With Booking.com’s latest research revealing that over 84% of Indian travellers want to mentally unwind on vacation to boost their mood,* it’s clear that travel for self-care is still firmly high on the agenda. To celebrate Global Wellness Day, a day dedicated to living well and reducing everyday stresses on 11 June, Booking.com has delved into its more than 28 million reported listings (including 6.4 million instantly bookable homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay) to select six of the best resorts to help travellers find peace of mind. From the far-reaching desert in Chile to the Indian Ocean in Mauritius, travellers can pick their perfect spot across the globe for a serene escape that will allow some good rest and relaxation.
This beachside town is perfect for those seeking sun, sea, sand, and serenity. The sustainably-minded Crystalbrook Byron (formerly Byron at Byron) is a must-visit. Set amongst 18 hectares of land, this luscious resort is great for those looking to relax their body and mind and immerse themselves in nature with free daily outdoor yoga classes and endless trails through the surrounding rainforest. Travellers can take a trip on a relaxing Brunswick River Sunset Eco Cruise to discover Byron’s wildlife and marine creatures, before heading back to enjoy a succulent dinner at the onsite Forest restaurant where 80% of the ingredients are sourced locally including delicious sustainably-sourced seafood.
Northern California, United States
With Booking.com research revealing that 44% of Indian travellers want to try out the best places for food and drink on their next vacation,** wine region Napa Valley should definitely top the bucket list. There are a plethora of luxury resorts to ensure travellers experience a tranquil trip, including the elegant Auberge du Soleil, An Auberge Resort. Nestled among a 33-acre olive grove, the resort features 50 rooms and suites, offers tailored wine tasting classes and is home to Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool on one of the cabanas, take in the surrounding views with a hike through the hills or restore inner balance with a visit to La Pagode, the hotel’s Japanese-inspired wellness center, secluded within the expansive outdoor sculpture garden.
Also known as ‘Brixen,’ Bressanone is one of the oldest towns in South Tyrol, a province in the northeast of Italy, and the perfect destination for travellers who are seeking a mixture of culture and relaxation. Staying at the boutique wellness resort Forestis Dolomites will put travellers in a prime spot to enjoy the panoramic views of the Dolomites mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Secluded on the southern slope of the Plose mountain in the South Tyrolean Alps, this family-run hotel features a large spa where guests can indulge in mountain pine body scrubs or forest salt baths and an onsite restaurant with freshly sourced ingredients from local farmers. With magnificent views overlooking the surrounding forests through floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel also offers a range of experiences intended to benefit the body, mind and soul including snowshoe hiking in the winter and forest yoga in the summer.
Mountain peaks, stunning landscapes, and crystal clear waters make Dibba the ultimate destination for those wanting to unwind in nature. Facing the Arabian Sea the Six Senses Zighy Bay has the best of both worlds when it comes to calming views, with mountains on one side and a stunning private beach on the other. This village-style, Travel Sustainable resort offers luxury villas with private pools and a comprehensive spa and wellness center including blissful Moroccan hammams.
Luxurious and set within tropical gardens the Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the perfect stay to help travellers get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located along the shores of the Andaman Sea, the resort features chic, traditional accommodation with a luxury spa and pool. Travellers looking to try something new can explore a range of unique cultural experiences including Thai cooking and batik painting lessons. The resort also holds a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its robust sustainability measures. Visitors can head out to Wareerak Hot Springs, known for its soothing and therapeutic mineral-rich springs – the perfect place to unwind and soak up the healing properties of the water, surrounded by jungle.
Famous for its blue waters and white sands, Mauritius is an iconic destination for both a tranquil and a luxury escape. Located on the northern coast, Cap Malheureux is home to the idyllic Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel. This adults-only resort is located directly on a private beach and features a lush tropical garden with an infinity pool, a choice of four restaurants and bars, a spa, and a number of activities including snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat tour. Both serenity and sustainability are at the core of this resort, which has earned a Travel Sustainable badge for its efforts around protecting the environment as well as supporting the economy and local community.
For those travellers who are up for relaxation and to mentally unwind, Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals for travellers to use when booking their next trip. Discounts start at 15 percent at participating properties indicated by the “Getaway 2022” badge and are valid for stays with check-out on or before 30 September 2022. In addition, Booking.com is giving travellers around the world the keys to unlock a new level of additional perks with the introduction of a third tier to its Genius loyalty program. Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com’s loyalty program is completely free and easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime – travellers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire. All travellers have to do is sign into their Booking.com account and look for the Genius logo to identify benefits, discounts, and perks.
