Spring 2025 was the warmest and sunniest on record, with May marking an unprecedented month of balmy temperatures across the country. However, three days into June and we’re not feeling too optimistic about the weeks ahead. So where to go for guaranteed sunshine? From balmy destinations in the Middle East to hotspots (literally) closer to home, there are both short- and long-haul options for those looking to top up on Vitamin D this month. Need some help narrowing it down? Here’s where to travel in June for guaranteed sunshine, and brilliant five-star hotels to suit every luxury traveller.

Kefalonia, Greece

Image: Shutterstock

Image: Shutterstock

Average temperature in June: 23°C

Home to one of the best beaches in the world (Fteri Beach), and renowned for being a luxury locale for well-heeled travellers to experience Greek hospitality away from the crowds, Kefalonia is mystifyingly still deemed an up-and-coming island. Prior to the airport’s renovation in 2017, accessing the Ionian island wasn’t exactly straightforward and, therefore, remained largely reserved for intrepid travellers and well-heeled types in the know. The island isn’t used to an influx of tourists and, for many, that’s part of its appeal. Kefalonia’s central hubs span two villages, Fiskardo and Assos, but if we were you, run for the hills to enjoy undisturbed languid lounging for days on end.

Where to stay: Eliamos Villas Hotel and Spa

Having just reopened for the summer season last month, Eliamos is the place to see and be seen on Kefalonia, having changed the game for the island’s luxury offering when it launched in 2023. Perfectly secluded within a private estate, yet a short stroll from the island’s beaches and serene villages, Eliamos encourages guests to slow down and disconnect. Featuring just 12 villas – ranging from one to three bedrooms and each with a private pool – interiors are a soothing blend of bohemian furniture and brushed concrete walls, while fresh and flavoursome food is served at the open-air restaurant. Nature-based relaxation and wellness take centre stage, with an outdoor gym and yoga deck complete with reformer Pilates beds, a saltwater lap pool, and the Eliamos Spa.

From £560 per night.

Muscat, Oman

Images: Shutterstock

Average temperature in June: 38°C

Situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is famous for offering more subtle luxury than its flashy neighbours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The capital, Muscat, makes for an idyllic romantic getaway, fringed by the mighty Al Hajar mountains (the highest range in the Arabian Peninsula) to the south and golden sandy beaches to the north. The city is brimming with cultural attractions, such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, National Museum of Oman, the 200-year-old Muttrah Souq, and the dazzling Al Alam Palace. While June is one of the hottest months to visit, the country is well equipped for the heat – we recommend booking a five-star hotel for your trip so you won’t even have to lift a finger… 

Where to stay: The Chedi Muscat

As the heat rises across the Middle East, make the most of the sunshine at The Chedi Muscat – the original beachfront retreat in Oman. A place for rejuvenation, the hotel’s three sparkling pools are surrounded by beautiful gardens, providing a soulful setting overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Visit in June and make the most of the hotel’s summer dining experiences, including a night at Muscat’s top destination seafood restaurant – the Beach Restaurant – located on the hotel's seafront, afternoon tea in the shade overlooking stunning gardens at the Lobby Lounge, or enjoying modern Japanese cuisine before taking a cooling dip in the Long Pool. As the name suggests, it’s the longest pool in the Middle East.

Elsewhere, the spa and health club specialises in Balinese therapies, alongside beauty rituals based on aromatherapy, ayurveda and herbalism. For a cultural pick-me-up, the hotel offers expert-led explorations of must-see locations, including the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Muttrah souq with its ancient maze of intricate pathways, as well as the National Museum of Oman and the Al Alam Palace. 

From £210 per night. 

