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Slowing Down Ahead of the Festive Period

Slowing Down Ahead of the Festive Period

With the holiday season fast approaching, the festive spirit will soon be in full swing. As the preparation builds, so should the art of slowing down ahead of the festivities. A short break that prioritises peace and reflection will set the tone for a balanced, joyful holiday season.

Create a calming space

Whether you carve out a weekend for some much-needed self-care, or enjoy a relaxing weekend away, there are plenty of options for a pre-holiday detox. Create a relaxing environment with minimal screen time, wholesome food, and soothing music, allowing yourself to unwind in total peace and quiet. Perhaps you might enjoy a mindful stroll through a forest or along the coast, followed by a steaming bowl of soup. This is the time to reconnect with yourself and recharge before diving into the busy holiday season.

Enjoy a weekend away

For those looking to escape the daily rush, a long weekend in the Italian countryside, the Swiss Alps, or along the Adriatic coast offers the perfect remedy for pre-holiday stress. Picture tranquil lakeside retreats, Alpine serenity, or coastal luxury, complete with soothing spa treatments, breathtaking views, and opportunities to reconnect with nature. Think crackling fireplaces, soothing spa treatments, snow-capped peaks and days filled with slow, frosty hikes.

Lefay Resort & SPA in Lago di Garda, Italy, offers a perfect escape, perched above the tranquil lake. This eco-sustainable retreat features serene minimalist interiors and exceptional spa facilities. From osteopathy treatments to energy-balancing massages, the resort focuses on helping guests find balance and rejuvenation in a serene mountain setting.

THE LEFAY SPA

© Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda

If you’re looking for a place where wellness meets science, Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence in the heart of Switzerland offers a unique blend of health-focused programmes and breathtaking Alpine views. The resort specialises in advanced diagnostics, mobility therapies, and treatments designed for long-term vitality. With its modern design inspired by the surrounding nature, it’s also a haven for tranquillity and reflection.

Alternatively, head to the Adriatic coast and experience the understated luxury of One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro. Nestled in the picturesque Boka Bay, this retreat blends wellness and adventure. Enjoy tailored detox programmes by Chenot Espace, then explore the region’s stunning coastal trails or take a boat trip to discover hidden bays and local culture.

CHENOT ESPACE INDOOR POOL

© One&Only Portonovi

Escape to the sun

For a tropical twist, a wellness retreat in Southeast Asia could be the perfect festive reset. Many tropical retreats combine luxurious accommodations with guided meditations, sound healing, and yoga sessions designed to help you centre your thoughts and shed any lingering stress. Here, you can savour the present moment while surrounded by forest landscapes, gentle ocean waters and warm hospitality.

COMO Shambhala Estate near Ubud offers a holistic retreat experience, surrounded by lush jungle and the serene Ayung Valley. Beyond tailored wellness programmes, guests can reconnect with nature through rice field walks and water blessing ceremonies, adding a deeply spiritual element to their stay.

BALI RICE FIELD WALK

Further afield, Six Senses Samui on Koh Samui’s northern tip delivers an idyllic escape with stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand. This all-villa resort combines traditional Thai healing practices like reiki and sound therapy with luxurious touches such as private infinity pools and open-air pavilions, creating the perfect environment for mindful relaxation.

Whether in a countryside villa, a snowy chalet or a tropical haven, a relaxing getaway offers the ultimate prelude to the festive season. Embrace this mindful pause and explore the many destinations on offer on ASMALLWORLD Collection.

ASMALLWORLD COLLECTION HOTELS SELECTED BY OUR EDITOR

Book the world's best hotels with extraordinary VIP benefits for all

Lefay Resort & SPA, Lago di Garda
Lefay Resort & SPA, Lago di Garda
Lake Garda, Italy
One&Only Portonovi
One&Only Portonovi
Herceg Novi, Montenegro
COMO Shambhala Estate
COMO Shambhala Estate
Bali, Indonesia

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