In the mood for a last-minute break? Us too. Long gone are the months when a five-hour flight was required to reach sun-soaked resorts; European summer is now in full swing and you don’t need us to tell you to get out there and enjoy it while you can. From the Greek wild child and the sparkling French Riviera, to memorable safari breaks in the Maasai Mara, here’s where to travel in August. 

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Images: Great Plains

Average temperature in August: 25°C

Located in East Africa’s big cat territory, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, offering explorers rolling plains of savannah wilderness along the Tanzanian border. It’s home to two major migrations: the green season migration from Loita Plains in the spring, when more than 100,000 zebras and wildebeest arrive from the northwest, and the famous annual southern migration of more than one million animals from the Serengeti. 

The latter is why you should be heading here in August, as you will be able to spot one of the greatest annual migrations on Earth as herds of antelopes, zebras and wildebeest make the daily crossing over the Mara River in a bid to find fresh grass. Warm and dry conditions make for perfect visibility, so you can also have clear views of grazing lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhino, African buffalo, giraffes and many more animals in their natural habitat, unconfined and free to roam the vast Kenyan wilderness.

Where to stay: Zamara Private

From the Great Plains Conservation team, who operate a collection of uber-luxurious safari camps across Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Botswana, is the new and highly-anticipated six-suite safari villa: Zamara Private. Situated on the edge of the Maasai Mara Reserve, and designed for couples, families or small groups, the private-hire camp offers exclusive access to one of Africa’s most celebrated ecosystems. It features two master suites – ideal for couples or parents with children – and four stand-alone guest suites, with each retreat blending Wabi Sabi-inspired design with outdoor decks and starlit showers. Plus, with a dedicated team, tailored dining and amenities including an infinity pool, spa, and rooftop terrace, this is a luxurious safari you won’t forget in a hurry. Get booking. 

From £24,117 per night, based on 12 guests sharing on an all-inclusive basis. 

Mykonos, Greece

Average temperature in August: 28°C

Greece’s answer to Ibiza, welcome to the It Girl of the Greek islands. A couple of decades ago, a summer getaway here was synonymous with traditional island life and a bohemian buzz Mykonos became synonymous with in the 1960s, but its rise in popularity as a tourist destination has transformed the once tranquil location into a party island. Supermodels and superyachts are almost part of the furniture, and must-visit beach clubs – if you’re lucky enough to nab a bed – include Scorpios, Astra and Jackie O. That said, if you’re looking for Mykonos’s slower side, read our non-clubber’s guide for the full lowdown (spoiler: the beaches of Glyfadi and Kalafatis offer a true taste of the Cyclades). 

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos

Four Seasons Mykonos has been slated to open for years – and August marks its inaugural month, so you better get booking. Located just 20 minutes from lively Chora, and set above Kalo Livadi Bay, it is Four Seasons’ second Greek outpost following Astir Palace in Athens, and has been designed by acclaimed Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis to replicate the style of a Mykonian village across 15 acres. 

A selection of 94 rooms, suites and villas with plunge pools epitomise a chic Greek getaway, resplendent in the island’s signature whitewashed exteriors and minimalist design. All four restaurants and bars, ranging from Mediterranean grill, Álef, to all-day dining at Corbu, come with a side of sweeping sea views, while the garden spa features seven treatment rooms, outdoor spa pavilion and a thermal circuit that includes a sauna, steam room and vitality pool. Looking to experience Mykonos in the most luxurious fashion? Tap the concierge team to enjoy day trips to UNESCO World Heritage Site Delos, an exclusive helicopter sightseeing experience of the island, or horseback riding at Fokos Beach.

From £2,225 per night. 

Puglia, Italy

Average temperature in August: 25°C

Puglia is Italy's seventh largest region, forming the heel of the country's boot and home to gorgeous coves, sleepy fishing villages and laidback coastlines that epitomise la dolce far niente. Its 'capital', Bari, is an obvious destination, but the likes of Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni are no less appealing. The latter is known as Puglia's White City, named after its vast white-washed town that blends Gothic, Roman and Byzantine architecture. It's a haven for historians looking for a slower pace of life; climb to the Gothic cathedral which crowns the town's highest peak to discover a 15th-century Concattedrale before indulging in local dishes and aperitifs at family-run trattorias. Bellissimo.

