Corsica, France | Corsica Sotheby’s International Realty

From sea-view villas to finely appointed mansions, luxury summer rentals are meeting a growing demand from affluent travelers for high-end, personalized accommodation. The U.S. short-term vacation rental market was estimated at US$68.64 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research, which also suggests the steady expansion of the sector since 2020 is expected to continue for at least the next five years.

What makes a luxury summer rental desirable varies by location and vacationer: enough room for extended family, a private beach, a boat dock, a tennis court. But for high-net-worth individuals who travel with staff and enjoy entertaining, there’s comfort in what’s familiar.

“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.” Beyond their preferred architectural style and location, discerning vacationers require fine finishes, high-quality furnishings and proper china, she says. “They don’t want to serve their guests out of plastic cups.”

Rental lengths and advance booking periods differ by locale. Keszler says one to three months is the norm for stays in the Hamptons, for example, where some of her clients secure a property up to a year in advance. In the sought-after 30A corridor, along Florida’s Emerald Coast, the “gold standard” for a summer rental is seven days, says Caleb Midgett of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. “Ultra-luxurious properties book anywhere between four to six months out.”

Read on for some of the hottest U.S. and European luxury destinations for summer 2025.

The Hamptons, New York |  Sotheby’s International Realty - East Hampton Brokerage

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

For name recognition, this world-famous island off Massachusetts’ Atlantic coast takes the prize. The resort area south of Cape Cod has drawn vacationing U.S. presidents, A-list actors and British royalty to its shores. A grand bluff-top historic landmark with eight bedrooms is among the offerings of Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty.

The Hamptons, New York

Many top-tier rentals are handled off-market, Michaela Keszler says, with clients returning to her year after year. “It’s a matter of trust.” The impetus for a wealthy homeowner to offer a 2.5-acre estate for July and August is time-honored. “They don’t need the money,” she says. “They rent their houses out as an excuse to travel.” Meanwhile, vacationers can enjoy all the amenities of prime luxury properties such as this designer-decorated farmhouse—with pool, tennis court and chef’s kitchen—perfectly situated between Southampton and Bridgehampton.

Coastal Maine

The Maine seaside lures even world-weary travelers with its rugged beauty and charming villages at properties such as this sophisticated five-bedroom new build in the heart of Kennebunkport. Services such as a chef and sommelier are available for the asking through Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty.

Aspen, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty

Aspen, Colorado

This Rocky Mountain mecca boasts ideal temperatures for leisure activities such as golf and white-water rafting. Summer rental possibilities include a designer-done 11,000-square-foot mansion. The 1.3-acre property, marketed by Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, features waterfalls, manicured grounds and outdoor entertainment space.

30A, Florida

Made up of several submarkets, this region takes in a stretch of Scenic Highway 30A along Florida’s Gulf Coast and its snowy white-sand beaches. Rentals in highest demand offer paddleboards, bikes and golf carts. “If an owner provides all those as extras, the homes fly off the shelf,” says Caleb Midgett. “You can experience a different vacation all on the same street.”

Amalfi Coast, Lake Como and Sardinia, Italy

The Mediterranean climate and azure waters make this trio of Italian destinations perennial favorites for home stays. A sampling from Italy Sotheby’s International Realty: the ornate Palazzo Violetta overlooks the Amalfi Coast in Positano. Steps also lead down to the water at Villa Enchantment, a fully staffed 17th-century palace on Lake Como. Contemporary appointments and refined design make Villa Glamour a standout on the island of Sardinia.

Mykonos, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty

Côte d’Azur and Corsica, France

A source of artistic inspiration for Cézanne, Renoir and Picasso, the Côte d’Azur captures the imagination of visitors seeking culture and relaxation. Take in the sea air from one of the three terraces of this villa in Nice through Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty. Or try island living on Corsica where Ste Lucie De Porto Vecchio offers panoramic ocean views via Corsica Sotheby’s International Realty.

Mykonos, Greece

Long a popular summer vacation destination, this sandy beach-rimmed island in the Cyclades is known for its shimmering waters, cosmopolitan ambience and vibrant nightlife. Luxury rentals available through Greece Sotheby’s International Realty include a 10-bedroom ocean-view villa with daily housekeeping and concierge services that leave you free to unwind in paradise.

Artistic enclave or elite destination? Read our spotlight on the Hamptons’ perennial charm

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