The Bazaar Arabia Summer Escape Guide: The Best Luxury Hotels To Book In 2026
Whether you’re dreaming of ocean views, wellness retreats or unforgettable cultural escapes, these destinations deserve a place on your summer itinerary…
Summer is rarely just about the destination. It is about the feeling that comes with it. The first glimpse of the ocean from your hotel balcony. Long lunches that stretch effortlessly into sunset. The quiet luxury of having nowhere to be except exactly where you are. After months of busy schedules and rising temperatures, this is the season many of us begin dreaming about: a chance to press pause and trade routine for something unforgettable.
Across Europe, elegant coastal retreats are welcoming guests with Mediterranean views, world class dining and centuries of culture on their doorstep. In Asia, island sanctuaries and oceanfront hideaways promise everything from whale watching and wellness rituals to private beaches and barefoot luxury. The Middle East offers a world of its own, from futuristic island escapes and secluded coastal hideaways to desert retreats beneath vast, star filled skies.
Whether your idea of the perfect holiday involves a clifftop spa, a secluded villa overlooking the sea, a desert escape under a sky full of stars, or simply a beautiful place to watch the sunset with the people you love most, these are the destinations worth escaping to this summer.
Europe
Hôtel De Paris Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Accommodation
There is nowhere in Europe quite like Monaco in summer, and no better address from which to experience it than Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Positioned on the legendary Place du Casino, this palace hotel is the heart of the Riviera, where the yachts gleam in the harbour and the evenings never seem to end. Rooms and suites are beautifully designed with the kind of old-world magnificence that never goes out of style. For the ultimate stay, the Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III Suites are simply unmatched anywhere on the French Riviera; private, palatial, and dripping in romance.
Dining
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse holds three Michelin stars and delivers a vibrant, sun-soaked tribute to Mediterranean cuisine. For something more relaxed, Le Grill on the eighth floor opens its terrace to sweeping panoramic sea views. After dinner, Le Bar Américain is the perfect spot to linger over a signature cocktail as live jazz fills the air.
What to Do
Monaco’s cultural calendar runs hot all summer. The Formula 1 Grand Prix charges through the very streets outside, while the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival in July and performances at Salles des Étoiles and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo keep the evenings electric. The Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Opéra Garnier, and the boutiques of One Monte-Carlo are all on the doorstep. For quieter moments, the rooftop Wellness Sky Club pool is a serene retreat above it all.
For more information, visit montecarlosbm.com
Hotel Reschio, Perugia, Italy
Accommodation
Some places ask you to slow down. Reschio insists on it. Set among the rolling golden hills of Umbria, this extraordinary private estate, shaped from over fifty historic farmhouses which have been meticulously restored over decades, feels less like a hotel and more like stepping into a way of life that the modern world forgot. Rooms and suites follow an organic design philosophy, each filled with carefully chosen furnishings and quiet, considered details that subtly reference the characters who once inhabited the ancient castle at the estate’s heart. It feels personal, intimate, and deeply rooted in its surroundings.
Dining
The elegant Ristorante al Castello serves a beautifully refined menu on a terrace above the sunset. For something more relaxed, Ristorante alle Scuderie dishes up seasonal Umbrian cooking beneath soaring ceilings and shaded garden tables, with live music drifting through the afternoon air. Hidden intimate spaces across the estate invite private dinners al fresco and picnics laid out in the countryside.
What to Do
Reschio rewards curiosity at every turn. The estate is surrounded with dense woodland, meadows and lakes that form a self-regulating ecosystem. Spend a morning with the resident beekeeper, suited up and diving into thriving colonies of honeybees among wildflower meadows. Explore the forests for natural remedies and wild herbs. For the evenings, the newly opened Chocolate Box Theatre brings opera, poetry readings, silent films with live piano and candlelit performances to a beautifully intimate space.
