20 of the most relaxing holiday destinations

Need a relaxing holiday? Get marooned on an island, or bask in some stunning scenery. Here is our pick of the most relaxing holiday destinations for a truly relaxing break.

Landmannalaugar, Iceland

The astonishing landscape of Landmannalaugar still feels remarkably off the beaten track in Iceland. Its mountains are streaked in varying shades of orange and brown (and at times, blue and green), and is easily one of the best places to go on holiday.

Those that do make it here come for the hiking or – and more appropriate for those in search of the most relaxing holiday destinations – the hot springs. These are about as natural as they come – scalding water emerges from underneath lava to meet a cold water flow, creating the perfect, scenic conditions for a soak.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Follow the journey of our content manager and find out what to expect and how to prepare.

Ang Thong National Park, Thailand

Though Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan have plenty of perfect beaches for even the weariest of travellers, head to nearby Ang Thong National Park for the most relaxing holiday destinations.

This group of 42 small, lush islands boasts the kind of winning combination of sand and rainforest. Whether you dive among the coral reefs, seek out your own pristine bay or spot macaques in the rainforest, you’ll have left the stresses of real life far behind you.

Budapest, Hungary

Stately Budapest remains one of the grandest of Europe’s capital cities. The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the chance to wallow in one of the city’s restorative spas, fed by thermal waters from subterranean springs. 

This is one of the most relaxing places you can visit. The Art Nouveau Gellért Baths offer an air of exclusivity among its mosaics and stained glass. Meanwhile, the Széchenyi Baths are the hottest in the city, with outdoor pools and water rapids to add to the experience.

• For couples: Heritage Home Apartments
• For boutique stays: Stories Boutique Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Budapest.

Seychelles, West Indian Ocean

Seychelles is one of the best holiday destinations and is the stuff that tropical-paradise dreams are made of. Ridiculously soft white sand, clear azure waters and a lush interior that’s just waiting for exploration. It’d be hard for even the most stressed-out city dweller to not arrive here and feel themselves instantly relax.

Though the name conjures up images of honeymooners and expensive resorts, it is thankfully possible to stay here on a smaller budget – making paradise a much more affordable possibility.

Looking for even more options for your trip? Explore our selection of the best holiday destinations from around the world. 

Vancouver, Canada

Cosmopolitan Vancouver, scenically set by the water and ringed by mountains, feels like the best of both worlds. This vibrant, exciting city is within spitting distance of some astounding nature. 

The city itself has a laid-back vibe that has much in common with the US’s west coast cities. There’s arguably no better place to experience this – whether on the beach or on two wheels – than semi-wild Stanley Park, the city’s green heart.

• For B&B: O Canada House Bed & Breakfast
• For price and quality: Times Square Suites Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Vancouver.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

It’s worth making the stunning Bay of Islands, in the far north of New Zealand, your final stop after indulging in the country’s plethora of adrenaline-filled activities. It is truly one of the best holiday destinations to relax. 

This subtropical region is best explored from the water. While here, you might get to spot whales, penguins and dolphins. Even the largest island of the bunch – Urupukapuka – remains remarkably tranquil.

Sacred Valley, Peru

North of Cusco, the Sacred Valley stretches out towards Machu Picchu. Here, in the steep-sided valley, you’ll find the evocative Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, in dramatic positions high above the river. Once you’ve spent a few days exploring, head a bit downriver to Urubamba, which is becoming something of a spiritual centre, to relax under the snowy peaks of the Andes.

Soak up some Peruvian culture on this whirlwind tailor-made trip to Peru. See the capital Lima, pretty Cusco and the Sacred Valley before you acclimatise to the high altitude of Machu Picchu, the greatest mountain city on earth and the gateway to the Incan Empire.

Valladolid, Mexico

There are plenty of places to relax in the Yucatán, but head away from the coast to colourful Valladolid and you’ll discover a much more local side to the region. The greatest pleasure here is in exploring on foot, ducking into little shops as they take your fancy. Or tying the local specialities and cooling off in the wonderful natural cenote (sinkhole) on the edge of town.

Yucatán is calling you, and this tailor-made Mayan Heritage trip is the way to do it. Experience the jungle in a completely new way; enjoy incredible food, beautiful sunsets, and the warmth of its communities.

Treasure Beach, Jamaica — one of the most relaxing holiday destinations

On an island that’s synonymous with chilling out, Treasure Beach particularly stands out as one of the most relaxing holiday destinations. The beaches are blissfully quiet by Jamaican standards. 

However, there’s still very much a local heart to the beachside community, which definitely adds to its appeal. This is undoubtedly the place to come to discover the island’s gentler side.

Amami Oshima, Japan

Amami Oshima is the largest island in the Amami archipelago, located in the southern part of Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture. The island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and for being one of the most peaceful places to visit. 

Life on Amami Oshima tends to be slower-paced compared to mainland Japan, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush forests, and pristine beaches. It's often referred to as the "Galapagos of the East" due to its unique biodiversity.

The Dordogne, France

It’s hard not to be enchanted by the Dordogne as it winds its way past dramatically-sited château and medieval villages. The region is best appreciated at a slow pace —whether floating down the river in a canoe, over the fields in a hot air balloon, or over a leisurely lunch in a sun-dappled square.

Even driving here is a pleasure. It’s hard to beat driving the quiet country roads at dusk as the river glints appealingly beside you.

