1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Why: Relax in a tropical paradise in the balmiest season

Blue, turquoise, azure, teal, indigo – there aren’t enough words to describe the hues of the Pacific Ocean around French Polynesia on a clear, calm, sunny day. And there are plenty of those in June, the start of the driest season, when the main island of Bora Bora and its motu (ringing islands) bask in temperatures of around 25–30°C (77–86°F). This is the stuff of movies, with luxurious resorts perched over crystal waters and shaded by swaying palms – with prices to match, though more modest accommodations can be found. As if the scenery wasn’t paradisiacal enough, the snorkeling and diving in coral gardens with sharks and rays is spectacular.

2. Western Colorado, USA

Why: Saddle up for ranch life and ecological renewal

Donning chaps, mounting a mustang and herding steers is an elemental dream. But like the themes and attitudes of films and TV shows depicting these activities, ranching has evolved over the years. Today, not only do many outfits host urbanites looking to play out cowboy fantasies at dude ranches – offering activities such as yoga, rafting, bird-watching, writing workshops and mountain biking as well as the more typical riding, hunting and fishing – but they embrace modern ideas of conservation and sustainability. Beat the high summer heat with a June vacation at one of Colorado’s innovative ranches, like C Lazy U Ranch, where you can get hands-on with the nitty-gritty of raising cattle and bison and learn how habitats are managed to protect biodiversity.

3. Byron Bay, Australia

Why: Choose from yoga retreats, aquatic wildlife and elite surfing

The June solstice sees adherents around the world celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Though Byron Baymay no longer be the preserve of backpackers and hippies, having evolved into a stylish, upmarket destination, it retains a decidedly laid-back air and alternative scene. Recharge your spiritual and physical batteries at one of the yoga retreats and studios. And since yoga sessions don’t take all day, afterward, you can don a mask and snorkel to encounter subaquatic marvels at Julian Rocks – watch for wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, rays and kaleidoscopic fish – or grab your surfboard and shorty wetsuit to catch the reliable winter swells. This is the time to watch for whales, too: thousands of humpbacks migrate through the waters off Byron Bay between June and October; spot them from shore at Cape Byron or join a dedicated whale-watching boat tour.3. Byron Bay, Australia

Why: Choose from yoga retreats, aquatic wildlife and elite surfing

The June solstice sees adherents around the world celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Though Byron Baymay no longer be the preserve of backpackers and hippies, having evolved into a stylish, upmarket destination, it retains a decidedly laid-back air and alternative scene. Recharge your spiritual and physical batteries at one of the yoga retreats and studios. And since yoga sessions don’t take all day, afterward, you can don a mask and snorkel to encounter subaquatic marvels at Julian Rocks – watch for wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, rays and kaleidoscopic fish – or grab your surfboard and shorty wetsuit to catch the reliable winter swells. This is the time to watch for whales, too: thousands of humpbacks migrate through the waters off Byron Bay between June and October; spot them from shore at Cape Byron or join a dedicated whale-watching boat tour.