For more information, visit reschio.com
Amanzoe, Porto Heli, Greece
Accommodation
Perched on a hilltop above the eastern Peloponnese like a modern-day Acropolis, Amanzoe commands 360-degree views across ancient olive orchards and the shimmering Aegean Sea in a setting that feels as though it was designed by the gods themselves. The surrounding region is one of the country’s richest in history and natural beauty, scattered with UNESCO-protected ruins, azure bay, and centuries-old villages. Standalone Pavilions are each entered through a private stone-walled courtyard and open onto high ceiling interiors with a private pool and terrace. Beach pavilions sit directly on the shore with the water just steps away, while the resort’s private villas offer the ultimate indulgence: open marble terraces, dry stone walls, classical concrete columns, and a dedicated personal chef and host for the entire stay.
Dining
Five distinct venues make choosing dinner its own pleasure. Nura celebrates the traditional flavours of the Mediterranean with warmth and precision, while Akari brings refined sushi to the hillside. The undisputed highlight is the open-air amphitheatre, where a Greek degustation menu is served under the stars. The Beach Club offers full dining alongside its four swimming pools and spa.
What to Do
The surrounding region is one of Greece’s richest, scattered with UNESCO-protected ruins, turquoise water, and centuries-old villages that reward slow exploration. On the water, kayaking, snorkelling and island hopping depart directly from the Beach Club. On land, guests can try traditional ceramics inspired by ancient Greek pottery, visit a nearby family beehive, or join astronomer Dr Apostolakis for a private stargazing session through the Hyperion telescope.
For more information, visit aman.com
Cap Estel Hotel, Éze, France
Accommodation
Set on a private two-hectare peninsula between Monaco and Nice, Cap Estel is one of the Côte d’Azur’s most quietly spectacular places. The luxury hotel delivers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean from every angle, its terraces suspended above the waves. It is a place of genuine beauty, intimate and removed from the commotion of the Riviera’s more crowded shores. The immaculate neoclassical Manor House, Le Cap, rises over four levels with 180-degree sea views from every angle; turquoise stretching to deep blue, all the way to the horizon. Independent rooms and suites range from 30 to 500 square metres, each with its own magnificent sea-view terrace. It has all the grandeur of a private manor and none of the stiffness of a conventional hotel.
Dining
La Table du Cap Estel is critically acclaimed and chef Kévin Garcia’s exceptional cuisine is served in an intimate interior of black and white marble, Greek columns, and large bay windows framing the sea. On long summer evenings, the restaurant spills onto the terrace, the scent of the kitchen mingling with salt air, boats slipping silently over the horizon.
What to Do
Cap Estel moves at its own unhurried rhythm. The extensive grounds are filled with fountains, shaded corners and water features ideal for long, languid afternoons, while private access to the sea invites swimming directly from the peninsula. When the impulse to explore strikes, Monaco is moments away, the dramatic hilltop village of Èze winds steeply above, and the Italian border is just a short coastal drive.
For more information, visit capestel.com
Four Seasons Hotel, Madrid, Spain
Accommodation
In the heart of Spain’s vibrant capital, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid brings a new level of refinement to one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Housed within the historic Centro Canalejas, a landmark development that unites seven beautifully restored nineteenth-century buildings, the hotel blends architectural heritage with contemporary luxury. Suites feature separate living and sleeping areas, each designed to balance genuine comfort with a strong sense of place, historic architecture overhead, contemporary elegance throughout, and the buzz of one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals just outside the door.
Dining
The culinary offering is exceptional. On the rooftop, celebrated chef Dani García leads a restaurant that pairs inventive, elevated Spanish cuisine with sweeping city views. The award-winning Isa restaurant takes a brilliantly creative approach to Asian street food in the heart of Castile. El Patio offers a more relaxed tapas experience, and the cocktail bar is the perfect place to slip into Madrid’s famous late-night rhythm. For those who want to emerse themselves, the hotel offers everything from sushi masterclasses and tortilla-making classes to private culinary journeys through the city’s gastronomic history.
What to Do
Madrid’s cultural riches are right on the doorstep. The Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza form one of the world’s great museum triangles. The hotel’s own collection of nearly 1,500 art pieces makes even a walk through the corridors feel like a gallery tour. Beyond the walls, private guided tours lead to Toledo and Segovia, flamenco sessions put guests on the floor with professional artists, and Galería Canalejas, Madrid’s newest luxury shopping destination, located within the hotel itself, is on hand for when the impulse to browse overtakes the impulse to explore. The city’s largest urban spa rounds out the offering for those who simply want to exhale.
