Where to Escape the Heat This Summer: Six Cool-Weather Destinations for a Luxurious Retreat

With global temperatures on the rise and popular cities bracing for record tourism—Rome alone is expecting over 30 million pilgrims in 2025 for the Jubilee—savvy travelers are thinking beyond the usual suspects. Italy, France, and other summer staples still dazzle, but the combination of extreme heat, crowded attractions, and limited air conditioning in historic buildings can put a damper on the dream.

This year, consider heading where the air is crisp, the landscapes unspoiled, and the luxury hospitality as unforgettable as the setting. From Italy’s alpine vineyards to to the alpine valleys of Canada and the forested slopes of Alaska, here are six destinations where summer still feels like a breath of fresh air.

CASA DI LANGA | PIEDMONT ITALY

August Average: 63°F/ 24°C

As Italy has projected more than 30 million visitors traveling to Rome in 2025, travelers would do well to reconsider their summer itineraries. The Eternal City may be magnetic, but between the scorching heat and overcrowded streets, even the most seasoned Italophile might find themselves longing for cooler climates and quieter corners.

Enter Piedmont: Italy’s northern jewel, nestled in the foothills of the Alps and known for its rolling vineyards, world-class wines, and truffle-laced cuisine. With daytime highs averaging a blissful 63°F in August, compared to Rome’s sweltering 82°F, this region offers a welcome reprieve from the heat without compromising on culture, cuisine, or la dolce vita.

At the heart of it all is Casa di Langa, a sustainable luxury retreat that’s quickly becoming one of northern Italy’s most coveted stays. Opened in June 2021 and a proud member of Beyond Green, this 39-room haven is a masterclass in eco-conscious design, blending traditional Piedmontese architecture with thoughtful sustainability at every turn. Set on over 100 acres of organic vineyards and woodlands, Casa di Langa overlooks the rolling hills of Le Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the world’s most prized white truffles and Barolo wines.

The guest experience here is intentionally immersive. At Fàula Ristorante, Chef Manuel Bouchard delivers refined regional cuisine through a contemporary lens, emphasizing hyper-local ingredients and seasonality. The adjacent Sorì Cocktail Bar pours rare vintages from the hotel’s sister wineries, Vietti and Enrico Serafino, alongside curated labels from around the world.

Beyond the glass, Casa di Langa invites guests to engage with Piedmont’s cultural richness: truffle hunting in misty forests, pasta-making classes with local chefs, contemporary art tours, and Vespa excursions through neighboring towns like Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the globe’s most esteemed wine appellations.

And for culinary pilgrims, Piedmont is a dream. The region is home to 35 Michelin-starred restaurants, including two with the coveted three-star rating. Combine that with crisp air, panoramic hikes, and easy access from Milan or Turin (both just two hours away), and Casa di Langa becomes more than just a stay, it’s an antidote to the summer crush.

Pair it with a scenic detour to Lake Garda, and you’ll have found Italy’s best-kept summer secret.

ALYESKA RESORT | GIRDWOOD, ALASKA

August Average: 55°F/ 13°C

Alyeska Resort, set in the lush wilderness of Girdwood, Alaska, is a dream for those who crave nature and luxury in equal measure. Just 40 miles from Anchorage, this mountainside resort offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, glaciers, and towering spruce trees. Summer temperatures hover comfortably in the low 60s, making it the perfect base for outdoor exploration.

On-property, guests can take advantage of the new Alyeska Nordic Spa, complete with hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, and a forest sanctuary perfect for deep relaxation. The resort's aerial tram takes guests up Mount Alyeska for panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and access to scenic hiking trails. Dining options include Seven Glaciers, a mountaintop restaurant offering seasonal cuisine with breathtaking views.

For those eager to venture beyond the resort, the area around Girdwood is rich with outdoor adventure. Glacier trekking, kayaking among icebergs, bear viewing tours, and heli-hiking excursions give thrill-seekers plenty to choose from. Meanwhile, summer events like the Girdwood Forest Fair and local farmers markets add a cultural touch to the experience. Alyeska is where rugged adventure meets refined comfort—an ideal escape for those looking to recharge far from the crowds.

