The Most Relaxing Places on the Planet

The entire purpose of a vacation is to disconnect from daily life and let loose. An action-packed itinerary can sometimes be too much when it comes to recharging our batteries. We discovered 12 of the world’s most relaxing locations. Here they are, from tropical islands to laid-back cities.

The whole point of a vacation is to disconnect from everyday life and let loose. When it comes to recharging our batteries, an action-packed itinerary can sometimes be too much. We discovered 12 of the most relaxing places on the planet. They range from tropical islands to laid-back cities.

#1 Tulum, Mexico

With Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach) as one of its main attractions, it’s no surprise that Tulum on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast makes our list of the world’s most relaxing places.

Playa Paraiso is a secluded, palm-fringed stretch of white sand that, despite its abundance of beauty and calm, crystal clear waters, remains relatively quiet and relaxed. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities here, followed by cool drinks and authentic Mexican cuisine at the local beach bars and restaurants.

Explore the real Yucatan Peninsula, from archaeological sites to Tulum’s beaches, with Insight Guides’ The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City trip. Then, in Mexico’s vibrant capital city, completely change the mood.

Plan your vacation to Tulum

#2 The Maldives

There’s a reason the World Spa Awards named the Maldives the best spa destination on the planet: when it comes to pampering yourself, this dreamy country takes the cake. The Maldives, made up of coral atolls in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, is home to hundreds of tropical islands, each more spectacular than the last.

Kuramathi Maldives is a luxury resort with a spa that offers treatments based on traditional Asian therapies, as well as pristine beaches and a diving center, for the ultimate in relaxation.

Meanwhile, on North Malé Atoll, the lavish Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers luxurious bungalow accommodation in a stunning island destination, complemented by exquisite cuisine and a tranquil spa.

Plan your vacation to Maldives

#3 Dead Sea, Jordan

Because Jordan has year-round sunshine, it is always possible to experience the Middle Eastern café culture in Amman before traveling through the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. .

Floating in the cobalt waters of the Dead Sea is simple due to their high salt and oil content. Beauty treatments in one of the region’s luxury mineral spas, on the other hand, are an experience not to be missed.

Spa treatments range from rejuvenating natural mud wraps to purifying milk baths. Try Dead Sea salt scrubs, which use the local waters to exfoliate skin and leave you feeling completely refreshed. On Insight Guides’ Treasures of Jordan trip, discover all the restorative powers of the Dead Sea’s salty shores.

Plan your vacation to the Dead Sea

#4 Langkawi, Malaysia

Lovers of the great outdoors can satisfy their wanderlust in Malaysia’s Langkawi archipelago, which is known for its breathtaking limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and jaw-dropping natural geological formations.

Langkawi is the premier geopark in Southeast Asia. It’s rich in biodiversity that you won’t find anywhere else, and the towering mountains and intricate cave routes are nothing short of paradise.

On an Indulgent Malaysia trip with Insight Guides, explore Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. Experience urban adventure, eagle-watching and mangrove tours, beach relaxation, and true bio-diversity.

Plan your vacation to Langkawi

#5 Phuket, Thailand

With its sparkling beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Phuket is easily one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. However, this does not preclude it from being one of the most relaxing places to visit. In fact, Phuket can be an excellent place to relax.

The northernmost reaches of the island’s western coastline include the protected Sirinat National Park and an extensive stretch of Hat Mai Khao beach. Its secluded location makes it one of the quietest on the island, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Relax at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in the south, where you can enjoy luxurious villa accommodations, fine dining, and unspoiled beaches.

Plan your vacation to Phuket

#6 Vientiane, Laos

There are numerous reasons why Laos should be on your travel bucket list.

Delicious restaurants and bakeries await in Vientiane’s ultra-walkable and easygoing capital. You can explore the peaceful surroundings of small-town Laos and beyond to find ancient relics from a bygone era.

This relaxed country also has some of Asia’s most historic shrines and archaeological sites, including the Wat Phu Hindu temple ruins. Discover fascinating Laos on an Insight Guides Historical Laos trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.