For more information, visit fourseasons.com
Middle East
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha, Qatar
Accommodation
Set on its own private island at the heart of The Pearl, Marsa Malaz Kempinski feels like a palatial retreat suspended between old-world Arabian grandeur and contemporary coastal ease. The architecture unfolds in sweeping arches, marble corridors and soft gold detailing, where every space seems designed to echo the rhythm of the surrounding Gulf. Rooms and suites are generously scaled, many opening onto private balconies that frame either the still turquoise waters or the inner courtyards where fountains and palms soften the scale of the building. There is a theatrical quality to the hotel, yet it never feels overwhelming; instead, it moves with a quiet sense of ceremony, where light, space and sea take equal importance.
Dining
Dining unfolds across a collection of richly atmospheric restaurants, each with its own identity yet all connected by a sense of place and refinement. From elevated Middle Eastern dishes layered with spice and tradition to Mediterranean and Asian-inspired menus, each experience feels carefully curated rather than simply offered. Evenings tend to stretch slowly here, from candlelit terraces overlooking the marina to softly lit interiors where the sound of the sea drifts in through open windows, and dinner becomes less about formality and more about lingering.
What to Do
Life on the island moves at an unhurried pace. Mornings begin by the private beach or beside expansive pools that seem to spill into the horizon, while afternoons drift into spa rituals rooted in hammam traditions and gentle restoration. Just beyond the island, The Pearl’s marina offers a different rhythm altogether yachts, cafés and quiet promenades, while central Doha sits within easy reach for moments of culture and contrast. It is a stay defined by duality: secluded yet connected, serene yet never still.
For more information, visit kempinski.com
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi
Accommodation
Hidden deep within the protected landscapes of Sir Bani Yas Island, this tented villa sanctuary feels less like a resort and more like an extension of the wild itself. Thatched roofs, canvas textures and earthy tones dissolve into the surrounding savannah, where wildlife moves freely and unexpectedly across the horizon. Each villa opens onto a private terrace, placing guests at eye level with nature gazelles passing quietly in the distance, birds drifting across the sky, and the soft rustle of the reserve becoming a constant presence. There is a profound stillness here, but it is never empty; it feels alive in the most natural way.
Dining
Dining is shaped entirely by its surroundings, unfolding in open-air settings where lantern light flickers against the night and the sounds of the wilderness replace music. Menus are rooted in simplicity and regional character, with fire-led cooking and fresh, honest flavours that feel closely tied to the land itself. Meals become moments of pause rather than performance, often stretching into long evenings under vast, uninterrupted skies.
What to Do
Days are shaped by exploration guided game drives across the island reveal giraffes, cheetahs and Arabian oryx roaming freely across protected terrain. Kayaking through mangroves brings a slower, more intimate perspective of the island’s ecosystems, while nature walks and archery experiences add quiet variety. As night falls, the desert sky becomes the main event, unfolding in complete clarity and silence.
For more information, visit anantara.com
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
Accommodation
Tucked between dramatic limestone mountains and a secluded crescent of golden sand, Six Senses Zighy Bay feels like a hidden coastal village discovered rather than built. Stone villas are scattered across the bay in soft, unforced symmetry, each designed with shaded courtyards, private pools and textured interiors that echo traditional Omani architecture. The atmosphere is deliberately unpolished in the most refined way barefoot, grounded and deeply connected to its surroundings, where mountains meet sea in a striking natural embrace.
Dining
Dining moves fluidly between land and sea, from beachfront grills set just above the tide to mountain-top dining experiences that capture the vastness of the landscape. Ingredients are seasonal and thoughtfully sourced, with menus that lean into simplicity rather than excess. There is a sense that everything here is closer to its origin flavour, place and moment all quietly aligned.
