5 Summer Travel Destinations

Summer is meant for using those well earned vacation days, and soaking up that summer sun. As travel begins to become less restrictive, we are ready to book a flight and take a much needed getaway. 

There’s a summer vacation, and then there’s the ones that you can’t even explain with a postcard. Maybe you want to run around Versailles like Marie Antoinette, or go for an adventurous hike on the beautiful island of Kauai in Hawaii, or maybe just escape to the wilderness in Maine. Whatever adventure you are looking for, Rob Merlin and Betsey Brown from SmartFlyer have got you covered—they are sharing an exclusive look at the best destinations to book for your Summer travel. 


Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico


Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico is a legendary landmark re-imagined. Situated on 317 secluded acres bordering Santa Fe National Forest and just minutes from downtown Santa Fe, Bishop’s Lodge is a soulful retreat steeped in heritage. Embark on a sunset horseback ride to a scenic spot for a private mescal tasting, explore Santa Fe’s myriad art galleries with an expert guide, get grounded with a meditation at Turquesa Healing Arts Studio, or savor elevated Southwestern cuisine at Chef Dean Fearing’s SkyFire.

In celebration of Bishop’s Lodge’s first summer season, stay for a minimum of four mights or more and receive a $100 per night resort credit to apply to an art tour, adventure, wellness or culinary experience.

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Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle


It began life as a modest hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623, but under the ownership of Louis XIV, Versailles became a magnificent palace renowned throughout the world. Now considered one of the finest achievements of French art, the Palace of Versailles remains a cultural symbol of royal splendor. Set within the gates of Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle was built in 1681 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV’s favorite architect and an icon of French classicism.

Now, more than two centuries later, Le Grand Contrôle has been entirely restored, offering guests an exclusive peek into the world of Versailles. With 14 sumptuous Rooms and Suites replete with period furnishings and fittings for a royal stay, guests are invited to step back in history, but with contemporary comforts. A highlight of any stay, explore a different part of the Palace ‘after hours’ every evening with a complimentary exclusive tour, as well as Unlock access to the 2,000 acre-strong gardens, retrace famous footsteps and explore the palace halls and apartments like never before.

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Lodge at Kuku’ula in Kauai Hawaii


Kauai is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago that is nicknamed the Garden Isle thanks to the lush tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. Kauai is simply paradise, in part because of its beautiful terrain, but also because it’s the least touristed of Hawaii’s islands.

The Lodge at Kukui’ula is a private resort community in Poipu that stretches across 1,000 acres, and is comprised of private multi-bedroom luxury homes. While you maybe tempted to stay in your private cottage, guests have full access to the same amenities enjoyed by owners: the Spa at Kukui’ula, the Makai Pool that is perched on a slope above the Pacific Ocean, incredible dining like the Umeke Kitchen + Bar with stunning views over the Great Lawn down to Kukuiʻula Harbor and Spouting Horn. Working with The Farm, local fishermen, ranchers, and purveyors, Executive Chef Ben Takahashi prepares a farm-to-fork, ocean-to-table menu with a ‘Kauaʻi Elevated’ approach to Hawaiian Regional cuisine.

There are also plenty of activities for the kids or maybe just for the big kids at heart, like surfing, canoeing, hiking, or just enjoying the jars of complimentary candy and a freezer full of ice cream bars in the game room. Enjoy a much needed escape to this Heaven on Earth.

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Hidden Pond in Kennybunkport, Maine


From the moment you arrive at Hidden Pond, you will know you’re in for an altogether different experience. Surrounded by 60 acres of birch groves and balsam fir in Kennebunkport, Maine, Hidden Pond’s private luxury resort features two outdoor swimming pools, a three-room treetop spa, and organic dining at their award-winning restaurant, Earth at Hidden Pond. Hidden Pond is also conveniently located just minutes from Goose Rocks Beach.

Designed for total privacy and relaxation, Elevate your Hidden Pond experience with a rejuvenating session in one of their three tree-house inspired spa rooms. Hidden Pond hideaways delivers a unique combination of natural serenity and rustic luxury all within easy reach of Kennebunkport’s top attractions.

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Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California


High atop the cliffs of Big Sur, 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, sits Post Ranch Inn, a sanctuary for the soul. Ideal for romance, relaxation or rejuvenation, this Big Sur resort is the ultimate destination for a luxurious escape. With natural architecture embracing the coast’s dramatic beauty, the 40 rooms and private homes blend rustic elegance, comfort and privacy with panoramic ocean or mountain views. Here romance and connection seem to thrive.

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A little over a year into the pandemic, a lot is still uncertain, especially in regards to where we will be able to travel—and, more importantly, when. While rules and regulations change almost daily, now more than ever it is so important to book your travel with a travel agent who is knowledgable and trustworthy, like Rob and Betsey at SmartFlyer