Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer – which means it’s time to start planning your sun-splashed getaway. While most of our luxury villa rentals are located in fantastic warm-weather destinations, there are a few locales that are particularly suited to long days and warm nights. With gorgeous landscapes and fresh, local cuisine, these destinations are perfect for spending long, leisurely days outdoors with loved ones. When it comes to a summer vacation, what more can you ask for?

Tuscany, Italy

If the region’s rolling green hills, vineyards, and hilltop villages aren’t enough to draw you in, Tuscany’s food and wine are sure to seduce. Tuscan cooking is based on local, seasonal produce, and in the summer, you get to enjoy the best of warm-weather crops like eggplant and zucchini flower along with freshly-picked herbs like sage, rosemary, and basil. Many of our Tuscan villas even have their own vegetable gardens and vineyards.

Tuscan villages come alive in the summer with festivals and celebrations, the most famous of which is the Palio di Siena (known as Il Palio). This bareback horse race between Siena’s contradas (districts) is held twice a year in July and August. Attending Il Palio is an exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experience, and with the expertise and assistance of our concierge team, you can witness it all firsthand. 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 

Located on the Pacific coast’s Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta enjoys balmy weather year-round, which means that high season tends to be from mid-November to April, when travelers flee colder weather elsewhere. The summer months from May to mid-July tend to be less crowded with tourists, so you get a more local, laid-back experience.

One of Puerto Vallarta’s most famous attractions is Los Arcos National Marine Park, a protected natural sanctuary filled with granite landforms, caves, and coral reefs. Snorkelers and divers can spot an incredible diversity of marine wildlife, from sea turtles to manta rays and octopus. 

St. John, US Virgin Islands 

As one of the most pristine, untouched islands in the Caribbean—about 60% of the island is protected National Parkland—St. John is also a prime destination for snorkeling and diving. Early summer is the best time for snorkeling, when the winds are calm and sea creatures can be more easily spotted.

If you’re new to snorkeling, the underwater trail in Trunk Bay is a fantastic introduction. Other popular activities include hiking, sailing, kayaking, and the ultimate summer must-do: good old-fashioned beach lounging. 

Ready to plan your summer escape? Explore all villa destinations.