The year’s just a few months deep and you might already be feeling exhausted — so why not plan your mid-year escape to some of the most relaxing destinations on earth? Here are some of the top trending holiday spots to kick-start your dreaming.
Plus: want a stress-free role in the planning process? Let Sure Travel’s helpful agents match you with the perfect destinations, flights and resorts — including 4- and 5-star half-board and all-inclusive options with savings of up to 40%. More details below.
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While a holiday to “the land of fire and ice” might not sound relaxing at first pass, we guarantee you’ll find quiet moments of respite in Europe’s least populated country.
This is a nature enthusiast’s dream: black sand beaches, towering glaciers, thermal hot springs, echoing ice caves, thundering waterfalls and rocky coastlines.
And it’s got more than its fair share of noteworthy activities: scuba dive between two continents, soak in the steaming Blue Lagoon, Viking-age history, and the eery beauty of the Northern Lights. This Nordic country may be small but it’ll leave a huge impression if you visit.
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Blame Mamma Mia! and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants for immortalising Greece — and its idyllic islands — in every girl’s mind as one of the world’s most romantic and relaxing destinations. Or perhaps it’s because the country was the mythical birthplace to the winged god Eros, son of Aphrodite?
Beat the traffic on Hydra. The only rush hour you’ll encounter is the odd donkey making its way up twisted lanes, since cars aren’t allowed on the island. It’s also relatively close to Athens’ port of Piraeus (about an hour by ferry).
Or — if you’re happy to brave the crowds or book outside peak season — visit one of Greece’s most beloved isles: Santorini. Think sunset cruises, private candlelit dinners with views over the caldera, stunning walks and some of the best wine tastings in Greece.
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Pesto, pizza, pasta, wine, gelato, espresso and tiramisu. If that’s not your idea of comfort food, we don’t know what is!
Indulge at every stop on a foodie tour of Italy: spaghetti in Rome, limoncello along the Amalfi Coast, gnocchi in Verona, cannoli in Sicily, or a massive “bistecca” steak in Florence. Your taste buds will thank you.
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A self-drive tour in a camper van in New Zealand could be just what the doctor ordered if you’re not a fan of escorted tours. Travel at your own pace with some of the most scenic landscapes in the world as your backdrop.
Looking for chilled vibes? Try a round of golfing, wine tasting or a day hopping from one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s plentiful beaches to the next.
Want the feel-good effects of endorphins to do their magic? Opt for an adrenaline-inducing activity such as bungee jumps, challenging hikes (which Kiwis call “tramps”) or white-water rafting.
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India and relaxation don’t always intrinsically seem to go hand in hand — after all, you’ll probably be treated to the chaotic hustle and bustle of hawkers, wandering cows and sizzling street food as soon as you step out of the airport.
This is perhaps why there is no shortage of spiritual and wellness retreats in India — from Ayurvedic and yoga retreats in the Himalayas to lakeside luxury tented spas.
Kerala, in particular, is known for the Niraamaya spa and its “bespoke transformational experiences”. There’s even a spa doctor who customises treatments (combining yoga, Ayurveda, reflexology, European, Chinese and Thai treatments) based on travellers’ individual needs. Whatever it takes to relax, we say!
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There’s something about freshly-falling snow that makes the world feel quieter. Get out of mobile range with a trip to Canada’s top ski resorts in Whistler, British Columbia (Whistler Blackcomb) or Banff, Alberta (Lake Louise).
While there are plenty of other worthy Canadian ski hills (ie. Panorama Ridge, Big White or Sun Peaks), these two traveller favourites have plenty else to see and do in the area if you’re with a diverse group (who don’t all ski or snowboard).
Snowshoe or toboggan, relax in an outdoor hot tub, rub shoulders with adventure-junkies from all over the world, and explore the best apres-ski spots in the village.
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Save time and money by sticking close to home. Thankfully for South Africans, Mauritius is just one direct flight from Johannesburg, making it an enticing honeymoon destination or family-friendly beach break.
If sipping cocktails under a palm tree in 4- or 5-star luxury is your idea of a relaxing vacation (especially while the kids are entertained with fun activities such as water sports, teen programmes or tennis lessons), Mauritius is fantastic value for money. There will be no fighting about where to dine or what to do — because you truly can have it all!
Moreover, travel companies like World Leisure Holidays have sweetened the deal with unbeatable 4- and 5-star resort options, where kids stay free and parents save up to 40% on half board and all-inclusive options — right in time for the June/July school holidays. So get planning your mid-year escape now!
Wave winter’s chill goodbye when you book one of World Leisure Holiday’s luxury Sun Resorts with Sure Travel — and take advantage of family-friendly savings:
7 nights from R21,380* per person sharing (includes 40% + renovation discount)
Garden Manor House Room; half board
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7 nights from R24,120* per person sharing (includes 40% discount)
Junior Suite; half board
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4-star Ambre Resort + Spa (adults only)
7 nights from R22,910* per person sharing (includes 35% discount)
Superior Garden Room; all inclusive
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5-star La Pirogue Resort + Spa
7 nights from R24,280* per person sharing (includes 35% discount)
Garden Bungalow; half board
Valid for travel from 15 June to 7 July 2019 (set departures weekly). Contact your nearest agency to enquire or book, or call +27 (0)861 47 48 49.
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*Please note: all rates quoted are per adult sharing and subject to availability at time of booking. Airfares and taxes are subject to change within the specified season and are carrier specific, which could impact the rate quoted. Rates are subject to currency fluctuations, which are subject to change without prior notification and exclude any administration fees. Standard Ts&Cs apply
