5 ‘Cool-Cations’ to Escape the Heat This August
With temperatures across Europe creeping past 50°C this summer, and August shaping up to be one of the busiest travel months of the year, it’s no surprise that many are looking beyond Southern Europe. According to recent BBC reports, 8% fewer travellers are planning holidays to the Mediterranean in 2025 compared to last year.
Instead, a growing number of travellers are seeking out cooler climates where they can escape the intensity of popular spots to find space, stillness, and a change of pace. These so-called cool-cations are gaining traction, especially among those travelling by private jet, and offer something a little different: cleaner air, quieter landscapes, and, perhaps most importantly, fewer crowds. Here are five places that make a strong case for heading north.
1. Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland
Set in the quiet southwest corner of Scotland, Glenapp Castle is a 21-room estate surrounded by gardens, forest and sea views. It certainly ticks the box for those looking to escape the crowds.
Its standout offering is the Hebridean Sea Safari - an experience that takes guests out on a private vessel to explore the western isles. The itinerary can include everything from visits to hidden monasteries and coastal whisky distilleries to beach picnics with highland cattle for company. Overnight, guests stay at a glamping site on a remote island, complete with a private chef and open-fire dining.
It’s an adventure, but not a demanding one. Days are shaped around what the weather allows, and nights end with good food and quiet skies.
2. Arctic Bath, Harads, Sweden
In Swedish Lapland, just south of the Arctic Circle, Arctic Bath is a low-key hotel on the Lule River. Its floating cabins are built into a circular wooden deck and connected by footbridge, while larger suites are nestled in the surrounding birch forest.
This is a place for those looking to switch off. Guests can canoe or paddleboard on the river, join a Sámi guide for forest fishing, or simply stay put with a book and the view. In August, the days are still long and mild, and the landscape begins its slow shift towards autumn.
Facilities are minimal but well-considered - there’s a small spa, open-air cold plunges, and a restaurant serving local produce. It’s not showy, but it doesn’t need to be.
3. BUFF Medical Resort, Lake Constance, Germany
On the shores of Lake Constance, with the Alps on the horizon, BUFF Medical Resort opened earlier this year with a clear point of difference: “Healthcare like no other”.
Founded by hospitality veteran Hans-Jürg Buff, the resort is focused on delivering evidence-based health outcomes rather than spa treatments or luxury add-ons. Guests are given detailed diagnostics and treatment plans, with support from a clinical team across a wide range of specialisms.
The suites are simply outrageous and include features such as bulletproof glass, private elevators, and in-room saunas - all designed to host extended stays with family or staff. Importantly, Buff doesn’t offer these services to hundreds of guests at a time. It is an intentionally small operation. Privacy is paramount, and the resort’s guest list reads like a who’s who of European industrialists, Middle Eastern royalty, and Silicon Valley founders.
And while the Presidential Suite is the crown jewel, it’s the coherence of the whole ecosystem, the alignment between high-touch hospitality and high-performance health, that makes Buff stand out.
4. Nimmo Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Located in the Great Bear Rainforest and reachable only by floatplane or helicopter, Nimmo Bay is a small lodge with just nine cabins and access to more than 30,000 square miles of wilderness.
The experience depends on the time of year. In early summer, the focus is on hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting—from bears and eagles to whales off the coast. Later in the season, heli-fishing becomes the main draw, with guests flown to remote rivers and streams. A strict catch-and-release policy is in place.
Facilities include a yoga studio, hot tubs by the waterfall, and a small spa. Evenings are relaxed, with locally sourced meals and wine around the firepit. Most guests stay at least three nights to fully switch off.
5. The Nare, Cornwall, England
The Nare is a family-owned country house hotel on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall. It’s been in the same hands since the 1980s and has built a reputation for traditional service and understated comfort.
The setting is one of the hotel’s main assets - on a quiet stretch of coastline in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s walking, swimming, and the sense that time moves a little more slowly here. Rooms are spacious, views are uninterrupted, and the atmosphere is refreshingly unhurried. For those looking to stay within the UK but still step away, this is a quiet strong contender.
Whether you're looking for medical clarity, outdoor adventure, or just somewhere a few degrees cooler - these places are sure to deliver. For more information contact info@flyvictor.com