Why Summer 2026 is All About the Curated Experience: “Stepping into the Blue” with Bombay Sapphire & the E1 World Championship in Ibiza

In many ways, where summer begins and where it ends is up to you. Naturally, its birthday is June 21st, but we all know it gets into motion way before then. And who can draw that line in the sand anyways? There aren’t many rules when it comes to the summer season, and it’s just that very idea that gets people going, being the period of time that everybody strives for, even yearns for, year-round. What is it about that stretch of time? We throw caution to the wind, we get outdoors more, we decompress. Loosen even. We’re collectively looking to experience more than we traditionally “consume.” It’s the new wave crashing over all of us. In the year 2026, these themes of an enriching, experience-first summer are more important than ever, and we think people – more often than not – are changing the way they approach the season. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why that is, but in an era where everything (and we mean everything) is trying to grab at your attention, take money out of your pockets, and leave you with something “surface-level,” it’s safe to say that people are over it. The mindset is changing, the culture is shifting, and “IRL” connection is king.  

PHOTO CREDIT: Bombay Sapphire

So, when did it start? Again, that’s another difficult point to define, but it would be obtuse to overlook the role of Covid-19. A long and drawn-out period of uncertainty, dystopia, and ultimately just doing a lot of activities indoors, the 2020 pandemic seemed to underline a shift in people’s attitudes, and rightly so. Year on year since then, the public perception of summer has become mythical, like gold dust. It’s the destination point at the crux of each year, and 2026 has felt like its “Everest” moment. With social media running back 2026 as 2016 – which included a notoriously nostalgic summer for all involved – it’s clear to see that the average consumer is looking to get outside and stay there. Elevating these experiences has also been firmly on the agenda, but it’s out with the traditional notions of luxury. We’re not concerned with the pretentiousness of isolating, lofty, and “closed-club” mentalities that are usually associated with the luxury scene. People want community, connection, intentional hospitality, and memories that they’ll take with them, whilst premium yet relaxed hospitality gives those moments a welcome touch of comfort. 

Talking of making elevated memories, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about summer? Personally, we start dreaming about the blues of the Mediterranean. That very first toe dip in crystal clear waters. Kicking off summer 2026, Bombay Sapphire and partners E1 had us doing exactly that. “Stepping into the Blue” with us in Ibiza, Bombay Sapphire in partnership with Team (Tom) Brady and Team (Steve) Aoki – two teams currently competing for the E1 Championship – hosted its world first all-electric race boat Championship, with our last couple of days off of the sunny coast of Spain’s crown jewel island typifying why curated experiences, inclusive luxury, and genuine connections are all on the menu this summer. Oh, and so is Bombay Sapphire gin, by the way. 

Partnering with the UIM E1 World Championship for a second year in a row, Bombay Sapphire immediately brought us into the spirit of summer with style. From getting up-close to the E1 ‘RaceBirds’, entertainment, and sipping on some Bombay Sapphire cocktails to speedboat trips across the coastline and keeping us around those summery natural blues of the world, the short but sweet trip hit every note. Championing community, natural connections, and curated, yet relaxed experiences, Bombay Sapphire and E1’s Ibiza getaway was an upstanding example of what we should all be striving for this summer. Bringing people together against the backdrop of the Balearic waters, Bombay Sapphire’s global brand platform, “Step Into The Blue,” invited people to “step into the beauty of the moment,” and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. That’s our new mantra unlocked. Continuing to take the lead in the world of boat racing, the E1 World Championship, which is currently lead by Team Brady, is set to take centre stage in Dubrovnik, Croatia next. Taking place from June 12-13, the race is set to see thousands of fans lining the Adriatic Sea to catch a glimpse of the cutting-edge hydrofoil RaceBirds in action, whilst other schedule highlights include Monaco on July 17-18 and Miami on November 13-14. 

So, wherever you find yourself this summer, let’s “step into the blue,” championing elevated but laidback hospitality, face-to-face connections, as well as curated and intentional experiences that leave you with something to remember summer 2026 by. After all, experience is well and truly back in fashion.