From remote islands to alpine hideaways, summer offers a rare opportunity to pause, reconnect, and experience the world in its brightest light.
Summer is a season made for discovery, when time slows and life’s pleasures take centre stage. Whether you’re drawn to a private yacht in Indonesia, lavender-filled Provençal hillsides, or the raw spectacle of Africa’s Great Migration, this is the moment to plan.
This is also one of the year’s busiest seasons for travel planning. Our team is already putting together some exciting itineraries for summer and securing in-demand stays and special experiences. These aren’t trips you book last-minute; they’re carefully designed escapes, made possible by Lightfoot’s insider knowledge, trusted relationships, and dedicated service.
Whether you’re after sunshine, culture, or something that completely surprises you, we’ll make sure your summer of 2026 is unforgettable.
- 01. For the Great Migration Watcher: East Africa
- 02. For the Ocean Voyager: Indonesia by private yacht
- 03. For the Reef & Range Explorer: Northern Queensland, Australia
- 04. For the Fjord Lover: Norway
- 05. For the Manta Chaser: Maldives
- 06. For the Off-grid Beachcomber: Sumba, Indonesia
- 07. For the River Cruiser: Peruvian Amazon
- 08. For the Riviera Trendsetter: Provence, France
- 9. For the Barefoot Dreamer: Philippines
- 10. For the Wetland Explorer: Botswana’s Okavango Delta
- 11. For the Spirit Seeker: Bali
- 12. For the Savvy Beachgoer: Sri Lanka’s East Coast
Where to Stay: Serian’s Serengeti Lamai (Tanzania), Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp (Kenya), Kicheche Valley Camp (Kenya)
Every year from July to October, East Africa stages one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles – the Great Migration. Think vast herds of wildebeest crossing crocodile-filled rivers, lion prides on the prowl, and golden savannahs teeming with life. Witness it all from intimate, conservation-led camps in Kenya and Tanzania that place you close to the action.
Lightfoot Highlight: Witness thunderous river crossings, early morning game drives and close encounters with Africa’s famed Big Five. Lightfoot itineraries can include hot air balloon safaris followed by bush breakfasts, and walking safaris with expert Maasai trackers. These are prime spots to be during migration season and booking early ensures the best locations and guides.
For the Great Migration Watcher: East Africa
For the Ocean Voyager: Indonesia by private yacht
Where to Stay: Vela, Rascal, Dunia Baru
Summer brings ideal conditions for an Indonesian sailing journey through the turquoise waters of Komodo and the Lesser Sunda Islands aboard a handcrafted phinisi yacht. These floating sanctuaries blend traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with modern luxury, offering intimate access to remote beaches, with calm seas and vibrant marine life for snorkelling.
Lightfoot Highlight: Dive into pristine reefs guided by expert marine biologists, encountering turtles, reef sharks, and dazzling schools of tropical fish. Guests booking Rascal through Lightfoot enjoy exclusive perks such as complimentary domestic flight for private charters, cabin upgrades, and a thoughtful signature gift.
Where to Stay: Silky Oaks Lodge, Lizard Island
May to October is Northern Queensland’s dry season – the ideal time to explore this wild and diverse region of Australia where two World Heritage sites meet. From the underwater wonder of the Great Barrier Reef to rainforest-cloaked mountain trails in the Daintree, it’s a landscape made for outdoor adventure. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mossman Gorge, spot saltwater crocodiles and colourful cassowaries in the rainforest, ride the iconic Kuranda scenic railway, or snorkel the outer reef in search of turtles and technicolour coral.
Lightfoot Highlight: Combine a stay at eco-luxe Silky Oaks with time on remote Lizard Island, reached only by private charter – a wonderfully rewarding way to experience both reef and rainforest in one trip.
For the Reef & Range Explorer: Northern Queensland, Australia
For the Fjord Lover: Norway
Where to Stay: Lyngen Lodge, Storfjord Hotel, Juvet Landscape Hotel, Åmot
Norway’s summer is a season of light and wonder, when days stretch late into the night and nature takes centre stage. Snow-dusted peaks reflected in mirror-like fjords, hiking trails through birch forests, and remote design lodges that blend Nordic minimalism with deep comfort. Whether you’re sailing Geirangerfjord, soaking in a wood-fired hot tub overlooking the water, or dining on foraged fare, the wild beauty of the landscape is always close.
Lightfoot Highlight: Kayak through serene fjords guided by local experts and witness the majestic beauty of cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs. Book early as availability is limited for peak summer.
Where to Stay: Anantara Kihavah, Soneva Fushi, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli
Summer marks the start of manta season in the Maldives, when these graceful giants gather in large numbers at famous feeding grounds like Hanifaru Bay. Beyond the overwater villas and turquoise waters, it’s a chance to engage with marine life in a meaningful, conservation-focused way.
Lightfoot Highlight: Snorkel alongside manta rays on a guided boat excursion to Hanifaru Bay, where marine biologists share insights into their behaviour and migration. Book through Lightfoot for tailored inclusions such as free nights, room upgrades, complimentary experiences, spa treatments, or return seaplane transfers – available at select partner resorts.
For the Manta Chaser: Maldives
For the Off-grid Beachcomber: Sumba, Indonesia
Where to Stay: Nihi Sumba, Cap Karoso
Far from Bali’s bustle, Sumba is a soulful Indonesian island escape where barefoot freedom meets understated luxury. Look forward to horseback rides along empty beaches, waterfall treks, and meaningful community connection.
