Top resorts for beach and summer travel
Whether you’re planning a jaunt to a Mediterranean beach or taking in stunning volcanic scenery, these destinations are sure to make it a summer to remember.
By Alina Dizik | April 16, 2025 (Updated June 12, 2025)
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. She lives in Chicago and has previously lived in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Alina has visited more than 50 countries, and her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications.
Summer is all about relaxing and snapping a few good selfies before sandal season ends. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, making the most of an all-inclusive resort, or wandering through some of the world’s most charming towns, spending carefree time with loved ones is a must. From hidden beaches to lingering meals, these top warm-weather spots promise a summer vacation your crew will never forget.
Elounda, Greece
Experience joyful Greek hospitality in the colorful seaside town of Elounda. For a totally stress-free trip, stay at the sleek Domes Aulus Elounda All Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. Scrumptious meals at The Island Restaurant (one of six eateries at the resort) spotlight fresh Mediterranean ingredients, offering live cheesemaker demos and handcrafted pies from local grandmas. When it’s time to unwind, lounge on the resort’s private beach, take a beachfront yoga class, enjoy panoramic views from the two cliffside pools, or indulge in a treatment at Soma Spa. For some additional fun, have the concierge plan a personalized excursion to places like the rumored birthplace of Zeus or Spinalonga, a rocky islet with a 16th century Venetian fortress.
Honolulu
Dig into Oahu’s surf culture and fun-in-the-sun ethos while exploring Hawaii’s vibrant capital. A stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort easily lives up to your beachgoing dreams. Located on the widest stretch of beach, this 22-acre (8.9-hectare) paradise features the best pools and waterslides in Waikiki. The resort’s newly renovated Rainbow Kai guestrooms keep Pacific Ocean and Honolulu views in sight, and offer beachfront access, modern design, and a wide selection of corner rooms and suites. Boasting the only saltwater lagoon in the area, the water is your refreshing playground. Practice your balance during a stand-up paddle yoga session, explore serene waters on an aquacycle, or take a surfing lesson on the gentle waves of Duke Kahanamoku Beach. Set sail from the resort’s pier (the only pier in Waikiki) on a catamaran or dive underwater in a submarine when you’re ready to venture further from shore. Don’t leave without celebrating Pacific Islander culture at one of the resort’s many luaus. Unwind at the end of the day with complimentary access to Calm, the #1 app for sleep, relaxation, and meditation, and enjoy guided meditations, Sleep Stories, and breathing exercises to be fully recharged for your next adventure.
Limassol, Cyprus
The tiny island nation of Cyprus offers big perks for those who want to explore its UNESCO-protected sights, crystal-clear coastline, and Ottoman-influenced culture. Make Columbia Beach Resort, an SLH Hotel, overlooking the stunning — and swimmable — Pissouri Bay, your home base. With just 95 suites, the luxury resort offers highly personalized service plus a lagoon-style pool, an award-winning spa, and on-site fine dining for a tranquil retreat. Nearby, visit Aphrodite’s Rock, an impressive sea stack linked to the goddess of love, or take a hike to admire the dramatic Cape Aspro cliffs. Back at the resort, enjoy Mediterranean specialties and breathtaking views from the terrace at Apollo Tavern Restaurant. Savor some of the area’s freshest seafood and then finish the night with a shot of zivania, the country’s potent grape-based brandy.
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