The world is well and truly on the move again. With the end of furlough and the easing of restrictions at home and abroad (for the most part), it feels like life is mostly back to its normal pace. But what if the ‘normal’ pace feels a little too fast? Not too long ago, we were all stuck at home in our pyjamas bingeing box sets and doing pub quizzes over Zoom and now it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to cram everything in. So we’ve compiled a list of slower-paced getaways in quiet corners of the world, if you ever need an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life…
Digital Detox in The Grenadines
Live out your castaway fantasies with a week on the island of Petit St Vincent. Where better to truly disconnect from the outside world than on a private island, only accessible by boat? Surrounded by two miles of soft white sand, this tropical haven is the southernmost island in the chain of the Grenadines. Petit St Vincent is renowned for being one of the best private islands in the world and the idyllic Balinese-style spa is the perfect place to properly unwind. Spend your days swimming and kayaking in the warm Caribbean Sea, cruising around the surrounding islands and indulging in fresh seafood dinners.
Wellness in Portugal
Slow it down with a pampering stay in a 19th century 'quinta' (wine estate) in the Douro Valley. This is the perfect spot for balancing wellness with indulgence. Enjoy outdoor yoga sessions, vineyard visits and a private tour of nearby Porto by day, and autumnal feasts and spa treatments come nightfall. The food here is locally sourced and remains true to the region’s heritage, ideal for replenishing your energy levels, while the spa offers ultimate forms of relaxation, with underwater sound therapy, an indoor pool and an array of treatments.
Explore The Tea Hills in Sri Lanka
In search of a getaway that offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation? Head into Sri Lanka’s lush Tea Hills for a multi-day walk, staying in lovely local lodges along the way. Take the walk at your own pace, breathing in the fresh air as you stroll through picturesque tea gardens, all the while being serenaded by birdsong. There are private villas set among miles of lush greenery, and the scenery itself is enough to instill you with a deep feeling of peace and quiet. With your luggage transferred between stops, you can literally unburden yourself and leave all distractions behind as you explore this incredible landscape.
Cruise The Nile Aboard The Steam Ship Sudan
For the ultimate slow travel experience, venture to Egypt for a Nile cruise aboard the legendary 'Steam Ship Sudan'. Constructed by Thomas Cook in the 1900s, the ship combines an authentic atmosphere with modern comforts. Watch the banks of the Nile drift past as you dine on deck, and explore ancient pyramids and temples on land as you stop off at intriguing archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple, the Pyramids of Giza and Tutankhamun’s tomb. The experience really is a journey back in time and you’ll be following in the footsteps of famous novelists (such as Agatha Christie), who have navigated the Nile aboard the steamboat.
Written by Luisa Watts