As summer unfolds, so too does a season of unforgettable flavours and breathtaking settings across the globe. From intimate overwater dinners in the Maldives to rooftop soirées in London and heritage aperitivos in Palermo, the world’s most coveted culinary spots are serving up more than just exquisite cuisine—they’re offering experiences to savour with every sense.
In the Maldives, Tapasake at One&Only Reethi Rah rises above the ocean with its floating glass floors and panoramic views. Fusing Japanese techniques with Mediterranean ingredients, guests are treated to sushi artistry and sake pairings, all framed by Jean-Michel Gathy’s design. As the sun dips below the horizon, cocktails and live music on the Grand Terrace create a dreamy atmosphere that defines barefoot luxury.
London, meanwhile, is in for a golden-hour glow-up with the seasonal Soleil by Claude at The Peninsula. Only open for two months, this rooftop hideaway brings the warmth of the French Riviera to the heart of the city. With seven-hour lamb shoulder and flambéed sea bass on the menu, pétanque and weekend DJ sets dial up the southern European charm. It’s the kind of place where the rosé flows as easily as the conversation.
In Florence, Hotel Savoy celebrates its 25th anniversary by reintroducing two local favourites. Irene Restaurant, helmed by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, brings soulful Tuscan cooking to life with dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. Just a few steps away, Bar Artemisia redefines the aperitivo hour with theatrical flair—think truffle-infused Negronis served beneath Caravaggio-inspired lighting, all crafted by cocktail legends Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan.
Palermo’s Villa Igiea taps into Sicilian pride with its “Sicily Around the World” cocktail collection at the Igiea Terrazza Bar. With sweeping sea views and live jazz, this storied terrace pays tribute to Sicily’s global influence—from Marsala-aged whisky nodding to London to hibiscus twists inspired by Buenos Aires. A perfect spot for those who prefer their sunsets paired with a splash of storytelling.
Back in the U.S., The Peninsula New York turns teatime into a painterly moment with its Van Gogh Floral Afternoon Tea. A collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden, this limited-run experience features sunflower seed foie gras, edible flowers, and vibrant pastries. Guests not only taste the art but also receive tickets to the acclaimed “Van Gogh’s Flowers” exhibition—blending cultural appreciation with culinary finesse.
And for the ultimate summer escape, Bond Beach Club on Kéa Island proves that laid-back doesn’t mean low effort. Tucked into a secluded cove just off the coast of Athens, this stylish sanctuary is part of the One&Only Kea Island resort. Here, Mediterranean flavours meet live DJ sets, designer loungers, and a relaxed beach club vibe that feels far removed from the tourist trail. It’s the Aegean’s most fashionable secret—until now.
Whether you’re sipping rosé on a London rooftop, swirling soy sauce over fresh sashimi in the Maldives, or toasting with truffle-infused cocktails in Florence, these six destinations are an invitation to taste summer in its most unforgettable form. Let the season guide your senses—because this year, the best memories start with what’s on the plate and who you share it with.
For those seeking a blend of nature and culinary elegance, Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia is a summer dream brought to life. Surrounded by olive groves and slow coastal breezes, the property offers a deeply immersive experience where guests can forage for wild herbs with a master perfumer and create their own personalised scent. After a tranquil morning in nature, a long lunch of southern Italian delicacies—think burrata, handmade orecchiette, and fresh seafood—awaits under linen-draped pergolas. Come July, the opening of the new “Borgo degli Ulivi” introduces 11 new suites with private gardens and plunge pools, seamlessly blending rustic charm with understated luxury.
Over in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, The Chedi Hegra invites guests into a landscape of ancient stillness and powerful silence. Among palm groves and sandstone formations, the resort’s summer programs combine immersive desert dining with stargazing, yoga, and wellness rituals. Mealtimes here are slow and sacred: heritage recipes using native dates, camel milk, and regional spices are served under open skies, where history, flavour, and place come together in harmony. The resort’s commitment to intentional hospitality makes it a standout for mindful summer travel—and an unforgettable destination for those drawn to the spiritual stillness of the desert.
At One&Only Cape Town, food and wellness merge through celestial design and curated ritual. The reimagined spa on a private island features a Full Moon Menu that pairs wellness talks with chakra balancing and moonstone therapies. Guests can follow up these treatments with nourishing plant-based dishes at Vista Lounge or opt for fine dining at Nobu, which reinterprets Japanese-Peruvian flavours against the backdrop of Table Mountain. It’s a holistic approach to travel that aligns body, soul, and appetite with the rhythm of the lunar cycle.
And finally, The Peninsula London brings culture and calm together with its new Peninsula Academy experience at the National Gallery. Guests are chauffeured by Rolls-Royce for an after-hours, private art tour guided by a curator, blending mindfulness, breathwork, and visual meditation in front of masterworks. The evening concludes with a Subtle Energies massage back at the hotel spa, followed by an elegant dinner at Brooklands. This is London at its most refined—where even a simple meal becomes part of a larger story about connection, restoration, and the art of doing less.
