6 Incredible Hotels to Inspire Your Summer Travel Plans

Putting together summer travel plans is a lot of work, beginning with the important—and overwhelming—first step of deciding where to go. If your plans have yet to take shape, you may just need a dash of inspiration to get the ideas flowing, so we asked our Origin travel curators to name the hotels they would be most excited to visit this upcoming season.

Tapping into their expertise and personal favorites, their responses spanned five continents and ranged from upscale French hotels to eco-lodges in the Amazon. Any one of these six properties would make an unforgettable trip, but they also serve to ignite your wanderlust while brainstorming your own perfect summer vacation.

“This is the place to be in the South of France during the summer,” gushes Dean about his pick, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. For over 150 years, it’s also been the top choice of swanky socialites and big-name celebrities looking for an exclusive retreat on the French Riviera. The hotel’s enviable location overlooking the Mediterranean is reason enough to visit, but the top-class service and no-expense-spared glamour are what put it in the upper tier. In Dean’s words, “it’s old-world glitz for the modern world.”

Rick’s ideal summer getaway would take him to Capella Ubud in Bali, which comes from the mind of the legendary hotel designer Bill Bensley. His designs always focus on minimizing the ecological impact and Capella Ubud is no exception (not a single tree was cut down to build the jungle retreat). “The entire property is at one with nature,” Rick highlighted, noting that each tent is enmeshed in the lush jungle for an immersive camping experience without sacrificing a single comfort.

“My pick for a summer stay is L'Andana,” Holly professes, “a sprawling resort in the dreamy Maremma region of Tuscany, where the countryside meets the sea.” Among its many merits, L’Andana includes soaring ceilings, vineyard views, an acclaimed wellness center, and biking trails. Tuscany is wonderful at any time of year, but Holly specifically enjoys late summer at L’Andana when “you can see the grape harvest begin on the surrounding estate, where the grapes are lovingly picked by hand.”

When Christian picks a hotel, he looks at more than just amenities or rooms. “I am really big on hotels that have a great ‘sense of place,’” he concedes, “and Four Seasons Lana’i really does it well.” The entire hotel looks like a vintage Hawaii postcard, and many of the island’s most breathtaking spots are walking distance away. “On top of that, the hotel is a secluded refuge from the more touristy spots of Hawaii,” Christian shares, “offering fantastic outdoor adventures as well as the idyllic relaxation you want when it comes to Hawaii.”

If you like to go off the radar when traveling, then Virginia’s pick is right up your alley. Located on Brazil’s northern coast at the edge of a national park, La Ferme de Georges is an eco-lodge that’s nestled in verdant jungle. Traditional cuisine is prepared with food grown on the premises and each cabin is designed to match the local architecture so guests are immersed in the astounding landscape. Virginia loves it because “it is one of the most hidden and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Brazil.”

In her 10 years of experience in the luxury travel industry, even Sarah is still blown away by Dar Ahlam near Ouarzazate, Morocco. Located at the doorstep of the Sahara Desert, the nine-suite boutique hotel is designed like a traditional kasbah, or North African citadel. What really stands out to Sarah is how Dar Ahlam “is completely understated,” with no social media handles or distracting technology so guests can fully sink in. “Even meals and experiences are included in a way that you never run into other guests on the property.”

Whether you’re interested in one of the above properties or want a personalized recommendation, chat with an Origin curator to get a head start on planning your next vacation.