Five Alternatives to (Sizzling Hot) Europe This Summer
Summer 2025: As Europe sizzles under record-breaking heatwaves and soaring summer prices, the savviest travellers are favouring cooler, calmer, and often more cost-effective escapes. From lush monsoon retreats in the Himalayas to serene island sanctuaries in Southeast Asia, travelling “out of season” is becoming the new insider secret.
Here are Indigo8's top five luxury destinations redefining the art of the summer escape, which offer respite from the crowds and a different kind of richness: vibrant landscapes, cultural immersion and wellbeing benefits from seasonal shifts in climate.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda’s award-winning wellness programmes are especially powerful during India’s monsoon season (July–September). According to Ayurvedic principles, this is a time of deep healing, reflection and restoration — when the air is rich, the earth is cool, and the body is more receptive to detoxification and renewal. A range of personalised retreats, from stress management, sleep, hormone rebalance or immune support, take on even greater potency during this lush, quiet time of year. Read more here
Why go now? Cooler mountain air and a tranquil setting with fewer guests, allowing for a more intimate and tailored wellness experience. With Ananda's summer 40% discounted wellness offer available until 31 July, there is no better time to invest in your long-term wellbeing.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia
Tucked within a UNESCO Geopark and fronting an endless Andaman coastline, Four Seasons Langkawi offers an unexpected summer sanctuary. While Europe swelters, Langkawi’s “green season” (roughly May to September) brings warm sunshine punctuated by brief showers that leave the rainforest sparkling and refreshed. Rates drop, the crowds thin, and nature truly comes alive — perfect for mangrove safaris, jungle treks, and healing spa rituals that draw on traditional Malaysian medicine. Read more here
Why go now: With fewer tourists and the island's natural beauty at its peak, it’s the ideal time to experience the island’s wilder side from rainforest adventures to rejuvenating wellness rituals, all without the crowds.
RXV Wellness Village, Thailand
Set in rural Phichit approx 1 hour from Bangkok, RXV Wellness is one of Asia’s most exciting new openings; a regenerative sanctuary for the soul where guests of all ages can reconnect and reset through ancient Thai healing, medical wellness, and soulful stillness. The green season (June–October) brings green fields, lower temperatures, and a calm that’s ideal for therapeutic and detox programmes. From deep sleep rituals to cellular-level diagnostics, this is a space that thrives on seasonal rhythm. Explore RXV Wellness here
Why go now? Take advantage of school holidays and RXV's family wellness programmes to recharge the whole family, from energetic six-year-olds to golden age grandparents. Make time to strengthen bonds, make new memories and lay foundations for a healthier, more balanced lifestyle together.
Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
Avoid the European crush and dive into something more tranquil: the Maldives in summer. The “low” season (May–October) is a misnomer as days are still warm and mostly dry, and it’s peak time for manta rays and whale sharks in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Fewer guests means more space, more value, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to snorkel with giants just metres from your villa. More about Four Seasons Maldives
Why go now?: Fewer guests, ideal diving conditions and the newly revamped Four-Bedroom Landaa Estate which features four bedrooms within four pavilions,rooftop dining, a 20-metre private pool, and direct beach access. Plus, a cutting-edge PraMā diagnostics programme offers a personalised path to wellness for those seeking a more restorative summer escape.
Or Stay Cool in the UK: Scottish Highlands and the Yorkshire Dales
For the ultimate low-hassle (and cooler) break, why not stay in the UK? Head for the Scottish Highlands to Alladale Wilderness Reserve, to see a pioneering rewilding scheme and stay in one of three luxury lodges immersed in nature. Or check into Yorkshire’s Broughton Sanctuary, which opens three new self-catering properties this summer, where guests can enjoy cool-climate activities like forest bathing and wild swimming. Read more here.
Why go now? Summer is the ideal time to explore the wild beauty of the Highlands or the rolling serenity of the Dales, both in full bloom and offering long daylight hours for outdoor pursuits. With new openings, fewer crowds than international hotspots, and no airport hassle, now’s the time to rediscover the richness of a British summer escape.
