For those craving something more than poolside lounging or the struggle of keeping kids entertained between sunscreen battles and sand-covered snacks, a summer of adventure offers an unforgettable alternative.
Whether it’s the call of the peaks or the thrill of the sea, scaling glacial mountain trails or kayaking crystal-clear waters, choosing an active, thrill-filled holiday might just be the most rewarding way to spend your summer this year, and here’s where to go to make it happen.
By the mountains:
The Capra, Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Located in the heart of Saas-Fee is The Capra, awarded two Michelin Guide Keys in 2025 for its restaurant offerings at Brasserie 1809 and The Wine Cellar. This luxurious alpine lodge with just 38 suites and rooms blends chalet-style elegance with modern comforts. It also has a mountain-side restaurant, Spielboden, serving traditional Swiss mountain fare, which is accessible by cable car from the villages.
For a treat-yourself moment, opt for the Peak Health Spa at The Capra, with personalised treatments, from facials to therapeutic massages, and summer retreats inspired by the surrounding alpine nature. Signature treatments include the Swiss Pine Wood Vitality Massage and the Forest Power Signature Body Treatment, both promoted by a philosophy based on the global research of medical and wellness experts.
The village is surrounded by 18 peaks soaring up to 3,600 metres above sea level, including Switzerland’s tallest mountain, the Dom. Saas-Fee offers a refreshing alternative to sweltering cities and crowded beaches. The serene, car-free village surrounds itself with crisp mountain air, perfect for glorious summer hikes and spectacular glacier views. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a family seeking outdoor fun, Saas-Fee is a spectacular summer playground with something for everyone on its mountains.
Explore glacier adventures from July to October, hiking across monumental ice formations from Spielboden to Längfluh with expert guides, or embark on exhilarating Gorge Alpine tours featuring ladders, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and a high-speed Tyrolean zip-line. Biking trails provide ever-changing views of the soaring peaks and glacial lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip. For seasoned climbers and mountaineers, there are a variety of rope and alpine routes or mountain tours, while beginners can enjoy gentle bouldering at Kapellenweg and children aged four and up can escape into the treetop thrills of the Adventure Forest’s Rope Park.
Quite remarkably, summer skiing is also available above the glacier, with 20km of well-maintained pistes attracting Olympian ski training teams from around the world. The Saas Valley also offers a range of summer sports, including beach volleyball, tennis, padel, golf, and cold-water swimming.
Experience the rich Swiss culture of Saas-Fee through culinary delights and traditional folklore events this summer. Highlights include the Saaser Gourmet Trail (5 July 2025), a scenic food hike featuring gourmet stops curated by top chefs and sommeliers, and the International Alphorn Festival (12–13 July 2025), where around 100 alphorn players gather for a unique musical celebration and the valley enjoys its lively summer cow and goat fighting tradition. Swiss food, music, and family fun are spread across the whole weekend, as well as authentic yodelling festivals that perfectly showcase the heart of alpine heritage.
Food and wine lovers can dive even deeper into the region’s flavours with the Tour du Valais, an exclusive wine cellar experience hosted by The Capra’s sommelier, featuring expertly curated Swiss wines and regional food pairings. In September, the Nostalgic Culinary Mile invites visitors to step back in time with traditional costumes, rediscovered recipes, and enjoy a festive street-wide celebration of Valaisan wines and alpine delicacies.
By the sea:
Chia Laguna Resort, Sardinia, Italy
Whilst destinations like the Amalfi Coast are known to attract the spotlight, Southern Sardinia remains one of Italy’s most authentic holiday destinations. The island’s breathtaking beaches, rich traditions, and outdoor adventures offer an unforgettable summer experience for any and every traveller.
Overlooking the picturesque Chia Bay and its beautiful lagoon, home to a colony of pink flamingos, Chia Laguna is an authentic destination desired for discovery. The resort is made up of three distinct hotels, each offering a unique experience: the five-star Conrad Chia Laguna, a luxurious retreat with stellar amenities; the Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia, a tranquil, nature-immersed hideaway ideal for couples; and Hotel Village, a vibrant, family-friendly haven designed with little travellers in mind.
Chia Laguna is home to some of Italy’s most celebrated beaches. Dune di Campana and Monte Cogoni are renowned for their golden sands, aqua-marine, crystal-clear waters, and sheltered coves, perfect for families with small children. Calm, shallow waters make these beaches especially safe for young swimmers, with lifeguards located at the beach clubs, and guests can easily access both via the resort’s private shuttles or the charming on-site train.
Adventure and activity continue beyond the beach, as the resort features a football pitch, tennis and padel courts, and a host of water sports, from kayaking and paddleboarding to snorkelling or surfing. Guests can also delve into the island’s heritage with a Wine Tasting Tour focused on Carignano del Sulcis, a bold, indigenous grape variety or take a Jeep and Cheese Making experience along the southern coastline, including a climb up Mount Filau and a visit to a local shepherd in Cala Antoni Areddu to experience traditional cheese-making firsthand. Channel your inner Yellowstone rancher while soaking up the sun, with horseback rides through the rolling dunes or venture off-piste to cycle or e-bike the island’s rugged hidden trails.
And what better way to unwind after a day of adventure than with a visit to The Conrad Spa, a sanctuary of serenity at the Chia Laguna Resort. Here, the exclusive BioAquam Circuit offers the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate both body and mind. This immersive wellness experience includes a soothing sauna, purifying Turkish bath, and a traditional rasul treatment, where steam, mud, and heat combine to deeply relax and cleanse.
Guests can also enjoy the sensory delight of an emotional shower, along with both indoor heated hydromassage tubs and the outdoor panoramic pool with views overlooking the stunning Sardinian backdrop.
