The world has gone mad. Everywhere you turn there is one more thing to send you over the edge. Today more than ever we need to practice self care. Most of us look forward to the weekends as a time to disconnect and recharge. If you’ve been feeling like the weekend breaks are just not long enough. You need to start looking for a real get away. Now might be time to take a break from work, personal responsibilities and the constant news cycle to regain your peace. This is the time to find the perfect destination for the relaxation you actually need.
Admit it. When was the last time you truly disconnected. Shut out the news, turned off your phone, closed the computer and just spent time with you. What if your next vacation wasn’t about checking off a to-do list but about doing absolutely nothing? I’ve complied a list of the best destinations where you can truly relax, recharge, and return home feeling like your best self.
Whether you are losing patience with the people in your office or are spending your days consumed by the endless news cycle, we all need a break. Now might be the time to take that international adventure to eliminate stress, prioritize your well being and reclaim your peace of mind. At the very least, you can take the time to recapture the part of you that you’ve so frequently give to others.
Top Destinations to Disconnect
Not all of us will have the opportunity to completely disconnect from our daily lives. We walk around in a world where we give others constant access to us. Technology has been both a gift and a curse. But there are some destinations that offer relaxation where you can go and leave the world behind. I’m talking about places where you can truly disconnect and prioritize your wellness and peace of mind. From places where the wifi is spotty, the cellular service is practically non existent and TVs are hard to find onsite, certain locations are perfect for peace, wellness, and rejuvenation.
Trade the hustle and bustle for one of these serene locations where you can recharge, soak up the scenery and enjoy a well-deserved break.
Bali, Indonesia
The destination where relaxation was top of mind for me was when I escaped to Bali. While it is a bit of a haul to get there from the US, it is totally worth it. Known for its tranquil beaches, luxury villas and world-class spas, Bali is perfect for those looking to unwind.
With famed wellness resorts, breathtaking waterfalls and tons of ways for you to focus on you, there are few better places to go to recover from the stressors in your life.
And enjoying an amazing meal here will not break the bank.
If you are looking to really get away, you’ll be happy to know that Bali has a growing community of digital nomads and a good number of Black expats that have made Bali home. Just in case you are thinking about it. Just know that getting around is a bit tricky but once you reach your resort, you will likely not want to venture out for too much.
Your dollar will certainly stretch farther here as well. Staying in a private villa is incredibly inexpensive or you can choose to live the high life in a wellness retreat tucked away in the jungle. I found one where after check in, I didn’t have to make one single decision. Exactly what I needed.
Stay in Ubud or Nusa Dua for the ultimate wellness retreat or visit the island’s healing hot springs and let nature wash away your stress. If you are up to it make sure you experience the not so gentle touch of a Balinese massage while you’re there. Check out my blog on a Journey of Wellness and Renewal in Bali. It was certainly the break I needed.
Koh Samui, Thailand
On the surface, Thailand can come across as a busy country with a raging party scene. But step away from the popular spots like Bangkok and Phuket and you’ll find some of the best wellness retreats in the world.
Retreats like Absolute Sanctuary or Kamalaya on this small island are rumored to be an absolute dream. They take care of you from the inside out where they combine traditional Chinese and Thai medicine with a detox ritual that will leave you fully refreshed.
I chose the Ritz Carlton at Phulay Bay for my retreat and it was top notch. You feel completely disconnected from the woes of the world as your private butler attends to your every need. They ran a bubble bath during turn down service and even picked me up from my front door for every outing including a day at the pool. It was super indulgent.
If you want a bit more action you can head over to Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai for relaxation with a little bit of energy. The resorts there are amazing and you feel as if you’ve left planet earth.
St Lucia
For something a little closer to home, try the island of St Lucia. This island has one of the top wellness resorts in the Caribbean: The Body Holiday. This place is designed with helping you get back your mind. In fact, it’s in the slogan for the resort. Everything in this destination is about relaxation. From daily spa treatments that are included with your stay to priority service at the beach, you get accustomed having personalized service. Bonus, they also cater to solo travelers.
Framed by the ocean and the majestic Pitons, this island gives you that ‘I left all of my troubles behind’ kind of feeling.
With a number of top end resorts around the island, you can choose to disconnect in ways that you’ve never imaged. Think sleeping in a room with open air walls facing the mountains.
You can stick with the traditional resort type treatments of step it up a notch in nature. There are hot springs fueled by the energy of an active volcano.
The Maldives
This one will require a bit of persistence to get there. The Maldives is the ultimate check out of it all location. Private overwater villas, crystal-clear waters, and world-class hospitality make the Maldives a top getaway for those looking for pure luxury.
