The New High Season: Why September Is the Smartest Month to Travel to Europe

August in Europe? It’s a trap. The beaches are packed, the locals are gone, and the heat doesn’t quit. But September—that’s when the magic happens.

The crowds thin. The service sharpens. The water is still warm, and the light turns golden. And this year, more than ever, our clients are opting to wait out the frenzy and travel smart. We’ve never seen such high demand for Europe in September—and for good reason.

Below, a few of our favorite pairings for the ultimate shoulder-season escape. Each itinerary is carefully designed to provide contrast, character, and a change in pace, with easy transfers and maximum value.

Mallorca, Two Ways

La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, is set in the village of Deià, offering a quiet sanctuary steeped in local art, citrus groves, and the timeless romance of the Tramuntana mountains. A soulful start to any Mallorcan escape.

paired with

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor. Now officially open and turning heads, this newly reimagined resort on a private peninsula is the refined, toes-in-the-sand antidote to high-summer excess. Think breezy terraces, hidden coves, and an atmosphere that’s both elevated and easy.

Tuscany + the Tyrrhenian Coast

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco A working wine estate in the Val d'Orcia, Castiglion del Bosco delivers countryside living with serious style: private villas, rolling vineyards, and Tuscan quietude made luxurious.

paired with

Il Pellicano: Mid-century chic perched above the sea in Porto Ercole. Il Pellicano is Italy at its most cinematic, where terracotta meets terrazzo and the seafood pasta is always perfect.

Lake Como + the Dolomites

Passalacqua: An 18th-century villa transformed into an intimate retreat on the shores of Lake Como. Every corner feels curated, from the frescoed ceilings to the garden suite espresso bars—a new classic.

paired with

Forestis: A mountaintop hideaway in the Dolomites where alpine stillness meets contemporary design. Suites float in the forest, the air is pine-scented, and the spa rituals draw from ancient Tyrolean wisdom.

Amalfi Coast + Ischia Island

Borgo Santandrea: This cliffside newcomer above Amalfi is modern Mediterranean at its most polished: tiered terraces, hand-tiled interiors, and sweeping views that steal the show.

paired with

Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa: A former watchtower turned romantic escape on the island of Ischia. Surrounded by pine forest and natural hot springs, Mezzatorre feels like a secret you were lucky to learn. Transfers are easy: dock-to-dock by boat, or helicopter if you prefer.

Côte d’Azur, Refined

Four Seasons Hotel-Grand du Cap Ferrat. Perched at the tip of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, this storied retreat offers Riviera grandeur with impeccable service and one of the most iconic pools in Europe.

paired with

La Réserve Ramatuelle Just beyond the bustle of Saint-Tropez, La Réserve is a calming, sun-washed retreat with wide-open sea views and a distinctly understated elegance. Come here to exhale.

Modern Greece

Amanzoe is an architectural marvel in the Peloponnese that channels the serenity of ancient Greece with the clean lines of Aman. Each pavilion is its own sanctuary, and the private beach club is a quiet masterstroke.

paired with

One&Only Kéa Island. New, secluded, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Just a short helicopter ride from Athens, this whitewashed gem offers private pools, Aegean views, and the kind of hush that’s hard to come by in high season.

Let’s Get You There!

These itineraries were designed for flow—by car, by boat, by air. We build each trip around your pace, your preferences, and your version of luxury.

September is waiting. Let’s make it count!