Lightfoot Highlight: Begin your day with a sunrise yoga session overlooking the Indian Ocean, followed by a surfing lesson or Sumbanese village visit. Lightfoot guests receive added benefits at Cap Karoso, such as complimentary guided experiences, room upgrades, transfers and resort credits.
Where to Stay: Delfin Amazon Cruises, Aqua Nera (Aqua Expeditions), Aria Amazon (Aqua Expeditions)
Cruising through the Peruvian Amazon offers a rich and immersive way to connect with the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. Between June and September, low water levels make this an ideal season for skiff excursions and jungle walks, with excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters and forest exploration. Prefer to stay on land? For a high-altitude summer adventure, explore the volcanic landscapes of Arequipa, the depths of Colca Canyon, and the cultural richness of Lake Titicaca.
Lightfoot Highlight: Spot pink river dolphins, explore remote tributaries by skiff, and experience the rainforest’s daily rhythms from your elegant floating base. Book with Lightfoot to enjoy exclusive benefits such as complimentary upgrades, onboard credits, and personalised touches.
For the River Cruiser: Peruvian Amazon
For the Riviera Trendsetter: Provence, France
Where to Stay: Zannier Hotels Île de Bendor (opening May), COMO Le Beauvallon (opening April), Château de la Messardière, Hotel du Couvent
Southern France is having a moment, and this summer, the spotlight is firmly on the French Riviera. Check into Château de la Messardière, the starry Saint-Tropez icon and backdrop for the latest season of The White Lotus. Prefer something a little newer? COMO Le Beauvallon brings Belle Époque glamour into the now, with signature wellness and sweeping sea views. Or for ultimate exclusivity, escape to Zannier’s Île de Bendor, a private island retreat reached by a short boat ride, with beach club vibes, village-style suites, and an artistic soul.
Lightfoot Highlight: Sip Provençal wines in storied cellars, drift through lavender fields, and stay ahead of the curve at one of the Côte d’Azur’s most talked-about new openings. Lightfoot clients booking Île de Bendor can enjoy exclusive discounts and complimentary nights for longer stays during selected periods.
Where to Stay: Nay Palad Hideaway
Tucked away on a secluded stretch of sand and sea, Nay Palad Hideaway feels more like a private home than a resort. Intimate and full of heart, we think of this all-inclusive retreat as one of our best-kept secrets. With just a handful of villas, it’s a place where shoes are optional, days unfold gently, and everything is taken care of before you even think to ask. Summer brings calm seas, sunshine, and easy days spent exploring or simply switching off.
Lightfoot Highlight: Spend your days stand-up paddling through mangroves, cycling along quiet trails, or enjoying long beachside lunches curated just for you. Lightfoot guests enjoy a complimentary upgrade to an Ocean View villa, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), and a special on-property photoshoot to capture the moment.
For the Barefoot Dreamer: Philippines
For the Wetland Explorer: Botswana’s Okavango Delta
Where to Stay: Great Plains Selinda Camp, Zarafa Camp, Duba Plains Camp
During the dry season, Botswana's Okavango Delta becomes a lush oasis, attracting diverse wildlife to its floodplains. Experience this remarkable ecosystem from intimate, conservation-focused camps run by Great Plains.
Lightfoot Highlight: Glide through papyrus-lined channels in a mokoro canoe, then dine under the stars after a walking safari. Guests booking through Lightfoot enjoy exclusive benefits such as complimentary transfers, extra nights, and special discounts for honeymooners and anniversaries.
Where to Stay: COMO Shambhala, COMO Uma Ubud, Nirjhara, COMO Uma Canggu, Andaz Bali
Bali’s allure lies in its contrasts: lush interiors, soulful rituals, vibrant surf towns, and serene jungle sanctuaries. Summer brings warm days and low rainfall, ideal for exploring or unwinding. Whether you're after deep restoration, creative inspiration, or slow barefoot days by the sea, Bali offers it in abundance.
Lightfoot Highlight: Begin your journey at a jungle wellness retreat near Ubud, where tailored treatments and sacred rituals nurture body and mind. Then shift to the coast – opt for COMO Uma Canggu’s surf-forward chic, the peaceful calm of Nirjhara, or the village-inspired charm of Andaz in Sanur. Lightfoot guests enjoy a range of preferred partner benefits, from resort credits and spa treatments to room upgrades and personalised experiences.
For the Spirit Seeker: Bali
For the Savvy Beachgoer: Sri Lanka’s East Coast
Where to Stay: Uga Jungle Beach, Uga Bay, Kalkudah Beach House, Uga Chena Huts
Summer is Sri Lanka’s clever season – perfect for discovering the country’s east coast at its best. While the weather in the south is less predictable, the east basks in sunshine, calm seas, and vibrant marine life. From Yala’s wild beauty to Trincomalee’s snorkelling coves and quiet golden shores, this is a journey of culture and charm, equally suited to a romantic couple's escape or an epic family summer holiday.
Lightfoot Highlight: Spot leopards in Yala National Park, snorkel off Pigeon Island from Uga Jungle Beach’s private boats, or enjoy yacht excursions and shallow, family-friendly seas at Uga Bay. Guests booking Uga hotels through Lightfoot enjoy exclusive perks including spa credits, bonfire dinners, cookery classes, and special savings when combining two or more Uga stays.
Ready to begin? Our expert team is here to bring your summer to life with tailored planning, curated experiences, and access to exclusive benefits. Contact us today to get your summer started.
Photography credits: Unsplash and hotel's own
Let us plan your
bespoke adventure
Lightfoot Travel creates tailormade itineraries throughout the world. Get in touch to plan you bespoke adventure.
Enquire Now