The 115 miles of this tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean that make up the Maldives have an abundance of wellness retreats. The One & Only, Four Seasons and Anatara all have outpost here that have won multiple awards.
Once you step off the private transfer at any of these all-inclusive resorts you’ll have a the ultimate stress-free experience. You can enjoy a private sandbank picnic, take a sunset cruise or simply sit on your deck and be hypnotized by the deep blue waters. You could practically spend your entire vacation here and never see another guest which might be what you need. This one is still on my list and I hope to check it off very soon.
Iceland
If Iceland has not been on your radar for wellness then you should add it now. Iceland has the perfect mix of natural wonders and stunning landscapes to make it a great option for wellness.
Known as the land of fire and ice, this country has a little bit of everything not to mention the best light show on the planet. Check out my blog on Chasing the Northern Lights for a bit of insight on the country.
As for wellness, there is no better place to indulge in holistic healing than one of the 11 resorts offering geothermal experiences. While most travelers will make a stop at the Blue Lagoon, if you are looking for a truly unique experience, you should try Forest Lagoon . It’s a bit of a drive from the capital Reykjavik which makes it a perfect place to check out of the hustle and bustle of every day life.
South Africa
This might sound odd for a destination for relaxation but there are a few places in this country where you can go and really get away from it all. Being in the bush on safari has a way of helping you forget about your worries back at home. But there a few spots that are not just about getting up before dawn to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
For instance, Kapama Private Game reserve is one that I truly enjoyed. They have a few different camps/lodges inside of the reserve but the spa at the River Lodge gives you the opportunity to indulge in a luxurious spa treatment and explore the wildlife. I had an unexpected visit from a fawn during my treatment. So cool.
If a getaway in Kruger doesn’t float your boat, then try Babylonstoren in the Franschhoek wine valley. This resort has everything you need for a relaxing stay. The entire estate is set on a working farm which means you get the freshest ingredients in all of the restaurants. You can also borrow bikes or go for a morning hike in the valley. And if all you need is a spa, well they have that too.
You could also simply rent a house with a private chef in a city like CapeTown and forget all of your responsibilities back at home while being completed pampered for pennies on the dollar. South Africa has so many options just do your research and you won’t be disappointed.
How to Choose the Right Relaxation Destination for You
With so many options to choose from, how do you decide which destination is best for you? Here are a few things to consider before booking anything. Consider whether you prefer tropical beaches, mountains or country side retreats. Are you looking for a multitude of spa treatments or does a yoga retreat feel right. Most importantly, don’t book a safari style get away when you know you are afraid of animals. While these getaway are meant to break you from your routine, it shouldn’t leave you traumatized.
Next, think about accessibility. Do you want a long haul flight with a couple of transfers or do you want to just get there? Sometimes a quick get-away is all you need to reset. So popping down to the Caribbean might serve you better than flying around the world to The Maldives.
Finally, factor in your budget. Your peace of mind might be priceless but your bank account might disagree. If you love luxury and your budget agrees, don’t skimp on finding the right retreat just to save a few dollars. It might add an element of stress and anxiety that you simply don’t need.
Whatever you choose, just make sure it is aligned with your travel style and your budget.
My Perspective
Travel isn’t just about seeing new places— sometimes it’s about giving yourself permission to rest. Choosing the right destination is essential if you want to recharge for effectiveness. But a destination is only one part of the equation. You also need to create an itinerary that is designed for peace and wellness.
Each of the destinations listed are designed with your wellness in mind. But there are so many destinations for relaxation that I did not cover where you can also get the space you need to return to the world a better person. Even if you can’t dedicate an entire vacation to relaxation, you should at the very least ensure you have a couple days where you can truly wind down on any holiday.
So where will you go to relax and unwind. Start planning your get-away today and if you need a bit more details or insider tips, subscribe to get a little inspiration every week.
FAQs About Best Destinations to Relax and Unwind
Q: What should I look for in a relaxation destination?
A: When choosing a place to unwind, look for destinations with peaceful surroundings, high-quality accommodations, and activities that promote rest, such as spas, beaches, and wellness retreats.
Q: Are these destinations affordable for budget-conscious travelers?
A: Many of these destinations offer a range of options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays. Researching off-season travel, package deals, and alternative accommodations like boutique guesthouses can help keep costs down.
Q: Where is the most relaxing place to vacation?
A: The most relaxing place to vacation depends on your preferences, but top destinations include the Maldives for its overwater bungalows and serene beaches, Bali for its lush jungles and wellness retreats, and Iceland for its natural hot springs and quiet landscapes.
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