Where to next this summer? The answer might surprise you

The everyday has a way of filling every moment, and leaving no time to just be. After months of routine, you crave experiences that reconnect you with what matters.

The right summer escape offers space for transformation, for those shared moments that often get lost in the rush of life. These carefully crafted getaways invite you to step beyond the familiar, and discover experiences that leave you feeling refreshed, restored and connected.

Make the most of marvellous Melbourne

Forget itineraries. One of the most rewarding ways to experience Melbourne is to wander without a plan. Explore its mural-laden laneways and historic arcades. Uncover its surprises, and let shared experiences unfold naturally.

Melbourne's markets are perfect for unhurried browsing. Queen Victoria Market is foodie heaven during the day, but on Wednesdays it also comes to life after dark, with the Summer Night Market offering an exciting blend of music, artisan shopping, street food and cocktails.

At the St Kilda Esplanade Market, held every Sunday, explore the colourful stalls run by artists and craftspeople, before heading to the beach for fish and chips. To cap a special day, take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel at Luna Park Melbourne.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins is in an ideal location from which to explore all of this. From its elegant heritage facades to neighborhood-inspired design details – including a signature Mondrian blue that echoes Melbourne's street signs – the hotel weaves the city's character into your stay. It's inspiring, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Melbourne-lover ready to see the city through fresh eyes.

Find your inner coastal flow in Sydney

Few places offer the immediate feeling of high-end rejuvenation that you will get at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, where an idyllic beachfront setting guides the rhythm of your coastal escape.

Opening in December, the hotel embodies the elegance and ease of oceanfront living. Its thoughtful design offers a seamless transition from the grind of everyday life to the soothing calm of seaside tranquillity, with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air spaces linking the vast ocean and the hotel's calm interior. Curved, wave-like joinery traces the lines of the shore, and the ocean breeze is your constant companion, as views from your private balcony reconnect you the sea.

Start your day by breathing in salt-laced air on an iconic coastal walk, or in the resort's rooftop infinity pool, where the water effortlessly blends with the horizon. A bespoke treatment at the hotel's luxurious day spa and wellness facility can help rejuvenate mind and body.

Food, of course, has a unique way of bringing people together, creating moments to connect and share, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to embrace it here. Whether you're enjoying a cocktail at the stylish Shutters bar or indulging in celebrity chef Rick Stein's signature seafood at the new Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, refined sensory experiences provide the perfect setting for connection and conversation.

Unlock an authentic Auckland

With a vibrant art scene, rich cultural history, and beautiful harbourside walks, Auckland is the ideal city for quiet discovery and cultural connection.

For the curious traveller, Hotel Indigo Auckland adds a distinctive layer to this experience, with neighborhood-inspired spaces and design details that reflect the area's stories and character. Throughout the hotel, history whispers in unexpected details.

Built on the site of a 1912 motor house, the hotel nods to its motoring past. Guest rooms feature automotive-inspired touches like subtly-placed rear-view mirrors above beds, sleek headlamp-style lighting, and industrial pegboard shelving. Custom carpets on each floor map Auckland's streets, while bespoke artworks and installations – including pieces by Māori artist Raukura Turei – tell stories of the city and its ancestral heritage. From an architectural lens, the hotel's original heritage façade flows seamlessly into modern design, with interiors that expertly combine industrial materials with warm finishes.

This rich attention to detail extends to the hotel's principal dining offering. Bistro Saine offers a modern interpretation of a classic European bistro, framed by 1900s architecture. The menu, defined by quality local ingredients and contemporary European techniques, provides a quiet culinary discovery of Auckland's best produce, making it a sophisticated neighbourhood favourite known for exceptional food and genuine hospitality.

Slowing down reveals Auckland's hidden treasures. Step into the golden age of the Civic Theatre, with its lavish 1929 architecture and "starry" ceiling. Wander through Auckland Art Gallery for quiet moments among inspiring works, and take a ferry to Waiheke Island to savour beaches, olive groves and vineyards.

Back at the hotel, you'll be relaxed and feel enriched by the layers you've uncovered. By choosing a slower pace, you can discover what hurried travellers miss: the quiet moments, unexpected corners and authentic connections that become memories worth keeping.

Whether it's a spontaneous getaway or that bucket-list adventure you've been dreaming about, IHG Hotels & Resorts opens the door to a world of possibilities. With more than 6600 destinations across 20 brands, and an award-winning loyalty program at your fingertips, this summer is yours to explore – your way. Visit: ihg.com