POMEROY KANANASKIS MOUNTAIN LODGE | ALBERTA, CANADA

August Average: 64°F/ 18°C

Tucked into Alberta’s dramatic Kananaskis Valley, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge offers a refreshing mountain escape with a luxurious edge. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the lodge is surrounded by dense forests, alpine lakes, and towering peaks. At a breezy 64°F in August, it’s a welcome contrast to the heatwaves gripping other summer destinations.

Onsite, the Lodge’s star attraction is the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, a sprawling outdoor facility with hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges that encourage a digital detox. After a soak, guests can retreat to the lodge's modern alpine rooms or dine at one of its restaurants, such as the Blacktail Bar or Forte, which serve local and seasonal fare.

The surrounding area is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can hike or bike along an extensive network of trails, raft down the Kananaskis River, or try horseback riding through the foothills. Fishing, canoeing, and guided wildlife tours offer a more leisurely pace for nature lovers. With Banff National Park just an hour away, day trips for glacier hikes and scenic drives through the Rockies are easily within reach.

For families, the lodge offers a variety of kid-friendly amenities and guided activities, making it a well-rounded summer retreat for all ages.

CASHEL PALACE | TIPPERARY, IRELAND

August Average: 59°F/ 15°C

Set in the pastoral heart of Ireland, Cashel Palace is a stately 18th-century manor reborn as a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel. Overlooking the legendary Rock of Cashel, this historic estate combines grandeur with Irish charm, all within a setting where August highs rarely climb above 63°F, perfect for misty morning walks and cozy fireside afternoons.

The hotel’s interiors blend period architecture with contemporary comforts: think freestanding bathtubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and plush furnishings throughout its 42 rooms and suites. Guests can unwind in the spa, take tea in the manicured gardens, or dine at The Bishop’s Buttery, a Michelin-starred restaurant emphasizing Irish produce and heritage cooking.

Beyond the estate, the town of Cashel is rich with cultural experiences. Visit the Rock of Cashel for a step back in time, or explore nearby Cahir Castle and Holycross Abbey. The Golden Vale, Ireland’s agricultural heartland, is ideal for scenic drives and farm visits. Horseback riding and falconry can also be arranged through the hotel.

Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in Irish history or simply unwind in serene surroundings, Cashel Palace is a quiet antidote to summer's usual frenzy.

SONNENALP HOTEL | VAIL, COLORADO

August Average: 61°F/ 16°C

Vail might be synonymous with skiing, but summer reveals an entirely different charm and fewer crowds. The Sonnenalp Hotel, a Bavarian-style retreat in the heart of the village, captures the beauty of Colorado’s high country with European elegance. With August highs around 68°F, it’s an ideal temperature for outdoor pursuits without breaking a sweat.

Guests at Sonnenalp can choose from spacious suites with mountain views, enjoy morning coffee on a private terrace, or book a treatment at the full-service spa. The hotel also features a heated indoor-outdoor pool, yoga classes, and a spa.

Step outside, and the possibilities are endless. Take a fly-fishing lesson on Gore Creek, hike through wildflower-strewn trails, or ride the gondola to the summit for panoramic views of the Rockies. The Vail Farmers Market, art festivals, and open-air concerts add a lively cultural component to the alpine atmosphere.

Dining options at Sonnenalp include Swiss-inspired fare at Swiss Chalet and the best buffet brunch in the Valley at Ludwig’s. For golfers, the hotel offers access to the private Sonnenalp Club just a short drive away.

Whether you’re looking for active adventure or laid-back luxury, Vail in the summer, and Sonnenalp in particular, delivers an alpine escape like no other.

While the Mediterranean and tropics will always tempt, summer’s most memorable escapes are often where you can breathe deeply, explore freely, and rest luxuriously. Whether it’s a vineyard in northern Italy, the high-altitude beauty of Colorado, or the remote forests of Alaska and Canada, these cool-climate destinations promise rejuvenation without the summer heat.

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