July is here. Summer is here. Lazy days, trips and escaping the stress or boredom of your everyday life is upon us. Will you be planning a long trip to an exotic, far-flung place? Will you be exploring local wonders in your own city? Or will you, like many of us, be digging in deep to finally finish your place, turning it into your own escape?

Whether you’re someone who enjoys the lone comfort of a secluded beach resort or the energizing excitement of an urban destination, who among design lovers doesn’t also enjoy where they’ll be staying when they go on vacation — it’s half the fun of going! As we’ve enjoyed looking at each house tour on Apartment Therapy this year, there have been a number that caught our eye for a very specific reason: they exude that certain je ne sais quoi that makes the whole place feel like a vacation retreat all year long! Some of them have a strong beach feel, others wild and contemporary like some expensive and exotic big city hotel and others just have gorgeous views or quirky features. If you can’t getaway this summer — and even if you can — take a peek at these homes whose owners have masterfully created comforting, exciting retreats that they can enjoy 365 days a year.

Top Row:
1) John & Sophie's Modern Desert Home
2) Trent's Relaxing, Beach-like Retreat
3) Darra's Wild Style Loft
4) Anna and AJ’s Modern T-Loft
5) Cory and Nick's Compact Hilltop Home

Bottom Row:
6) Tina & Matt's Artists' Treehouse
7) Living Large in an Airstream Trailer
8) Sherry & Dana's "The New Modern" Home
9) Dr. Rodney's "Reflections" Retreat
10) Steven's Relocated Beach Cottage

Images — 1: Anja Schaefer and John Schoenfeld; 2: Adrienne Breaux; 3: Darra; 4,5,7,8,10: Bethany Nauert; 6: Tina & Matt; 9: Gregory Sparks