Looking for more ideas for your holiday? Explore our guide to the best beach destinations for holidays in Europe.

Bora Bora, South Pacific Ocean

Let’s be honest, you’re unlikely to head to Bora Bora for anything other than the delights of sun and sea. The ultimate way to do it, if you can afford to, is to stay in an over-water hut, from where the peaceful sunsets and vast expanses of aquamarine water are yours alone to savour. This is without a doubt one of the best places to go on holiday in the world.

If it all gets a bit too quiet for your liking, explore the beautiful lagoons by boat, hike into the interior or experience the vibrant underwater life on a diving trip.

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

The largest national park in the UK, and right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms boast the kind of jaw-dropping scenery that’ll impress you even in the worst weather. And if it does turn out to be dreich (dreary), it’s hard to beat cosying up by a fire in a Highland pub with a glass or two of whisky.

This tailor-made trip to Scotland's Wildest Natural Scenery is a breath of fresh air and perfect to explore the most enchanting landscapes of the Highlands. It will allow you to get to know the wildest landscapes of Scotland, its fast-paced history and its amazing traditions.

Joshua Tree National Park, USA

The silence of the desert is what makes Joshua Tree National Park one of the most relaxing holiday destinations. There’s undoubtedly something otherworldly about the eponymous Joshua Trees (which are in fact yucca rather than trees). The park is at its most magical at dusk when the desert shifts into varying shades of orange, pink and red.

The best way to experience the park is on foot – clambering over giant boulders, hiking down to an oasis, or just finding a shady spot from which to soak up the silence.

Coffee Bay, South Africa

Although it has seen an uptick in visitors in recent years, Coffee Bay remains pristine and wonderfully quiet. This is a great place to chill on the beach (there are two main beaches a ten minute walk from each other), or to take a hike with a local guide.

Coffee Bay's most famous landmark is the iconic Hole in the Wall rock formation. Legend has it that this natural wonder was created by a giant fish.

One of the highlights of visiting Coffee Bay is watching the spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean, casting a golden glow over the coastline.

Despite it's size, there are plenty of great accommodation options in Coffee Bay.

Las Alpujarras, Spain

The hairpin bends of the roads through this mountainous part of Andalucía may mean you arrive feeling a little less than relaxed. However, it doesn’t take long to slip into the sleepy rhythms of this beautiful region. 

Spend your days exploring the quiet white-washed villages, tasting the delicious local jamón, or taking a leisurely ramble along a mountainside path.

Maluku, Indonesia

Maluku is the southern part of the Moluccas archipelago in Indonesia, consisting of more than 600 islands. It's known for its beautiful beaches (where you can spot dolphins and whales), volcanoes, delicious food and for being one of the most peaceful places to visit.

In Maluku you will find some the most beautiful destinations in Indonesia. The waters surrounding Maluku are part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet.

Where islands such as Bali, Java, Lombok or Sulawesi can be overrun with fellow travelers, in the Moluccas you will truly have the beaches to yourself. Here you can can swim in crystal clear waters or just relax with a Bintang. 

Nong Khiaw, Laos

North of Luang Prabang on the wide Nam Ou River and surrounded by striking limestone karsts is the village of Nong Khiaw. It is one of the most relaxing holiday destinations in Laos. While there are plenty of activities on offer in the surrounding countryside, it’s really about the simple pleasures here. Chill out in your riverside hammock, ideally with a cold Beer Lao in hand, as the sun sinks below the horizon.

One of Southeast Asia’s lesser-travelled countries, Laos is definitely off the beaten track. It has retained its culture, charm and traditional village life, wild jungle and stunning countryside. On this tailor-made trip to Historical Laos, you'll find tradition and mystery and a unique adventure.

To better prepare for your upcoming trip to Laos read the Laos travel tips we've collected.

Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker more than lives up to its motto of 'Go Slow', and at just 35km northeast of Belize City it makes for one of the most relaxing holiday destinations. Best of all, at affordable prices.

This relaxed and easy-going island is only just over 8km long. The big appeal here, in addition to the gorgeous white-sand beaches, is the abundance of opportunities that the reef – 1.5km offshore – provides, not least snorkelling among the coral canyons.

Take this tailor-made family-friendly adventure through Guatemala and Belize. Discover Lake Atitlan on kayaks, explore the active volcano Pacaya or play hide and seek in the large archaeological complex of Tikal before heading out to Belize for its fantastic underwater world and beaches.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

It’s not hard to be blown away by the majestic landscape of the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The centrepiece is undoubtedly the immense Paine Massif. Of which the Torres del Paine themselves usually steal the show as they tower over the almost too-reflective-to-seem-real waters of Lago Nordenskjöld.

The vast expanse of Patagonia is home to extreme landscapes, from jagged mountains, stark glaciers, clear blue lakes, and grassy fields. You will find them all in Torres del Paine, a huge contrast to the start of this tailor-made trip to Chile in the historical, bustling city of Santiago.

Planning your relaxing holiday

Why stress about the details? Our tailor made trip service makes taking your relaxing holiday easy by taking care of the hassle of planning and booking. Our trips are designed by local travel experts and are completely customisable. 

Not only will you get to skip hours of researching before your trip, you can be assured during your trip with support 24/7.  See some of our existing itineraries for inspiration.

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