If Part One was a celebration of iconic summer classics, Part Two is for travelers looking a little further afield. These are the places that feel fresh, quietly luxurious, and just ahead of the curve. Destinations where the pace is slower, the crowds are fewer, and the experience feels more personal.
Think Scandinavian coastlines where the days linger until nearly midnight, Greek islands that capture all the magic of the Cyclades without the frenzy. Adriatic towns that feel pulled from a painting, and wild Mediterranean landscapes where luxury is rooted in nature and authenticity. This is summer travel for those who want beauty and elegance — but also discovery.
These are four of the destinations we’re loving most right now. Each is paired with a truly special stay and an experience that transforms a trip into something unforgettable.
Norway’s Fjords — The Most Cinematic Summer Escape in Scandinavia
There is nothing quite like summer in Norway’s fjords. This is Scandinavia at its most breathtaking! Emerald-green mountains plunging into glassy water, waterfalls cascading down cliffs, and air so crisp it feels almost unreal. In the summer months, the days stretch endlessly, bathing the landscape in a soft golden light well into the evening. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and deeply restorative — the kind of destination that feels like stepping into another world entirely.
The fjords are perfect for travelers who want nature and luxury intertwined. Those who love quiet mornings with panoramic views, days filled with outdoor adventure, and evenings that feel impossibly serene. It’s not a typical beach escape. It is an unforgettable summer journey.
Where to stay: For boutique design lovers, Juvet Landscape Hotel is one of Scandinavia’s most extraordinary stays — sleek glass cabins set directly into the wilderness, offering floor-to-ceiling fjord views and total immersion in nature.
For an even more indulgent, ultra-luxe escape, we adore Storfjord Hotel, a five-star Relais & Châteaux-style retreat overlooking the fjords. With its timbered elegance, roaring fireplaces, exceptional cuisine, and deeply intimate atmosphere, it feels like a private Scandinavian lodge designed for the most discerning travelers.
What to do: Take a private fjord cruise through Geiranger or Hjørundfjord. Stop beneath waterfalls and remote villages, then return for a sauna ritual and a candlelit farm-to-table dinner surrounded by pure Norwegian stillness.
The Greek Islands, Reimagined — The Quiet Glamour of Paros
For those who love Greece but crave something more refined than the Mykonos scene, Paros is the answer. Sugar-white villages wrapped in bougainvillea, hidden beaches with crystalline water, and evening seafood dinners by the harbor.
Paros feels authentic yet undeniably stylish. It is a place where luxury is also simple, and the rhythm of island life is soft. Days are spent sailing between coves, wandering through traditional villages like Naoussa, and swimming in water so clear it barely feels real.
Where to stay: Parīlio, a Member of Design Hotels, is one of the island’s most beautiful retreats — serene, minimalist, and designed for travelers who want privacy and understated elegance.
What to do: Charter a private boat to explore Paros and nearby Antiparos, stopping for hidden beaches, sea swims, and a long lunch on deck with chilled rosé and the Aegean stretching endlessly around you.
Rovinj, Croatia — The Adriatic’s Most Romantic Summer Gem
Rovinj feels like a painting come to life. Pastel facades glow in the evening light, cobblestone streets wind toward the sea, and the Adriatic shimmers just beyond the old town. There’s something effortlessly romantic about this corner of Croatia — sophisticated but relaxed, vibrant but never overwhelming.
It’s the kind of destination where you lose track of time completely. Mornings spent wandering through galleries, afternoons lingering over aperitivo by the marina, and evenings watching the sun melt into the sea.
Where to stay: Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is sleek, design-forward, and perfectly positioned, offering sweeping views over the marina and historic skyline, with an indulgent spa and stunning sunset terraces.
What to do: Take a truffle-hunting excursion in nearby Istria, followed by an intimate wine tasting showcasing Croatia’s best-kept culinary secrets — a perfect blend of romance and gastronomy.
Corsica, France — Wild Beauty Meets Refined Retreats
Corsica is one of the most captivating islands in the Mediterranean — rugged, glamorous, and deeply atmospheric. French in spirit but fiercely unique, it offers dramatic mountains, hidden beaches, and a sense of wildness that feels increasingly rare.
Corsica is not polished in the way the Riviera is — it’s elemental, soulful, and all the more luxurious for it. It is a place for exploring. Long coastal drives with breathtaking views, afternoons discovering secluded coves, and soft, calm evenings.
Where to stay: Domaine de Mertoli is a stunning expression of Corsican elegance. It is an intimate estate-style retreat where privacy, authenticity, and comfort come together effortlessly. Surrounded by wild beauty, it offers boutique luxury that feels personal, curated, and wonderfully serene.
What to do: Spend the day horseback riding along the shoreline at golden hour. After, return for a candlelit dinner under the stars. You’ll be surrounded by nothing but Corsican silence and the scent of the sea.
Your Summer, Elevated
Whether you’re dreaming of Nordic coastal calm, the quiet glamour of Paros, the romance of the Adriatic, or Corsica’s wild elegance, Bella Vita Travels is here to craft a journey that is unforgettable.
The most beautiful hotels, villas, and experiences are always the first to book — and summer is closer than it seems.
Let’s begin planning your next escape — inquire now for bespoke Bella Vita summer itineraries.
