“Coolcations” Are Hot Right Now

As I dipped my toes into the crystalline waters of a secluded lagoon, the summer heat whispered away, replaced by a cool embrace that travel dreams are made of. Welcome to the era of “coolcations”—where the hottest trend on the travel horizon is escaping the sweltering heat with style, design, and a refreshing dash of wonder.

For years, summer travel implied trading one heatwave for a balmy beachfront or crowded cityscape. But now, a new frontier is emerging, one where the very essence of cool refines itself through breathtaking design-led escapes. These places don’t just promise relief from the sun; they inspire awe, connect us to culture, and rekindle a sense of living art. Let me take you beyond the thermometer and into five enchanting coolcations that redefine how we experience summer’s most precious reprieve.

1. The Arctic’s Icy Elegance: The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

From the moment you enter the Icehotel—crafted anew each winter from glistening ice blocks—you’re immersed in ephemeral art. Designed by international artists and architects, each suite is a sparkling jewel of frozen creativity. But don’t let the icy façade fool you; this coolcation delivers warmth through the crackling ambiance of a fire-lit lounge and the magic of the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Here, design transcends mere shelter—it is storytelling carved from ice.

“The cold never felt so warm.” – A sentiment I’ve heard echoed by every traveler here.

2. Desert Oasis Meets Cutting-Edge Design: Amangiri, Utah, USA

Deep in the sculptural red rock canyons of the American Southwest lies Amangiri, a sanctuary where minimalism meets monolith. Here, the architecture harmonizes with the desert’s brutal beauty, offering an oasis of cool refuge. The pools reflect the vast sky, their chilled waters a balm for the desert sun. Each suite is a private cocoon of natural materials and sweeping views—a sanctuary where time slows and the heat is but a distant memory.

3. Mountain Retreat. Modern Luxury: The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland

High in the Swiss Alps, where snow-capped peaks promise crisp air and serene vistas, The Chedi Andermatt blends alpine tradition with sleek, modern design. Imagine warming up in heated outdoor pools enveloped by pristine winter landscapes or savoring comfort food in a dining room sculpted from stone and wood. This coolcation embodies the art of balance: between old-world charm and contemporary elegance, between thermal warmth and mountain cool.

4. Blue Labyrinth of Coastal Calm: The Cycladic Charm of Santorini, Greece

The stark whitewashed walls and brilliant blue domes of Santorini are like a living postcard, painting the perfect coolcation backdrop. Off the summer heat of the bustling mainland, the island’s breezes and stunning caldera views invite languid afternoons and sunset reveries. The architecture here—both timeless and stunningly simple—creates intimate hideaways atop cliffs, where cool interiors provide sanctuary after sun-drenched adventures along volcanic beaches.

5. Forest-Embraced Cool: The Bjorkliden Arctic Spa, Sweden

Imagine restorative soaks beneath a canopy of frost-kissed trees, where steam rises in the chilling air and the horizon stretches endlessly into a pristine wilderness. Bjorkliden Arctic Spa is more than a place—it’s a transformative experience cocooned in Scandinavian design minimalism. The wood-lined interiors and expansive windows connect you with the frosty forest outside while you indulge in warm waters and soul-deep relaxation.

Where Design Elevates Escape

What binds these coolcations, beyond their icy springs or alpine chills, is a profound dialogue between nature and design. Each escape is carefully crafted to coax out the nuances of environment and elevate them into sensory journeys. It’s about more than just temperature; it’s a celebration of how thoughtfully considered spaces can transform our relationship with climate and culture.

Through innovative architecture, artful interiors, and a purposeful embrace of local landscapes, these destinations become immersive cultural narratives. They invite us not just to cool off, but to awaken a sense of wonder that stays long after the journey ends.

Marco Santiago