August brings high summer vibes, offering sunny escapes across Europe and beyond. Whether you're drawn to warm Mediterranean sands or cooler alpine air, August presents incredible options. From the glitz of Cannes and Cannes-to-St-Tropez exploration, to the cultural scenes in Edinburgh and Gstaad’s relaxed elegance, here are the best luxurious destinations to visit in August, tailored to every mood and preference.
Cannes, France
Cannes is the epitome of Côte d’Azur glamour in August. Known for its red‑carpet events and vibrant beach clubs, the city pulses with energy long after high season peaks nearby. Beyond the beach, you can charter a boat to St‑Tropez or Nice, marvel at art exhibitions in Le Suquet or lavish in the luxury boutiques lining La Croisette.
Where to Stay in Cannes?
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is Cannes’s grand dame on the Croisette, featuring 349 rooms including 91 suites and 8 signature suites like the Christian Dior Suite and the rooftop Majestic Suite with a plunge pool and panoramic Mediterranean views. The rooms are elegantly appointed in Art Deco style and include marble bathrooms stocked with Guerlain amenities.
Dining options are superb and diverse: the upscale brasserie Fouquet’s by Pierre Gagnaire serves elevated French cuisine in a glamorous setting, while beachfront Ciro’s specializes in seafood aboard a yacht‑themed terrace. Guests can also enjoy light bites and drinks by the pool at Terrasse Piscine. The hotel offers a private heated pool, a spa with hammam and Clarins treatments, and a private sandy beach equipped with sunbeds and watersport access, ideal for soaking in Cannes’s summer glamour.
Bodrum, Türkiye
Bodrum remains a top August destination for its combination of Turkish Riviera charm, ancient castle views, and vibrant atmosphere. August in Bodrum offers sunny skies and warm seas, ideal for boat trips to nearby coves or water sports near Bodrum Marina. Boutique shopping, lively farmers’ markets, and beach clubs saturate the summer atmosphere.Where to Stay in Bodrum?
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum in Paradise Bay delivers beachfront luxury in Bodrum with two private sandy beaches and a fully equipped Water Sports Centre offering sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. The resort features a variety of accommodations: contemporary guest rooms, suites with panoramic sea views, and private villas with plunge pools and terraces. Dining highlights include Italian cuisine by Gigi Bodrum’s summer pop-up and ROKA’s celebrated Japanese robatayaki, Ferdi Baba with fresh tastes of Aegean cuisine, while Lucca Beach serves Mediterranean fare steps from the sand.
The award‑winning spa spreads across two levels and offers a vitality pool, hammam, sauna, and signature treatments blending Turkish, Balinese, and Scandinavian practices. Guests can join ALO Yoga sessions, enjoy the kids’ club, or unwind in the Shaded Oasis lounge. The resort’s proximity to Bodrum’s upscale boutiques and vibrant dining scene adds convenient exploration options.
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum features a beautifully curated collection of designer boutiques including Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Piaget, Audemars Piguet, and Brunello Cucinelli, offering guests a seamless blend of high-end fashion, fine jewellery, and bespoke resort wear during their stay. The resort enhances this premium shopping experience with personalized concierge services that provide assisted purchases, in-villa deliveries, and seasonal pop-up stores, making it the most exclusive shopping destination on the Bodrum Peninsula.
Athens, Greece
August brings warm days and relaxed vibes to Athens. Heading to the Athens Riviera for a refreshing mix of city and sea, swimming in clear Aegean waters, dining in seaside tavernas, or visiting the Acropolis during cooler early mornings are among the best activities to do in August in Athens. Cultural events and outdoor concerts also pepper the season.
Where to Stay in Athens?
Perched on the Vouliagmeni Peninsula, Four Seasons Astir Palace Athens boasts 30 hectares of beachfront resort space just 30 minutes from the Acropolis. The property includes three private beaches and two pools (one infinity-edge pool and a family pool). Accommodations in Four Seasons Astir Palace range from elegant sea-view rooms and junior suites to secluded bungalows with private plunge pools and villas with garden terraces.
