The Best Luxury Travel Destinations in August

Deciding where to go in August? What are the top destinations in August in terms of weather, crowds, new openings and excellent cuisine? Here’s our curated list of the best luxury travel destinations in the month of August.

Where to Go in August?

 You could visit a cosmopolitan city (we’re thinking New York, London or Vancouver). Want something more bucolic? You could head to the Catskills — or as our cool friends like to call it, “Brooklyn North.” Or the fishing village of Comporta, Portugal.

If you’re looking to commune with the wilderness and wildlife, head for Alaska or the Galapagos Islands by boat. Beach life is at its peak in many parts of the globe, so you could ditch your shoes and set up shop in Fiji, Bali, Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. It’s all waiting. Are you ready?

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Best Luxury Travel Destinations in August

Here are our top 10 ideas for luxury vacation destinations in the month of August:

1. London

It’s a fine time to visit London. While the Queen is on holiday, Buckingham Palace is open to the public from August 1 to October 1.  Ditto the Houses of Parliament (although only for the month of August).

While you’re there, you can picnic and take in an opera at Glyndebourne, attend a BBC Proms concert at Royal Albert Hall. Shop for fall fashion at Selfridge’s or fine food at Harrods. Stay at our favorite hotel in all of London, the Beaumont in Mayfair. And don’t forget to have afternoon tea.

If you decide to combine a visit in town with some time in the country, there are lots of splendid places to stay this month in the English countryside. 

2. Portugal

A trip across Portugal would be good fun. Start in Lisbon, and stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Ritz for a few days while exploring the city and its unique sites.

You could go from there to Algarve, the most popular beach resort.

Or instead, you could opt for the fishing village of Comporta, which is just an hour away and largely undiscovered by tourists. The beaches and coastal charms make for relaxing days, and at night you’ll find hip, modern restaurants and independent bars and clubs that really come alive with locals and those in-the-know. Order a blueberry caipirosca.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Catch legendary sunsets and enjoy the tranquil beauty in Seminyak, Bali’s most fashionable beach and host to the island’s most luxurious resorts, fine restaurants and high end shopping.  You can leave the beach behind for a few days and travel to Ubud for true Balinese culture and a uniquely spiritual atmosphere.

4. Fiji

The South Pacific islands make for a great destination in August. Fiji experiences warm and sunny weather, and the water is at its clearest this time of year. Water sports and activities prevail, including snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. Explore the reefs, with their array of rainbow-hued fish. Or just hang out on the beach.

5. The French Lakes

Almost anywhere in France will be perfect this month – but many of the country’s gorgeous locations will be really crowded. For a breath of fresh air, and to avoid the crowds of Paris, the French Riviera and Provence, consider the French Lakes. Lake Annecy lies at the foothills of the French Alps and has a rich history just waiting for you to explore.

6. The Galapagos Islands

It’s high season in the Galápagos Islands right now. These 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, have been called a “living museum and showcase of evolution.” Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, they’re a “melting pot of marine species” – including the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch.

The region inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.  In August, the weather is cooler and the local wildlife are more visible, due to the amount of nutrients brought to the ocean surface from the summer undercurrents. Touring by water is the best way to experience this magical setting while preserving its delicate ecosystem.

7. Vancouver, Canada

If you want to spend some time outdoors, but still want an urban vibe, Vancouver is the place to be this month. Kayak along the city shores, bike through Stanley Park, and hike to the summit of Grouse Mountain during the day; spend the evenings dining on fresh seafood and Asian fusion dishes while exploring craft cocktail menus all over town.

8. The Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket

The islands off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket – are without a doubt among the most beloved and popular destinations in the month of August in the entire U.S.

There are so many reasons why, and we’ve written about many of them. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that these two idyllic escapes are totally different from each other. Take it from us — they’re both enchanting, and you’ll be in summertime heaven no matter which one you choose.

9. A Cruise to Alaska

A voyage to Alaska on a cruise ship is an excellent adventure, and perfect for families on summer holiday in August. Most departures are from Seattle or Vancouver, with 7-day itineraries the norm. Wildlife (including whales and bald eagles), glaciers, stunning island vistas and numerous shore excursions (including float plane, dog sled and salmon-fishing tours) await as ships pass through Alaska’s Inside Passage, where the prettiest glaciers can only be seen from the water.

Other highlights include the Mendenhall Glacier and the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau; the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad; the Hubbard Glacier; Glacier Bay; Ketchikan; Denali National Park; Prince William Sound; and Misty Fjords National Monument.

10. The Catskills.

Upstate New York is the new Hamptons, and the towns along the Hudson River are now better known as “Brooklyn North.” Design-minded entrepreneurs and makers have relocated or purchased second homes just 2-3 hours by car from Manhattan in Kingston, Cold Spring, Beacon, Garrison, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, and Hudson. These villages are filled with charming antiques stores, galleries, home decor shops and farm-to-table restaurants. There are local distilleries and craft breweries with tasting rooms and tours. Outdoor options include fly-fishing, hiking, river rafting or just hanging out with an espresso and people-watching in a sidewalk cafe.

best luxury travel destinations in August

There you have it — 10 ideas for where to go in the month of August for any kind of summer adventure that suits you. Where are you headed this month?