The holidays are touted as a time for joy and
connection. However, they can also evoke feelings of overcommitment and
overstimulation. While nothing beats traditions, people are also looking for a
different way to celebrate the holiday season. And it’s a way that’s less about
doing and more about being.
If this sounds like you, consider trading the
holiday hustle for a peaceful and rejuvenating escape. Instead of hustling to
host holiday festivities at home, opt to tune out the busyness and wake up to
the sound of waves or even the quiet of a mountain sunrise.
We've rounded up some holiday destinations
that will help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and enjoy the holidays
in a new way. From private island sanctuaries to wellness-focused retreats,
these are the spots where you can genuinely relax this holiday season.
1. Naviva
| Punta Mita, Mexico
Tucked into 48 acres of coastal forest
overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Naviva is a sanctuary for those in need of a
reset. This adults-only, all-inclusive, tented resort offers an experience that
feels worlds away from the holiday rush.
With just 15 luxury tents, this resort feels
more like a private, intimate hideaway than your traditional resort.
The resort's philosophy, "Unscripted
Naviva," encourages guests to release the stress of planning and
decision-making, allowing each day to unfold and flow organically.
Your stay here is fully inclusive, meaning you
don’t have to worry about the logistics of food, drinks, and activities. You
can order what you want, when you want it.
The luxury tents are designed to blend indoor
and outdoor living seamlessly, each featuring a private plunge pool. For an
extra dose of wellness, you can participate in a traditional temazcal ceremony,
take a forest hike, or enjoy an open-air massage.
2. El Campo BSC
| Baja California Sur, Mexico
For a unique Mexican escape, head to El Campo
BCS in El Pescadero, Baja California Sur. This retreat is a vibrant blend of
art, movement, and mindful living, making it the perfect place for creative
exploration and reconnection. It’s the ideal unplugged holiday destination that
invites you to trade in your phone for a deeper connection with nature and
yourself.
The retreat features a range of activities,
including body awareness classes and dance, which guide you to reconnect with
your physical self. You also have the option to spend your time here relaxing
on the beach and indulging in chef-led culinary experiences that incorporate
local ingredients and traditions.
El Campo BSC offers the perfect balance of
comfort and nature, making it a dream come true for rest and fun.
Cayo Levantado. (Photo Credit: Cayo Levantado Media)
Just a quick boat ride from the coast of
Samaná, Dominican Republic, sits Cayo Levantado Resort, a holistic island
sanctuary. The resort's stunning Victorian-inspired architecture houses 218
rooms thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of the Caribbean. They're
divided into four settings: Above the Sea, Beneath the Sea, Tropical Flora, and
Tropical Fauna.
This resort is centered on four customizable
"wellness pathways" — Refresh, Restore, Renew, and Relax. These guide
every aspect of your stay, from dining to fitness classes.
At the heart of Cayo Levantado sits Yubarta, a
jungle-based wellness center that offers programs focused on women's health,
relationships, and sleep. The resort's spa also features lunar-inspired
therapies for aligning with the stars. And the food is a journey rooted in
local traditions and the freshest ingredients.
For a different kind of retreat, head to the
Tennessee mountains for a stay at Bolt Farm Treehouse. The accommodations are
anything but ordinary. You’ve got everything from mirror cabins to geodesic
domes. But they all have one thing in common: they’re designed for relaxation
and feature amenities like outdoor hot tubs, copper soaking tubs, and private
pizza ovens.
Bolt Farm is the perfect place to unplug,
recharge, and get back to nature without having to sacrifice the comforts of
life. Guests have described this luxurious, tranquil escape as "heaven on
earth."
The property’s new cliffside Wellness Haven
adds to the experience with its hot spring pools, mirrored saunas, and a cold
plunge, all overlooking the peaceful valley below.
This destination is great for solo travelers
or couples seeking peace and connection.
Cayo Espanto Private Island. (Photo Credit: Cayo Espanto Private Island Media)
Three miles off the coast of San Pedro,
Belize, lies Cayo Espanto, a private island resort designed for deep relaxation
and seclusion. With only seven villas, the island provides a rare intimacy and
privacy.
Cayo Espanto is a place to truly disconnect.
You can hand over your phone upon arrival for a fully unplugged stay (which we
highly recommend). Your days here are filled with simple luxuries like enjoying
a massage under the palm trees, snorkeling in the crystal-clear Caribbean
waters, or reading your book in a hammock.
The dining is tailored to your preferences,
with a daily menu created just for you. And you can enjoy your meals anywhere
on the island, including your private dock or a secluded beach.
Escape to the sunny shores of Maui for a
restorative holiday at the five-star, five-diamond Four Seasons Resort Maui at
Wailea. Spanning 15 acres along the Wailea Coast, this resort is a perfect mix
of elegant accommodations and stunning ocean views.
While it offers plenty of cultural experiences
and adventures if you want them, it’s also an ideal spot for some R&R.
The resort offers an elevated wellness
experience through its collaboration with Next|Health. This
partnership focuses on vitality, longevity, and personalized care, with a
variety of treatments designed to help you feel your best.
You can get IV infusions to boost immunity,
energy, or hydration, or explore other options like diagnostic labs and genetic
testing to create a personalized wellness plan. The treatments here help combat
jet lag and energize you so you can enjoy your time in paradise.
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