When it comes to relaxing vacation spots, it all comes down to personal preference. Some travelers might find the hustle and bustle of a major city strangely soothing, while others will crave the solitude of a mountain village or a deserted beach.
Whether you’re dreaming of a winter getaway with white sandy beaches and fresh tropical fruits or in search of lavender fields and vineyards with a splash of culture, here are 15 of the most relaxing vacations in the world.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia
Seekers of a laid-back tropical paradise have long since favored St. Lucia, and for good reason. Famous beaches, romantic boat rides along the coastline, and natural springs offer countless opportunities to rest, reset, and reconnect with loved ones.
St. Lucia is located in the Eastern Caribbean, between Martinique and St. Vincent. It’s a volcanic island, shaped by mountains, rainforests, and coves, the skyline defined by the jagged peaks of the Pitons, two ancient volcanic plugs.
Gros Piton, St. Lucia
One of the most relaxing things to do in St. Lucia is to tour the island on a catamaran cruise along the west coast. Most tours depart from Castries before sailing past Gros and Petit Pitons. Depending on the weather, most tours will include a few snorkeling stops for those who want to get in the water.
Most travelers plan their trip during St. Lucia’s dry season, mid-December through April, when skies are clear and seas are calm.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia
The Hindu island of Bali is a destination rooted in spirituality and healing, as well as soft adventure and wellness retreats.
Unwind at Nusa Dua Beach, with its calm waters and pristine sand. It’s quieter than many other Balinese beaches, making it an excellent choice for a tranquil day. For something more active, consider a cycling tour through Abun Village and Kintamani. It’s a memorable way to see volcanic landscapes up close, bike past vibrant rice paddies, and learn about Balinese traditions.
Head to Ubud in the heart of the island, where there’s a focus on health and wellness, from juice bars to drop-in yoga classes. This is a great place to shop for Balinese art, too.
Madeira, Portugal
Funchal in Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a Portuguese island located in the North Atlantic, southwest of Portugal’s mainland. There’s something for every interest here, from visiting the seaside town of Ribeira Brava to hiking the woodland trails that lead to the dramatic Cabo Girão viewpoint.
One of the most unique experiences in Funchal, the capital, is a ride down the steep streets from Monte on the famous wicker toboggans. While today it’s mainly a tourist attraction, the toboggans, which are each steered by two experts, were an essential means of transportation for residents in the early 19th century.
Subtropical Madeira is a great place for a relaxing vacation in winter, as it basks in sunshine year-round; the gorgeous Botanical Gardens in Funchal are guaranteed to lift the spirits.
Turks & Caicos
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is an archipelago of tropical islands in the Atlantic, known for the whitest of white-sand beaches and the most iridescent turquoise waters. Whether lounging on the beach with a cocktail and a book or snorkeling among sea turtles and tropical fish, Turks & Caicos balances relaxation and exploration.
A great way to experience local culture is on a tour of Grand Turk that includes a rum tasting at Grand Turk Lighthouse, followed by time to unwind on beautiful Governor’s Beach.
December through April is peak season, but shoulder months bring fewer crowds. If you’re hoping to see humpback whales, plan your trip between January and March, when sightings are most common.
Barbados
Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
Set just north of Grenada and east of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados is a calm beach destination ideal for relaxing vacations. The island also offers some excellent restaurants and has a lively cultural and artistic scene, too.
Bathsheba Beach, with its dramatic rock formations, lies on the island’s wave-pounded Atlantic coast. This is a place to enjoy a long walk, feel the sea salt on the breeze, and watch the surfers ride the waves.
Carlisle Bay, Barbados
If you’re up for a classic beach day, head to Brownes Beach in Carlisle Bay, just outside Bridgetown. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming or snorkeling, and you can rent a sunbed and umbrella for extra comfort.
Another relaxing way to explore Barbados is by taking the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway to a restored plantation estate. It’s a slow and scenic ride through rippling sugarcane fields with panoramic views of the island, and you’ll learn fun facts about Barbados’ history along the way.
Aruba
Palm Beach, Aruba
Promoting itself as “One Happy Island,” Aruba is a popular destination for soft adventure and cultural experiences, thanks to its pleasant weather, dazzling white beaches, and welcoming atmosphere. Located just off the coast of South America, Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. You’ll hear Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish spoken here.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Aruba, from enjoying a lazy day by the water to exploring the colorful streets of Oranjestad.
Palm Beach is a good starting point, with its mix of beach bars and watersports. Sign up to parasail, jet ski, or sail along the coast, or just relax with a cocktail and take in the views.
Butterfly Farm
Aruba is also home to the Butterfly Farm, featuring species from around the world. While butterflies may not be the first thing you expect on an island escape, it’s impressive to see so many up close. The farm is open year-round, though mornings are when butterflies are most active.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Set in southern Italy, the glamorous, lemon-fragranced Amalfi Coast is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips and a top destination for relaxing vacations.
Positano is arguably the most famous of the cliffside villages, with pastel houses and steep staircases leading down to the beach. Amalfi itself is known for its grand cathedral, historic piazzas, and timeless charm. To experience a slower pace, add pretty Maiori to your itinerary.
Positano in the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Most travelers visit during high season, July and August, when shops and restaurants are fully open and the towns are buzzing. Shoulder season, though, may appeal more to those seeking a quieter experience. Come in April or May, when the wildflowers are in bloom, or in September, when the sea is still warm for swimming.
