Seven Resorts Worth Knowing About This Summer

The world’s most interesting properties this season have very little in common with each other, which is precisely what makes them worth knowing about together.

Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

A fifteenth century fortified fishing village, reopening this summer after five years of restoration, with terracotta roofs and hidden courtyards that once served as the Montenegrin royal family’s summer residence. Marilyn Monroe stayed here. So did Bobby Fischer. From around $1,200 to $4,000 a night.

Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

Six private islands across the Anambas Archipelago, built entirely without heavy machinery to protect the surrounding reefs. The owner secured a fishing ban across the area and turned the entire reserve into a protected marine sanctuary. This is deliberately not the marble and gold version of Indonesian luxury, and not another Bali property either. Around $2,000 a night, all inclusive.

NIHI Sumba, Indonesia

Began as a surf camp in 1988 and has since been named the world’s number one hotel by Travel and Leisure on two separate occasions. Guests can swim alongside horses on the beach, a tradition the Sumbanese have practised for generations. From $2,500 to $5,000 a night.

Castello di Reschio, Umbria

A thousand year old castle on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, restored over more than two decades by Count Benedikt Bolza before opening in 2021. Awarded three Michelin Keys last year, with Spanish horses on the estate and a Roman style saltwater bathhouse. From $3,300 a night.

Passalacqua, Lake Como

Named the world’s number one hotel by World’s 50 Best in both 2023 and 2024. Once owned by a pope, later visited by Napoleon and Winston Churchill. The restoration uses the finest available materials throughout, set among formal Italian gardens with an underground spa and its own fleet of boats on the lake. From $3,500 to $5,000 a night.

Four Seasons, Mexico

One of the first opportunities to stay at a brand new Four Seasons opening this summer, designed by Greek architect Niko Falsomakis. Ninety four rooms spread across more than 650,000 square feet make this the most expansive property on the list. Expected from around $3,000 a night.

Singita Volcanoes Reserve, Rwanda

A genuine departure from everything else on this list. The villas have collected more than thirty international design awards and draw their architecture from traditional Rwandan royal palaces. The lodge sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, with views across all six surrounding peaks. The draw here is mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and a serious population of birdlife. From $3,500 to $5,000 a night per person, plus permits.

Seven properties, six countries, and almost nothing in common beyond a single shared quality. Each one earns its place through genuine character rather than borrowed prestige.