The Gstaad Guy's Fantastique Guide To Summer
Peak Chic
Mountains in summer are very chic. The Mediterranean has gotten far too hot and far too crowded in the peak season of July and August. Go to Gstaad; stay at The Alpina. Go to Saint Moritz; stay at Badrutt's Palace. Go to Andermatt; stay at The Chedi.
Euro Trip
If you must go to the on-grid destinations, my favourite properties are Airelles Château de la Messardière in Saint Tropez, Il San Pietro di Positano, or The Maybourne Riviera just outside of Monaco.
No shorts. Unless you're wearing a bathing suit while bathing, or sports shorts while taking part in sport. Long trousers, always. Loro Piana is ideal.
No flip flops. Keep those toes tucked away, unless you're barefoot. Barefoot is chic, especially at sea.
Quiet Luxury
Avoid any restaurant that turns into party mode with sparklers and loud music during the second lunch service. Mykonos, Ibiza, and Saint Tropez have lots of this.
Sacred Rituals
Similar to an après-ski routine in the winter, you must have an après-lunch routine over the summer. In Saint Tropez, this includes a walk on the beach post-lunch, followed by a pre-dinner walk in town for a Gourmandise Crêpe across the street from the La Ponche Hotel. Plain Nutella is a timeless classic.
Stay Active. Summer is not about eating as many sugars and carbs as you can. Although you should indulge and enjoy, you should not be gluttonous or inactive. Play some tennis, some padel, go for a swim, or go for a hike. There is likely lots to do outside of eating, drinking, and sleeping wherever you are.
Pack It In
Travel essentials should include an elegant tote bag for your beach/pool necessities, bracelets to make your summer looks more playful – ideally from Poubel – sunglasses, that you only wear when actually exposed to the sun (never indoors or when the sun has already set), and a great perfume, preferably Acqua di Parma to use on yourself or those around you.
Scenic Route
I love road trips. Start in Switzerland, drive down to Portofino, then Monaco, then Saint Tropez, and then back up to Provence, passing by Château La Coste. Finally, head up to Gstaad, Andermatt, or Saint Moritz to end with a four-day mountain detox. The ideal total trip length is 10 days. Pick up and drop off your rental car in Zurich or Geneva.
Have logistics figured out. Don't linger trying to work out how to get a car after your long lunch. Plan ahead, and know how you and your guests are going to get home.
If you're staying on a boat. Don't talk about staying on a boat.
From Harper's Bazaar Arabia July/ August 2025 Issue
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