Coolcations Are In: Top Luxury Escapes for Travelers Looking to Escape the Heat

Move over, beach vacations—the newest luxury travel trend isn’t about sunscreen and spritzes, it’s about swapping sweltering heat for crisp mountain air and cool northern breezes. “Coolcations” are officially in, and as a personal vacation planner with a luxury travel agency that books everything from overwater villas to Arctic lodges, I can confidently say: this is the moment to go north.

Forget sweating through your linen in Rome or jockeying for space at a crowded resort pool. Today’s luxury traveler wants pristine landscapes, glacier-fed lakes, cozy fireplaces, and maybe a reindeer or two. Whether you’re seeking adventure travel in the Arctic Circle or serene solitude in the Alps, I’ve rounded up my favorite cool vacation spots that deliver all the indulgence—with none of the heat stroke.

Where to Go When You Want a Coolcation

Iceland

If “land of fire and ice” doesn’t scream luxury vacation, you haven’t seen Iceland lately. Between the steaming Blue Lagoon and the surreal volcanic vistas, Iceland has evolved into one of the most coveted destinations for luxury travel. Stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon—arguably one of the best spa resorts in the world—or head north to Deplar Farm, a converted sheep station turned all-inclusive luxury lodge where heli-skiing, fly-fishing, and midnight hot tub soaks await.

As your personal travel planner, I’ll arrange everything from private Super Jeep tours to glacier picnics (yes, that’s a thing). Iceland is for travelers who like their adventure travel paired with Champagne flutes and cashmere blankets.

Finland

Lapland is where Santa spends his off-season in serious style. Finland’s ultra-luxury wilderness lodges like Octola and Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offer remote elegance with roaring fires, husky sledding, and the kind of silence you can’t buy in the Mediterranean.

This is adventure travel with a soul—think aurora safaris, snowmobile rides across frozen lakes, and chef-prepared meals by candlelight in glass-roofed chalets. My luxury travel agency works with top Nordic partners to handle every detail, so you can focus on sipping mulled wine while the Northern Lights perform their nightly show.

Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad has long been the playground of the understated elite—think Julie Andrews meets discreet billionaire energy. In summer, this Swiss alpine town is a lush green haven of hiking trails, high-altitude spas, and Michelin-star dining. Stay at Ultima Gstaad or The Alpina, both exquisite expressions of modern luxury travel.

For those who prefer activity with their indulgence, I’ll plan private e-bike tours through wildflower meadows and picnics with mountain views so stunning you’ll forget summer exists elsewhere. Because when you book with a personal vacation planner, “sweating” means time in the sauna, not in line for gelato.

Scotland

Scotland may not be the first place that comes to mind for luxury vacations, but it’s one of my secret weapons as a personal travel planner. The Highlands are wild, moody, and cinematic, and properties like The Fife Arms, Gleneagles, and Kinloch Lodge deliver refined comfort with that distinct British quirk.

Think private whisky tastings by the fire, clay pigeon shooting on misty moors, and castle stays that make Downton Abbey look basic. The luxury travel agency I work with has access to top private estates and chauffeurs who can navigate even the narrowest roads—because trust me, you don’t want to be doing that in a rental car.

Remote Mountain Retreats: Private Lodges and Secluded Cabins for Ultimate Comfort

If your idea of luxury travel involves solitude and scenery rather than sunburns and sangria, you’ll love the growing collection of high-end lodges tucked away in remote mountain regions. As a personal vacation planner, I curate properties that are as exclusive as they are restorative.

In North America, I love The Chilko Experience—in British Columbia, where log mansions overlook glacier-fed lakes and the only sounds are eagles and espresso machines. Or head to Montana’s The Green O or The Ranch at Rock Creek for next-level luxury travel with a wild heart: horseback rides through pine forests by day, multicourse tasting menus by night. These are the kind of hideaways where you trade crowds for connection and Wi-Fi for waterfalls (don’t worry, I’ll still make sure you have signal when you need it.

In Europe, Norway’s Storfjord Hotel and Austria’s Aurelio Lech offer that magical blend of rustic and refined that every personal vacation planner dreams of finding—fur throws, panoramic views, and Michelin-level dining disguised as “mountain fare.” For something more private, my luxury travel agency can arrange exclusive-use lodges complete with a private chef, on-site spa therapists, and heli-access right to your doorstep. Because yes, adventure travel can (and should) come with room service.

Tips for Packing, Booking, and Making the Most of the Chill

If you’re used to beach vacations, packing for a coolcation might feel counterintuitive. But here’s my personal travel planner advice: layers are everything. Lightweight merino, waterproof outerwear, and a great pair of boots will take you from glacier hikes to five-star dinners seamlessly. Bring a swimsuit, too—many of the world’s best spas are in cold climates, and nothing beats soaking in a geothermal lagoon while it snows.

Booking-wise, timing is everything. My luxury travel agency always recommends securing mountain and Arctic lodges six to nine months in advance, especially during high-demand “shoulder seasons” when daylight hours and wildlife viewing are ideal. And because the weather can change faster than a toddler’s mood, it’s worth letting your personal vacation planner coordinate flexible itineraries—so if a storm rolls in, we’ll swap that snowshoe trek for a private whisky tasting by the fire.

When you’re on property, lean in to the slower pace. Luxury travel in cooler destinations is about savoring the small moments—breathing in pine-scented air, hearing nothing but wind, tasting food sourced from right outside your window. My job as your personal travel planner is to remove the logistics so you can fully enjoy the calm, clarity, and comfort these destinations deliver.

Conclusion

The age of the “coolcation” isn’t a passing fad—it’s a redefinition of what luxury travel means. It’s less about poolside cabanas and more about pristine landscapes, thoughtful design, and genuine connection to nature. Whether it’s the silent snow of Finland, the emerald hills of Scotland, or the cinematic peaks of Switzerland, these cool vacation spots are tailor-made for travelers who crave authenticity wrapped in five-star comfort.

As your personal vacation planner, I’ll handle the details—from the best lodges to the most scenic drives—so you can simply enjoy the beauty of the chill. My luxury travel agency partners with the world’s finest properties to deliver seamless, soul-restoring adventures.

Because true luxury isn’t about turning up the heat—it’s about finding places that help you finally exhale.