Top Destinations For A Mindful Escape
Sometimes, the best kind of getaway isn’t about ticking off landmarks or rushing from one activity to the next. It’s about slowing down, getting outside and reconnecting with yourself and with nature. Whether that means early morning swims, quiet walks or just time away from your screen, a mindful escape will give you space to breathe.
Here are five destinations that offer the right mix of calm, beauty and balance, perfect for when you need a break that feels truly restorative!
Ubud, Bali: Wellness, Culture and Green Rice Terraces
Ubud has long been a destination for travellers looking for more than just beaches and cocktails. Set in the lush heart of Bali, it offers a mix of traditional culture, wellness retreats and slow living that makes it perfect for a mindful break.
There are dozens of yoga studios and wellness spaces to choose from, many offering everything from sunrise meditation to holistic spa treatments. You can also book a stay at a jungle retreat just outside the town centre, far enough to feel peaceful, but close enough to explore the markets and temples when you feel like it.
Don’t miss a morning walk through the Campuhan Ridge, a scenic trail that winds through hills and rice fields with little interruption. It’s best done just after sunrise, when the path is quiet and the air is cool. Pair it with a slow breakfast at one of Ubud’s organic cafés and a few hours with your journal, and you’ve got the perfect mindful day.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands: Volcanic Views and Peaceful Seaside Stays
Lanzarote is often overlooked in favour of its more party-focused neighbours, but it’s one of the most quietly beautiful Canary Islands, especially if you know where to stay. The incredible landscapes, slow pace of life and wide-open skies make it an ideal choice for a mindful escape.
Base yourself in the north of the island, where small fishing villages like Arrieta and Punta Mujeres offer a calm, local vibe. There are some stunning villas in Lanzarote to rent, many tucked away from the crowds with sea views, private pools and minimalist design that fits the island’s natural aesthetic.
While you’re there, take a day to explore Timanfaya National Park. The volcanic hiking trails here are quiet and surreal. For something gentler, visit the Cactus Garden (Jardín de Cactus) created by local artist César Manrique, or walk along the coast at sunset past salt pans and lava rocks.
Costa Rica: Wild Nature and Thoughtful Adventure
Costa Rica is often associated with adventure holidays, and while it certainly delivers on that front, it’s also a fantastic place to travel mindfully. The country has a strong focus on sustainability, wellness and nature, with lodges and retreats designed to help you slow down rather than speed up.
Start your trip with a few days in the cloud forests of Monteverde or the Osa Peninsula, where early morning birdwatching and forest walks take priority over schedules. Then make your way to the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s few “Blue Zones”, where people live exceptionally long, healthy lives. The yoga and wellness community here is strong, with beachfront classes, organic cafés and plenty of sunshine.
For something unique, look into one of the incredible Costa Rica cruises that explore the coastline and nearby islands, giving you a chance to see remote beaches, snorkel with sea turtles and explore from the beautiful waterways.
Truly, Costa Rica is a different pace entirely, with no rushing, no crowds, just ocean, sky and jungle.
Sintra, Portugal: Forested Hills and Hidden Palaces
Just a short trip from Lisbon, Sintra feels like it’s been lifted out of a fairytale. With misty forests, colourful palaces and quiet walking trails, it’s a great choice for a European escape that combines nature and culture.
The town can get busy during the day, but if you stay overnight, ideally in one of the old estates or small guesthouses nestled in the hills, you’ll experience a different side of Sintra. Walk up to the Moorish Castle in the early morning, or hike through the forest paths of Parque da Pena, where you’ll often be completely alone.
For a quiet afternoon, visit Monserrate Palace, one of the lesser-known spots in the area, with peaceful gardens and fewer crowds. Then wind down with a glass of local wine and a good view of the hills, slow travel at its best.
Isle of Skye, Scotland: Misty Mountains and Digital Detox
If you’re looking for wide open spaces and pure silence, the Isle of Skye is hard to beat. This remote Scottish island is all about natural drama, with towering cliffs, windswept moorland and lochs that reflect the beautiful, moody sky.
Stay somewhere quiet and cosy, perhaps a small guesthouse with a wood-burning stove, and give yourself time to really explore on foot. The Quiraing and Old Man of Storr are popular hikes, but early in the morning or outside of high season, you’ll often have the paths to yourself.
Skye is also a great place to take a break from digital distractions. With limited phone signal in many areas and long stretches between towns, it naturally encourages a slower, more present kind of travel. Bring a good book, eat fresh local seafood, and let the weather decide your plans.
Where Will Your Mindful Escape Take You?
A mindful escape doesn’t have to mean a full wellness retreat or a complete digital detox, it can be as simple as choosing a destination that encourages you to slow down, look around and be present. Whether it’s the volcanic beauty of Lanzarote, the wild calm of Costa Rica, or the quiet trails of Scotland, the right place can shift your whole perspective.
