“Travel Talk” With Jeremy Wayne: Don’t miss these European ‘hotspots’ this summer

If spring is sprung, can summer be far behind? Sorry to mix my aphorisms, but you get my drift. In short, if you haven’t already done so, it’s time to book that summer vacation.  

Europe always seems to be on everyone’s list, and while some top hotels are already reporting near record-breaking projected levels of occupancy, a handful of new airline routes will at least make getting to them a little easier. 

Departing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Delta Airlines has recently introduced a thrice-weekly flight to Munich, and American Airlines has launched a summer service to Barcelona. United Airlines’ offering, out of Newark Liberty International Airport, is a new nonstop to Faro, Portugal, opening up that country’s gorgeous Algarve coast. It’s a nice addition to last year’s new route, a nonstop (from Newark) to Málaga, Spain, for destinations in Andalusia and the fleshpots of the Costa del Sol. Get out the sunscreen, kiddos. 

As for where to stay, Europe is your oyster, or would be, were not demand already outstripping supply. At the time of writing, though, there are still rooms to be had at the iconic Carlton Hotel in Cannes on the French Riviera, now branded a Regent Hotel, where the covers are finally off after a two-year renovation. With two striking new wings, landscaped gardens, sunbathing decks, handcrafted cabanas and the largest infinity pool in Cannes, the hotel also has a brand-new  fitness and spa complex, The C Club, which includes a state-of-the-art gym and – get this – a full-size boxing ring.   

If you love the South of France but are looking for something a little less in the heart of the action, consider the strikingly modernist Maybourne Riviera, located on a rocky peninsula high above the picturesque town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, nudging the Italian border. Opened in 2021 by Maybourne, (the operators of Claridge’s and The Connaught hotels in London), and with dramatic panoramic views of the coastline, the Maybourne Riviera, apart from being a “grand-luxe” property, has garnered a reputation as an outstanding gastronomic destination in its own right. Its host of restaurants are under the creative direction of chef Mauro Colagreco, whose three-Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur is in nearby Menton. 

If five-star hotels are not your speed, but luxury still is, consider a private villa. La Belle Hélène is an exquisite property in Provence. With five bedrooms, myriad terraces, a gorgeous pool and maid and butler service, the villa, one hour from St. Tropez (or 10 minutes by helicopter), this superb house still has some open summer dates from upscale villa rental company Le Marquis. 

Le Marquis also has a real stunner for rent in Sardinia. With nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, Water’s Edge overlooks the turquoise sea and coast and has extensive grounds as well as its own private beach. Its interiors are spacious and contemporary. Located on the peninsula of Capo Coda Cavallo, the area is characterized by a succession of coves with sandy beaches and cliffs covered with perfumed Mediterranean maquis, strawberry trees, junipers and mastic. Oh, and by the way, you know the old gag about “if you have to ask the price… ” 

Heading east to Greece, the newly-opened Santo Mine, a 37-room hotel with two independent villas on Santorini, in the stunning Cyclades, is winning praise not only for its minimalist, very chic design but also its location. Perched above Ammoudi Bay, just a 10-minute walk from Oia, Santo Mine offers all the attractions of town, should you want them, but none of the disadvantages – namely, those pesky, heaving summer crowds. It’s a sanctuary – suites with private pools, superb food and service and, of course, those captivating Santorini sunsets. Book fast. 

Bodrum, Turkey’s summer playground continues to attract growing numbers of Americans. 

And a haven of romance and luxury along the breathtaking Aegean coast of Turkey is Lujo Hotel, an exquisite resort offering both tranquility and elegance. Cool, contemporary and sophisticated, its accommodations go from simple rooms with sea views to expansive villas boasting complete seclusion and stunning vistas. It also has one of the best spas in the Aegean, just the place for authentic Turkish and Asian-inspired massages. Plus, one of my favorite aspects of this very special resort – Lujo’s private jet, which will take you around the islands should you wish to “hop,” and its very own seaplane for airport transfers. Talk about arriving in style.  

Last but not least, while some – perhaps most – like it hot in summer (and the eastern European Mediterranean will certainly guarantee you heat), for a cooler, more temperate European experience, think of Scotland. Accompanied by a private guide, a Scott Dunn’s “Highlights of Scotland” tour will introduce you to the delights of Edinburgh with the magnificent Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel as your base, before whisking you off to the spectacular heather-clad Scottish countryside and the Isle of Eriska, a hotel located on a private island at the mouth of beautiful Loch Linnhe – a property I’ve known and loved for 30 years. That’s where you can don a fishing jacket, explore the Trossachs or hike through Glencoe, all without working up too much of a sweat.  

And JetBlue’s new nonstop service from JFK to Edinburgh, with the most legroom in Economy and free Wi-Fi, will make the going easy – as well as the coming back. 

For more, visit carltoncannes.com; maybourneriviera.com; lemarquisluxury.com; santocollection.gr; lujohotel.com; scottdunn.com; scottdunn.com. 

Travel Talk’s Jeremy Wayne is a luxury travel adviser with Superior Travel of New York.  Contact him at jeremy@superiortravel.com.