Dining spans different restaurant options, including Michelin-starred Greek seafood at Pelagos and fine Mediterranean cuisine at Astron Lounge. The spa offers a full menu of massages, facials, and yoga sessions, while fitness facilities include three tennis courts, padel, and water sports such as jet-skiing and kayaking directly from the resort’s boardwalk. The resort caters to all ages with a dedicated Kids For All Seasons program, making it ideal for families seeking sun, sea, and culture.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad in August offers a serene retreat away from the summer heat, set among rolling meadows and majestic Swiss peaks. August is perfect for slow travel: hiking gentle alpine trails, visiting local cheese dairies, or attending the prestigious Hublot Polo Gold Cup between 21-24 August, which brings glamour and spectacle to the valley.Where to Stay in Gstaad?
Gstaad Palace, a timeless Swiss icon, blends traditional chalet charm with upscale comfort. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with mountain or village views, decorated in classic Alpine style. Dining ranges from fine French‑Swiss cuisine at Le Grill to light fare and pastries in the adjacent tea lounge, perfect for sociable afternoons on the balcony.
Facilities include a large indoor-outdoor spa with swimming pool, sauna, and treatment rooms offering Swiss alpine-inspired therapies. Alongside wellness, there are two tennis courts, a fitness center, and guided hiking and biking tours during August. The Palace’s concierge can arrange horseback rides or scenic helicopter flights, excellent complements to the excitement of polo season.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna enjoys pleasant summertime, offering a cooler urban haven with riverside walks along the Danube, open-air concerts in Stadtpark, and full cultural calendars. August in Vienna sees food festivals take over city squares, alongside classical music performances in historic venues.
Where to Stay in Vienna?
Housed in a meticulously restored Belle-Époque building that once contained Mozart's residence, Rosewood Vienna offers 99 rooms and 28 suites blending historic elegance with modern luxury. Spaces feature handcrafted Austrian furnishings, marble bathrooms, and high ceilings. The rooftop Neue Hoheit Brasserie on the 6th floor delivers Austrian-French fare cooked in a show-kitchen, alongside a private Garden Room and al fresco terrace overlooking St. Peter’s Church.
Daily elegance continues in Salon Aurélie, the lobby lounge, where guests can enjoy Viennese coffee and pastries on Augarten china amidst botanical murals. Wellness is equally impressive: Asaya Spa spans two floors and features a sauna, steam room, relaxation areas, and four private treatment rooms with views over St. Peter’s dome. With a central location, refined ambiance, and outstanding culinary offerings, Rosewood Vienna is the perfect urban retreat for summer that blends city vibes with calm sophistication.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh comes alive in August with its world-renowned festivals: the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe bring music, theatre, comedy, and performance to every corner, while the Edinburgh Foodies Festival adds culinary flair. The city's cool, crisp air makes walking the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat especially enjoyable.Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
Gleneagles Townhouse, a sister property to the iconic country estate, transports guests into a stylish, urbane retreat nestled within Edinburgh’s New Town. The hotel offers spacious suites blending heritage charm with modern comforts, alongside elegant townhouses perfect for families or groups. Gleneagles Townhouse’s all-day restaurant The Spence occupies the former banking hall and serves a seasonally inspired, Scottish-heritage menu that includes breakfast, brunch, lunch, three-course dinners, and indulgent dessert offerings, just the sort of place where locals and guests gather over a vibrant ambience.
Although in the city, Gleneagles Townhouse offers tranquil comforts: private library lounges, as well as a fitness studio. Guests benefit from collaboration with the flagship Gleneagles resort, offering golf tee times, spa access, and dining privileges. It’s an oasis in the heart of the festival city, ideal for slow travel with a refined edge
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August is a month that embraces both high-energy festivals and serene summer escapes. From the dazzling Côte d’Azur and Aegean retreats to alpine calm and festival-rich cities, our hand-picked selections offer a perfect luxury match for your summer mood. Each resort provides outstanding service, unique amenities, and seamless access to the best regional experiences. Whether you choose Cannes glamour, Bodrum elegance, Athenian shores, Swiss peaks, Viennese culture, or Edinburgh’s festive spirit, these destinations deliver unforgettable August getaways.
