival any Netflix backdrop.

Travel Seen Picks: Where to stay for your own Sirens escape

We’ve handpicked the real-life stays that channel the Sirens energy – from Hamptons wellness sanctuaries to vintage-chic beach hotels. Whether you’re chasing elegance, escapism or East Coast drama, we know where to send you.

The Hamptons

Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill
Wellness meets exclusivity. Private pavilions, spa rituals, and total privacy.

Martha’s Vineyard

The Christopher, Edgartown
Colour-drenched charm and leafy street appeal. Think quiet power with heritage roots.

Nantucket

The Wauwinet
Vintage New England luxury, beachfront dining, and arrival by boat. It’s giving Kell energy.

Ready to Book a Stay Worthy of the Screen?

The drama might be scripted, but the destinations are very real. Travel Seen specialises in curated, cinematic itineraries – from whispered-about beach houses to estates you won’t find on Booking.com.

Let us craft your Sirens-inspired escape, complete with tailored transfers, hidden gems and all the elevated extras. Because every summer needs a little mystery.

Call us on 0333 305 9912.

Boujee beach clubs you can actually get into

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Let’s be honest — when you hear “French Riviera” and “beach club” in the same sentence, you probably picture velvet ropes, VIP-only everything and eye-watering minimum spends. But here’s the secret: there are glamorous beach clubs along the Côte d’Azur that deliver on the style and sparkle without the snobbery. Whether you’re sipping rosé in Cannes or dancing barefoot in Saint-Tropez, these boujee beach clubs are as accessible as they are iconic.

Here’s your go-to guide to beach clubs that are high on luxury but low on hassle:

Cannes – La Croisette & Surrounds

Carlton Beach Club

Nestled on the famed La Croisette, Carlton Beach Club is part of the InterContinental Carlton Hotel – and it’s as iconic as it sounds. Think striped parasols, top-tier service and prime sea views. It’s a stylish spot to chill, yet walk-ins are welcome (especially for lunch) and you’ll often find a sunbed without needing to book weeks ahead.

La Môme Plage

Fashionable but friendly, La Môme is a newer gem on La Croisette and has quickly earned a reputation for its upbeat vibes, great seafood and Insta-worthy decor. The crowd here is chic but welcoming – no need for an invite-only bracelet.

Croisette Beach by JW Marriott

This beach club combines five-star hospitality with a relaxed Riviera feel. Expect plush loungers, attentive staff and a killer rosé list – all without the exclusivity overload. You can book your spot online or pop by on quieter days.

La Guérite (Île Sainte-Marguerite)

Okay, this one feels exclusive, but it’s totally doable. Hop on a short boat ride from Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite and you’ll land at La Guérite – a secluded, ultra-cool beach restaurant and lounge tucked away on the rocks. It’s a hotspot, so book ahead, but it’s open to all and definitely worth the journey.

Saint-Tropez & Pampelonne Beach

Club 55
An institution on Pampelonne Beach, Club 55 manages to be both legendary and laid-back. A-listers have lunched here since Brigitte Bardot’s And God Created Woman, but you’ll still find room for a casual glass of wine and fresh grilled fish. Reservations help, but the vibe stays unpretentious.

Nikki Beach

If you’re in the mood for a party, Nikki Beach delivers high-energy days with DJs, champagne showers and white-on-white everything. It’s famous, yes — but still accessible if you plan ahead. Expect minimum spends for beds, but lunch or cocktails on the terrace are fair game for all.

Cap d’Antibes

Plage Keller

Elegant and serene, Plage Keller is a standout on Cap d’Antibes, tucked into the stunning bay of Garoupe. It’s more refined than rowdy – the kind of place where you linger over lunch and wade into the clearest water on the Riviera. It books out in peak season, but it’s welcoming and worth the effort.

Saint-Raphaël

Les Roches Rouge

Part of the chic hotel of the same name, Les Roches Rouges is a design-lover’s dream with a saltwater pool carved into the rocks. The beach club here is minimalist and magical, ideal for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path Riviera escape. Come for the view, stay for the rosé.

Final Thoughts

Not all beach clubs are created equal – and not all require a VIP pass. These spots combine the best of the Riviera lifestyle: glamorous settings, good vibes and accessibility for those in the know. So, whether you’re lounging with locals in Antibes or dancing in the sand at Nikki Beach, you can bring your boujee energy — no gatekeeping required.

Want help booking your dream Riviera itinerary with stops at all these spots (and maybe a yacht in between)? We’ve got you. Call us today on 033 305 9912.

Offering luxurious getaways to the world's most exclusive destinations

Call us today on 0333 305 9912