Coastal grandmother
noun
A vibe that embodies a relaxed, sophisticated style inspired by characters in Nancy Myers films.
It’s a timeless trend that Lex Nicoleta finally found a name for in 2022, and we’re still obsessed. Funnily enough, no you don’t need to be a grandma and no, you don’t need to live by the sea. It’s about the cosy comfort we associate with both of those things. Homecooked food, prepared while wearing a cotton apron, ofc. The sun creeping in through sweeping curtains, oversized fruit bowls and white, layered bedding with lots of textured pillows. Think Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give – those beachy, flowing fabrics and linen separates. A jumper tied round your shoulders? Stop it ? Take your #cottagecore, throw in the added drama of being by the sea, and you’ve got #coastalgrandmother.
So, you can picture the mood board. We’ve got the vision. Now, let’s dig into the best holiday destinations where you can escape to a cute coastal dwelling and pretend you’re Meryl Streep…
Amalfi Coast
Italy is such an old romantic. The big bowls of pasta, the wine… it’s definitely got the comfort aspect down. And, the Amalfi Coast in Campania brings the chic. In peak summer, the weather’s too hot for the likes of Diane’s cream turtleneck. But keep the layers light and flowing, and you’ll fit right in with the coastal crowd. Positano and Amalfi are the top picks here, both known for their cobbled shopping streets, strong seafood game and stunning waterfronts. Rolling greenery and rugged cliffs are dotted with colourful houses with sea views and balconies made for wistful wondering. Picture yourself gazing out over the Tyrrhenian with an Aperol, trying to distract yourself from the two flawed male characters vying for your attention right now – we assume cosplay, but maybe not? The scene is so set to play the leading lady you already are.
Hotel Belvedere has that Amalfi Coast cliffside plot. Built into the rock, the views are uninterrupted, and the pool has the prime spot, complete with loungers and a poolside bar. There’s also a pebbly beach below and the hotel minibus can run you into the centre of Amalfi. Or, if you’re feeling the island life, Ischia’s still in Campania but just across from Naples, north of Amalfi. There, Miramare Sea Resort and Spa has unreal scenes across the Bay of Maronti to Capri and its very own steps down to a sunbathing platform, plus a private beach. Think yoga classes, spa days and scenic walks through vineyards and citrus groves…
Kos
Kos is giving small Greek island, perfect for chill days on the beach and some serious me-time away from the buzz of real life. Ofc, with Greece, you think of Mamma Mia! and Meryl Streep. But this spot is more Meryl in her Jane Adler era from It’s Complicated – less Super Trouper sequins and more straw hats and wholesome baked treats. From sandy beaches all round the coast to wildflowers and pine forests inland, the landscape here is just gorg. Kos Town is the capital but stick to smaller spots like Tingaki and Psalidi for the tiny tavernas and local ice-cream shops. Then, history-wise, there are old Roman baths, an amphitheatre and ancient ruins to explore. We can so see you shopping for baklava in your village’s bakery and admiring the fishing boats coming in with today’s catch as you sip your morning coffee…
Diamond Deluxe Hotel and Spa has its very own beach on Kos, with luxe four-poster daybeds and a beach bar just for guests. It’s adults-only, too, so that serene, coastal setting is guaranteed. There’s a huge pool with loungers and olive trees, as well as another indoors as part of the spa.
Fethiye
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast paints the perfect backdrop for your coastal grandma aesthetic. The name says it all tbh. Yes, Fethiye’s known for its port city, but it’s also got a vine-coated Old Town, sand-and-shingle beaches with super clear water, and plenty of boat trips to take you to Olu Deniz and Kayakoy. Calis Beach is a top spot to sit back and get stuck into the first of at least three holiday reads you’ve brought with you – you best believe they’re not just an excuse for a photo op. If you’re truly buying into the coastal grandma chic, reading is so in. Then, you can climb to the top tier of the 6,000-seat Roman theatre here for some unreal views. Or, Butterfly Valley’s a nature reserve you can check out by boat, and the wind in your hair while you ride the waves is serving serious aerial shot to close-up, while Joni Mitchell sings you through the opening credits.
Sundia Exclusive by Liberty Fethiye sits right on a sandy beach, backed onto by the most gorg terrace. The main pool has three tiers and makes the most of those sea views, ofc, and there are plenty of sofas and sunloungers to park yourself on. Book lovers, there’s even a library, as well as a spa and workshops put on throughout the week to throw yourself into something new.
Embrace your inner coastal grandmother and check out our Romantic and Beach holidays for some more inspo.
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Author: Lily Owen (she/her)
Last updated: 24/07/2025
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