Summer Holiday Inspo From Stylish Friends Of SheerLuxe

@AlexandraDudley; Pexels/Vasilis Karkalas; Nick Moshoviths/Unsplash

Alexandra Dudley

Cook & SL Columnist

“This summer, I’m embracing the Mediterranean – no complaints there. My husband and I have made it something of a tradition to spend two weeks on the idyllic island of Spetses each year. It’s a small but incredibly beautiful spot just off mainland Greece, opposite Hydra, and it holds a special place in our hearts. This time, we’ll have our daughter Anabel (who will be seven months old) in tow. We’ve rented a little house on the island and have family coming and going while we’re there. It’ll be all about beach picnics and big, home-cooked family suppers.

“In June, I’m heading to Zelia Halkidiki for a long weekend with my sister. It’ll be a very different vibe – think lazy days by the pool, ideally with a cocktail in hand. And before all that, I’m hoping to escape for a few days in May to hotel Anassa in Cyprus. That one’s particularly nostalgic for me. I first went there with my mum and siblings when my brother was very young, and we had the most brilliant time. It’s perfect for children – there are loads of activities and a wonderfully relaxed attitude to families, but it’s also incredibly chic. It never feels like you’re in a full-blown kids’ club.

“Closer to home, I’m planning a couple of staycations. The Seaside Boarding House is top of the list – it was a trip we had to postpone last year when I was heavily pregnant and not feeling my best. I’m also hoping to squeeze in a night at Holm in Somerset. I love Nicholas Balfe’s approach to food and the way he works with ingredients. The property has just seven rooms, all of them beautifully done, and it’s in one of my favourite parts of the world, for walks, farm shops and art.

“As for day trips, we recently moved from east to west London, and while I love our new home, I really miss the east. Now that we’ve settled into a bit more of a rhythm with Anabel, I’m planning some sunny London days out at a few of my favourite restaurants. I’ve already booked Rochelle Canteen and Elliot’s in Hackney. A day trip to Paris is also in the works. I like to take the first Eurostar out (painful, but worth it). There’s nothing quite like that first bite of pain au chocolat on French soil. Then it’s a long lunch in Le Marais, a stroll across the city and one last glass of wine before heading home on the train. Perfect.”

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Denai Moore

Chef & Artist

“A lot of my summer plans fall under the aspirational category – the kind you daydream about between deadlines. I’ve been vicariously living through so many friends who’ve travelled to Brazil recently, and it’s officially at the top of my wish list. I just have this feeling I’d fall completely in love with the country and the culture – and probably never want to leave. That said, one of my more realistic plans is to re-visit Marseille. My first trip there last year really stayed with me. As a former full-time seaside girl from Margate, Marseille felt like a sibling city to me. The food, the creative pulse, the art, the vibrancy, the fashion – it’s all so magnetic.

“I’m also long overdue a trip to New York. I’ve only been a handful of times, and all those visits were whirlwind work trips, lasting just 48 hours each. This time, I’d love to do it properly – and, frankly, plan the entire trip around food. I have a never-ending list of restaurants I’d like to visit there, and New York just feels like the ultimate foodie paradise. My hotel of choice would be The Hoxton in Williamsburg – cool, comfortable and close to everything I’d want to eat.

“On the staycation front, I’m a big believer in solo travel, especially for writing trips. As a creative, I find those quiet moments – just me, a notebook, and some headspace – absolutely essential. Even a stay in a forest, surrounded by trees and completely disconnected from the digital world, feels deeply restorative. I’ve been eyeing one of those unplugged digital detox cabins for a while now, and I think this might be the season to finally book one.

“As for day trips, I’ll definitely be making my way down to Brighton. A few close friends have recently moved there, so I’ve got a good reason to visit. I also love planning days around art shows, so I’m always keeping an eye on what’s on at my favourite galleries around the country. Nothing beats a slow afternoon spent with inspiring work, followed by a great meal and a change of scenery.”

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India Cardona

Content Creator & SL Contributor

“This summer, I’m keeping my travel plans within Europe as I’ll be in the later stages of pregnancy. I’ve planned gentle but special trips to Mallorca, Mykonos and Puglia – either with my husband or a few close friends. I’m really trying to make the most of being able to travel before I’m no longer allowed to fly. I planned the Mallorca and Puglia getaways myself but for Mykonos, I’m working with a boutique travel company called The Cycladist. It specialises in curated escapes around the Cyclades and adds such a personal touch.

“My travel priorities have shifted a bit lately – ease of access and overall comfort are now top of mind, and I can’t be quite as adventurous as I used to be. I’ve chosen places where we can take scenic walks, explore beautiful beaches and enjoy really good food, all without too much fuss. I’m also heading off slightly earlier in the season to avoid the heat and the crowds. I still want to feel inspired by where I stay, so I’ve booked some beautiful, design-led spots, like Hotel Corazón in Mallorca and Masseria Moroseta villas in Puglia. Both offer that perfect mix of aesthetics and relaxation.

“Back in the UK, I’m planning a staycation in Bruton, Somerset. It’s such a charming area and I love how many amazing places there are to eat and explore. Some of my favourites include The Old Pharmacy, The Three Horseshoes in Batcombe and Da Costa. Then there are lovely local destinations like Stourhead, Babington House and Hauser & Wirth that always make for a great day out.

“When it comes to day trips, I’m forever drawn to Oxford or the Cotswolds. A typical outing might include lunch at The Bull in Charlbury, a slow stroll through Daylesford, and a bit of antique hunting in the nearby villages. It’s the kind of easy, feel-good day I never get tired of.”

