10 of the Best: Relaxing & Quiet Holiday Destinations

If you dream of those long, laidback, lazy days spent luxuriating by a pool, reclining on a beach, or regenerating at a spa without a care in the world, punctuated by cooling cocktails and decadent cuisine, then Kempinski has got you covered. Resting, indulging and taking a precious moment to reset the pace amidst our hectic lives is good for mind, body and soul. Here, let me guide you through my pick of destinations where relaxation and rejuvenation are top of the agenda. 

MUSCAT, OMAN

Picture palm trees swaying in the breeze and gentle waves lapping at the shore as you take a leisurely stroll along the rambling coastline. Feel sunshine warming your skin and velvety sand giving way beneath your feet. Now you’re starting to get a flavour of Muscat – one of my top choices as an antidote to today’s stresses and strains.

On the Gulf of Oman, framed by sea, mountains, deserts and valleys, you’ll have stumbled upon an enchanting escape. Imagine yourself encountering turtles and dolphins and whiling away a peaceful afternoon snorkelling, sailing or paddleboarding.

If you’re looking for the best vantage point from which to soak it all up, Kempinski Hotel Muscat is unbeatable. It’s got chic rooms, a gorgeous cascade pool and it’s in a prime oceanfront spot so you’re just steps away from the crystal water and coral reef. Believe me when I say time spent here is quite literally therapy.

ISHTAR DEAD SEA, JORDAN

There’s something seductive and surreal about effortlessly floating in mystical waters at the lowest point on Earth while contemplating cloudless skies and rugged mountains. One of the natural wonders of the world, the Dead Sea has to be seen, and bathed in, to be believed.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is in a perfect position on the shores of the most ancient natural spa, so you can maximise every last moment witnessing this awe-inspiring area and its miraculous healing waters. 

I recommend coating yourself in therapeutic mineral mud on the beach and afterwards heading to Ishtar Spa, one of the largest in the Middle East. Every second is blissful with Dead Sea pools, hammams, whirlpools and tepidarium heated lounges.

With a palpable sense of history stretching back millennia, and a focus on spiritual renewal, this is the place to rediscover yourself.

BALI, INDONESIA

The picture of paradise, Bali brings aquamarine oceans, glorious beaches and eternal sunshine. For me, it’s irrefutably more beautiful than any image you can conjure and a sanctuary for those who need to untangle themselves from the demands of their hurried and hectic lives.

My highlights? Watching dolphins on the horizon, delving into rock pools, swimming with manta ray and admiring views of rolling mountains, fisherman’s villages and the sweeping ocean.

And where to stay to restore your inner calm? It can only be The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where you can sip a margarita while gazing at scarlet sunsets from the clifftop and feast on meals inside an unbelievably captivating aquarium.

It’s also worth giving yourself the well-deserved time to re-balance at Apurva Spa. The Indonesian philosophies of health and healing are what this is all about, so your burdens will absolutely vanish.

CANCÚN, MEXICO

There’s something deeply grounding about watching the magnificent blazing sun as it rises in the morning and sets in the evening over the glistening Caribbean Sea. On the Yucatán Peninsula in Cancún, time seems to slow down and your worries melt into the background.

In this incredible corner of the globe, there’s nowhere I’d rather stay than at Kempinski Hotel Cancún Mexico. With a breathtaking beachfront, everything you could wish for is here in your own serene bubble without having to venture further than your sumptuous sun lounger or beach cabana. You can even watch in wonder as turtles journey along the white sand.

When you need to cool down, plunge into the pools, swim with tropical fish or dip in the seafront hot tub with uninterrupted views over the Nichupté Lagoon. To make it even more calming and carefree, opt for a sunrise yoga session or pampering treatment at Kayantá Spa.

YANBU, SAUDI ARABIA

We’re all used to living life at high speed, which is why it’s so liberating to press the pause button with a much-needed beachside break. The crystal-clear waters of Yanbu on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea is a haven in which to do just that – and recharge your batteries and re-ignite your zest for life at the same time.

At Kempinski Hotel & Resort Sariya, immerse yourself in mellow coastal splendour, from golden sands to turquoise waters. The mesmerising unspoiled coral reef that’s home to hundreds of colourful species of fish makes it ideal for snorkelling, diving, kayaking and fishing.

