How a Luxury PA Spends August: Inside My Black Book of Last-Minute Summer Escapes

There’s no quiet time of year as a Luxury PA but if there was, August would certainly

not be it. It’s a month that combines school holidays, with peak summer travel, and

the mass exodus of many European residents from sweltering cities to cooler coastal

and rural regions.

We often think of the high and ultra-high net worth as being established businessmen and women, but more and more it’s the next generation - the founders, the 20 something’s who took a chance and built an empire, and those who have made social media their bread and butter. They see a gap in their schedule and want to fill it in the most luxurious way.

And in 2025, the choice of what to do and where to go is vast. But it really is all about Europe this summer. Nothing is off limits and everything is highly tailored and personalised to each traveller’s needs and wants. As a Personal Private PA to the high-net-worth, my clients expect luxury combined with ease every step of the way, and below are a few examples of what they’re booking for August.

While hotels certainly have their place in the world of luxury travel, this summer private villas have been top of the agenda for the world’s wealthy. Think Ibiza, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. Places with guaranteed sunshine, a mix of beach, city, and nature, and the option to arrive discreetly and be catered for in a truly personalised way.

Despite the difference in client demographic, those who have been in touch about villa bookings have all requested the same thing – a self-contained space with everything they, and their family, need within the four walls. Minimum; a chef, driver, gym, pool, private outdoor living space, and strong WiFi.

Luxury trains are also becoming increasingly popular as a way to experience slow, purposeful travel. A trend we’re seeing a lot of this year and one I don’t see going anywhere for a while. These trains lend themselves perfectly to those who are looking to celebrate a milestone in opulent surroundings and be home by bedtime, as well as others looking to experience uninterrupted timeless glamour for a few extra days.

Hop on-board the British Pullman for a journey throughout the Kent countryside or, for those needing some extended R&R, there’s the option of travelling across Europe on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with menus created by Michelin Star Chef Jean Imbert and Grand Suites so decadent you’ll never want to leave.

When clients are hoping for a quick last-minute getaway, due to the ease in getting there, Paris is always one of my suggestions. And two icons that top the list are Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée, both of which are part of the Dorchester Collection. French hospitality is second to none (not to mention the bread, the pastries, the butter, the wine, the cheese) and at both properties nothing is too much of an ask. Clients with a little extra time often decide to pair their trip with a few days in Antibes staying at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or The Maybourne Riviera overlooking Monaco.

As the end of summer approaches there’s still time to pack your bags for some well-

deserved relaxation abroad. But before you get your suitcase from the attic, keep in

mind these suggestions to ensure you get the most out of your time and trip.

1. Don’t waste time researching destinations, flights and hotels. Get a PA to do it

   for you. They’re in the know and have the contacts. Sit back and wait for them

   to come to you with an itinerary and flight options. They’ll even anticipate

   needs you didn’t know you had.

   
   

2. Plan ahead as much as possible, but for the times when you can’t, book

   accommodation with a last-minute cancellation policy so you won’t be caught

   out if plans change from one day to the next. And always book direct. If you

   book through a third-party website and your trip cancels, it’s impossible to

   speak to someone to get it sorted.

   
   

3. If you want to get away but everywhere is booked, go to France. A hotel, a

   villa, an Airbnb, it doesn’t matter. Much of the country’s population up and

   leave during the month of August meaning availability for travellers is often

   high.

   
   

4. Be flexible, especially if you’re keen on experiencing Belmond’s trains. Unlike

   planes and regular trains, routes only run on certain days and months, so if

   your dates are rock solid and can’t be moved, you may need to look at an

   alternative option.

Sarah is the Founder of LANE, an exclusive personal private PA consultancy offering

a multitasking, perfectionist assistant on demand to the high and ultra-high net worth.

www.lane.london / @laneoflondon