“Coolcations” Are Hot Right Now — 5 Escapes That Redefine Summer Travel

The summer sun is merciless this year, yet a new wave of travelers is turning up the chill factor by diving into “coolcations” — escapes that not only refresh the body but elevate the soul through sublime design and experiential depth. Join me as I unveil five radiant retreats where the heat of summer melts into the cool embrace of artistry, nature, and pure wonder.

1. The Nordic Refuge: Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Retreat

Imagine steaming turquoise waters cradled by midnight black lava fields. In Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, the natural geothermal springs invite travelers to submerge themselves in surreal warmth — paradoxically a beacon of cool in summer’s blazing glare. What sets this spot apart is its masterful design: minimalist architecture with organic curves flows seamlessly into the landscape, creating a sanctuary where modern wellness meets primordial earth.

Every dip feels like a baptism, every breath scented faintly of silica and sulfur, but the real magic is the Nordic calm — the hush that blankets your senses. Here, coolcations become a sensual interplay between fire and ice, serenity and adventure.

2. Architectural Oasis: The Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

Perched atop the dramatic limestone cliffs of Bali’s southwestern tip, Alila Villas Uluwatu offers a redefining coolcation experience. It’s not just the breathtaking ocean breezes and the infinity pools that cool the skin, but the exquisite synergy between nature and design.

Local stone, bamboo, and teakwood blend with sleek modern lines, crafting spaces that invite you to slow down and savor every detail. Waking up here feels like walking through an artful dream — the sound of the Indian Ocean whispering below, the minimalist décor echoing ancient Balinese traditions.

3. Desert Cool: Amangiri, Utah

Who knew the desert, often synonymous with blistering heat, could be a haven of coolness? Amangiri, nestled in Utah’s Canyon Point, is architecture in harmony with rugged geology. The resort’s ochre hues mimic the desert rocks, but its design ingenuity cools the senses — shaded terraces, strategic cross-ventilation, and a central pool that seems to ripple into the wilderness.

It isn’t just a hotel; it’s an invitation into a vast, mysterious landscape that tempers heat with spiritual calm. At dusk, the sky explodes into artistry — a tapestry of stars so close you feel you might touch them.

4. Coastal Chic: The White Pearl Hotel, South Africa

On South Africa’s wild east coast, the White Pearl Hotel combines the coolness of oceanic breeze with sultry design flair. The whitewashed walls contrast vividly with turquoise horizons, and the interiors boast a palette of muted greys, crisp whites, and rich textiles.

This boutique sanctuary embraces a laid-back luxury aesthetic, where hip meets humble in perfect rhythm. Coolcations here mean barefoot walks on soft sands, epic seafood feasts that taste like the sea itself, and moments of pure, unadulterated zen.

5. Alpine Serenity: Aro Hā, New Zealand

Beyond the summer heat, nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Aro Hā is an antidote to frenetic city life and rising temperatures. This wellness retreat combines cool alpine air with holistic healing philosophies, anchored in indigenous Māori traditions.

The architecture melds with native flora, large windows frame snow-capped peaks, and every space breathes purposeful calm. Visitors find themselves rediscovering equilibrium through mindful movement, nutrient-rich cuisine, and nights wrapped in blanket stars. It is a coolcation not just for the body but for the spirit.

“Traveling to these cool sanctuaries is more than escaping heat — it’s about immersing in design that honors place, culture, and the elemental poetry of nature.”

The rise of “coolcations” signals a beautiful evolution in how we seek rest and renewal. It’s no longer just about the temperature or the getaway; it’s about a curated journey that cools the mind, rekindles wonder, and reinvents the very art of escape. Whether soaking in Icelandic lagoons, gliding through Bali’s cliffside breezes, soaking in Utah’s desert starlight, surrendering to South Africa’s ocean charm, or breathing in New Zealand’s alpine purity — these five escapes are living proof that design-led travel is the next frontier, inviting us all to discover cool comfort with soul-deep meaning.

Marco Santiago