As the first warm breeze of spring teases our wardrobes, it’s time to trade the usual city breaks for destinations that feel both fresh and effortlessly chic. These eight spots—each offering something just a little out of the ordinary—deliver picture‑perfect scenery, under‑the‑radar hotels, and enough local flavor to make your feed the envy of every armchair traveler. To help you hit the ground (and the sand, mountains, or cobblestones) running, I’ve paired each locale with a curated packing list that blends practicality and style.
1. Costa Brava, Spain
Why Go: Just north of Barcelona, the Costa Brava unfurls rocky cliffs, secret coves, and sleepy fishing villages where you can sample pan con tomate straight from the market. It’s where the Catalan coast sheds its crowds for a slow‑paced, sun‑soaked retreat.
Where to Stay: Rent a seaside villa via Airbnb for authentic local charm, or indulge in a wellness stay at the newly opened Zel Costa Brava.
Pack:
- A breezy linen midi dress for market strolls
- Strappy flat sandals for both beach and boardwalk
- A minimal string bikini for spontaneous sea dips
- An oversized cotton button‑down to layer over swimwear
- A roomy, woven raffia tote to carry beach essentials (think: Egola Woven Leather Tote)
2. Naoshima, Japan
Why Go: Equal parts open‑air museum and tranquil island, Naoshima blends contemporary art installations with rice paddies and seaside vistas. It’s an amble through galleries by day, a moment of zen by night.
Where to Stay: Keep your eye out for the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Naoshima (slated for 2027), or choose a minimalist ryokan to complete the meditative vibe.
Pack:
- Crisp cotton poplin separates in white or cream
- Comfortable, sculptural sneakers for wandering outdoor exhibits (e.g., Louis Vuitton LV Sneakerina)
- A refined cross‑body bag to carry camera and guidebook
- Lightweight trench or cardigan for breezy evenings
3. Barú, Colombia
Why Go: A short boat ride from Cartagena, Barú’s turquoise waters and seafood‑flecked beaches feel like a colorful daydream. Here, every sunset feels painted in technicolor.
Where to Stay: The newly unveiled Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort blends French luxury with Caribbean flair.
Pack:
- A vibrant swimsuit in tropical hues
- A gauzy sarong or breezy beach pants
- Chunky, colorful jewelry (think: Éliou Mauro Necklace)
- A wide‑brimmed straw hat for sun protection
4. Folegandros, Greece
Why Go: Tucked away from Mykonos and Santorini’s crowds, Folegandros offers rugged cliffs, bougainvillea‑lined alleys, and cliffside tavernas. It’s barefoot days and star‑soaked nights.
Where to Stay: Gundari, a cliff‑perched hideaway, offers sweeping Aegean views.
Pack:
- A floaty white maxi dress (like Free People’s In My Dreams Midi)
- Strappy flat sandals for cobblestones (e.g., Black Suede Studio Tres Sandals)
- Oversized gold hoop earrings to glam up casual evenings
- Minimalist tote or clutch for dusk dinner reservations
5. Big Sky, Montana
Why Go: Swap sea for summit in Big Sky, where vast skies eclipse any skyline. Hike rugged trails by day and gather ’round a crackling fire with local brews by night.
Where to Stay: Lone Mountain Ranch offers ranch‑style luxury and authentic cowboy hospitality.
Pack:
- Utility cargo pants (FRAME’s Bubble Barrel Leg Cargo Pants are a top pick)
- A lightweight camp shirt or technical tee
- Supportive trail shoes (Merrell’s Moab 3)
- A wide‑brim hat to keep the sun off, and a cozy fleece for cooler evenings
6. Puglia, Italy
Why Go: In the “heel” of Italy’s boot, Puglia dazzles with whitewashed towns, olive groves, and Adriatic beaches that feel frozen in time. It’s the kind of place where gelato is an art form.
Where to Stay: The forthcoming Vista Ostuni, opening summer 2025, promises panoramic sea views and modern Italian design.
Pack:
- Crochet two‑piece sets—Instagram‑worthy and vacation‑proof (try Akoia Swim’s Libre Skirt Set)
- A printed silk scarf for head or handbag accents (PUCCI makes a stunning one)
- Simple leather sandals for daytime and breezy evenings (Lara Ankle Strap Sandal)
- A woven straw market tote for fresh produce runs
7. Bodrum, Turkey
Why Go: Bodrum’s blend of Aegean blue, whitewashed architecture, and laid‑back beach clubs makes it a modern Mediterranean playground. Dine al fresco on mezze, then sway under the stars.
Where to Stay: Macakizi Hotel is the quintessential spot for chic lounging by day and sunset cocktails by night.
Pack:
- A sheer linen kaftan (like Lisa Marie Fernandez’s Gauze Kaftan)
- Metallic leather slides for that sun‑kissed glow (Gianvito Rossi Metallic Sandals)
- A silk headscarf to anchor flyaways in sea breezes
- A slouchy beach bag that transitions to evening strolls
8. The Cotswolds, England
Why Go: Think rolling green hills, honey‑stone cottages, and flower‑cloaked gardens straight out of a storybook. The Cotswolds is the ultimate slow‑down destination, whether you’re antiquing or sipping tea in an ivy‑draped inn.
Where to Stay: Estate‑style properties like Estelle Manor or The Pig at Combe deliver quintessential English charm with Michelin‑star flair.
Pack:
- A lightweight cashmere or fine‑knit sweater for cool mornings
- A classic trench coat to fend off surprise showers
- Breton‑stripe tops and pleated midi skirts for that preppy‑country vibe
- Comfortable loafers or ankle boots for cobbled lanes
Ready, Set, Jet
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be the year of discovery—far beyond the usual hotspots. Whether you’re dipping toes in the Aegean, wandering ancient olive groves, or toasting marshmallows under Big Sky’s boundless heavens, these eight destinations promise more than just a postcard view. They’re invitations to slow down, uncover hidden corners, and curate a vacation wardrobe that feels as destination‑driven as the trip itself. Pack smart, travel light, and let the journey write its own story.
