Relaxation is a shore thing at these sensational spa spots

Us Brits are known for working hard and playing harder, but we don’t always know how to relax, even when on holiday. Finding that healthy work-life balance isn’t always easy but as recent data reveals, relaxing and unplugging from our busy lives is so important as it gives our bodies and minds a chance to rejuvenate and lower those stress levels.

That’s why we’re making it our mission to help you on your way to the most tranquil destinations in the world — all of which provide the perfect chance to unwind, renew your energy and enjoy long hours of lovely sunshine. Here’s where to get some well-deserved R&R…

Greece

It may be known for having some of the best nightlife in the Mediterranean however Greece is also an idyllic destination for a total chill-out. Its islands embrace a slow-paced lifestyle where rushing, organisation and set schedules don’t exist while afternoon naps are the norm — so the chances are you’ll have no other option but to relax, and there’s certainly plenty of places to do so! Greece’s biggest island, Crete is a good place to start. Boasting 650 miles of beach to laze the day away, it’s safe to say you’ll be able to bag a sandy stretch all to yourself.

Where to stay?

TUI Sensimar Insula Alba Resort & Spa in Analipsi, Crete

Just because you’re in one of Europe’s party regions, doesn’t mean you have to be out every night, or any night for that matter. In fact, the TUI Sensimar Insula Alba Resort &  Spa has a huge focus on low-key evening entertainment, by that we mean gourmet candlelit dinners, rooftop cocktails and live piano performances. That’s after you’ve spent the day being pampered in its state-of-the-art spa…

Jamaica

Being an island that’s synonymous with chilling out, Jamaica is a place where you can truly unwind. This Caribbean hotspot is actually famous for its laidback, feel-good vibes. Even just thinking about its talc-white sands, tropical warm weather and calming Caribbean Sea is melting away our stresses! And that’s before we shift our attention to its Seven Mile Beach. It may not be seven actual miles but its serene sands are seemingly endless. You’re likely to have a section completely to yourself, so you can kick-back in the peace and quiet listening to nothing but the soothing sweep of waves.

Where to stay?

TUI Sensatori Resort Negril in Negril, Jamaica

Days at the TUI Sensatori Resort Negril are made for very little other than R&R. You’ve got the pick of four different pools to lounge by, that’s if you’re not lazing around your very own swim-up room or stretching out in the beachfront massage huts. It’s not all about laying down though, there’s easy-going activities to get involved in too. Expect the likes of yoga and tai chi, both of which take place in an authentic beach-side palapa.

Mauritius

By the time you arrive at this tropical Indian Ocean idyll, the stresses of everyday life will seem like a distant memory. And, the chances are it will stay that way as the friendly locals’ will bend over backwards to make sure your Mauritius holiday is one of pure relaxation. Some say its people are the most precious feature, even more so than its pristine white sands (which are blissfully quiet may we add!). As for the surrounding waters, they’re totally transparent so keep your eyes peeled for the rainbow-like fish and playful dolphins. Sounds like it was made exactly for relaxation, right?

Where to stay?

TUI Sensimar Lagoon Mauritius in Anse La Raie, Mauritius

How does a sea-view massage for two sound? At the TUI Sensimar Lagoon Mauritius you and your other half can spend your days working through the endless treatment menu, enjoying al fresco massages in the tropical Mauritian climate. If it’s a romantic retreat that you’re looking for, this place ticks every single box. Infinity pool? Check. Private hot tub? Check. Rustic spa? Check. Need we say more?

Mexico

As you touch down in the Gulf of Mexico it won’t take long for you to feel the tension and pressures of everyday life wash away with the Mexican shores. Here at Holiday Hypermarket, we get that relaxing means something different to everyone. Whether that’s swaying in a hammock on the footprint-free beach of north Tulum, soaking up spectacular sunsets in Isla Mujeres or getting pampered head to toe in the exact same spa spot as A-list celebs like Cindy Crawford and John Travolta in Los Cabos. Whatever it takes for you to unwind, Mexico has it covered.

Where to stay?

You couldn’t pick a better place to chill out after a 10-hour flight than the TUI Sensatori Resort Riviera Cancun hotel. Conveniently located footsteps away from the beach, the surroundings are nothing short of five-star. Days here can be spent rejuvenating in the sea-view spa, but first you’ll need to tear yourself away from your in-room hot tub – an extremely popular option for those craving that all important ‘me time’. If indulging in the tastiest cuisines is your way of de-stressing, there’s a 24-hour Gourmet Inclusive dining set-up here too.

Turkey

When looking for the ultimate relaxing destination, Turkey may not be the first place that springs to mind but you could be pleasantly surprised. We’re not talking about the fact that Hamam massages are part of the daily routine here, Turkey does in fact have a much gentler side to its lively holiday resorts. Take Dalyan for example, it’s blissfully undisturbed by many other tourists. This is quite surprising since it boasts honey-coloured sands, untouched countryside and is home to lots of Loggerhead turtles. Or if the sea is where you find your peace, there’s the option to sail along the coast on a gulet cruise to Bodrum’s surrounding coves.

Where to stay?

TUI Sensatori Resort Barut Sorgun in Side, Antalya Region, Turkey

When it comes to location, the TUI Sensatori Resort Barut Sorgun gets ten out of ten marks. Not only is it perched on a golden sand beach, it’s footsteps away from the 400-hectare Sorgun forest so you can find yourself at one with nature, which has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels. The hotel itself is suitable for the full family but don’t worry grown-ups, you can still find total tranquility in its serene adult-only pool. That’s if you’re not busy taking part in candlelight yoga or one the hotels dedicated relaxation sessions.

With the stresses of everyday life really taking its toll on our mind and body, it’s super important that we take some time out. Are you ready to book a relaxing break? Find out how much you can SAVE with Holiday Hypermarket.