The July Edit

From Italy and Greece to a few unexpected escapes, here are the latest stories inspiring our next trips.

We seemingly blinked, and the year is halfway over.

Summer in North America means one thing: the annual migration to coastal Europe, where familiar Mediterranean mainstays continue to dominate client itineraries and the cultural conversation. Whether your sights are set on returning to a perennial favorite or you’re curious about one of the newcomers, there’s no shortage of places worth considering. In today’s short but sweet edition of Stay Awhile heading into the 4th of July holiday, we’re rounding up some recent stories from our site to spark inspiration for your next trip

.

An Italian Love Story

Recent coverage of Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s epic Italian road trip is proof enough that for all the possibilities the world offers, Italy remains one of Europe’s most irresistible honeymoon destinations. After leaving Sicily, where their nuptials were held at Villa Valguarnera—with many guests staying at Villa Igiea—the newlyweds embarked on a sun-soaked journey through some of the country's most romantic corners.

One of their first mainland stops was Calabria, a lesser-visited region known for its turquoise waters and Tyrrhenian Sea views, where they checked into the quietly glamorous Villa Paola. From there, the couple headed to the sleepy town of Bernalda for a stay at filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola's Palazzo Margherita before continuing to Villa TreVille, one of our most beloved properties in Positano for its privacy alone. Rome followed with a stay at Hotel Locarno, plus a detour to La Posta Vecchia, where the now-viral bathtub photo in the Medici Suite had us swooning. Dua also shared glimpses from Reschio, a longtime SmartFlyer favorite in Umbria. And the grand finale? The one and only Hotel Il Pellicano on Tuscany's Argentario coast. Bellissimo!

Now that we’re fully in our Italy feels, we wanted to make sure you had all of our latest Italy content at your fingertips. And for what it’s worth, we also have insight that properties across the Amalfi Coast are a bit quieter than usual this July and August. Meaning, if you’re hankering for a last-minute escape, it’s certainly worth reaching out to your SmartFlyer travel advisor to inquire about space. Because what could be better than a spontaneous trip to soak up la dolce vita?

• Your Guide to Praiano Paradise in the Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast's best-kept secret isn't another beach club—it's Praiano, the sleepy village that invites you to slow down and savor the JOMO (the ‘joy of missing out’) with a stay at Casa Angelina. Consider this your guide to an Italian summer built around romance, lemon trees, and the art of doing very little. | Read the full story here.

• Italy Beyond the Expected: As Italy's most iconic destinations grow busier, travelers are increasingly seeking out the country's quieter corners—from volcanic islands and wellness retreats to hidden coastal gems and design-forward countryside escapes. Think of this as your guide to places that still feel like a discovery, where lingering lunches and a slower pace of life remain the ultimate luxury. | Read the full story here.

• Take Me To: Venice, Florence, and Taormina: For those who think they've already seen Italy, this cinematic itinerary offers a fresh perspective through three of the country's most iconic destinations. It’s all about poolside days at Hotel Cipriani and private after-hours museum visits in Florence while making the recently renovated Villa San Michele home before capping the trip off with languid Sicilian afternoons in Taormina at Villa Timeo. | Read the full story here.

• Your Guide to the Splendor of Tuscany: Tuscany’s magic extends far beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes, and nowhere is that more evident than at Castelfalfi, a restored medieval village turned immersive resort where truffle hunts, wine tastings, and centuries of history await. Consider this your invitation to experience a quieter, more authentic side of the region—one built around culinary delights and the rhythms of the land. | Read the full story here.

• Your Guide to a Radiant Sardinia Escape: With a new nonstop flight from New York to Sardinia on Delta and a wave of exciting hotel openings and renovations, Sardinia is having a well-deserved moment. Our new guide explores why this glamorous Mediterranean island—home to turquoise waters, hidden coves, and the jet-set enclave of Costa Smeralda—may just be Italy’s most compelling summer escape right now. | Read the full story here.

