There always comes a time when you feel the need to break away from the daily hustle and bustle. Immersing yourself in peaceful, serene places where time seems to flow more slowly is like taking a restorative bath for your mind and mood. Perhaps in places such as the following, where relaxation and well-being are treated like a bona fide religion.
Bali (Indonesia - Asia) alongside yoga gurus
Indonesia's most beloved island, Bali has been dubbed "the happy island." It is an island of harmony, poetic and sweet, delighting in life, where a balance is found between the sacred and the profane. Widely revered not only as a natural paradise but also a paradise for one's spirit and well-being, yoga is an authentic culture here —practiced most notably in the Ubud area — and makes Bali one of the top destinations for lovers of the practice. One of the most renowned centers in Ubud, the Yoga Barn Ubud center (theyogabarn.com) is the best place for some mental relaxation while practicing yoga with the world's foremost gurus.
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Nha Trang (Vietnam - Asia) for urban divers
A veritable diver's paradise, Nha Trang's six-kilometer-long beach of fine sand and its crystal-clear sea make it the perfect destination for balancing relaxation and fun. An ideal combo for those seeking serenity and breathtaking scenery, with its enchanting beaches — perennial entries in lists of the world's most beautiful beaches — and the colorful seabed that has made the bay a hotspot for divers from all over the world. Not to be missed is the Hon Mun archipelago, located a short distance off the coast of Nha Trang. This protected marine park offers some of the best dive sites in Vietnam. When you've had your fill of relaxation, Nha Trang can also shake things up with its vivacious nightlife.
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Ponza (Italy - Europe) and its sulphur masks
In less than eight square kilometers, Ponza contains a mosaic of beauty just waiting to be discovered. It's the ideal destination for those who want to get away from the daily grind, as the chaos of urban life is about a two-hour ferry ride away, and traffic is virtually nonexistent on the island. Ponza offers breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters flanked by picturesque beaches. With few beaches and plenty of rocky cliffs and reefs, the island counts the cove of Cala Felce ("Fern Cove") as one of its most popular destinations, located in the island's northern area. Accessible only by sea, this little cove is a mini paradise for swimmers thanks to its crystal-clear waters and white pebble seabed, framed by the contrasting colors of the countless fern plants from which it takes its name. Here you'll find an abundance of sulfur stones, used in the manufacturing of face masks and body lotions. It's important to know that this little beach is sunny until 3 pm.
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Panarea (Italy - Europe): the sarong life
A natural gem that has enchanted artists, writers, designers, and musicians with its perfect mix of history, art, culture, and worldliness, fused together to create a unique atmosphere. It's the perfect place for relaxing on a sun-kissed white pebble beach, lulled into a blissful state by gently lapping waves. To make your stay more peaceful and relaxing, you can't get to the island by car; you get around by using the typical three-wheeler van known as an Apecar, which is nevertheless banned during the hours of rest. The visitor's dress code? A sarong and bare feet, or at most, sandals.
An interesting bit of trivia that contributes to the island's allure can be found at the Grotte delle Sirene (Mermaid Grottos), accessible only by sea, which were considered by the ancient inhabitants to be the place where the mythical mermaids took refuge. To this day, if you are lucky, you can hear the mysterious sound of water bouncing throughout the caves, creating the echo that has fueled local legends.
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Cacela Velha (Portugal - Europe) far from the crowds
One of Portufal's hidden gems and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, Cacela Velha is the perfect spot for a peaceful and serene experience. Its breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean creates an enchanted atmosphere in this little village suspended in time. Located in the far south of the country, Cacela Velha is nestled in the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park, a labyrinth of canals, islands, lagoons, and sandy banks that stretches for 60 kilometers, with some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Portugal. It's the ideal place to relax in the sun and take long walks, far away from the crowds of mainstream tourism. Ria Formosa
Natural Park is one of Europe's most important sites for birdwatching, where you can spot rare species such as the pink flamingo, the gray heron, and the white spoonbill.