Plan your vacation to Vientiane

#7 Mykonos, Greece

For some, relaxing entails letting go of the stresses of everyday life, indulging in gourmet cuisine, and having a good time. Mykonos has wonderful granite-sand beaches and a stunningly beautiful port town that attracts a large number of visitors each year. .

Aside from fantastic designer shopping and a buzzing nightlife for people of all orientations, the island also has some of the most luxurious accommodation in the Greek islands.

Mykonos, on the other hand, is a destination where you can completely unwind. Agios Sostis and Panormos on the north coast are undeveloped, sheltered sandy beaches where you can enjoy idyllic peace and quiet. The Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum in Mykonos Town, located at opposite ends of the quay, are both full of fascinating objects. .

As part of Insight Guides’ The Historical and Mythological Cyclades Islands trip, take a boat cruise to Mykonos. After that, spend some time exploring Mykonos Town’s maze of narrow streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and tiny churches.

Plan your vacation to Mykonos

#8 Ubud, Bali

Elizabeth Gilbert chose Bali, Indonesia, to round out her well-known Eat, Pray, Love journey. We can’t really blame her.

‘Ubud, Bali is one of the most tranquil and relaxing destinations on the planet,’ says Jon, owner of an Ubud luxury villa. ‘There are few places that can delicately balance relative modernity and quality infrastructure with quiet, peace, and natural beauty,’ says the author.

He also mentions Bali’s plethora of high-end accommodations, spas, and retreats, which are ideal for some introspection and soul-searching. ‘In Ubud, Bali, you can find love, adventure, rest, and enlightenment. It belongs on a list of the most relaxing places on the planet.’

On an Insight Guides Bali Yoga Retreat trip, you can find peace for yourself. Appreciate the restorative value of meditation sessions on this magnificent Indonesian island, and take advantage of the opportunity to unwind in soulful Ubud.

Plan your vacation to Ubud

#9 Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan should be on the list of most relaxing places for travelers looking for remote adventure and laid-back discovery.

You may recognize this Myanmar city from iconic images of buoyant hot air balloons gently floating above ancient, gold-dipped pagodas and temples. As part of an Insight Guides Famous Waterways of Myanmar trip, see this verdant countryside peppered with stupas and misty, jagged peaks.

Plan your vacation to Bagan

#10 Nachi Falls, Japan

The magnificent Nachi Falls in Japan are a sight to behold. The waterfall has an incredible 133-meter drop and is hidden away in the Nachi Primeval Forest.

The Nachi Falls draw both worshippers and visitors to Seiganto-ji, a beautifully serene and ornate Buddhist temple said to have been built specifically for worshiping nature’s majesty. The three-tiered pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfectly complements the waterfall, contributing to one of the world’s most relaxing destinations.

Choose an Insight Guides Self-Guided Adventure Tour of Japan to immerse yourself in natural beauty, unwind on sacred islands, explore historic cities steeped in culture and ancient customs, see Samurai, and sample street food.

Plan your vacation to Nachi Falls

#11 Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

There’s California, and then there’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, a breathtaking destination in every way.

The National Park Service describes this travel gem as having “steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes.”

In terms of relaxation, the Drakesbad Guest Ranch is surrounded by mountain meadows and lakes, with cozy accommodation in rustic bungalow cabins that lack electricity. This is the ideal place to unplug during a truly off-the-grid stay. Hiking trails, horseback riding, and hot springs all contribute to a completely relaxing vacation.

Plan your vacation to Lassen Volcanic National Park

#12 Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang has two personalities. On the one hand, it’s one of Vietnam’s liveliest and most celebrated party towns. On the other hand, its hidden charms, beautiful beaches, and proximity to fascinating destinations like Hi An and Ho Chi Minh City make it an unexpected destination for a relaxing vacation.

Experience Nah Trang for yourself as part of Insight Guides’ Vietnam and Cambodia by Rail trip, which includes a two-night stay in the diverse town.

Plan your vacation to Nha Trang

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