Need a break? Check out these relaxing holiday destinations

When it comes to relaxing vacation spots, there is a strict criteria that destinations need to pass to make it onto our list. Spectacular natural beauty, a secluded location and vast vistas are known to reduce cortisol rates. Yet, it doesn’t stop there. A peaceful atmosphere that helps you to recentre and go with the flow is essential. As is the offer of wellness activities such as yoga and spa treatments to unwind and rejuvenate during your stay. So, with this in mind, we have selected our favourite relaxing holiday destinations designed to offer the best places to go for a quiet vacation, away from the stresses and strains of daily life.

A secluded location, state-of-the-art spas and child-free hotels are the making of a zen-like break. If you want to press pause on the noise and distractions of modern life, here are the must-visit destinations and holidays to be booked right now. 

If relaxing all-inclusive resorts sound appealing, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy secluded luxury. Located on the buttercream sandy shoreline of La Barrosa beach in Novo Sancti Petri-Chiclana (Costa de la Luz), the Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri is one of Spain’s finest. Home to the largest spa in Andalusia, relaxation and pampering are guaranteed. Yet, it is its 35,000 m2 of beautiful botanical gardens, along with its five outdoor swimming pools, five outdoor wellness cabins for luxurious treatments and an array of events such as a garden tour, cookery classes and sunset horse riding that make this a noteworthy bolthole. While kids are permitted to stay here, there are plenty of fun things to keep them occupied during their stay so that adults can let their stress melt away in the sunshine of Andalusia. When you are not enjoying the hotel’s luxurious facilities, head to the beach to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature. 

Does being surrounded by screensaver-worthy views of the Indian Ocean day after day sound like the ideal plan for your next holiday? Book an Ocean villa at the Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives in the South Ari atoll and dive into a watery world of stunning nature mixed with endless relaxation. 

Spend your days trying delicious cuisine at the hotel’s restaurants, nurturing the mind and body at the resort’s Ayurvedic spa or learning to dive with scuba diving classes at the PADI-certified scuba diving school. Look out for the manta rays, green turtles, and lionfish, but if you are really lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the whale shark. If you are keen to discover incredible wildlife, soak up some sunshine and drift through your holiday on the tropical breeze, the Maldives are one of the most relaxing holiday destinations that you can choose.

Just 40 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an exotic hideaway that promises endless opportunities for some relaxation. Known as the spice island, Zanzibar is actually the name given to a group of islands. When people speak of Zanzibar, they often refer to the main island Unguja. It is here where you can find splendid scenery such as the Jozani forest and Jambiani Beach. It is one of the best relaxing vacations for couples and there is even a beach, Nakupenda Beach, whose name translates to “I love you” in Swahili. When on holiday in Zanzibar, enjoy the untouched natural surroundings, get up close to exotic wildlife on a safari or explore the delights of local towns and cities such as Pete or Stone Town for a truly relaxing getaway.  

While the likes of the Maldives offer a step-off-the-world getaway, for those who enjoy access to a wide range of things to do and sightseeing opportunities, these relaxing holiday destinations by the sea offer a way to disconnect while still staying connected to the world. 

Mexico is a country known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture yet the picture-perfect stretches of white sand of the Quintana Roo are an idyllic setting for a relaxing beach break. Let the lapping Caribbean Sea along the shoreline become the soundtrack to your stay in the Yucatán Peninsula as you unwind and soak up the sun’s warm rays. The lively city of Cancún is one of the best relaxing solo travel destinations meanwhile the tranquil beaches of Tulum offer a romantic setting for a couple’s break. For those seeking adventure, uncover the magic of swimming in the crystal clear cenotes, explore Mayan ruins and visit the bustling markets in search of traditional souvenirs. The all-inclusive hotels of Quintana Roo also provide an ideal hideaway from the stress of life with their relaxing setting that promises moments of serenity and rejuvenation throughout your vacation. 

There is something so bewitching about the powdery white sand, the gently swaying palm trees and the tranquil, tropical landscape of Samara Beach in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Here time stands still, inviting you to enjoy one of the most relaxing holiday destinations on the planet. If you are staying in Guanacaste, this is an ideal spot for you to enjoy the breathtaking views and untouched natural beauty of the area. 

