Wondering where to book your next holiday? We asked Citizen Femme’s travel-obsessed team to share their choice long- and short-haul locations for summer ’22.
Scroll on for some inspiration for your summer itinerary.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder at Citizen Femme
SHORT HAUL: Every summer I head to Italy. My appetite has been whet for another glorious Italian summer having just come back from a few days at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. A 188-year-old clifftop hotel on the Amalfi coastline, indulge in views from this Grand Dame’s terrace that extend from the island of Procida across the Gulf to Naples and Mount Vesuvius. I can’t wait to get back to the cobbled streets, enjoy evenings sipping on an Aperol spritz whilst watching beautiful sunsets, and feasting on excruciatingly satisfying gelato. Travel looks different for me this summer with tot in tow – less road trips and much more stationery, picking one spectacular hotel with plenty of surrounds and activities (on or off site) to explore. Next, I’ll head to Borgo Egnazia in Puglia. Even shorter haul, I’ll be doing a few UK weekend trips including a family cottage by Lakes by Yoo, a trip to the Soho Farmhouse, and a weekend getaway to Wildhive Callow Hall in Derbyshire.
LONG HAUL: I like to spend summers in Europe so no long haul for me in the next few months. I did just return from St Maarten and Saint Barthélemy (St Barth’s) which had just the right amount of French glamour and Dutch wholesomeness. Between Sunday barbecues at Belmond La Samanna in St Martin and linen-clad breakfasts at Eden Rock St Barth’s, you are spoilt with endless Caribbean joie de vivre. After the summer, a jaunt to The Norman in Tel Aviv, Israel is on the cards.
Olivia Bennett, Fashion and Beauty Editor at Citizen Femme
SHORT HAUL: Croatia has long been on my list, and comes highly recommended from my friends who have jetted to one of the many islands previously. Based in Split, days will be spent taking boat trips to explore surrounding islands, like the yacht-packed harbour of Hvar Town; snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon; visiting waterfalls; and exploring the Roman ruins at charming historic towns like Trogir. Evenings will be spent touring vineyards, sampling local wines and olive oils, and dining at restaurants hidden in Split’s cobbled piazzas, feasting on local seafood and truffle-laden pasta.
LONG HAUL: Whilst I have no long-haul travel planned for the rest of summer, I jetted to Costa Rica in March; my first long-haul trip since COVID. I was hankering for somewhere in an entirely different time zone and Costa Rica provided just the tonic. Whilst the Pacific coastline is more well-trodden, I opted for the rustic Caribbean coast. Starting at Cahuita – famed for its national park, a great location for sloth-spotting – before moving to Puerto Viejo, the buzzy hub of the coastline, and finishing in Manzanillo, a sleepy fishing town where Jamaican influences are felt most strongly. This trip had it all: lush rainforests to trek through; incredible wildlife, such as toucans, hummingbirds, howler monkeys, and sloths; and palm-tree studded white beaches for snorkelling, surfing, and/or simply reclining with a good book. As for the food – a fusion of Mexican and Caribbean flavours – there was no concern about going hungry (the strong local coffee and chocolate were also v good). As the locals say, Pura Vida!
Demi Day, Social Media Editor at Citizen Femme
SHORT HAUL: The Algarve is my fail-safe short-haul destination. The coastline is dotted with old fishing villages housing excellent restaurants that serve traditional cuisine (I can smell the barbecued fish now). Stylish beach clubs (without the Ibizan price tag) feature, there’s a wealth of beach-front hotels to choose from, as well as stylish villas or quirky boutique B&Bs; we like to mix it up each year. Promising a laid-back vibe (read: you can dress up or down without feeling out of place) I truly cannot wait to drop towel on its sunny shores.
LONG HAUL: I aim to do one beach holiday and one city break each year and I’ve really, really missed New York! Soho – away from the busy crowds and tourist spots – is the perfect district to base yourself whilst in town. Calling Hotel Hugo – a quirky little base with views of the Hudson River and a roof top bar – home, days will be spent perusing local boutiques and refuelling in Little Italy after a long day of pounding the pavements.
Gilly Hopper, Editor at Citizen Femme
SHORT HAUL: Ireland for the summer is always a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise, but with an itinerary that features a series of pitstops for both sunny skies and looming clouds, I think we’ll do just fine. First stop: Tipperary, to check out the recently reopened Cashel Palace Hotel. Here daily activities will flip between zenning out at the spa, munching on moreish meals, and visiting the Rock of Cashel in the flesh. A little further south, we’ll be dropping suitcase in the comforting surrounds of Sheen Falls, and lapping up all that magical Kerry has to offer – walking boots, sunfactor 5o, and chic (but practical) rain gear at the ready; we’ve got some walking to do.
LONG HAUL: The Cayman Islands have long been a place of interest, but it wasn’t until Gabriella Khalil opened up her vibey Palm Heights resort on Seven Mile Beach that the thought to visit transformed to action. Booked to travel this June, I’m raring to go. From horse riding on the beach, to swimming with stingrays, and consuming copious books (as well as rum-infused cocktails) whilst basking in the sun/shade (I’m v pale), my itinerary might just be the perfect balance of vegetation and exploration.
Any Questions or Tips to add?