Singapore,
11
February
2019
|
03:54
Europe/Amsterdam

The Mindful Traveller: Vacations to Inspire Serenity, Clarity and Relaxation

To pay homage to Stress Awareness Month in April, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has explored its 29 million listings, 5.8 million of which are in homes, apartments and other unique places to stay, across 144,000 destinations to curate a diverse selection of relaxing vacations perfect for the mindful traveler.

Are you one of the 54% of global travellers[i] interested in planning a vacation that will let you enjoy some well-deserved “me time” in 2019, escaping the hustle and bustle of busy everyday life? Then why not take a break from the daily rush and enjoy a peaceful destination offering stylish accommodations with restorative treatments.

From the natural beauty of Hakone and Motueka, to the trendy but calm Canggu and Costa Blanca - cultivate calm, channel a more balanced mind and bring the good vibes back home with you.

Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan

Just outside of the neon-lit and eccentric city of Tokyo is the coastal prefecture of Kanagawa where you can head over to Hakone and soak in its natural beauty and even do a spot of forest bathing. This mountainous town is a hot-spring paradise and is known for its amazing views of the ever iconic, Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi.

Where to stay: Stay at the adults-only, Kinnotake Tonosawa, a modern ryokan, which offers a public hot spring bath and large minimalist rooms with peaceful forest views. Some even come with its own private onsen. For something a little easier on the pocket, Hakone Hotel also features public hot spring baths, and simple rooms that offer beautiful views of the lake, surrounding nature and if you’re lucky, Mount Fuji.

Motueka, Tasman, New Zealand

You can continue to get close to nature in New Zealand’s South Island, Motueka, which is often seen as a gateway to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Lying close to the mouth of the Motueka River of Tasman Bay, this town is known for its cultural and artistic community, along with its beautiful landscapes, waterfront and its saltwater baths.

Where to stay: Treat yourself to a luxurious experience at Split Apple Retreat, which will get you feeling rested and serene in no time. Each suite comes with a private deck with sweeping ocean views, whilst public amenities include a saltwater infinity pool and spa. You’ll even have access to two beaches, one of which is home to the famous 120 million year old Split Apple rock, after which the retreat was named.

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Situated between Seminyak and Tanah Lot, Canggu has become a honeypot for Bali’s avid travellers, who want to marry some beach downtime and lush fields with cool and alternative surf-shack partying and edgy hangouts. Ditch your phone and enjoy chilling at one of the many green-juice and acai bowl bars with a book, take up yoga or even learn to surf.

Where to stay: Just metres from one of Bali’s finest surfing beach, the latest COMO property to make its way to Bali provides amazing views of the sea, an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. After having a surf lesson or cycling through the terraced Ceking rice fields, wind down with a relaxing massage or mindful meditation at COMO Shambhala Retreat.

Kovalam, Kerala, India

Famous for its palm beaches and shallow waters, this romantic Indian paradise is a laidback fishing village that has become a popular tourist destination that has managed to keep its charm. You can find spots to practice yoga or enjoy therapeutic ayurvedic treatments.

Where to stay: Featuring a private beach, Niraamaya Retreats, Surya Samudra offers a beautiful sea-facing infinity pool along with a variety of pampering spa treatments at the Niramaya Spa. Spacious rooms are dreamy and have a luxurious feel with sea or garden views, allowing you to just kick back and relax.

Costa Blanca, Spain

Costa Blanca is more than 200 km of beautiful coastline on Spain’s south eastern Mediterranean coast, but has a lot more to discover than just sun, sand and sea. Soak in the heritage and history with a trip to the Catedral de Santa María in Murcia, get your cultural fix at Museo Arqueológico Provincial, take in the tranquility of nature by visiting the Algar waterfalls or a relaxing hike across the vast Serra Gelada nature conservation area.

Where to stay: Treat your mind, body and soul at the luxurious Sha Wellness Clinic and spa. Situated on the beautiful Costa Blanca coastline in Albir, it offers a wide range of treatments and facilities based on the SHA method, integrating natural therapies, therapeutic nutrition and preventive medicine.

[i] Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 21,500 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China, Brazil, India, US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 10th August to 30th August 2018.