The Eternal Allure of Greece

Between whispers of the next season of Emily in Paris filming in the Greek islands and a slate of highly anticipated openings—including Fouquet’s Mykonos, the forthcoming Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, and Ikos Kissamos on Crete—Greece is once again proving why it remains one of the Mediterranean’s most enduring obsessions. Whether you’re drawn to the history of Athens, the cinematic beauty of Santorini, the energy of Mykonos, or the slower rhythms of the lesser-known Cyclades, Greece continues to evolve while retaining the sun-soaked magic that keeps travelers returning year after year.

• Your Ultimate Guide to Mykonos: Yes, Mykonos still knows how to throw a party—but the island's latest chapter is all about balance. Our latest island guide explores a more nuanced side of the Cyclades favorite, from tucked-away tavernas and quiet coves to the exciting opening of Fouquet's Mykonos that’s helping redefine what a stay on the island can look like. | Read the full story here.

• Your Ultimate Guide to Santorini’s Serenity: Beyond the blue domes and famous sunsets, Santorini is an island of volcanic wines, hidden villages, and deeply rooted hospitality traditions. Our guide explores a more layered side of the Cyclades icon, including the family-run Canaves Collection, whose pioneering approach helped shape luxury travel on the island as we know it today. | Read the full story here.

• Take Me To The Cyclades by Sea: Santorini, Paros and Mykonos: The Cyclades are far more than a collection of postcard-perfect beaches. This freshly published ten-day itinerary traces the mythology, maritime history, and distinct personalities of Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos, pairing private yacht excursions, archaeological experiences, and village gems with the laid-back rhythm that makes the Greek islands so irresistible. | Read the full story here.

Bits and Bobs

• A Sophisticated Escape in the Wilds of Seychelles: A once-overlooked Indian Ocean archipelago is quietly becoming the ultimate post-safari escape, pairing untouched beaches and Creole culture with a new era of luxury led by Cheval Blanc Seychelles. In our latest, we uncover why the Seychelles is emerging as one of the world's most coveted destinations for travelers drawn to pristine beaches, Creole artistry, and Jean-Michel Gathy's striking design vision. | Read the full story here.

• Your Guide to Sundrenched Bliss in Roatán: A Caribbean island forty miles off the coast of Honduras, Roatán pairs world-class diving and laid-back beaches with a rich Garifuna heritage and an emerging luxury scene that still feels refreshingly undiscovered. From snorkeling along the world's second-largest barrier reef to sunset cocktails at Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, this is the kind of barefoot escape that balances adventure, culture, and sophistication in equal measure. | Read the full story here.

• A Brand Redefining a New Era of Hospitality: As travelers increasingly seek experiences that help them feel and perform their best, Kerzner International is redefining wellness and experiential hospitality through its rapidly expanding brands, including the performance-driven SIRO and the highly curated rare finds. From hotels built around sleep, recovery, and mindfulness to one-of-a-kind properties rooted in authenticity and discovery, Kerzner’s next chapter is less about scale and more about creating meaningful experiences that stay with travelers long after they return home. | Read the full story here.

• How a World-Class Sommelier Delivers the Ultimate Wine Getaway: Part luxury retreat, part wine education destination, Meadowood Napa Valley offers a deeply immersive way to experience California wine country, where curated tastings, behind-the-scenes access to vintners, and personalized experiences transform even seasoned enthusiasts into more curious travelers. Set within its own private valley, Meadowood invites guests to slow down, ask better questions, and discover Napa through the eyes of a sommelier. | Read the full story here.

• A Theatre-Goer’s Guide to London: A stay at L’oscar London places travelers in the heart of the West End, where historic theatres, world-class museums, and storied dining rooms are all just steps away. Equal parts glamorous retreat and cultural launchpad, this intimate hideaway channels the spirit of Oscar Wilde, making it the perfect base for a London itinerary built around art, theatre, and a touch of whimsy. | Read the full story here.

Feeling inspired? Get in touch today to be matched with a SmartFlyer travel advisor.