Time to Unwind: 7 Relaxing Travel Destinations
Does a spa day at the thermal springs of Tuscany tickle your fancy? Or a meander through miles of breathtaking desert trails? Or perhaps whiling away the afternoon at your villa’s oceanfront pool? It’s time to start planning that relaxing getaway you deserve. Read on for our list of seven escapes, recommended by Scouted travel experts. Pack your bags and turn on your out-of-office notification, it’s time to recharge.
TUSCANY, ITALY
“One of my favorite relaxing destinations is Tuscany. As much as I adore the hustle and bustle of Florence, being in the countryside, gazing upon rolling hills, and enjoying great food is the best way to unwind. While there are plenty of great hotels, Terme di Saturnia comes to mind when I think of reset destinations. Between the natural thermal springs and plethora of local wineries to visit, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to take it easy.” –Jennifer Novotny, owner and founder of Upon A Star Travel & Concierge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
SEDONA, ARIZONA
“Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona, is nestled in beautiful Boynton Canyon and offers amazing views of the surrounding red rocks and mesmerizing desert. If you’re looking to get away from the haste of daily life, I recommend the world-class spa treatments, including invigorating fitness and mindfulness training, at the Mii Amo Spa. During the day, guests can experience the incredible national forest views while playing a round at Seven Canyons Golf Club or take a hike through the miles of desert trails. At night, the resort offers an expert astronomer to guide you as you enjoy one of the best stargazing locations in the world. With elegant furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and authentic southwestern styling, this is the ideal place for relaxation.” –Mallory Cline, owner and luxury travel designer at Cline Travel Co. in Houston, Texas.
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
“Drive a little further away from the party scene in Montego Bay and you will find some of the most tranquil, turquoise waters the Caribbean has to offer, lapping the sandy shores, shaded by verdant green hills. Tucked away less than an hour from the international airport (MBJ) are a group of lovely beachfront resorts including Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Half Moon, and The Tryall Club. At the elegantly understated Round Hill Hotel and Villas, mornings begin with a freshly made breakfast with Blue Mountain coffee. The lazy hours ahead may include an Elemis warm seaweed wrap treatment to detox and cleanse at the oceanfront spa, snorkeling the reef in the resorts calm protected waters, becoming one with the island in a yoga session, reading in the library before afternoon tea, strolling through the 110 acres of tropical gardens, or floating in the hotel’s infinity-edge swimming pool or the private pool at your villa. Later, dine on local cuisine by the resort’s award-winning chef and dance under the stars to live music.” –Ashley Gunn, founder of EverLuxe Travels in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
ANTIGUA, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
“The Caribbean has so many great options for total relaxation, but if I had to pick one island it would be Antigua. Home to some of my favorite resorts, Jumby Bay Island stands out as one of the best for total relaxation. Situated on a 300-acre private island with two white sand beaches, you can quietly enjoy your own beach or oceanfront suite, or you can take advantage of the property’s amenities, such as four restaurants or a sunset cocktail cruise. For couples, Hermitage Bay is another stellar option. There are only 30 suites on the property, all of which are spread out for maximum privacy. Great views, outdoor showers, freestanding tubs, canopy beds, and luxe all-inclusive amenities are just the icing on the cake.” –Gray Ellender, luxury travel advisor and honeymoon specialist at Dune Travel Group in Charleston, South Carolina.
SAINT LUCIA, WEST INDIES
“For guests looking to relax abroad, they can embark on a journey to the picturesque shores of Saint Lucia for a true retreat. At Cap Maison you have the option of a luxury hotel experience or staying in an elegant private villa. Guests can immerse themselves in rich island culture while enjoying a romantic dinner at Rock Maison, including a champagne zip line that brings them drinks as they watch stunning Caribbean sunsets. The on-site spa, Spa Maison, offers a wide range of massages and treatments that will leave guests feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Curated excursions are available to those who are interested in hiking, water activities, golf, and more. My favorite is the local Catamaran tour, which takes guests on a stunning trip past the Pitons, two volcanic plugs, to visit the volcano and botanical gardens and allows time for snorkeling and swimming.” –Mallory Cline, owner and luxury travel designer at Cline Travel Co. in Houston, Texas.
BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
“The low country is calling! Montage Palmetto Bluff, located on the May River between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, is picturesque. With quaint towns such as Bluffton just minutes away, you may be drawn to explore, but it will be hard to find a reason to leave Palmetto Bluff once you arrive. A serene, mossy-oaked escape with three pools, golf, tennis, boating, biking, kayaking, fishing, sporting clays, equestrian activities, and miles of walking trails and a world class spa, there is no limit on what to do. I highly recommend cozying up by the fire in the relaxation room before a warm river stone massage. When it’s time to savor the local bounty, I suggest the crab cake with dill blooms or duck leg with Carolina mustard BBQ at River House paired with one of the 2,500 bottles from the restaurant’s wine cellar.” –Ashley Gunn, founder of EverLuxe Travels in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
To stay up to date with what’s going on in Bluffton, visit The Scout Guide Beaufort & Bluffton.
TUCSON, ARIZONA
“For any trip, I like to recommend spa appointments on day one to settle in after the stress of traveling. I can guarantee once you arrive at these properties, you will breathe out ‘ahhh!’ Arizona is home to several wonderful resorts but Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa is the always the first property that comes to my mind when thinking about a restorative stay. An all-inclusive resort with a focus on wellness, guests can unplug and fill their itinerary with development programs or totally relax at the spa, enjoying authentic, flavorful, and healthy cuisine throughout their trip. Castle Hot Springs is also an idyllic option as the resort is set around the mineral-rich geothermal hot springs. Guests will feel secluded in the Bradshaw Mountains.” –Gray Ellender, luxury travel advisor and honeymoon specialist at Dune Travel Group in Charleston, South Carolina.
To stay up to date with what’s going on in Tucson, visit The Scout Guide Tucson & Southern Arizona.
Upon A Star Travel & Concierge appears in The Scout Guide Pittsburgh. Cline Travel Co. appears in The Scout Guide Houston. EverLuxe Travels appears in The Scout Guide Mississippi Gulf Coast. Dune Travel Group appears in The Scout Guide Charleston.
