“Coolcations” Are Hot Right Now – These 5 Escapes From the S

July 20, 2025 | by Marco Santiago

"Coolcations" Are Hot Right Now – These 5 Escapes From the Summer Heat Elevate Travel's "Next Frontier" Through Design

“Coolcations” Are Hot Right Now – 5 Escapes From the Summer Heat that Redefine Travel

“Coolcations” Are Hot Right Now

Drenched in sun, our summer adventures sometimes call for more than just shade and a cold drink. Enter the age of coolcations — where design, climate, and culture fuse to elevate travel beyond the predictable. Join me as we explore five escapes that don’t just beat the heat — they transform it into a portal of wonder and refuge through thoughtful, breathtaking design.

Travel has always been a dance between desire and environment. Over the past few years, as the summer sun has become relentless, I’ve felt this undeniable shift: travelers craving more than a simple retreat, yearning instead for sanctuaries crafted with soul, innovation, and an intrinsic sense of place. These aren’t just vacation spots; they’re experiences sculpted by architects and visionaries who understand that true coolness lies in harmony — with nature, culture, and one’s own comfort.

1. The Serene Sands of Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

Venturing into Morocco’s centuries-old ksar brings you face-to-face with adobe structures that seem to breathe with the desert itself. This UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t your typical sunbaked tourist trap — its earthen architecture reflects heat during the day and stores coolness for the night. In recent years, artisans and designers have revived traditional cooling methods matched with modern touches: shaded courtyards, water channels mimicking ancient systems, and lush, hidden pockets of oasis gardens. Here, coolcation means melting into history, where every breeze feels like an embrace of desert wisdom.

2. The Floating Pavilions of Lake Como, Italy

Italy’s Lake Como has long enchanted wanderers with its sapphire waters and verdant slopes. But the newest coolcations here harness water itself to cool body and soul. Floating pavilions, constructed with lightweight, sustainable materials, gently rock upon the lake’s surface, offering serenity tethered to nature’s pulse. Transparent walls allow immersive sunrise views, while shaded terraces and misting gardens provide sanctuaries from the sun’s glare. These escapes whisper the promise of slow, calming days punctuated by the soft splash of water and delicate gondolier songs.

3. The Bamboo Sanctuaries of Ubud, Bali

In the heart of Bali’s lush jungle, the eco-conscious traveler finds a sanctuary where modern luxe meets primal nature. Bamboo structures, elevated amongst the treetops, breathe naturally with the humid air, while clever orientation captures cooling breezes and filters sunlight through woven roofs. At these sanctuaries, open-air design coupled with biophilic elements creates a dialogue between earth and sky. You feel the pulse of the island — the rustling leaves, the distant rumble of waterfalls — everything perfectly orchestrated for a refreshingly cool yet profoundly immersive stay.

4. The Arctic Cabins of Lofoten, Norway

For those who believe coolcations should be taken literally, Norway’s Lofoten archipelago offers a transcendent wintery retreat. But during summer’s midnight sun, the magic shifts into architectural genius that counters the perpetual daylight. These cabins, warmed by geothermal energy yet insulated by traditional timber, offer cozy interiors with panoramic windows framing fjords and towering peaks. Shade, airflow, and temperature control dance in delicate balance so that even in the warmth of midnight’s glow, the air feels crisp and pure — nature’s own air conditioning.

5. The Underground Havens of Cappadocia, Turkey

Perhaps the most evocative coolcation of all lies beneath Cappadocia’s whimsical fairy chimneys. Ancient subterranean cities carved from soft volcanic rock create a labyrinthine retreat perfectly insulated from the scorching Anatolian sun. In these caves, the temperature remains a steady balm through the hottest days. Today, boutique hotels and artful restorations maintain this ancient climate wisdom, blending it with lush textures, warm lighting, and handcrafted décor. It’s a journey underground that rejuvenates the senses and connects you to the earth’s deep rhythms.

As summer travel pivots towards these thoughtful, design-driven escapes, a new narrative emerges — one where coolcations aren’t just about dodging heat but about embracing the environment’s gifts. They invite us to dwell differently, travel more consciously, and immerse fully. In a world growing warmer by the day, these destinations offer luminous examples of how design and nature together shape the future of travel — one cool breath at a time.