What to Do
Arrival itself sets the tone, with the option of paragliding down into the bay in a slow, sweeping descent. Days unfold through snorkelling in clear waters, dhow cruises along the Musandam coast, diving, or trekking through rugged mountain paths. The spa, carved into stone and silence, offers a counterbalance to the adventure still, cool and restorative.
For more information, visit sixsenses.com
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt
Accommodation
Set along the tranquil sweep of Egypt’s Red Sea coast, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh unfolds in long colonnades of white stone, reflecting pools and softly arched walkways that mirror the calm geometry of the sea beyond. Suites are vast and hushed, designed with a sense of openness that allows light and water to dominate the experience. Private terraces open directly onto uninterrupted views of the Red Sea, where the horizon feels both close and infinite at once.
Dining
Dining here is deliberately understated, allowing the setting to lead. Mediterranean and Indian influences appear across refined menus served in open-air courtyards or ocean-facing terraces, where the sea breeze becomes part of the experience. Evenings are slow and elegant, with a rhythm that mirrors the gentle movement of the water just beyond.
What to Do
The Red Sea reveals itself just offshore in coral reefs that feel almost untouched, offering some of the region’s most extraordinary snorkelling and diving. Between sea and sand, the spa offers quiet restoration through therapies inspired by natural elements. As the day fades, long walks along the shoreline become the simplest and most memorable ritual.
For more information, visit oberoihotels.com
D Maris Bay, Türkiye
Accommodation
Set high above a hidden meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean, D Maris Bay feels suspended between sea and sky, where the landscape becomes almost impossibly cinematic. The hotel is carved into the hillside, with glass-fronted spaces and sun-drenched terraces that open directly onto vast, shifting blues. There is a sense of elevation here not just physically, but emotionally where everything feels slightly removed from the world below. Rooms and suites are designed with a soft contemporary touch, allowing the sweeping horizon to dominate every view, whether at sunrise or as the light dissolves into dusk.
Dining
Dining unfolds across a collection of restaurants that feel more like destinations within a destination. Mediterranean flavours are served with quiet elegance by the water’s edge, while refined Japanese and Asian-inspired concepts bring contrast and precision to the experience. Each space is positioned to follow the movement of the sun, so meals become part of the landscape itself changing colour, mood and rhythm as the day unfolds into night.
What to Do
Days are shaped by water and light. Private beaches are tucked into quiet coves, yachts glide between hidden bays, and long swims stretch into uninterrupted afternoons. Beyond the shoreline, forested hills and untouched nature offer a softer counterpoint, while evenings bring a stillness that settles over the bay like velvet. It is a place that feels both expansive and intimate at once.
For more information, visit dmarisbay.com
Shebara Resort, Saudi Arabia
Accommodation
Floating above the untouched waters of the Red Sea, Shebara feels like a vision from another world where architecture dissolves into reflection and the horizon becomes the defining feature of every space. Sculptural villas appear to hover between sea and sky, their mirrored surfaces blending seamlessly with the water and light. Inside, the design is pared back and immersive, allowing the surrounding marine landscape to take absolute precedence. There is a quiet futurism to the resort, yet it remains deeply connected to the raw beauty of its environment.
Dining
Dining here is shaped by the rhythm of the sea, with menus that lean into coastal freshness and refined simplicity. Seafood-led dishes and contemporary international influences are served in open, fluid spaces where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors feel almost erased. Every meal is framed by the horizon, shifting in tone as daylight fades into the soft glow of evening over the Red Sea.
What to Do
The surrounding waters are the heart of the experience. Snorkelling and diving reveal coral reefs in near-pristine condition, alive with colour and movement just beneath the surface. Kayaking and boat excursions drift through quiet lagoons, while sunset cruises turn the entire seascape into a shifting palette of gold and rose. At night, silence settles completely, offering a rare sense of detachment from everything beyond the water’s edge.
For more information, visit shebara.sa
Nobu Hotel Marrakech, Morocco
Accommodation
Located in Marrakech’s prestigious Golden Triangle, Nobu Hotel Marrakech blends contemporary luxury with the rich craftsmanship and character of Morocco’s Red City. Just moments from the bustling Medina, the hotel offers a serene retreat where warm interiors, elegant suites and thoughtfully curated details create a sense of calm amid the city’s vibrant energy. Whether you’re returning from a day of exploring souks and palaces or simply looking to unwind, the property strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort.