Spend your day immersing yourself in the peaceful rhythm of beach life and exploring the area’s rich marine life as you snorkel through the topaz waters before heading back to your hotel for a soothing massage and a tasty meal, all with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop to your travels. 

Fuerteventura, the Canarian archipelago’s second-largest island is a hotspot for beach lovers keen to escape the crowds. The long stretches of untouched coastline make it one of the top quiet holiday destinations in Spain, ideal for your next getaway. Check into one of Fuerteventura’s hotels and get ready for a sunshine-filled escape. Head to the island’s best beaches and if you are feeling adventurous you can even try your hand at watersports such as surfing or windsurfing, two very popular island pastimes. If relaxing and soaking up the Canarian rays is what you are after, there are plenty of coves and coastlines to choose from. Yet, as the island is volcanic, you can also bathe in its natural pools of Caleta de Fuste, created thousands of years ago during the volcanic eruptions that formed the island. Today they are a wonderful way to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean without the worry of tides and currents. Be sure to pack a snorkel as there is plenty of multi-coloured fish to see while swimming. 

Sometimes getting out of your routine and exploring a totally new culture is just what the doctor ordered. With relaxing holiday destinations on our doorstep and further afield, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to restful cultural escapes. 

While Fuerteventura may be the place for a beach getaway, mountain lovers will fall under the spell of Tenerife, the Canary Islands’ largest island. Home to the highest peak in Spain, the El Teide volcano, the island is a fantastic place to visit if you love exploring the great outdoors. Just a stone’s throw from the Tenerife all-inclusive resorts, the Laurisilva forests of Anaga Rural Park transport visitors to a luscious green paradise with spectacular views. Alternatively, the El Teide National Park is a wonderful place to witness the sparse volcanic nature of the island during the day and Tenerife’s dark sky full of stars at night. Let nature reset your circadian rhythms and nourish your soul as you delve into the natural and cultural heritage of Tenerife.

Lose yourself among fragrant tea plantations and exotic vistas while enjoying a relaxing adventure in Sri Lanka. With over 20 million inhabitants, this island on the southeastern tip of India offers an enchanting escape with the promise of delicious (spicy) food and fascinating culture. Head to Kandy, the cultural capital where you can find lots of things to do, among them a visit to the most important sites in Buddhism, the Buddha Tooth Temple. Adam’s Peak and Sri Pada are another must-visit during your holidays in Sri Lanka. This sacred mountain offers a peaceful place to explore and admire the natural beauty of the island and is a stark contrast to the beautiful beaches of Mirissa, Nilaveli Beach and Pigeon Island. If you have time, be sure to visit the Yala National Park where you can catch sightings of leopards if you are lucky - an incredible memory to create during your holiday to one of the world’s most relaxing holiday destinations. 

As far as relaxing vacation spots go, Phuket is high on the list. Its pristine beaches framed by the azure Andaman Sea are the textbook image of a tropical getaway. The soft sands of Patong Beach offer a relaxing place to stop and rest meanwhile the white sands of Phang Nga Bay are ideal for those keen to experience an island escape. Check into one of the island’s top hotels and enjoy a traditional Thai massage in the luxury spa before trying the local seafood dishes at the beachfront restaurants. While the island’s beaches are the definition of paradise for some, the island also boasts tropical rainforests with powerful waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs and awe-inspiring viewpoints. Major attractions include the Phuket Big Buddha statue, the Sirinat National Park and the Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham Temple, all of which should feature on your Phuket itinerary. 

Turkey may be famous for its mesmerising cities like Istanbul and Ankara yet it is the region of Cappadocia that features on our list of relaxing holiday destinations. This is thanks to its spectacular scenery which is best enjoyed from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. Let the gentle breeze float you away at a leisurely pace as the balloon guides you across the fairytale landscape of Monks Valley below. Enjoy the slow pace of life and imagine your worries and stresses floating away too the higher you soar. Once back on solid ground, head to the underground world of Derinkuyu where you can learn about the early-Christian cave dwellers. Or, alternatively, discover Göreme where you can learn about the region’s fascinating history at the open-air museum. Holidays in Cappadocia promise to be relaxing, slow-paced and packed full of history and culture. What’s not to love?