Sometimes, we need a holiday to do nothing. To break away from our fast-paced everyday lives and reconnect with ourselves and just relax. For this reason, we have curated a guide of our favourite destinations for a relaxing holiday. From picturesque mountain towns to secluded beach retreats offering the utmost privacy, there’s something for everyone at these destinations.
1 St Moritz
St Moritz, a Swiss alpine resort town, is well-known for its snow-covered peaks, snow sports and wellness hotspots. Situated at an elevation of 1865 metres, this winter resort is a celebration of its scenic beauty.
While skiing and hiking are popular, for a relaxed holiday, visitors can go sailing, golfing, horse-drawn carriage riding, for strolls in the city centre, for massages, for soothing dips in the hot springs, and for Michelin-starred meals and sundowners at eclectic pubs.
Also read: Switzerland, e-biking & more: Up above the Alpine so high
2. Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelagic country consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Visitors can unwind on Seychelles’s spectacular beaches, go island hopping or go for a stroll on the nature trails with stunning views, lush greenery, and exceptional biodiversity.
The most popular nature trails in the Seychelles include the Anse Major nature trail that leads to a secluded beach and the delightful Copolia trail.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise in Seychelles. (Photo: Chris Close)
3. Abu Dhabi
An amalgamation of an ancient heritage city and a modern cosmopolitan capital—Abu Dhabi is the ultimate place for relaxation. The destination offers travellers year-round sunshine, spa retreats, and wellness experiences at its luxurious resorts and glorious beaches.
From relaxing on the tranquil white sand beaches of Saadiyat Island to experiencing the wonder of the Louvre Abu Dhabi or discovering human settlements stretching back 7,000 years, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy at their own pace.
Louvre Abu Dhabi. (Photo Credit: Abu Dhabi Tourism)
4. Qatar
Qatar has made relaxation an art form. It is a peninsular country whose terrain comprises an arid desert and an expansive shoreline of awe-inspiring beaches.
When it comes to self-care and rejuvenating experiences, people in Qatar are spoilt for choice. Visitors can sail in tranquil waters, glamp in the desert, or rediscover wellness with award-winning treatments such as pearl-infused massages and therapies that use locally sourced ingredients.
Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar. (Photo: Visit Qatar via Unsplash)
5. Mussoorie
Mussoorie, a quaint mountain getaway, features beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery, and unobstructed views of the Himalayan ranges.
The hill station is also home to several sumptuous hotels. Go people-watching on Mall Road or check in for a week of Ayurvedic treatments - whatever helps you relax.
Kaudia Estate, Chamba Mussoorie Road. (Photo: Satyam HCR via Unsplash)
6. Interlaken
This wildly-popular Swiss tourist destination offers panoramic views of three majestic mountains—Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Interlaken is also home to nine specialist wellness hotels and numerous spa and health facilities that offer an oasis of relaxation with stunning vistas of lakes and mountains.
Interlaken, Switzerland (Photo by Tucker Monticelli via Unsplash)
7. Maldives
A picture-perfect island paradise, the Maldives is a year-round relaxing destination. In the Maldives, visitors are welcomed with white sand beaches, crystal-clear cobalt blue waters, and glorious sunsets.
The country is also home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, including Soneva Fushi, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Grand Park Kodhipparu, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, One&Only Reethi Rah and W Maldives.
The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,190 islands. (Photo: Kalpana Sunder)
8. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is well-loved for its endless beaches, charming capital, delectable cuisine, and hospitable people.
An unincorporated United States territory, Puerto Rico boasts a culturally rich capital—San Juan, and a surreal landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests.
A little slice of paradise, Puerto Rico has some of the best resorts, restaurants, and bars in the world.
Luquillo, Rincón, Condado, and Vieques are the most renowned beaches in Puerto Rico.
In San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: J Amili Santiago via Unsplash)
9. Goa
If you would like a beach holiday but don’t want to travel internationally, Goa is your best bet.
The quietest Goa beaches, which are perfect for laying back and unwinding, include Morjim, Patnem, Miramar, Agonda, Cavelossim, and Arambol.
For a relaxing stay in Goa, we suggest staying at one of its luxurious resorts, which include Alila Diwa, ITC Grand Goa, Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa, and The St Regis Goa Resort.
10. Palampur
For a secluded mountain getaway, we suggest visiting Palampur, a quiet hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
Located in the heart of the Kangra valley, the town offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas.
Stay at Araiya Palampur – A Norwood Heights Resort. Founded by Amruda Nair, granddaughter of the founder of The Leela Group, this boutique hotel features a well-appointed spa that offers western, oriental, and ayurvedic treatments and an outdoor pool overlooking the mountains.
(Photo: Naman Sood via Unsplash)
11. Dubai
If you find staying at luxurious hotels, shopping at malls, and eating at stylish restaurants relaxing, then Dubai is the place for you.
Presently, the most popular hotels in Dubai are Burj Al Arab, Palazzo Versace, and the newly opened Atlantis The Royal.
Restaurants such as Ossiano at Atlantis the Palm, Piatti By The Beach, Raffles The Palm Dubai, Urla Restaurant, CÉ LA VI Dubai, The Lounge at Address Beach Resort, and OPA Dubai at Fairmont Dubai are crowd-favourites.
(Photo courtesy Atlantis The Royal, Dubai)
12. Sentosa, Singapore
Singapore, a city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, consists of the diamond-shaped Singapore Island and 60 small islets.
The family-friendly Sentosa island offers a plethora of activities for children and relaxing opportunities for adults.
Sentosa’s Tanjong Beach has the most laid-back vibes, and is ideal for a quiet day of sunbathing.
If you’re looking to pamper yourself at a spa, Sentosa is home to several options, including Auriga Spa at Capella Sentosa and So Spa at Sofitel Singapore.