Tuscany, Italy
Vineyard in Tuscany, Italy
Another relaxing vacation spot in Italy is Tuscany, a region in central Italy that stretches from Florence and Siena through the Chianti wine country. Like the Amalfi Coast, May to June and September to October are peak times for pleasant weather and vineyard visits during harvest season.
Beautiful Florence is the best starting point, with a compact center. Here, you’ll find world-famous art galleries including the Accademia, the spectacular cathedral, and endless opportunities to indulge in gelato or fresh pasta.
Spend a day in Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, with the beautiful Old Town close by. Or visit medieval Lucca, encircled in chunky walls around which you can stroll or cycle.
Puerto Rico
Isla Verde Beach, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, is situated in the northeastern Caribbean and has a vibrant culture deeply rooted in Spanish, African, and Taíno traditions. This is a “choose your own adventure” kind of destination, whether you’re listening to a live Reggaetón band perform at a local bar or relaxing with a book on Flamenco Beach.
To get your bearings, start with a stroll through Old San Juan. With cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and historic forts, it’s the best way to soak in the city’s culture and tradition. Break up your walk with souvenir shopping or a cocktail at a local bar.
Just outside San Juan is Isla Verde Beach, one of Puerto Rico’s most picturesque stretches of sand. Soft beaches and turquoise waters make for the perfect photo op, and an even better excuse to enjoy the sun and surf.
The Bahamas
Pearl Island, Bahamas
Stretching from southeast Florida to near Cuba, the Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 700 dreamy islands offering unforgettable ways to unwind.
From Nassau, head to Pearl Island for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Or visit Blue Lagoon Island for snorkeling, soft sand, and a seafood lunch. Umbrellas, hammocks, lockers, and cabanas are available for rent, making it easy to spend a whole day here.
CocoCay, Bahamas
If your travels take you to Bimini, you could unwind at Honeymoon Harbour, where stingrays congregate in the warm shallows, hoping for tidbits. Or on a visit to CocoCay, why not rent a private overwater cabana for the ultimate day of relaxation?
Kyoto, Japan
Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a big, bustling city, but it has a tranquil vibe at the same time and a sense of deep spirituality. Located about two-and-a-half hours southwest of Tokyo on the Bullet Train, Kyoto is walkable, with temples, shrines, geisha culture, and tea houses to explore as you wander its neighborhoods. Visit in early April, when the whole city is covered with pale pink cherry blossom.
Mount Rokko Garden Terrace overlooks Kobe and Osaka Bay and features serene gardens, small shops, and restaurants. Or take a trip to nearby Nara to see the massive Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji Temple, located in the northern part of Nara Park, a landscape where some 1,200 wild deer roam.
Provence, France
Marseille in Provence, France
Provence is a beautiful region of mountains, vineyards, gorges, and rolling fields in southeastern France, famous for its acres of purple lavender, fine wines, and quaint villages. If the scenery looks familiar, it’s because many of Provence’s villages inspired painters like Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne.
Cycling through Provence’s vineyards and olive groves near Lourmarin is unforgettable, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the scenery, or visit the villages en route. Marseille’s Vieux Port is another highlight, with its daily fish market, colorful boats, and bustling cafés where you can relax with a bowl of the famous bouillabaisse fish stew and watch the world go by.
Visit in early spring to see the yellow mimosa blossoms, June and July to see the lavender fields in full bloom, and September for the wine harvest.
Iceland
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation destination with dramatic landscapes and unique experiences, Iceland is one to consider. Located between Greenland and mainland Europe, the country offers endless ways to explore.
One of the most relaxing excursions is a visit to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with mineral-rich pools set among landscapes of lava rock. Iceland can be chilly, even during the summer months, so it is blissfully soothing to soak in these warm, geothermally heated waters. The entrance fee grants access to the pools and mineral-rich silica mud masks you can apply to your skin.
Whale Watching in Iceland
Whale watching is another relaxing experience to have in Iceland during the summer season. Many boat tours depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and last a few hours. You could spot anything from humpbacks to minke whales and orca, as well as seabirds, all against a backdrop of towering cliffs and sweeping, glacier-carved valleys.
New Zealand
Fiordland, New Zealand
With fjords, glaciers, vineyards, and rolling hills, a trip to New Zealand is as much about unwinding in beautiful surroundings as it is about exploring them. Taste wine, take a sailing excursion in Auckland, and hike coastal trails.
New Zealand is especially beautiful from the water. Sail through the Bay of Islands, a landscape of green hills, bone-white beaches, and aquamarine water. While water sports are an option, you can also take a scenic boat tour or rent a kayak to explore at a slower pace.
Fiordland is another relaxing escape that puts you right in the middle of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes, from plunging mountains and rainforests to waterfalls and fjords.
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and, in many ways, is the quintessential winter escape. Couples in particular find Tahiti very romantic, making it one of the world’s most popular honeymoon spots.
This is a world of black sand beaches, lush, green mountains, and serene lagoons where you can snorkel over tropical fish in dazzling colors. Head into the mountains to explore waterfalls and ancient archaeological sites.
Vaipahi Water Gardens in Tahiti, French Polynesia
Wander through Vaipahi Water Gardens, a lush botanical garden with waterfalls, ponds, and walking paths, or in Papeete itself, explore the vibrant market, Le Marché, stalls packed with tropical fruits, flowers, handicrafts, art, and colorful pareos.
New Zealand
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