Posted on : 09-05-2016 3:38

Best 6 Resorts for True Relaxation

We all lead busy lives in this fast-paced world and often the only respite from the buzz of the workplace and the constant demands of technology is to be found in the annual holiday. There are plenty of high-flying go-getters who never seem to switch off – indeed there are those who actively seek out constant excitement and activity.

But equally there are those who just want to get as far away from the hustle and bustle as possible, even if only for two weeks.

So the hardest thing sometimes is tracking down a true get-away-from-it-all break; one that allows complete freedom from the tyranny of the email inbox and the incessant shriek of the mobile phone. Until such a time comes when one can book a trip to the moon the only option is to find a resort here on planet Earth which offers a true relaxing experience.

With this in mind here are our recommendations for the top 6 relaxing resorts.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, New Mexico

New Mexico is famous for its searing heat but it is also world-renowned for its spas and hot springs. The Ojo Caliente Resort, situated 50 miles north of Santa Fe, draws on centuries of Native American inspired knowledge of the healing powers of minerals and hot springs and it was one of the very first health spas in the country, dating back to the 16^th century.

The tranquillity of the area is unsurpassed and the spa treatments offered at the resort personify the very essence of relaxation and rejuvenation. The hot spring pools at Ojo Caliente are the only ones in the world with four different types of sulphur free mineral waters and feature iron, soda, Lithia and arsenic. Each mineral benefits and heals the body in different ways as well as helping to calm the mind and relieve depression.

The resort offers a variety of luxurious accommodation. The Cliffside Suites, for example have private patios facing the stunning cliff and springs backdrop. This suite offers a host of features to enhance your stay including private outdoor soaking tubs, huge beds and bath.

Rooms have satellite TV but in keeping with the holistic ethos of the resort no phones! Complimentary WiFi is available throughout if you need to keep in touch.

In keeping with the exclusivity of the resort suite prices are in the region of $329-399 per night so this could perhaps be an add-on treat at the end of a holiday? For full details check out their website.

An Lam Sai Gon River Resort, Saigon, Vietnam

Vietnam has been up-and-coming as a tourist destination for the past 20 years or so and the beauty of the country surprises many. The An Lam River Resort, situated beside the Saigon River in Binh Duong Province, is described as a true paradise for those who are seeking silence and tranquillity.

Enveloped in lush greenery and small pools the resort comprises 11 rooms and four villas which are designed in classically opulent Oriental style with modern touches. They offer a high degree of privacy with views over the Saigon River.

The An Lam Resort offers visitors services of unparalleled luxury including various spa facilities such as massage and saunas. The resort also boasts a smart café and high class restaurant for elegant dining. This resort is one of several luxury resorts in this area and full details can be found on their site.

Ananda in the Himalayas, Northern India

This award winning luxury spa resort set in 100 acres of the Maharaja’s Palace Estate overlooks the Ganges river valley and is surrounded by Sal forests. Offering a combination of traditional yoga, Ayurveda and Vedanta, fitness and healthy organic cuisine visitors can enjoy a wellness experience of the highest quality.

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to the resorts ‘healing experiences’ with a menu which includes crystal healing, Reiki, Reflexology and others, all expertly delivered by the resorts in-house masters.

For those who prefer a more active route to complete body consciousness Ananda’s fitness programmes are delivered in collaboration with one of India’s leading personal training companies. All programmes are tailored to the individual.

As you might expect from such a high-end resort all accommodation, from rooms to villas, provide the utmost luxury and convenience. Full details of this sumptuous spa and wellness break can be found here.

Polmaily Steading, Scottish Highlands

A relaxing holiday doesn’t have to mean booking yourself into a dedicated spa resort. Sometimes the ultimate relaxation is achieved simply by getting away from it all in a quiet, peaceful place and letting someone else take care of you for a few days.

This ‘yoga and relaxation holiday’ could be perfect. Situated up a hillside track above Drumnadrochit on the north shore of Loch Ness, it is described as a ‘holistic approach to relaxation which combines beautiful landscapes, alternative therapies, physical exercise and creative arts.’

The exercise comes from walks through the stunning Highland scenery albeit taken at a leisurely pace, or for those who wish to laze the day away at the lodge, well that’s perfect too.

The theme of the accommodation is comfort and old world charm rather than extravagant luxury as befitting Scottish country tradition, with healthy meals provided using home-grown, home-baked and locally sourced food.

Rooms have modern touches like underfloor heating and deep baths – perfect for winding down after a day outdoors. To enquire about booking this experience simply visit this site.

Samsara Cliffs Resort, Negril, Jamaica

Negril is one of those places where you truly can step off the whirlwind for a while and relax. Where you don’t need to check your watch every five minutes because nobody is herding you from one activity to the next. Staff here pride themselves on encouraging you to do no more than snooze in a hammock, lie on the beach, swim in the warm Caribbean Sea and enjoy the wonderful local food and drink.

The most strenuous thing you’ll do all week is haul yourself onto a glass-bottom boat for a leisurely tour of the reef; you may spot dolphins or flying manta ray fish, or geckos sunning themselves; you may even stretch to a walk around the lovely tropical gardens.

At night you can catch a taxi into town for some authentic Jamaican food like Ackee and Saltfish Stamp and Go, which are fritters apparently. Afterwards wend your way towards one of the seafront bars to enjoy some music.

This place is seriously laid-back and the accommodation on offer reflects the relaxed vibe. Choose from a gorgeous garden cottage, set in tropical gardens, with air-conditioning and a hammock on the verandah; an ocean-front hotel room with verandah; or a King Cottage with private verandah overlooking the sea and gardens. All the accommodation is superlative and guaranteed to enhance your stay here.

To get a better idea of what is on offer in this glorious place go to their website!

Coastal Valley Camp & Crafts, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall

You may not have thought of a camping holiday as being a ‘get-away-from-it-all’ sort of holiday but this is a camping resort with a difference. For those who don’t want to travel abroad for relaxation this resort could be just the ticket. The owners bill this as a craft site, with an itinerary of crafts like willow weaving, slate painting and fabric painting, and what better way to relax than by immersing yourself in creativity?

The site is set amongst lush greenery and burbling streams and to preserve the traffic-free tranquillity and peacefulness campers are encouraged to leave their cars in the main parking areas. If you don’t want the hassle of putting up a tent, glamping is the perfect option with low beds, furnishings, lamps and a welcome hamper.

The site is within easy reach of local surfing beaches like Watergate Bay, Porth Beach and Towan Beach which all have cafés and waterfront bars from where you can watch the stunning Atlantic sunsets.

If Cornwall seems like a long drive away don’t worry, you can always fly to Cornwall Airport Newquay from where you can take a hire car for the short drive to Coastal Valley. For details of this resort see their website.

Glamping is one alternative to improve your break if you crave a spot of comfort in your outdoor pursuits. However, there’s always the option of going ‘full luxury’ for your family or group holiday. Newquay is a beautiful Cornish resort with many amazing cottages to stay in, find a place close to the sea, with an open fire, loads of space and kick back.

It’s up to you…

We hope we have given you some idea of the kind of places you can go for complete rest and relaxation. Most will involve spa and wellness holidays but ultimately, the way you want to relax is all down to personal choice.

But whether your deepest wish is to be pampered to within an inch of your life, or your idea of R&R involves taking long solitary walks along coastal paths or forest glades, the thing is to take a deep breath, book your holiday, turn off your gadgets and soak up all the benefits to physical and mental health that a relaxation break can bring.