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TRAVEL GUIDES
Slowcation Inspiration: 10 Relaxing Destinations To Indulge In
Amidst the hustle and bustle of ordinary life, the allure of slowcation holidays has become increasingly irresistible in the past few years. A heavily desired travel trend that’s all about rejuvenation, relaxation and tranquillity, slow vacations have emerged as the perfect antidote to the relentless rush. For those seeking to embrace a calmer pace of life, we’ve hand-picked a selection of destinations to unwind and recharge. From Mexican beach hideaways to local retreats, discover the best slowcation spots to indulge in this — and every — year.
1. Château de la Resle, Burgundy
A short trip across The Channel brings you to the Château de la Resle, an ivy-covered mansion that effortlessly blends scenic beauty and architectural elegance. Set in the historical heartland of France’s vineyard region, the 17th-century château offers everything you need to move at a relaxed tempo — from gourmet dining to holistic treatments at the wellness spa. And for those planning a minimal itinerary, wine trails and leisurely walks are only moments away.
2. Hotel Escondido, Mexico
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, Hotel Escondido champions a laid-back atmosphere with a coastal vibe. This secluded sanctuary boasts cactus-filled fields and a sweeping shoreline, along with 16 palpala bungalows, each designed with hardwood flooring, vibrant decor and shutter doors that lead to your own private pool. What’s more, surfing and sunbathing are almost non-negotiable, should you decide to sway from the comfort of your hammock.
3. Casa de São Lourenço, Portugal
Sky-high mountain views, floor-to-ceiling glass façades, steamy saunas set against a panoramic backdrop — Casa de São Lourenço is the ultimate slowcation retreat. Realised by architects Paulo Costa and Patrícia Marques, it’s centred around a soulful environment, with subtle masonry, tonal palettes and regional wool woven into the design. The highlight, however, lies in the hotel’s revitalising spa, where treatments are carefully curated to find the balance between body and mind.
4. Thyme Hotel, the Cotswolds
Prefer not to stray too far? Make yourself at home at the Thyme Hotel. Surrounded by swathes of rolling hills, it encompasses a series of cottages, manor houses and barns in the idyllic village of Southrop. You can expect the usual amenities and the ambience the hotel is known for, alongside harvest-fresh food under the direction of Head Chef Charlie Hibbert, botanical gardens and cosy bedrooms full of characterful charm. Within the comfortable embrace of the Thyme’s historic walls, a good night's sleep is guaranteed. You can even bring the comfort home by shopping from Thyme's collection. Available here.
5. Hotel Galery69, Poland
A peaceful haven where time stands still, Hotel Galery69 effortlessly masters the art of slow living. Created, conceptualised and helmed by Małgosia and Wojciech Żółtowsky, its refined design reflects the surrounding wilderness, with white wooden panelling, handmade accent chairs and an abundance of natural light. Swimming is a must-add to your shortlist — be it in the Wulpińskie Lake during the summer months or the hotel’s private mosaic pool.
6. Timber Cove Resort, California
Overlooking the rugged outline of California’s Sonoma Coast, Timber Cove Resort is an uber-cosy, cliff-top lodge just a short drive away from San Francisco. Reimagined by American architect Richard Clements, the interior incorporates redwood accents and preppy plaids, accompanied by king-sized beds, pour-over coffee kits and vintage record players in each bedroom. Once you’ve reclined by the wood-burning fireplace, whether on the sundeck or in the grand hall, the resort has two miles of trails for you to explore under your own steam.
7. Vocabolo Moscatelli, Italy
Once a 12th-century monastery in the heart of medieval Umbria, Vocabolo Moscatelli now offers 12 individually decorated rooms and an impressive travertine pool for travellers seeking solitude. Inside, four-poster beds and spacious bathrooms with cantilevered bathtubs combine old and new, while the exterior presents a central piazza with umbrella-topped tables for devoted sun dwellers. If the manicured lawns and artisanal Italian cuisine don’t sate your appetite, savour a glass of wine or seasonal cocktail in Bar Matite, the hotel’s renowned ristorante.
8. Ett Hem, Stockholm
Despite its location in Sweden’s capital city, Ett Hem is the pinnacle of R&R. Tucked away on a quiet residential street, this 20th-century townhouse comprises 25 rooms and suites adorned with Scandi-inspired furnishings and contemporary fittings that’ll make you feel right at home. Lazy mornings can be spent in the garden or the aptly-named relaxation room, while the library provides a compelling excuse to stay indoors.
9. Somewhere Lombok, Indonesia
Indonesia, with its balmy beaches and untamed landscapes, is the epitome of paradise. Case and point? Somewhere Lombok, a utopian resort comprising 20 personal villas, inviting plunge pools and sustainably sourced decor. Here, guests can reconnect with nature, catch up on some well-earned rest under the shade of the swaying palm trees, or cycle through the lush greenery to the sandy shores of Kuta.
10. Son Blanc Farmhouse, Menorca
Created with simplicity and relaxation in mind, Son Blanc Farmhouse seamlessly fuses a sustainability philosophy with rustic appeal. Once a 19th-century farm, this reimagined retreat is found in the Menorcan countryside, surrounded by olive-green trees, dusty roads and lime-washed walls that exude serenity. Unwind with a calming pottery class, indulge in the restaurant’s sea-inspired menu, or venture to the nearby villages and sample a selection of local cheeses — the choice is yours.