Lake Garda, Italy

Average temperature in June: 27°C

Lake Garda, in northern Italy, is famous for its crystal clear waters. While it’s still a hotspot for tourists, it attracts a more relaxed, family-friendly crowd than glitzy Lake Como. Here, Italy’s largest lake is dotted with archaeological sites and quaint sleepy towns waiting to be explored. At the south end you’ll find the small town of Sirmione, dominated by the Rocca Scaligera fortress, while the nearby Grotte di Catullo comprises a huge olive grove and preserved Roman villa boasting panoramic vistas of the lake below. The Dolomites frame popular tourist town Riva del Garda in the north, featuring baroque architecture, hiking trails and charming markets. But, if we’re honest, it’s those lake and mountain views that you’ll never tire of. 

Where to stay: Borgo Tre

Having only opened its doors last Easter, Borgo Tre is an elegantly renovated 18th-century farmhouse hidden in the hills of Lake Garda. Featuring six luxury apartment-style suites, each with private gardens or terraces, the retreat is immersed in nature and offers a heated outdoor pool made from local granite, a natural spa complete with a relaxation area, yoga terrace, outdoor cabanas, cold tub and a Finnish sauna furnished in natural wood and stone.

Situated on the edge of a nature reserve, surrounded by cypress and olive trees, Borgo Tre is just a few steps from the natural and cultural highlights of the lake, including Punta San Vigilio, Isola del Garda and Monte Baldo, while the small town of Torri del Benaco is just a 10-minute walk away and offers several restaurants with great gourmet experiences. From a wine tasting and Vespa road trip to a hike up to the 360°C viewpoint of Monte Baldo, the shores of Lake Garda have something for everyone.

From £510 per night. 

Cape Town, South Africa

Average temperature in July: 20°C

Planning your honeymoon? Look no further than South Africa. Vumba Honeymoons has curated a special itinerary for those looking to experience as much of this beautiful country as possible in just 10 days. The honeymoon package begins in cosmopolitan Cape Town, where you’ll experience South Africa’s Mother City in all its glory with guided tours of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain, while enjoying iconic landmarks like Cape Point, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and scenic drives like Chapman’s Peak.

This is followed by a transfer to the French-inspired wine region of Franschhoek to experience the best of South Africa’s renowned Cape winelands, and then flying to Kruger National Park where you’ll stay in the heart of the African bush.

Where to stay: The Silo Hotel

Throughout your honeymoon, you’ll stay in a select number of Royal Portfolio’s beautiful properties. We love Cape Town’s striking Silo Hotel with its unrivalled views of the V&A Waterfront at the beating heart of the city's arts and culture hub. An array of luxury accommodation spans six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) – which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art – while the standout Royal Suites offer views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. Unwind at the world-class spa before indulging at the chic Willaston Bar, the laidback Granary Café, and the Silo Rooftop boasting 360°C views towards the ocean, mountains and beyond.

Barcelona, Spain

Average temperature in June: 27°C

Barcelona has it all: culture, gastronomy, architecture and, of course, beaches. Boasting 4.5km of coastline, the golden sands fringing the city are ready to welcome you for hours of sunbathing and swimming. Alternatively, head to the centre to discover the beating heart of Catalan culture, where you’ll find Gaudí’s famed masterpiece, the Sagrada Família – set to be the world’s tallest church when it is finally completed in 2026 – as well as La Rambla: one of Barcelona’s most famous streets featuring an array of shops and eateries. The Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market and Casa Milà are all top tourist destinations too, with plenty of tapas, sangria and vistas to boot. 

Where to stay: The Barcelona Edition

With an enviable locale in El Born, the city’s creative hub, The Barcelona Edition is nestled between the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean Sea and l’Eixample neighbourhood – Barcelona’s boutique shopping epicentre. Inside, pick from 100 suites with interconnecting rooms perfect for families and friends, while the property’s must-try Veraz restaurant serves dishes made with the freshest seasonal ingredients from the neighbouring Santa Caterina Market. On the 10th floor you’ll find The Roof: an intimate oasis offering panoramic views of the city with elegant outdoor seating and a small pool serving light dishes inspired by Asian cuisine.

From £475 per night.

Read more: Balearics island guide: The best destinations to visit in 2025