Where to stay: Vista Ostuni

Having opened last summer, Vista Ostuni is one of the hottest hotels on Italy's white-washed coast right now. Housed in a meticulously restored 14th-century stone palazzo, and open to guests all year round, Vista Ostuni was reimagined for the modern traveller by renowned Milanese architect Roberto Murgia. Inside, 28 elegant rooms and more than 6,000 square metres of historic interiors have been thoughtfully preserved, from its grand entrance and lofty ceilings to an unexpected cloister bathed in light from a glass ceiling above.

Vista Ostuni is, first and foremost, about relaxation. Unwind in an expansive spa featuring a treatment menu by Biologique Recherche, before taking a dip in one of three pools: a indoor heated one in the spa, a sun-drenched rooftop infinity pool or a refreshing outdoor sanctuary nestled among Mediterranean olive groves. The foodie experience celebrates Puglia’s rich culinary traditions via the all-day, garden-pool setting, Bianca Bistrot, before indulging in sundowners at Chiostro Bar.

From £355 per night.

Provence, South of France

Average temperature in August: 28°C

France’s Mediterranean coast has been synonymous with the high life since the 19^th century, later gaining traction with the Sixties’ ‘jet set’ after St Tropez featured in the 1956 Brigitte Bardot film, And God Created Woman. Today, Antibes is popular with yachties, as is Monaco, while film lovers go to Cannes, and sunseekers head to the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. But where to go for rolling vineyards and lush lavender fields? Provence, of course.

A historical province in southeastern France, bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, Provence’s cosmopolitan centre is Saint-Rémy which is, in short, a haven for Francophiles. Expect quaint cobbled streets, beautiful architecture in a pastel palette, and an abundance of boutique shops and local farmers’ markets. The region is also home to a whole host of other picturesque medieval villages and the unique beauty of the lavender museums – perfect for filling a morning or two before bedding down by the pool until sundowners call. 

Where to stay: Château de Fonscolombe

18th century charm and contemporary style collide at the five-star Château de Fonscolombe in Provence. A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux portfolio, this restored retreat looks like something from a fairytale, surrounded by working vineyards and framed by its famous twin turrets. Inside, discover an interior marvel: period chinoiserie designs, Italian tapestries and hand-painted wallpapers line its walls, while canopied beds and rustic fireplaces reflect the chic Provençal charm of the estate’s storied past. Each of the 50 rooms boasts sweeping vistas across the main courtyard, dovecotes and grounds, all sprinkled with historic statues, a chapel, fountains and a vegetable garden. Step outside to discover the ancient stone pond turned swimming pool, and visit the al fresco L’Orangerie restaurant for Caesar salads, seafood specials and ice-cold rosé.  

From £255 per night. 

Helsinki, Finland

Image: Shutterstock

Average temperature in August: 19°C

Finland isn’t just a destination for coolcationing. You’ll find that the happiest country in the world (it’s been awarded this accolade for nine consecutive years) transforms into a wildlife haven come August. Boasting nearly 16 hours of daylight per day, discover an abundance of dense forests, picture-perfect lakes and hiking trails to explore. The cosmopolitan heart of the country can be found in the capital Helsinki, offering contemporary design (the city was the 2012 World Design Capital) and a roster of cultural attractions, including Kiasma, the city’s most popular art gallery, UNESCO World Heritage Site the Fortress of Suomenlinna, and Löyly, a bustling bar-restaurant-sauna situated on the city’s peninsula. Also, don’t miss Helsinki’s array of independent bakeries – one pulla (Finnish cardamom bread) please – coffee shops, fashion boutiques and traditional restaurants. 

Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Helsinki

Waldorf Astoria marked its first property in the Nordics last year with this gorgeous 116-key hotel. Housed within four historic buildings in Helsinki's distinguished Kruununhaka district, the property features rooms and suites featuring a refined fusion of Scandi-inspired minimalism and modern sensibility, with select accommodations offering in-room spas, alongside the signature Peacock Bar, and a spa set beneath a glass-roof atrium with traditional rituals including the cold plunge and Finnish sauna experience. Nestled in one of Helsinki’s most historic neighbourhoods, and just steps from landmarks like Helsinki Cathedral and the Market Square, this is the place to be and be seen in the Finnish capital.

From £285 per night. 

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