Hey, you seem to be a bit uptight. Do you have sore shoulders? Is your back hurting? Is it possible that your mind is melting? Are you tired of the world’s stressors, with its never-ending public health concerns, frantic job schedules, and never-ending to-do list?
That’s exactly what we thought. You could be in need of a soothing vacation if any or all of the above apply to you—or if you just like doing nothing for a few days, which is also legitimate! Not the sort that takes you to a fast-paced place where you’ll be surrounded by people, crammed into a dozen itinerary items, and fight for bar seats.
No, you need a place where you can sit on your butt, maybe with a drink in your hand, and utterly disconnect. Whether you choose a bright beach vacation, a rough mountain retreat, or a lesser-known wine route, the pace of life in these holiday destinations will revive your mind, body, and soul.
Flathead Lake
Let’s be clear: there are very few spots in Montana where you’ll find yourself in the midst of “crowds” of any kind. Relaxation isn’t hard to come by in the foothills of Montana’s gorgeous Rockies, where dozens of tiny cities and even smaller towns—Bozeman, Big Sky, Missoula, and Livingston, to name a few—offer low-key weekends.
Even in a state where relaxing getaways are commonplace, the Kalispell-area Flathead Lake and its many islands stand out. Flathead Lake, the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, attracts boaters, fishers, and visitors curious about the Flathead Indian Reservation.
To put it another way, it’s a calm population in a rural part of Northwest Montana. Seek out the Flathead Lake Lodge, an all-inclusive dude ranch on the lake where you can retreat to a large stone fireplace every night after a feast of roasted pig and buffalo after a day of horseback riding and sailing.
Finger Lakes, New York
Yes, the popularity of Finger Lakes has skyrocketed in recent years. However, given the sheer breadth of this Upstate New York getaway—which includes the region’s 11 main lakes—its growing fan base will still be spread out, with enough comfortable cabins and luxurious lakeside lodgings to go around.
That’s not to mention the Finger Lakes’ genuine claim to fame: the four separate paths that will take you through the idyllic landscape as you visit the region’s 100+ wineries, where the pours are ample, the staff is kind, and the atmosphere is laid-back.
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which features dog-friendly wineries, distilleries, and breweries as well as magnificent waterfall vistas, was the country’s first.
Carova Beach
The Outer Banks is a natural rest stop for North Carolinians on their way to the beach. Carova, the northernmost settlement, is unusually tranquil, considering how far out on the Banks it sits.
Serene beaches are especially beautiful. There are no hotels or shops, just vacation houses, and getting there requires a 4×4 car (the “roads” are really just sand).
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll see that everything revolves around the beach. There are 11 miles of it, all of which remain very calm even in the summer, where you may swim, surf, paddleboard, or do a whole lot of nothing.
While you’re here, follow in the footsteps of the Rolling Stones and keep an eye out for those wild, wild horses: Carova’s Spanish mustangs roam the island, so you’ll probably spend as much time admiring them as watching the surf.
Keep your distance: the horses are wild, so there won’t be any Black Stallion-style bonding. Honorable mention here includes Sedona and Prince Edward Island.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is something else. Iceland is one of those countries that should be on the travel bucket lists of almost everyone who has ever visited. Iceland is not only home to breathtaking waterfalls and a glimpse of the Northern Lights, but it is also the location of the Blue Lagoon.
There is nothing artificial about this geothermal spa, and you will experience unparalleled relaxation, unlike anything you have ever experienced. Honorable outdoors mention here includes Nha Trang in Vietnam.
If you on the other hand prefer a bit more adventure, consider Italy, and their beautiful states or Arizona and the Chalk cliffs.
Sanur Bali
White sand beaches with their natural beauty are perfect for relaxing. Sanur is a beach town on the beautiful island of Bali, and it is situated in the southeast of the island.
The lengthy stretch of beautiful beaches and the spectacular sunsets are enough of a cause to pack your belongings and travel there as soon as you possibly can.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, you’ll be certain to enjoy the most peaceful experience surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery possible. Honorable mention here is the Montecatini Terme.
Banff National Park
Experience breathtaking views or more precisely mountain views which in the best ways offer you an amazing experience. Consider the lodge here for accommodation and see what kind of place this is.
The first national park in Canada is a wonderful holiday destination for those who want to view some of the most unusual glacial lakes in the world with the bluest water they have ever seen.
Even those who prefer not to spend their spare time outside may take in the splendor of Banff National Park’s lake vistas while relaxing in a beautiful and comfortable lakeside lodge for the day.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an example of the latter kind of establishment. Alternatives here include Ski resorts in North Carolina.
Amanemu Resort, Japan
An awesome place for some spa getaways. One of the best places on our list. In addition to the United States, Japan, notably at the Amanemu Resort, provides guests with a soothing getaway experience. It is the ideal tranquil holiday destination because of the natural surroundings, which are coupled with modern construction to create the ultimate calm vacation.
This lovely resort provides services such as massages, yoga, a pool area, and spiritual meditation. An excellent retreat center nonetheless. Alternatives here include Kalaloch lodge, where you should consider a field guide. Also, the Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Maldives
There’s a reason why the Maldives was named the world’s best spa destination by the World Spa Awards: when it comes to treating yourself, this idyllic country is the best of the best. The Maldives is a group of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by azure seas.
It is home to hundreds of tropical islands, each one more stunning than the previous. When it comes to pure relaxation, Kuramathi Maldives is the place to go.
The luxurious resort has a spa that offers treatments inspired by ancient Asian therapies, as well as exquisite beaches and a diving center.
For those seeking luxury bungalow accommodation in a lovely island location, the sumptuous Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives in North Malé Atoll provides luxurious bungalow accommodation in a stunning island destination with delicious food and a quiet spa.
Consider also some small beaches in the southern part.
Anamaya Resort, Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife, it also has some of the most peaceful wellness vacation destinations in North America, including the Costa Rica Wellness Center.
It is possible to practice yoga with a view of the ocean and indulge in countless spa treatments, which should leave you feeling fully stress-free.
One of the better vacation spots, and the perfect place for relaxing.
Galle, Sri Lanka
The city of Galle, located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, is ideal for those seeking a little luxury as well as a little leisure. The colonial Galle Fort, one of Asia’s best-preserved period monuments, goes back to the city’s time of Dutch control when the Dutch took Galle from the Portuguese in 1640 and spent the following 150 years beautifying and reinforcing the settlement.
The Dutch influence can still be seen on the streets, which are lined with low-slung colonial homes, many of which are now home to charming stores. This makes it an excellent place for shopping and taking leisurely strolls around the town.
Galle’s allure may be discovered for yourself as part of an Insight Guides Deluxe Sri Lanka vacation. Honorable mention here includes Sanibel Island.
Read more articles in the Lifestyle Category