If you can prise yourself away from the hotel’s secluded private beach, enticing infinity pool or restorative ladies’ spa, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade and admire the historic sites that give you a glimpse into the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia. With no demands and no pressures, this Red Sea retreat is pure peace. 

BANGKOK, THAILAND

Known for its electrifying buzz, Bangkok may come as a surprise on my list of harmonious hotspots, but trust me when I tell you Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel manages to achieve the virtually impossible. It provides an urban oasis in the heart of one of Asia’s most fast-paced and high-energy cities.

Here in this emerald enclave next to Lumphini Park, you’re surrounded by leafy gardens and inviting pools. Thanks to an impressive feat of engineering, one of the most euphoric feelings is swimming in the clouds amongst skyscrapers in the cantilevered infinity pool.

For an extra dose of quiet contentedness, Sindhorn Wellness by Resense is a spa that’s on a whole new level. Try dry floatation beds to help you feel completely weightless and shed all your troubles, along with hydrojet water massages, aromatic steaming sessions and replenishing wraps where your body is cocooned and freed of sensory interruptions. The result? You’ll be purified, strengthened and revitalised.

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

The very definition of serenity, the Seychelles will outshine any destination you’ve ever encountered.

You’ll be able to take your foot off the pedal at Kempinski Seychelles Resort, knowing that everything you could possibly desire will be taken care of for you. Your only task is to sit back and leave it all to the warmest and most welcoming team you could ever meet.

Winding down is made easy given the shimmering Indian Ocean, refreshing cocktails and mellow live music in the background.

How will you fill your days while here? Try hilltop yoga, romantic sunset cruises and dinner under the stars. Cool off in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. Discover picturesque bays at your own unhurried speed on paddleboard or kayak. Or, hang out with the hotel’s resident tortoises. Your anxieties will evaporate the second you step foot on the island.

GOZO, MALTA

If you’re keen to see the world but unwinding and decompressing is top of your wish list, Gozo is ideal. The little sister to Malta, this island has retained its authenticity and character thanks to its more off-the-beaten-track location, yet it’s still easily accessible in the heart of Europe.

The sea, with its instantly comforting effects, is never far away and the untouched bays make you feel like you’re discovering hidden gems for the first time. With vivid fish, mysterious grottos and dramatic shipwrecks, my favourite way to pass the days is on the water with top notch sailing, snorkelling and diving.

On dry land, a ramble through the countryside’s wildflowers and birdsong has the power to re-centre even the most tense among us.

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is every inch the secret hideaway. While here make sure you pay a visit to Kempinski The Spa and experience the herbal therapies and remedies at the Ayurveda Centre.

BODRUM, TÜRKIYE

Allow me to set the scene… lush countryside spills into the gleaming sea and sandy beaches stretch as far as you can see, while vineyards bursting with olive groves are dotted through the landscape. There’s a scattering of secluded bays, pretty harbours and quaint villages.

Bodrum holds a special place in my heart and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s the perfect sun-soaked spot to make your pressures fade away.

There’s no better place to take refuge from the world than at Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay. At this exclusive resort on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, the bustle of Bodrum feels far away and you’ll be gifted the soothing solitude you crave with all the luxury you can imagine. Think slow walks along the beach, invigorating swims in the pools and hours spent marvelling at the perfect coastal panorama.

Steeped in history and blessed with beauty, this is the optimum location to nurture and nourish yourself.

BEIJING, CHINA

Beijing is the archetypal megacity that never sleeps – but I assure you there’s an area just a short hop away that provides an almost hypnotic respite.

On the shores of a vast lake and with ambitious architecture that mirrors the rising sun, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel allows you to get away from the chaos of Beijing and feel close to the humbling forces of nature.

Walk amongst gorges, forests and temples. Listen to the rhythmic tune of rare birds and glimpse an array of wildlife in their natural habitats. And, most importantly of all, stay in a radiant setting where there’s a single-minded focus on your wellness.

At the foot of Yanshan Mountains, you’re far enough away from the action to exhale and think clearly, but close enough to enjoy everything the city, and the Great Wall of China, offers. This place gives you the freedom to reflect before returning to life with a renewed energy and resolve.  

If you’d rather get out and explore, why not read Ariana Dickson’s piece about the best action holidays?