Travel
The holiday hot list: Where to travel in June
Sun seems to be hard to come by in London at the moment – so where to go for the real thing? From balmy destinations in the Middle East to tropical climes in Indonesia, there are both short- and long-haul options for those looking to top up on Vitamin D this month. Need some help narrowing it down? Here’s where to travel in June for guaranteed sunshine, and brilliant five-star hotels to suit every luxury traveller.
Kuta, Bali
Average temperature in June: 27°C
You’d be forgiven for thinking Bali was more of a winter sun destination, like its Asian cousins, but the small Indonesian country actually boasts balmy temperatures throughout the summer months – with June being one of the best times to visit. With a wonderfully warm average temperature of 27°C, June is also not quite the high season, so lower visitor numbers mean less crowded hotels, beaches and restaurants. Head inland to Ubud to sample Bali’s famed wellness culture amidst rice paddies, or venture to trendy Canggu for laidback, bohemian vibes by the coast. If you have little ones in tow, we’d recommend Kuta and Legian – these neighbouring beaches are known for lively nightlife, surf beaches, and an array of family-friendly activities.
Where to stay: The Anvaya Beach Resort
Situated on the sandy shores of Kuta, the Anvaya Beach Resort is a blissful beachside paradise. Spacious modern rooms and suites are designed in calming neutral hues while the hotel boasts five outdoor pools, multiple restaurants and a tranquil spa. Foodies can delight at Sands Restaurant serving Balinese-influenced Mediterranean and Californian-inspired cuisine, while boasting one of the most sought-after beach views of the Indian Ocean. Quality family time is a given at this opulent all-ages resort – kids can enjoy the private beach and pools while adults can partake in relaxing massages and treatments at the Sakanti Spa. There’s also a roster of activities, including yoga and watersports, to fill your days – so just don’t be surprised when it’s hard to leave. Book your stay with Luxury Escapes to be guaranteed great prices and exclusive offers and upgrades.
From £729 for six nights.
Muscat, Oman
Average temperature in June: 38°C
Situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is famous for offering more subtle luxury than its flashy neighbours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The capital, Muscat, makes for an idyllic romantic getaway, fringed by the mighty Al Hajar mountains (the highest range in the Arabian Peninsula) in the south and golden sandy beaches in the north. The city is brimming with cultural attractions, such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, National Museum of Oman, the famous 200-year-old Muttrah Souq, and the dazzling Al Alam Palace. While June is one of the hottest months to visit, the country is well equipped for the heat – and we’d recommend booking a five-star hotel for your trip so you won’t even have to lift a finger…
Where to stay: The Chedi Muscat
As the heat rises across the Middle East, make the most of the sunshine at The Chedi Muscat – the original beachfront retreat in Oman. A place for rejuvenation, the hotel’s three sparkling pools are surrounded by beautiful gardens, providing a soulful setting overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Visit in June and make the most of the hotel’s summer dining experiences, including a night at Muscat’s top destination seafood restaurant – the Beach Restaurant – located on the hotel’s seafront, afternoon tea in the shade overlooking stunning gardens at the Lobby Lounge, or enjoying modern Japanese cuisine before taking a cooling dip in the Long Pool. As the name suggests, it’s the longest pool in the Middle East.
Elsewhere, the spa and health club specialises in Balinese therapies, alongside beauty rituals based on aromatherapy, ayurveda and herbalism. For a cultural pick-me-up, the hotel offers expert-led explorations of must-see locations, including the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Muttrah souq with its ancient maze of intricate pathways, as well as the National Museum of Oman and the Al Alam Palace.
From £216 per night.
