7 Revitalizing Vacations To Inspire A New Chapter

A renewed sense of perspective isn’t hard to find at Eriro, the soaring, new nine-bedroom hotel that sits at an altitude of 1,550m in the Austrian Alps – so secluded that it is only accessible by cable car. The soothing minimalist interiors give way to its privileged, breathtaking surroundings of greenery and mountains – unsurprising, then, that its name means ‘beginning of the forest’, which speaks to the hotel’s ethos for immersing its guests in magnificent mountainous nature. Whether this is through guided barefoot hikes and meditations in the wilderness, mountain biking and skiing, or experiencing time-honored traditions, such as crafting with local raw materials – or even trying out the 16th-century form of singing that is yodeling – Eriro will give guests a breath of fresh, mountain air from a luxuriously restorative base.

The rugged caldera cliffs of Santorini, on the edge of the Aegean, are legendary; a place where guests can’t help but fully submerge themselves in the unbridled tranquillity. Enjoying this fortunate locale is the Mystique Hotel, which, with its calming Cycladic style and light-filled, sea-facing suites sculpted into the rocks, exudes the laid-back, sun-drenched elegance the island is known for. A partnership between Mystique and the OPO app has created a unique, immersive program for body and mind, combining guided meditation with soundscapes that complement the spectacular surroundings. The purpose is to encourage guests to embrace a mindful, slower pace of life, while connecting with the natural beauty of the location, cultivating inner stillness and restoring a sense of relaxation.

Conscious living – centered on an ethos of ‘healing rest, creativity and play’ – is at the heart of South Africa’s Sterrekopje Farm. Set on 50 verdant acres, it is home to 11 ‘sanctuaries’, each one a private retreat filled with local artworks, four-poster beds and natural linens, plus beautiful pieces sourced from around the world. The sanctuaries have been exquisitely curated to provide guests with a stimulating, rejuvenating oasis where nature and creativity are nurtured. As a result, there is ample opportunity to rest: massage, yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions are on offer, but visitors are also invited to try their hand at harvesting crops on the farm, baking with the chef and partaking in pottery workshops. They also have occasional retreat weeks, designed around togetherness, connection and community.

For food lovers, foraging for fresh produce, followed by a masterclass in cooking, can be a wonderfully satiating experience. And there are few destinations as tantalizing as the rolling Tuscan countryside in which to do it. At the agriturismo Villa Lena, guests can harvest ingredients from the sprawling, organic orto gardens before an expert culinary workshop – think pasta making from scratch. From September to December, there is also the opportunity for seasonal truffle-hunting to truly appreciate the treasure trove of Tuscany’s delicacies. Moreover, there are wine-tasting sessions and yoga retreats, as well as an incredible array of creative workshops from Villa Lena’s artists in residence.

Concealed in the deep, dense pine trees covering a hillside in remote Montana, the exclusive, adults-only sanctuary of The Green O offers a forest bolthole in which to completely disconnect from the everyday. Its 12 luxurious ‘Haus’ cabins have been designed to deliver the utmost privacy and immersion in nature, with glass walls offering views of the Blackfoot River Valley and rugged mountaintops. For those keen to venture further, the surroundings can be explored by foot, bike, horseback, boat and hot-air balloon.

Everything about Nihi Sumba incites utter escapism and revitalization. Its incredible location – on the heavenly island of Sumba, to the east of Bali – bestows world-famous surfing, diving in the Indian Ocean, sunset swimming with horses, astonishing hiking trails, ancient villages and paddle-boarding down the Wanukaka River. Yoga is central to the Nihi Sumba experience, with sessions taking place on a clifftop pavilion overlooking Nihiwatu beach and the ocean beyond, plus regular guru-led retreats planned throughout the year. Meanwhile, the capacious villas provide your own slice of paradise and promote the restorative power of indoor/outdoor living, with private pools and dramatic vistas across the Indian Ocean.

Heckfield Place is a splendid Georgian home that has been thoughtfully reimagined to create a plush countryside haven in Hampshire (less than two hours from London); a heritage spot where you could easily sink into a sofa with a book for your entire stay. Tempting as that sounds, don’t: it would be a waste of its many charms, including the 400 acres of surrounding secluded landscape of ancient woodlands and far-reaching grounds. Instead, look to the gastronomical delights of culinary director Skye Gyngell, the beautiful Bothy by Wildsmith spa, and an ever-evolving program of estate events led by expert practitioners – from art tours and nature walks to forest bathing and wild-water immersion. The Heckfield Reset is a particularly recalibrating experience – a two-night immersion into the estate’s wilderness, while sinking into deep rest and relaxation at the spa.

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