Check Out These Relaxing Holiday Destinations

The holidays are touted as a time for joy and connection; when it comes to holiday travel, we have identified six relaxing holiday destinations for you to enjoy. 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 six relaxing 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. 

3. Cayo Levantado Resort | Samaná, Dominican Republic

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. 

4. Bolt Farm Treehouse | Whitwell, Tennessee

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.

5. Cayo Espanto Private Island | Belize

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. 

6. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea | Wailea, Hawaii

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. 

This article, featuring six relaxing holiday destinations, originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan and book a trip to one (or more) of these six relaxing holiday destinations.