Summer heatwaves are here to stay. That’s great news if you’re a fan of lazy, sun-drenched holidays, but as the temperature soars, keeping cool poses more and more of a challenge!
Dotted throughout the UK and Europe – where the mercury seems to rise higher each year – these unusual retreats each boast refreshing ‘cooldown’ features that mean you can unwind in the sun with ease.
It could be that there’s plenty of magical shaded spots to curl up with a good book, or a plunge pool to dive into on a scorching afternoon. Meanwhile, sea-elevated sanctuaries don’t just afford the most sensational views, they also attract beautiful breezes that are pure heaven in a heatwave!
What else? Some retreats come with air-conditioning that allows you to set the perfect sleep-temperature, while others are cleverly constructed from breathable natural materials, to keep you cool on the sunniest days.
Grab a cool drink and breeze your way through the full list here.
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Wild swimming pond at The Lodge Essex
Piré-Chancé, Brittany, France
An avant-garde, architect-designed hotel inspired by the structure of a tree, with an indoor pool, gourmet restaurant, and luxurious nest-like rooms that soar over the serene north west-French countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 per room
Sleeps: 2
“Our hotel features an eco-friendly cooling system, with fresh air circulated from iced water. But best of all, we’re surrounded by forest in the refreshing north-west of France!”
Carcabuey, Andalucia, Spain
Ermita del Carmen is a stunning 15th century chapel conversion, set within the soul-soothing natural heart of Andalucia.
“Andalucia is known for its warm summers, so the chapel features air-conditioning and its very own pool to help you stay nice and cool.”
Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland
A private, magical haven with joyfully quirky retreats and idyllic wildflower meadows, peacefully secluded in Ireland’s ‘Ancient East’ close to bustling Dublin.
“Our hobbit houses’ super-thick walls and quirky, eco-friendly design mean these earth-covered retreats have a comfortable even temperature all year round.”
Chathill, Northumberland, England
A laid-back and lovely Northumberland beach retreat, with a relaxing sun room and a dune-sheltered garden that boasts direct access to the beautiful Beadnell Bay.
“Stay effortlessly cool with us this summer, just moments away from the shore where fresh sea breezes and the soothing sounds of the surf surround you – perfect for beating the heat.”
Capo Zafferano, Sicily, Italy
A breath-taking, architect-designed family retreat secluded on an remote Sicilian reef that thrives with natural beauty, with a private bathing cove and spectacular sea-and-mountain views close to Palermo.
“Take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea right from our beautiful family-owned villa, in your own private bathing cove.”
Southwold, Suffolk, England
Architect-designed, cedar-clad havens inspired by Suffolk legend, privately elevated on a clifftop with soul-stirring North Sea views and a secluded beach on the doorstep.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
“Our clifftop retreats not only offer stunning sea views, but refreshing sea breezes and easy access to a near-private beach for a cooling dip. Sea Dragon Scylla also offers air- conditioned luxury.”
Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Indulgent rural luxury on a blissfully remote, dog and horse-friendly family farm nestled in sublime Aberdeenshire countryside, with private hot tubs for stargazing and a wealth of natural wonder to discover.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per lodge
Sleeps: 6
“Our elevated, air-conditioned lodges keep you cool on even the hottest summer days, so you can relax in style – perhaps with a breezy hot tub dip! – after exploring the rolling farmland and shaded forest tracks.
Mani, Peloponnese, Greece
Experience elaborate architectural design in a piece of history at Tainaron blue - a fabulous hotel in a converted Tower of Mani set by azure shores on the southernmost tip of mainland Greece.
“Greece may be known for its long hot summers, but all of our rooms and suites are air-conditioned, and the dazzlingly scenic infinity pool will cool you down nicely!”
Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Simplicity, adventure, and beautiful outdoor living - that's what you'll find at fforest farm.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
“Tucked into 200 acres of woodland close to the breezy Pembrokeshire coast, we offer a gentler, more refreshing summer holiday with shaded forest trails, riverside spots, and thoughtful, low-impact design.”
Helston, Cornwall, England
Distinctive, lovingly hand-crafted retreats for couples and families, with sumptuous delights including log fires and al fresco bathing, gloriously secluded in a picture-perfect Cornish waterside village.
Bedrooms: 1-2
Sleeps: 2-5
“Our treehouses stay naturally cool thanks to their elevated, shaded setting and gentle woodland breezes. Expansive decks, forest views, and wood-fired hot tubs (who says you have to light the fire?) make them the perfect hideaway when the heat is on."
Bled, Upper Carniola, Slovenia
A refreshing, eco-and-family-friendly retreat amongst nature at its most magical, surrounded by Slovenia's breathtaking Julian Alps.
Bedrooms: 2 per cottage
Sleeps: 4 per cottage
“When the Slovenia heat rises, you may well be tempted to jump straight into the Sava River at our eco-glamping retreat, for an invigorating and cooling dip!”
Calstock, Cornwall, England
Beauty, peace and calm combine in two romantic Cornish riverside retreats: the former Smithy and Captain's Office of a Victorian tin mine.
Bedrooms: 1 per cottage
Sleeps:
“Our two sheltered stone cottages are nestled under oak and birch trees on the banks of the River Tamar, in a naturally shady and cool woodland summer retreat.”
Chassey-lès-Montbozon, Franche-Comte, France
A lush eco-friendly retreat, set amongst acres of magical forest land and sparkling lakes in dreamlike Franche-Comté.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-6 per cabin
“Our idyllic location offers lake swimming and has an on-site swimming pool, ideal for when France is enjoying the peak summer months of July and August.”
Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Exclusive rule of an authentic, sustainable, and exquisitely restored castle that dates all the way back to the 16th century, located within Scotland’s most concentrated collection of archaeological sites.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10 exclusive
“Our beautiful castle boasts a large wild swimming pool, which is perfect for a cold water dip when the sun is blazing!”
Aberdovey, Gwynedd, Wales
A welcoming, eco-friendly glamping site with eclectic accommodation, peacefully secluded amongst private woodland in Snowdonia National Park.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-12
“Set in seven acres of woodland, we have plenty of shady spots for relaxing on hot summer days. Our undercover social area is a cool space to hang out with family and friends, too.”
Feistritz ob Bleiburg, Carinthia, Austria
Spoil yourselves with views of the picture-perfect lakes and mountains that surround Austria's first glamping resort.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
“When the mercury rises during the balmy Austrian summer, you can take a refreshing dip in Pirkdorfer See lake.”
St Osyth, Essex, England
A petite and pretty glamping site featuring Megapods, a CargoPod, Armadillas and two farm cottages with glorious countryside and estuary views.
Bedrooms: varies
Sleeps: varies
“Our CargoPods feature air-conditioning, which we leave running in readiness for guests in the summer, for a nice cool welcome!”
Rothiemay, The Highlands, Scotland
A sumptuous collection of Scottish Highland hot tub retreats for couples and families on a sweeping, heritage-rich estate surrounded by 900 acres of peaceful nature in the Deveron Valley.
"The Estate spans over 900 acres with shady glens, lush forest canopies and stunning gardens. And for the brave, the River Deveron also meanders through the heart of our Estate and is the ideal place for wild swimming."
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