Remote luxury is less about excess and more about having the space to experience somewhere properly. Here, silence replaces city noise, nature becomes the backdrop and the usual distractions feel wonderfully far away. These are places where mornings begin with wildlife or mountain views, days unfold at an unhurried pace and the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

For those looking to escape somewhere a little further afield, Mexico offers an intoxicating mix of adventure and indulgence. And while its famous beaches are certainly reason enough to go, there is far more to discover beyond the shoreline. Think intimate boutique hotels hidden among tropical gardens, colourful retreats overlooking the ocean, historic city stays and sophisticated urban hideaways where Mexico’s rich culture is woven into every detail.

Late summer is made for long walks with nowhere particular to be, lunches that stretch well into the afternoon, swims in chilly lakes and evenings spent outside until the light finally disappears. These are the places to go when you need a change of scenery, a very good dinner and a little time to simply do nothing.

Summer may be slipping away, but that doesn't mean the time for a European escape is over. As September draws to a close, Europe enters one of its most rewarding travel seasons: the shoulder season. The crowds thin, temperatures soften, and landscapes begin their seasonal transformation, from sun-warmed Mediterranean shores to golden vineyards and crisp Alpine trails. For those looking beyond the traditional summer calendar, these are the places where October brings its own particular kind of magic.

There's a version of Puglia that runs to a timetable: Alberobello by ten, Polignano by two, a scramble for a table by eight. And then there's the version we're after here, where lunch has no end time, the sea is a short drive rather than a mission, and the day's biggest decision is which way to face the sunset. As the summer crowds thin and the olive groves settle into their busiest season, autumn is when this side of Puglia comes into its own. These four HIP Hotels, from a minimalist farm estate to an 18th-century village palazzo, are made for it.