Journey into the wild

Summer is a chance to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking environments and a new generation of high-end eco-lodges and expedition outfitters has mastered the balance between raw wilderness and sophisticated living. Take Norway’s remote Træna archipelago, where newly opened Ytri offers a strikingly modern retreat amid a centuries-old fishing community of just 400 residents.

Days are spent kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, embarking on deep-sea fishing excursions or tackling mountaineering routes and rappelling cliffs. There’s also a strong wellness component with a wood-fired sauna perched by the Arctic Sea, cold plunges, hot tubs and guided yoga sessions. Come evening, the glass-walled Northern Lights lounge awaits.  

 Unique learning experiences

Through bespoke itineraries and well-connected concierges, travellers are stepping into worlds typically closed to the public and enjoying an incredible first-hand education. In Japan, this means chef-guided culinary journeys that take in Michelin-star sushi counters, regional cooking classes, intimate kaiseki dining experiences, and traditional tea ceremonies and sake tastings, all while staying in refined ryokan inns where hospitality is elevated to an ultra-refined ritual.

While Italy’s artistic heritage is on full view in Florence, where curated programmes see guests granted after-hours access to major galleries and historic buildings. Expert-led tours offer a private perspective on Renaissance masterpieces, from Michelangelo’s sculptures to Botticelli’s paintings, while also uncovering lesser-visited treasures like the Brancacci Chapel.

The luxury of time

Extended stays can allow for a more authentic experience, as the destination becomes familiar rather than fleeting, and summer’s social and sporting calendars – from the glamour of Monaco’s Grand Prix to the buzz of Paris Fashion Week – offer plenty of compelling reasons to linger.

Whether in London for Wimbledon or Royal Ascot, serviced apartments such as the newly opened SLO in Mayfair offer a refined residential-style stay in the heart of the city, designed for guests who want the comfort and rhythm of everyday living within one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.

Beyond matches and meets, the neighbourhood encourages residents to settle into its rhythms. Savile Row’s tailors, Mount Street’s boutiques and the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition are all just a short walk away, and with time, familiar patterns take shape – a go-to coffee shop, an evening stroll through a garden square – transforming a stay into something that feels genuinely lived-in.

 Travel with a sense of purpose

Luxury travel is increasingly intertwined with purpose, and many high-end properties now act as cultural connectors. Take marine conservation initiatives, where travellers can participate in coral restoration projects, assist with turtle hatchling releases or join guided dives that support reef monitoring.

While on land, guests might assist with penguin protection, staying in eco-lodges that blend seamlessly into New Zealand’s breathtaking landscape, or join a rhino-tracking programme in South Africa to help strengthen anti-poaching efforts and preserve the creatures' habitats.

In addition, volunteering in destinations across Asia means contributing to community projects – building classrooms, supporting local artisans or engaging in educational initiatives.  

The journey is the destination

Rediscover the pleasure of the journey itself aboard a luxury train. In India, the Maharajas’ Express pairs opulent suites with curated itineraries through Rajasthan, complete with butler service and private excursions to iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal.

Across Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer travels only by daylight, its glass-domed carriages framing uninterrupted views of forests, rivers and mountain peaks.

Meanwhile in Peru, the Belmond Andean Explorer glides between Cusco and Arequipa, crossing vast high-altitude plains.

Or for a touch of maritime elegance, carefully curated Virtuoso voyages go far beyond traditional cruising. Journey through Norwegian fjords, Greek islands or along Alaska’s coastline, all while enjoying elevated onboard experiences and thoughtfully designed itineraries.

For members of ASMALLWORLD, access to Virtuoso cruises comes with a suite of additional privileges when booking through ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel, including dedicated onboard hosts, bespoke shore excursions and special onboard dining options.

Adventure, refined

Seeking an active adventure? Summer opens up a world of possibilities.

In Portugal’s Santa Cruz, Noah's Surf House is a design-forward base from which to tackle some of Europe’s best waves. With its own surf school and proximity to iconic breaks like Ericeira and Nazaré, it caters to both beginners and experienced surfers, balancing adrenaline with a laid-back, beachside atmosphere.

While in Canada, heli-hiking and heli-skiing expeditions from exclusive lodges provide access to otherwise unreachable terrain. Days are tailored to individual skill levels, with private guides and chefs ensuring both safety and indulgence. 

Beyond the traditional safari

While safaris are often associated with winter, summer is one of the best times to visit several key regions. In East Africa, the dry season from June to August offers excellent game viewing, with thinner vegetation and wildlife gathering around water sources. It’s also when the Great Migration moves through Kenya’s Masai Mara.

On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Greystoke Mahale is a remote camp that centres its programme around chimpanzee trekking, with guided hikes into the Mahale Mountains. In Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, lodges offer a mix of rhino tracking, boat safaris and traditional game drives.

Marine safaris offer an alternative angle across the Indian Ocean – whether in the Seychelles, Mozambique or Tanzania – tailored itineraries include diving, snorkelling and wildlife encounters such as swimming with whale sharks or observing turtle conservation projects.

From exclusive access and personalised itineraries to extraordinary stays and insider experiences, ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel curates journeys designed entirely around you.

Enquire now to begin planning your summer 2026 escape.