Dining
Dining sits at the heart of the Nobu experience. Guests can enjoy the brand’s world-famous cuisine, where Japanese precision meets bold flavours and local influences. Signature Nobu dishes share the spotlight with Moroccan-inspired creations, offering a dining experience that feels both familiar and distinctly connected to its surroundings. From leisurely dinners to rooftop cocktails overlooking the city, every meal becomes part of the journey.
What To Do
Marrakech offers no shortage of discovery. Spend your days wandering through the Medina, exploring Jardin Majorelle, visiting historic palaces and browsing colourful artisan markets. Back at the hotel, the spa provides a sanctuary of relaxation with traditional hammam rituals, argan oil treatments and signature wellness experiences. As the sun begins to set, the city reveals another side of itself, with rooftop terraces, vibrant nightlife and unforgettable views across the Atlas Mountains.
For more information, visit nobuhotels.com
Asia
Amanwella Resort, Tangalle, Sri Lanka
Accommodation
Hidden among swaying coconut palms and overlooking a pristine stretch of golden sand, Amanwella embodies barefoot luxury at its finest. The resort’s contemporary suites are designed to maximise privacy and ocean views, each featuring a private plunge pool and expansive terrace. With its understated architecture and seamless connection to nature, Amanwella offers a sense of tranquillity that is increasingly rare to find.
Dining
Sri Lanka’s vibrant culinary traditions are celebrated throughout the resort. Freshly caught seafood, fragrant curries and locally sourced ingredients take centre stage, complemented by a selection of Asian and Mediterranean favourites. Dining here is relaxed and elegant, with meals often accompanied by panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
What To Do
Beyond the beach, guests can explore some of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating attractions. Ancient temples, wildlife-rich national parks and rolling tea estates are all within reach. Those looking to simply unwind can spend their days by the sea, enjoying the resort’s peaceful atmosphere and uninterrupted coastal views.
For more information, visit aman.com
Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Kuda Huraa, Maldives
Accommodation
Set within a lush tropical island surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa captures everything travellers love about the Maldives. Traditional thatched-roof villas, overwater accommodations and beachfront retreats provide direct access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The resort’s village-like layout creates an intimate atmosphere while maintaining the exceptional service Four Seasons is known for.
Dining
From fresh seafood and Asian-inspired cuisine to international favourites, dining at Kuda Huraa reflects the diversity of the Maldives itself. Restaurants are positioned to take full advantage of the surrounding ocean views, while private dining experiences allow guests to enjoy unforgettable meals under the stars.
What To Do
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy. Guests can explore vibrant coral reefs, join dolphin cruises, learn to surf or visit the resort’s renowned Island Spa, accessible only by boat. Families, couples and honeymooners alike will find countless ways to create unforgettable memories here.
For more information, visit fourseasons.com
Bvlgari Resort Bali, Indonesia
Accommodation
Perched dramatically above the Indian Ocean on Bali’s southern cliffs, Bvlgari Resort Bali combines Italian elegance with Balinese tranquillity. Spacious villas, lush tropical gardens and uninterrupted ocean views create an atmosphere of exclusivity and serenity. Every detail reflects the Maison’s refined aesthetic while remaining deeply connected to the island’s natural beauty.
Dining
Dining at Bvlgari Resort Bali is a celebration of both local and international flavours. Guests can enjoy exceptional cuisine across a variety of venues, while the newly unveiled Serpenti Pool Club provides the perfect setting for sunset cocktails, light bites and leisurely afternoons overlooking the ocean.
What To Do
Bali remains one of the world’s most captivating destinations for a reason. Beyond the resort, visitors can explore ancient temples, artisan villages, rice terraces and some of Indonesia’s most beautiful beaches. Within the property itself, wellness experiences, ocean views and the newly reimagined Serpenti Pool Club offer countless opportunities to slow down and savour the moment.
For more information, visit bulgarihotels.com
Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram /@reschio