Lake Garda, Italy
Average temperature in June: 27°C
Lake Garda, in northern Italy, is famous for its crystal clear waters. While it’s still a hotspot for tourists, it attracts a more family-friendly, relaxed crowd than glitzy Lake Como. Here, Italy’s largest lake is dotted with archaeological sites and quaint sleepy towns waiting to be explored. At the south end you’ll find the small town of Sirmione, dominated by the Rocca Scaligera fortress, while the nearby Grotte di Catullo site comprises a huge olive grove and preserved Roman villa boasting panoramic vistas of the lake below. The Dolomites frame popular tourist town Riva del Garda in the north, featuring baroque architecture, hiking trails and charming markets. But, if we’re honest, it’s those lake and mountain views that you’ll never tire of.
Where to stay: Borgo Tre
Having only opened its doors at Easter, Borgo Tre is an elegantly renovated 18th-century farmhouse hidden in the hills of Lake Garda. Featuring six luxury apartment-style suites, each with private gardens or terraces, the retreat is immersed in nature and offers a heated outdoor pool made from local granite, a natural spa complete with a relaxation area, yoga terrace, outdoor cabanas, cold tub and a Finnish sauna furnished in natural wood and stone.
Situated on the edge of a nature reserve, surrounded by cypress and olive trees, Borgo Tre is just a few steps from the natural and cultural highlights of the lake, including Punta San Vigilio, Isola del Garda and Monte Baldo, while the small town of Torri del Benaco is just a 10-minute walk away and offers several restaurants with great gourmet experiences. From a wine tasting and Vespa road trip to a hike up to the 360-degree viewpoint of Monte Baldo, the shores of Lake Garda have something for everyone.
From £510 per night.
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Average temperature in June: 17°C
Now for something slightly cooler. For those who don’t want to venture too far from home but still feel like they’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of city life, head to Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales. Boasting some of the best beaches in the UK – perfect if you have a dog in tow – south Pembrokeshire is home to the golden sands of Tenby, Saundersfoot, Manobier and Freshwater West, while to the mid and north other must-see spots include Broad Haven, Newgale and Whitesands, as well as plenty of castles and pretty seaside villages along the way. Those who are brave enough should ramble the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, which meanders along the entire coastline, where you’ll find many handy rest points for a pint or two.
Where to stay: Rose House
Available thorugh Classic Cottages, Rose House is situated in the heart of Pembrokeshire, perched a short distance from the shoreline and offering sweeping views of the river. Painting an inviting scene with its sun-soaked sitting rooms and four bright bedrooms, the house also features a patio for meals outdoors alongside a hot tub perfect for indulging in a glass of bubbly after a long day of hiking. Make the most of the quaint surroundings with a trip to nearby pubs, beaches, seaside villages, and local farm shops brimming with fresh produce ideal for whipping up a holiday feast.
From £1,404 per week.
Barcelona, Spain
Average temperature in June: 27°C
Barcelona has it all: culture, gastronomy, architecture and, of course, beaches. Boasting 4.5km of coastline, the golden sands fringing the city are ready to welcome you for hours of sunbathing and swimming. Alternatively, head to the centre to discover the beating heart of Catalan culture, where you’ll find Gaudí’s famed masterpiece, the Sagrada Família – set to be the world’s tallest church when it is finally completed in 2026 – as well as La Rambla: one of Barcelona’s most famous streets featuring an array of shops and eateries. The Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market and Casa Milà are all top tourist destinations too, with plenty of tapas, sangria and vistas to boot.
Where to stay: The Barcelona Edition
With an enviable locale in El Born, the city’s creative hub, The Barcelona Edition is nestled between the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean Sea and l’Eixample neighbourhood – Barcelona’s boutique shopping epicentre. Inside, pick from 100 suites with interconnecting rooms perfect for families and friends, while the property’s must-try Veraz restaurant serves dishes made with the freshest seasonal ingredients from the neighbouring Santa Caterina Market. On the tenth floor you’ll find The Roof: an intimate oasis offering panoramic views of the city with elegant outdoor seating and a small pool serving light dishes inspired by Asian cuisine.
From £464 per night.
Read more: Balearics island guide: The best destinations to visit in 2024
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