Luxury Holiday Destinations in August

Best For: Culture and Music

Florence is a wonderful place to visit in August, particularly for those seeking art, culture and Italian elegance with a more relaxed pace. While the city can be warm, the quieter streets create a calm atmosphere that makes landmark sites such as the Uffizi, the Duomo and the Accademia easier to enjoy. Elegant piazzas feel spacious, morning light softens the Renaissance architecture and the city’s boutique hotels offer cool, tranquil retreats after days spent exploring.

August is also an excellent time to experience Florence’s culinary scene, with long evenings perfect for riverside dining, rooftop cocktails and leisurely meals featuring Tuscan produce at its summer peak. Markets brim with peaches, tomatoes and aromatic herbs, while wine bars pour crisp local whites and Chianti from nearby vineyards. Many luxury hotels offer shaded courtyards, rooftop pools or serene spa spaces that help guests balance culture with relaxation.

For those wishing to venture beyond the city, August suits scenic drives through the Tuscan countryside, with rolling vineyards, hilltop villages and renowned estates within easy reach. Day trips to Fiesole, Siena or the Chianti region feel especially rewarding under bright summer skies. Blending art, history, gastronomy and timeless scenery, Florence in August offers a sophisticated escape that suits travellers looking for both cultural depth and indulgent Italian charm.

Best For: Fun and Festival Laughs

Edinburgh isn’t known as ‘Athens of the North’ for nothing – the city boasts incredible architecture whilst also being a hub of art, literature, philosophy and science. There isn’t a better time to explore this beautiful city than in August when the world descends on the capital to enjoy a month of comedy, dance, music and theatre at the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe comedy festival.

Mixed in amongst the Old Town’s narrow closes, cobbled hilly streets and towering tenement buildings, street performers bring added vibrancy whilst foul-mouthed comedians pack out raucous bars. During August, everything stays open that little later, so expect plenty of partying into the ‘wee’ hours too. Escape the madness by heading to one of Edinburgh’s many micro-neighbourhoods and experience warm Scottish hospitality at one of the many intimate restaurants or cocktail bars – Stockbridge is our favourite!

Best For: Tranquillity and Crystal Waters

Crystal clear waters make it easy to spot the abundance of vibrant marine life in the Indian Ocean around Zanzibar. The coral reefs surrounding the island are home to over 500 species and August is the perfect time to explore. You will be spoilt thanks to over 30 dive sites, suitable for various levels, from casual snorkelling to deep diving. For those looking for a challenge and a real marvel, Levan Bank is the most rewarding of dives in the area. But Zanzibar isn’t just a nature lovers paradise, the island is also a jewel of Swahili history and culture too. For those who enjoy a slower pace, head to one of the plethora of idyllic beaches for hours of lounging. Looking for something more lively? Zanzibar Town itself is a melting pot of African, Arabian, Indian and European influences and offers more of a buzz amongst the tranquillity of the island.

Best For: Café Culture and Glamour

The Côte d’Azur offers all the globe-trotting glamour and sun-drenched elegance of a far-off destination, just a short flight away from the UK. Sun-kissed beaches perfect for promenading and people-watching, bustling local markets offering a treasure trove of chic finds, and classic Provencal cuisine served up al-fresco, the French Riviera is a classic late summer getaway. Those out for a good time might stick to the iconic spots such as Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo, packed full of luxe hotels, buzzing casinos and designer boutiques. For something more relaxed, head to the one of the stunning hilltop villages to admire the spectacular landscapes or take advantage of the various vineyards, sampling some of the local rose right from the source

Best For: Outdoor Adventures

Much loved by the Hollywood A-list, this ski resort might not seem like an obvious choice for a mid-summer getaway but this spectacular locale amongst the Swiss Alps offers stunning lakes, striking mountainous landscapes and even vineyards. Ideal for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the area is bursting with activities in the summer. Get pedalling on over 200km of Road Cycling Routes, winding through picturesque villages and Alpine pastures, or take advantage of the infinite walking and hiking opportunities on the myriad of marked and maintained paths. Enjoying the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the finer things in life either – Crans Montana is brimming with restaurants (including two Michelin-starred establishments) serving up traditional dishes of Raclette and platters of locally sourced air-dried meat. Toast a successful trip with a glass of wine – thanks to the region’s exceptional climate local cellars are well stocked!