It's officially summer!

If a last minute hop on over to The Continent is all you can think about, feel free to use this as a guide to beat the summer heat. Here are some of our favorite refreshing getaways on the water - in Italy, Greece and Switzerland. It's just what you need to stay cool this summer.

"Insert above" ⬆️ and you'll yourself on the Italian side of the Adriatic. La Peschieria, near Monopoli is a gorgeous, intimate, ocean-front luxury retreat with six pools and a private beach club. There is so much to explore in Puglia, though you may never leave this exquisite property.

Over on the other side of Italy, along the white sand beaches of the Ligurian Sea, sits Forte dei Marmi (the Hamptons of Italy). Chic Hotel Byron offers easy access to hip beach clubs that comes with special privileges. This family owned property boasts a residential character, intimate charm and a sophisticated yet cozy interior design.

Bike to town for designer shopping or your gelato fix and be back "home" to enjoy Magnolia - their Michelin starred restaurant. Tons of perfect day trips from Forte dei Marmi - only one hour from Florence and close to Pisa.

Lake Lugano in Switzerland is home to Hotel Splendide Royal. Crisp lake, magnificent Alpine views and idyllic natural surroundings. Discerning travelers have been coming here since 1887 and this Belle Époque palace has mastered the royal treatment (so much so that "Royal" was officially added to its name in 1924 as a nod to its frequent royal visitors).

19th century charm marries modern luxury, equals perfection.

Zakynthos, Greece sits west of the mainland. This island is famous for its turquoise waters and Venetian villages. Porto Zante sits majestically on a private sandy beach in a secluded bay. A true destination retreat, Porto Zante attracts the world's elite looking for privacy and the crème de la crème of modern luxury hospitality.

This unique property has only nine world class villas yet has two restaurants and two bars plus an award-winning private waterfront spa.

Drop us in any of these heavenly destinations some time between now and Labor Day and we're talking picture perfect, cool summer.