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Kitty Coles

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

“I’ve just booked a trip to a little island off the coast, not far from Rome. The plan is to land in Rome just in time for lunch, then hop on a train to the coast and take a small boat across to the island. We’ll spend four days doing exactly what summer is made for: reading, swimming and eating on repeat.

“Then in June, I’m off on a week-long trip with Aeolian Adventures to explore the Sicilian islands. I can wait for squid fishing at sunset, then grilling our catch right on board with an aperitivo in hand. It’s going to be a perfect mix of rustic charm and unforgettable moments. I’ll also be sneaking off to Mallorca whenever I can, since my parents live there. It’s my hideaway when I need to reset and I’ll grab any excuse for a few quiet days in the sun.

“This year, I’ve chosen places that promise a proper holiday. Usually, I’m the one obsessing over the itinerary – Googling the best places to eat, mapping everything out – but right now, I’m craving the opposite. The hotel on the island is technically all-inclusive, but not in the way you’d expect. Imagine fresh peaches and pastries for breakfast, mornings spent reading on a rocky beach followed by a swim, grilled fish and tomato salads for lunch, a dreamy afternoon nap and then a sunset drink with plates of vongole for dinner.

“Later, I’ll be heading on some Irish road trips this summer as part of my work writing a newsletter for The Gloss Magazine (with The Irish Times). It gives me a great excuse to explore parts of Ireland I haven’t yet seen. The West Coast is calling this time – wild landscapes, fresh air, and lots of inspiration.”

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@GinaGoesTo; Hôtel du Couvent; Jesse Vermeulen; Maybourne Riviera; The Dolli

Gina Jackson

Travel Writer & Content Creator

“I recently got back from a three-month trip across Asia and Australia, so I’ve been settling back into London life and letting my suitcase rest – at least for a little while. I don’t have a full itinerary just yet, but I’m slowly making plans for summer. I’m envisioning a European escape to either the south of France or Athens, and I’m also hoping to travel further afield to visit my grandmother in Malaysia.

“The south of France is calling me – I haven’t been in years, and there are so many new hotels I’d love to check out. Hotel du Couvent in Nice and The Maybourne Riviera are both at the top of my list; they look incredibly chic. Athens, meanwhile, feels like the European city of the moment. I haven’t been since I was a child, and I’d love to experience it properly this time. Alongside the historical landmarks, there’s a thriving food scene I’m excited to dive into. I’ve got my eye on Monument Hotel or The Dolli as potential places to stay, which both look stunning.

“If I make it to Malaysia, I’ll spend time with my grandmother in Kuala Lumpur, but I’m also hoping to explore more of the country. Riding the Belmond Eastern Oriental train is high on my wish list – it’s the first Belmond train in Asia and looks like an incredibly unique (and very luxurious) experience. I’d also love to return to Langkawi, one of my favourite islands, and stay at either The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi or The Datai. They’re both perfect for a laid-back beach escape, and I can already imagine the turquoise waters and lush surroundings.

“Closer to home, I’ve booked a staycation at one of my favourite hotels, Heckfield Place. I’m so looking forward to being back there in the summer months when the gardens are in full bloom. I’m also dreaming about a road trip through Scotland’s Highlands. Penicuik Estate, just outside of Edinburgh, is on my list for its beautifully restored self-catering cottages. Further north, I’d love to visit Lundies House in Tongue and Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye – both offer that perfect combination of rugged scenery and refined comfort.

“As for day trips, I’m planning a hike along the Seven Sisters with friends – it’s such a breathtaking stretch of coastline and always makes for a great summer day out. And it’s been ages since I last visited Brighton, so a spontaneous seaside trip might just be on the cards too.”

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Callie Thorpe

Content Creator & Travel Writer

“This summer, I’ll be heading to Madeira in Portugal, a destination I’ve been desperate to visit for a while now. Its natural beauty, unique beaches and incredible nature walks have long been on my radar. We’ll be staying at Barceló, a rooftop hotel in the old town of Funchal with gorgeous views across the city. It looks like the perfect base for soaking up the best of what the island has to offer.

“I’m also really hoping to make it back to Marseille after getting a brief taste of it last month. I’d love to return for a longer stay at Tuba Club, a stunning hotel in a charming fishing village just beyond the city centre. It’s immaculately designed – effortlessly cool – with amazing food and an unbeatable location near the breathtaking Parc national des Calanques. Being right on the water there just felt so special.

“My love of nature has really deepened over the past few years, so I always gravitate toward places that immerse me in the outdoors. Anywhere with incredible views, access to swimming spots and boutique charm is a winner in my eyes (bonus points if there’s a spa or a sauna).

“In the UK I’m really keen to explore more of Wales. I’m Welsh, so maybe a little biased, but it’s criminally underrated. The beaches and hiking trails are amazing. I’m especially keen to book a cosy cottage by the sea with some friends – somewhere we can cook, walk and just enjoy long, peaceful days exploring the coast.

“I’ve also got a few day trips in mind for the summer. The Newt in Somerset is high on the list, either for a spa day or just a visit with its Great Garden Escape. The grounds and gardens are absolutely beautiful, the food is exceptional and I love spending time in the farm shop, picking up seasonal produce to take home. It’s such a dreamy day out.

“And then there’s Rye – always a good idea in summer. The town is lovely to wander around, especially after a day at nearby Camber Sands, which is one of the most stunning beaches in the UK. The area is also close to some great fruit-picking fields, where you can fill up punnets with the sweetest, in-season berries. If there’s one thing the UK does really well, it’s strawberries.”

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