Where the World’s Wealthiest Are Spending Summer 2025
From Martha’s Vineyard to Mykonos, the summer of 2025 promises a season of luxury home rentals that blend privacy, world‑class amenities, and the comfort of a home‑away‑from‑home. The demand for high‑end vacation properties continues to rise, with the U.S. short‑term rental market valued at US$68.64 billion in 2024 and projected to grow steadily over the next five years, according to Grand View Research.
For ultra‑high‑net‑worth travelers, the allure lies in spacious estates, private beaches, yacht docks, and full-service staff—amenities that mirror the lifestyle they enjoy at home.
“People often look for the same kind of house they are used to [at home],” says Michaela Keszler of Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage. “They don’t want to scale back at the most important time of the year.”
From U.S. coastal classics to Mediterranean havens, here’s where the world’s wealthiest are vacationing this summer.
1. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Famed for its presidential vacations, A‑list retreats, and royal visits, Martha’s Vineyard is a timeless U.S. luxury escape. Bluff‑top historic estates with eight or more bedrooms, offered by Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty, provide seclusion and cinematic Atlantic views.
The Hamptons, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Hampton Brokerage
2. The Hamptons, New York
In the Hamptons, prime rentals often happen off‑market for repeat clients. Multi‑acre estates with pools, tennis courts, and chef’s kitchens dominate demand, with many homeowners renting as an “excuse to travel,” Keszler says. A designer‑decorated farmhouse between Southampton and Bridgehampton captures the essence of East End summer living.
3. Coastal Maine
With rugged coastline, charming harbors, and historic villages, Maine is luring even seasoned luxury travelers. Properties like a sophisticated five‑bedroom Kennebunkport estate, available through Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, offer optional chef and sommelier services, making the experience as curated as any European getaway.
Aspen, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
4. Aspen, Colorado
Summer in Aspen offers more than just ski‑town charm. White‑water rafting, hiking, and golf combine with balmy temperatures to make the Rockies a prime seasonal escape. Picture yourself in a designer‑done 11,000‑sq‑ft mountain mansion with waterfalls, manicured lawns, and sweeping decks, represented by Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty.
5. Scenic Highway 30A, Florida
Florida’s Emerald Coast is a summer gem, where the snow‑white beaches of Scenic Highway 30A meet vibrant coastal living. Rentals that include paddleboards, bikes, and golf carts are booked months in advance. “If an owner provides all those as extras, the homes fly off the shelf,” says Caleb Midgett of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty.
6. Amalfi Coast, Lake Como & Sardinia, Italy
Italy remains a perennial playground for the affluent. Highlights from Italy Sotheby’s International Realty include:
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Palazzo Violetta, a historic Positano residence overlooking the Amalfi Coast
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Villa Enchantment, a fully staffed 17th‑century palace with private lake access on Lake Como
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Villa Glamour, a contemporary Sardinian estate marrying refined design with panoramic Mediterranean views
7. Côte d’Azur & Corsica, France
The French Riviera—long an inspiration for Cézanne, Renoir, and Picasso—remains a symbol of coastal glamour. Enjoy sea breezes and multi‑terrace living in a villa in Nice through Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty, or escape to Corsica, where Ste Lucie De Porto Vecchio offers panoramic ocean views via Corsica Sotheby’s International Realty.
Mykonos, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty
8. Mykonos, Greece
Known for its golden beaches, electric nightlife, and Cycladic charm, Mykonos continues to rank among the world’s elite summer destinations. High‑end rentals from Greece Sotheby’s International Realty include 10‑bedroom ocean‑view villas with daily housekeeping and private concierge services, letting guests focus solely on leisure.
For summer 2025, luxury travelers favor destinations that deliver exclusivity, lifestyle continuity, and experiential travel. Whether it’s paddleboarding along 30A, strolling the Amalfi Coast, or hosting soirées in the Hamptons, these retreats ensure the world’s wealthiest can vacation without compromise.
